Hawaii
With education secretary confirmation, Hawaii teachers fear possible cuts to programs
KAHULUI (HawaiiNewsNow) – The U.S. Senate confirmed former wrestling executive Linda McMahon as secretary of education on Monday.
She will now lead a department that President Donald Trump has vowed to dismantle.
Meanwhile, educators in Hawaii say they are afraid of looming changes and possible funding cuts.
Justin Hughey started teaching at King Kamehameha III Elementary in Lahaina in 2006. After the school was destroyed in the 2023 fire, he relocated to Kahului Elementary and teaches special education there.
“Funding has gotten to the point where schools can’t function,” said Hughey. “Majority kids here come from low income, and this is their one opportunity to get a really solid education moving forward in life.”
The Hawaii State Teachers Association says the federal education department supports nearly 20,000 Hawaii students with special needs with almost $38 million in funding every year.
Two and a half weeks ago, HSTA leaders joined hundreds to protest against education cuts at the U.S. Capitol.
Hughey fears depending on the federal government is a losing battle and is calling on state leaders to step in and help.
“I’m afraid that my job could be cut. I’m afraid that EA (education assistant) jobs could be cut. I just think that we should be more proactive than reactive,” he said. “We know that these cuts are coming, so why aren’t we talking about it at this time?”
The Hawaii State Department of Education officials say roughly 11 percent of the department’s budget comes from federal funding.
“While we have not yet seen any direct reductions of major federal K-12 education funds to Hawaii, there are significant threats,” said HIDOE communications director Nanea Ching.
Ching says they are closely monitoring the federal orders and consulting with the governor and attorney general to assess legal implications.
“Are they going to continue to have special education? What are they going to do with the positions that are funded that are federally funded, which are EA positions, some teaching positions and special education positions?” Hughey said.
“People are panicking,” said HSTA President Osa Tui, Jr. at a news conference in February. “Especially those who are the most vulnerable parents who have children, who need the special supports in order to take care of their children, to give their children what they need to function in society, and really that’s what they’re taking away. They’re taking away the opportunity to have them be prepared for what’s going to come tomorrow.”
Requests for comment from the state Board of Education and state House education chair Rep. Justin Woodson went unanswered Monday.
Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Chinatown businesses are participating in the annual Shop Around event on Black Friday and throughout the holiday season.
The Shop Around features deals on locally-made products and Hawaii-themed merchandise.
Roberta Oaks owns a shop at the intersection of Nuuanu Avenue and North Pauahi Street called Roberta Oaks Hawaii.
It releases new items specifically for Black Friday each year.
“We always love to put out a couple of new things on Black Friday,” Oaks said. “Our bamboo and chartreuse shirt this year will be a great Christmas shirt coming up.”
Local partnerships support event
American Savings Bank sponsors the Shop Around event, which Oak says is helpful for business.
“They’ve sponsored us for a few years now,” Oaks said. “They totally help us get print materials figured out. We’re able to hire a local artist to do our graphics, and then they also sponsor all of the tote bags that we end up giving away to customers on Black Friday.”
Focus on Hawaii-made products
Oaks’ shop features textiles, including aloha shirts, kitchen linens, and pouches, with a gift-with-purchase pouch promotion planned for this year.
The store also carries products from local artists, including blankets, jewelry made in the islands, bags made in Kaimuki, and ceramics.
“I’m really big on supporting local artists and other handmade items,” Oaks said.
She emphasized the importance of supporting Hawaii-made products during the holiday shopping season.
“Made in Hawaii products, it’s so important to support the economy here in the islands,” Oaks said. “We are a very self-contained place. Supporting local made products, keeps jobs local. And shopping small, shopping local really does go a long way.”
The Chinatown Shop Around event runs Black Friday and Saturday, with participating businesses offering deals throughout the holiday season.
Copyright 2025 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
A U.S. Navy sailor assigned to the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands died Saturday after attempting to rescue children from high surf at a Kauai beach, authorities said.
Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jeffrey Diaz died after first responders pulled him from waters off the military installation along the Hawaiian island’s western shore, the Kauai Police Department said in a release Monday.
On Saturday afternoon, emergency personnel were dispatched to Waiapua‘a Bay near Shenanigans, a restaurant located along the beach at PMRF, after reports of a swimmer in distress, according to the release.
Authorities said Diaz had entered the water to rescue two children who were “struggling in high surf.”
“While the children made it back to shore safely, he encountered trouble in the water,” the Kauai Police Department said.
Ocean Safety Bureau and Barking Sands Fire and Emergency Services Department personnel rescued the 47-year-old from the water and undertook lifesaving efforts, authorities said. He was transported to Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waimea, where he was later pronounced dead.
Diaz reported to PMRF in October, according to the Navy. He previously served on the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross and at Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia, among other duty stations.
His awards and decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation and Kosovo Campaign Medal, among others.
Diaz enlisted in the Navy in 1997, according to service records. He promoted to master-at-arms 1st class in 2022.
Beth Sullivan is an editor for Military Times. Previously, she worked as a staff reporter for The Daily Memphian and as an assistant editor at The Austin Chronicle.
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Not sure when the mall closest to you is open? This is your island-by-island mall guide to shopping during the holiday season of chaos and cheer!
Oʻahu
The busiest malls on Oʻahu include: Ala Moana Center, International Market Place, Kahala Mall, Ka Makana Aliʻi, Pearlridge Center, Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikele Premium Outlets and Windward Mall.
Ala Moana
Normally open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the mall will extend their hours starting Dec. 5–although individual store and restaurant hours may be different.
The following hours are the holiday schedule:
- Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving Day) – Closed
- Nov. 28 (Black Friday) – 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Nov. 29 to Dec. 4 (Normal hours) – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Dec. 5 to 23 (Extended hours) – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) – Closed
- Dec. 26-30 (Extended Hours) – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve) – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Jan. 1 (Fukubukuro) – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
During their extended hours, the mall will close at 8 p.m. on Sundays.
International Market Place
The International Market Place’s hours will not change for the holidays, according to their website.
Monday through Sunday the mall will remain open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with varying hours for certain stores and restaurants.
Kahala Mall
Regular mall hours for Kahala are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
The following hours are the holiday schedule:
- Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving Day) – Closed
- Nov. 28 (Black Friday) – 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Nov. 29 to Dec. 22 (Regular hours) – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Dec. 23 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) – Closed
- Dec. 26 to 29 (Regular hours) – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Dec. 30 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve) – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day) – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
On Jan. 2, 2026, the regular mall hours will begin again for the new year.
Ka Makana Aliʻi
Ka Makana Aliʻi’s hours will not change for the holidays, according to their website.
Monday through Saturday the mall will remain open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, with varying hours for certain stores and restaurants.
Pearlridge Center
The mall’s regular hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
The following is their extended holiday hours:
- Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving Day) – Closed
- Nov. 28 (Black Friday) – 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Nov. 29 – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Nov. 30 to Dec. 7 (Regular hours):
- Mondays through Saturdays – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sundays – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Dec. 8 to Dec. 14 – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Dec. 15 to Dec. 19 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Dec. 20 to Dec. 23 – 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) – Closed
- Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve) – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day) – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Some stores and restaurants may operate with varying hours.
The mall will return to its regular hours starting Dec. 26.
Royal Hawaiian Center
According to their website, Royal Hawaiian Center’s hours will not change for the holidays.
Monday through Sunday the mall will remain open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with varying hours for certain restaurants.
Waikele Premium Outlets
Starting on Dec. 1, the following are the extended hours for the center:
- Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving Day) – CLOSED
- Nov. 28 (Black Friday) – 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Nov. 29 – 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Nov. 30 – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Dec. 1 to Dec. 6 – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Dec. 7 – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Dec. 8 to Dec. 12 – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Dec. 13 – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Dec. 14 – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Dec. 15 to Dec. 20 – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Dec. 21 – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Dec. 22 to 23 – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) – Closed
- Dec. 26 – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Dec. 27 – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Dec. 28 – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Dec. 29 to 30 – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve) to Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day) – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Windward Mall
The mall’s regular hours are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Extended holiday hours are listed below:
- Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving) – Closed
- Nov. 28 (Black Friday) – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) – Closed
Kauai
The busiest shopping areas on Kauai include: Kukui Grove Center, Poipu Shopping Village, Princeville Center and The Shops at Kukuiʻula.
Kukui Grove Center
The center’s regular hours are 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Their website doesn’t display any extended holiday hours.
Poipu Shopping Village
The village is open 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Sunday, with individual store hours varying.
Extended holiday hours are not displayed on their website.
Princeville Center
The center’s regular hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Sunday.
Their website doesn’t display any extended holiday hours.
The Shops at Kukuiʻula
Regular hours for the shops is 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Sunday, with individual store hours varying.
Shopping hours for Nov. 28 (Black Friday) are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Maui
The busiest places to shop on Maui include: Maui Mall Village, Queen Kaʻahaumanu Center, The Shops at Wailea and Whalers Village.
Maui Mall Village
From Nov. 17 to 23, the village hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Their website doesn’t display any extended holiday hours.
Queen Kaʻahaumanu Center
The center’s hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday to Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Extended holiday hours are not displayed on their website.
The Shops at Wailea
Regular hours at the shops are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Sunday.
Their website doesn’t display any extended holiday hours or closures.
Whalers Village
The village hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Sunday, with individual store and restaurant hours varying.
Extended holiday hours are not yet displayed on their website.
Hawaiʻi Island
The busiest shopping places on Hawaiʻi Island include: Prince Kuhio Plaza, Queens’ Marketplace, The Shops at Mauna Lani and Waimea Center.
Prince Kuhio Plaza
The plaza’s hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday to Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Extended holiday hours are not yet displayed on their website.
Queens’ Marketplace
The marketplace hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday to Sunday.
Their website doesn’t display extended holiday hours.
The Shops at Mauna Lani
The shops are open on Monday to Sunday with varying hours for each store.
Their website doesn’t display extended holiday hours.
Waimea Center
The Waimea Center hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, and closed on Sunday.
Hours vary for each store, but extended holiday hours are not displayed on their website.
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