Development News for Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu City Council Honors John H. Clark III for Community Service

The Honolulu City Council honored John H. Clark III for his outstanding leadership, community service, and contributions to the Ewa Beach community. Clark is a retired Navy commander with over three decades of service. Since moving to Ewa Beach in 2009, he has served on the Ewa Neighborhood Board for over 10 years, advocating for community needs and working with various organizations to improve quality of life. His service has supported local schools, including Ewa Beach Elementary, Ilima Intermediate, Ewa Makai Middle, and James Campbell High School, as well as the 21st Century Grant Advisory Council and the Joint Venture Education Forum. He is also the founder of Teen Building USA, an organization focused on developing leadership skills in students. The council commended his integrity, professionalism, and desire to serve others.

Honolulu City Council Recognizes Outstanding Older Americans

The Honolulu City Council honored Carol Tashima and Nathan Capoule for being named the Honolulu County 2026 Outstanding Older Americans. Both individuals have dedicated significant time to community service, uplifting others, and strengthening the community through compassion and commitment. Nathan Capoule assists with healthcare decisions for caregivers and families and is a retired fire captain and Gulf War veteran. Carol Tashima volunteers with the retired and senior volunteer program, mentoring students, supporting literacy, and assisting with various community initiatives. The council extended its gratitude for their exceptional volunteer service, leadership, and dedication to serving the people of Hawaii.

Honolulu City Council Honors Carol Halber for Decades of Service in Education and Speech/Debate

The Honolulu City Council congratulated Carol Halber on her retirement after 41 years of dedication to education, speech, and debate. Halber taught mathematics from 8th grade to AP Calculus AB and volunteered as a speech coach. She taught internationally for seven years at Seoul Foreign School in South Korea and for three years at Lincoln School in Kathmandu, Nepal. Since 2002, she taught advanced mathematics courses at Punahou School and developed differential calculus for nearly two decades. Halber also served as head coach of the Punahou speech and debate team and as the Hawaii State Speech and Debate Tournament director, modernizing league operations and guiding it into the digital age. She is an inductee into the Hawaii Speech League Hall of Fame and is recognized for her mentorship and support of students and families.

Honolulu City Council Honors Zippy's Restaurants for 60 Years of Community Service

The Honolulu City Council celebrated Zippy's Restaurants on their 60th year of service to the community. Founded on October 17, 1966, by brothers Francis and Charles Higa, Zippy's started in the Makalapa neighborhood of Oahu. The restaurant chain is known for its local comfort food, fast-casual dining, and American, Japanese, Chinese, and Hawaiian fusion cuisine. Napoleon's Bakery was added in 1983. Zippy's is famous for its chili, selling approximately 110 tons monthly. The company employs over 1,500 people across Hawaii and Las Vegas, with five locations in Las Vegas. Zippy's has made a lasting impact on the local economy and serves as a gathering place for generations. The council lauded their exceptional service, culinary excellence, and unwavering dedication.