In this Pearl City Local Issue:

🌤️ Pearl City Weather

🪪 U.S. Marshals Warn Local Residents of Phone Scam Targeting Islanders

🏫 STEM Careers: A Path to Prosperity and Progress for Hawai‘i’s Youth

💸 Income Tax Cuts Offer Relief Amid Rising Living Costs

🎸 Opihi Pickers @ Valor

📆 Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business!

🌺 Pearl City, We Want to Hear From YOU! 🌺

Got an inspiring story, exciting event, or amazing local deal to share? Pearl City Local is your community newsletter, and we’re looking for YOUR stories! Whether it's recognizing a local hero or announcing a can't-miss event, we’re here to spread the word!

📧 Email us at [email protected] and let’s keep Pearl City connected!

✨ Together, we make our community stronger. Share your news today! ✨

U.S. Marshals Warn Local Residents of Phone Scam Targeting Islanders

The U.S. Marshals Service is alerting local residents about a phone scam targeting individuals across the islands. Scammers are posing as Marshals or other law enforcement officials, falsely claiming that their targets have arrest warrants, pending court cases, or missed jury duty, then demanding payments in the form of cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

One recent case involved a Honolulu resident who lost thousands of dollars to the scam. Authorities emphasize that the U.S. Marshals or any law enforcement agency will never contact individuals to demand payment or request personal information. Acting U.S. Marshal Justin Davis noted that such impersonation is a serious offense with federal repercussions, and the issue is being addressed in coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

STEM Careers: A Path to Prosperity and Progress for Hawai‘i’s Youth

Dr. Michael Ferguson, professor of Chemistry, underscores the importance of STEM ( science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) for students, pointing to its financial benefits and wide range of career opportunities. He advises students to build a strong foundation in math and science, emphasizing practical applications to make subjects like chemistry more engaging. Highlighting fields such as engineering and cybersecurity, Dr. Ferguson sees STEM as key to both personal and societal advancement, particularly for Hawai‘i’s future.

Income Tax Cuts Offer Relief Amid Rising Living Costs

In response to Hawaii’s recent state income tax cuts, there is ongoing debate regarding their impact on the state's financial health and their necessity amid rising living costs. Passed by the Hawaii Legislature and supported by Governor Josh Green, the tax cuts were introduced as a relief measure, allowing residents to retain more of their income at a time when inflation has drastically increased daily expenses across the state. Data from the Congressional Joint Economic Committee reveals that Hawaii households are now spending approximately $1,234 more per month compared to January 2021, with notable increases in costs for housing, food, and transportation.

The tax cuts are seen as a necessary response, particularly for middle-income families, with calculations suggesting a potential 74% reduction in income tax by 2031 for an average family earning around $83,000 annually. While some critics argue the cuts might strain the state’s budget, supporters, including the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, emphasize the need to counter rising inflation and keep Hawaii affordable for residents. The Institute also encourages continued efforts to reduce living costs and foster economic opportunities, cautioning that any reversal of the tax cuts could place additional financial burdens on Hawaii’s working families.

Opihi Pickers - November 1 from 9:00pm to 11:00pm at Valor Bar located in the Wai Makai third level food court.

Community:

Comic Jam Free Draw - Saturday November 2 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Come join the artists of Comic Jam Hawaii and get your draw on! In this informal social gathering of local artists (professional, aspiring, and hobbyist), participants can have fun and participate where they’re comfortable. Artists do collaborative cartoons, illustrations, and sketches while talking story. All abilities and levels are welcome. Drawings are collected at the end of each session and scanned into their Facebook Group page, Comic Jam Hawaii. Learn more

Pearlside Food Distribution - Saturday, November 2 from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm. In partnership with the Hawaii Foodbank's Ohana Produce Plus Program, Pearlside Church will become a food distribution center to provide for families in need.
Main Campus - Youth Outreach Community Center. Learn more

Arbor Day Tree Care Workshop & Tree Give-Away @ The Urban Garden Center - The University of Hawai'i O'ahu Master Gardeners encourages you to grow a tree for food sustainability to feed family and community members. Saturday November 2 from 9am - 11am. More info

The Leeward Discovery Fair - Saturday November 2 from 9:00am-2:00pm @ Leeward Community College Campus. Fun for the whole family! LCC’s annual community fair features educational, hands-on activities, food booths, entertainment, and more. FREE ADMISSION & PARKING. Learn more

Food:

Pearlridge Open-Air Farmers’ Market: Saturday November 2 from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm. Featuring some 30 vendors offering locally grown fruits and vegetables, plants and freshly made treats including oven-fresh breads and other baked goods.

Village Market at Pearlridge: Saturday November 2 from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Indulge in a variety of food trucks, browse through craft and retail vendors, and have fun with your friends and family! The Village Market features ample seating and live musical entertainment. Don't forget to visit the beer garden featuring signature spirits and cocktails!

Crafts:

Herbarium starter kit – Using silicone oil and other beautiful embellishments and decorations, you can create a stunning bottle décor. Friday, November 1 @ 12:00pm-12:30pm or 5:00pm-5:30pm. Learn more

Ocean Resin Bowls at Pearl City - Are you ready to learn the trending art of Resin and pouring? Whether you have worked with resin before, or you are a complete beginner you will LOVE working with resin and the beautiful results. November 2 from 1:30PM - 3:00PM Learn more

Shrink Art - November 3 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Learn how to make cute and fun keychains with shrink plastic. Participants can draw their own designs or color in templates. For ages 6+, adult supervision required. Spots are limited so please register at the library. Learn more

Entertainment:

Penidean - November 2 from 9:00pm to 2:00am at Valor Bar located in the Wai Makai third level food court.

We Want To Spotlight Local Businesses!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Pearl City area residents in an upcoming issue of Pearl City Local? Apply Here. Not a business owner, but love a local business? Tell us all about it - send us an email at [email protected]