Hawaii is bringing back its free Rainbow Prom for LGBTQIA+ youth this October, a positive local story set against a tense national backdrop for the community.

• The event runs Saturday, October 3rd at Capitol Modern, the Hawaii State Art Museum, from 6 to 9 p.m., with this year's theme built around a rainbow underwater world.
• It is open only to people under 21, filling a gap because most Honolulu Pride Month events happen in bars and nightclubs with age limits.
• The Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center revived the prom in the past five years after it ran regularly back in the 2000s.
• Organizers point to a national climate where LGBTQ rights are under attack as the reason a safe local space matters more now.
• Local businesses including Raising Cane's are donating food, and details are posted at rainbowpromhawaii.com.

Outlook: Expect the event to draw a strong turnout as Honolulu Pride Month gets underway, with organizers looking to expand their reach in the islands.