Happy
Honolulu
Monday, February 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 2nd of February.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu firefighters rescued a hiker stranded on a steep slope off Moanalua Ridge Trail Sunday afternoon after receiving his 911 text at 3:21 p.m.; rescuers reached him by 4:17 p.m. and hoisted him aboard at 4:37 p.m., though he declined further medical care. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Kathryn Ko, a JABSOM graduate and Hawaii-based neurosurgeon, has established the Ko Iki mini-museum outside John A. Burns School of Medicine featuring ‘Carrying Capacity’ by Gaye Chan — baskets woven from discarded baling straps. Her work was also shown in New Rochelle and at a neurosurgery meeting in Washington, D.C. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ People attended the 2026 Hawaii Cannabis Expo on Saturday, Feb. 1 at Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. The three-day event offered education + local business insights on Hawaii’s regulated cannabis and hemp market. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ The new U.S. United Pageant in Hawaii is celebrating local achievements and inclusion during its second year, offering divisions for all ages and featuring breast cancer awareness while Ms. Hawaii U.S. United winner Leilani Soon will compete at the national pageant in Georgia this August — a milestone for talent. Hawaii News Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii now shares the record for the lowest unemployment rate in the nation & local officials note that steady job growth supports many residents. The record reflects a stable economy that promises future opportunities. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A donation from Jeff Bezos boosted Lahainaluna High School scholarships and wildfire research programs after the Aug. 8 wildfire affected Lahaina (supporting students like Cecelia Steiner who was set to begin her senior year). Honolulu Star-Advertiser
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Kealoha Fox was appointed executive director of Honolulu’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency in December and will lead efforts like investing in planting native trees as part of the agency’s upcoming food systems plan. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ FarmLovers Markets is holding farmers markets in Kakaako, Pearlridge, and Kailua Town to provide fresh produce and sustainability tips. Leftover Love Co. offers a $25 monthly composting service that turns food waste into organic soil — the Kakaako market is held Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon on Ala Moana Blvd. Hawaii News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City crews will remove a roughly 70-foot Bodhi tree in Manoa due to safety concerns, which has led to a partial road closure. The tree remains in good health, but its location near public and private structures has prompted immediate safety measures. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Two legislative bills would let Honolulu residents kill feral chickens if approved. The proposals aim to protect the local ecosystem and slow disease spread while banning torture and extreme abuse. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Approximately 240 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers in Honolulu went on the picket line a week ago after months of contract talks failed. Kaiser offered a 21.5% wage increase and enhanced benefits (a total package over $200k in three years) while planning to resume bargaining sessions soon. Hawaii News Now
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The state now offers the Hale Kamaaina Mortgage Program to help first-time homebuyers with low mortgage rates of 5.4% for government-backed loans and 5.65% for conventional loans, plus down payment assistance that lowers the requirement to 5% (housing counseling required). Qualifying Hawaii residents can save upfront costs. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The quieter you become, the more you can hear.
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Reveal the authorAbout Happy Honolulu
Welcome to the Happy Honolulu, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Honolulu, Hawaii community. If you like the Happy Honolulu, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Honolulu.
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