Happy
Honolulu
Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ AccesSurf Hawaii celebrates 20 years of helping people access the ocean by hosting several events this month. The lineup includes Day at the Beach on Feb. 7 and Wounded Warrior Day on Feb. 18 at White Plains Beach, along with adaptive swim and canoe days. Hawaii News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Peter Ho will retire as Bank of Hawai‘i CEO on March 31 and serve as a consultant until the end of 2027 + James Polk will succeed him as CEO and join the board while Raymond Vara becomes non-executive chairman on April 1. Hawaii Business
- ➤ Honolulu locals can cheer as L&L Hawaiian Barbecue was named the top Hawaiian food franchise when Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 ranked it at 138. The chain with 230 locations across the U.S. continues to serve authentic Hawaii grindz. KITV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Punahou Carnival now features an art gallery with work by over 200 local artists + the display supports the school’s financial aid program and offers a fresh experience every day. KITV
- ➤ Booksellers in Honolulu share recommended titles to celebrate Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, offering bilingual board books and thoughtful textbooks for adults and keiki during February. Selections can be found at local spots like Da Shop + Books Curiosities on Harding Ave. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ Bishop Museum will host a free Moana 2 screening in ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i on the Great Lawn this Saturday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m., and local vendors will sell food and drinks (including Highway Inn’s Tutu’s Place cafe). KITV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ University of Hawaii at Manoa students, faculty, and staff will present research at the State Capitol during the fourth annual Research Day, showcasing local academic work and collaboration. The event will highlight community efforts + expand hands-on learning opportunities. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Hawaii State FCU is accepting applications for its Investing in Education program, offering up to $500 to public school teachers for classroom supplies (applications close through Apr. 3). KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Lawmakers in the Hawaii Capitol are pushing for safer staffing in hospitals as they introduce bills aimed at protecting nurses and patients. The proposals could change how hospitals operate across the state soon. KITV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Family members of Kauai native Payton Hough have sued a mainland facility and the state after Hough committed suicide while receiving care at Columbia Regional Care Center in South Carolina. They plan to celebrate his life in Hanalei Bay and call for better oversight of mental health care. Hawaii News Now
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Dozens of tenants in affordable housing on Date Street received notices to vacate as Iolani School plans a campus expansion by demolishing five apartment buildings, forcing moves by July 31. The school offers up to $4,000 in relocation help + families are now seeking affordable homes. KITV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The conference finalized a TV deal that keeps CBS Sports and Fox Sports and adds The CW while moving its app to a subscription model in July — Hawaii, which is already a football member, will become a full member this summer. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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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