Happy
Honolulu
Sunday, February 8th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 8th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local organizers held the 2026 Ke Nui Festival at Wauhena Farms on the North Shore Saturday to raise funds for recovering surfer Dakota Briley, injured in a car crash on Kamehameha Highway in June 2025 — the event featured local music and a major raffle with signed items. Hawaii News Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii households spent an average of $157 per week on groceries—up 9.6% from last year and 33% above the national rate. The higher costs for dairy, bread, and poultry are driven by the state’s strong reliance on imports. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ A UHERO report shows that when adjusted for high living costs, Hawaiʻi’s incomes and per-person GDP have grown much slower than the national average since the early 1990s (a sign of long-term economic stress). The study warns that without better policies, Hawaiʻi’s economic future will suffer. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ Preliminary DBEDT statistics showed that visitor spending grew 3.7% to $2.12 billion in December, even as arrivals declined by 4.3% to 868,894; average daily spending increased 11% to $273 per person as U.S. West and East visitors spent more on lodging, food, and transportation. Hawaii Free Press
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ UH researchers are using a $2 million grant to study how changing land use on former plantation lands burdened by invasive grasses can lower wildfire risk; they will work with community partners + local ranchers to compare solutions like agroforestry and reforestation to improve safety and boost local economies. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A petition from the Hawaii Food Industry Association urges decision-maker Josh Green to phase out the grocery tax by reducing the GET on groceries from 3.5% in 2027 to 0% by 2034 + the move is expected to ease food costs for local families. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is urging Taiwan to fix the Chinatown Cultural Plaza — which has faced years of neglect with rising loitering and empty spaces — as officials work to secure a redevelopment plan after over three years of inaction. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii DoH announced that the West Coast Health Alliance endorsed the 2026 AAP immunization schedule on Jan. 26, supporting the updated vaccine plan (backed by over one million healthcare providers) for child and adolescent safety. Hawaii Free Press
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Tenants at Chinatown Cultural Plaza have reported decades-long decline marked by worsening safety hazards and deteriorating facilities that now threaten the few remaining businesses. Clouis Ching, owner of Bin Ching Jade Center, said persistent management inaction has hollowed out a once thriving hub. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former UH wide receiver Greg Salas recalled his NFL days with New England — noting how the Patriot Way’s strict preparation still guides him. He said he now roots for the Patriots as they take on a chance for a Super Bowl win today. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Kamehameha won the girls' Division I state championship by defeating 'Iolani 50-39 on Friday at the Stan Sheriff Center, where fans cheered the Warriors' strong finish. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Hawaii defeated UC San Diego yesterday at Bankoh Arena in a men’s NCAA basketball game and earned a first-place tie in the Big West. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If you want to master something, teach it. If you want to learn something, do it.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Honolulu and across Hawaii. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Happy Honolulu
A free Honolulu community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://happyhonolulu.com/sitemap