Good morning, Honolulu.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.