Happy
Honolulu
Thursday, February 12th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of February.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Kaula Lūʻau, a $5 million stage production, will open at Ocean’s Edge at Ko Olina by Lagoon Four on Friday, Feb. 27, transforming a former helipad into a venue for 37 performers, canoe rides, and a grab-and-go food village + 166 new jobs. Act features include a fire knife dance. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ This Valentine’s season, Honolulu residents can enjoy a variety of events celebrating love and community. Events include the All-4-One Concert at Blue Note on Feb. 13–14, a pet adoption festival in Ewa Beach, and a Galentine’s Party at The Laylow Waikiki, with more fun scheduled Feb. 13–15 (details vary by event). KITV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ UH scientists found that zoantharians—a type of hexacoral—have stayed the same across oceans and may replace stony corals as climate change stresses reefs. The study, led by Maria ‘Duda’ Santos, mapped DNA from Mexico to the Philippines and offers insight into the future of reefs. Hawaii News Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu residents are urged to file insurance claims for storm damage after heavy rain and strong winds hit last weekend, and they should document damages with photos and keep records to meet filing deadlines (advised by the state Insurance Division). KITV
- ➤ Hilton Grand Vacations donated $1 million to help revitalize Kuhio Beach Park through a public-private partnership with city leaders and the Waikiki Business Improvement District. The new project will boost beach safety & enhance local hospitality. KITV
- ➤ On Tuesday the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled to bar insurance companies from a $4 billion Maui wildfire settlement, paving the way for over 21,000 survivors to soon receive payments. A hearing on attorney fees is scheduled for March 6. Hawaii News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A new study published Tuesday from the University of Hawaii at Manoa found avian malaria in 63 of 64 sites across the islands, showing that nearly all forests carry the disease. Researchers say controlling mosquitoes & protecting native birds is vital for conservation. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Queen’s Health Systems warns that the planned HMSA-HPH merger could push up health costs and limit care choices for local residents (families, kūpuna, and small businesses). The press release calls for a full independent review before the merger moves forward. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ Flu cases are rising nationwide and in Honolulu as a new subclade K spreads, and about 4% of doctor visits now relate to flu symptoms. Dr. Wu at Kapi’olani Medical Center advises residents to seek early treatment and follow precautions (such as handwashing and distancing) to lower their risk. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Straub Benioff Medical Center’s burn care team attended the 2025 American Burn Association meeting in Phoenix, learning new methods including AI-driven treatments. Dr. Emilio Ganitano completed Advanced Burn Life Support training and the team visited the Halle Arizona Burn Center that aided hospitals after local emergencies. Hawaii Business
- ➤ American Heart Association is teaching hands-only CPR as part of American Heart Month today to help people act as first responders until professional help arrives. The organization advises familiarizing oneself with emergency plans (including AED locations) at workplaces and community venues to prepare for a cardiac emergency. Hawaii News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Hawaii men’s basketball team will run a tight rotation in today’s game against Cal State Bakersfield at the Icardo Center in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Kapaa beat Kamehameha-Hawaii 3-0 to win the HHSAA Division II Soccer Championship on Feb. 11 at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Complex’s Main Stadium. The victory capped a strong season for the team. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Athletes from Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii Island are headed to Minneapolis for the Special Olympics USA Games (featuring basketball, bowling, and track and field). KITV
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The reason to win the game is so that you can be free of it.
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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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