Happy
Honolulu
Monday, February 16th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 16th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lifeguards saved 23 beachgoers from strong surf at Sandy Beach on Valentine’s Day while posted safety signs warned novice swimmers, and local officials urged extra caution for future outings. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Food Network Chopped Champion Chef Cidney Wilcox is set to serve upscale Southern fusion brunch creations at the Day Party Paradise Brunch pop-up event on March 15 at Ground Level Lounge on Makaloa St from noon-4 p.m. She aims to support black-owned businesses while showcasing her signature menu. Hawaii News Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ At The Hospitality Show: Honolulu on Thursday, Gov. Green and Rosanna Maietta warned that illegal vacation rentals are draining local housing and weakening a $12B hotel economy that supports nearly 64,000 jobs. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Pentagon officials will review graduate programs for active duty service members at Ivy League and select universities in two weeks & Honolulu's HPU may lose tuition aid starting with the 2026-2027 school year, which could impact local military students. Hawaii Free Press
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ According to USGS, Kilauea’s 42nd eruption began Sunday afternoon near Halema’uma’u with lava fountains reaching up to 1,200 ft + winds are carrying emissions southwest, prompting residents with respiratory issues to avoid the area. KITV
- ➤ A statewide survey by UH shows most Hawaii residents are aware of sea-level rise and its impact on coastal areas; 88% want lawmakers to act immediately (concerns extend from Waikiki to other shorelines). Honolulu Star-Advertiser
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Legislators are considering bills to ease rules so farmers can build worker housing; the proposals include accessory dwelling units and cluster housing to boost local food production and ease housing shortages on the islands. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ State Rep. Trish La Chica is drafting bills to boost math scores by adding licensed coaches in classrooms (inspired by models in Kentucky and Alabama) and to protect educators with strengthened workplace and pedestrian safety measures. She said her proposals respond to community concerns in her legislative survey. Hawaii News Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii’s Health Education Loan Repayment Program is receiving thousands of applications as the state works to solve a growing shortage of health care workers. The high demand shows how the program helps keep local professionals at home. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ At Friday’s HHSAA boy’s basketball State Championships, Kahuku earned its fifth title with a buzzer-beating layup, beating Punahou 40-38 — while Kohala secured the Division II crown with a 49-35 win over Seabury Hall. Junior guard Kashus Daley and senior guard Layden Kauka led their teams. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ UH women's water polo team beat No. 13 Fresno State 11-9 in the fifth-place match of the Barbara Kalbus Invitational on Sunday, Feb. 15 at the Anteater Aquatics Complex in Irvine, Calif. Sophomore Ema Vernoux and freshman Ariadna Temprano Xambo each scored hat tricks. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Cowboys basketball claimed its 4th DII state title in 6 years today — a win that builds on an enduring tradition. The team secured the trophy in a hard-fought game, marking a milestone in its state competition record. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
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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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