Happy
Honolulu
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A wind advisory is in effect on parts of Oahu, Lanai, and other islands until 6 PM HST today — residents should secure loose items and drive cautiously, while the Huakai Awards Gala will honor local architecture leaders this Friday in Honolulu. KITV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Hawaii high school students can apply for scholarships for undergraduate studies in business and academic excellence. Servco’s Fukunaga Award is due Feb. 23, HMSA’s Kaimana Award is due Feb. 27 at 4 p.m., and Aloha Pacific FCU awards will be available by March 30 (deadlines vary by program). KITV
- ➤ Seven Hawaii robotics teams are headed to the World Championships in Dallas after excelling at the Hawaii VEX V-5 Robotics Regional Championships. They will compete in a battle of skill that showcases local talent. KITV
- ➤ Barbers Point Elementary welcomed Honolulu Police Department officers today to give keiki a hands-on look at police gear and vehicles. The event provided a clear, practical view of police work that helped students learn about a law enforcement career. KITV
- ➤ UH athletics director Matt Elliott explained that the university asked lawmakers for millions in name, image, and likeness (NIL) funding on Feb. 17, noting the request would support student-athletes. This discussion shed light on the ongoing efforts to boost benefits at UH. Hawaii News Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Naupaka, a humpback mom, was seen breaching near Kaʻena Point with her new calf at sunset. Officials advise caution as a wind advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. HST on Oahu + nearby islands. KITV
- ➤ Local hunters, ranchers, and scientists (working with local farms) are using invasive species to help make sure there is enough food in Hawaii. They will study this plan in the coming months to see if it can boost food security. KITV
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ First Hawaiian Bank was named Hawai‘i’s top bank on Forbes’ America’s Best Banks 2026 list for the fifth year running + the bank reported strong Q4 2025 results with deposits reaching $20.5 billion while supporting local small businesses. Hawaii Business
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Officials held a blessing for the new Stadium Authority District Office that supports the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District redevelopment in Honolulu— the event marks a milestone for the project. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ The U.S. Census Bureau released data showing Hawaii lost 2,123 residents in the past year and 22,447 since 2020, ranking it second among five states with net population decline. The figures point to fewer young families and lowered immigration rates as key factors. Hawaii Free Press
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Hawaii baseball team defeated the Gonzaga Bulldogs in game 4 of their opening series Monday, Feb. 16 at Les Murakami Stadium. The win boosted their series performance + highlighted strong pitching and timely base running. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Oahu will host the X-1 Championships next month with undefeated fighter Jaybrio Pe Benito (from Ewa Beach) competing alongside rising local combat sports stars. The event will spotlight community talent and is expected to draw eager fans. KITV
- ➤ Coach Naboa joins the USA flag football staff — a move that follows the sport’s fast-growing popularity — as more states plan to add flag football to their championship schedules. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.
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