Happy
Honolulu
Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ PBS Hawai‘i will air Home Is Here on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m., highlighting three local stories: a Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park ranger reconnecting with culture, a stargazing guide inspiring family curiosity, and the legacy of palaka clothing as creative art. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ Honolulu welcomes a weekend of events starting Friday, Feb. 20 with public art displays at Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden, a pop-up market at Ward Centre, a Shakespeare and indie book festival downtown on Saturday, Feb. 21, plus a visitor day at Aloha Animal Sanctuary in Kāne‘ohe on Sunday, Feb. 22. Honolulu Magazine
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ An economic impact report from the American Hotel and Lodging Association detailed how Honolulu's hotels generated $12 billion in economic activity, supported over 18,000 hotel jobs, and produced $1.9 billion in tax revenue—fueling growth for local businesses and public services. Hawaii Free Press
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Nearly 100 students from across Hawaii competed at the 16th annual Inspired in Hawaii Awards at Kahala Mall, earning over $20,000 for projects on Hawaiian culture & environmental protection. The event underscored how keiki envision a sustainable future. KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Local officials are set to launch Destination Management Action Plan 2.0 to give residents a stronger voice in shaping tourism that supports culture and ʻāina. A 2019 survey showed residents value tourism’s economic role and now seek greater involvement in its management. KITV
- ➤ Repair crews will begin work on the ocean-access stairs at Kakaako Waterfront Park on Wed, Feb. 25, temporarily closing access to Kewalo Basin Harbor Channel. Officials say the repairs are planned to ensure safe passage once completed. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Over 900 kama‘āina provided insights on housing affordability, cost of living and infrastructure financing in the latest Hawai‘i Perspectives report by PRP. The survey is expected to guide policymakers and community advocates in developing solutions. Honolulu Magazine
- ➤ Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that the Navy does not need to meet with local community members about fallout from the Red Hill water crisis. No further public meetings are planned. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ An affordable housing project in Makiki has remained empty for 10 months due to permitting delays, and local officials are considering Bill 18 (which seeks to fast-track approvals) so that more residents can soon move in. KITV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Gonzaga baseball beat the Hawaii team (7 to 2) on Sunday at Les Murakami Stadium as they scored five in the 12th inning to overcome strong local pitching. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ UH goalkeeper Daisy Logtens was named the Big West Women’s Water Polo Player of the Week on Wednesday at the university facility. The award recognizes her outstanding performance in collegiate water polo. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Former University of Hawaii basketball star Anthony Carter held a press conference at Outrigger Reef Hotel on Wednesday, announcing his jersey will be retired during Saturday’s game at Bankoh Arena (Stan Sheriff Center). Honolulu Star-Advertiser
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Happy Honolulu
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