Happy
Honolulu
Monday, February 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 23rd of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Star-Advertiser invites Honolulu residents to submit photos that capture Hawaiian life using a new online form today, and photographs must include both a person and a local sign as email and mailed submissions are no longer accepted. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Palama Settlement (810 N. Vineyard Blvd.) will host Honolulu’s first Explore Asia Festival this Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., where visitors can enjoy cultural entertainment such as singing, dancing, a K-pop dance off, and keiki activities with vendors serving Asian favorites and a petting zoo. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Today, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs selected AEA Consulting to conduct a six-month feasibility study for a new Native Hawaiian Cultural Center in Kaka‘ako Makai that will include market assessment, stakeholder outreach, and financial modeling to guide community-driven planning. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The BOSS Survey of 307 local business leaders, conducted from Oct. 8 to Dec. 18, 2025, shows 51% expect the economy to worsen in 2026 while tourism companies remain more optimistic & experts warn these views may influence local business plans across Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Business
- ➤ BLS data shows that Hawaii’s union membership rate was 24.8% among wage and salary workers in 2025, the highest in the nation. The figures, based on an 11‐month average (due to the October government shutdown), were released on Feb. 18. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ Hawaii lawmakers are weighing two bills to support Fenix Space Inc's plan to launch payloads from an operation at Hilo International Airport. The proposals would let Fenix sell up to $40 million in bonds and finance a high-tech hangar for its orbital launch-on-demand site. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Hawaii had nearly $429 million in its tuition and fees fund as of June 30, 2025, and Senate Bill 2602 will move any unused money to the state general fund, prompting the University to ask lawmakers for immediate access amid a financial crisis. Hawaii Free Press
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu has launched an online form for residents to report flash flood damage. The tool helps officials assess community impact while urging residents to call 911 for emergencies. KITV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu lawmakers are considering several healthcare bills in the legislative session to ease provider restrictions and expand telehealth for rural areas. The proposals include exemptions for select treatment centers + joining interstate compacts, aiming to relieve Hawaii’s doctor shortage and boost specialty care outside the city, especially for children. Hawaii Free Press
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Lady 'Riders flag football team is gearing up for the 2026 season after a high-energy stadium event Friday. Officials say the team is excited for upcoming games and expects strong local support. Hawaii Tribune-Herald
- ➤ Former UH basketball player Anthony 'AC' Carter had his jersey number 23 retired in a halftime ceremony Saturday at Bankoh Arena — a tribute to his storied career — as he reunited with members of UH’s Fabulous Five. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Head coach Timmy Chang has hired Lance Samuseva as UH Football's new defensive line coach, replacing Jeff Reinbold. The coaching change aims to boost the team's defense. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ The University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine sailing team earned second place at the South Florida Team Race held last Saturday in Bayboro Harbor in St. Petersburg, Fla. Their strong finish marked a competitive effort in a well-attended regatta. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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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