Happy
Honolulu
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local food businesses gathered at the State Capitol Wednesday for the inaugural Food and Product Innovation Network Day hosted by the Hawai‘i Ag and Culinary Alliance (with vendors showcasing unique local ingredients) as the event supported efforts to boost Hawaii’s goal of 30% local food purchasing by 2030. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ The city added 36 new on-leash parks to create 72 parks for dogs, based on feedback (from 15 Neighborhood Boards) and launched a pilot program for new signage at select locations. Honolulu residents can soon enjoy enhanced spaces for responsible pet activities. Hawaii News Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Kaula Luau, a new Hawaiian-led cultural production, debuts Friday, Feb. 27 at Ocean’s Edge at Ko Olina Resort with dinner, pre-show hula, and a main performance. It will host over 450 guests (while also creating more than 166 local jobs and channeling a multimillion-dollar investment in the community). KITV
- ➤ Netflix’s crime drama 'Untamed' began filming season two in Hawaii as Gov. Josh Green shared pictures from a traditional blessing (with actor Eric Bana) and noted local actors (like Kekoa Kekumano and Kelly Hu) have joined the cast. Hawaii News Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ More than 50 leading local companies+nonprofits today pushed for using LNG to lower energy costs and improve grid reliability amid high electric bills. Supporters call LNG a bridge fuel until renewables expand, while environmental groups oppose its use, saying it may create long term reliance on fossil fuels. Hawaii Business
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Iolani School is disciplining seniors for reportedly creating a list that targeted female students and staff (sources say) and is reviewing its policies to prevent further incidents. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ On Wednesday, the University of Hawaii launched a national search for a new chancellor at UH Manoa. The move aims to re-establish the campus leadership as the university transitions to new management. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Hawaii schools reported a 46% increase in English learners over the past decade, with over 16,000 public school students attending classes without full English fluency (underscoring our community's diverse voice). KITV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services announced upcoming modifications to select TheBus routes that will begin on Sunday, Mar. 1. Riders should prepare for service adjustments as more details are shared. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Dozens of technology companies from Hawaii and Japan are showcasing their new tools at the Japanese Cultural Center to explore future opportunities with government agencies. The three-day conference presents robotics, imaging systems plus AI tools and continues with workshops later this week. Hawaii News Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Hunter Berger (a Saint Louis senior with a 101-0 record and three state championships in different weight classes) will try for a historic fourth title at the local state wrestling tournament this weekend. He aims to be the first Crusader in 20 years to complete the grand slam. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ Kainoa Wade led UH with 26 kills as the Rainbow Warriors beat BYU 27-25, 23-25, 25-17, 25-18 at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center on Wednesday — the team extended its winning streak to 10 matches. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.
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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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