Happy
Honolulu
Saturday, February 28th, 2026
Good morning, Honolulu. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 28th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Renovation of the Chinatown Arch at King and Kekaulike streets will include a groundbreaking and traditional Chinese blessing planned for tomorrow to revitalize a longtime symbol in Honolulu’s Chinatown. KITV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Kaula Luau, led by Native Hawaiian artists, debuted Friday at the new Ocean’s Edge at Ko Olina as part of a $5 million project that provided 146 full-salary jobs for West Oahu residents. The production offers a fresh, culturally rooted take on a traditional luau. Hawaii News Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ UHERO forecast released Feb. 27 shows Hawai’i moving past last year’s recession as tourism stabilizes while construction supports slow job gains. The report projects real income to grow about 1% annually, although trade policy changes and federal workforce cuts pose continued risks. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ According to DBEDT, January saw a 10.4% increase in visitor arrivals to 874,358 and a 19% boost in spending to $2.26 billion, driven by stronger numbers from the U.S. West and East while Maui and O‘ahu experienced higher hotel occupancy during recovery efforts—providing a positive outlook for local tourism. Hawaii Free Press
- ➤ UHERO forecasts Hawaii’s economy slowly recovers from last year’s mild recession with job gains in construction, health care, and food services in Honolulu. Domestic tourism partly offsets weak international visitor numbers as inflation may peak above 3% + GDP is expected to expand 1.6% this year. KITV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Officials celebrated the launch of the first Leeward Oahu EMT training academy at Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center’s Dining Pavilion on Farrington Highway on Friday morning, as Honolulu Emergency Medical Services hosted the event to expand career paths and strengthen EMS capacity. Hawaii News Now
- ➤ The Executive Office on Early Learning announced that free public prekindergarten applications open on March 2 for the coming school year. Families can apply online and classes will be held at DOE + EOEL partnered campuses statewide. Hawaii Free Press
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ At Blaisdell Arena today, state wrestling tournament competitor Hunter Berger won his first-round match and will face Jahlijah Yockeman from Nanakuli later — bringing him within three wins of a career grand slam; teammate Eli Suan also secured his victory at 132 pounds. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ The Rainbow Warriors defeated Ball State 6-1 in their four-game series opener at Les Murakami Stadium on Feb. 26 (Isaiah Magdaleno struck out 12) as 1,284 fans watched the game. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Hawaii’s third-ranked men’s volleyball team swept No. 6 BYU at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center tonight with a 25-18, 25-21, 25-16 win that drew 6,493 fans and showcased key plays by Louis Sakanoko, Adrien Roure and Junior Tread Rosenthal. The team will host No. 7 Pepperdine next week. Honolulu Star-Advertiser
- ➤ Senior forward Imani Perez, who helped turn the Rainbow Wahine season around after an 0-5 start, will be honored today following Hawaii's game against Cal State Fullerton at the Stan Sheriff Center in Manoa+ her standout play secured a spot in the Big West tournament. Hawaii News Now
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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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