“22-year-old business reopens after devastating fire with help from Hilo Elks Lodge.”
Views expressed in this Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai news summary are those of the reporters and correspondents.
Accessed on 16 February 2026, 0025 UTC.
Content and Source: “BigIslandNow.com.”
URL–https://bigislandnow.com/
Please check URL or scroll down to read your selections. Thanks for joining us today.
Russ Roberts (https://hawaiinewsjournal.com).
CommunityHawaiʻi Department of Education ‘Alumni Spotlight’ features ‘Chief…
CommunityCelebrate Presidents’ Day with money, math and music at Hawai‘i Keiki Museum…
22-year-old business reopens after devastating fire with help from Hilo Elks Lodge
With the quick, unexpected support of the Hilo Elks Lodge, Olena’s Massage Center was able to reopen one month after a fire destroyed their downtown business last November.February 15, 2026 · 5:00 AM HST
Hawai’i State NewsHawaiʻi attorney general addresses ongoing investigation into possible public…
East Hawaii News19 lane closures scheduled during week of Feb. 15-20 on Big Island state roadways
In Case You
Missed It:
Missed It:
Wind advisory in effect beginning Sunday morning for most of Big Island
High surf advisory in effect for eastern shorelines as trade winds strengthen
Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association Kaimana Scholarship application deadline nears
All but 2 state parks, forest areas open again following severe weather earlier this week
Letter from Hirono, colleagues demands halt immigration enforcement actions against keiki
Small businesses interested in working with government invited to attend free workshops
Hawaiʻi County, former department director fully exonerated in jury trial
New research led by University of Hawaiʻi scientists reveals evolution-defying marine…
Project to restore, reopen Pāhoa Community Aquatic Center starts next week
Free 1-on-1 tech assistance available at Hawaiʻi’s public libraries
Hawaiʻi District Land Office implements ‘Paʻahana Wednesdays’
Thelma Parker Memorial Public Library to host Engineering Bash in Waimea
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Stay in-the-know with daily or weekly
headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Big Island News
February 15, 2026 · 1:00 PM
Hawaiʻi Department of Education ‘Alumni Spotlight’ features ‘Chief of War’ star, Kaua‘i native Kaina Makua
Advice for students from the man who plays King Kamehameha I in the Apple TV series: “You don’t need to go to college to be “somebody.” But how will you help your community? How do you contribute and bring value to the lives of others instead of just yourself? Don’t live for just yourself. You should be living for everybody. If everyone had that mindset, imagine the things we could do.”
February 15, 2026 · 12:27 PM
Water restriction effective until further notice for customers in South Kohala – Lālamilo area
The restrictions were implemented because of unexpected well and equipment malfunctions. Reducing use is necessary to maintain adequate water levels in storage tanks to service all customers in the affected area.
February 15, 2026 · 11:00 AM
Celebrate Presidents’ Day with money, math and music at Hawai‘i Keiki Museum event
School’s out, so keiki ages 7 to 14 years old are invited to learn about financial management, simulate a start-up business, break dance, rhythmic math fun and more at two locations filled with fun.
February 15, 2026 · 9:00 AM
New statewide policy on student cellphone use adopted by Hawai‘i Board of Education
New statewide rules set grade-level limits on student cell phone use; implementation begins next school year.
February 15, 2026 · 5:00 AM
22-year-old business reopens after devastating fire with help from Hilo Elks Lodge
With the quick, unexpected support of the Hilo Elks Lodge, Olena’s Massage Center was able to reopen one month after a fire destroyed their downtown business last November.
February 15, 2026 · 3:00 AM
Hawaiʻi attorney general addresses ongoing investigation into possible public corruption
Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General conducted a press briefing Friday (Feb. 13) to address an ongoing investigation into possible public corruption.
February 15, 2026 · 1:00 AM
19 lane closures scheduled during week of Feb. 15-20 on Big Island state roadways
Lane closure schedules can change at any time without notice. All projects are weather permitting; in observance of Presidents’ Day on Feb. 16, there will be no contraflow or lane closures unless otherwise permitted.
February 14, 2026 · 6:23 PM
Wind advisory in effect beginning Sunday morning for most of Big Island
Areas at most risk include higher terrain, passes and those immediately south and west of mountains; winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts stronger than 50 mph, are forecast.
February 14, 2026 · 5:38 PM
High surf advisory in effect for eastern shorelines as trade winds strengthen
Large breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet are forecast, rising to surf of 8 to 12 feet by late Sunday into Sunday night for east-facing shores of the Big Island.
February 14, 2026 · 11:00 AM
Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association Kaimana Scholarship application deadline nears
Applications are due by 4 p.m. Feb. 27 and must be submitted online; this year marks the 21st year of the scholarship program, honoring Hawaiʻi high school seniors for all-around excellence and their commitment to well-being.
UPCOMING FEATURED EVENTS:
Every Tuesday · 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Ukulele Lessons with Kris Fuchigami
Tue, Feb 17, 2026 · 5:30 am – 5:30 pm
Malasada Day at KTA!
Every Thursday · 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The Queens’ Culinary Market
Local Entertainment
February 15, 2026 · 1:00 PM
Hawaiʻi Department of Education ‘Alumni Spotlight’ features ‘Chief of War’ star, Kaua‘i native Kaina Makua
Advice for students from the man who plays King Kamehameha I in the Apple TV series: “You don’t need to go to college to be “somebody.” But how will you help your community? How do you contribute and bring value to the lives of others instead of just yourself? Don’t live for just yourself. You should be living for everybody. If everyone had that mindset, imagine the things we could do.”
February 15, 2026 · 11:00 AM
Celebrate Presidents’ Day with money, math and music at Hawai‘i Keiki Museum event
School’s out, so keiki ages 7 to 14 years old are invited to learn about financial management, simulate a start-up business, break dance, rhythmic math fun and more at two locations filled with fun.
February 13, 2026 · 5:00 AM
Thelma Parker Memorial Public Library to host Engineering Bash in Waimea
Meet the Big Island’s most talented students, professional engineers and community experts while you discover the amazing world of engineering at the Waimea library.
February 13, 2026 · 4:12 AM
Big Island girl lands another starring role in upcoming Christmas comedy ‘Nutmeg & Mistletoe’
Maia Kealoha of Kona, who made her acting and film debut in May 2025 as Lilo in Disney’s live action adaptation of ‘Lilo & Stitch,’ will play Alma in the new film to be released this coming holiday season, bringing Christmas joy back with the help of two bumbling North Pole elves undercover as humans.
February 12, 2026 · 5:51 AM
Top 10 Valentine’s events on Big Island: All of these date options are Cupid approved
Valentine’s Day is Saturday (Feb. 14), and there are several events and activities happening this weekend around the island that will make great date options. So good that Cupid himself approves. Check them out now!
Hawaii Public Housing Authority
Housing Public Housing Supervisor V
Hilo · 2 weeks ago
Housing Public Housing Supervisor V
Hilo · 2 weeks ago
DFI
Full-Time Residential Housekeeper
Kona · 2 days ago
Full-Time Residential Housekeeper
Kona · 2 days ago
Kona UPS Center
Warehouse Worker – Package Handler
Kona · 1 month ago
Warehouse Worker – Package Handler
Kona · 1 month ago
Big Island Polls
Big Island Now poll results: County garage is answer to downtown Kona’s parking woes
June 1, 2025 · 3:00 AM HST
Big Island Now poll: What is solution to parking woes on Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona?
May 18, 2025 · 3:00 AM HST
Reminder: Permanent restrictions remain on the transport of ʻŌhiʻa
April 19, 2025 · 1:55 AM HST
Hawai’i Volcano Blog
Volcano Watch: Handling the pressure; what gases trapped inside crystals tell us
February 13, 2026 · 1:00 AM HST
Volcano Watch: New ‘Is Tephra Falling?’ citizen science tool launched in Hawaiʻi
February 6, 2026 · 1:00 AM HST
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park announces February flight operations
February 4, 2026 · 6:30 AM HST
Ocean Blog
Harbor pilot slips, falls into rough waters in ‘scary situation’ as cruise ship preps to enter Kaua‘i harbor
February 12, 2026 · 11:00 AM HST
UPDATE: High bacteria count advisory canceled at Kolekole Gulch in East Hawai‘i
January 14, 2026 · 3:55 AM HST
Maximum penalties lobbied against fisherman seen illegally longline fishing in waters off Kona Coast
January 11, 2026 · 4:00 AM HST
2026 proclaimed ‘Year of Our Coastal Kuleana’
January 10, 2026 · 9:00 AM HST
Maui Now
Maluhia Maui Rotary hosts E-Cycle Fundraiser, Feb. 21
The Maluhia Maui Rotary Club, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Upcountry Maui, will host a community E-Cycle Fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, from 8 to 11 a.m., offering convenient home and business pickup of unwanted electronics across Maui.
Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience partners with Wailea Scuba to relaunch program
Wailea Scuba, Surf & Paddle and Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience will relaunch their South Maui surf program in March, featuring a renovated storefront at Fairmont Kea Lani and daily lessons at Kalama Beach Park. The partnership combines the local experience of Wailea Scuba, which has operated for more than 30 years, with the brand of […]
Senate committee advances bill to hold Big Oil responsible for climate damage
A state Senate committee pushed forward a bill Wednesday that would allow the state to sue major corporations for climate-related damages, a move that attempts to stabilize Hawaiʻi’s volatile insurance market.
Maui Weather Forecast for February 15, 2026
Trade winds will strengthen through Monday, then persist through much of the week, bringing periods of showers to mainly windward and mauka locations. A…
Air Force advances plans to build 7 more telescopes on Haleakalā as fuel spill cleanup continues
The military will be holding public meetings this week to gather input about the project that already has met with past opposition by some community groups, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen and the County Council.
Kaua‘i Now
New factbook details military’s economic impact in Hawai‘i
The factbook is designed for residents, policymakers and business leaders; it includes easy-to-read charts and explanations covering personnel spending, contracting, federal assistance, community programs and the broader economic effects of defense activity throughout all islands.
Public urged to practice fireworks safety while celebrating Lunar New Year
Fireworks and firecrackers can only be ignited from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on private property Feb. 17. Setting off fireworks on public property — such as streets, sidewalks or parks — is illegal; it is strictly prohibited to remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework.
Ongoing probe into possible public corruption addressed by Hawaiʻi attorney general
Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General conducted a press briefing Friday (Feb. 13) to address an ongoing investigation into possible public corruption.
Q&A with ‘Chief of War’ star, Waimea High School grad Kaina Makua
Advice for students from the man who plays King Kamehameha I in the Apple TV series: “You don’t need to go to college to be “somebody.” But how will you help your community? How do you contribute and bring value to the lives of others instead of just yourself? Don’t live for just yourself. You should be living for everybody. If everyone had that mindset, imagine the things we could do.”
Adjusted hours at Kapa‘a Swimming Pool begin this week until further notice
Kaua‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation thanks the community for its patience and understanding as it copes with staffing issues at the swimming facility.
Discover more from Hawaii News Journal
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
