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“Team Rubicon helps homeowners clean hazardous debris from Kilauea eruption.”

Views expressed in this Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai news update are those of the reporters and correspondents.

Accessed on 20 February 2026, 2253 UTC.

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Community Event:  The Kohala-Hamakua Amateur Radio Club presents it annual Ham Fest and Swap Meet on Saturday, 21 February 2026, 0930 HST, at The Waimea Community Center.’

Russ Roberts (https://hawaiinewsjournal.com).

In Case You
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Volcano Watch: A sight to see; maintaining Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s webcams during…

Rising housing, food needs throughout Hawaiʻi revealed in annual 211 Report

Farm-to-Table Wok Cook-Off to promote agriculture as career path for Big Island youth

Register now for West Hawaiʻi Jr. NBA/WNBA Novice Boys, Open Co-Ed Basketball

Deadline approaches to apply for 2026 Fukunaga Scholarship

Applicants sought to fill vacancy on state Campaign Spending Commission

Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Feb. 20-26: JuggleFest, ‘A Box of…

County extends voluntary compliance order for movement of coconut rhinoceros beetle host…

Power remains on in communities with high exposure to wildfire risk

Proposed new Hawaiʻi County tax rate for luxury second homes passes first reading

UPDATE: Runaway teen found in Hilo

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Hawaiʻi Island police searching for 3 men who allegedly stole a Suzuki motorcycle in Kona

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Big Island News 

February 20, 2026 · 11:14 AM

Waipi‘o Valley Road to be closed to all traffic as county conducts geophsysical survey

The closure will occur between the Waipi‘o Valley lookout and the beach access road.
February 20, 2026 · 10:08 AM

Trump tariffs struck down by US Supreme Court, ruling them as unconstitutional

Hawai‘i’s U.S. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono praised the high court’s decision, saying: “They were conceived as another lever for Trump to consolidate power and intimidate our global partners — including some of our closest allies.”
February 20, 2026 · 9:52 AM

FEMA approves $4M for permanent repairs to Pohoiki boat ramp, but more funding needed

The price tag for permanent repairs to the important ocean access starts around $40 million, with the cheaper option of just dredging already having failed during a project in October.
February 20, 2026 · 9:00 AM

ʻImiloa in Hilo celebrates 20 years of creating space for curiosity, learning, dialogue

A birthday bash from 2 to 6 p.m. today will feature hands-on activities, anniversary treats, giveaways and full access to exhibits and the planetarium all for free; the celebration also kicks off a year of monthly anniversary programming throughout 2026.
February 20, 2026 · 7:00 AM

Kaua‘i to host hole new level of fun on mini but mighty stage; ready to tee up for the challenge?

United States ProMiniGolf Association for the first time is bringing its annual U.S. Open to Hawai‘i, with the 28th contest hitting the greens at Kaua‘i Mini Golf & Botanical Gardens in Anaina Hou Community Park in Kīlauea; you can even be part of the historic fun by heading to the Garden Isle to participate in the U.S. Open of Mini Golf Pro/Am Tournament.
February 20, 2026 · 5:00 AM

Team Rubicon helps homeowners clean hazardous debris from Kīlauea eruption

For the first time in 40 years, large tephra from Kīlauea fell across neighborhoods near Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, leaving homeowners with hazardous material on their roofs, and in their gutters and water systems.
February 20, 2026 · 3:53 AM

UPDATE: Seas to remain rough through today; high surf advisory again extended for east-facing shores

A downward trend is expected through the weekend, however, as winds diminish; surf of 8 to 12 feet is forecast for this morning, with heights falling to 7 to 10 feet this afternoon.
February 20, 2026 · 3:31 AM

Insights: Is Hawaiʻi being left behind?

Data suggest it is, though not in the same way as traditional left-behind regions.
February 20, 2026 · 1:00 AM

Volcano Watch: A sight to see; maintaining Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s webcams during a historic eruption

Visual observations have been a backbone of volcano research more than 2,000 years and remain fundamental to understanding how volcanoes work; advancements in technology even allow eruptions to be viewed from anywhere around the world.
February 19, 2026 · 3:00 PM

Rising housing, food needs throughout Hawaiʻi revealed in annual 211 Report

The 2025 Aloha United Way report draws on more than 51,000 calls, texts and chats to the statewide 211 helpline.
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UPCOMING FEATURED EVENTS:
Every 3rd Saturday of the Month · 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Kanikapila Monthly Concert Series

Every Monday · 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Weekly Hula

Every Tuesday · 9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Farmers Market

Local Entertainment 

February 20, 2026 · 9:00 AM

ʻImiloa in Hilo celebrates 20 years of creating space for curiosity, learning, dialogue

A birthday bash from 2 to 6 p.m. today will feature hands-on activities, anniversary treats, giveaways and full access to exhibits and the planetarium all for free; the celebration also kicks off a year of monthly anniversary programming throughout 2026.
February 20, 2026 · 7:00 AM

Kaua‘i to host hole new level of fun on mini but mighty stage; ready to tee up for the challenge?

United States ProMiniGolf Association for the first time is bringing its annual U.S. Open to Hawai‘i, with the 28th contest hitting the greens at Kaua‘i Mini Golf & Botanical Gardens in Anaina Hou Community Park in Kīlauea; you can even be part of the historic fun by heading to the Garden Isle to participate in the U.S. Open of Mini Golf Pro/Am Tournament.
February 19, 2026 · 11:00 AM

Register now for West Hawaiʻi Jr. NBA/WNBA Novice Boys, Open Co-Ed Basketball

Those interested in participating have until Feb. 25 to register.
February 19, 2026 · 3:00 AM

Top 10 things to do on Big Island for Feb. 20-26: JuggleFest, ‘A Box of Chocolates,’ ‘Imiloa’s birthday, comedy and more

And that’s just a quick sample of the wide and, shall we say, unique variety of events and activities happening around the Big Island. Cure that ‘cabin fever’ and get out of the house to discover what we’re talking about.
February 18, 2026 · 1:00 PM

Turbulent times discovered in sun’s corona through University of Hawaiʻi eclipse research

The study reveals the origin and evolution of turbulence in the corona, a process long linked to coronal heating and the acceleration of the solar wind.
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Hawai‘i Business 

Trump tariffs struck down by US Supreme Court, ruling them as unconstitutional
Insights: Is Hawaiʻi being left behind?
Deadline approaches to apply for 2026 Fukunaga Scholarship
Young Brothers’ barge arrival at Port of Kawaihae delayed Tuesday due to high winds

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 

Team Rubicon helps homeowners clean hazardous debris from Kīlauea eruption
February 20, 2026 · 5:00 AM HST
Volcano Watch: A sight to see; maintaining Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s webcams during a historic eruption
February 20, 2026 · 1:00 AM HST
UPDATE: Lava fountains reach up to 1,300 feet tall before end of Episode 42 in ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption ends
February 16, 2026 · 3:41 AM HST

Ocean Blog 

Snorkel Bob’s expands to Queens’ Marketplace in Waikōloa
February 16, 2026 · 7:00 AM HST
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

Maui Now 

Upcoming Mālama Maui Nui hosts ʻŌpala Speaker Series event, Feb. 24

Mālama Maui Nui hosts the Talking ʻŌpala Speaker Series event on Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Four Seasons Resort, Maui Ballroom.

Matson expands support for Hawaiʻi Foodbank and local families

To help Hawaiʻi Foodbank meet rising demand across the islands, Matson has increased its support for Hawaiʻi families in need by adding 100 containers to its existing pledge of in-kind shipping services for 400 containers annually through 2027 to serve Hawaiʻi Foodbank’s program for purchasing and transporting large quantities of food from the continental US.

Maui Youth & Family Services provides youth mental health first aid training and certification

Maui Youth & Family Services hosted a Youth Mental Health First Aid training on Friday, Feb. 13 at the Maui Family YMCA West Side Resource Center.

The MACC Presents BLACK GRACE Paradise Rumor in the Castle Theater, March 8

New Zealand’s leading contemporary dance group, Black Grace, returns to the Castle Theater on Sunday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale online only at 10 a.m. to MACC members on Friday, Feb. 20, and to the general public on Saturday, Feb. 21.

Hawaiʻi Technology Academy announces admissions open for 2026-27

Hawaiʻi Technology Academy, the state’s largest K-12 public charter school, officially opens its admissions applications for the upcoming school year on Monday, Feb. 23. Families are invited to explore HTA’s unique blended learning model, a tuition-free approach that focuses on each child’s individual needs and interests. HTA has two campuses on Maui: a K-8 campus […]

Kaua‘i Now 

Insights: Is Hawaiʻi being left behind?

Data suggest it is, though not in the same way as traditional left-behind regions.

$7.5M in federal funding secured for housing, transportation projects on Kaua‘i

Projects include a housing subdivision in ‘Ele‘ele, a housing expansion project in Kīlauea Town, and a shared-use path from Waimea to Kekaha.

Measure aimed at hiking DUI penalties for highly intoxicated drivers advances

Hawai’i House Committee on Transportation moved House Bill 1708 ahead with 7 yes votes; the bill would make a second DUI offense with a blood-alcohol content more than 0.15% — and within 10 years of a driver’s first DUI conviction — a Class C felony.

Volcano Watch: A sight to see; maintaining Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s webcams during a historic eruption

Visual observations have been a backbone of volcano research more than 2,000 years and remain fundamental to understanding how volcanoes work; advancements in technology even allow eruptions to be viewed from anywhere around the world.

‘Exceptional performance and commitment’: Kaua‘i County Department of Water names 2025 employees of the year

Honorees are Albert Cadavona, Chrysanthemum “Christine” Erorita and Joseph “Jay” Perreira Jr.; they were recognized Thursday (Feb. 19) during the monthly meeting of Kaua‘i County Board of Water Supply.

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kh6jrm@gmail.com

I am the retired news director of Pacific Radio Group stations on the Island of Hawaii. I am a retired Lt. Col., USAF Reserve. I am a FCC-licensed Amateur Radio Operator, holding the Amateur Extra Class License. I am a substitute teacher for the state of Hawaii Department of Education.

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