Education
More to the story: Laying foundation for future students with new $16M Kealakehe Elementary building
The 2-story, 13,000-square-foot facility will add 4 classrooms, special education spaces, an outdoor classroom, covered learning lānai, faculty workroom, offices and storage while connecting the school’s upper and lower campuses while expanding learning space to better serve growing student population.
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.
Deadline approaches to apply for 2026 Fukunaga Scholarship
Students who are selected each receive $20,000 throughout 4 years — or a pro-rated amount for fewer years — that can be applied to tuition, books, housing and other educational expenses; deadline to apply online is Feb. 23.
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.
Niu Festival: A ho‘opono event coming to downtown Hilo this weekend
Free, full-day communitywide cultural and educational gathering centered on the coconut — often referred to as the ‘tree of life’ — slated for Sunday (Feb. 22) at Palace Theater
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Small businesses interested in working with government invited to attend free workshops
There will be 6 workshops total statewide, and they begin Feb. 24 on Oʻahu; Big Island classes are March 4 and 12, with the Kauaʻi workshop slated for April 1.
New research led by University of Hawaiʻi scientists reveals evolution-defying marine creatures
A group of colorful hexacorals known as “zoantharians” remain virtually identical throughout the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific oceans.
Free 1-on-1 tech assistance available at Hawaiʻi’s public libraries
Digital Navigators are available by appointment at all 50 public libraries throughout the state, offering free, personalized help with everyday technology needs to make it less stressful and more accessible.
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.
Bicameral measure aimed at rebuilding public schools nationwide introduced by Hirono, colleagues
The Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2026 targets $130 billion in federal funding throughout 5 years for school infrastructure funding.
New study reveals avian malaria is widespread among Hawaiʻi bird communities
The study led by a University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researcher — published Feb. 10 in Nature Communications — found the scourge killing native Hawaiian birds was present at 63 of 64 sites tested statewide, including areas with very different bird communities.
Deadline to enter 2026 Maunakea Coin Contest approaching quickly
All Big Island students in grades kindergarten through 12 are eligible to submit designs for the contest, but don’t wait; the deadline to enter is this Friday (Feb. 13).
Girl Scout cookie sales underway in Hawaiʻi!
Scouts will launch cookie booths Feb. 20 statewide for the world’s largest girl-led entrepreneurial program, which this year includes a new flavor to satisfy customer cravings.
Hilo Education Arts Repertory Theatre production of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ opens this week
The show — with a raw honesty and contemporary relevance — explores themes of loneliness, truth, mental health and the universal desire to be seen and understood; it opens Friday (Feb. 13) at East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center in downtown Hilo.
Parker School in Waimea now accepting applications for its new preschool
New Parker Preschool serves keiki ages 2 to 5 years old, with a target opening date of August this year; it was established to extend Parker School’s educational continuum while addressing the growing need for high-quality child care for faculty, staff and families in the broader Waimea community.
Hawaiʻi LGBT Legacy Foundation accepting applications for 2026 Rainbow Legacy Scholarships
Scholarship recipients are awarded $2,000 to support education-related expenses; applicants must be rooted in Hawaiʻi LGBT Legacy Foundation’s vision of hope, equality, unity and service to the betterment of Hawaiʻi and the people who live here.
