AKINA portrait 2

Keliʻi Akina, Ph.D.

Government & Politics

Viewpoints

Robert Pritchett’s home on the Lahaina waterfront stood for 90 years before being lost to the August 2023 wildfires. Now, he’s paying a mortgage on an empty lot and watching his resources drain away while waiting for permits and approvals to rebuild.

Similarly, the Stevens family built their shoreline home on Kai Pali Place in Lahaina 44 years ago, and it too was destroyed in the fires. They’ve applied for a Special Management Area permit to rebuild their destroyed home and are still waiting.

Likewise, Jenni Bishop’s modest 2,000-square-foot home on the makai side of Front Street was destroyed in the fires, and she also wants to rebuild what she had. Under the current SMA rules, however, she can rebuild only half the square footage.

These stories from legislative testimony aren’t unique. There are many more Maui residents within the SMA boundaries who simply want to be able to rebuild what they lost. Current SMA regulations make that extremely difficult, however, and local lawmakers have taken note.

Gov. Josh Green, for his part, has issued multiple emergency proclamations that include waivers for Lahaina residents seeking SMA permits, which normally can take years to obtain. But the issue needs to be solved permanently to provide certainty.

A bill that would address the problem is 

, approved on Thursday by the House Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs. The goal now is for the bill to make it all the way to the governor’s desk for his approval, and the chances for that look pretty good.

Another proposal to help Maui’s rebuilding efforts is 

 which was approved unanimously by the Maui County Council just yesterday and praised shortly afterward by Mayor Richard Bissen. [Editor's note — Mayor Bissen signed this bill into law this week.]

The measure will make it easier for county residents to restore nonconforming structures and uses destroyed by natural disasters. A “nonconforming” building is one that was once permitted but would be illegal if it were constructed the same way under current zoning code requirements.

The term also refers to how a building is used. For example, it might have been legal to be an ice cream shop or even a church, temple or synagogue when it first opened, but the location has since been rezoned to not allow that particular purpose.

Mayor Bissen issued a statement saying the passage of Bill 105 represented “a crucial step in helping our community rebuild stronger and with hope.”

He said the measure was “initiated by the [Maui] Planning Department and strongly supported by Councilmember [Tamara] Paltin,” and “for many, it will allow them to restore their homes as they were, building back the character that made Lahaina special.”

This, of course, is great news, but many bureaucratic barriers to Lahaina’s recovery remain. We must continue working to remove them.

I hope that in addition to SB1296 and Bill 105, state and county policymakers will enact even more reforms to help our Maui ohana rebuild, recover and — ultimately — once again thrive.

Keli‘i Akina, Ph.D. is president and CEO of 

. Reprinted with permission from Akina's March 25, 2025 newsletter.

I Stock Lahaina Paul Venus

<title>Community Voices: Lahaina future brighter, but keep pedal to the metal | Aloha State Daily</title>

Community Voices: Lahaina future brighter, but keep pedal to the metal

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

Growing up in Honolulu, Terry George always knew he wanted to make the world a better place, but wasn't sure how to. 

He left the Islands to attend college and began a long career in philanthropy, which took him from the Mainland to Southeast Asia with 

, until settling on Oʻahu to marry his long-distance girlfriend and former teacher, Julie. Today, the pair have two adult children.

George told Aloha State Daily he worked locally for 

 before getting recruited by Mitch D’Olier, board chair of 

, and began his first day on the job as executive director in August 2003. 

“There was no mission, no values, no strategy when I first joined, and nonprofits were waiting at least six months just to hear back on a grant,” he said. “We looked at how to make grantmaking faster and established those things. That year, we also invested heavily in building a leadership pipeline, which created career pathways for low-income students through work-based learning initiatives, pre-college credits, and better counseling and guidance.”

Nearly 22 years later, George plans to retire in July from his role as president and CEO to “spend time traveling with family and stay involved with the community.”

“I had let the board know of my intention over a year ago, but it was ultimately my decision on when," he said. "It’s been a smooth process so far because of the board’s engagement. I have so much aloha for them." 

The Harold K.L. Castle Foundation recently named two successors for George – Alex Harris as president and Eric Co as CEO – essentially splitting up the work and skillsets. The co-leadership model was voted on by the board, to which the pair will report, and a 100-day succession plan is under way for Harris, Eric and George. 

“Leadership is a team effort and this will be a good renewal for the foundation,” George said. “Alex and Eric, both internal hires, have been poised for this work for a long time and are shadowing me now, so I want to make sure I am thorough and set them up to succeed.”

Meet Harold K.L. Castle Foundation’s newly appointed leaders, starting July 1:

Who is Eric Co and what is his role as CEO?

Who is Alex Harris and what is his role as president?

Both will uphold  its mission, goals and values

[{"text":"The foundation then and now","type":"text"}]

Founded in 1962 by the longtime owner of Kāneʻohe Ranch, the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation has awarded more than $259 million in grants, with over $60 million going to organizations serving Windward Oʻahu, 

By December 2013, the foundation had sold all of its land, including retail and commercial parcels, George said. “We aim to grow beyond the level of inflation through both public and private equity markets to continue to make an impact in local communities."

Last year, the foundation dispersed more than $5 million toward statewide public education, ocean and climate resiliency, among other areas. The foundation is funded by the Castle family’s land and liquid assets, totaling about $200 million, of which 5% annually is used toward local grantmaking. 

Drive down any street [in Windward Oʻahu] and read the neighbors’ names:  Smith … Nobriga … Matsumoto … Ching … Park … Naone … Dela Cruz! Here are people — good neighbors — whose measure of each other is not ‘who’ you are [ethnically] but ‘what’ you are [as a person].

[{"text":"Q&A: Lessons in leadership, legacy and mentorship","type":"text"}]

Aloha State Daily: What are you looking forward to in retirement?

 I might spend all of July picking weeds, or in other forms of community service. I also want to learn ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, mentor middle school students, maybe get into consulting. Spend time with family and travel. I feel hopeful for Hawaiʻi’s future, in schools, nonprofits, government, business. We need to support them to move forward.

[{"text":"ASD: Who are some of your local mentors?","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}]}]

 D’Olier with the foundation; Jan Dill, founder of Partners in Development Foundation; Rachael Wong of One Shared Future; Corbett Kalama, president and CEO, of Locations; Nainoa Thompson, president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society – just to name a few.

ASD: What is the legacy you hope to leave behind?

 A web of trust-based relationships that span from small-scale organizations to top-level business executives. The legacy of showing that you can create an ecosystem of for-profits, nonprofits, policymakers and community members to nurture and create growth. Serving others. Be accountable to the children, youth, grassroots community leaders, and know that change takes time. Never give in to cynicism. We need to grow the muscle to solve problems – we have huge ones in Hawai‘i, and we have a choice to be a part of the solution or sit on the sidelines.

[{"text":"ASD: What will you miss most about this job?","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}]}]

It’s been 22 years of gratitude and a privilege to be a part of so many good things going on in Hawaiʻi. Humility is a part of good leadership here. Hawaiʻi is worth fighting for, so my advice for other leaders is: Get off the sidelines, find out what inspires you and go serve. Get in the canoe and paddle.

To learn more about how the Harold K. L. Castle Foundation is shaping Windward Oʻahu communities, check out this 20-year review video, presented by Terry George: 

To learn more about its work in nearshore fisheries, see below: 

To learn more about its work in education, see below:

HLKC Foundation Leadership 2025 16x9

<title>Harold K.L. Castle Foundation’s Terry George talks succession… | Aloha State Daily</title>

Leadership may be shifting at the foundation, but George, who is set to retire in July, says the mission remains the same: To build resources for Hawaiʻi’s future, including addressing achievement gaps in public education, restoring reefs and fisheries statewide, and investing in resilient Windward O’ahu communities and beyond.

Harold K.L. Castle Foundation’s Terry George talks succession planning and the new co-leadership model rooted in its values

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

The ongoing eruption of Kīlauea volcano has paused again — for now — but the most recent episode of volcanic activity saw lava fountains more than 1,000 feet high.

There have been 15 episodes of "lava fountaining" separated by pauses in activity since the current eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Kaluapele, the summit caldera, began on Dec. 23, 2024, according to an update Thursday from the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

The eruption paused at 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, March 26. This episode lasted just over 31 hours and included about nine hours of "high fountaining," HVO said in the update, noting that fountaining remained at or above 600 feet high for most of the afternoon but reached heights over 1,000 feet at multiple points during the day.

HVO says all activity remains within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Hawai‘i Island and that no significant activity has been noted along Kīlauea's East Rift Zone or Southwest Rift Zone.

A park spokesperson told Aloha State Daily in an email that this eruption is "definitely unique in its scale, with the fountains reaching such impressive heights."

"While eruptions within the caldera can sometimes see fountains of significant height, this event has certainly been more dramatic and active than some previous eruptions we've seen in recent years," they said.

[{"text":"But this isn't the first eruption that has reached impressive heights.","type":"text"}]

According to the spokesperson, three of the "most iconic high-fountaining eruptions within recent history" include the 

. These eruptions, however, were not within the summit caldera, they noted.

The spokesperson says crowds at the park have been increasing during the "high-fountaining eruptive episodes of the most recent eruption."

"It's been exciting to see so many people eager to experience the event first-hand, but it's also important for visitors to be prepared for long waits and to have patience while navigating the park."

If you're planning a visit, the spokesperson recommends visiting the park's website for real-time 

"Additionally, visitors should always be prepared for changing weather, especially in this area, and follow any guidance from park rangers for safety."

HVO said in the update, published shortly after 10 a.m. this morning, that the likely start of the next episode remained uncertain at that time.

 is one of five volcano observatories within the USGS and monitors volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa. 

 encompasses the summits of two active volcanoes on Hawaiʻi Island: Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

Usgs kilauea 032625

<title>Kīlauea's eruption has paused again | Aloha State Daily</title>

There have been 15 episodes of "lava fountaining" separated by pauses in activity since the current eruption began on Dec. 23, 2024. The latest episode ended Wednesday.

Kīlauea's eruption has paused again

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

The Chinatown restaurant is celebrating its milestone anniversary on March 28 and 29. From 6 p.m. to restaurant closing on both days, you can take advantage of $10 cocktails and food specials.

[{"text":"The eatery’s regular dinner menu will still be available.","type":"text"}]

“These (dishes) have been our highest-selling items, other than mac and cheese,” says business owner Samantha Moore.

Start with appetizers like jalapeno poppers — crispy, beer-battered jalapenos with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, pork belly and caramelized onions, served with buttermilk ranch — and poutine. The latter is a medley of umami flavors — hand-cut Idaho russet potatoes coated with savory brown gravy sauce, scallions and mozzarella. It’s cheesy, addictive, and one of my favorite dishes on the menu.

If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, opt for the strawberry walnut salad. It comprises mixed greens topped with candied walnuts, cucumbers, goat cheese crumbles, strawberries and vinaigrette dressing.

The bacon jam burger is the best deal on this list of $10 specials (it’s normally $21). It features Big Island beef, caramelized bacon jam, fried onions, crispy cheddar cheese and your side of choice (we usually go with fries). I love the beefy flavor and contrasting texture — the crispy fried onions mixed with the soft bun.

For dessert, indulge in New York-style cheesecake topped with fresh berries and berry coulis.

Meanwhile, $10 cocktails include cucumber cooler, old fashioned, king iced coffee, lime leaf sour and lychee refresher.

“The lychee refresher was my very first craft cocktail that I’ve ever made,” Moore says. “I developed it at 22 years old, and it’s the one item that, anytime we try to replace, they (customers) want it back.”

Smith and Kings bacon jam burger 032725

<title>This Chinatown eatery is celebrating 10 years with several $10 dishes | Aloha State Daily</title>

Smith & Kings is commemorating double digits with delicious discounts

This Chinatown eatery is celebrating 10 years with several $10 dishes

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

Gov. Josh Green admits he didn't prepare much at all for the pregame workout he put himself through at Roosevelt High School's Ticky Vasconcellos Stadium. Yet, there he was on Tuesday, throwing dozens of passes to members of the Moanalua and Roosevelt girls flag football teams prior to the first-ever sanctioned OIA game. 

"Oh, like zero," Green said when asked how much he warmed up for the pregame action. "I was a goalkeeper back in the day in soccer, but I didn't have the courage to be out on the football field back in the day. But it was fun. I just have to say, it's really fun to be with young people and it's fun to throw the ball around."

Green was one of a handful of community leaders present for the Hawai‘i DOE and OIA's kickoff event at Roosevelt, which featured a doubleheader to commemorate Hawai‘i becoming the 12th state to sanction girls flag football as an official sport. 

Tuesday evening at Roosevelt had a celebratory feel for a moment that took years of planning. A ceremony last August at McKinley High School made the sport official in the Islands, while 

free events involving NFL teams were held across O‘ahu in the weeks prior to kickoff

"It's just a great, wonderful feeling when you can see so many people, so many organizations and communities come together. Many people have helped to make this happen," DOE superintendent Keith Hayashi said. "I can't speak enough about our coaches, our athletic directors, our principals, schools, student-athletes, who are working their their tails off to make this a great season. 

"As I watch some of the girls practicing out here, I mean, they're putting on moves that I think I probably would have sprained my ankle. The skill level, I'm just so impressed with. And again, encouraging everyone to come out and support these young women. They're going to put on a great show. So come out, let's make this a great season. Support your communities."

Following a brief pregame ceremony, Green performed the coin toss and the inaugural season was all set to begin. 

"We're crazy over football (in Hawai‘i), and for too long, we've excluded half of the best people, which are young women," Green said. "I think it's just fantastic. I have a feeling that there's going to be a lot of collegiality between the men and women football players. There'll probably be a lot of training that's available to them going forward. A lot of it is skills. There might not be contact, that's not what this sport is necessarily about. But speed, precision, you saw the routes they were running. I think there's a lot to be said for the training of the mind, and the rigors of football are serious."

The Maui Interscholastic League began flag football over the weekend, as did the ILH. Once the OIA games on Tuesday at Roosevelt got started, Moanalua immediately established itself as one of the early state favorites. Na Manehune routed the Rough Riders 44-0 behind seven touchdown passes from quarterback Zaira Sugui. 

Sugui, a junior, is also a two-time state wrestling champion. She estimated that she has been playing flag football at the club level for four or five years, but has taken on the quarterback position for the last three. When she was first told flag football was becoming an official high school sport in her home state, she was incredulous. 

"I was like, 'No way,'" she said. "They really said that flag football is a new sport to high school. I was excited, because now Hawai‘i girls can come together, and if they really love football when they're young, then they can showcase it in college if they want to play flag football. And a lot of these girls came out, and this was their first sport. I'm glad that flag football gave them that opportunity to join a sport."

Sugui, who was seen throwing the ball as far as 45 to 50 yards in pregame warmups, impressed with a bevy of throws on Tuesday, showing accuracy and finesse. 

"It was nice to see all my girls perform and show what they improved on, because some of them never knew anything about football," she said. 

Moanalua is coached by Ladd Mokiao, who has over a decade coaching flag football on the islands. 

"It's a privilege for the girls and us, me and my coaching staff, to experience all the things that the governor, everybody's doing for a female sport and flag football," Mokiao said. "It's a long time coming, and glad to see this."

Mokiao holds his players to a high standard, including Sugui. He winced when a reporter opined that his quarterback played well on Tuesday. 

"She had an alright game, a lot of miscues and wasn't really warmed up," Mokiao said of Sugui. "She's a lot better than what you see, what you saw on the field tonight. As a coach, I'm very hard on her anyway, so I mean, she might have looked better to other people, not but not me."

[{"text":"In the nightcap, Kaimukī defeated McKinley 6-2 in a low-scoring affair. ","type":"text"}]

The inaugural HHSAA girls flag football season will culminate with the state tournament, which runs from April 30-May 3 at Mililani and Pearl City High School. 

Moanalua Roosevelt 032725

<title>Girls flag football kicks off across Islands | Aloha State Daily</title>

Flag football is a sanctioned HHSAA sport for the first time in 2025, with state championships set to take place from April 30-May 3.

Girls flag football kicks off across Islands

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Entertainment

Arts & Culture

Looking to catch a few hours of live music and performances? The Hawaiian contemporary hit radio station KCCN-FM 100 is hosting 

which gives attendees a chance to see 18 performers over two days for $18. 

Featured performers include Ooklah The Moc, Three Plus, Johnny Suite, Franskiiz, Pohaku, Kawao, Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm, The Vitals and many more. 

Representatives of the radio station could not be reached immediately for comment.

The one-day pass costs $15. A two-day pass is $18. VIP passes are $49 plus taxes and fees for a single day and $79 plus taxes and fees for both days and include premium viewing and a dedicated bar and bathrooms.

The event is open to attendees who are at least 21 years old.

PC Kelsey 1 jpeg 16x9

<title>Want live music for less than $20? | Aloha State Daily</title>

Check out this event, featuring Ooklah The Moc and others, at the Bishop Museum next week. AlohaLauLea, a two-day music festival hosted by the Hawaiian contemporary hit radio station KCCN-FM 100, starts at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5.

Want live music for less than $20?

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Make Aloha part of your day, everyday

These are the fix-all for any pie, croissant or donut craving.

Maui Bakeries Komoda donut 032425

Three bakeries you have to visit on Maui

Adopt a Pet

Learn how to adopt this pup named Bubbles from the Hawaiian Humane Societyʻs Mōʻiliʻili Campus.

Adopt a Pet Bubbles 3.27.25

Adopt A-Pet March 27, 2025: Meet Bubbles, a smart ʻgoofballʻ terrier mix

Real Estate

Aloha State Daily recently caught up with Rhonda Alexander-Monkres, the newly appointed executive director of Ho‘ōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group. With the help of community partners, the Maui-based organization is tackling issues such as housing, emotional care, case management and more.

Hoola and Mennonites team

Video: Executive director shares update on housing in Lahaina

Richard O’Connor is a New York City animator working with students to tell multigenerational stories about Lahaina. The short film he animated explores the devastating impact of the wildfires of August 2023. Watch a screening of this and other short films on Thursday, March 27.

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Want live music for less than $20?

Three bakeries you have to visit on Maui

Adopt A-Pet March 27, 2025: Meet Bubbles, a smart ʻgoofballʻ terrier mix

Video: Executive director shares update on housing in Lahaina

Five films about Lahaina featured in this festival

Olympic swimmer Karol Ostrowski set to compete in NCAA Championships for UH

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Headlines

Want live music for less than $20?

Three bakeries you have to visit on Maui

Adopt A-Pet March 27, 2025: Meet Bubbles, a smart ʻgoofballʻ terrier mix

Video: Executive director shares update on housing in Lahaina

Five films about Lahaina featured in this festival

Olympic swimmer Karol Ostrowski set to compete in NCAA Championships for UH