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Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

Arts & Entertainment

[{"text":"\"A honu world!\" had us dying.","type":"text"}]

Screenshot 2025 03 28 at 2 34 22 PM

<title>Hawaiʻi Scene on Social: Making up all any kine</title>

In today's social media find, @islandmagicmike riffs on Hulu, Disney and more.

Hawaiʻi Scene on Social: Making up all any kine

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

More than 200 candidates are running for elected offices in Hawai‘i and will appear on ballots this year. See the candidates for city and county races, 

Tuesday marked the filing deadline for prospective political candidates to submit their nomination papers to run for office in the upcoming 2026 elections. The 2026 primary election will be held Saturday, Aug. 8, with the general election set for Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Here are the candidates for statewide races. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Governor"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Lieutenant Governor"}]

U.S. Representative candidates, District II

State Senator District 5 (Wailuku, Kahului)

State Senator District 8 (Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau)

State Senator District 9 (Hawai‘i Kai, Diamond Head)

State Senator District 10 (Kaimukī, Kapahulu, Mō‘ili‘ili)

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"• Incumbent Les Ihara Jr., Democrat "}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"• Jackson Sayama, Democrat  "}]

State Senator District 11 (Mānoa, Makiki, Punchbowl)

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"• Incumbent Carol Fukunaga, Democrat "}]

State Senator District 13 (Liliha, Iwilei, Nu‘uanu)

State Senator District 14 (Moanalua, ‘Aiea, Fort Shafter)

State Senator District 15 (Kalihi, Māpunapuna)

State Senator District 17 (Mililani Town, Wahiawā)

State Senator District 19 (Pearl City, Waipahu)

State Senator District 20 (‘Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe)

State Senator District 21 (Kalaeloa, Kapolei)

State Senator District 25 (Kailua, Waimānalo)

State Rep. District 3 (Hilo, Keaukaha, Kea‘au)

State Rep. District 4 (Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaiian Beaches)

State Rep. District 5 (Kea‘au, Mountain View, Volcano, 

Pāhala, Punalu‘u, Nā‘ālehu, Hawaiian Ocean View

State Rep. District 6 (Captain Cook, Kailua-Kona)

State Rep. District 7 (Kailua-Kona, Honokōhau)

State Rep. District 8 (Hawi, Waimea, Waikōloa)

State Rep. District 12 (Pukalani, Makawao)

State Rep. District 13 ( Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe)

State Rep. District 15 (Hā‘ena, Hanalei)

State Rep. District 16 (Wailuā, Līhu‘e)

Kōloa, Po‘ipū, Kalāheo, Ele‘ele, Hanapēpē, Waimea

State Rep. District 18 (Portlock, Hawai‘i Kai)

State Rep. District 19 (‘Āina Haina, Niu Valley)

State Rep. District 20 (Leahi, Wai‘alae, Kaimukī)

State Rep. District 21 (Pālolo Valley, Wilhelmina Rise)

State Rep. District 23 (Mō‘ili‘ili, McCully)

State Rep. District 25 (Ala Moana, Downtown Honolulu)

State Rep. District 26 (Makiki, Punchbowl)

State Rep. District 27 (Pacific Heights, Nu‘uanu)

State Rep. District 28 (Sand Island, Chinatown)

State Rep. District 29 (Kamehameha Heights, Kalihi Valley)

State Rep. District 30 (Kalihi, Hickam Village)

State capitol 022725

<title>Here's who's running for office in 2026, part 1</title>

Tuesday marked the filing deadline for prospective political candidates. See who's running for state offices here.

Here's who's running for office in 2026, part 1

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

It's no secret — or surprise — that Toyota Tacomas are popular in the Islands.

In fact, according to Servco Pacific, which has exclusive distributorships of Toyota, Lexus and Subaru in Hawai‘i, it's been the top-selling vehicle in the Islands for 25 years. 

To commemorate that milestone, Servco has unveiled a Hawai‘i-exclusive special edition of the best-selling truck and just 25 will be available statewide, Servco says.

"Hawaiʻi has embraced the Toyota Tacoma as part of its ‘ohana for a quarter of a century,” 

, president and CEO of Servco Pacific Inc

, said in an announcement Friday. "This special edition is our way of saying mahalo to the community that has made this truck the undisputed favorite across the Islands."

The truck comes in the color "mudbath" and comes with a "comprehensive suite of custom components designed to enhance both aesthetics and functionality," the announcement notes.

[{"type":"text","text":"The special build includes:"}]

Dames told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions that the goal was to create something that feels "authentically local" and pay tribute to the community that has made the Tacoma the best-selling vehicle for the past 25 years.

"We're excited to see how customers respond because this edition was inspired by the people who drive Tacomas every day in Hawaiʻi," he says. "We know there's a strong sense of pride around the Tacoma locally, and we think many customers will appreciate seeing that connection reflected in a vehicle designed with Hawaiʻi in mind.

"More than anything, we hope it resonates with the communities, families, small business owners, outdoor enthusiasts and longtime Tacoma owners who have helped make the truck such an iconic part of life in Hawaiʻi."

Dames says that the Tacoma's popularity in the Islands goes beyond transportation.

"The truck is incredibly versatile and well-suited to island life. Whether you're heading to work, spending time with family, going to the beach, exploring the outdoors or supporting a small business, the Tacoma fits naturally into many aspects of daily life.

"Just as important, Tacoma owners in Hawaiʻi have built a strong community around the vehicle over the years. For many families, it's a truck they've trusted for generations," he continued. "That combination of capability, reliability, and deep local connection has helped make the Tacoma one of the most recognizable and beloved vehicles in Hawaiʻi."

You'll be able to reserve the truck in person beginning June 6 at Servco Toyota and Maui Toyota dealerships across the Islands. The TSRP, or total suggested retail price, is $44,770 and $7,999 for the Hawai‘i edition accessories.

In 2025, Tacomas made up 7.1% of the market share in Hawai‘i, according to a 

 from the Hawai‘i Automobile Dealers Association.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

MY26 Tacoma Hawaii Edition 22

<title>Servco Pacific unveils exclusive Hawai‘i edition Toyota Tacoma</title>

The Tacoma has been Hawai‘i's top-selling vehicle for 25 years.

Servco Pacific unveils exclusive Hawai‘i edition Toyota Tacoma

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Whether you call May 5 Children’s Day or Boys’ Day, there are many ways to celebrate the keiki in your life. Check out the following limited-time options:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Choco leʻa"}]

: For Children’s Day, the dessert shop will feature chocolate covered animal crackers ($7.49) and goodie bags ($9.99) with a dark chocolate covered Oreo, dark chocolate tokens and chocolate covered animal crackers. 

: Pre-orders are accepted for pick-up on May 1, 2 and 5 to 9

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Fujiya Hawaiʻi"}]

: Pick-up 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 4; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 5 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Hawaiian Pie Co."}]

: This Boys’ Day manju ($6 for two pieces) features a shortbread cookie-like outer shell and fillings of red bean paste or red bean paste mixed with peanut butter. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Hokulani Bake Shop"}]

: The shop’s Boys’ Day koi fish-shaped cookies ($5 each) will come in red and blue colors. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Kulu Kulu Cake"}]

: Eaton Square, 438 Hobron Lane Ste. 102, Honolulu 

: Specialty Boys’ Day treats include the Boys’ Day strawberry shortcake ($46.50 for a 6-inch cake) and Boys’ Day bear puff ($6.25 each).

Pre-orders are accepted in-store or online. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"La Palme D’Or"}]

: Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu

: Specialty Boys’ Day desserts include Koi fish-shaped icing cookies ($8 each), Samurai chocolate mousse ($13), Koi fish-shaped chocolate roll cake ($38) and Koi fish-shaped strawberry shortcake ($52-$86, depending on size). 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Olive Branch Hawaiʻi"}]

: The Boys’ Day-themed Kodomo sweet box ($15) includes three chocolate-dipped pretzels, Oreos, and Rice Krispies, along with assorted nostalgic local snacks. 

Childrens Day roundup La Palme Dor 042826

<title>Where to find treats for Children’s Day 2026</title>

Specially decorated cakes, cookies, mochi and other desserts are available for a limited time.

Where to find treats for Children’s Day 2026

Insurance provider DTRIC will leave the insurance market in Hawai‘i and wind down its operations over the next several years.

On Friday, the Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs announced that DTRIC — a home and auto insurer founded in 1992 — would transition to a run-off insurance carrier in the state, and will no longer issue new policies or renew old ones. 

A statement by DTRIC claimed that the decision came after the March merger of DTRIC's parent company, Japan's Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Company, with the Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, which lead the merged company to focus on "more profitable markets."

"As Hawai‘i is a relatively small market with natural catastrophe exposure and continually rising costs, sustaining long-term growth and profitability has become increasingly challenging," the statement read. "With a view to achieving higher profitability, it was decided to transition DTRIC to a run-off insurance carrier."

DTRIC's statement assured that operations will be maintained for "at least the next several years" in order to continue to honor existing policies. However, the company will also make workforce reductions at the end of 2026 and the end of each subsequent year.

DTRIC did not specify the number of policyholders the company has in Hawai‘i.

DCCA advises policyholders to contact their agents and visit the DCCA 

“Consumers have ample time to find a replacement carrier," said Insurance Commissioner Scott Saiki in a statement. "We advise them to ask family, friends and coworkers for referrals, as well as ensuring they understand their new policy and payment plans before signing anything. Lastly, they should verify that they are working with an authorized and licensed insurance broker."

Scott Saiki Insurance Commissioner 071625

<title>Insurance provider DTRIC to wind down in Hawai‘i</title>

Company will neither issue nor renew policies as it withdraws from Hawai‘i market

Insurance provider DTRIC to wind down in Hawai‘i

For Ryan Emmons, co-founder and CEO of Hilo-based Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages, the company was built upon his passions.

Emmons split his time as a child between the Islands, where his mother grew up and his extended family lived, and

California. He attended the University of Southern California, where he was part of a social entrepreneurship program within the Marshall School of Business.

"I was really involved in clean water nonprofits," he told Aloha State Daily. "Waiākea was founded on a lot of my personal passions and core values that are also, I think, reflective of a lot of values here in Hawai‘i."

[{"type":"text","text":"Waiākea got its start in Hilo in 2012."}]

The company draws its water from the Mauna Loa aquifer system. Water is filtered down about 13,000 feet from the volcano's summit through volcanic rock, which Emmon says "really enriches it with all these trace minerals. It makes it naturally alkaline." 

There are 70 people employed at state-of-the-art bottling facilities in Hilo and Kea‘au, he noted.

In addition to water in bottles of various sizes, sparkling water and boxed water, the company also offers a variety ready-to-drink canned coffees and bags of coffees.

Emmons says Waiākea was founded on a simple idea: the world doesn't need another beverage company or bottled water company.

"But really what it does need is a catalyst for change," Emmons says. "With that, it's really building a brand that reflects values regarding quality, but most importantly, stewardship and community and kind of bringing our community with us along the journey. And from a stewardship standpoint, we wanted to really move the needle in terms of environmental commitments and standards."

Waiākea was the first in Hawai‘i and the U.S. to use 100% post-consumer recycled packaging, which he says has the "lowest environmental footprint" of all packaging types.

"Over the last decade-plus, we've continued to iterate along the way," Emmons says. "Our most recent iteration of that is our OceanPlast line, but we've invested in 'no empty mile' transport management systems, because transport ... in most industries, that's a huge bulk of your environmental footprint, [and also] smokeless roasting for our coffee products."

[{"type":"text","text":"OceanPlast bottles are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic."}]

The company also has spent the last few years working to develop "carbon-negative algae-based inks" for its packaging.

And while all that's happening, the company's nonprofit foundation, the Kōkua Initiative, has partnered with more than 175 other nonprofits, community leaders and organizations to impact more than 550,000 people through ‘āina-based conservation projects and programs that aim to help vulnerable populations.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Company growth"}]

Emmons says the focus for growth has been Hawai‘i but the company has expanded into the Mainland over the last several years.

At the start, there was a small team in Hilo, but the company did a pilot in Los Angeles before scaling that through regional trade shows, he explained.

The focus at first was on the "natural channel," Emmons says, but "realized that we were limiting ourselves, and we really could tell the brand had legs. I think a big part of that was when people turn the bottle around and they actually saw everything that we were doing from the sustainability side to that local community impact."

You can now find Waiākea products at thousands of retail locations across the U.S. and there are now more than 90 people companywide.

[{"type":"text","text":"\"It's been a pretty gnarly journey.\""}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Business in Hawai‘i"}]

Emmons is frank when talking about the challenges of running a business in Hawai‘i: It's really hard, he said with a laugh.

"I think any business owner of any size is going to say that operating in Hawai‘i is hard and it feels like there needs to be more done to support local businesses, especially those that are producing and manufacturing things," he continued. "Obviously, I'm biased, but disproportionate amount of jobs are created by the local producers, farmers included. We have a really tourism-dependent import economy, so it just makes sense that we would support more local businesses that are producing things and create a little more self-reliance and resilience for a number of reasons."

Among the challenges, Emmons noted logistics and rising interisland shipping costs. By the end of the year, those interisland shipping rates are anticipated to be 50% higher than 2020. That also affects cost of living.

: The state Public Utilities Commission this summer approved a temporary 18.1% customer rate increase for Young Brothers that went into effect July 1).

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"What's next?"}]

The company recently launched new latte items and bagged coffees that support Hawai‘i Island farms, and Emmon says he hopes to launch glass bottles later this year made with the highest percentage of recycled material in the industry.

"Typically, most glass bottles that you see out there are mostly virgin material, and if you are focused on cullet glass, then obviously that means you're supporting recycling infrastructure. We need more recycling infrastructure for glass. There's like none."

Waiākea is also a founding partner "in what hopefully will be Hawai‘i's first end-to-end recycling facility," Emmons says.

Additionally, Waiākea recently became a Certified B Corp. The B Impact Assessment, overseen by nonprofit 

, evaluates a company's operations in governance, workers, community, environment and customers. You can read 

Ryan Emmons

<title>Ryan Emmons and the passion behind Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages</title>

The co-founder and CEO says the Hilo-based company was founded on a simple idea that the world doesn't need another beverage company or bottled water company, but rather a "catalyst for change."

Ryan Emmons and the passion behind Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

Aloha Animal Sanctuary was formed in 2019 by four animal rights activists “to provide sanctuary for neglected, abused, and/or abandoned animals, and to promote compassion toward these animals through public engagement and education,” its mission states.

Today, the organization is run by more than 100 volunteers who help take care of over 40 animals, including pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, a turkey and cat — all affectionately called “residents.” It costs roughly $7,000 per month to operate the sanctuary, including food, habitat care and other reoccurring expenses, Executive Director Kristie LaRose told Aloha State Daily.

“When unexpected vet bills come in, it goes up quite a bit and is hard to plan for,” said LaRose, who volunteered with the sanctuary for two years before assuming her role in March.

She added, “I inherited the financial mess, but we’ve been doing well, and our six-month prudent reserve is in a good spot.”

In April, Aloha Animal Sanctuary was “in danger of closing its gates forever” and took to 

 to solicit $50,000 in donations. As of Monday, the fundraiser was nearly at 80% to goal. In a July 21 update, the sanctuary had just hosted a concert at Café Kopi in in Kailua where local musician Tavana performed.

“The venue provided delicious vegan food for people to enjoy. It was a magical evening, and we are hoping to host another one in November," the GoFundMe update read. “We are humbled by the outpouring of people wanting to help in any way. We have received quite a bit of interest from people wanting to become volunteers with us. We are run 100% by volunteers and have no paid staff, so we are always looking for new volunteers.”

Also of note, the sanctuary has been awarded two small grants totaling $3,000 and “has been researching and applying for grants, as well as exploring other ways to raise money,” LaRose said.

She noted that partnerships with local businesses have also been key.

Down to Earth provides "produce that is past the sell by date but still good" for feedings three times a week, she said. Drip Studio HNL and Shane Pope Insurance Services recently raised $1,300 for the sanctuary.

Each animal has a unique story of how it ended up at the sanctuary, she said, and many have special needs. Goober the rooster, for example, follows a specific diet and is more inclined to eat if a volunteer sits with him in his habitat.

ASD asked LaRose what she enjoys most about serving with the Aloha Animal Sanctuary, what it needs most currently and best ways to support, among other questions.

What initially drew you to the organization? 

I was looking for a place I could volunteer with animals that needed help. I am a big old softie and was nervous that if I volunteered at a dog or cat shelter, I would adopt 20 dogs. I found Aloha Animal Sanctuary and was like, ‘yeah I can't adopt five goats, pigs or roosters.’ They were needing help with recruiting new volunteers. I have many years of experience in this area and love it, so I applied. It felt like a perfect fit for me from the start.

What is the organization in need of most right now?  

Volunteers and donations!  We are always in need of those two. On the volunteer part, we need ones that can volunteer weekly for a few hours and also some key leadership roles. We need help with accounting, fundraising and tour guides. After getting through the tsunami warning last week and evacuating as many residents as we could, we realize we need more animal carriers.

 We would like to take care of some deferred maintenance on our resident habitats and work trade facilities. Also, we would like to raise funds to purchase a van to help us transport our residents easier. Right now, if an emergency happened it would be really hard to move our pigs, sheep and goats.  

What is your favorite part about this work? 

I always leave there in a better place mentally, physically and spiritually than when I arrived. All of my cups get filled by the service I provide to the sanctuary. I love each of the residents and volunteers. I have made some amazing friendships there. I find giving to those who have come from situations involving abandonment, abuse and/or neglect so meaningful and healing. I am truly honored to get to be part of the sanctuary. We call it a sanctuary for us humans, as well as our residents. 

Upcoming events

Volunteer Day
When: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23
What: On volunteer days we work on various projects, possibly helping with landscaping, habitat care, projects that need help with.  

Visitor Day
When: 3-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30 and Saturday, Sept. 13
What: Come learn more and take a tour. Visitors get to help feed the pigs and meet all the residents.

Go to alohasanctuary.org to get your tickets!

For rescue/rehoming requests: rescue@alohasanctuary.org

Aloha Animal Sanctuary

<title>Behind the scenes of Kāneʻohe’s Aloha Animal Sanctuary</title>

The Oʻahu-based nonprofit that rescues farm animals took to GoFundMe in April to solicit donations to help build its reserves and continue operations. Support from the community has been great, according to Executive Director Kristie LaRose, who shares more about fundraising, volunteer recruiting and plans for growth.

Hawaiʻi Scene on Social: Making up all any kine

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Hawaiʻi Scene on Social: Making up all any kine

Authors

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