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Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

See this is our problem. When auntie says, "I tole you what for do but you nevah like listen to me!" she's usually right.

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<title>Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Auntie Therapy</title>

Pashyn gives local style advice in today's social media find.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Auntie Therapy

See this is our problem. When auntie says, &quot;I tole you what for do but you nevah like listen to me!&quot; she&#039;s usually right. 

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Government & Politics

A new legislative session brings the possibility of new laws. Here are some that have been introduced this session and would impact the arts:

The legislation would appropriate funds to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts for its Artists in the Schools Program, which brings artists into the classroom at public schools. 

Karen Ewald, executive director of SFCA, submitted testimony in favor of the legislation and shared there was an increase in demand for the program,

 which is out-pacing funds. Keith Hayashi, superintendent of the Hawaiʻi public school system, also submitted testimony in favor of the measure. There was no testimony against the legislation. 

: It passed second reading, as amended, and was referred to the committee on finance. 

Establishes arts integration coordinator for Department of Education, HB2436: 

This bill would establish funds for an arts integration coordinator or specialists to support arts education within the state Department of Education. It also appropriates $600,000 for this work in the fiscal year of 2026-2027 to fund four full-time equivalent arts integration coordinators or specialists, including salary, fringe benefits and operational expenses. The legislation requires one position be established on each of the following islands: Oʻahu, Maui, Kaua'i, and Hawaiʻi Island. Status: Referred to committees for culture and arts, education, and finance. Scheduled to be heard by the committee on education on Feb. 19. 

Increases tax credits for film productions that hire local, HB1939.

 Amends the motion picture, digital media and film production income tax credit by providing additional credits to productions with at least 80% local hires. 

: The committee on economic development and technology recommended passage on second reading. Referred to the committee on finance. 

Music accessibility pilot program for Hawaiʻi State Public Library System, HB1764. 

Establishes a pilot program where the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System would provide access to public concerts and musical education across the state, including the counties of Hawaiʻi, Kauaʻi, and Maui. The program would support local musicians and cultural collaboration and encourage the commission of new works that reflect the unique heritage of Hawaiʻi. The state public library system would collaborate with the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra and other groups. 

: The committee on education recommended that the measure be passed without amendments. It has been referred to the committee on finance. 

State of Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, SB2603 (companion bill HB1860). 

 as the State of Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, which would allow the group to “regularly obtain state funds to help cover its general operating costs in exchange for other services to the State, to be mutually negotiated,” according to the text of the proposed legislation. HSO was founded in 1900 as the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra. The symphony has a 

history of financial instability, including filing for bankruptcy in 2009

. The bill highlights how the symphony provides a spotlight for local and international musicians and performing artists. It establishes $500,000 of funding for the fiscal year 2026-2027, which would include a stipulation of free admission for school faculty, staff and students who attend shows through the state Department of Education programs. 

: The committee on water, land, culture and the arts recommended passage on second reading, as amended. It was referred to the committee on ways and means. 

Surcharge for performing arts tickets, SB3330 (companion bill HB2604). 

The proposed legislation establishes a surcharge of $1 for the sale of performing arts tickets, with funds going to the performing arts grants special fund, which provides grants for the planning, promotion, marketing and execution of performing arts events. The surcharge is waived for any event with a ticket price of $35 or less. It will also be waived for ones run by Hawaiʻi-based nonprofits and performances by students enrolled in public schools or the University of Hawaiʻi system. The ticket provider will disclose the surcharge on a separate line item on tickets, receipts and invoices at the time of sale. 

: It has been referred to the committees for economic development and tourism; water, land, culture and the arts; commerce and consumer protection; and ways and means. 

Tax credits for film productions, SB3088 (companion bill HB2269). 

This bill would increase the qualified production tax credit in any county of the state with a population of more than 700,000 to 27%, an increase from the current 22%. For counties with smaller populations, such as Maui County, the production credit would change to 32%, up from 27%. The legislation also lifts the per-production cap of $17 million for productions with qualified expenditures of at least $60 million. The annual cap for tax credits for all productions would increase to $60 million, an increase from the current $50 million. 

Passed first reading.Referred to the committees for economic development and tourism; and ways and means. 

Works of Art Special Fund, SB1236 (companion bill HB1299):

 The proposed legislation amends existing law which established a works of art special fund that designates 1% of the construction costs of new state buildings go toward the acquisition of works of art. This bill would expand how that fund can be used and proposes it could also support new positions within SFCA as well as performing arts initiatives and programs at schools. 

: Carried over to the 2026 regular session and re-referred to the committees on ways and means; and water, land, culture and the arts. 

Here are some bills that have been deferred:

Artificial intelligence and music (HB2357). 

This bill would prohibit music streaming platforms from hosting, distributing or making available in the state of Hawaiʻi any music attributed to an artificial intelligence music artist. The department of the attorney general would have exclusive authority to enforce the law and violations of it would constitute an unfair method of competition and a deceptive act or practice. 

: It has been referred to the committees for economic development and technology; judiciary and Hawaiian affairs; and finance. On Feb. 18, the committee on 

 recommended that the measure be deferred. 

Increases the ceiling of the works of art special fund, HB2461.

 The bill would increase the ceiling of the works of art special fund, which is used to commission or purchase art. It also expands the uses of the fund, and would allow money to be used for the upkeep and preservation of the state’s public art collection, including the establishment of a collections manager position within SFCA. Status: Referred to committees for culture and arts; and finance. On Feb. 13, the committee on culture and arts recommended it be deferred. 

Are you following a bill that impacts arts and entertainment and should be on this list? Email: 

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Hawaiʻi State Capitol

<title>AI music regulations, a state symphony, and more in these bills to watch</title>

Aloha State Daily rounded up some bills that lawmakers are considering this legislative session. Those measures include proposed laws that could bring musical performances to patrons of the public library system and students in public schools. There is also an initiative to designate the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra as the State of Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra.

AI music regulations, a state symphony, and more in these bills to watch

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, an Autograph Collection property on Hawai‘i Island’s Kohala Coast, has unveiled a new $180 million-plus renovation it says is the “most extensive transformation in the property’s 60-year history.”

The renovation, which spans both the hotel’s Main Tower and Beachfront Wing, includes 252 “fully reimagined” guest rooms and suites, along with a refreshed family resort pool with a new oceanfront hot tub and five private cabanas, a recent announcement noted.

Additions throughout both wings include handcrafted textiles, ceiling fans and plantation shutters, bedside lighting control panels, glass lānai doors, bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and more.

There’s also a new oceanfront wellness retreat with a state-of-the-art, 2,500-square-foot fitness center and an adults-only infinity lap pool along with refreshed public spaces with a curated gallery from the Rockefeller Art Collection.

According to the hotel, photovoltaic solar panels that supply about 45% of the resort’s overall electrical energy needs have also been added.

Other enhancements include the redesign of the Mauna Kea Golf Course by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the opening of the 28,000-square-foot 

, upgraded in-room amenities, and updates to the hotel’s restaurants, the announcement notes.

, for example, is a “re-concepting” of the resort’s beachfront dining venue, the announcement notes. Its lunch menu will include items like salads, burgers and Baja-style fish tacos, and evenings will feature contemporary regional Mexican dishes.

 restaurant also received a “refresh and introduced a new hyper garden-to-table menu” the hotels says is centered on local and seasonal ingredients that come from Big Island farmers, fishermen, ranchers and the resort’s new ‘Ulu Garden.

And coming this spring is The Spa at Mauna Kea, which will offer 11 treatment rooms, purification gardens, steam and sauna facilities, a pool and more.

“This renovation was always part of our long-term vision for Mauna Kea Beach Hotel,” hotel manager Kansas Henderson said in a statement provided to ASD. “Plans for the transformation were already underway prior to the [Covid-19] pandemic, and while it understandably paused our timeline, it did not pause our commitment. 

“As travel resumed around the globe, ownership recognized it was the right time to bring this long-planned vision to life, honoring our responsibility to preserve the hotel’s historic legacy and its culturally significant art collection while delivering the elevated and unforgettable experience today’s guests expect. The timing ultimately reflects both commitment and responsibility, ensuring Mauna Kea continues to create lasting memories for generations to come.”

Henderson says that on average, the hotel hosts approximately 25,000 visitors each year.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel opened with 154 rooms in July 1965.

“It was while swimming in the turquoise waters of Kauna‘oa Bay, surrounded by a vast landscape of lava rock and ranchland with clear views of Maunakea’s summit, that American conservationist and venture capitalist Laurance S. Rockefeller decided to build Hawai‘i Island’s first resort,” a history on the 

. “His inspiration to capture the spirit of this special place and ensure the hotel conformed to, rather than intruded upon, these beautiful natural surroundings, became today’s Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

Its $15 million build-out made the hotel the most expensive hotel ever built at the time, the site states. Room rates started at $43 per night and included breakfast and dinner. The hotel expanded in 1968 with the Beachfront Wing and has undergone other renovations over the years.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel shares 1,839 oceanfront acres with The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort and Mauna Kea Residences, which together form the Mauna Kea Resort.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel 1

<title>Mauna Kea Beach Hotel debuts $180M renovation</title>

The hotel says this is the “most extensive transformation in the property’s 60-year history.”

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel debuts $180M renovation

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Located at Pier 38 — in the former space of Nami Kaze Hawai

, but then closed to fine-tune its menu. It officially opened for dinner service Feb. 18; it’s currently open for dinner only from 5 to 9 p.m. Mondays to Fridays.

The eatery still focuses on serving the freshest seafood possible, according to manager Dong Dang.

“It’s still supposed to harbor-centric; we’re really going to work toward utilizing as much fish as possible and highlight those ingredients,” he says. “What we envisioned with this concept is a gathering place — someplace you can go and get really good seafood.”

The dinner menu — which will eventually expand to include more dishes — offers small plates meant for sharing, as well as larger entrees. Start with dishes like hamachi crudo ($17), maguro cabbage ($19), poke crackers ($10) and cabbage Caesar ($14).

The hamachi crudo, comprising yellowtail served with sinigang gazpacho and Ho Farms tomato, is light and refreshing. The maguro cabbage is a highlight for restaurant chef de cuisine Daysen Masuda, who came up with the eatery’s new menu.

“Growing up in Hilo, everything is cabbage and ‘ahi (instead of daikon and ‘ahi),” he says. “This is a play on that; it’s topped with ginger scallion, ginger garlic cilantro, green onions and ikura zuke.

“I think the whole menu, in general, is pretty approachable,” he adds. “It’s local flavors that you’re familiar with, but elevated a bit more.”

Of everything we try, the poke crackers ($10) are one of my favorites. Each order includes two rice crackers topped with local big-eye tuna, spicy aioli, avocado and tare.

“That dish alone is nostalgic,” Masuda says. “Growing up, you buy a container of poke and you’re either dipping shrimp chips or rice crackers into it and eating it together. That’s the perfect combination. I wanted to use rice crackers because that texture is so nice and crunchy, and it stays crunchy.” 

The cabbage Caesar is a tasty way to incorporate greens into the meal. It features a miso Caesar dressing — the miso flavor is subtle — along with Parmesan and fried anchovies for texture.

If you want something a little more indulgent, go for the shrimp toast ($10). Each order contains two petite sandos featuring shokupan bread and savory shrimp filling. It’s served with a makrut (kaffir lime) sauce for dipping.

When it comes to entrees, the fried whole moi ($36), furikake king salmon ($38), and ‘ahi steak ($28) come highly recommended. The moi features a Alii mushroom and lup cheong stuffing.

“A lot of the dishes (here) are different from what you would find anywhere else, but the moi, to us, is a standout,” Dang says.

“The moi is definitely something I’m very proud of,” adds Masuda. “In Hilo, when you go to someone’s house or party, there’s always someone who has steamed fish. That’s our play on that.”

Moist and buttery, the Big Glory Bay king salmon is topped with a delectable furikake crunch and served with garlic aioli. Meanwhile, the ‘ahi steak features local big-eye served with confit potato and watercress salad.

Other entrée options include huli huli chicken with lemongrass huli glaze, watercress and kabocha, and braised short rib ($34).

The eatery also features specialty cocktails — including toasted rice old fashioned ($17), gin mint gimlet ($15) and chili water margarita ($16) — and will be expanding its beverage menu in the future.

The restaurant is accepting reservations via 

. Stay tuned — it will be launching lunch service and happy hour in the coming months.

Thirty Eight chef Daysen 021926

<title>New seafood restaurant opens at Pier 38</title>

Located in the former space of Nami Kaze Hawaiʻi at Pier 38, Thirty Eight restaurant just opened to the public for dinner. The menu focuses on fresh seafood; customers can enjoy dishes like hamachi crudo, poke crackers, shrimp toast, and a fried whole moi.

New seafood restaurant opens at Pier 38

Architect Francis Oda, one of the founders of G70, died Feb. 14 surrounded by family, including wife Caroline and children Reid and Nalani. He was 84.

Francis was more than one of our founders — he was a mentor, spiritual father and source of inspiration for everyone who had the privilege of working with him,” G70 CEO Linda Miki said in an announcement of his passing on Wednesday. “His legacy lives on in our G70 ‘ohana, our projects and our commitment to serving Hawai‘i and beyond with integrity and car

[{"type":"text","text":"Oda led the firm, founded in 1971, for more than 50 years."}]

His work helped shape Hawai‘i’s built environment and reflected his deep respect for culture, community and place,” G70 says. “Over the course of his career, he mentored generations of professionals whose work continues to reflect his values of excellence, humility and service.”

Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Oda made his first trip to the Mainland in 1959 to study architecture at Cornell University, according to the university’s 

“At the time, no one in his family had ever visited the contiguous U.S. and jetliner travel wasn’t available,” the write-up notes. “It took Oda five days just to reach the Cornell campus.”

He received a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell and a Doctor of Architecture from the University of Hawai‘i, where he was a “distinguished alumnus” and helped develop the Doctor of Architecture program, G70 noted.

Oda also was an adjunct associate professor at the UH School of Architecture.

According to G70, Oda received more than 50 design awards throughout his career, including the American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Our Divine Savior Church in Chico, California.

 His award-winning projects include the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele, the Four Seasons Mānele Bay Hotel, Hanauma Bay Nature Center and the Nanea Golf Clubhouse

He also helped envision master plans and design guidelines for the city of Kapolei, the UH Long Range Development Program, Kanu o ka ‘Āina and Kamehameha Schools Kaiaulu o Kaka’ako Masterplan

, and designed several international projects in French Polynesia, Mauritius and Canada, the firm noted.

Oda was a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, designated a Mānoa Forum Fellow by UH, received the 

 and was inducted into the Hawai‘i Business Hall of Fame.

, the 2026 president of AIA Honolulu, the Honolulu chapter of the American Institute for Architects, and an associate principal at G70, told Aloha State Daily in an email that Hawai‘i has lost "one of its most influential voices in Francis Oda."

"I remember sitting with Francis a few years ago — he asked us what we were dreaming about. Not what we were working on. Not what our goals were. What we were dreaming. Then he asked about our reality. He understood that balance — between the possible and the present — and that is what stays with me," Hirai says.

"For Hawaiʻi's architectural community, he was one of a kind. He identified early on that our profession carries a unique responsibility — to place, to culture, to the people who experience what we design. You see it in the buildings he left behind across these Islands and beyond. You see it in the culture he built at G70. And you see it in the people he mentored — who are now doing the same for others.

"As AIA Honolulu president, that question still challenges me — what are we dreaming about? What could our profession look like if the next generation had people willing to push their thinking the way Francis pushed ours?"

 of what was then called The Hawai‘i Society, the American Institute of Architects. You can read a 1982 interview with Oda in 

Recently, though, the architect was featured in newest episode of AIA Honolulu’s Let’s Talk Story series, a video and podcast highlighting conversations between an emerging and experienced architect. You can watch the video and listen to the podcast, 

[{"type":"text","text":"Hirai encourages those who didn't know Oda personally to take a listen."}]

"I'll be honest — hearing his voice again is not easy," Hirai says. "But it's an incredible way to experience who he was, and to celebrate everything he gave this profession and the community he loved."

"The Hawaii Architectural Foundation mourns the passing of Francis Oda, FAIA, whose career reflected an exemplary commitment to architecture and a deep devotion to the community he served," HAF President Katherine MacNeil told ASD in an email. "A recipient of the Foundation’s Gordon W. Bradley Humanitarian Award, Francis was recognized for his far-reaching leadership and enduring contributions to Hawaiʻi’s civic and cultural life. Elevated to Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, he embodied professional excellence and principled leadership. Through award-winning architecture, visionary master planning, and dedication to architectural education, he strengthened Hawaiʻi’s built environment and the profession. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations."

In addition to his work, Oda was also a senior pastor and board chair of New Life Church Honolulu and served as global chair of Transform Our World.

A celebration of life service is set for Saturday, April 25, at First Assembly of God — Red Hill, Moanalua.

Francis Oda G70 03 A6249

<title>Architect Francis Oda, founder of G70, dies at 84</title>

Hawai‘i has lost "one of its most influential voices," Lance Hirai, the 2026 president of AIA Honolulu and an associate principal at G70, says.

Architect Francis Oda, founder of G70, dies at 84

Aloha Spirit

Services for the fifth-generation loea hula Nālani Kanakaʻole will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium in Hilo. Kanakaʻole died Jan. 3 in Hilo. She was 79.

The services are open to the public. Floral arrangements, lei, and kinolau are welcome. The stadium, which is home to Merrie Monarch each year, is named after Nālani Kanakaʻole’s mother, who founded Hālau o Kekuhi.

Kanakaʻole co-led Hālau o Kekuhi with her sister, Pualani Kanakaʻole Kanahele, and later her niece, Huihui Kanahele-Mossman. She also co-founded Sig Zane Designs in 1985 with her husband, Sig Zane.

Nālani Kanakaʻole began rigorous training in hula when she was just 3 years old under her grandmother, Mary Kekuewa Kanaele Fujii, and later under her mother. By the time she was 14 years old, she was teaching. She spent nearly seven decades sharing cultural knowledge through mastery of mele oli, or chanted poetry, and vigorous ʻaihaʻa-style dance.

In 1993, Kanakaʻole and her sister were named National Heritage Fellows by the National Endowment of the Arts, in recognition of their lifelong commitment to preserving indigenous Hawaiian chant and dance.

 honored Kanakaʻole family’s contributions to Hawaiian music and culture. Nālani and her sister, Pualani, were among the honorees recognized with lifetime achievement awards for their 

dedication to preserving and advancing traditional Hawaiian chant, mele and performance

On Saturday, Feb. 21, a hoʻolewa ceremony to honor Kanaka‘ole and her legacy will be hosted by the Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation. Kanaka‘ole and her siblings founded the nonprofit in 1990 to “elevate Hawaiian intelligence through cultural education founded on the teachings and traditional practices of Edith and Luka Kanakaʻole,” according to its website. ʻAha will begin at 10 a.m., followed by visitation.

Kanakaʻole is survived by her husband, Sig Zane; son, Kūhaʻoʻīmaikalani Zane (Shaelene Kamakaʻala); grandchildren, Loliʻi Kamakaʻala Barron and Nāholowaʻa Zane; sister, Pualani Kanakaʻole Kanahele; niece and co-kumu hula Huihui Kanahele-Mossman; and the extended Kanakaʻole, Kanahele and Zane ʻohana, along with the students who continue to carry on her teachings.

Inquiries about how to support or give donations may be directed to the foundation by calling 

Nālani Kanakaʻole

<title>Services for Hula Master Nālani Kanakaʻole</title>

The fifth-generation loea hula will be honored with services at Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium in Hilo this weekend. Nālani Kanakaʻole also co-founded Sig Zane Designs in 1985 with her husband, Sig Zane. Learn more about the services.

Services for Hula Master Nālani Kanakaʻole

, known for its Japanese-style negitoro bowls, is opening its third O

ahu location this Sunday, Feb. 15. The business’s new location is on the second level of 

Aiea Shopping Center, next to Ice Garden and Koa Pancake House.

Aiea location is in the former space of a sandwich shop. Construction on the space started after the business’s sister restaurant, Marujuu Hawai

i will be open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and from 5 to 8:30 p.m. for dinner Thursdays to Mondays (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). The business will be open for walk-ins only; no reservations will be accepted.

The menu at this location is the same as the ones at the business’s Kaimukī and 

Totoya’s original negitoro — which is made fresh daily with local fresh ‘ahi — is the base for the majority of its bowls. Its tokujo bowl ($38.90) — a premium option with original negitoro, salmon roe, sea urchin (Hokkaido uni) and snow crab — is the most popular order.

The eatery’s Fukuju bowl ($39.50) is the second most-popular dish. It features original negitoro with tuna and salmon, red shrimp, scallops, sea urchin, snow crab, tobiko and two pieces of nori.

The salmon bowl with salmon roe ($19.50) is a local favorite. All bowls come with your choice of miso soup — Aosa seaweed miso soup, or upgrade to shrimp head ($3.90) or crab ($4.90) miso soup — or half-size udon noodles ($4.90).

Other dishes on the menu include fresh shrimp combination bowl ($27.90); rainbow trio bowl ($25.90); matsu bowl ($26.90) with Hokkaido uni and salmon roe; and more.

Customers now have the option to add an “ikura shower” when they order Take, Matsu and Tokujo bowls. The “shower” includes a tripleamount of ikura for an additional $9.80.

Open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and from 5 to 8:30 p.m. for dinner Thursdays to Mondays

Totoya Aiea kaisen don 021326

<title>Viral seafood rice bowl spot is opening in ʻAiea</title>

Totoya Hawaiʻi, known for its negitoro bowls, is opening in ʻAiea Shopping Center on Sunday, Feb. 15. The menu here is the same as the business’s other two locations in the Ala Moana and Kaimukī neighborhoods. Customers can now add “ikura showers” when ordering specific seafood bowls.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Auntie Therapy

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