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ASD Staff

Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

[{"text":"We're reconsidered our feelings about yard work!","type":"text"}]

I Stock 481141608

<title>Hawai‘i Scene on Social: You will not guess where this weed-wacking goes</title>

In today's social media find, thepoipoundah demonstrates the proper technique for lawn maintenance with style.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: You will not guess where this weed-wacking goes

We're reconsidered our feelings about yard work! 

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Real Estate

Business & Tourism

Kamehameha Schools has sold its remaining interest in the Royal Hawaiian hotel, selling the lease fee landholdings under the iconic pink oceanfront resort to Japan-based Daisho Co. for $510 million.

The transaction closed Nov. 6, KS said in an 

According to KS, the property will continue to be held and operated under its current long-term ground lease to 

Daisho Co. is a private, family-owned company with hospitality holdings in Asia and the Pacific, KS noted. This is the company’s first commercial venture in the Islands.

, KS says it manages its portfolio as one that “evolves to meet the needs of the trust and the Native Hawaiian community.”

“In a globally competitive market, Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha must manage Pauahi’s portfolio with care and strategy, mindful of how best to position our ‘āina to serve the evolving needs of our lāhui, both today and for generations to come,” the announcement states. “This means sometimes acquiring ‘āina, sometimes restoring it, and at times, when conditions call for change, releasing lands so their value can further the mission in new ways.”

KS sold the buildings and improvements at the neighboring Royal Hawaiian Center in 2014 — you can read more 

 — but said in the Nov. 7 announcement it is “not presently considering a sale” of its remaining interest in the lands underneath the shopping center.

Crystal Rose, chair of the KS Board of Trustees, said in the announcement that the trust only sells land “after much deep and agonizing consideration.”

“Our kuleana is to steward a dynamic portfolio that best serves our trust. At the same time, we know that our lands carry historical significance, especially this one, which our founder and generations of ali‘i before her had nurtured,” she says.

KS CEO Jack Wong said in the announcement that in the coming months, KS will meet with its school communities, alumni and lāhui to discuss and better explain its changing role as a landowner.

Dubbed the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” what’s now called the Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikīkī, opened nearly a century ago on Feb. 1, 1927, and was built for $4 million by the Matson Navigation Co., as a “luxurious resort for Matson passengers,” a 

Following the Dec. 7, 1941, bombing of Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Navy recreation and morale office leased the Royal Hawaiian, “transforming the resort into a major rest and relaxation center for Navy personnel,” the site reads. “The resort was restored to its pre-war elegance in 1947.”

KS is one of the largest landowners in the state, according to the 

, ranking third behind the state and federal government with more than 373,000 acres.

In August 2024, KS announced it would pay a total of $872.5 million as part of a $4 billion global settlement in the wake of the 2023 Maui wildfires. Read more about that 

It’s also gearing up for another legal battle: Virginia-based nonprofit Students for Fair Admissions recently filed a 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Royal hawaiian unsplash

<title>Kamehameha Schools sells land under Royal Hawaiian for $510M</title>

Japan-based Daisho Co. is now the fee-simple owner. The property, however, will continue to be held and operated under its current long-term ground lease to Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, KS says.

Kamehameha Schools sells land under Royal Hawaiian for $510M

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Crime & Courts

The Maui Police Department requested assistance Tuesday in identifying the families of 13 unclaimed bodies currently held at the department’s forensic facility.

The 13 bodies have death dates largely between June and October, although one man died in June 2023. Their names are: Mark Reese, Ken Fujii, Robert Richardson, Luke Wirth, Hey Hall, Ruth Early, Andrea Gordon, Tisse Henriksen, Patric Brock, Alvaro Marin, Walter Leskuski, David Clay and Burnett Akiu.

Anyone with information about their family members is encouraged to call (808) 463-3833.

This had Aloha State Daily wondering: what is the process for dealing with unclaimed bodies? We asked officials on O‘ahu, Maui and Hawai‘i Island about their processes.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"The nameless dead"}]

Jeremie Evangelista, acting assistant chief for the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Administrative Services Division, said the police department holds bodies as part of coroner’s inquests: investigations into the circumstances of a death.

“If someone finds a body in a public place, the police obviously gets called because they didn’t die in the care of someone,” Evangelista said. “We have to figure out their identities; we can’t contact next-of-kin if we don’t know who they are.”

This can take time. Officials on all three islands each described flexible schedules for determining corpses’ identities; Phillip Verso, public information officer for the Honolulu Department of the Medical Examiner, told ASD that “there is no specific time limit on how long the Department may hold unclaimed individuals.”

Currently, the DME has 12 unclaimed decedents in its care, Verso said, and the only limit for how long they can be held is the capacity of cold storage. Last year, the department’s morgue had its storage capacity increased from 60 to 140 bodies.

Some bodies can be held for years. MPD’s release this week included in its list of the dead Mark Reese, who died in June 2023 at the age of 81 and has been held ever since.

Tricia-Lee Lum Ho, MPD’s Morgue Operations Clerk, said Reese had been unidentified for quite some time, and was only positively identified recently.

Evangelista said HPD — which currently only has one unclaimed body in storage — will hold bodies in custody “as long as necessary” to find next of kin, which has led to bodies being held for years.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Family matters"}]

When next-of-kin have been identified, it can still take time for them to claim the body. Lum Ho said family members can, understandably, be overwhelmed by the stress of the death of a loved one and preparing for funeral arrangements. In some cases, she said, family members have gotten back to MPD after weeks or months of raising funds for a funeral.

Lum Ho said MPD makes multiple efforts to reach multiple people within a decedent’s family, which itself is time-consuming. Next-of-kin follows an order of precedence, from spouses to adult children to parents and so on down the line.

Some family members may decline to claim a body. In those cases, Lum Ho said bodies can be claimed by non-relatives. She said one body was claimed from the MPD in February by an unrelated woman; in other examples, she said organizations like a church group with a connection to the deceased could claim the body.

Each official emphasized that the process is not to be rushed. Verso said the Department of the Medical Examiner provides “compassionate guidance to families navigating their loss.”

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Disposal"}]

But sometimes, nobody claims a body at all. MPD’s release this week advised that a body not claimed “in a reasonable amount of time” is cremated.

Lum Ho acknowledged that a “reasonable amount of time” varies case-by-case — in the case of Mark Reese, more than two years has been reasonable.

However, MPD announced in June that it had five unclaimed bodies in storage. None of them were claimed by next-of-kin, Lum Ho said; four months later, none of them were included in MPD’s October list of names.

Evangelista said subsequent handling of corpses is carried out by a contractor — in HPD’s case, Clinical Labs of Hawai‘i.

 that all unclaimed dead human bodies are cremated, with the Department of Human Services paying the cost of the service — or $800, whichever is less — to the licensed crematory contracted for said service.

Said law also notes that county medical examiners have no time limit by which to submit written determinations that a body is unclaimed.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Morgue 16x9

<title>Explainer: What happens to unclaimed bodies at Hawai‘i's morgues</title>

A brief look into what happens to unclaimed bodies in county morgues, stemming from Maui County's call for assistance in tracking down the families of 13 decedents in its care.

Explainer: What happens to unclaimed bodies at Hawai‘i's morgues

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

 a documentary that looks at the behind-the-scenes lives of students who work at the Polynesian Cultural Center, is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

The film opened in Consolidated Theatres in Hawai’i on Friday, Aug. 29.

“We’re honored to share ‘Sharing Aloha’ with an even wider audience through Prime Video,” said Alfred Grace, president and CEO of the Polynesian Cultural Center, in a written statement. “This film offers a heartfelt look at the people and purpose behind the PCC, and we hope it inspires viewers to connect with the values of aloha that guide everything we do.”

Leading up to the launch on Amazon Prime Video, the documentary also had showings on the Mainland. Several of the students featured in the film are part of PCC’s signature show, “Hā: Breath of Life,” and talk about getting ready for performances and balancing work with being a student.

“This film has already made a huge impact on those who had a chance to watch it,” said Blair Treu, the film’s producer and director, in a written statement. “We hope those who are watching from home can feel that same impact of strength, joy and aloha that was captured in this film.”

The movie is free for those who have Amazon Prime subscriptions. 

Viewers have the chance to win a free trip for two to Hawai’i if they watch the movie within 48 hours of its release, take a selfie or screenshot while watching and post to their Instagram stories and tag @SharingAlohaTheMovie with the hashtag #WatchSharingAloha. The post must be made by 3 p.m. HST on Saturday, Oct. 25. For more information, go to 

Polynesian Cultural Center

<title>“Sharing Aloha” now streaming on Amazon Prime Video</title>

This documentary, filmed almost entirely on O’ahu, is now headed for an international streaming service: Amazon Prime Video. Learn more about the film, which was showing in Consolidated Theatres in August.

“Sharing Aloha” now streaming on Amazon Prime Video

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

 is known for being a premier source of local products, meat and dairy. The business is popular for connecting local farmers and food producers directly to O‘ahu residents.

The business just opened its first-ever grocery store and deli, Hōʻiliʻili Market. The store will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The market is located in the space of ‘ili ‘ili Cash & Carry, which is temporarily closed (its chef, Aker Briceno, is undergoing cancer treatment).

The new market is designed to bring Hawaiʻi’s food system together under one roof, and will feature products from local farmers, ranchers, bakers and brewers.

Prior to this in-person market, customers could only access Farm Link’s selection of locally sourced produce, meats and prepared foods by ordering online for pickup and delivery across O‘ahu.

“We’ve been operating online only for many years, which has been wonderful because I think this selection of products being available across Oʻahu has been very important,” says Claire Sullivan, CEO of Farm Link. “For those of us who really want to touch and feel a product for ourselves — there’s this incredible bounty of local products in one place that we get to be inspired by.

“We don’t see ourselves at Farm Link as solving all of the food system problems by any means,” she adds. “We are just a partner to many producers who are.”

Hōʻiliʻili Market is designed to be more than a grocery store, and is an extension of Farm Link’s mission to make good food accessible to all, while increasing local food production.

There are a few products Sullivan is especially excited about.

“This is the first time local milk is available on Oʻahu since 2018,” she says. “This is the fruition of a partnership building with our friends at Meadow Gold Dairy, to be able to sell the local milk here.”

Sullivan also notes that the business makes its own butter. They learned how after the proprietor for Naked Cow Dairy, which was the only butter maker in the state for many years, had to move to the Mainland for family reasons, according to Sullivan.

“We got trained by Monique (of Naked Cow Dairy); we bought her churn, and learned how to make butter,” she says. “We make the butter in house with cream from Kohala.”

Customers can also look forward to local product tastings and collaborations between farmers and producers. Look forward to favorites like Neko Koneko’s lattes and cold brews; Mille Fete’s frozen kūlolo and Rocky Road ice cream, cookies and breadcrumbs; ‘Ulu Mana’s ‘ulu and cassava chips; a variety of breads from La Tour Bakehouse; and more.

“We weren’t able to do ice creams previously on delivery because we don’t deliver with dry ice,” Sullivan says. “Finally, we have ice cream in store!”

Not only will you find a curated selection of locally sourced produce, pasture-raised meats, fresh-baked goods and artisan honey, but you can also enjoy deli offerings from two renowned chefs — Chuck Wakeman, formerly of Butcher and Bird, and Robert Urquidi, formerly of Ethel’s Grill.

“I’ll be in charge of all the fresh local meats,” says Chuck Wakeman, culinary manager for Farm Link Hawaiʻi. “We make our own sausages in house. We get lamb, pork, and venison; it’s all 100% local. We’re also doing ‘ili ‘ili Cash & Carry’s pizza and hoagie menu. We’re going to run that for them; it’s kind of a collaboration.”

The deli’s opening week menu will feature customer favorites from ‘ili ‘ili Cash & Carry, including subs, salads and Choke Garlic Balls (fried dough coated in Parmesan and garlic butter), originally made by Briceno.

“Starting out, it’s going to be mostly sandwiches during the day,” Wakeman confirms.

On the market’s first day, mortadella ($17), veggie ($16) and Italian combo ($20) sandwiches were available. The Italian combo ($20) — which is filled with turkey, salami, prosciutto, mozzarella, local tomatoes, Lanai mixed greens, pepperoncini, shaved onions, oil and vinegar — is a customer favorite.

Additional menu items, like meatball subs, will eventually be added.

The deli will also feature the square-shaped Sicilian pizza slices that ‘ili ‘ili Cash & Carry was known for.

Wakeman also encourages customers to check out the market’s housemade sausages and locally sourced meats.

“We’ll have Molokaʻi venison — all the cuts you can think of,” he says. “I’m excited for people to come in and see how revamped it is, and get a look at this selection of local stuff that’s now all in one place.

“Hōʻiliʻili means a collection or gathering,” Wakeman adds. “We’re gathering — Aker’s people — Robert and I have worked with him in the past. And then just a bunch of producers, famers and community — this has been the focus, goal and mission for a long time.”

The company will offer 50% off all local poi and produce for customers paying with SNAP-EBT, both in-store and online. This initiative is through The Food Basket’s DA BUX program, in an effort to make Hawai‘i-grown vegetables and fruits more affordable.

“Eating local is so powerful,” Sullivan says. “It’s this accessible way we have to participate in the local economy. It doesn’t mean we have to be 100% (local) all the time — that’s a very high bar. I think getting comfortable with the idea that you can just swap out an ingredient here and there (for something local) … that’s meaningful for producers who are keeping our islands growing and need us as the consumers to be their partners.

“That’s really the reason Farm Link exists,” she adds. “To make that connection and make it more accessible for folks to participate in the food system that way.”

Limited on-site parking is available; nearby street parking is also available. Visit 

Hōʻiliʻili Market will be open daily, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Hoiliili storefront 102125

<title>Farm Link just opened its first-ever grocery store and deli</title>

Hōʻiliʻili Market by Farm Link just opened on South Beretania Street. It’s in the former space of ‘ili ‘ili Cash & Carry (which is temporarily closed). Here’s a preview of what you’ll find.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: You will not guess where this weed-wacking goes

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Hawai‘i Scene on Social: You will not guess where this weed-wacking goes

Authors

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