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ASD Staff

Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

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

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<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&#039;re reconsidered our feelings about yard work! 

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

Business & Tourism

For Tracey Bender, director of development at 

, gratitude is one word that comes to mind for the organization's Over the Edge fundraiser.

“We’re really grateful for everyone who supports this event,” she told Aloha State Daily ahead of the event scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, at the 

The 17th annual Over the Edge fundraiser invites individuals and teams to rally for athletes with intellectual disabilities across the Islands. Those who raise more than the fundraising minimum of $1,000 can rappel over 400 feet, or 40 stories, down the side of the hotel.

One goal, Bender notes, is ensuring that participants feel appreciated every step of the way. As a result, many teams of supporters have returned for more friendly competition year after year.

“You get to see the thrill and excitement on their faces at the top and a sense of accomplishment on the bottom, which we reward with a participation medal and photo op with our athletes,” Bender explained.

“Over the Edge has become a signature event that reflects the strength and special spirit of our community,” she said. “What makes this event so meaningful to those that participate is not just the challenge of rappelling along Waikīkī’s iconic coastline, but the impact it creates for our athletes. Every participant is able to face and overcome their fears and challenges, much like our athletes do every day.”

[{"type":"text","text":"What to expect"}]

According to Bender, Over the Edge is a Canada-based company that the nonprofit contracts with, while the manpower for tech and gear comes from the Mainland. Approximately 80 local volunteers will also lend a hand at this year’s event, which aims to attract 96 participants with a total fundraising goal of $203,000. As of Thursday, more than $138,000 has been raised to support local athletes across the state, 

Since 2009, Over the Edge has raised more than $2 million for Special Olympics Hawai

i athletes and programs, which are offered year-round at no cost for people ages 2 and up with intellectual disabilities. The local nonprofit reported total revenues of more than $4 million in 2024, 

Bender says there will also be a livestream of the event so people at home can watch you rappel. Fans can also watch in-person.

“We’re calling it our golden anniversary – because it’s our 17th year on Oct. 17 – with plans to give out incentive prizes and more,” she said, adding that during the “golden hour,” Special Olympics Hawaiʻi staff, including President and CEO Dan Epstein, and two athletes, 

Legacy Sponsor Monica Adorno will match the athletes

donations up to $10,000 in total. The Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach Resort & Spa and New York Life have both supported this fundraiser for 12 years.

Note: You must register for this event in advance 

 Can’t make it this year? Give online or donate directly to a participant and/or team, 

Local media, including Aloha State Daily, will rappel on Oct. 16 to help bring awareness to this cause. Follow us on Instagram at 

 to see ASD Social Media and Marketing Manager Kady Pascual go Over the Edge.

 is among the top five teams ranked by monies raised for this year’s Over the Edge fundraiser.

Team leader Sheila Bierwert, along with her family and friends, have participated for 16 years, she told ASD. A mother of four, her oldest son Trevor, 33, joined Special Olympics Hawai

 when he was 8 years old. Since then, her children have gotten involved in sports, while she and her husband volunteer as coaches when they

’re not "cheerleading," she said with a laugh.

It became a big family affair, even with fundraising,” Bierwert said. “I will be going over the edge this year with my two daughters. … It’s so fun! The hardest part is stepping off the edge on top and trusting that your fully locked in and safe. But you are, and the main goal is to get down.”

So far, Team Trevor has raised $7,000 for this year’s fundraiser; however, overall they have raised upwards of $80,000 to further the nonprofit’s mission, she added.

It’s so important, the kids make friends and the camaraderie is nice,” she said of the program. “It’ also a great place for parents to network; when you have a child with special needs, there’s no directions that come with it, and so you’re always looking to connect with other people who have gone through what you have, right?

“I love that the people that work at Special Olympics work so hard to know these athletes by name and know their stories. It’s more than a number to them.”

Her advice to those who might be on the fence about going Over the Edge? “Just go for it. If you’re afraid, overcome your fear. It’s so special. So many people will be there cheering you on.”

SOHI Over the Edge 2026 12

<title>Dare to go 'Over the Edge' to support Special Olympics Hawaiʻi?</title>

The 17th annual fundraiser invites individuals on Oct. 17 to rappel more than 400 feet down the side of the Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach Resort & Spa to raise funds for athletes with intellectual disabilities. “Every participant is able to face and overcome their fears and challenges, much like our athletes do every day,” says a spokesperson for the local nonprofit.

Dare to go 'Over the Edge' to support Special Olympics Hawaiʻi?

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Everyone’s looking to save money and get the most bang for their buck. This series where show you where you can save while still savoring a good meal.

I was walking on Kūhiō Avenue to a media event when a sign caught my eye. “$5 burger during happy hour,” it read.

My first thought: “A regular-sized burger or a slider?” For a burger, that sounded too good to be true. There was only one way to find out.

 opened in January 2023, along with the launch of Waikīkī Market. According to chief food officer chef Keoni Chang, the eatery’s concept is a local-style hangout where customers can enjoy local food and flavors in a laid-back atmosphere in the heart of Waikīkī.

The eatery’s pau hana deal — available daily from 2 to 6 p.m. — officially started last July, according to Chang.

“We wanted to create a pau hana menu that represented what Piko (authentic local flavors and dishes) is, while also offering a great deal for visitors and locals alike in Waikiki,” Chang says.

To answer my previous question: the happy hour burger is a full-sized one, not a slider.

The kalbi burger features a brisket blend beef patty, kimchi slaw, west side sauce, American cheddar and Japanese cucumber pickles.

Meanwhile, the bao buns are stuffed wtih braised applewood-smoked slab bacon, hoisin, keiki cuckes and micro cilantro. Each order includes two bao buns, and that braised applewood-smoked slab of bacon is the highlight. 

On the regular menu, the bao buns are $11 while the kalbi burger costs $12, making the pau hana deal a good one.

Customers can also take advantage of discounted drinks like $5 local draft brews, $9 wines by the glass and $10 cocktails. Choose from cocktails like the popuar Mango mule — Pau vodka, lime juice, mango syrup and Fever Tree ginger beer — and Hibiscus Rita. The latter features hibiscus tea, Mi Campo tequila, chili liqueur, agave and lime juice with a salted rim.

Locals with a Hawaiʻi ID can take advantage of a kamaʻāina discount, according to Chang, who also encourages guests to check out ‘Olili — Piko Kitchen + Bar’s sister restaurant — located on the second floor of Waikīkī Market.

“‘Olili showcases the flavors of Hawai‘i in new and creative ways, offering inventive dishes, handcrafted cocktails and its signature modern lūʻau — a contemporary twist on the traditional lūʻau,” Chang says. “Stay tuned for the upcoming launch of its happy hour.”

Open daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; happy hour is daily from 2-6 p.m. 

Validated parking available; $4 for two hours in Lilia Waikīkī’s parking garage (located on Walina Street)

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

ASD Staff

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

Authors

ASD Staff

Reporter

More in Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

Enter for a chance to win tickets to see Disney’s live action adaptation of the animated film ‘Moana’

Hawai‘i Scene on Social meets Hawai‘i Skies

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Neighborhood weather updates

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Island vibes

Most read