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Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

[{"text":"We can't argue, it the best way to make Portuguese sausage.","type":"text"}]

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<title>Hawai‘i Scene on Social: "Burn dat buggah!"</title>

Alex_farnham has a very particular drive-through order in today's social media find.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: "Burn dat buggah!"

We can't argue, it the best way to make Portuguese sausage. 

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Government & Politics

Business & Tourism

There’s much ado about DoHo these days — and even more in the works.

 a plan to revitalize Downtown Honolulu — or DoHo, as some call it — passing a bill to extend the current Fort Street Improvement District into a broader Downtown Honolulu Improvement District.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed that measure, 

The Downtown BID will be funded through special assessments on non-residential property owners and is “designed to deliver consistent cleaning, safety enhancements, maintenance and beautification services within the city’s urban core,” the city said in an announcement at that time.

It’ll operate through a public-private partnership model with an estimated $1.9 million annual budget that will supplement services beyond the city’s “baseline responsibilities,” the announcement noted.

According to the city, supplemental services under the BID model may include:

But also doing its part to draw more people Downtown is 

, a nonprofit “whose whole purpose is to bring community engagements, events and just bring life to Downtown, trying to make it a better place and make it a place where people can gather,” chairman 

Westley Starnes, a project analyst for Downtown-based developer Avalon Group, 

Activate DoHo really got its start this year, Starnes says, but the initiatives and ideas behind it began last year with a run club — a group of young professionals Downtown who “got together and just wanted to do something.”

 meets at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Fort Street Mall and the Robert W. Wilcox Mini Park for a 1.5-mile run followed by a pau hana Downtown.

“What we saw with that was it actually worked really well,” Starnes told ASD. “The interest was there. People wanted to do it. People kept coming out.”

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Routes go through Downtown."}]

"You're running up Fort Street Mall, you're running past all the places, you're seeing all the people that you see in Downtown," Starnes says. "It's really a cool thing for the area."

Expanding upon that, Activate DoHo also has a weekly DoHo Yoga Club, at 5:30 p.m. every Monday on the sixth-floor garden deck at Topa Financial Center.

It’s free to participate in the DoHo Run Club — just show up — but the yoga club is $15 per session. You can 

But one of the group’s newest initiatives is taking place this month: the DoHo Night Market is set for 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at Fort Street Mall and Robert W. Wilcox Mini Park.

Starnes says the night market will have live entertainment and performances by students from local schools, food vendors, tables and games for families, security on site and more.

“[We] want to show that Downtown isn’t all what you hear,” he says. “It really is a good place and it can be a safe place, so really [we’re] hoping to change this perception that we all hear about, we all see and to show the beauty of Downtown. That’s what we’re looking to do with the night market."

Admission is free. More info about the Night Market can be 

According to Starnes the inaugural night market is the “first of many,” with the organization looking to first host these quarterly and, eventually, monthly.

The night market coincides with the grand opening of 

 on the second level of Pickles at Forté, Avalon’s air conditioned, indoor pickleball and social club that opened in January on the ground floor of 1032 Fort Street Mall.

Starnes says that Activate DoHo currently has four board members and “a lot of volunteers,” but they’re looking for more.

“It’s just a group of people that is connected to Downtown. We're looking for young professionals that care about this place and want to make it a better place,” he says. “[We are] always looking for more volunteers, more people to help, more people to get behind the vision — and we’re growing fast.”

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Fort Street Mall 110525

<title>Destination DoHo</title>

Here's what's happening in Downtown Honolulu, as the city and nonprofits work to improve the area and draw more people.

Destination DoHo

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

Waikīkī Yacht Club held its inaugural Royal Regatta. The event, held at Ala Moana Beach Park and the 

was a celebration of Hawaiian culture and was inspired by King David Kalākaua, who held an annual birthday regatta beginning in 1875. 

"It was really fun," organizer Malia Zimmerman said. "By the time all the paddlers in the community got to our Royal Regatta, they were ready to have fun. We had a really intense year in terms of races. And for our 

 team, we just finished the Na Wahine and then the men's team finished the Molokai Hoe. It was really good timing to kind of wrap up the season in a fun way."

Self-described as "a festive showcase of aloha," the event began 

anoe races were then held across a bevy of divisions, from keiki to teams comprised of paddlers 60 and over. Music by the Royal Hawaiian Band and hula performances were among the entertainment throughout the event. 

"The joy on everyone's faces, that was very fulfilling to see, the paddlers and the sailors have so much fun and have fun together and do it at the same time as being able to honor a king who was so joyful," Zimmerman said. "I think that really brought the whole program together. I've never seen paddlers so happy."

Zimmerman and other organizers are planning to hold the event again in the future, planning it around Nov. 16, 

"We are planning to ask the parks department if we can have the date next year, around his birthday, which is Nov. 16, so somewhere between late October, early November, we will hopefully be able to fit on the park schedule and do this event again and make it an annual event," Zimmerman said. "We're really excited about doing that, and we have so many people that have already suggested other additional races and cultural events that we can have, and eventually maybe expanding it into a full day or two days over the weekend to have an event that honors the king.

"We had just so many good donors and so many sponsors that really believed in this program and saw the vision for it. Just building this vision so people can see exactly what it could be and what it was this year and what it could potentially be, we were just so lucky that so many people came together and believed in this vision for this event and saw what it can be in the future, and want it to keep flourishing."

Royal Regatta 103125

<title>Inaugural Royal Regatta a success</title>

The event was a celebration of Hawaiian culture and had activities throughout the day.

Inaugural Royal Regatta a success

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Flights to and from Honolulu could be reduced as the Federal Aviation Administration plans to reduce air traffic by 10%.

, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford announced Wednesday that the FAA will cut back on flights across 40 “high-volume” markets to pre-empt potential safety concerns as the federal government shutdown has left air traffic controllers without pay for more than a month.

The Associated Press reported that the month and increasingly short staff has put pressure on air traffic controllers, many of whom have called out of work, causing further staffing shortages. This has led to a range of major flight delays across several mainland airports, where the FAA warned flights could be delayed by up to seven hours from Wednesday into Thursday.

Hawaiian Airlines spokesman Alex Da Silva told Aloha State Daily last week that it had seen “no impacts to [their] operations” related to the ongoing shutdown.

The cuts will begin on Friday. The specific airports selected for the cuts have not yet been announced, and Bedford said a list of impacted airports will be released Thursday.  

, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport had the 22nd-most aircraft movements in the U.S. last year, with 334,695 aircraft flying in or out of the airport in 2024. It ranked 32nd in total commercial passengers — nearly 22 million last year — and 14th in cargo, with more than 600,000 metric tons of cargo moving through the airport in 2024.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Honolulu airport

<title>FAA warns of cuts to flights as shutdown continues</title>

Flights to and from 40 unspecified "high-volume" markets coming this Friday, warns the FAA.

FAA warns of cuts to flights as shutdown continues

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

 recently opened in Waikīkī Shopping Plaza. Located along Seaside Avenue, the new 100-seat, 3,500-square-foot eatery specializes in Italian fare with a hint of island- and Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

This restaurant is the latest concept from restaurant group Zetton Inc., the brand behind eateries like Aloha Steak House, Camado Ramen Tavern, Heavenly Island Lifestyle Waikīkī and ZIGU.

“We are creating a new concept restaurant that captures the soul of Italian cuisine, but imparts innovative infusions to differentiate ourselves from the other Italian restaurants in town,” states Makoko “MILD” Hasegawa, president and CEO of Zetton Inc. “Whether it be for a casual pau hana drink with pūpū or a festive dinner party with friends and family, we hope to serve as a comforting retreat from the hustle and bustle of Waikīkī.”

The restaurant’s executive chef Yuta Tamano is classically trained in French cuisine, but collaborates with chefs specializing in Italian fare. Tamano, trained in the culinary arts in Japan, refined his skills at acclaimed French restaurant Le Grand Table Kitamura and the two-Michelin-starred Narisawa. Tamano moved to Waikīkī in 2021 and served as sous chef at natuRe Waikīkī, and became executive chef at ZIGU last year.

At BOTANICO Waikīkī, diners can anticipate elevated Italian staples along with unique dishes.

Appetizers include a re-imagined moussaka with layers of braised beef, scalloped potatoes, roasted eggplant and sauce Mornay ($16); beet and cauliflower hummus ($14); a shareable charcuterie spread ($32); prosciutto zeppole ($16), or fluffy fried Italian dough bites topped with prosciutto; and local vegetable terrine in a dashi gelee ($18).

The charcuterie board ($32) comprises prosciutto, mortadella, salami, piccante, chicken liver mousse and brie cheese, served with housemade focaccia.

Entrees range from pastas to dishes starring meats and seafood. Signature pastas include house bolognese ($28), carbonara with housemade pancetta ($28), and spaghetti Pescatore ($35). The latter features a classic seafood spaghetti with clams, scallops and shrimp in a tomato anchovy fennel sauce.

You can look forward to entrées like the flavorful red wine-braised beef cheek ($48), pork Milanese with original katsu balsamic glaze ($39), ocean grill plate ($48) and chef's steak of the day (market price). The latter features a hand-selected cut, grilled asparagus, local oyster mushroom, Swiss chard and aligot potatoes with peppercorn sauce. 

Desserts include tiramisu ($12) and basque cheesecake ($10). The classic tiramisu features espresso-soaked ladyfingers with cocoa and mascarpone; meanwhile, the caramelized basque cheesecake is served with whipped cream and raspberry sauce. 

The restaurant’s beverage program features a diverse selection of wines, with a focus on Californian and Italian varietals. BOTANICO Waikīkī’s staff, trained by master sommelier Roberto Viernes, are able to help customers with recommendations and pairings to complement their meals.

[{"type":"text","text":"Customer parking is available at Waikīkī Shopping Plaza."}]

Open 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. (last order 10 p.m.) Sundays-Saturdays

BOTANICO Waikiki bolognese 110325

<title>Waikīkī’s newest Italian restaurant just opened</title>

Located in Waikīkī Shopping Plaza, BOTANICO Waikīkī features Italian fare with a touch of island- and Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Waikīkī’s newest Italian restaurant just opened

The City and County of Honolulu is moving forward in its efforts bring more housing to O‘ahu, choosing nonprofit developer Pacific Housing Assistance Corp. as its “preferred negotiating partner” to build an affordable, disability-forward workforce housing community on city-owned land at 130 S. Beretania St.

The 30,376-square-foot Downtown Honolulu property is bordered by Pali Highway, South Beretania Street and Fort Street, the city said in an announcement Monday. It’s an open space with no standing structures, located across Pali Highway from Pacific Honda and behind the Central Fire Station.

“The site’s central location — close to jobs, transit and essential services — makes it especially well-suited for workforce housing,” Kevin Auger, director-designate of the city’s Department of Housing and Land Management, told Aloha State Daily via email.

The site also offers access to major bus routes and Skyline rail’s planned Downtown station, Kuloloia, the announcement noted.

 has developed, or is developing, 62 affordable housing communities across the Islands for families, seniors and people with disabilities since it was founded in 1980, and it currently manages 15 affordable developments in the state.

, an organization founded more than 85 years ago that aims to build independence and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and seniors, will join as the co-developer, the announcement noted.

“Early concept studies suggest the property could support a mid-rise development, and Pacific Housing Assistance Corp. and Lanakila Pacific have proposed reserving a portion of the units for residents with disabilities,” Auger told ASD. “The final design, including unit count and configuration, will be shaped through the community engagement process. The city’s goal is to balance accessibility, livability and thoughtful urban design while contributing to the revitalization of Downtown Honolulu.”

According to the city, Pacific Housing and Lanakila Pacific hosted an initial community listening session that was attended by more than 50 people on Oct. 21. A second meeting will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 12 in the Von Holt room at The Cathedral of St. Andrew. The city says that input from these meetings, as well as a future public hearing before the Honolulu City Council, “will help shape the project’s final design and scope.”

“Residents with disabilities face some of the greatest barriers in Honolulu’s housing market — whether due to accessibility challenges, limited supportive services or a lack of affordable options that allow for independent living,” Auger says. “A disability-forward approach means designing inclusively from the beginning, rather than modifying later. It ensures that homes, amenities and shared spaces are accessible, and that residents can live, work and participate in the community with dignity.”

The selection of a “preferred negotiating partner” for this property comes about nine months after the city 

 for the redevelopment of four underutilized city-owned properties into affordable rental projects: 1615 Ala Wai Blvd., 436 Ena Road, 130 S. Beretania St.; and 1421 Pensacola St.

This summer, EAH Housing was chosen as the "preferred negotiating partner" for the 

 and Centre Urban Real Estate as the "preferred negotiating partner" for the redevelopment of 

The city, which acquired 1615 Ala Wai through condemnation in January 2024, 

the existing, dilapidated apartment building that once sat there.

Auger says that DHLM is in the final stages of review for the 1421 Pensacola site and the city expects to announce the selected partner for that redevelopment project before the end of the year.

Partnering with the development community to build housing on city-owned lands is one of the components of a strategic housing plan the city unveiled 

Auger says the city has issued RFQs for a total of eight properties so far this year and may issue one or two more before year-end, “consistent with the strategic housing priorities outlined in January.”

As for what lies ahead in 2026, Auger says that next year, “DHLM will focus on completing development agreements and ground leases for these sites and exploring financing structures beyond traditional Low-Income Housing Tax Credits to accelerate delivery.”

(And ICYMI: Pacific Housing is also the developer of Nā Hale Makoa in Hawai‘i Island’s Waikoloa Village. Waitlist applications for that project are being accepted through Nov. 17. Read 

130 s beretania 110525

<title>Honolulu continues affordable housing efforts</title>

The city has selected a “preferred negotiating partner” to build an affordable, disability-forward workforce housing community on city-owned property at 130 S. Beretania St.

Honolulu continues affordable housing efforts

 vividly remembers helping his mom in the kitchen while he was growing up.

“She was always eager to teach us and include us in the process, whether it was cooking or baking,” he says. “She loved preparing all of my brother’s and my favorite dishes. I became her little ‘food critic,’ always excited to taste whatever new creation she came up with.”

Lee’s passion for trying new foods — both locally and while traveling to new countries — continued as he got older. His expanding palate led him to take classes at Kapiʻolani Community College’s culinary program, and eventually work at Tokoname Sushi Bar and Restaurant in Kailua.

Howdeshell, gave me the opportunity to become head chef at his restaurant,” Lee says. “My mentor, Harry Nakashima — now head chef at Gyotaku — trained me meticulously during my time there, and I learned so much under his guidance. To this day, I continue to seek his advice and wisdom.”

After seeing many successful small pop-ups at local farmers markets, Lee became curious about starting his own business. He recalls spending hours researching and talking to other small business owners before finally deciding to launch Travie’s Patties.

The biz, which specializes in smashburgers, was inspired by one of Lee’s favorite foods.

“[I wanted] to build something that combined bold flavors with a fun, customizable concept,” he says. “Smashburgers gave me the freedom to showcase my favorite flavor combinations, and experiment with unique sauces and toppings.”

Travie’s Patties celebrated its grand opening at Village Night Market in August. The business model represents speed, affordability and quality, according to Lee.

“I wanted Travie’s Patties to be a place where customers can get a hot, made-to-order smashburger without the long wait or high price tag,” he says. “By keeping our prices fair and our flavors fresh, we’ve built a loyal customer base that trusts and enjoys what we do."

Since family members and friends call him “Trav,” coming up with a business name was fun for Lee.

“Every business needs a name people can remember,” he says. “When we started brainstorming burger-related names, ‘Travie’s Patties’ just stuck. It’s fun, catchy and easy to remember.”

Lee remembers experimenting with recipes and gathering food taste testers to perfect his signature burgers and sauces. He designed the business’s menu to be simple, but packed with flavor; its main features include Chimmy ($9 single, $12 double) and the McTravie ($9 single, $12 double).

Both burgers start with a homemade ground sirloin patty mix, grilled onions, a slice of American cheese and crispy cheese crisp atop soft, garlic-buttered potato buns. Customers can add lettuce and tomato at no extra charge, according to Lee.

“We are proud to use locally sourced ingredients from D.Otani Produce,” he says. “The Chimmy comes with our housemade chimichurri aioli, which has a little garlicky, spicy kick. The McTravie features our housemade classic burger sauce with your choice of homemade regular or spicy pickles.”

The biz also offers shoestring fries ($4) and tater tots ($4), which both come with ketchup and the business’s signature chimichurri aioli.

The business recently added a dirty drinks section, which includes dirty sodas, to its menu. A dirty soda is a non-alcoholic drink, which is made “dirty” by being mixed with flavored purees, juices, syrups or cream, according to Lee.

Popular options include The Landshark ($7) — a combo of Sprite, blue raspberry, strawberry puree and gummy sharks — and The Girly ($9). The latter features a pink slush Alani Nu energy drink base with strawberry puree, cream and cold foam.

“The Dirty Alani Nu ($9) uses the energy drink base, then is built the same way (with flavored syrups and purees),” Lee explains. “Lilo’s iced tea ($6) is our take on the famous local-style iced tea, for those wanting a refreshing option.”

The biz loves to celebrate its customers, according to Lee, who says they started an interactive weekly discount called “Player of the Week.” Before each event, the biz announces its featured “player.” Customers then receive a sports player card with a letter and a number as their order placeholder instead of a ticket. If their card matches the business’s player of the week at checkout, the customers get a discount.

“People love it so much that some even try to buy their player cards to keep as souvenirs,” Lee says. “It’s become a fun and unexpected way to connect with our customers while they wait for their food.”

Stay updated with the business by following Travie’s Patties on 

. The biz is scheduled to be at Taste of Aloha Night Market — which is every second Saturday of the month — for the rest of the year. You can also find the biz at various local farmers markets and upcoming holiday craft fairs, the Village Night Market at Pealridge Center on Nov. 15 and 808 Craft and Gift Holiday Craft Fair on Dec. 6.

The biz also offers catering for private events and fundraisers.

“I want to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all our customers — new and returning — as well as our close friends and family, who volunteer their time to help run our pop-ups,” Lee says. “Your support means the world to us. I’m humbled by how many people want to see us succeed. That motivation keeps me pushing forward every single day.”

Travies Patties green sauce burger 110225

<title>Travie’s Patties pop-up offers fun, flavorful smashburgers</title>

The biz celebrated its grand opening in August, and can be found at a variety of night markets and seasonal craft fairs across Oʻahu. The biz also recently added non-alcoholic dirty sodas to its menu.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: "Burn dat buggah!"

ASD Staff

More in Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

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Hawai‘i Scene on Social: "Burn dat buggah!"

Authors

ASD Staff

More in Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Dreams do come true

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Going big

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Take a trip

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Too busy vibing

Most read