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Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

[{"text":"Though we're stumped on what the heck an \"aloha T-shirt\" could be.","type":"text"}]

Firefly funny cartoon illustration of a goth kid standing under a small dark cloud in a sunny tropic

<title>Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Growing up goth in Hawai‘i</title>

Today's social media find is from comedian Zak Toscani, looking back on his attempt to pull off tropical goth.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Growing up goth in Hawai‘i

Though we&#039;re stumped on what the heck an &quot;aloha T-shirt&quot; could be. 

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

The University of Hawai‘i beach volleyball team has enjoyed a successful turnaround under first-year head coach 

, who has guided the Rainbow Wahine to a 13-12 mark in 2026. A year after going 14-21, the 'Bows are currently ranked 14th nationally in the AVCA collegiate beach poll, their signature win of the season a win over then-No. 1 UCLA on opening weekend. 

The Rainbow Wahine close out their home slate this weekend with matches against Oregon, Chaminade and Santa Clara on Saturday and Sunday. For the first time all season, the 'Bows will play matches on campus at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. Sunday's finale against Oregon will be televised on Spectrum Sports at 5:30 p.m. 

Both of UH-Mānoa's diamond sports will have home games on campus this week as well. The UH softball team will host Cal State Bakersfield on Friday and Saturday, while the UH baseball team will host UC Irvine from Friday to Sunday (

Meanwhile the UH water polo team will compete in the Big West Tournament in Long Beach, Calif. as the 

, starting off against UC Santa Barbara on Friday. 

 will continue to be on the road, taking on UC San Diego on Friday and Saturday. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Local PacWest teams"}]

Hawai‘i Pacific's baseball team will play a doubleheader at Biola on Saturday, while Chaminade's baseball team takes on Vanguard on Friday and Saturday. Meanwhile, Chaminade's softball team will host Menlo for doubleheaders on Friday and Saturday. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"BKFC Fight Night Honolulu"}]

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is bringing a card to Honolulu, set for Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. (

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Hawaii beach volleyball 040626

<title>The week ahead in Hawai‘i sports: UH beach volleyball set for senior weekend</title>

The Rainbow Wahine will host one final homestand this weekend before embarking for the Big West tournament at the end of the month.

The week ahead in Hawai‘i sports: UH beach volleyball set for senior weekend

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

 is bringing hope and life-giving aid to Oʻahu residents impacted by this flooding disaster.

This isn’t the first time the faith-based, global humanitarian organization headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, has provided relief services to Hawaiʻi. Vice President of Public Engagement and National Spokesperson Ethan Forhetz told Aloha State Daily that the nonprofit spent a year helping West Maui recover and rebuild after the Lahaina wildfires in 2023.

“We are blessed to be able to give back to Hawaiʻi and help following yet another disaster there,” Forhetz said. “Every disaster is different, so it is based on the needs at the moment and what we foresee the needs will be.

“Now that the flash flooding has receded in large part, it’s the cleanup, so we will continue to deliver supplies, and our team members will be there as long as there’s a need for them there. We are also ready and willing to respond on other islands, if needed."

Forhetz, a former TV news anchor, joined Convoy of Hope five years ago to “be part of the solution,” he said, adding that so far, it’s been a good fit for him.

He said he was last on Maui in 2021 and has traveled to disaster scenes across the world with the organization, which last year responded to 92 disasters globally.

He added: "But the things that we see, a lot of times we see people on one of the worst days of their lives. They've lost their home, or their loved one. They've lost their livelihoods and it can be a dark time. Then, they're so grateful – they're blown away – by the fact other people know what they're going through and have come so far to help."

Convoy of Hope has partners across the Islands, including local churches, businesses, government and more. 

“Every time I get to meet a recipient of what we’re giving out following some sort of disaster, it makes me proud of the work I get to do in this organization with our partners and donors, he continued. “We couldn’t do it by ourselves. It really takes a group working together cooperatively to make a difference in other people’s lives.”

He noted that for this disaster, dozens of volunteers are assisting its “team of specialized disaster volunteers who train and travel.”

Forhetz said that Walmart and Home Depot have both been generous with in-kind donations.

“Walmart is committed to its continued support for our associates and the residents of Hawaiʻi,” according to a recent statement from the company. “Through strategic coordination with Convoy of Hope, Feeding America, and other partners on the ground, our local Walmart stores are helping make sure water and essential supplies reach affected areas quickly.”

The Walmart Foundation has also committed $250,000 in grants to 

 to support disaster relief and long-term recovery.

Additional items are being shipped, according to Forhetz, and are scheduled to arrive next week.

“I would say the biggest thing we see there on the Islands is this very, very strong culture and community of people wanting to get involved and help their neighbor. They come together to do the work.”

When asked how faith comes into play for Convoy of Hope, Forhetz told Aloha State Daily, “Our faith is the reason we do what we do.”

“We don’t require anybody else to be the same faith to receive help from us, but our faith is what drives us to help our neighbor in need, to see someone without hope and try to give them hope. Weʻre trying to give people hope that tomorrow’s going to be a better day.”

Convoy of Hope is primarily funded by corporations, churches and individuals, he said, adding that “more than 90 cents of every dollar donated goes where the donor wants it to go.”

Forbes' list of America's Top 100 Charities

the global nonprofit generated $95 million in total revenues in 2024. 

Besides crisis relief and meal support, its other programs include teaching people agricultural practices and empowering women to generate income.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Convoy of Hope flood relief

<title>Faith-based nonprofit aims to bring hope amid disaster</title>

Convoy of Hope, a global humanitarian and disaster relief organization headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, continues to provide food, supplies and services to residents on Oʻahu in response to recent flooding.

Faith-based nonprofit aims to bring hope amid disaster

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Hawaiian Electric customers be warned — higher bills are headed your way.

The utility this week said it anticipates that typical residential bills may rise between 20% and 30% in the coming months. The increases are driven by rising global oil prices linked to "escalating geopolitical tensions," including the current conflict in Iran, an 

"As an island state that relies heavily on imported fuel for electricity generation and transportation, Hawai‘i is particularly sensitive to global fossil fuel price fluctuations," HECO says. "These increases will affect electric bills, fuel prices and other commodities."

Customers on O‘ahu will begin seeing higher bills in April, while Hawai‘i Island and Maui County customers will see increases in May and June, the announcement noted.

The formula for rates is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission, and "includes fuel costs that fluctuate with world markets," according to the utility, which also notes that it makes no profit on the fuel used to generate electricity.

A HECO spokesperson told Aloha State Daily that increases for commercial customers are expected to be in the same ballpark as residential customers.

"Retailers operate on very thin margins, so rising energy costs remain a key concern," Dave Erdman, interim president and CEO of Retail Merchants of Hawai‘i, told Aloha State Daily in an email. "Our members are sharing practical suggestions to reduce in-store energy use and manage higher electric bills, such as using LED lighting, adjusting air-conditioning settings, turning off lights when not in use, and maintaining refrigeration and air filters for efficiency. 

"We will continue to monitor the situation, and gain and share feedback from members on impacts to their retail businesses, shopping centers/malls, dining establishments [and] our allied businesses in professional services and logistics," he continued. "The impact reaches our stores, centers, small businesses and at the homes of our retail employees.”

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"How to combat rising energy costs"}]

Those looking for ways to manage their energy bills can find 

Hawai‘i Energy, the state's energy conservation program, also offers tips, programs and rebates for both residents and businesses looking to offset rising energy costs.

 program, for example provides qualifying businesses and nonprofits with light upgrades at a "significantly reduced" prices.

And rebates help both businesses and residents lower the cost of energy-efficient upgrades, Hawai‘i Energy says.

"Instead of bearing the full expense of new equipment, participants receive financial incentives that reduce the initial investment, making it much easier to move forward with improvements that  deliver long-term savings on energy bills," the organization told ASD.

, rebates are typically tied to specific equipment upgrades like high-efficiency lighting, refrigeration systems, HVAC equipment and controls, and in many cases, the incentives can cover a "meaningful portion of the project cost," Hawai‘i Energy says. The organization also offers technical support to help find the most cost-effective upgrades. See a list of 

, meanwhile, can get rebates for things like energy-efficient appliances, water heating systems and regular maintenance services. Depending on the product, the rebate may be applied instantly when purchased through participating retailers or contractor, or customers can submit a rebate application after purchase, Hawai‘i Energy says. See a list of 

[{"type":"text","text":"As for businesses, Hawai‘i Energy says to:"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Rising gas prices"}]

Oil prices increased after the Iran conflict began on Feb. 28 and rose about 

In addition to rising electric costs, drivers are seeing higher prices at the gas pumps.

With an average gas price of $5.41, Hawai‘i joins California ($5.82) and Washington ($5.27) as the states with the highest average prices, as of March 30, according to data from 

Those three states also have the highest average diesel prices in the country: 

California at $7.30, Hawaiʻi at $6.67, and Washington at $6.50.

Hawai‘i was also led the states that saw the biggest weekly change in gas prices, up 18.8 cents, according to GasBuddy.

Rising energy prices illustration istock

<title>Hawaiian Electric bills expected to rise in the coming months</title>

The utility has warned customers that bills are expected to increase by 20% to 30%, driven by rising global oil prices.

Hawaiian Electric bills expected to rise in the coming months

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

The Merrie Monarch Festival returns for its 63rd annual event this year from Sunday, April 5, through Saturday, April 11. The invite-only hula competition takes place at the Edith Kanakaʻole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo.

Tickets to see the festival in person this year are sold out, but you can watch the live stream from Hawaiʻi News Now 

. It will be broadcasted in ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi and English. Check the Merrie Monarch website for the 

The Merrie Monarch Festival consists of three days of hula competitions: Miss Aloha Hula on Thursday, April 9; Group Hula Kahiko on Friday, April 10; and Group Hula ʻAuana on Saturday, April 11. There is also an invitational Hawaiian arts fair, along with hula shows and a grand parade. On the final day of competition, an overall winner is named. There are also winners for kāne overall, wahine overall, wahine kahiko, wahine ʻauana, kāne kahiko, kāne ʻauana and more.

 who passed away in January at age 79. She was youngest daughter of Edith Kanakaʻole, the founder of Hālau o Kekuhi and for whom the 

 in 1985 with her husband, Sig Zane. Their son, Kūhaʻoʻīmaikalani Zane, was recently named chief executive officer of the business.

In 2025, the overall winner was Hula Hālau ʻO Kamuela, led by Nā Kumu Hula Kunewa Mook & Kau‘ionālani Kamana‘o, which also took first place in wahine overall and wahine kahiko, as well as second place in wahine ʻauana.

Hālau Nā Kamalei O Līlīlehua, led by Kumu Robert Uluwehionāpuaikawēkiuokalani Cazimero took first place in kāne overall and kāne ʻauana, plus third place overall. Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao 

was named Miss Aloha Hula 2025. She represents

 Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala, led by 

Kumu Leināʻala Pavao Jardin, who died in October

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"This year, participating hālau include:"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":" The Miss Aloha Hula participants are:"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":" The judges are:"}]

Edith Kanakaʻole Multi-Purpose Stadium

<title>How to watch Merrie Monarch</title>

The Merrie Monarch Festival returns this year with hula competitions from Thursday, April 9, through Saturday, April 11. Activities and events for the weeklong festival also include an invitational Hawaiian arts fair, along with hula shows and a grand parade.

How to watch Merrie Monarch

Higa headshot white shirt square

Sterling Higa

Columnists

Stand-up comedian Tumua is doing crowd work somewhere on the Mainland, and 

 from the audience. The guy is from Kauaʻi, not born and raised, but “flown there, grown there.” He hasn’t lived there in nine years. While Tumua works the crowd, the guy shouts “chee hoo.” Tumua says, “That’s a solid chee hoo, man.” He does it again. Tumua has to shush him.

It’s a small moment, and Tumua plays it off with dry affection. The guy is playing out what he remembers of a place he left nine years ago. Much of the crowd never lived there at all.

Frank De Lima didn’t have that problem performing locally. Most of his audience hadn’t left. They were in the room — sharing the same plate lunch memories, cringing at the same accents, laughing because every joke was an inside joke. This wasn’t an introduction to local culture. It was a reminder, a celebration, even a reinforcement.

The plantation village was a truly different kind of place — shared land, shared labor, ethnic groups pressed close together with no way out. Filipinos, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and Hawaiians were all crowded into the same neighborhoods and schools. What came out of it — the food, the humor, the pidgin — came from people who couldn’t opt out of each other.

Even as that world was dissolving, people reached back for its symbols. By 1978, a political movement called Palaka Power had taken the plantation worker’s cloth as its name — a clear link to the past. The Palaka Power 

 said so plainly. The writers also noted, in the same breath: the ILWU was declining, sugar and pine would soon be gone, the Democrats of the ‘54 Revolution had mostly left the arena. They chose the symbol precisely because the reality was already receding. The myth was always partly constructed. But it was backed, then, by people who had actually 

The built world that replaced the plantation village included public housing, suburbs, and apartments. The Mainland has all of those. And then came radio, television, the internet, smartphones, and eventually TikTok.

Stand in the Sandy Beach parking lot on a Saturday. A kid near the lifeguard stand is hitting a vape and dancing to a song trending in Atlanta. The shaka sticker on the bumper is working harder than it used to. But social media didn’t cause any of this. It arrived to find the flattening of culture mostly finished and has been tracking it ever since.

The audience for local content skews diaspora: Aunties in Vallejo, Kalihi kids now in Las Vegas, people holding onto something they can’t quite name.

Nostalgia is real. But it runs in one direction. You can package a memory and ship it to Fresno. What you can’t do is put it back. A friend put it plainly: are we our own cover band?

Distinct cultures are not accidents. They grow from particular people living side by side. The plantation village wasn’t a brand. It was a neighborhood. The shaka sticker can travel, but the neighborhood can’t. Something real is lost when a place becomes content.

. He’s reaching for something he actually had, once. What is it, exactly? The memory of a place, a people. The kind of memory that swells within and erupts in shouts — or tears. It’s the memory that many hold of Hawai‘i, even those who visited only for a week.

Nostalgia can become sinful when we deceive ourselves. It’s easy to romanticize farm labor from the comfort of air-conditioned offices, but the plantations were not a paradise. And neither is Hawai‘i. The past is worth a visit, but no place to make a home. 

That’s a solid chee hoo, man — but once is enough. Shush.

Pineapple Plantation housing 16x9 Large

<title>What's in a chee hoo?</title>

Generations removed from the plantation era that forged it, local culture is in danger of becoming a nostalgia-fueled performance of itself, writes ASD columnist Sterling Higa.

What's in a chee hoo?

Kam Napier Headshot

A. Kam Napier

Onlookers were stunned on Sunday, March 29, when the famous Scottish lake monster, affectionately known as Nessie, broached the waters of the equally famous Ala Wai Canal.

[{"type":"text","text":"ASD was first on the scene, bringing you these exclusive photos."}]

We were soon joined by noted Isle cryptozoologist Sigmund Zack, who said he was alerted by postings on the private social media channel of a secretive monster hunter society.

“I never thought I’d see the day!” said Zack. “I had been saving up all my Atmos Rewards miles for a trip to Scotland and now this happens — amazing!”

The creature kept perfectly still, head in the air, as if embarrassed to be caught in the open in broad daylight.

[{"type":"text","text":"Isn’t Nessie a little far from home? we asked."}]

“It’s 42 degrees in Loch Ness,” says noted Isle cryptozoologist Sigmund Zack. “That’s Fahrenheit, it’s sounds even worse in Centigrade, just 5 or 6 degrees! So the question isn’t, ‘Why would Nessie swim 7,000 miles to vacation in Waikīkī?” it’s ‘Why wouldn’t he?”

Zack speculated on the beast’s route across the Atlantic, down the Eastern Seaboard, through the Panama Canal, past Easter Island, finally arriving in the Islands with uncanny navigational skill. Was Waikīkī its final destination?

He shrugged. “There’s just so much we don’t know about Nessie. Its mating habits, its taste in streaming content, its connection, if any, to Big Foot. So many blanks to fill!”

Could Nessie pose a threat? If, as theories suggest, the lake monster is a Plesiosaurus, a living fossil from the Jurassic period, it’s likely to be carnivorous.

At that, Zack narrowed his eyes and dashed off a quick text message to unknown parties.

“I want to assure people,” he said to ASD, “that Nessie would never use its long neck, jagged teeth, lightning reflexes and propulsive swimming ability to pluck people from the sidewalk in a flash and drag them down into the Ala Wai as a snack. Not joggers, not kids, definitely not pets. And definitely not at night, when no one would notice. Nope. Definitely not.”

A crowd had gathered. Someone noted that the long neck and apparent humps of the sinewy serpent looked suspiciously like a log carried into the canal by the recent Kona Low deluge. 

[{"type":"text","text":"Zack threw up his hands."}]

 you to think!” he exclaimed. “Listen, people, and look at these photos,” he said, taking ASD’s iPhone and rummaging through the photos without so much as a thank you.

“The first photo is from 2:48 p.m. and the creature is clearly facing makai, looking into the feeding grounds — I mean, excuse me, the 

 — of Waikīkī. Then, just 12 minutes later, he is photographed again — by a journalist, mind you — this time facing mauka, possibly toward the ball field for leaner prey, I mean, where people play.

“Now, you tell me, what kind of log can change direction on its own, huh? Only flippers can do that!”

As he wrapped up on that conclusive, scientific point, Zack handed back ASD’s phone, took one last look at the bleached, scaly, possibly bark-like hide of the beast and walked off in a hurry.

[{"type":"text","text":"Happy April Fools’ Day, everyone!"}]

Nessie 29 March 2 48 pm 16x9

<title>Loch Ness monster spotted in Ala Wai Canal</title>

“It’s 42 degrees in Loch Ness,” says noted Isle cryptozoologist Sigmund Zack. “The question isn’t, ‘Why would Nessie swim 7,000 miles to vacation in Waikīkī?” it’s ‘Why wouldn’t he?”

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Growing up goth in Hawai‘i

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