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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're stumped on what the heck an "aloha T-shirt" could be. 

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Government & Politics

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 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

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

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

Government officials, staff, board members and community volunteers gathered Tuesday in Chinatown at River of Life Mission, clothed with aprons and gloves, to pack hot meals and snack bags that would later go out for delivery to its mobile outreach “hub spots” across Oʻahu.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and the governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness Jun Yang suited up to help fill food containers in celebration of the organization

 40-year milestone of providing free meals and ministry to homeless individuals and at-risk kūpuna, keiki and ‘ohana. They also declared Nov. 4 as “River of Life Mission Day.”

In March, River of Life took to Instagram to thank its donors, team members and partners.

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established This has been our guiding light,” per the nonprofit. “The best is yet to come! Here's to 40 years of God's love in action and many more miracles ahead!”

According to its website, River of Life served more than 200,000 meals, reaching an estimated 2,500 homeless per month, while helping 93 individuals transition from the streets to treatment programs in 2024.

The organization also hosts nearly 240 hub events monthly in partnership with local churches, ministries and service providers. At these designated hubs that convene weekly, individuals can receive a hot meal, connect to services and experience the gospel. It is recommended to connect with a River of Life team member before showing up to a hub to volunteer. The weekly calendar can be found 

Executive Director Keali‘i Kane Gray, who assumed the role on Oct. 20, oversees the organization comprised of 16 employees and thousands of volunteers.

“I just started last month and am continually moved by the heart and humility of our team, our church partners, and the hundreds of volunteers who serve with such love and consistency,” Kane Gray said in an emailed response to questions from Aloha State Daily. “Seeing meals handed out with a smile, prayers prayed over families, and lives encouraged at HUB sites reminds me daily why this work matters. And I am deeply grateful for the faithful donors who make this ministry possible.”

She continued, “This recognition is incredibly humbling and truly belongs to our staff, volunteers, church partners and supporters who show up every day to serve with compassion and faith. We are grateful for the City and State leaders who walk alongside us — because addressing homelessness, hunger and poverty requires a united community. While these are challenging times, we move forward with confidence, knowing that through God’s grace and all of us working together, hope and transformation are possible.”

According to the organization, Kane Gray was selected among “many qualified candidates” amid a nationwide executive search that began earlier this year.

“In the end, the best candidate was one from our own backyard,” River of Life told ASD.

ohe, Kane Gray has more than 30 years of experience in health care and telecommunications. She most recently served as director of business development for hospice care company Navian Hawai

When asked what attracted her to the role at River of Life Mission, she said, “River of Life Mission has such a powerful legacy of ministry, compassion and life-changing impact here in our island home. When this opportunity arose, I truly felt called to serve. This is a season where our community needs hope, dignity and tangible support more than ever, and I knew I wanted to help strengthen and extend the reach of this mission across O‘ahu.”

 degree in finance with a minor in philosophy from Rutgers University in New Jersey and has completed MBA coursework at Hawai‘i Pacific University. She and her husband, Todd, attend Anchor Church in Kāne

Looking ahead, Kane Gray says her kuleana is “to 

ensure we steward that growth well and sustainably.”

“The needs of our kūpuna, keiki and ‘ohana are increasing, and we are committed to strengthening partnerships with churches, HUB leaders, and service providers to continue meeting physical, emotional and spiritual needs — one life, one neighborhood, one meal at a time.”

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Address: 101 N. Pauahi St., Honolulu, HI 96817

Proclamations Presented to River of Life Mission 11.4.25

<title>Chinatown’s River of Life Mission makes 40 years</title>

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, among other dignitaries, declared Nov. 4 as “River of Life Mission Day,” in honor of 40 years of mission-driven work serving meals and ministry to homeless individuals and ʻohana on Oʻahu. Newly appointed Executive Director Keali‘i Kane Gray shares what this acknowledgement means to her and for the nonprofit now and into the future.

Chinatown’s River of Life Mission makes 40 years

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

On Tuesday, the University of Hawai‘i baseball team is set to depart for a trip to Japan, which lasts from Nov. 4-10. It is the first known foreign tour in program history. 

"We're so pumped," Hawai‘i head baseball coach Rich Hill said. "Senator (Glenn) Wakai was really the driving force behind this. We had been in talks with him, our administration, 

 have been great about this. It just kind of all came together when we realized that we were going to have support. ... A lot of people just push, push, push to make it happen. There were some roadblocks along the way, like anything when you're trying to do something new, but, man, we got it done, and we're heading to Japan, and couldn't be more excited."

The Rainbow Warriors will spend their trip in the Tokyo area. In addition to sightseeing and cultural exchanges, the 'Bows will play exhibition games against Waseda University and 

Keio University. Waseda and Keio are two of the best teams in Japan and rivals. Hill likened the two programs to "playing LSU and Tennessee."

Before their games against both teams, Hill will require the Rainbow Warriors to watch their opponents warm up and try to take a thing or two away from the disciplined and regimented style of play. 

"It is a choreographed work of art. It's like a broadway musical. The discipline, how accurate catch play is, the energy, the enthusiasm, it's my style of baseball. I love it," Hill said. "I just love the passion that they bring. I love the discipline, the adherence to fundamentals, the desire for excellence. It's really good for our players to see that style of baseball. I'm really looking forward to that."

Taking a trip to Japan as a team had been a possibility but not a certainty until recent weeks. The 'Bows knew to be prepared for the trip beforehand, whether it was getting the proper documentation to travel or planning ahead of classes missed. 

"Everybody's ready to go," star pitcher Isaiah Magdaleno said. "They've been on it. They've been telling us since the beginning, probably like the first (fall) meeting that it was a possibility, and ever since then, we've just been looking forward to it.

"It's super exciting. We usually don't travel in the fall, but we're super excited to get out there. It's a new experience for everybody, and everybody's excited. I feel like we're ready as a team and just really testing out the new team."

Fall ball intensified for the Rainbow Warriors with a trio of intersquad games over the weekend as part of its fall World Series. After returning from Japan, the Rainbow Warriors will host Hawai‘i Pacific for an exhibition on Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. at Les Murakami Stadium. The 2026 regular season then begins in February for the 'Bows. 

"We're a work in progress," Hill said. "Fall is always exciting, because we get to learn a lot about the players that we brought in. At the same time, it's a ramping up process, especially for the freshmen, managing their time, academics, baseball, strength and conditioning. It goes from 0 to 100 pretty quick, but we're figuring out the pieces."

Hawaii baseball 110325

<title>Hawai‘i baseball team set for Japan trip</title>

The Rainbow Warriors will continue their busy fall with a rare trip to Japan, their first foreign tour under head coach Rich Hill.

Hawai‘i baseball team set for Japan trip

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Hawaii History

In just over a week, Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole’s 40-foot racing canoe will return to the water for the first time in more than a decade, according to representatives of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. The launch of the six-seat racing canoe, called the A’a, will take place at sunrise on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Ke’ehi Lagoon Beach Park.

“They don’t exist for display,” said Billy Richards, Polynesian Voyaging Society navigator and Bishop Museum board member, referring to waʻa, or canoes, made of koa, like the Aʻa, in a written statement. “They exist for the ocean.” 

The event starts at 6 a.m. with a sunrise ceremony honoring A’a and its return to the water. There will be canoes from racing and voyaging clubs and organizations. At 7 a.m. there will be a paddle out. From 8 a.m. until noon there will be talk story and oral history sessions with master canoe carvers and koa canoe stewards. This event is free and open to the public.

Aʻa was crafted in 1902 by Henry Weeks in Kailua-Kona on Hawai’i Island. After Prince Kūhiō died, Aʻa was gifted to the Bishop Museum as part of the Kapiʻolani-Kalanianaʻole Collection, named in honor of both Prince Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole and Queen Kapiʻolani, in 1923.

“The A’a marked the beginning of organized canoe racing in Hawaiʻi, and it’s also a link to our past,” said Tay Perry, a master canoe builder who led the recent repairs to the Aʻa, in a written statement.

Recently, Aʻa was featured in Bishop Museum’s J. M. Long Gallery as part of the exhibition, “Kū a Lanakila! Expressions of Sovereignty in Early Territorial Hawaiʻi, 1900-1920.”

Recent repairs to the Aʻa were made possible by the Friends of Hōkūleʻan and Hawaiʻiloa, Tay Perry, Ryan Olivares and the Dowsett ʻOhana. Get more information and 

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

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

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

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