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Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

[{"text":"The old ways are da bess!","type":"text"}]

Firefly the word Pow in comic book 539230 Large

<title>Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Classic interrogation technique</title>

Today's social media find comes from waikikipd, on how to get the truth out of some low-life.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Classic interrogation technique

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

Business & Tourism

The state’s tax on transient accommodation proceeds will likely rise next year.

Last week, the state Legislature voted to pass Senate Bill 1396, a measure that increases Hawai‘i’s Transient Accommodation Tax rate to raise funds for climate change mitigation projects. 

And, for the first time ever, the bill will also levy taxes on cruise ships: cruise operators will also begin paying an 11% tax on all cruise fares, prorated based on how many days per voyage a ship is docked at a Hawai‘i port.

Currently, the minimum TAT rate in the state is 10.25%, with each county levying its own 3% surcharge. 

The measure has been controversial among tourism- and rental-based organizations, which have warned that Hawai‘i businesses cannot survive the rising cost of doing business.

“Currently, Hawaiʻi has the highest tax on admissions in the nation, and evidence from 2023 and 2024 suggests that higher taxes lead to reduced spending by visitors in other areas rather than an increase in their overall expenditure per trip,” read an April 2 letter by Antoinette Davis, executive director of the Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii.

Norwegian Cruise Line has also been opposed to the language within the bill which included cruise ships in the state’s definition of transient accommodations. In an April letter to the legislature, NCL argued that cruise ship cabins should be considered separately from hotel rooms or other short-term rentals — after all, a hotel guest only pays for the accommodation, but the cost of a cruise ship cabin includes “sleeping quarters, food, beverages, entertainment, transportation, excursions, fees for dockage, port entry, wharfage, security, amongst others,” NSL wrote.

Furthermore, NCL argued that the bill violates the U.S. Constitution’s Tonnage Clause, which prohibits non-federal governments from imposing taxes that effectively charge for entering a port.

But the office of Gov. Josh Green has indicated consistent support of the measure throughout the legislative session. Green’s office repeatedly submitted testimony on the bill recommending a 1% TAT increase, estimating that it would generate up to $90 million in the 2027 fiscal year.

At the same time, the Department of Land and Natural Resources estimated that the ecological functions provided by the Ko‘olau Forest Reserve on O‘ahu — flood prevention, drinking water recharge, carbon storage and more — have a net value of up to $14 billion, while coral reefs are estimated to annually protect against $836 million in damage caused by ocean swells every year.

“Despite the enormous value of our forests and oceans, Hawai‘i invests less than 1% of the total state budget into their protection and management,” wrote DLNR chair Dawn Chang. “Without adequate investment, the increasing impacts of climate change, wildfires, invasive species, and overuse threaten to erode the assets that sustain our economy and communities.”

Chang also identified more than 80 possible climate change projects that could be funded within DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife alone, such as a $5 million firebreak project on the Mānā Plains on Kaua‘i, or a $1 million project on Maui to eradicate fire-prone pampas grass.

[{"text":"The bill is now on Green’s desk, awaiting his signature.","type":"text"}]

[{"text":"Aloha State Daily requested comment from the Hawaii Tourism Authority.","type":"text"}]

State capitol 022725

<title>TAT rate increase coming next year</title>

Transient accommodation tax rate hike to fund climate change mitigation projects

TAT rate increase coming next year

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Ole! Cinco de Mayo might fall on a Monday this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the party started early.

Some spots are celebrating Cinco de Mayo as early as May 2. Check out the following:

[{"text":"Aloha Mamacita ","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}]}]

Aloha Mamacita's Cinco de Mayo deals are all day from May 2 to 5. Enjoy $2 pollo asada street tacos ($1 upgrade for carne asada, lechon or fish street tacos) and $2 off selected pūpū. Drink specials include classic margaritas ($5), well shots ($6), beers on draft ($5), and strawberry margarita Jell-O shots (three for $6). 

Bucket deals include domestic towers (five for $25) and cocktail towers ($45).  

Aloha Mamacita, Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, Instagram: 

[{"text":"Buho Cocina y Cantina","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}]}]

Buho Cocina y Cantina’s nighttime Cinco de Mayo celebration is an event for those age 21 years and older. Attendees can enjoy Mexican cuisine, live music and refreshing drinks.

The eatery will also offer brunch service during the day. Visit 

Buho Cocina y Cantina, Waikīkī Shopping Plaza, 2250 Kalākaua Ave., Ste. 525, Honolulu, 808-922-2846, 

[{"text":"Dixie Grill Barbecue and Crab Shack","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}]}]

Dixie Grill Barbecue and Crab Shack will offer a special Cinco de Mayo menu. Enjoy dishes like roasted tequila lime wings ($15), carne asada tacos ($15) and a margarita flight ($15).

Dixie Grill, 99-016 Kamehameha Hwy., ‘Aiea, 808-485-2722, 

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and Hawaii Tourism Authority: Cinco de Mayo celebration

This Cinco de Mayo festival is a free family event that’s from 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 4. The event will be at Ka Makana Aliʻi (lot 9A) and will include food vendors and trucks, live music and performances, a car show and keiki zone. A Sinaloa VIP festival experience is available for $25 and includes seating, a private bar, unlimited chips and salsa and more. 

https://www.hcchawaii.org/cinco-de-mayo-event-2025

Ka Makana Aliʻi, 91-5431 Kapolei Pkwy. Ste. 501, Kapolei

[{"text":"Taqueria El Ranchero","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}]}]

Taqueria El Ranchero is celebrating Cinco de Mayo from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, May 2. Attendees can enjoy performances by a live mariachi band.

Taqueria el Ranchero, various locations, 

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

This Chinatown eatery that specializes in traditional Mexican cuisine is featuring a variety of drink specials. Enjoy margaritas and palomas, shots of mezcal and tequila and taqueria tacos (carne asada, chicken or pork) for $5 each.

Tlaxcalli is closed on Monday but will be open Friday (11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m.), Saturday (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m.). 

Tlaxcalli, 1128 Smith St., Honolulu, 808-888-5200, 

Cinco de Mayo Aloha Mamacita 050225

<title>Where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo</title>

Ring in May 5 with tacos, tequila and more.

Where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday, May 11. Whether mom prefers brunch, buffets or a take-out meal, check out these options:

[{"text":"100 Sails Restaurant & Bar","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}]}]

: Prince Waikīkī, 100 Holomoana St., third floor, Honolulu 

: The Mother’s Day brunch buffet ($109 per adult, $54.50 for children ages 6-10) includes options like snow crab legs, seafood scampi, herb panko crusted baked salmon, smoked lamb chops, slow-roasted prime rib, porchetta, slow-roasted prime rib, smoked ‘ahi tartlets, s’mores cookies and more. 

The Mother’s Day dinner buffet ($107 per adult, $53.50 for children ages 6-10) includes similar offerings. 

: May 11, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Mother’s Day dinner buffet is May 8-11, 5-9:30 p.m. 

[{"text":"Artizen by MW","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}]}]

: 888 Kapiʻolani Blvd., Ste. 102, Honolulu 

: The eatery’s Artizen Feast ($295) is designed to enjoy at home and can feed six people. The feast includes spinach and artichoke dip with won ton chips; ‘ahi nicoise salad with confit ‘ahi, long beans, kalamata olives, tomatoes and potato; garlic shrimp scampi with campanelle pasta; bucket of jidori fried chicken; Brandt beef pot roast; Small Kine Farms mushrooms and garlic jus; roasted vegetables and garlic potatoes; and Artizen chocolate cake. 

: Feast is available May 11; preorder deadline is May 9.

[{"text":"Eleven Honolulu","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}]}]

: Foodland Farms Ala Moana, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 

: Eleven Honolulu’s Mother’s Day weekend brunch buffet ($55 per person, $24 per child) includes assorted mini breakfast pastries, quiche Lorraine, a raw bar with local catch sashimi and Goose Point shucked oysters, ginger and orange glazed carrots, mochi waffle station, soft scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, carving station with herb and garlic crusted striploin roast, yuzu sake glazed salmon and assorted rotating desserts. 

: May 10-11, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (last seating) 

[{"text":"Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}]}]

: Haleakalā Gardens, 3850 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea 

: The resort’s Mother’s Day brunch ($175 per adult, $65 per child) includes a raw seafood bar with crab claws, oysters, Hawaiian ‘ahi poke and sushi rolls; chocolate hazelnut French toast topped with crème anglaise, banana and Nutella sauce; Grand Wailea Benedict with crispy pork belly and spicy Hollandaise sauce; kimchi fried rice loco moco with Maui onion gravy; Chinese steamed dim sum, crispy Hawaiian snapper; Kona lobster mac and cheese; lilikoʻi meringue tart, mango crème brulee and fresh berries flambe on pineapple rum cake with vanilla ice cream. 

[{"text":"Hy’s Steakhouse","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}]}]

: Hy’s Mother’s Day brunch buffet ($150 per adult, $75 for children ages 6-12, free admission for children ages 5 and under) includes Hy’s signature Caesar salad, eggplant spinach quiche, assorted charcuterie and cheeses, spicy and shoyu ‘ahi poke, smoked salmon with herb roasted crostini, crab cake eggs Benedict, Hy’s slow roasted prime rib, honey glazed ham, leg of lamb with mint jelly, steamed snow crab, Mediterranean baked fish, chocolate decadence brownies, strawberry crunch trifle and more. 

: May 11, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (last seating 1 p.m.) 

[{"text":"Kulu kulu Cake","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}]}]

: Royal Hawaiian Center, 2233 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu

: Mother’s Day cakes are available in two flavors: strawberry shortcake (small $45, large $55) and strawberry rare cheese roll ($17.50). Preorders are accepted in-store and online. 

[{"text":"MW Restaurant","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}]}]

: 888 Kapiʻolani Blvd. Ste. 201, Honolulu 

: The eatery’s MW Feast ($695) is designed to enjoy at home and can feed six to eight people. It includes sashimi salad (‘ahi and Hamachi sashimi, crispy Asian slaw and soy wasabi vinaigrette), crab cakes with wasabi koji sauce, eggplant and tomato dip with toast points, miso honey glazed butterfish, taegu watercress salad, seafood lasagna, garlic Brandt beef prime rib with garlic au jus and wasabi sour cream, roasted vegetables and Yukon gold potatoes, and strawberry cheesecake for dessert. 

: Feast is available May 11; preorder deadline is May 9. 

[{"text":"Onkee Hawaiʻi","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}]}]

: This Mother’s Day special menu ($150 per person) includes a mini seafood platter with lobster tail, scallop and tuna poke; braised short rib served with a truffle cream sauce; beef platter with tenderloin, Miyazaki wagyu sirloin, fresh short rib and outside skirt; choice of Doenjang (soybean paste stew) or kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew); and mango bingsu for dessert. 

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

: Halekūlani, 2199 Kālia Road, Honolulu 

: Orchids Sparkling Mother’s Day brunch costs $128 per adult ($68 for children ages 5-10 years). Highlights include a seafood bar with deep water snow crab legs, lobster tails and shucked oysters; assortment of sushi, nigiri and maki rolls; chef’s carving station with Waimanalo raised suckling pig, prime rib, sage-roasted turkey, roasted brisket and flank steak; housemade ice cream and sorbet station; and desserts like classic Halekulani coconut cake, red velvet cheesecake, warm chocolate bread pudding, lilikoʻi meringue tarts and more. 

[{"text":"Quiora Waikīkī","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}]}]

: The Ritz Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach, 383 Kalaimoku St., Honolulu 

: Quiora Waikiki’s Mother’s Day brunch buffet ($125 per adult, $63 for children ages 6-12, free admission for children ages 5 and under) includes options like Hy’s famous prime rib, crispy Mountain View Farms pork belly, assorted breakfast meats, corned beef and sweet potato hash, snow crab claws, Pacific oysters, matcha mousse cake, apple banana croissant bread with crème anglaise and more. There is a two-hour dining period. 

: May 11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (last seating 1 p.m.) 

[{"text":"Slice by HB Baking","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}]}]

: Kilohana Square, 1016 Kapahulu Ave., Ste. 150, Honolulu 

: This dessert shop is featuring a fresh strawberry pie ($69) for Mother’s Day. It includes Tahitian vanilla bean pastry cream and citrus-glazed strawberries. 

[{"text":"Vintage Books","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}]}]

: 3660 Waiʻalae Ave. Ste. 101, Honolulu 

: This Mother’s Day prix fixe brunch ($70 per person) includes a mini scone flight (trio of house-baked scones), dim sum remix (smoked salmon gau gee), silken tofu with POG syrup and tapioca pearls, choice of entrée (‘ahi Benedict, shrimp and grits, French toast crunch or the eatery’s version of a loco moco), and chocolate sesame roll (three mochi sesame balls filled with warm chocolate and rolled in black sesame and poppy seeds) for dessert. The Mother’s Day prix fixe dinner ($90 per person) includes ong choi and Aliʻi hamakua mushroom salad, kimchi pork belly pancake, choice of entrée (crispy crab rice cakes, wagyu flat-iron steak, crispy brined roast chicken or summer squash masa cakes), and coconut flan for dessert. 

: May 11, brunch is 10 a.m.-3 p.m., dinner is 4:30-9:30 p.m. 

[{"text":"Wolfgang’s Steakhouse","type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}]}]

: Royal Hawaiian Center, 2301 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu 

: This special prix fixe menu ($79 per person) includes a glass of bubbles, choice of Beverly Hills chopped salad or Manhattan-style clam chowder, petite filet with au poivre sauce and garlic mashed potatoes, and New York cheesecake with a jumbo strawberry.

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Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Classic interrogation technique

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