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Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

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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

Adopt a Pet

Maui Humane Society describes Sunshine as "a gentle, quiet little soul who prefers a calm life." She is 2 years old and happiest when she can curl up in a cozy cubby or stretch out in a warm sunbeam to watch the world go by. Of course, pets put her in a good mood!

"Cheek scratches are [her] absolute favorite — [She’ll] melt right into your hand when you find the sweet spot. [She gets] along well with other cats, though [sheʻll] tend to keep to [herself and enjoy a peaceful space.] 

If you’re looking for a calm companion who brings soft, soothing energy and warm sunbeam vibes to your home, Sunshine just might be the one for you.

Reach out to MHSʻ Adoption Team to arrange a meet and greet by emailing: 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Sunshine

<title>Adopt-a-Pet: Let Sunshine light up your life</title>

"I’m a special girl who’s hoping to find a special home to call my own."

Adopt-a-Pet: Let Sunshine light up your life

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

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

s is hosting its first Battle of the Bands and Comedians. The fourth round of competition takes place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 

. Aloha State Daily is the media sponsor for the series.

Over the past few weeks, a panel of judges have been selecting one band and one comedian from each round to advance directly to the finals. On Nov. 21, five bands and five comedians will compete in the finals at The Gatsby in Kakaʻako.

The second-place finishers for each of the first four rounds of competition get a chance to qualify for the finals as a wildcard, if they are voted in by fans. Their names will be listed on the 

 from Nov. 10 -16. During that time, fans can vote for the band and comedian they want to see compete in the finals.

The third round took place on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Lava Sports Bar & Grill in Kailua

. The comedians were Ian Shippen, Kanoa Morse and Pepper Lamb. Tehani and Ian Shippen advanced to the finals.

bands in the fourth round on Sunday, Nov. 9, include 

Cajun Peaches, The Issentials and Take One

. The comedians include Mutiyaa Vision, Andrew Joyce and Jack Schwab.

Tehani

<title>Battle of the Bands and Comedians: tickets on sale for next round</title>

HI93 FM Hawaiʻi’s Local Hits is hosting a battle of the bands and comedians. The fourth round of competition is this Sunday, Nov. 9.  In just a few weeks, five bands and five comedians will come together for the finals of the competition, held Friday, Nov. 21, at The Gatsby in Kakaʻako.

Battle of the Bands and Comedians: tickets on sale for next round

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

Business & Tourism

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

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

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.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Classic interrogation technique

ASD Staff

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Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Classic interrogation technique

Authors

ASD Staff

More in Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Dreams do come true

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