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Kady Pascual

Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

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<title>Hawai‘i Scene on Social: She go</title>

Today’s social media find comes from @_Junyaa, who might need a new ride.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: She go

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Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

Business & Tourism

More than 250 Hawai‘i healthcare workers will strike next week amid a multi-state picket of Kaiser Permanente facilities.

The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals represents more than 40,000 health care workers in Hawai‘i and California.

On Tuesday, more than 31,000 of those workers — some 250 of whom are in Hawai‘i — will join picket lines calling for fair wages at Kaiser Permanente, which provides health care coverage for more than 270,000 Hawai‘i residents. The strike is touted as the largest in the unions’ 50-year history, and will include registered nurses, anesthetists, nurse practitioners, therapists, dietitians and other professionals.

 by the unions announcing the strike said union negotiations for new contracts have been unsuccessful for months, with Kaiser executives allegedly refusing the unions’ demands for better pay and improved staffing. The unions criticized Kaiser for keeping wages stagnant amid inflation and rising costs of living, cutting retirement benefits and understaffing facilities, despite Kaiser holding more than $64 billion in reserves and investing heavily in expansions to other states, according to the unions’ statement.

These policies especially hurt workers in Hawai‘i, union member Rachel Stone told Aloha State Daily.

“I was doing the same job as a clinical pharmacist for Kaiser in California,” Stone said. “But when I wanted to move back to Hawai‘i, to be back home, I took a 20% pay cut to do the same job … It was a sacrifice I was willing to make, but I don’t think everyone should have to make it.”

Stone, who grew up on O‘ahu, said thousands of residents are leaving Hawai‘i every year because their pay can’t keep up with the rising cost of living. Other union members, she said, have to work multiple jobs to make ends meet, and while her pay is enough to get by, she’s uncertain if she could afford to start a family.

Stone said she has heard for decades that “the price of paradise” means that prices in Hawai‘i are high and pay is low “and that’s just the way it is.”

“But I work just as hard here as I did in California, doing pretty much the same thing, and I’m getting paid less,” Stone said. “The price of paradise doesn’t mean that this has to be the way it is.”

While the strike is intended to fight for workers, Stone said she believes patients will benefit in the long term: “people who live here should be served by people who are also from here,” she said.

The strike will last from 7 a.m. Tuesday until 7 a.m. Oct. 19, with UNAC/UHCP picket 

 indicating that the Kaiser Honolulu Medical Office and the Maui Lani Medical Office will be picketed from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day, while the Moanalua Medical Center will be picketed from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Stone suggested that Kaiser likely has contingency plans to prevent interruptions in medical services during the strike — and added that not all of Kaiser’s employees are in a union — but what those contingencies might be, she could not say.

 on Kaiser's website advises that the company has "

put strong plans in place to minimize interruption to [patients'] care," and recommends that patients not reschedule appointments that were set for next week. Moanalua Medical Center's Emergency Department, along with urgent cares at other offices, will remain open, while prescriptions can be filled or refilled via Kaiser's mail-order delivery service.

However, most laboratory locations will be closed during the strike.

“As a medical professional, it’s not an easy choice to decide to go on strike,” Stone said. “But we’re doing this for future generations on medical professionals in the state.”

[{"type":"text","text":"Aloha State Daily reached out to Kaiser for comment."}]

Kaiser 16x9

<title>250+ Kaiser employees to strike next week</title>

Unions to picket Kaiser over stagnant wages, cut benefits, and more across multiple states.

250+ Kaiser employees to strike next week

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

The Molokai Hoe returned after a four-year delay in 2024, a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 Maui wildfires. The event's return was meaningful and cathartic to the world's best outrigger canoe paddlers, who compete 40.8 miles across the Ka‘iwi Channel before finishing in Waikīkī. 

While some competitors were fulfilled by the chance to paddle in the event after some time away, Healani Canoe Club head coach Kapuni Patcho had to wait another year due to what he called a "mix-up."

"But I still made it a point to come up to Molokai and spend the week up in Molokai and then fly back down to still be a part of the the race, even if I wasn't crossing, because I knew it was still special however you play a part in the race, whether you're competing or working as an official," Patcho recently told Aloha State Daily. "It's that connection that you make."

Patcho competed in each Molokai Hoe from 2006 to 2019. Now 38, Patcho was determined to find his way back in 2025 and will paddle on Sunday. 

"I made it a point last year where 100% it didn't matter who I was gonna cross with, I was gonna race it in 2025," said Patcho, whose club is entering four teams in the field across the open, 40 masters and 60 master division. 

After beginning his paddling journey at 15, the craft has become a major part of Patcho's life. Originally from Wai‘anae and a Moanalua High School alumnus, Patcho and the majority of his seven siblings became strong paddlers. During the day, Patcho teaches at Radford High School and coaches the paddling team at Pearl City High School. 

[{"type":"text","text":"\"It just becomes part of your life,\" Patcho said of the sport. "}]

Considered by many the pinnacle of paddling, the Molokai Hoe attracts teams from around the world. 

"It's a big event, it's a big culture, it's a big race," said Mooria Teva of Team Toatai, a team based in Tahiti. "Hawai‘i is our cousin, so it's always a pleasure to come here and share this mana with them."

After practices in Puna'auia, situated near Tahiti capital Papeete, Teva and Team Toatai made the five-hour flight to Hawai‘i for the week of festivities prior to Sunday's race. Teva, 51, is competing with Toatai's 50 masters crew. He is one of the few English speakers on the team, which converses amongst themselves mostly in French.

"Of course, (winning) is not only the main goal; the more important is that we keep the spirit (of the race). It's an accomplishment, because it takes so time to be prepared for that kind of event, and for the family, a lot of sacrifice. So of course, we would be proud to win the race. But it's not the only goal."

Added Patcho: "Whether it's cultural or competitiveness, it still keeps you grounded into what we do as Polynesian people, and I think in all aspects, whether it's for a cultural aspect or if it was to compete, but every crossing at the finish, it all feels the same, and that's that gratitude and respect that you get for everyone who did that race. 

"I think that's the most important thing is whether you're there for being a competitor or you're doing it for another reason."

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Molokai Hoe 100925

<title>Competitors from around the world set to participate in 2025 Molokai Hoe</title>

The world's most prominent outrigger canoe race will take place on Sunday.

Competitors from around the world set to participate in 2025 Molokai Hoe

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

[{"type":"text","text":"A new food court just opened in the Liliha neighborhood."}]

Liliha Food Court recently opened in the former space of Foodland Liliha on School Street. Right now, the food court is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays to Fridays. Hours will be extended in November.

The space — which includes seating for customers — currently features five local food vendors, but we’re told more (a bakery and a sushi spot) will be coming soon.

[{"type":"text","text":"Here’s what you can find:"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Desserts from Tiny Pyramid Express"}]

Tiny Pyramid is known for its French pastries; this express location features some of the shop’s most popular desserts, including chocolate peanut butter ($6.50), citrus tart ($6.95) and, of course, its chocolate pyramid ($7.85).

This express location also offers sandwiches ($9.99), pizzas ($8.99-$12.99), and pastas ($12.99).

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Build-your-own poke bowls from Mermaid Poke"}]

Mermaid Poke comes from the team behind Osoyami Grill and Bar and Noods Ramen Bar. The biz offers build-your-own poke bowls and poke nachos (called ‘ahi pokechos).

Poke bowls feature white rice topped with one ($15) or two ($18) poke flavors. Both include two sides.

Choose from unique poke flavors like yellow curry aioli ‘ahi poke, kimchi ‘ahi poke, truffle ponzu ‘ahi poke and more. Sides include crab salad, cucumber, seaweed salad, takuan, pickled ginger and more. You can also add free toppings like furikake, garlic chips, fried onions and masago arare.

The business’s ‘ahi pokechos ($18), or poke nachos, feature spicy or shoyu ‘ahi and kabayaki glaze, furikake and green onions.

Burritos, bowls, tacos and more from Jalapeno’s Authentic Mexican Food

Jalapeno’s Authentic Mexican Food — which has a storefront in Kailua — offers burritos, bowls, tortas, tacos and quesadillas with a variety of proteins. Meats range from chicken and carnitas to asada (steak) and shredded beef birria.

The three quesabirria tacos and consommé ($21.75) is one of the most popular options. You can add cilantro, onions and lime to the consommé to enhance its flavor. You can also opt for additional toppings on your tacos, ranging from lettuce and cheese to corn and jalapenos.

The biz also offers guacamole and chips ($10.50), nachos ($18.50) and loaded fiesta fries ($19.50).

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Homemade Italian dishes from Nonnas Hawaiʻi"}]

Family-owned and -operated Nonnas Hawaiʻi features homemade Italian dishes. Its Italian cocktails will be available soon; the business is still waiting to receive its liquor license.

Right now, a limited menu is available, including ballconi ($13) and mini minestrone shooters ($6). The eatery will eventually offer Mediterranean salads ($9) and build-your-own charcuterie boards ($25).

The ballconi ($13) is a unique option, as it features beef meatballs in a crispy parmesan cone. It’s topped with housemade sauce and Pecorino Romano.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Local favorites from Dave’s Ice Cream"}]

This location is operated by Dave’s Ice Cream Waipio. Choose from a variety of desserts, ranging from ice cream scoops ($4.99-$8.99) and soda floats ($5.99) to milkshakes and ($8.99-$10.49) and sundaes. Sundaes run the gamut from single scoop options ($7.49) to brownie sundaes ($10.99) and strawberry shortcake sundaes ($14).

This location also features a Dubai-inspired menu with treats like Dubai cheesecakes ($15) and Dubai sundaes ($15). 

Liliha Food Court spread 100925

<title>New Liliha Food Court is now open</title>

The food court, located in the former space of Foodland Liliha, features a variety of local vendors. Food options range from poke bowls and ice cream to quesabirria tacos, and Italian meatballs.

New Liliha Food Court is now open

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Hawaii History

 he didn’t imagine playing the role of Nahi, the younger brother of Kaʻiana, played by Jason Momoa, in the Apple TV+ mini series. Instead, he auditioned for the role of King Kamehameha I. And later, for the part of villian ʻOpunui.

But it was trying to get into character for the role of a villian that actually landed him an even larger role in the series.

 which launched its first episodes on Aug. 1, tells the story of Kaʻiana, played by Momoa, as he tries to unify the Islands before Western colonization in the late 18th century. The mini-series was written and executive produced by Momoa and Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett.

ʻOpunui is one of the warriors, who appears at the end of the series as conflict heats up between the aliʻi of Maui and Hawaiʻi Island.

“ ʻOpunui is intense,” Ikaleʻo said. “Very, very gross. So I picked up the guitar and I started singing the dialog and just having fun with it, just to decompress.”

That was the video his manager forwarded on to the casting team. A few weeks later, they asked him to audition for Nahi.

“I don't advise any upcoming actor to do something as wild as that,” Ikaleʻo said. “But apparently they saw something when I did that song and they thought about Nahi. They came back a whole month or something later and said, ʻHey, we would like you to try out for Nahi?’ ”

Being a part of a show like “Chief of War,” was on Ikaleʻo’s vision board, he said.

“When I got the role, I was excited because it was on of my bucket list, or my vision board, coming into this business as a professional to be a part of a Polynesian story,” he told Aloha State Daily. “When I say I wanted to be a part of the Polynesian story, I had in mind that I might be in something small and build up to something in my journey. But the year I decided I was going to pursue this, the first thing I got was ʻChief of War,’ so that was nuts.”

While waiting for the Apple TV+ series to start, Ikaleʻo also booked a role in an episode of NCIS Hawaiʻi, where he plays the hit man Ricky Sio.

Prior to these roles, Ikaleʻo had already done short films, student films and independent films. He also joined First Take Acting School, where he would do scenes and “learn along the way,” he said.

As for his first interactions with Momoa? Ikaleʻo calls himself “a six-foot-six, 300-plus pound super fan.”

“I am a fan of his — not just in the sense of his acting — but his creative side,” he said. “His aloha for Hawaiʻi. I get to see all of that, and it's a beautiful thing to to be around.”

Ikaleʻo hopes “Chief of War” sparks 

“This word has been thrown around, but conversations,” he said. “Just these conversations about not just the show, but: Is that accurate? Is that real? Did that really happen that way?”

He also hopes kids can see the series — if they are allowed, given some of its adult themes —  or when they are older and “be inspired that they can be successful,” he said.

The actor has already lined up his next role. He will be part of the series “Nemesis” on Netflix. Additional episodes of “Chief of War” drop every Friday through Sept. 19. 

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"Chief Of War"

<title>"Chief of War" actor Siua Ikaleʻo shares journey to playing Nahi</title>

He didn’t plan to try out for Nahi, the little brother of Kaʻiana, played by Jason Momoa, in “Chief of War.” But the casting team for the Apple TV+ mini series asked actor Siua Ikaleʻo to audition for the role after casting him as a villain didn’t seem to be the right fit.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: She go

Kady Pascual

Social Media Editor

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Hawai‘i Scene on Social: She go

Authors

Kady Pascual

Social Media Editor

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