Square Kady Pascual Headshot RGZ5762

Kady Pascual

Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"No one wants a foot full of wana!"}]

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

TheRealHong

<title>Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Stepped on</title>

Today’s social media find comes from @TheRealHong, who misstepped.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Stepped on

No one wants a foot full of wana!  Make sure you follow @TheRealHongon Instagram! For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter!

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

A Hawai‘i senator has introduced a federal bill that would require AI-generated content to be clearly labeled as such.

Sen. Brian Schatz co-introduced last week the 

 as an effort to improve transparency as AI-generated content becomes more and more common in everyday life.

The measure that requires any AI-generated digital content — whether an image, video, audio or chatbot — include clear disclosures embedded within the content itself identifying it as AI-generated.

Those disclosures must also include a machine-readable disclosure, an invisible “stamp” embedded within the file’s metadata, that also describes the system that generated the content, and when it was generated.

All providers of generative AI systems would be required to ensure that their outputs’ disclosures are detectable by widely available AI-detection tools. Social media platforms would also be required to ensure that the disclosures are still visible when AI-generated content is viewed on their sites, and would be prohibited from obscuring or removing them.

The measure also includes a host of prohibitions against distributing AI content that doesn’t include the disclosures, or against adding disclosures to non-AI-generated content. People or entities who violate those prohibitions could be sued for up to $2,500 per violation.

“People deserve to know whether or not the videos, photos, and content they see and read online is real or original,” 

said Senator Schatz in a statement Tuesday.

 “Our bill is simple – if any digital content is made by artificial intelligence, it should be labeled so that people are aware and aren’t fooled or scammed.”

When introducing the bill, Schatz’ office specifically referenced a 2023 AI-generated photo of an explosion near the Pentagon, which triggered a dip in the stock market.

This wasn’t the only AI bill introduced last week. The 

 would require AI developers to report to the Secretary of Commerce any potentially harmful action autonomously taken by an AI model.

For instance, the bill requires that developers notify authorities if there is any sign that an AI model “is attempting to evade human oversight, deceive evaluators or operators … resist shutdown or modification … enable or accelerate the development, acquisition, or use of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive weapons,” or other behaviors.

Neither bill has been voted on in Congress so far.

Meanwhile, the House voted last week to pass the 

Small Business Administration Artificial Intelligence Utilization Act

, a measure requiring the SBA to publish regular reports about how it uses AI. No representative voted against the measure’s passage.

Other bills the House passed last week include:

Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act

, which establishes within the SBA an Office of Native American Affairs that would work to promote SBA programs with Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. The bill passed the House with no objections.

, which requires the SBA to report to Congress about the number of COVID loan fraud cases that have been reported and resolved. The bill passed the House with no objections.

Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act

 would allow agricultural producers to receive reimbursements for up to 75% of the cost of replacing farm or conservation structures following a natural disaster through the Emergency Conservation Program and Emergency Forest Restoration Program. The bill passed 368-19, with Hawai‘i Reps. Jill Tokuda and Ed Case in support. The bill has been enrolled to President Donald Trump’s desk.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Brian Schatz official portrait 113th Congress 2 16x9

<title>CONGRESS WATCH: Schatz introduces bill requiring labels on AI content</title>

U.S. Congress considered AI measures and other legislation last week.

CONGRESS WATCH: Schatz introduces bill requiring labels on AI content

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

 — known for its lobster rolls — just started a new breakfast menu. Breakfast is served from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays to Sundays.

“We felt like in Mānoa, there aren’t a lot of places that had a local-style breakfast, so we wanted to offer that,” says chef/owner Jon Matsubara. “We serve breakfast all day at The Park on Keʻeaumoku; we serve our loco moco and corned beef hash. A lot of people buy it for dinner, so we’re doing breakfast all day.”

While customers can still get the eatery’s signature loco moco plate ($20) — wagyu beef hamburger steak, mushroom gravy, farm eggs and rice — and chef-made corned beef hash ($20-$22) at the Mānoa store, this location has a variety of exclusive breakfast options.

No Feast experience would be complete without the eatery’s signature lobster roll. Customers can opt for the lobster roll and eggs ($35) or lobster omelet ($35).

“It’s a quarter pound of lobster (in the omelet); it’s the same size as our lobster rolls,” Matsubara says. “Our corned beef hash is 10 to 12 ounces of corned beef; our loco moco has a homemade patty and gravy.”

Of the new breakfast dishes, the Hawaiian hammah ($24) has quickly become a customer favorite. The plate includes thick-cut bacon, Portuguese sausage, kalua pig, mushroom gravy, two eggs and rice.

The eatery’s “churro” French toast ($18), topped with Alae salt, maple butter, strawberries, graham “crack” and whipped cream, has also been popular — especially for those who prefer sweeter breakfast entrees.

“Our French toast is something different,” Matsubara says. “We do a churro-style with fresh berries and a maple butter. We call it (the topping) graham ‘crack’ because it's addictive; we use brown butter, vanilla and salt (to make it).”

If you want something more unique, go for chef Jon’s salmon chazuke ($22). The dish features Misoyaki salmon with rice and dashi, pickled ginger and scallions; it’s ideal if you want something lighter, yet flavorful and filling.

The eatery’s Island breakfast wrap ($14) consists of slow-roasted kalua pig, egg, cheese and crispy potatoes. It’s served with Guajillo sauce on the side, which is known for its vibrant color and smoky flavor. 

The eatery’s lunch menu starts at 11 a.m.; Matsubara encourages the community to “come support local.”

“It’s getting tougher and tougher in this economy,” Matsubara says. “I think more than ever, all the small businesses and small restaurants, we need the support.”

Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays

FEAST chef Jon Matsubara 062626

<title>Feast by Jon Matsubara has a new local-style breakfast</title>

The Mānoa eatery — known for its lobster rolls — is offering breakfast from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays. Customers can look forward to dishes like lobster omelets, salmon chazuke, "churro” French toast, kalua pig loco moco and more.

Feast by Jon Matsubara has a new local-style breakfast

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Real Estate

— Howard Hughes' 60-acre master-planned community located between Downtown Honolulu and Waikīkī — has opened.

The Park Ward Village has brought another 546 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes and more than 30,000 square feet of retail and dining space to Kaka‘ako.

The residence was 97% pre-sold when it was completed, an announcement from the developer this week noted.

As the name implies, you'll find the 41-story tower located adjacent to the newly finished 3.5-acre Victoria Ward Park. Ward Village opened the 1.4-acre 

 in early 2025 and the mauka expansion was completed in February, the announcement says.

“The Park Ward Village represents an important milestone in Ward Village’s master plan, introducing homes and gathering spaces with views to the ocean in the heart of the neighborhood,” 

Doug Johnstone, president of the Hawai‘i region and national condominium development for Howard Hughes Communities, said in the announcement.

 “Its setting alongside Victoria Ward Park, as well as the refined island aesthetic design that has become synonymous with Ward Village, has been central to its success, and we look forward to welcoming residents to their new homes.”

According to the announcement, The Park Ward Village, which draws inspiration from Hawai‘i's "mid-century architectural heritage," was designed by architecture firm 

Solomon Cordwell Buenz with interiors by Yabu Pushelberg, and landscape architecture by VITA Planning and Landscape Architecture.

An amenity deck includes resort-style and lap pools, pickleball and tennis courts, barbecue cabanas, spa amenities and landscaped lawns. 

The Park's completion also brings public improvements, including expanded sidewalks, enhanced pedestrian paths and bicycle connections, the developer says.

 coming to The Park: Rigo, which will introduce a new dining concept with a menu specially crafted for Ward Village, and ‘Āina Bowls, a new acai and health food-focused eatery.

To commemorate the tower's opening, Ward Village donated $120,000 to four Hawai‘i nonprofits: Residential Youth Services & Empowerment in 

support of its Beretania Street capital project; Aloha for Hawai‘i for Kona Low flood recovery assistance; Honolulu Community College construction and trades programs to provide tool kits and educational resources for students; and Re-Use Hawaii for sustainability-focused reuse efforts serving Kaka‘ako and Ward Village, according to the announcement.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"The story so far..."}]

Ward Village has sold out its first eight mixed-use residential towers: Waiea, Anaha, Ae‘o, Ke Kilohana, ‘A‘ali‘i, Kō‘ula, Victoria Place and Ulana Ward Village. New residential buildings in development or under construction include Kalae, The Launiu Ward Village, ‘Ilima Ward Village and Melia Ward Village.

In an emailed response to questions, Johnstone told Aloha State Daily that to date, Ward Village has completed more than 4,200 homes across its first nine residences.

An additional 1,636 homes are planned or underway, including Kalae and The Launiu Ward Village, which are currently under construction, and Mahana, Melia and ʻIlima, which are advancing through the planning and permitting process," he says.

There seemingly continues to be demand for condos within Ward Village.

In Hawai‘i last year, Howard Hughes contracted to sell 287 condos, which accounted for roughly $1.6 billion in future revenue, according to 

During 2025, 220 units at Melia and ‘Ilima and 63 units of The Launiu were pre-sold, the report, published earlier this year, noted. At year-end the predevelopment condos of Melia and ‘Ilima were 60% pre-sold and The Launiu was 71% sold. Meanwhile, Kalae was 93% sold.

Melia and ‘Ilima are towers planned at the site of Ward Centre. The 33-story ‘Ilima Ward Village will have 148 homes while Melia Ward Village, its 35-story companion, will offer 221 residences.

A specific timeline for demolition and redevelopment of the Ward Centre site has not yet been finalized.

Its eighth residential tower, Ulana Ward Village, 

01 The Park Ward Village Courtesy of Ward Village 16x9

<title>The Park Ward Village opens</title>

The ninth residence in Ward Village, The Park delivers 546 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes and more than 30,000 square feet of retail and dining space.

The Park Ward Village opens

ASD icon blue inverse lighter

ASD Staff

Hawai'i Skies

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Don and Deb Chinery in Kona. "The sunsets at Kona are legendary of course, and this particular evening was spectacular after a day of golf, yard work and grilling out.

We lost our Florida home back in 2004 to Hurricane Ivan, and we moved to Kona in 2007.

We are so blessed to have found our piece of paradise here and every Kona sunset reminds us how fortunate we are to be living in Hawaiʻi.

[{"type":"text","text":"We live with our beloved dogs and cat, our stairway to heaven.\""}]

To submit your Hawai'i Skies photo, visit us 

Don 16x9

<title>Hawaiʻi Skies: Legendary sunsets</title>

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Don and Deb Chinery in Kona.

Hawaiʻi Skies: Legendary sunsets

Arts & Entertainment

I’m no golfer; not in the slightest. But recently opened 

 features a new indoor experience that will cater to avid and amateur golfers.

Aya Golf Lounge officially opened on March 15, according to its founder and CEO, Sari Park. To get there, park at Azure Ala Moana (look for the designated parking stalls for Aya Golf Lounge), and take the escalators downstairs. Upon exiting the building, you’ll see the venue’s restaurant space.

The restaurant is huge, in and of itself, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If I wasn’t there with a group, I wouldn’t have known about the golf lounges, which are located down a short hallway.

 The lounges feature high-tech TWOVISION Golfzon powered simulators. You can choose from more than 200 world-famous courses to play on, including Pebble Beach Golf Links, Evian Resort Golf Club and more. You can bring your own golf clubs or use the ones in the lounge.

If you’re not into golf, the rooms also feature karaoke systems. If you already have a lounge reservation for golf, members of your group can enjoy karaoke for $2 per song. There’s even a light switch to set the mood by activating disco lights.

Standard suites cost $100 or $120 per hour on weekdays (depending on the time) and $150 per hour on weekends. But, rooms can comfortably fit around six people, making it easier to split the cost. There’s even a VIP suite, which is larger and can fit 18 to 22 people. The VIP suite costs $120 or $150 per hour on weekdays (depending on the time), and $180 per hour on weekends. Reservations for the golf lounges are accepted via phone (808-200-2982) or via 

Since the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can order food and drinks to enjoy while playing. The breakfast menu features dishes like French toast with banana syrup ($12), Aya signature bagel ($16) and the loco moco deluxe ($19). Lunch options include the chicken caprese sandwich ($21), prosciutto and burrata salad ($24) and Mediterranean poke bowl ($23). I especially enjoyed the chicken caprese sandwich, which featured a generous portion of tender chicken smothered with a flavorful pesto.

The dinner menu features a variety of shareable pūpū and heartier entrees. Happy hour is from 5 to 6 p.m.; customers can get half off all menu items, except for the braised short rib pasta and portobello rib-eye steak.

Appetizers include bacon truffle fries ($14), grilled pork belly nachos ($20), prosciutto and burrata crostini ($21) and Aya’s potato balls. The latter is inspired by the signature potato balls at Porto’s Bakery — a popular bakery in Southern California — and was a crowd favorite among our group.

The lounges also feature a bar menu with beers, wines, bottle service and specialty cocktails. Specialty cocktails include options like ube coconut tea ($25), kimchi bloody mary ($22) and “On the Green” old fashioned ($20). If you want something unique and can handle the spice, go for the kimchi bloody mary.

Meanwhile, desserts — lychee sorbet ($6) and matcha tiramisu ($9) — are served all day. After indulging in a variety of fried dishes, the matcha tiramisu was especially delightful, thanks to its fluffy texture and not overly sweet flavor.

Open daily, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., 5 p.m.-2 a.m. (closed daily from 4-5 p.m.)

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Stepped on

Kady Pascual

Social Media & Marketing Manager

More in Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

Hawai‘i Scene on Social meets Hawai‘i Skies

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Neighborhood weather updates

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Island vibes

Gotta catch ‘em all — at Ala Moana Center: voices from Pokémon GO’s “Wild Area: Global” event

Most read

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Stepped on

Authors

Kady Pascual

Social Media & Marketing Manager

More in Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

Hawai‘i Scene on Social meets Hawai‘i Skies

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Neighborhood weather updates

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Island vibes

Gotta catch ‘em all — at Ala Moana Center: voices from Pokémon GO’s “Wild Area: Global” event

Most read