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ASD Staff

Hawai'i Skies

Today's Hawai'i Skies was captured by Jay Ohashi Jr. in Kalihi. "Caught the sunset flexing harder than the Supra."

To submit your Hawai'i Skies photo, visit us 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

25 10 23 Jay Ohashi

<title>Hawai'i Skies: The sun was a paid actor</title>

Today's Hawai'i Skies was captured by Jay Ohashi Jr. in Kalihi.

Hawai'i Skies: The sun was a paid actor

Today's Hawai'i Skies was captured by Jay Ohashi Jr. in Kalihi. "Caught the sunset flexing harder than the Supra." To submit your Hawai'i Skies photo, visit us online or email: general@alohastatedaily.com For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter.

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

For San Jose State offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann, there was no hiding it. Saturday's game against the University of Hawai‘i means just a little bit more to the former Rainbow Warrior player and coach. 

"You'd like to say every game is the same but there's a little bit of extra oomph to want to win this one," said Stutzmann, who was also a standout receiver at Saint Louis. "That's where we're from, born and raised, played there, coached there, and it's the Dick Tomey Legacy game. There's a lot of tie-ins to this game. But at the same time, too, the way that we treat it is just another game. They're all the same. You don't get a bonus point."

Saturday's matchup between Hawai‘i (6-2, 3-1 Mountain West) and San Jose State (2-5, 1-2), which kicks off at 4:30 p.m. HST on Saturday at CEFCU Stadium, will be a pivotal game for each team in achieving their current goals for the season. A win for the Rainbow Warriors would keep them in Mountain West championship game contention, while San Jose State's bowl hopes would improve with a win. 

The game between the Rainbow Warriors and Spartans will be for the Dick Tomey Legacy Trophy. Tomey was Hawai‘i's head coach from 1977 to 1986, as well as San Jose State's head coach from 2005 to 2009. 

In addition to Tomey, the connections between the 'Bows and Spartans run deep. San Jose State head coach 

 is a Hawai‘i alum and Lāʻie native. Meanwhile, former Hawai‘i standout offensive lineman John Estes is SJSU's O-line coach, while former UH receiver Billy Ray Stutzmann is the wide receivers coach for the Spartans. Furthermore, analyst Kolney Cassel was a backup quarterback for Hawai‘i in 2018. 

San Jose State's roster has five players who graduated from a Hawai‘i high school in Tama Amisone (Kapolei), receiver Tuli Tagovailoa-Amosa (Kahuku), offensive lineman Laakea Kapoi (Saint Louis), tight end Kamaehu Kopa-Kaawalauole (Campbell) and defensive lineman Quicy Likio (Saint Louis). 

Spartans linebacker Champ Kapanui is the son of UH quarterbacks coach Chad Kapanui

"Very respectful of their program, the coaches in the program, a lot of Hawaii ties, guys that we call brothers," said Hawai‘i head coach Timmy Chang, whose father, 

, was Niumatalolo's junior varsity basketball coach at Radford. "We love to see them do good. They know what we do and we kind of understand what they do."

Both offenses run modern variations of the run-and-shoot, the offense that former Hawai‘i coach June Jones brought to the Islands from 1999 to 2007. 

Pieces of the run-and-shoot offense are evident in Stutzmann's own offensive philosophy, which he calls the spread-and-shred offense. Stutzmann's mind for offense has earned him praise in each of his coaching stops, which have included stints at Washington State, Utah Tech and Texas State in addition to UH and San Jose State. In 2025, both Stutzmann brothers have overseen the development of Spartans sophomore Danny Scudero into one of the country's top receivers. The 5-foot-9 slotback has 870 yards and eight touchdowns on 56 receptions. 

As Craig Stutzmann prepares to coach against his alma mater for the first time, he acknowledged the progress the 'Bows have made under defensive coordinator 

. In Stutzmann's eyes, the UH defense is the backbone behind their 6-2 start. 

"Defensively, that's where they hang their hat. I don't know Dennis Thurman. I never met him, but I got a lot of respect for him," Stutzmann said. "What he was able to do last year and turn that defense around, and this year, they're really good. They don't do a lot, but what they do, they know it like the back of their hands. They play hard. They play fast, they're physical, they're going after the football. I really think that's the heartbeat of their team, is defense. It really sets the tone for how they play as a team. It's gonna be a tall task and a good challenge for us but we'll be up to it."

Historically, San Jose State has a 23-22-1 advantage over the Rainbow Warriors. While the rivalry is close on paper, the Spartans have had Hawai‘i's number on the field, winning four straight over the 'Bows. In the most recent matchup between the teams in 2023, San Jose State walloped the Rainbow Warriors 35-0 at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex behind former UH quarterback Chevan Cordeiro. 

UH redshirt freshman quarterback Micah Alejado wasn't on the team at the team at the time, but he was at the game on a visit. 

"I think some of the guys still have that taste in their mouth," he said. "So, it's one of the games I want to get back."

It's been over 30 years since Niumatalolo last coached with Hawai‘i as a graduate assistant in 1994. As he continued to climb the coaching ranks, which included 15 full seasons as Navy's head coach, his heart remained in the Islands. 

"That's still my home. It's gonna be exciting to play them and play Timmy, especially since he's doing a really good job. Really proud of him. To be honest with you, I watch them a lot and pull for them a lot. If they're not playing us, I'm always pulling for the University of Hawai‘i. That's my school. Just not this week. Every other week, I'm pulling for the Rainbow Warriors," he said. 

Craig Stutzmann 102825

<title>Hawai‘i connections run deep on San Jose State roster and coaching staff ahead of…</title>

In UH's pivotal game at San Jose State this weekend, the Rainbow Warriors will face a team that has a combined 10 coaches and players with ties to the Islands.

Hawai‘i connections run deep on San Jose State roster and coaching staff ahead of Saturday's matchup

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

As the federal welfare programs are slated to halt in November during the federal government shutdown, state programs will attempt to fill in the gaps.

Gov. Josh Green announced Wednesday that about 165,000 Hawai‘i residents currently depend on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, which will be temporarily cut beginning Saturday, Nov. 1, as the federal government shutdown continues.

Consequently, Green announced that the state has opened applications for the “Hawai‘i Relief Program,” a stopgap program intended to provide housing and utility benefits to low-income households.

The program is a partnership between the state Department of Human Services, Department of Education, Office of Hawaiian Affairs and other state agencies, alongside including Catholic Charities Hawai‘i and Maui Economic Opportunity Inc.

Eligible households can apply for housing or utility assistance in multiple forms. The program offers one-time deposits for housing or utilities — up to $6,000 for housing and up to $3,000 per utility — or recurring payments over a period of up to four months. Those recurring payments would cap out at $6,000 total for housing assistance and at $2,000 total for utilities.

Eligibility will be limited only to Hawai‘i “families” — defined as an adult biological or adoptive relative residing with a dependent child under 18 years old, or a pregnant woman with no dependent child in her third trimester — who fall under certain income limits and “demonstrate an episode of need or financial crisis.”

A family of four, for example, needs to make less than $110,940 annually to qualify.

The financial crisis or episode of need, meanwhile, could be incidents such as a loss of employment or income, medical emergencies, death of a wage-earning family member, natural disaster, or others.

A family does not need to have received SNAP or other benefits to qualify. In fact, the state Department of Human Services advises that a family currently receiving housing or utility assistance from other programs may be ineligible for the Hawai‘i Relief Program.

The program is separate from the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, which has different eligibility requirements and application processes.

Meanwhile, Green announced that the DHS has provided $2 million to Hawai‘i foodbank to continue food assistance across the state. Those funds, Green’s announcement read, will be used to bolster food banks during the lapse in federal support.

“These are challenging times for working families across Hawai

i. No one should go hungry or lose stability because of gridlock in Washington, D.C.,” Green said in a statement.

Residents on O‘ahu, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island can 

 via Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, while residents on Maui, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i can 

 through Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. Further details about the program can be found 

Josh Green state of the state 012125

<title>State offers housing support amid looming benefit cut</title>

As SNAP programs seem set to shut down next month, state program will offer housing support to families.

State offers housing support amid looming benefit cut

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

 just soft opened in Pearl Highlands Center. The eatery is the sister business of Hot Pot Heaven, which is located in McCully Shopping Center.

Customers can get 15% off during soft opening week, which is Oct. 27 to 31. The eatery is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A limited menu is available, but there’s still a variety of dishes to choose from.

If you can’t decide between banh mi and pho, the pho dip ($16) is the best of both worlds. This pho-style French dip features a crispy baguette filled with sliced beef brisket, saute onions, bean sprouts and Thai basil. It comes with a side of hot pho broth for dipping.

We loved the umami flavor of the concentrated pho broth, along with the satisfying crunch from the crispy baguette and savory brisket.

Of course, traditional banh mi sandwiches ($10) are also available. Toasted baguettes are layered with pickled daikon, carrots, cucumber, fresh cilantro and filled with the customer’s choice of protein. Options include grilled pork, roast pork, lemongrass chicken, char siu pork belly and pulled pork.

The beef rib pho ($24) features housemade beef stock, hearty pieces of short rib and white onions. It’s ideal if you want something savory and meaty with lots of umami flavor.

The banh mi shumai ($14) is one of the more unique menu options. A crispy baguette is served with juicy pork shumai. The baguette is meant to be dipped into the tomato-like sauce, and the pork is designed to be spread on top each piece.

The dish’s bright, slightly acidic flavor reminded me of spaghetti and meatballs — especially because the shumai are a generous size.

The eatery also has a grab-and-go section with pre-packed options like summer rolls ($9) and banh uot ($10). The latter comprises soft, steamed rice noodles served with Vietnamese ham, fried shallots, bean sprouts and fresh herbs, along with a side of tangy nuoc cham.

Pho Heaven’s menu will also eventually include build-your-own pho bowls. The customizable option will include the eatery’s signature broth topped with onions, cilantro, Thia basil and bean sprouts, along with one ($16), two ($18) or three ($20) meat options.

1000 Kamehameha Hwy. Ste. 226, Pearl City

Pho Heaven banh mi hero shot 102725

<title>‘Pho’-nomenal: Vietnamese eatery Pho Heaven just opened in Pearl City</title>

The restaurant, located in Pearl Highlands Center, is the sister restaurant of Hot Pot Heaven in McCully Shopping Center. Customers can get 15% off during soft opening week, which is now until Oct. 31.

‘Pho’-nomenal: Vietnamese eatery Pho Heaven just opened in Pearl City

Thanksgiving is coming up on Thursday, Nov. 27. Whether you’re dining out or looking for an at-home feast, check out the following options:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"53 By The Sea"}]

: 53 By The Sea is offering standard ($275) and deluxe ($650) Thanksgiving packages. The standard package includes a half turkey, twice-baked potatoes, mushroom and leek bread pudding, frisee salad (apple, beets, farro, spiced orange vinaigrette), roasted squash with honey macadamia nuts and pomegranate, pineapple-cranberry sauce, gravy and ‘ulu custard pie. The deluxe package includes a full turkey, standing rib roast (6 pounds bone-in), kalo au gratin, twice baked potatoes, mushroom and leek bread pudding, frisee salad, roasted squash, pineapple-cranberry sauce, gravy, ‘ulu custard pie and pomegranate tiramisu.

Limited quantities available; preorder online. 

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

 888 Kapi‘olani Blvd. Ste. 102, Honolulu

: The turkey dinner “bento” meal ($39) includes organic free-range turkey, truffle smashed potatoes, yuzu kosho cranberry sauce, Arabiki sausage stuffing, roasted vegetable medley and MW chocolate cake. Preorder online at 

: Nov. 27, pick-up from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Big City Diner"}]

: The eatery’s Thanksgiving Big Meal to-go ($159.99) includes a fresh roasted half turkey (5-6 pounds cooked), 1.5-pound Portuguese sausage stuffing, 2 pounds famous garlic smashed potatoes, 2 pounds chef’s homemade giblet gravy, 1.5 pound baked cane sugar cinnamon sweet potatoes, sweet roasted corn with real butter, cranberry Maui pineapple relish, and eight pieces of Grandma’s macadamia nut pumpkin crunch.

Big City Diner’s oven roasted turkey special ($27.99) will also be served from 10 a.m. until sold out. It includes fresh roasted turkey with Portuguese sausage stuffing, chef’s homemade giblet gravy smothered on garlic smashed potatoes, cranberry Maui pineapple relish, baked cane sugar cinnamon sweet potatoes, and Grandma’s Mauna Loa macadamia nut pumpkin crunch with real whipped cream for dessert. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Hard Rock Café"}]

: Hard Rock Café’s Thanksgiving menu (starting at $35.99 per adult, $12.95 per child) includes a seasonal autumn apple fizz cocktail, traditional slow-roasted turkey and gravy, creamy sweet potato mash and seasonal roasted vegetables, housemade cranberry sauce, and fresh apple cobbler or pumpkin pie for dessert.

The Thanksgiving menu will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

: Hy’s Thanksgiving ‘Ohana feast-to-go ($585) is designed to serve eight to 10 people. It includes:

: Pick-up 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 27 (select time when you preorder online)

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Jolene’s Hawaiʻi"}]

: These turkey ($220) or brisket ($280) feasts are designed to feed six to eight people. The turkey feast includes a 17-pound roasted turkey, stuffing and gravy, mashed potatoes and gravy, 24 pieces of gau gee and hot mustard, 24 dinner rolls, chicken salad and dressing, and pumpkin pie. The brisket feast includes a 6-pound, 18-hour smoked brisket, housemade barbecue sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, 24 dinner rolls, 24 pieces of gau gee and hot mustard, chicken salad and dressing, and pumpkin pie.

A la carte add-ons like smoked pulled pork, smoked brisket and candied pork belly are also available. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Little Sparrow"}]

: Little Sparrow’s Thanksgiving takeaway feast ($85 per person) is designed for customers to simply reheat at home. Each dish includes easy heat and serve instructions. It includes:

[{"type":"text","text":"Preorders accepted until Nov. 15."}]

: Pickup from 1 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 26 and 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 27

888 Kapi‘olani Blvd. Suite 201, Honolulu

: MW Restaurant’s Thanksgiving family feast ($695) is takeout only and is designed to feed six to eight people. It includes Brandt beef prime grade prime rib, organic free-range turkey breast and leg meat, smoked Kurobuta pork, miso honey glazed butterfish with taegu salad, truffle smashed potatoes, Arabiki sausage stuffing, yuzu kosho cranberry salad, farmer salad, and an 8-inch pumpkin crunch cheesecake. 

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

: The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach, 

: This family-style Thanksgiving menu ($99 per adult, $49 for children ages 6-12 years) features seasonal dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. It includes sweet potato casserole, Ho Farms kale and tomato strata, herb-roasted turkey breast with Small Kine Farms mushroom and turkey gravy, crispy honey walnut Mountain View Farms pork belly with cranberry and fig chutney, Hy’s signature mashed potatoes, corn bread with honey-herb butter, seasonal roasted vegetables, Egan’s pumpkin crepe roll cake, and housemade spiced apple doughnuts. 

: Tanioka’s Thanksgiving package ($284.95) is designed to feed four to six people. It includes sliced roast turkey, turkey gravy, housemade stuffing, pineapple-glazed ham, garlic mashed potatoes, spicy ‘ahi on sushi rice, fresh cranberry sauce and pumpkin crunch squares. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Zippy’s Restaurants"}]

: Zippy’s is offering pre-cooked whole or half turkey packages, plus pumpkin and custard pies.

Whole turkey packages ($204.95 online, $224.95 via store and phone) are designed to serve eight to 10 people (allow 2 to 2.5 hours reheating). They include a 10-12 pound turkey, 3 pounds of stuffing, 4 pounds of mashed potatoes, 4 pounds of poultry gravy, 1 pound of cranberry/pineapple relish and 12 King’s Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls.

Half turkey packages ($119.95 online, $129.95 via store and phone) are designed to serve four to five people (allow 1 to 1.5 hours reheating). They include a 5-6 pound turkey, 1.5 pounds of stuffing, 2 pounds of mashed potatoes, 2 pounds of poultry gravy, a half pound of cranberry/pineapple relish, and six King’s Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls.

Customers can receive a $25 promotional money coupon with every whole turkey package, or a $10 promotional money coupon with every half turkey package (the coupon will be included with your order at pickup and expires on Jan. 31, 2026). 

: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 26 and 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 27 (excluding Hilo)

Thanksgiving part 1 53 By the Sea 102225

<title>Where to go for Thanksgiving 2025 – part 1</title>

Celebrate turkey day with these dine-in and takeout experiences.

Where to go for Thanksgiving 2025 – part 1

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Punahou School graduate Brandon Finn understands the power of a stare. It is something the actor does as 

when his father, King Kahekili of Maui, orders him to hunt down the main character of the series, Kaʻiana, and bring him back, dead or alive.

“And you see this moment where the camera racks focus and … Prince Kūpule is looking at Kahekili without saying any words, as if: ʻI cannot believe you are asking me to do this. ... And as your son, it is my responsibility to follow your lead.’ ”

The scene was “brutal” but marked his favorite moment to shoot, he told Aloha State Daily. 

King Kahekili was played by the New Zealand actor Temuera Morrison. Finn credits Morrison with encouraging him to hold his stare in that scene. For Finn, the role involved "a lot of homework with what that father and son dynamic was like,” he said.

“And that's a separate thing from the language itself, because obviously I spent a lot of time learning Hawaiian language, learning ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi,” he added. “But in terms of what's happening between the two of them as father and son, that’s something [where] I ended up delving into my own relationship with my own father.”

Written by Thomas Pa‘a Sibbett and Jason Momoa, the Apple TV+ mini-series launched its first episodes on Aug. 1. It follows Kaʻiana, played by Momoa, as he tries to unify the Islands before Western colonization. The eighth episode drops on Friday, Sept. 12, and the season finale comes out on Friday, Sept. 19.

Prior to filming “Chief of War,” Finn had not spoken more than a few sentences in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, he said. To get ready for this role, he worked closely with an instructor.

“His name is Kiawe Goodhue, and we just went lesson after lesson non-stop for a month and a half because I knew it needed to sound the right way," he said. "Let alone it's the right thing to do in terms of responsibility owed to the people of Hawaiʻi, their ancestors, their history and their cultures.” 

Finn was born in Maui. His family moved to Oʻahu when he was about two years old, he said. 

“But Maui is my birthplace,” he added. “And later on in life, all of these things led themselves to where I find myself today, playing Prince 

, the last reigning king of Maui Island in Hawaiian history. I had this pinch me moment. I could not believe I'm born on Maui and in my lifetime, I get to bring Kalanikūpule to life through ʻChief of War’ with Apple TV, let alone the platform that they have with 45+ million subscribers in over 100 countries.”

Finn wants viewers of the show to take with them an appreciation of language.

“You know what's beautiful?” he said. “The one that really gets to me is ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, the language. And there is already a resurgence of the language within Hawaiʻi. But I feel as if ʻChief of War,’ being as big as it's become thus far, will only move that needle further in the direction of having people interested in Ōlelo Hawaiʻi. And not just people from Hawaiʻi — people born and raised, who are of Hawaiian ethnicity — but also people who would love to come, visit, spend time and if it sparks their interest  learn Ōlelo Hawaii, as well, if that's something that interests them. Because that's how the language lives on forever.”

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

"Chief of War"

<title>Punahou School graduate is in “Chief of War”</title>

Brandon Finn, a graduate of Punahou School, explores complicated father and son relationships in his role as Prince Kūpule in the Apple TV+ mini-series, “Chief of War.” He shares his favorite scene to shoot and how he learned ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi for the role.

Punahou School graduate is in “Chief of War”

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Real Estate

A former office building, just a short distance away from Ala Moana Center and near the planned Ala Moana rail station, will soon have new life and bring dozens affordable rentals to Honolulu's urban core.

Dubbed Amana Lofts, JL Capital's adaptive reuse project will convert the five-story building at 765 Amana St. in Ala Moana into 32 studio, 20 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom apartments.

The units will be available for households making at or below 80% of the area median income. According to 

 published by City and County of Honolulu, 80% AMI is $121,600 for a household of four, 

however, qualifying incomes vary based on household size.

[{"type":"text","text":"A ceremonial groundbreaking and blessing for the project was held Friday."}]

[{"type":"text","text":"JL Capital is a real estate and private equity firm founded in 2017."}]

CEO Tim Lee said in a statement that by building affordable rentals in Ala Moana, "we're putting people closer to their jobs, transportation and daily needs, helping to reduce both housing costs and commute times for local residents.

He told Aloha State Daily after the ceremony that JL Capital acquired the property in 2018 with the rental conversion in mind.

"We have long-term plans for this area," he said. "Our focus is here on Ala Moana and this was sort of a passion project for everyone in our company. ... We're in this live-work-play area called Ala Moana, and we think this is going to be a great addition to this area."

, a $507 million mixed-use twin tower condominium and hotel at 1388 Kapi‘olani Blvd. Underway now is a luxury residential and mixed-use project at 1538 Kapi‘olani Boulevard called 

. Designed by architectural firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, its sales gallery opened last month.

Amana Lofts, however, is one of two projects JL Capital has underway that will offer 80% AMI rentals. 

, is set to get underway in about six months and will create another 37 units, Lee told ASD.

When asked why affordable housing in general is something the developer wanted to pursue, Lee said, "We need rentals. We need rentals in the city and we want to help meet that need."

Ahead of the ceremony, Michael Vachio, senior vice president of construction and development, told ASD that the apartments at Amana Lofts will have high ceilings and high quality, "very modern finishes."

"We think that it's really going to help families," he said. "This is the urban core. It allows them to walk to the mall. It's in close proximity to the bus routes as well as the future rail station."

The development also will have car share and bike share options, on-site parking and elevator access.

Vachio said an affordable rental project is "good for the community. ... We do need more affordable housing and that's something that we want to do."

The adaptive reuse of an existing building offers cost savings because you don't have to build new spaces or structures, he said. For this project, Vachio said the developer plans to gut the entire building and "clean everything out, except for the structure." The spaces, he said, will be "basically all new except for the concrete."

Work is expected to be finished by June 2026. Vachio said the estimated cost of the project is around $14 million.

Hawai'i Skies: The sun was a paid actor

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Hawai'i Skies: The sun was a paid actor

Authors

ASD Staff

More in Hawai'i Skies

Hawai'i Skies: Last light

Hawai'i Skies: Haunting season opens

Hawai'i Skies: Rainbows in Mānoa

Hawai'i Skies: Flying home

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