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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&#039;s Hawai&#039;i Skies was captured by Jay Ohashi Jr. in Kalihi. &quot;Caught the sunset flexing harder than the Supra.&quot; To submit your Hawai&#039;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

[{"type":"text","text":"On top once again. "}]

The University of Hawai‘i men's volleyball team won its third national championship of the decade and first since 2022 with a 1

5-25, 25-18, 25-18, 25-20 victory over UC Irvine at the Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon. 

Hawai‘i finishes its season 30-5 overall, good for the first 30-win season in program history. Meanwhile, UC Irvine, which defeated No. 1 UCLA and No. 4 Ball State in order to reach Mondayʻs championship match, finishes its 2026 campaign 21-9. 

UH, which advanced to the national championship with a 

win over rival Long Beach State in Saturday's semifinals

, fell behind to the Anteaters early.  UC Irvine pounced on the Rainbow Warriors early, jumping out to a 16-5 lead in the first set en route to its 1-0 lead. 

From there, the Rainbow Warriors took control over the next three sets. Kristian Titriyski had a match-high 16 kills for the ʻBows, while Adrien Roure added 15 and tournament MVP Louis Sakanoko had 12 kills on 20 swings to go with his six digs, three blocks, three assists and three service aces. 

In reaching the 30-win mark, UH finished one win above their 29-3 record in 2023 in which it lost in the national championship match. 

In 2026, the ʻBows won the national title despite never ranked No. 1 in the AVCA poll. Heading into the tournament, they were the No. 2 seed nationally. 

"It wasn't a perfect year but it finished in a perfect way," head coach Charlie Wade said in his postmatch interview. 

On Wednesday, May 13, the University of Hawai‘i will hold a free national championship celebration at the Stan Sheriff Center. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., while the event begins at 6. Parking will cost $10 at the UH-Mānoa structure and concessions will not be open. 

HawaiiMVB 051126

<title>Hawai‘i men's volleyball wins national championship match over UC Irvine</title>

After a slow start, the Rainbow Warriors won their third national championship of the decade and first since 2022.

Hawai‘i men's volleyball wins national championship match over UC Irvine

Higa headshot white shirt square

Sterling Higa

Columnists

Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama owe the City and County of Honolulu 

 for two illegal short-term rentals. One is a waterfront property in Kāneʻohe, listed at $1,000 a night with a three-night minimum.

After Civil Beat called the property owner for comment, the listing was quietly changed to a 30-day minimum. The fines remain unpaid.

Readers new to the Kalamas may need a brief introduction. Alongside their rental properties, they run three businesses. The first is fixing and flipping: they buy old houses, renovate them, and sell them. The second is a television show on HGTV, "Renovation Aloha," which shows the work. The third is a learning group called Flip Tribe, where they teach their methods through workshops, mentorship, and conferences.

Kamohai handles the numbers — purchase analysis and contractor management. Tristyn handles the design. They are husband and wife, and their "Renovation Aloha" episodes make for compelling viewing.

The Kalamas say they create jobs for locals, support the skilled trades, and keep families housed. There is truth in this. Old houses need renovating. Their work creates real jobs for contractors and tradespeople. Most homeowners cannot manage routine upkeep on their own house. That is part of why these properties fall into disrepair. Renovating a home requires financing, contractor management, and a tolerance for risk. It is real work.

There is a difference between running a business and teaching others how to run one. Competence is enough for the first. The second asks for mastery, the kind that earns the right to teach.

The Le family bought one of the show’s first houses — a Kalihi home with a 

. The renovation, as televised, cost $425,000. It involved major structural work. One house was jacked up and joined to a second to create a single-level home. The permits filed with the city only covered some windows and a carport, with a value of $80,000.

After moving in, the Le family noticed mold in their son’s room. When they ripped off the drywall, they found cracks in the concrete siding wide enough for daylight to pass through.

Civil Beat reporter Christina Jedra found the same pattern on 

 in the show’s first season: Construction began before a permit was issued. The fines totaled about $20,000 across four projects. The show claimed $1.3 million in profits. Season 2 

Some business models start work before permits issue and treat the resulting fines as a budget line. The people running these businesses may not be ready to teach others. The fines, in that arrangement, are not overhead, they are the cost of not yet knowing the trade.

The Kalamas, in this, are part of something larger. A popular television show and a few hundred thousand Instagram followers do not, by themselves, demonstrate competence. They demonstrate celebrity. We have begun to confuse the two. A whole industry has grown up around the confusion. The Kalamas sell three-day workshops at 

. They also sell membership in a mentorship community, promising students their first flip in six months.

There used to be a clearer line between apprentice and master. You learned a trade by serving under someone who had practiced it. Mastery was slow and quiet, and it was the only kind of mastery there was. We have replaced it, in much of life, with a short course — three days, six months, your first flip. It promises the result without the formation.

The appetite is common to all of us. We prefer to be slightly more than we are, slightly sooner — and we prefer not to wait. The writer of Proverbs saw the pattern long ago: wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.

The Kalamas do not put their faith forward on air the way Chip and Joanna Gaines do. But they do mention it often on their social media. Their company is named Stand Firm Developments. The phrase is one of Paul’s recurring themes, a call to endure, to hold one’s ground.

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, the Proverbs say. The question is not whether renovating old homes has value. It does. The question is whether the people most visible doing the work are the right people to teach it — and what the rest of us are buying when we sign up for the course.

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<title>Earning the right to teach</title>

Fame is not the same as mastery, says ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa, as he contemplates the careers of Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama, stars of "Renovation Aloha." The duo was in trouble again recently, this time for having run two illegal short-term rentals.

Earning the right to teach

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Food & Dining

[{"type":"text","text":"Anniversary celebrations continue for two Hawai‘i institutions."}]

Zippy's Restaurants, which marks its 60th anniversary this year, and Hawaiian Island Creations, which marks its 55th, are collaborating on a new summer collection that celebrates the Surf Pac, surfing and the "long-standing relationship between the two."

A collaboration T-shirt, available in navy, black and celadon blue; microfiber towel with a double-sided design; and decal will be available at zippys.com starting May 15 and on hicsurf.com and in-store at all HIC locations on May 22, Zippy's said in an announcement Monday. 

According to the announcement, the items were designed by HIC and inspired by Zippy's Surf Pac and brand design from the early 1990s, featuring Zippy's "Moki Boy" character.

You'll be able to grab a shirt for $27, towel for $42 and decal for $3.50.

"At Zippy’s, supporting local isn’t just about sourcing from the farmers and growers who help bring our dishes to life — it’s a value that extends into everything we do. From the ingredients in our kitchens to the nonprofits, brands and businesses we collaborate with, we try to be intentional about working with partners who share our love for Hawai‘i," Jessica Yamamoto, communications and social media manager for Zippy's, told Aloha State Daily in an email. "Whether it’s through merchandise collaborations or community initiatives, these partnerships allow us to celebrate local creativity, culture, and connection in meaningful ways."

Yamamoto says that in 1989, Zippy's and HIC saw the chance to "celebrate their shared love for the sport of surfing and the communities they serve" through the HIC Surf Meet, a high school surf competition of the 1990s.

And with both brands celebrating milestone anniversaries this year, "

it felt like a natural and meaningful opportunity to pay tribute to the history between both beloved brands," she says. "The collaboration allowed us to honor our shared heritage, celebrate the iconic Surf Pac and the sport of surfing, and pay tribute to the connection both brands have had with generations of surf enthusiasts."

Zippy's also will bring the Surf Pac and Surf Pac Deluxe back to its menu through May 31. The Surf Pac — first introduced to the chain's menu in 1989 to celebrate surfing and the HIC Surf Meet — includes two pieces of teriyaki beef, two pieces of fried chicken and a slice of Spam on a bed of rice, while the Surf Pac Deluxe includes all that plus a scoop of chili and mac salad, the 

opened the first Zippy's Restaurant in Honolulu's McCully neighborhood in 1966. 

 on O‘ahu, Maui, Hawai‘i Island and in Las Vegas. It's set to 

HIC was founded in 1971 by brothers Stephen and Jimmy Tsukayama as a small surf shop in Kailua. Today, the retailer has 17 stores across three islands.

ICYMI: Jason Higa, CEO of Zippy's parent company, FCH Enterprises, and Francis' son, spoke with Aloha State Daily earlier this year about the restaurant's origins, legacy and more. You can 

Zippy's, which will honor its anniversary throughout the year, kicked off its celebration earlier this year with the launch of a new line of 

The restaurant last month unveiled an exclusive 

 to create a limited release, specially marked box of Original Hawaiian Soda Crackers.

"The response to our collaborations this year has been incredibly positive," Yamamoto told ASD. "We’ve seen strong engagement from our community and guests, and the feedback reinforces how much our guests value collaborations that celebrate local culture, nostalgia and creativity. It’s been rewarding to see how these partnerships resonate and create excitement among longtime fans and new audiences alike."

FYI: Zippy's annual Mahalo May campaign is underway. This year, a portion of proceeds from the sales of the Kokua Pac will donated to Special Olympics Hawai‘i.

The Kokua Pac cost $10.75 at takeout and includes Korean friend chicken, Portuguese sausage, half of a red hotdog and a slice of Spam on a bed of white rice. Diners can also round up their purchase to donate to the organization. 

The Kokua Pac and round-up donations will be available at all Zippy's locations in Hawai‘i through May 31.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Zippys HIC Tshirt Navy Back

<title>Zippy's, Hawaiian Island Creations collab launches this month</title>

The new collection that celebrates the Surf Pac, surfing and the "long-standing relationship between the two." It includes a T-shirt, towel and decals.

Zippy's, Hawaiian Island Creations collab launches this month

Yamachika Tom IMG 1913 Large

Tom Yamachika

Viewpoints

Government & Politics

In our Hawaiʻi legislative session, conference committee work is now done and bills are being readied for final floor votes and trips to the Governor’s office. Some bills look pretty much the same as they did when they began the conference negotiations. Others look radically different. Here are some of the more significant ones.

 started off as an Administration bill to repeal the tax cuts that were promised in the 2024 tax cut bill but that haven’t gone into effect yet. 

 the House and Senate positions on this before. The conference version of the bill looks mostly like the Senate version. The 2024 changes to the standard deduction are left intact. The tax bracket changes from the 2024 law are left in place for taxpayers making $350,000 or less (for joint filers, $175,000 single). For those making more, the tax brackets that apply this year will remain in effect. And, while the House’s proposed 10%, 11%, and 12% brackets did not make the final cut, there is a new 13% tax bracket for taxpayers making $1 million or more (for joint filers, $500,000 single). The Capital Goods Excise Tax Credit, the High Technology Business Investment Tax Credit, the Renewable Fuels Production Tax Credit, the Technology Infrastructure Renovation Tax Credit, and the Tax Credit for Research Activities were all given sunset dates in either 2028 or 2029. The Renewable Energy Technologies Credit (for photovoltaic installations, for example) is going to be available with an income limit ($350,000 joint, $175,000 single) and a statewide cap of $40 million until it sunsets on Jan. 1, 2031.

 which was giving us the jitters about a possible massive increase in the conveyance tax, 

, died in conference, so we won’t have to worry about it for the time being. It, or something like it, might be introduced next year. 

, which conforms our state tax law to provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is on its way to final passage. Little in the bill has changed since its introduction, and we will give you more specifics in next week’s column. 

 started off as a bill to add an exemption to school impact fees for small developments. 

We had written that there was something wrong with the school impact fee system

 because our Department of Education was collecting the fees but couldn’t use them, allowing tens of millions of dollars to pile up unused. Earlier committee drafts of the bill would have scrapped the impact fees entirely. But the final version kept the fee, added a few more exemptions including one for smaller developments, and made the 2025 temporary partial repeal of the fee a permanent partial repeal. It seems like the Department of Education came in behind the scenes with a big watering can and succeeded in dousing the repeal bill.

, the raid bill that was introduced to scoop excess balances from hundreds of special and revolving funds. The Conference Draft of the bill is the first one in which there are actual numbers. The bill targets 18 funds for a total haul of $47 million, with the two largest victims being the tax administration special fund ($23 million) and the beverage container deposit special fund ($12 million). This raid bill is somewhat underwhelming, especially given lawmakers’ focus earlier in the session on a $430 million unencumbered balance in the University of Hawaiʻi tuition and fees special fund, which was targeted in 

. Senate Bill 2602 quietly died in conference.

Stay tuned for further news next week on the bills advancing toward the Land of Oz.

I Stock 185119734

<title>Community Voices: Follow the yellow brick road</title>

Stay tuned for further news on the bills advancing toward the Land of Oz.

Community Voices: Follow the yellow brick road

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Michael Brestovansky

Honolulu Managing Director Michael Formby is stepping down later this month.

The City and County of Honolulu announced Monday that Formby, who became managing director in 2021, will leave his position on May 29, and will take up a new position as CEO of Pacific Marine and Supply Company, an 82-year-old conglomerate of various industrial maritime companies.

“Throughout our entire time at Honolulu Hale, Mike has led with professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to public service,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi in a statement Monday. “He brought experience, calm leadership, and a deep understanding of how government can and should work for the people of Honolulu.”

Blangiardi touted Formby’s guidance during the Covid-19 pandemic and other major infrastructure initiatives during his tenure.

Deputy Managing Director Krishna Jayaram will take over for Formby as Managing Director Designate following his departure. Further details about who will take over the position permanently have yet to be revealed, but the managing director role is appointed directly by the mayor, with confirmation by the Honolulu City Council.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside Mayor Blangiardi, our department directors, City employees, and community partners over the past five and a half years,” Formby said in a statement Monday. “Together, we faced historic challenges and made meaningful progress on behalf of the people of O

ahu. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and look forward to continuing to contribute to Hawai

Steven Loui, chairman of Pacific Marine and Supply Company said in a statement that Formby’s role as CEO will “help position the company for continued growth while deepening Hawai‘i's role in the future of Pacific-region industry and innovation.”

Prior to becoming managing director, Formby was executive director of the Pacific Resource Partnership — an organization representing the Hawai‘i Regional Council of Carpenters, the largest construction union in the state — between 2019 and 2020. Before that, he was chief of staff for the late U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, acting executive director for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation and an attorney with various Honolulu firms.

 For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Formbyblangy 16x9

<title>Formby steps down as Honolulu managing director</title>

Mike Formby to step down from managing director position after five years.

Formby steps down as Honolulu managing director

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

, known for its all-you-can-eat wagyu shabu shabu dinner experience, just opened its second location in Kapahulu Shopping Center.

The new Kapahulu restaurant space is in the former place of Central Pacific Bank. Mikiya Honolulu 

The menu at the Kapahulu eatery is mostly the same as the one at the Kapiʻolani location. The gold wagyu set is popular and costs $88 per person. All individuals in the same dining party must order the same dinner set. 

There’s a 90-minute dine-in time limit. Customers can order from their tables using a digital touchscreen system.

Hot pot broths range from sukiyaki and house (ponzu) broth to spicy miso. The meat selection includes Japanese A5 wagyu brisket, chuck rib-eye and shoulder cut. Other options include Australian wagyu, American wagyu, Kurobuta pork and more.

The AYCE experience also includes unlimited veggies and noodles, tea, seasonal fruit and soft serve ice cream.

The self-serve veggie bar is a new feature at this location; the Kapiʻolani eatery has pre-set vegetable platters. Customers can take their pick from the variety at the self-serve bar. Options include mushrooms, lettuce, corn, tofu, noodles and more.

Customers can also choose from a variety of sauces and condiments, including garlic, ponzu sauce, sesame sauce, green onions and more.

The Kapahulu location also features an automatic rice dispenser, allowing customers to choose from small, medium or large bowls of rice.

The AYCE experience also includes a seasonal seafood platter and choice of a specialty dish (one per person).

The seafood platter’s selection can include crab, mussels, scallops and prawns, depending on availability. Meanwhile, specialty dishes include wagyu bone marrow, wagyu nigiri, sweet shrimp sashimi and wagyu tartare. The wagyu bone marrow and wagyu nigiri come highly recommended.

Customers can conclude their meal with complimentary milk tea or hot tea, along with self-serve vanilla or Dole Whip pineapple soft serve.

Mikiya’s Kapahulu location is open nightly from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Customers can look forward to a happy hour menu coming soon.

Mikiya Honolulu hot pot spread 051126

<title>AYCE wagyu shabu shabu spot opens in Kapahulu</title>

Mikiya Honolulu just opened its second location in Kapahulu Shopping Center. The eatery is currently open nightly from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Customers can look forward to meats ranging from Japanese A5 wagyu brisket to Australian wagyu, a self-serve veggie bar, and soft serve for dessert.

Hawai'i Skies: The sun was a paid actor

ASD Staff

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Hawai'i Skies: The sun was a paid actor

Authors

ASD Staff

More in Hawai'i Skies

Hawaiʻi Skies: Reminiscing

Hawaiʻi Skies: Unique quality

Hawaiʻi Skies: In between stormy and sunny

Hawaiʻi Skies: Shadows changing by the minute

Most read