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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 

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

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Aloha Spirit

For the first time since it opened in 1964, Sea Life Park Hawai‘i near Waimānalo is under Native Hawaiian stewardship.

Hawaiian Council on Wednesday announced it acquired the oceanfront attraction from Herschend Family Entertainment. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Georgia-based Herschend 

"The transaction ensures that the park remains in local hands while creating an unprecedented opportunity to shape its next chapter as a place where marine life, Native Hawaiian culture, education and community come together," an announcement from 

, formerly known as the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, noted.

Sea Life Park will continue to operate without interruption; Hawaiian Council says that existing reservations, memberships and annual passes will be honored, and no layoffs associated with the purchase are planned. 

“For generations, Sea Life Park has helped people discover the beauty of Hawaiʻi’s marine life. Our opportunity now is to help people understand something deeper — that these animals have always been part of Hawaiʻi’s story,” Hawaiian Council CEO Kūhiō Lewis said in the announcement. “They appear throughout our moʻolelo, genealogy, navigation traditions and cultural practices. Under Native Hawaiian stewardship, Sea Life Park can become a place where kamaʻāina reconnect with those relationships and visitors experience Hawaiʻi through the voices and values of the people who have cared for these Islands for generations.”

Former Sea Life Park General Manager Valerie King will support the transition with other operational support in place to help "ensure continuity," the announcement says.

"Sometimes you go looking for opportunities, and sometimes the kuleana finds you. This was one of those opportunities," Lewis told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions. "Valerie King first approached me about Sea Life Park and the possibility of bringing it back under local ownership, and I give Herschend a lot of credit for wanting to find a buyer that understood Hawaiʻi and cared about the park’s future. The more we looked at it, the more we saw an opportunity to create local economic value, support jobs and bring an important Hawaiʻi institution under Native Hawaiian stewardship. For us, local ownership also means that the value generated here can stay here and be reinvested back into our communities."

According to the announcement, Sea Life Park operates on state-owned land and Hawai‘i Pacific University holds the master lease; Hawaiian Council will continue operating under the existing lease structure, and continue working with HPU, the state and other partners to grow opportunities in marine education, research and community learning.

The park will be operated by Attractions Hawai‘i, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hawai‘i Holdings & Investments, or HHI, Hawaiian Council's for-profit holding company.

"Sea Life Park is an important Hawaiʻi institution with a long history and deep connection to the community,” Eric Rose, senior vice president of zoological advancement at Herschend said in the announcement. “As we considered its future, it was important to identify an owner who understood that responsibility. We believe Hawaiian Council is well positioned to guide Sea Life Park’s next chapter with care, continuity and respect for Hawaiʻi.”

Lewis told ASD that because the terms of the acquisition are confidential, Hawaiian Council is not able to disclose the purchase price, but noted that the acquisition was made through HHI and no nonprofit resources were used.

[{"type":"text","text":"Long-term vision"}]

Hawaiian Council says the acquisition builds upon its broader work in Native Hawaiian culture, economic development, destination stewardship and community impact, which includes initiatives like its tourism division, 

 and the upcoming Broadway-style musical, "

Hawaiian Goddess: The Epic Tale of Hi‘iaka

The nonprofit's long-term vision for Sea Life Park is "still being shaped," the announcement notes, "but the organization sees the park’s future as a Native Hawaiian-led cultural and educational destination inspired by the ocean, navigation, healing and the deep sea — a place where marine life, cultural interpretation and education can help residents and visitors understand that Hawaiʻi’s honu, nai‘a, monk seals, sharks and other marine species are more than remarkable animals. They are part of Hawaiian genealogy, moʻolelo, navigation, spirituality and the enduring relationship between people, the ocean and ʻāina."

Initial investments at the park will focus on "preserving what guests already value while introducing experiences that deepen their understanding of Hawai‘i," the announcement states.

Planned improvements include enhancing landscaping with Native Hawaiian plants, expanding cultural storytelling, educational programming and hands-on demonstrations. The organization also will evaluate opportunities to expand  cultural partnerships, school programs, community access and learning opportunities, and look for ways to "strengthen the integration" of marine science, Native Hawaiian knowledge and storytelling.

[{"type":"text","text":"Lewis says that guests shouldn't expect any immediate major changes."}]

"Sea Life Park remains open, reservations and programs continue, and our focus right now is on supporting the team and making sure operations remain strong," he told ASD. "We know the park needs investment, and we absolutely intend to reinvest in the property, its facilities and the overall guest experience. We are still assessing those needs, so it would be premature to put a dollar figure on that today, but we did not acquire Sea Life Park simply to maintain the status quo. We see a lot of potential here."

More details about future investments, educational experiences, cultural programming and community partnerships will be announced in the coming months. 

Lewis says that Native Hawaiian stewardship is really about responsibility.

"Sea Life Park is in a special place, with a deep connection to the ocean, the surrounding community and the culture of Hawaiʻi," he says. "We now have the opportunity to think intentionally about how the park reflects those connections through education, culture and storytelling. Just as important, it is locally owned. That means decisions about its future are being made here in Hawaiʻi, with the goal of creating opportunities for local people and ensuring the park’s success also benefits the broader community."

Sea life park

<title>Hawaiian Council acquires Sea Life Park near Waimānalo</title>

"Sometimes you go looking for opportunities, and sometimes the kuleana finds you," Hawaiian Council CEO Kūhiō Lewis told Aloha State Daily of the acquisition. "This was one of those opportunities."

Hawaiian Council acquires Sea Life Park near Waimānalo

Several new retailers and restaurants have recently opened at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu and more are set to open soon, the center announced Wednesday. Here’s what you should know.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"What's new:"}]

, a locally owned coffee roaster serving breakfast, lunch and craft coffee, has opened on Street Level 1 of the ‘Ewa Wing.

 can be found on Mall Level 2 of the ‘Ewa Wing.

Korean beauty retailer Lume Harmony can be found on Street Level 1 near Center Court.

, offering a selection of toys, plushies, collectibles, stationery, beauty essentials, home goods, fragrances, electronics, snacks and other accessories, can be found on Level 3 of the ‘Ewa Wing.

, an ear piercing and jewelry brand, has opened on Level 3 of the ‘Ewa Wing.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Coming soon: "}]

, which will showcase contemporary works by local and international artists, is set to open this month in an 8,000-square-foot space on Street Level 1 of the ‘Ewa Wing.

, an indoor family entertainment venue and indoor playground spanning more than 42,000 square feet, will open in October on Mall Level 2 of the Mauka Wing. The space will have multilevel play structures, slides, an indoor zipline, trampolines and other play areas, along with amenities like supervised drop-off services, private party rooms, luggage storage and the Kids City Café.

, a modern beauty and wellness boutique offering a curated selection of facial and body spa treatments, personalized skin consultations, lash services, permanent makeup, Korean beauty products and more, will open this month on Level 3 of the ‘Ewa Wing.

, known for designer toys, blind boxes and collectible figures, will open its first Hawai‘i location this month on Level 3 of the ‘Ewa Wing.

, a luxury wellness and recovery destination, and 

, offering a modern take on traditional tea culture, are expected open in October. You'll find BB Wellness on Street Level 1 of the Diamond Head Wing and Molly Tea on Mall Level 2 of the Mauka Wing.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Relocations and renovations:"}]

 will reopen its expanded and newly renovated permanent location on Street Level 1 near Center Court in September.

 will relocate to a temporary boutique on Mall Level 2 of the Diamond Head Wing later this month, while its permanent location undergoes renovation. The newly renovated permanent shop is currently expected to open in late 2027.

Ala Moana Center opened in 1959 and is the world's largest open-air shopping center with more than 2.4 million square feet of retail space. It offers more than 350 stores and restaurants, including more than 160 dining options.

Ala Moana Center 052526

<title>What's new at, and coming to, Ala Moana Center</title>

The shopping center has recently welcomed a number of new tenants with more coming soon.

What's new at, and coming to, Ala Moana Center

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Talk about timing — during a trip to Kauaʻi for the 

, thanks to a friend's recommendation. At the time of our visit, the shop had only reopened two weeks prior, following repairs from the Kona Low storms earlier this spring.

“After the bad storms, our whole ceiling collapsed,” says Jade Brooks, founder and creative director of Melrose. “We unfortunately could not be open (after that); we tried to pivot and do curbside things and deliveries, but it was pretty rough.

“This past year has been one of the most challenging and rewarding chapters in our story,” she adds. “Following significant building damage that temporarily forced us to close our doors, we were reminded just how much support exists within our community. The encouragement we received from customers, neighbors and visitors reinforced why we do what we do. The experience strengthened our commitment to Melrose and inspired us to return with renewed energy and exciting new additions to the brand.”

When creating the concept for Melrose, Brooks had the vision to create a “beautiful gathering place centered around hospitality, daily rituals, and thoughtfully prepared food and beverages.” She says the space is inspired by coastal living, European cafes and neighborhood gathering spaces. 

“Melrose was created to be more than a café; it was designed to feel like an extension of home,” Brooks explains. 

What started as a neighborhood café steadily evolved into a hospitality and lifestyle brand. Melrose has become a blend of a café, market, provisions shop and curated retail experience under one roof. Customers can not only find lattes and bistro fare, but also European clothing.

Creating a customer experience that was rooted in hospitality was essential, according to Brooks.

“Our goal has always been to create a place people want to return to, not just for what we serve, but for how it makes them feel,” Brooks says. “Today, Melrose is known for its signature beverages, fresh-baked pastries, elevated breakfast offerings, thoughtfully curated provisions and distinctive atmosphere that blends Island charm with timeless coastal elegance.”

The business’s name was inspired by Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, where Brooks lived before moving to Hawaiʻi. She remembers that chapter of her life being filled with creativity. 

“The name (Melrose) always stayed with me,” she says. “When it came time to create the brand, ‘Melrose’ felt like the perfect fit — timeless, memorable, and reflective of the beautiful, curated experience I wanted to create.”

Customers can find a variety of coffee- and matcha-based beverages on Melrose’s menu. Drinks usually start at a base price of $7.50; there is an additional charge for alternative milks (coconut, oat, soy or almond). Iced beverages come in 16- and 24-ounce sizes; hot drinks come in 16-ounce sizes.

Customers can choose from options like the Melrose mocha, chai latte, Melrose matcha, and brown butter caramel latte, to name a few.

“The Melrose matcha is our most popular beverage and is the drink most synonymous with the Melrose brand,” Brooks says. “Smooth and creamy, our matcha is crafted with Melrose’s signature sweet-and-salty flavor profile. It’s a flavor guests often compare to a French butter cookie — slightly sweet, lightly salted and perfectly balance.”

Brooks says the drink remains the cafe's best-selling beverage year after year, and it has developed a loyal customer following. 

On the coffee side, the Miss Melrose and brown butter caramel latte are customer favorites. The latter features espresso, house brown butter caramel and the customer’s choice of milk.

“The Miss Melrose is our signature coconut cream coffee that’s inspired by traditional Vietnamese coffee,” Brooks says. “Rich espresso is blended with creamy coconut to create a velvety, refreshing drink that feels indulgent without being overly sweet.”

Melrose also has a collection of beverages that were seasonal, but became so popular that now they’re available permanently. Options include the banana bread latte or matcha — featuring a housemade banana bread syrup — ballerina matcha, which includes strawberry syrup; birthday cake latte or matcha, which features a housemade Funfetti cake syrup.

Besides beverages, Melrose offers breakfast fare and a variety of pastries and desserts. Bestselling options include the truffle egg croissant ($12) — which was so popular that it was already sold out at the time of our visit — stuffed ham and chevre croissant ($7.50), sweet cream cinnamon sugar pretzel ($7.50), house focaccia and dill sauce ($8), and housemade cookies ($3.75 each).

Housemade cookies are available in three flavors — brown butter chocolate chip, chewy coconut oatmeal, and lavender sugar.

“The truffle egg croissant is our signature breakfast item and one of the dishes we’re most known for,” Brooks says. “Fluffy eggs are layered inside a buttery, flaky croissant and finished with black truffle and sea salt. The contrast of the delicate pastry, rich eggs and luxurious bites of truffle throughout creates a breakfast experience that is both comforting and indulgent.”

Melrose also offers a selection of to-go items in its market fridge. Choose from sauces and spreads (creamy alfredo pasta sauce, Italian sausage ragu or signature dill sauce); picnic bites (like daily focaccia bread bites); and cookie doughs to bake at home.

“We’re offering curated items for entertaining, gifting, beach picnics and family dinners," Brooks says. "We believe hospitality extends beyond our tables and into our customers’ homes.”

As regular customers and new faces come through Melrose’s doors, Brooks is excited for all that lies ahead. She says customers can look forward to new retail concepts, products, partnerships.

“As the brand continues to grow, we’re focused on expanding the Melrose experience beyond the traditional café model," Brooks says. "We see Melrose as a hospitality-driven lifestyle brand with exciting concepts currently in development that will allow us to serve our community in entirely new ways.

“We’re deeply grateful for the support we’ve received over the years,” 

she adds. “We remain committed to creating beautiful spaces, memorable experiences and products that make everyday life feel a little more special. At its heart, Melrose is about hospitality. Our goal is always the same — to create moments that bring people together.”

Open 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sundays

Melrose owners 062826

<title>Līhu‘e-based Melrose is reopen for business</title>

The business is known for its signature beverages, fresh-baked pastries and aesthetic ambiance. Following the Kona Low storms this spring, the café’s ceiling caved in, forcing the business to close for almost two months. Melrose reopened to the public this summer with its signature offerings, along with new products.

Līhu‘e-based Melrose is reopen for business

Arrasmith Portrait

Perry Arrasmith

Government & Politics

Columnists

From the First Congressional District to the House and the Senate to the lieutenant governor's race, many of the most pivotal elections of this year will be decided within Democratic Party’s primaries. 

We’re a heavily Democratic state. I know that. You know that. We know that.

I’ve often wondered how that came to be the case. To answer that question, my default setting is history. History gets you answers if you know where to look. It’s not for nostalgia’s sake alone that history is useful. More often than not, history reveals the true location of present-day problems. 

In a local history class, you’ll be taught (maybe) that there was a Democratic ‘Revolution’ in November 1954. It was like the local version of the Republican Revolution of 1994. Rural Democrats organized by the ILWU from across the Neighbor Islands combined with urbanite Democrats in Honolulu to successfully seize control of both houses of the Territorial Legislature. 

The Democrats established a beachhead in the Legislature, one that they steadily reinforced until they effectively consolidated control over all branches of state government in the ’60s. Such consolidated power is where we are likely to remain in 2026.

So 1954 is the beginning of that history, but what made the Democratic Party so appealing in 1954?

To answer that question, I started to search for a document that’s not easily findable online. In fact, finding the document required me to scan newspaper archives in the hopes of finding a stray copy printed in an edition. 

Even seasoned politicos have never read the document. However, I’d argue it remains one of the most political documents in the last century of Hawai‘i’s history.

It’s a statement that rationalizes the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i’s right to power and their vision for the future, at least in 1954. The future, in 1954, was full of so much promise. There was so much to build in Hawai‘i. 

It is the 1954 Platform of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i. I found a copy, which I’ve transcribed and left 

It’s a bombastic document that hails the Democratic Party as “the greatest political party in the world today.” I don’t know if I’d agree with such a statement, or whether even Democrats would agree with such a statement today. 

Beyond that one bombastic statement, however, I was surprised by the document’s tone. It is not about a person’s rights alone, but what a person is expected to be able to do with the rights they attain. People should be able to get an education, work a decent job, have a home, and start a business. In 1954, the Democratic Party wanted to make it easier for residents to do those things. The Democratic Party wanted to build a Hawai‘i where people would be able to live the lives they deserved to live. 

The platform of 1954 makes commitments on statehood, taxation, small business and home ownership, land ownership and economic development, education, labor, home rule, the rights and obligations of individuals, and health and welfare. Some of the commitments feel especially relevant to a young person concerned with the viability of Hawai‘i as a place with a future.

Many sections feel foreign, if only because their ideas seem to run contrary to the general state of affairs in our time. On small business and home ownership, for instance, it pledges to “provide financial assistance from the Territory to encourage” small business, independent, farming, ranching and home construction. It also pledges to “repeal existing laws which discriminate against” small-scale enterprises. 

Government needed to let small business boom. People deserved to be able to build homes. Fallow agricultural land needed to be brought into production by local people.

It’s a document built on a person’s access to opportunity – and their ability to build out a better place. Such sentiments are not partisan, and perhaps that’s where the Democratic Party Platform of 1954 is not a very partisan document.

1954 remains important, if not for any particularly romantic reason. The 1954 Democratic Party Platform is therefore refreshing because it is not a romantic document. It is idealistic, but as a political proclamation, it is also measured. 

You may not be a Democrat. However, any resident of Hawai‘i is the figurative (and even literal, for a few) descendant of the Hawai‘i imagined in the words of the 1954 Democratic Party Platform. Our politics, culture, economics, and society is framed by a party which came to power in 1954 on the principles of that platform.

The 1954 Platform is concise. Perhaps it also remains a vision for Hawai‘i’s future. The current 

 of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, in contrast, is nearly three times as long as the 1954 platform. 

The 1954 Platform was a sober and responsible document. Hawai‘i would benefit from such sober and responsible concision in 2026. 

Spark Matsunaga Patsy Mink Lyndon B Johnson John Burns Daniel Inouye 1966 A1901 36 A

<title>What Hawai‘i’s 1954 Democratic Party platform says about today</title>

Hawai‘i has been a virtual one-party state since statehood, but how did that happen? ASD political historian Perry Arrasmith explores how, with a look at the local Democratic Party's 1954 platform and a comparison with the party's current priorities.

What Hawai‘i’s 1954 Democratic Party platform says about today

 — which has locations in Japan and California — is bringing is signature Japanese kissaten-style café experience to Honolulu for a limited time.

The pop-up will be open to the public starting at 10 a.m. Aug. 13, according to Takuma Lathrop, president of Dining Innovation West. It’s located in an enclosed section of TsuruTonTan, which is located in Royal Hawaiian Center.

“We’re friends with the owners of the brand in Japan,” says Lathrop. “They opened in California and we went to check it out; we started talking about the possibility of partnering up.”

Right now, there is no set end date for the pop-up, but Lathrop says it should be open for at least one month. To start, the pop-up will be open to the first 60 customers — no reservations accepted; first-come, first-served — but Lathrop says its hours will eventually be extended.

“As soon as we feel more comfortable to handle more people, we’ll get to a point where there won’t be a limit,” he says. “We just want to make sure we are making the best possible dishes correctly so everyone can enjoy the taste.”

Takagi Coffee is known for its handcrafted, made-to-order souffle pancakes and freshly roasted coffee. The Honolulu pop-up’s menu is more limited, compared to the brand’s California and Japan locations, but will still feature signature dishes, according to Lathrop.

The coffee menu features a house blend ($5), cold brew ($6) and lattes ($7). Customers can also choose from several hot or iced matcha lattes ($7-$9). The matcha cream ($2 add-on) comes highly recommended for the iced matcha lattes.

Souffle pancakes come with toppings like strawberry, mango and matcha (two pieces for $17, four pieces for $22). In addition to your fruit of choice, pancakes are topped with whipped cream, cookie crumbles and vanilla ice cream.

A savory option (two pieces for $18, three pieces for $23) — topped with thick-cut bacon, sunny side-up eggs and hollandaise — is also available. 

“Personally, I like savory things; the savory pancake is really good,” Lathrop says. “It’s surprisingly very hearty and good for people who aren’t super into sweets.”

The pop-up also features Yoshoku (Japanese-style Western dishes) plates, which are served with miso soup.

Choose from omurice ($19), tonkatsu with rice ($20) and wagyu hamburger steak ($22).

The omurice features a more traditional version, according to Lathrop. The Japanese tomato-flavored rice comprises bacon, onions and mushrooms, and is enrobed with a fluffy egg and topped with demi-glace sauce.

The hamburger steak features American wagyu beef and is served with rice and miso soup. The demi-glace is served on the side, so customers can add as much or as little as they want.

Customers can opt for the tonkatsu plate or the katsu sando ($16), which features pork cutlet, veggies, mustard mayonnaise and katsu sauce between pieces of Japanese bread. It’s served with wedge fries on the side.

Customers can also look forward to Japanese-style parfaits ($13), which are layered with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, cornflakes and more.

[{"type":"text","text":"Choose from matcha, fresh strawberries and coffee jelly."}]

The pop-up might add dishes to the menu as time goes on, according to Lathrop, who encourages customers to follow the business on Instagram for updates.

“It’s simple dishes, but executed with very high-quality ingredients,” he says. “Because we’re slowly rolling out, we want to make sure that we can give everybody a good experience.”

Open from 10 a.m. Aug. 13; limited to 60 customers per day (to start)

Takagi Coffee Takuma Lathrop 081026

<title>Takagi Coffee is a new Japanese-style cafe pop-up in Honolulu</title>

The pop-up is opening to the public on Thursday, Aug. 13, at 10 a.m. It’s within Royal Hawaiian Center’s TsuruTonTan, and for the first few days, the pop-up will be limited to the first 60 customers. Takagi Coffee is serving up sweet and savory Japanese souffle pancakes, omurice, wagyu hamburger steak and layered parfaits.

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

Reporter

More in Hawai'i Skies

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