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Hawai'i Skies

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25 10 23 Katie Helland

<title>Hawai'i Skies: Last light</title>

Today's Hawai'i Skies was captured by Katie Helland at The Royal Hawaiian.

Hawai'i Skies: Last light

Today's Hawai'i Skies was captured by Katie Helland at The Royal Hawaiian. "The last light at The Royal Hawaiian, while celebrating with friends." 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.

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

Hawai‘i residents whose SNAP benefits are set to shut down this weekend will get relief from the state — in two weeks’ time.

Gov. Josh Green and other lawmakers announced this week a series of programs intended to fill in the gap in services caused by the freeze of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture 

 last week amid the ongoing shutdown of the federal government.

 to assist families with housing and utility costs, and on Thursday, he 

 a $42.2 million program to substitute for missing SNAP benefits.

The Hawai‘i Food Assistance Program will issue SNAP beneficiaries a “emergency relief payment” of $250 per person. Current SNAP recipients are already enrolled in the program, and the funds will be accessible through users’ current electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards.

Green said about 161,400 people in the state receive SNAP benefits each month, including nearly 28,000 families and more than 62,000 children. SNAP benefits received in Hawai‘i between Oct. 2024 and Sept. 2025 totaled more than $57 million.

However, the emergency state funds won’t be available until Nov. 14 at the latest — Green said the money could be disbursed “a couple days sooner.” Department of Human Services deputy director Joseph Campos said there have been some technical challenges in connecting the emergency funds to the existing EBT system.

Green added that the state only began developing the program this week, and that he hadn’t anticipated Trump cutting SNAP benefits — the program hasn’t lapsed once during its 60-year history — and it also wasn’t immediately clear whether EBT cards would continue to work after the SNAP freeze.

Campos said that the average Hawai‘i SNAP benefit is $346 per person, meaning that, even when the funds are available, they will likely be reduced from a recipient’s usual benefit.

Green said SNAP recipients who still have unspent benefits on their cards should still be able to access them after the freeze, although he acknowledged this will likely be cold comfort for many.

The Food Assistance Program is funded through about $28 million in state general funds and an additional $13 million taken out of a $400 million surplus in the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

Green said this was a “manageable” amount of money that didn’t necessitate dipping into the state’s rainy day fund, which would have required a special session of the legislature. But Green also said he will demand reimbursement from the federal government for state funds used once the shutdown ends.

“Whether or not we’ll get [reimbursed], it’s hard to know,” Green said. “We care about people first and so we’re going to take care of people first. And we’ll worry about that as time goes by.”

Green said he doesn’t anticipate a need to call a special session, but also said he expects the shutdown will end soon.

“I’m thinking it’s going to open up before Thanksgiving,” Green said. “I don’t have any special intel except that I think that Congress is probably not going to allow the chaos of Thanksgiving to run over everybody in the country.”

Green said he is prepared to extend the benefits of the program into December if necessary, and will still go through with the program even if the shutdown ends or the SNAP freeze is reverted before Nov. 1. On the other hand, he said he “hopes to God” that the shutdown does not continue into 2026.

In the meantime, Green said additional programs to assist other people who may fall outside of the eligibility ranges of the programs announced this week are still being developed, and could be announced in November.

To supplement food availability, Green said he has directed a state supplement of $2 million to food banks throughout the state, and Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke said her office is heading up food drive efforts, encouraging residents to donate nonperishable or canned goods to donate to food banks on each island.

Food drive donation sites will open Monday, Luke said, at locations yet to be announced.

Native Hawaiian families will also be able to receive benefits from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, which announced it will commit $6.1 million in emergency relief funds to support families in paying for food, utilities or housing.   

Residents can call 211 between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. to be connected to available services.

20251030 120817 16x9

<title>SNAP freeze: Green announces additional aid programs as benefit cut looms</title>

Hawai‘i Food Assistance Program will fill in for delayed SNAP benefits, but only after two weeks.

SNAP freeze: Green announces additional aid programs as benefit cut looms

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

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

Andrea Cavaliere

Arts & Entertainment

Kona Thriller Halloween Party at Willie's Hot Chicken

Willie’s Hot Chicken in Kailua-Kona presents the Kona Thriller on Friday, October 31. Presented by Off the Grid Productions, the event will feature music by Unit:E, SPCTR, and B. Lively. 

[{"type":"text","text":"Time: Friday, Oct 31 | 9 PM–2 AM | 21+"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Ola Brew Costume Party"}]

Ola Brew hosts a Halloween costume party with live music, themed drinks, and prizes. Music acts are yet to be announced, but sure to be an exciting and late night!

[{"type":"text","text":"Time: Friday, Oct 31 | Evening | 21+"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"MyBar Halloween Costume Party"}]

MyBar in Kailua-Kona hosts its annual Hallo-Scream Party on Friday, October 31, featuring live DJs, themed cocktails, and a costume contest. The event begins in the evening and continues late into the night, making it one of Kona’s most energetic Halloween gatherings. Entry is free before 9 PM, with a cover charge afterward.

Uila Records Presents: Surprise Funk and Punk – Halloween Theme Show

Uila Records in Waimea presents Surprise Funk and Punk – Halloween Theme Show, with a live concert featuring John Norwood Fisher and John Steward of Fishbone alongside Luis Oliart of Oliart and the Hinges. The event runs from 7 to 10 PM on Friday, October 31 and includes a preshow meet-and-greet, limited-edition posters, and a record signing.

[{"type":"text","text":"Time: Friday, Oct 31 | 7–10 PM | Tickets: $15 advance \/ $20 door"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Palace Theater: The Rocky Horror Picture Show"}]

The Palace Theater in Hilo presents its annual Halloween screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This show is known for lively audience participation and elaborate costumes. The evening includes a pre-show costume contest, prop kits, and a full sing-along to the cult-classic soundtrack.

[{"type":"text","text":"Time: Friday, Oct 31 | 8 PM | 18+| Tickets: $12 advance \/ $15 door"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Aloha Theatre: Carrie The Musical"}]

The Aloha Theatre presents Carrie: The Musical, a haunting adaptation of Stephen King’s classic story that blends classic horror with powerful live performance. With themes of fear and revenge, this production is perfect for Halloween night.

Time: Friday, Oct 31 | 7:30 PM | All Ages | Tickets: $35 Adult / $30 Seniors / $15 Youth

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Hilo Town Tavern: Halloween Friday"}]

The Hilo Town Tavern is hosting its annual Halloween party on Friday, October 31. 

usic by Rhythm X, a costume contest, and spooky drink specials, it is sure to be one of the liveliest parties in downtown Hilo.

[{"type":"text","text":"Time: Friday, Oct 31 | 9:30 PM"}]

Palace Theater Rocky Horror

<title>Big Island Halloween 2025 roundup</title>

Looking for something to do with your ghosties this Halloween? Aloha State Daily has your guide to Halloween on the Big Island. From costume contests to musicals, you and your ghouls are bound to have a creepy good time!

Big Island Halloween 2025 roundup

[{"type":"text","text":"The newest Halloween pop-up opened recently in Honolulu."}]

 is located in the former Surfers Bakery space in Ala Moana Center. The Halloween-themed pop-up bar is open daily from 6 p.m. to midnight until Oct. 31. Individuals must be 21 years or older to enter.

The pop-up features a spooky, bewitching Halloween theme. It’s not as gory as its sister pop-up, 

The different sections of the pop-up have various themes. The right side features a scary pumpkin patch.

Meanwhile, the left side of the pop-up is inspired by a vampire’s lair. The middle section boasts an impressive pumpkin display.

The pictures along the wall are inspired by the 

, located at Hawaiʻi’s Plantation Village in Waipahu. The bar area features a graveyard-like set-up. If you look closely, the back wall features “poison bottles,” set up to look like an apothecary.

Ghost Bar features a variety of festive drinks, including witches’ brew ($15), slasher sour ($15), Hocus Pocus ($15), syringe shots ($12) and blood punch cauldron ($45).

Hocus Pocus ($15) features Butterbeer and Tanduay Especia with a whipped topping. The blood punch cauldron ($45) is designed to share and features a mix of passion fruit, orange and guava puree with Kōloa Kaua

Syringe shots ($12) feature Green River, Blue Vanilla or Bubble Gum with a choice of Tito’s, Jameson or Espolon Blanco.

Like the Nightmare Honolulu pop-up, Ghost Bar will have a DJ every Friday and Saturday night starting from 9 p.m.

Ghost Bar pumpkin patch 102025

<title>Ghost Bar Halloween pop-up just opened</title>

Located in Ala Moana Center — in the former Surfers Bakery space — Ghost Bar features a spooky, bewitching Halloween theme.

Ghost Bar Halloween pop-up just opened

Crime & Courts

An ‘Ewa Beach couple is pursuing legal action against the city after one of them was allegedly beaten by police officers.

Kelei and Joseph Akana appeared at Wednesday’s meeting of the Honolulu City Council to demand answers following an incident that they claimed left Kelei unable to walk.

Joseph Akana told Aloha State Daily that, early on May 5, Kelei was in a parked car at the Pu‘uloa Beach Park in ‘Ewa Beach, when police officers approached and questioned her.

Although Kelei Akana subsequently moved the car elsewhere, the police approached her again, and cited her for having an expired vehicle registration tag.

Following this, Joseph said, officers told Kelei to leave her vehicle, which she refused. After an escalation, he said, several officers tased her four times and repeatedly punched her and struck her with batons.

“I was on the phone with her the whole time,” Joseph said. “What if that was your wife? What if you had to hear that?”

Joseph acknowledged that his car did have expired tags, and that Kelei had refused to leave the vehicle — she said she had identified herself to police as a “repatriated Hawaiian national” — but he said the officers’ alleged actions were wildly disproportionate to the situation and left Kelei in a wheelchair and with concussion-like symptoms.

Joseph called the incident “attempted murder” and said he has filed a complaint with the Honolulu Police Commission and is consulting with attorneys for further legal action.

For its part, HPD charged Kelei Akana with first-degree assault of a police officer, a Class C felony bearing a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Charging documents did not go into detail about the event; HPD did not respond to a request for comment by ASD.

[{"type":"text","text":"The Akanas declined to provide photographs."}]

Some of the councilmembers seemed perturbed by the Akanas’ report, with ‘Ewa Beach council woman Andria Tupola apologizing profusely to the couple about the incident.

Council Chair Tommy Waters called the Akanas’ testimony “disturbing,” but advised them that, if the Police Commission finds evidence of police wrongdoing, HPD will still be the agency meting out punishment rather than the Commission – “which is something that perhaps the [Honolulu] Charter Commission should look at,” he mused.

Elsewhere on Wednesday’s Council agenda, the Council approved at first reading a resolution authorizing HPD to use “overt video monitoring” in City parks for a one-year pilot program. This program will place security cameras within as-yet undetermined parks — one park per district — in an effort to deter crime.

Council member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam — representing portions of Kaka‘ako, Downtown Honolulu, Punchbowl, Kalihi and elsewhere — said the resolution stems from several incidents including break-ins at Salt Lake District Park.

“So we want to focus the cameras directly at the city facilities and at the district parks,” Santos-Tam said. “[And] I wanted to not be selfish and put it just in my district.”

The Committee on Public Safety and Customer Services will next discuss the resolution at a future meeting.

Hawai'i Skies: Last light

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Authors

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