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Hawai'i Skies

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Sally Moe on Kauaʻi. "

Here’s a photo with the rainbow over Sleeping Giant on Kaua‘i!!  Love all the rainbows here!!"

To submit your Hawai'i Skies photo, visit us 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

25 11 20 Sally Moe

<title>Hawai‘i Skies: Rainbow love</title>

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Sally Moe on Kauaʻi.

Hawai‘i Skies: Rainbow love

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Sally Moe on Kauaʻi. "Here’s a photo with the rainbow over Sleeping Giant on Kaua‘i!!  Love all the rainbows here!!" 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.

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

This new Japanese-style hamburger steak spot is opening on Monday, Nov. 24 in Kaimukī.

Located in the former Chubbies Burgers space in Kaimukī, 

 — owned by restaurant group Funergy Group Inc., which operates Tori Ton, Izakaya Tenkichi and Totoya — specializes in Japanese-style hamburger steaks.

The restaurant interior was modeled, and now boasts a vibrant yellow hue and anime on the walls. The design was inspired by Akihabara, a neighborhood in Tokyo, according to Funergy Group Inc. owner Takuya Tsutsumi.

Originally, Tsutsumi was thinking to open another izakaya, but decided to go with the “hamburger steak” concept instead.

“It’s very popular in Japan now, since maybe three or four years ago,” he says.

He explains that the eatery’s name refers to the hamburger steak’s shape (“maru”) and the sizzling sound made when it’s cooked (“ju”).

Tsutsumi explains that the hamburger steaks are first cooked on the grill, then in the oven, and are served on a sizzling platter; its sauce is poured tableside.

“There’s a combination of a little bit of pork, beef, the beef fat and a secret recipe,” Tsutsumi says.

He explains that the eatery’s sauces are homemade, making each dish unique.

[{"type":"text","text":"“The original sauce takes more than seven hours to make,” he says."}]

Hamburger steak sets come in two sizes — regular ($23.50) or large ($28.50) — and include vegetables, pasta, miso soup and rice.

Choose from sauces like signature onion, sweet garlic soy glaze, grated daikon ponzu, green onion salt marinade, and Gorgonzola cheese. While the signature onion — boasting a nice balance of sweet and savory — is projected to be the most popular option, I’m partial to the rich, creamy Gorgonzola.

The hamburger steaks are thick, juicy, tender and ultra flavorful — even before the sauce is added. Customers can add extra toppings like grilled onions ($2), garlic chips ($1.90), grilled bacon ($3.90) and more.

Tsutsumi also recommends trying the eatery’s braised hamburg in mushroom demi-glace sauce. This option comes with the same side dishes as the original hamburger steak; choose from regular ($24.50) or large ($29.50) sizes. There’s also a keiki size ($12.50) that is served with potatoes, carrots, broccoli and pasta.

Marujuu also offers chicken steak ($17.90) — choose from yuzu pepper sauce, signature onion sauce or sweet garlic soy glaze — and rib-eye steak ($29.50 regular, $38.50 large).

“We marinate the chicken overnight so it’s very tender,” Tsutsumi says. “We use chicken thighs.”

The eatery will be open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. and from 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner (last call 9:15 p.m.) Wednesdays to Mondays (it’s closed on Tuesdays). Right now, it’s first come, first served; a reservation system may be set up in the future.

Open 11 a.m.-2:15 p.m., 5-10 p.m. (last call 9:15 p.m.) Wednesdays to Mondays

Marujuu Hawaii hamburger steak cross section 112225

<title>Japanese-style hamburger steak spot is opening in Kaimukī</title>

Marujuu Hawaiʻi — sister restaurant of Totoya, Tori Ton and Izakaya Tenkichi — is opening on Monday, Nov. 24 in the former Chubbies Hawaiʻi space in Kaimukī. The biz specializes in Japanese-style hamburger steaks that are delivered on sizzling platters to your table.

Japanese-style hamburger steak spot is opening in Kaimukī

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

Department of Accounting and General Services

 Director and Comptroller Keith Regan and artist Solomon Enos are inviting the public to help bring a mural to the basement parking garage of the Kalanimoku Building, where it will be one the first things many people see when they visit. The Kalanimoku Building houses offices for DAGS, as well as the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

The community is invited to bring the mural to life by painting from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29. Participants — who must be in middle school or older — do not need artistic experience to participate. Brushes and paint will be provided.

“What we're doing is we're creating an upena, a net, and it's based upon a process I've done at the 

, where we're going to start making triangles of different colors,” Enos told Aloha State Daily this month.

The design uses 15 colors that represent “different kinds of environments and ecosystems and habitats right across the Hawaiian Islands,” he said. That includes representations of the red earth and deep ocean.

Enos is a renowned artist who has completed artwork for Google, Disney, Pixar, 

. He grew up in Mākaha Valley and has been making art for more than 30 years. His work is on display at Capitol Modern and Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, among other locations. He is also the artist-in-residence for the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, an agency attached to DAGS.

Base colors have already been added to the walls in preparation for the upcoming project in the basement of the parking garage for the Kalanimoku Building.

“On that day, [we’re] using random triangles, lines, and shapes, using rollers and using that same set of colors, but we're just going to mix them up,” Enos said. “People who have a light blue will be on areas that are not light blue.  They'll be creating these triangles and this big conceptual net form.”

One of the biggest art challenges of projects like this is to make sure participants don’t add their name or an extra design, he said.

This is not Enos’ first art project that involves community participation. In fact, he led one last month, where 

students from three high schools came together to paint a large mural along Kamehameha Highway

Community art projects are not new, he said. Movies and theatrical performances are other examples of them, Enos added. Projects, like this mural, are also examples of how “community, collectively, can transform the world around them,” he said.

“You can transform this wall,” Enos said. “You can transform this world, but you can't do it by yourself.”

Parking in the lot in front of the painting area will be free. Use the entrance on Beretania Street to access the free parking spots.

Participants are asked to sign up via email at 

, so the appropriate amount of painting materials will be available. Follow 

 on Instagram for updates on his art and other projects.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Solomon Enos at work

<title>Paint with Solomon Enos</title>

Ever wanted to be part of painting a community mural? Next Saturday, Nov. 29, could be your chance. This government office is teaming up with artist Solomon Enos to beautify a basement parking garage.

Paint with Solomon Enos

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

MĀNOA — Members of the University women's basketball team could barely hear themselves warm up. Of the 1,747 that passed through the Stan Sheriff Center turnstiles on Friday, 1,200 were elementary schoolers from various schools across the state, some coming from as far as 

As part of UH's "Education Day," tipoff time between the Rainbow Wahine and Loyola Marymount, the first game of the Bank of Hawai‘i Classic, was set for 11 a.m. on Friday. When the crowd of keiki was at its loudest, attendance numbers may as well have shown that the arena was filled to its maximum capacity of 10,300 fans. Using the energy from the atmosphere, the 'Bows held on for a 55-51 victory, clinching their first 3-0 start since the 2015-2016 season. 

"I just want to say thank you to the parents and Department of Education, our upper campus people. It was loud, and I know these guys felt that energy, and I think maybe it made them a little bit nervous during warm ups, because they would scream every time they all would just make a layup," Hawai‘i head coach 

 said after the game. "That's why we do what we do, right? We're playing basketball to help develop these kids. And these guys are such unbelievable role models. I think the little kids saw from them that you just don't give up. If you don't give up and keep working, good things are going to happen. So, I wanted to say that first. 

"Second, this team is just continuing to find a way. It's not pretty, it is gritty and we're learning every single time we step on the floor. ... We played a good team that pressured us, and so we just have to continue to grow. But incredibly proud of this group for once again, finding a way being down in the fourth quarter and coming back."

Friday's contest between the Rainbow Wahine and Lions was close throughout. Loyola Marymount's largest lead of the game was 39-34 with 8:15 left in the fourth quarter, prompting a UH timeout. 

With the game square at 51 with 20.5 seconds remaining, the Rainbow Wahine put the ball in the hands of true freshman Bailey Flavell, who delivered with a layup that gave the 'Bows the lead for good. Hawai‘i put the game out of reach with a pair of trips to the free throw line in the closing seconds. Flavell finished with nine points and two rebounds. 

"I know for so many freshmen that doesn't happen often," Flavell said. "I'm just super grateful to be in this team and be with this coaching staff that gives me the opportunity to be able to play the game that I want and to be able to get those looks and those opportunities."

"That's an incredibly humble answer," responded Beeman immediately, sitting beside Flavell in the postgame press conference. "She works hard for those moments. ... She has worked for those moments, and so, I appreciate the humility."

Following the game, the elementary schoolers left the arena but remained on campus to continue Education Day, which included a tour of campus. Each student at the game also received a gift bag. 

"It was really fun. It was very loud," said Hawai‘i forward Saniyah Neverson, who finished with 10 points, five rebounds and three assists. "But I feel like it didn't get to us."

Added Flavell: "It gives you energy and adrenaline in the warm up. But, yeah, I think once the game starts, I don't even hear it"

Hawaii womens basketball 112125

<title>Hawai‘i women's basketball outlasts Loyola Marymount in front of keiki-laden crowd</title>

As part of UH's "Education Day," Friday's early tipoff at the Stan Sheriff Center featured the attendance of 1,200 elementary schoolers from across the state.

Hawai‘i women's basketball outlasts Loyola Marymount in front of keiki-laden crowd

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

A proposal to allow certain media organizations access to police radio channels is on the verge of passage.

Honolulu Police officials and media representatives alike were largely favorable Thursday toward the latest version of a 

 aimed improving police transparency regarding in-progress operations.

The proposal would designate certain media organizations as “trusted,” allowing them access to HPD’s dispatch radios. Such organizations must be certified broadcasters by the Federal Communications Commission, to have been a reputable outlet for at least 10 years, or be otherwise listed as a publication of note for the dissemination of public notices.

Aloha State Daily, an outlet founded only one year ago, would not qualify.

Despite previous misgivings about the measure, HPD interim chief Rade Vanic told the Honolulu City Council Committee on Public Safety and Economy Thursday that he supports its intent.

Vanic had previously warned that releasing information about current police actions could compromise officers’ safety or potentially disclose confidential private information.

 of the bill alleviates this concern by codifying “timely emergency messaging alerts.” These alerts would be messages about in-progress incidents sent to the aforementioned trusted media outlets no more than 10 minutes after HPD receives that information.

The alerts are required to include the nature of the incident, the street name and block where it took place and a general description at minimum, but would be prohibited from including personal identifiable information or other protected data.

Based on the text of the bill, the release of the alerts would not necessarily preclude trusted media sources from also having access to police radio channels, although the specifics for providing that access are not specified. The bill requires the HPD chief to develop a plan providing radio access or timely alerts to media sources, but not necessarily both.

[{"type":"text","text":"HPD is already testing the policy, Vanic said."}]

“They’re in the process of going through data testing,” Vanic said. “We released it to 16 individuals already, executives and select reporters. So they’re testing it out.”

The only complaint Vanic still had with the bill was the requirement for annual reports to the City Council detailing the information being released to the media. Vanic said these reports were “not a real big ask” but questioned how useful those reports would actually be.

“If you guys want an update, it’s as easy as asking us,” Vanic told the council committee.

KITV President Jason Hagiwara spoke in support of the measure, saying it “allows journalists to share vital news to viewers, readers and listeners.”

Retired TV reporter John Deutzman supported the bill, but questioned its potential for legitimizing certain news organizations over others.

“I don’t think the city or any government is in any position to designate what a legitimate media organization is,” Deutzman said. “You’re in no position to exclude the many online social media platforms that I rely on for breaking news.”

In any case, the committee voted unanimously in favor of the bill, and forwarded it to the full council for its third and final reading.

Vanic 16x9

<title>Police positive on media access proposal</title>

Bill proposes alerts about police activities within 10 minutes to certain news outlets.

Police positive on media access proposal

 is ringing in the holiday season with its festively decorated Grinchmas (Christmas-themed) bar.

The restaurant is fully decked out in lights and Christmas décor, resulting in numerous photo opportunities for its customers.

The seasonal cocktails ($16 each) are available during the restaurant’s operating hours. Holiday-themed drinks include The Grinch — a combo of tequila, sour apple Schnapps, lime and club soda — elf mojito (rum, Midori, yuzu, mint and pomegranate seeds) and Jack Frost (rum, pineapple, Blue Curacao, coconut cream and pomegranate seeds), to name a few.

Martini flavors include gingerbread (vodka, gingerbread syrup, Baileys, kahlua, cream and Biscoff crumbs), pumpkin spice (vodka, pumpkin puree, Irish cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon and graham crackers) and s’mores (vodka, chocolate syrup, Baileys, kahlua, cream, graham crackers and marshmallows).

There’s even spiked hot cocoa, complete with whiskey, Baileys, kahlua, chocolate syrup, bitters and a marshmallow.

The eatery’s Christmas Punch ($35) is designed for sharing. The 34-ounce-container is a combination of rum, pineapple, orange, guava, pomegranate juice, cranberries and rosemary.

Christmas Grinch Jell-O shots (three for $9) are also available. Choose from green (tequila, lime, triple sec and whipped cream) or red (vodka, strawberry, whipped cream and sprinkles).

Open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-midnight Fridays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays

Aloha Mamacita Grinchmas drinks 112025

<title>Aloha Mamacita’s festive Grinchmas Bar is open to the public</title>

Enjoy seasonal cocktails like Jack Frost, Christmas Punch, gingerbread martinis and more — along with the restaurant’s holiday décor.

Aloha Mamacita’s festive Grinchmas Bar is open to the public

 is popular for its local comfort food and desserts like Coco Puffs, poi mochi donuts and Chantilly cakes. The bakery recently added new dishes to its menu; the dishes are available at all Liliha Bakery locations.

The eatery’s new eggs Benedict ($21.50) includes two poached eggs with ham topped with Hollandaise sauce over house-baked corn bread, and is served with fried potatoes. Since this entree is part of Liliha Bakery’s breakfast menu, it’s only available until 11 a.m.

“Inspired by customer requests, our eggs Benedict is served with our housemade cornbread, creating the perfect sweet and savory balance in every bite,” says Angela Choi, vice president of Yummy Restaurant Group (the bakery's parent company). “At Liliha Bakery, we are always looking for ways to bring fresh flavors to our breakfast menu, while honoring our local favorites.”

Speaking of local favorites — the roast pork loco moco takes this Hawaiʻi staple to the next level. The savory dish features roast pork, two eggs, and gravy over fried rice.

“Our roast pork loco moco with fried rice offers a playful spin on the beloved local classic, featuring tender roast pork and our signature gravy — perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner,” Choi says.

Both new entrees come with the eatery’s signature butter roll and jelly.

The chicken Milanese presents a nice balance of indulgence and light. The pan-fried crispy chicken is served with lemony strawberry arugula salad, housemade champagne vinaigrette, and Liliha Bakery’s famous butter roll.

The pan-fried chicken is crispy but light, and the accompanying arugula salad is refreshing, thanks to the vinaigrette.

Liliha Bakery also introduced new pastries, including regular ($3.95) and chocolate almond ($4.25) Kouign Amanns; berries and cream cheese croissants ($6.95); green tea croissants ($3.89); and cream cheese danishes ($3.89).

The Kouign Amann is slightly crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, and we’re partial to the chocolate almond flavor.

The bakery’s fresh banana Chantilly cake ($32.95) is also a more recent addition to the line-up of refrigerated cakes and pies. It features the bakery’s signature Chantilly cake frosting, but also includes fresh layers of sliced bananas and fresh bananas on top.

This dessert give a fresh, fruity twist to a beloved bakery staple — the generous amount of banana slices balance the richness from the luscious, velvety layers of Chantilly.

Liliha Bakery kouign amann 103125

<title>Liliha Bakery recently added new dishes to its menu</title>

New dishes include eggs Benedict, a savory loco moco, and the bakery’s own version of Kouign Amann. The new dishes are available at all Liliha Bakery locations.

Hawai‘i Skies: Rainbow love

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Hawai‘i Skies: Rainbow love

Authors

ASD Staff

More in Hawai'i Skies

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