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Hawai'i Skies

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by R. Freed at Ala Moana Beach Park. "

This Kaka’ako sunset photo was taken from Ala Moana Beach Park. A picture is worth a thousand words."

To submit your Hawai'i Skies photo, visit us 

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<title>Hawai‘i Skies: A thousand words</title>

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by R. Freed at Ala Moana Beach Park.

Hawai‘i Skies: A thousand words

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by R. Freed at Ala Moana Beach Park. "This Kaka’ako sunset photo was taken from Ala Moana Beach Park. A picture is worth a thousand words." 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.

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Rick Hamada

Columnists

Bill 42 (2025) CD1 - RELATING TO TAXIS - Repeals various fares and charges provisions that apply to taxicab companies and drivers. Allows fares and charges to apply when a taxicab is hired. Allows taxicab drivers and taxicab companies to pass on (sic) taxes and third-party fees to passengers. Requires a report from the CSD Director.

This is the official title of legislation meandering through the Honolulu City Council, which is the latest in the ongoing discussion and debate between two prolific adversaries. Not since the Romans and the Jews, dogs against cats and the Bears vs. the Slackers (oh, alright, the Packers - they still suck) has there ever been a battle of such biblical proportion.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"YES!"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Taxis V. Uber\/Lyft."}]

And, of course, you're caught in the middle.

I'm giving you a heads up. This is not a definitive journalistic piece on the 

 of legislative analysis. Nor is this in any way an attempt to sway public or political commentary. This is simply the opinion of a columnist who has taken various modes of international transportation, and I'm simply rendering my perspective based on countless of hours in the back seat of both taxis and rideshares and thousands of dollars of questionable expenditures for the aforementioned services.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"But first. "}]

A minimal amount of legislative analysis which will sway nobody at all.

The fundamental argument levied against Uber/Lyft entering the Hawaiʻi market in August of 2013 was that rideshare enjoyed virtual unregulation posing unfair competition for traditional taxi services. Since the beginning, Uber/Lyft was a hit with consumers for it's cost and the convenience using tech to made it more attractive than a cab. It's important to note that traditional taxis enjoyed business from a cliental who preferred a tradition they embraced.

This debate ensured across the nation as rideshare companies were subjected to similar legal challenges with varying degrees of success. One aspect was regulatory authority at the state level and Hawaiʻi had it's own strategy to be involved although we were one of the last states to do so. 

Rideshare services are governed while acknowledging they are different from traditional taxi providers. These companies must maintain specific insurances coverage levels, and their drivers must meet set criteria for background checks and vehicle upkeep. (

However, this city council bill consideration focuses on rates that you must pay for these services.

The taxi industry has been controlled by government law defining what a company can charge. Perhaps this was a necessity when taxis were the only game in town. Regardless, price controls levied on industries in general are a very bad idea. Consider a recent UHERO report that states government regulations comprise up to 30% additional cost to residential construction. Want affordable housing? Start with de-regulation.

It's this consistent position that is the center of Bill 42 (2025) CD1.

It's to abolish governmental price controls specifically on the traditional taxicab industry.

The bill would theoretically create a more level playing field freeing up pricing options for taxis creating competition in the marketplace. 

I say theoretically because the chances are great that inevitably something will get screwed up.

Let's assume pricing does become more competitive. Logically other ancillary parts of the customer experience become more relevant and important.

Here's a very subjective and biased assessment of these services.

The Uber app is the bomb. I have the Lyft but I find Uber is easier to navigate. The range of riders are many, the time of pick-up to destination arrival is a bit flawed but pretty consistent. All driver and vehicle information is posted plus direct communication with the driver is in real time. You can request the style of vehicle from basic to ultra-premium or larger for more utilitarian uses. Have a dispute? The online customer service is accessible with timely responses and agreeable resolutions. Pricing is fair and, yes, there is surge pricing when demand is greater. However, as a frequent customer, I receive discount surge pricing and the benefits I cited make up for the spotty additional costs.

A big advantage for taxis is the ability to hail either from stands or the streets. Immediate service. But these opportunities are fewer and far between. 

One of the most frustrating is the taxi access at Honolulu Airport. Let's just say whatever the system is, it's no bueno. Again, a columnist's subjective opinion that's based on other airports on the mainland and globally. Examples? Vegas, San Francisco, Sea-Tac, Paris, Gerald Ford in Grand Rapids, MI and Cozumel, Mexico. We attract up to 8 million visitors per year via HNL and we have a lack of easily accessible cabs and rideshare is buried in the second floor parking with virtually no signage. HNL, serve your customers. Expletives deleted.

Most taxis but not all accept credit/debit cards. In our increasingly cashless society, this is a definite benefit. It would be better if prospective riders knew this was for all cabs. Assisting those who require assistance is a noble trait steeped in the tradition of taxis. I'll cite Dale Evans, owner, of Charley's Taxi who is renowned for this essential service. Rideshare may provide, too, but time on the job is a quality that cannot be discounted.

Finally, personal transportation provided by taxis and rideshares. This is for both of you.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"And for riders:"}]

This an opportunity for "Rick You're Right or Rick You're Wrong." Please, share your thoughts with 

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<title>Hamada: Debate on Hawaiʻi's taxis and rideshares</title>

Some thoughts about the Honolulu City Council's legislation aimed at giving traditional taxi services an even playing field against Uber and Lyft. Plus, tips for drivers and riders.

Hamada: Debate on Hawaiʻi's taxis and rideshares

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

More than a thousand people gathered at Waimea Bay for the opening ceremony of the Rip Curl

Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational on Friday, Dec. 5, according to event organizers. The 

contest runs only if wave face heights consistently reach 40 feet

 at Waimea Bay during the holding period, which started Dec. 7 and ends March 6.

Affectionately called “The Eddie,” the invitational is held in memory of 

, a well-known waterman who was a lifeguard on North Shore where he saved hundreds of people over his career. The conditions necessary to call The Eddie are such that there have only been 11 competitions in its more than 40-year history, according to the Eddie Aikau Foundation, a nonprofit created to share the waterman’s life and promote education and the advancement of Hawaiian culture.

The opening ceremony began with a Hawaiian blessing by Rocky Naeole and Thomas Cleek of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I. There were hula performances from Pūnana Leo o Waialua Keiki and Waimea Valley-Hiʻipaka LLC's Kumu Ka'ulamealani Diamond and halau. Competitors were introduced to the crowd and given replicas of the necklace Eddie wore on his final voyage with 

 as well as rash guards and a trophy, designed by local artist 

, which pays tribute to Eddie and Clyde Aikau. They also participated in a paddle out.

Notable this year was the absence of Eddie’s brother, surfing legend 

, who died in May after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His son, Ha’a Aikau, and Makua Rothman led the traditional ocean blessing in the middle of Waimea Bay. Both are invitees in the invitational.

“It was a really beautiful circle,” said Mason Ho, last year’s runner up, in a written statement. “Everyone got to catch a wave. Usually, it’s flat on these opening ceremony days, but today there was a nice wave out there. It was really moving hearing Ha'a speak on behalf of Uncle Clyde. It felt like a passing of the torch of some sort. It was definitely a little sad this year because Uncle Clyde was all of our hero, but it was really beautiful because everyone was cheering for him out there, and there were a lot of nice stories shared.”

Women surfed for the first time in The Eddie in 

 include five of the 11 surfers who have won The Eddie in the past: Ross Clarke-Jones (2001), Kelly Slater (2002), John John Florence (2016) and Luke Shepardson (2023) and Landon McNamara (2024).

For more information, including the full list of invitees and alternates, go to: 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

The Eddie held Dec. 22, 2024

<title>PHOTOS: The Eddie, opening ceremony</title>

Were you stuck in the office during the opening ceremony for the Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational? Check out photos of the event, which occurred Friday, Dec. 5. The holding period for the invitational started Sunday, Dec. 7, and runs through March 6.

PHOTOS: The Eddie, opening ceremony

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

Long-awaited improvements to a long-shuttered police substation in Wai‘anae finaly began on Monday.

Nearly a decade ago, in 2016, a $16 million police station was built in Wai‘anae, where it has remained in disuse ever since. The second floor of the facility has been unfinished, left without air conditioning, power outlets and other basic functional infrastructure.

 at the time hypothesized that the project ran out of money because of a large radio antenna at the site of the former police substation, which was built in 1961. Construction crews were legally not allowed to move or disable the antenna, for emergency purposes, leading to an expensive process where the antenna was lifted, the old station was demolished, the new station was built and the antenna reinstalled.

Since then, short staffing at the Honolulu Police Department has made filling the substation a low-priority project.

In 2023, however, the county began the slow process of improving the substation. That year, the City Council allocated $300,000 to HPD to carry out the improvements to make the substation’s second floor usable.

And in March of that year, the Council also passed a resolution urging HPD to develop a plan to fully utilize the derelict building. The resolution, introduced by Wai‘anae Councilwoman Andria Tupola, requested that HPD create a ninth patrol district to address limited police resources in the region.

That resolution stated that, at HPD’s then-current recruitment rate, it would take six years to fill all the department’s nearly 350 vacant officer positions, assuming no other officers left the force in the interim.

While the new patrol district never came to pass, the renovations to the substation’s second story began Monday.

“We promised the community that strengthening public safety in Wai

anae would be a top priority — and today, construction finally begins,” Tupola said in a statement. “Our community is thankful to finally see long-overdue progress on a project that is so critically needed.”

Tupola 16x9

<title>Long-awaited improvements coming to Wa‘ianae police substation</title>

Wai‘anae facility built in 2016 will finally get a functional second floor.

Long-awaited improvements coming to Wa‘ianae police substation

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

owned and operated by Fresh Dining Concepts LLC, 

 to support nonprofits across the Islands. 

Proceeds were donated for every Mango-A-Go-Go and Watermelon Breeze smoothies sold at participating locations.

“The initiative is designed to support Hawai‘i-based nonprofits, especially those focused on youth, wellness and community development,” Jamba Hawaiʻi Director of Operations Keliʻi Moreau told Aloha State Daily at the time.

According to a spokesperson for Jamba Hawai'i, its Blend it Forward program will continue next year and "

the focus will remain on supporting local nonprofit partners." Hawaiʻi-based nonprofits interested in partnering with Jamba Hawaiʻi on a future “Blend it Forward” campaign, may apply online 

Here is a recap of who has benefited from the campaign so far in 2025 and what they will be using the funds for: 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi"}]

With nearly 17,000 smoothies sold, the July campaign raised 

more than $21,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of Hawai‘i and Maui, including a $5,000 match from Jamba Hawai'i. Funds will help provide local youth with meals, mentorship and safe clubhouse spaces. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Shriners Children’s Hawai‘i"}]

More than $14,000 was donated to Shriners Children’s Hawai‘i, including a $5,000 match from Jamba Hawai‘i. Donations will help fund specialized pediatric orthopedic care for keiki across Hawai‘i, the Pacific Basin, and beyond. 

“It was tremendously inspiring to witness how our community came together to support our keiki,” said Janice Knapp, senior director of philanthropy of Shriners Children’s Hawaiʻi, in a statement. “Partners like Jamba Hawaiʻi make all the difference — their compassion and commitment fuels our mission, helping to ensure every child receives the specialized orthopedic care they need. Mahalo, Jamba Hawaiʻi and mahalo to our community for making it possible to provide life-changing care to our keiki.”

More information about all of Jamba Hawaiʻi’s fundraising programs can be found online 

Jamba Hawaii mango a go go 062125

<title>Jamba Hawaiʻi fundraising initiative raises thousands for nonprofits</title>

Here are the nonprofit beneficiaries so far from Jamba Hawaiʻi's Blend it Forward program, which launched this summer. Nonprofits may apply online for the next fundraiser in the new year.

Jamba Hawaiʻi fundraising initiative raises thousands for nonprofits

Crime & Courts

A man serving a life sentence for stabbing a man to death in Wahiawā in 2019 will get a retrial.

In 2024, a jury convicted then-25-year-old Kai Dela Cruz of second-degree murder after he had reportedly stabbed 45-year-old Isaac Lee repeatedly in Nov. 2019.

According to court records, Dela Cruz was at his mother’s Wahiawā apartment with Lee, described as a friend of the family. The two were alone on a lānai before Dela Cruz’s mother reported hearing screams.

Lee was found bleeding with multiple stab wounds; a paramedic who responded to the scene judged that any one of the wounds would have been life-threatening on their own, according to court records. Lee was pronounced dead at The Queen’s Medical Center.

Dela Cruz fled the scene in his mother’s car, but he was found a few hours later lying facedown on a road and arrested. Subsequent evidence determined that he had been smoking methamphetamine before the stabbing incident.

But on Monday, the state’s Intermediate Court of Appeals 

 Dela Cruz’s conviction and called for a retrial.

According to the ICA’s ruling, the First Circuit Court erred when reading Dela Cruz his rights at trial. At any criminal trial, the judge confirms with the defendant their right to testify in their defense and their right to remain silent. In Dela Cruz’s case, that exchange went poorly.

A transcript of Dela Cruz’s conversation with the judge — 

 states that judge Shanlyn Park presided over the case, although the ICA ruling doesn’t include any names — reveals that the judge failed to ask Dela Cruz, after he had decided not to testify in his defense, whether anyone had pressured him to remain silent.

The law is clear on this, the ICA ruled: by failing to properly ascertain whether Dela Cruz’s decision was his own, the court had violated his constitutional right to testify. If that right is violated, any subsequent convictions must be vacated “unless the state can prove the violation was harmless beyond a reasonable doubt,” read the ICA ruling, itself quoting previous case law.

Because Dela Cruz did not testify, the ICA determined that there is no way of knowing what he would have said in his defense and, therefore, the violation cannot be considered “harmless.” Therefore, his conviction has been overturned and his case returned to the First Circuit Court for a do-over.

This was the only error the ICA issued an opinion on Monday, although his attorneys — public defender Jon Ikenaga and deputy public defenders Benjamin Lowenthal and Henry Ting — had raised similar issues with a Honolulu Police Department interrogation of Dela Cruz.

During that interrogation — which court records note was held within 24 hours of Dela Cruz smoking meth — Dela Cruz seemingly did not knowingly waive his right to have an attorney present. When an HPD officer asked Dela Crus if he wanted to have an attorney present, he said no. Dela Cruz’s attorneys argued he had misinterpreted the question to mean if he wanted to have an attorney appointed to him.

During the trial, Dela Cruz and his attorneys unsuccessfully attempted to have the confession he gave during that investigation suppressed.

Dela Cruz’s attorneys also argued that he should have been instead charged with manslaughter owing to his “extreme mental or emotional disturbance.” They claimed in their appeal that Lee, who was homeless, had repeatedly broken into Dela Cruz’s apartment against his wishes, frequently stealing food and clothing and once reportedly standing over Dela Cruz’s bed as he slept.

The ICA did not make any determinations regarding either the HPD interrogation or the manslaughter angle. Further proceedings at the First Circuit Court have not yet been scheduled.

Hawai‘i Skies: A thousand words

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Hawai‘i Skies: A thousand words

Authors

ASD Staff

More in Hawai'i Skies

Hawai‘i Skies: A magnificent sunrise

Hawai‘i Skies: Hello December!

Hawai‘i Skies: Always gotta get the pic!

Hawai‘i Skies: Surf into the sunset

Most read