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Of course dogs should get presents on Christmas. They're part of the family.....

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<title>Daily Smile: Monday, January 5, 2026</title>

Daily Smile: Monday, January 5, 2026

 Of course dogs should get presents on Christmas. They're part of the family.....

Daniel Farr 02

Daniel Farr

Government & Politics

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is seeking more drivers statewide to help monitor road conditions through its Eyes on the Road program, an initiative developed by HDOT to provide real-time information on transportation assets without relying on public complaints or reports.

Participants receive a free dash camera that automatically collects footage of roads and bridges. The program is run in partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Engineering and Blyncsy.

HDOT Communications Manager Shelly Kunishige told Aloha State Daily the department created the program while looking for a more efficient way to monitor the condition of roads, guardrails, signs and roadside vegetation. HDOT previously worked with 

 on a similar initiative called Payver and modified that system to use dash cameras and artificial intelligence to review footage and flag potential issues.

 provides the dash camera hardware, while Blyncsy supplies the AI software used to analyze the footage. The AI-generated reports can alert crews to potholes, cracks, damaged guardrails, faded pavement markings, road debris and overgrown vegetation.

Kunishige said the footage is processed by a vendor using AI, which generates work orders emailed to HDOT staff. HDOT does not receive the raw footage, she said, and drivers can access their own recordings through the Nextbase app.

Drivers retain full ownership of their footage and can submit it to law enforcement if they choose, 

 HDOT uses the information from the program solely for asset management and road maintenance.

While the program focuses on physical road conditions, drivers who capture incidents such as road rage or reckless driving may choose to submit that footage to law enforcement. Kunishige noted the system also benefits participants by helping improve road safety and allowing drivers to document incidents for their own protection.

As of Monday, 898 drivers have signed up on Oʻahu, 69 on Hawaiʻi Island, 33 on Maui, 14 on Kauaʻi and one on Molokaʻi, HDOT said.

To fully monitor the state’s 982 miles of roads and 744 bridges, HDOT is seeking an additional 321 participants on Hawaiʻi Island, 211 on Maui and 101 on Kauaʻi. Sign-ups on Oʻahu are full and prioritized by address to ensure islandwide coverage.

The dash cameras remain the property of the DOT and are loaned to participants.

Kunishige told ASD the program is funded through the state Highway Fund and the cost for 1,000 cameras and image processing totals $761,958 for a one-year performance period.

Selected drivers will receive an email from the University of Hawaiʻi with instructions for picking up their cameras beginning this week. Pickup hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., though drivers should not arrive without prior notification. Pickup locations include Oʻahu (727 Kakoi St., Honolulu), Maui (650 Palapala Drive, Kahului), Hilo (50 Makaʻala St.), Kona (73-200 Kupipi St.) and Kauaʻi (1720 Haleukana St., Līhuʻe).

Kunishige said there are no incentives beyond the free camera on loan. Drivers are expected to participate while they have the device but may arrange to return it if they no longer wish to take part.

https://www.eng.hawaii.edu/eyes-on-the-road/

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Car dashboard camera 16x9

<title>HDOT seeks more drivers for dashcam program</title>

Drivers retain full ownership of their footage and may submit it to law enforcement if needed, according to transportation officials.

HDOT seeks more drivers for dashcam program

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Hawaiian Airlines is starting the new year with a new $600 million investment plan.

Airline leaders and state officials — including Gov. Josh Green and state Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen — announced the Kahu‘ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan during a press conference Monday at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.

Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow told the crowd gathered in Terminal 1 that the plan includes investments of more than $600 million over the next five years “to modernize airport spaces, aircraft cabins and technology for both guests and employees, expanding loyalty benefits for Hawai‘i residents and continuing our deep investment in community and sustainability statewide.”

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve gotten a ton of really good feedback from guests, from community members, from employees and the plan that I’m describing has been built with all of their input, to touch every part of the guest experience and operation in the Islands, to support infrastructure, jobs, responsible tourism, and to deepen our support for communities and sustainability,” she continued. “The plan lays a foundation that we will continue to build on for years to come.”

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Here’s what the plan has in store:"}]

 “These projects will improve the experience with well-lit open spaces as well as better seating and amenities like power charging in the seats,” she continued. “Our goal is for local travelers to enjoy beautiful facilities that match the level of service they’ve come to expect when flying with us and that reflect a sense of place while providing visitors a wonderful first impression when they first step off the plane.”

 (ICYMI: Atmos Rewards is a joint loyalty program for both Alaska and Hawaiian. It 

Birkett Rakow says a lot of the investments are capital investments that don’t directly impact operating expenses.

“We have a capital plan, over time, that allocates a certain amount of money on an annual basis to invest in the business,” she says. “These are really important investments for us to make. It helps us keep our guest service strong and helps us keep our infrastructure strong, and so we’ve got a very strong balance sheet.”

Green said the state also has an additional $1.2 billion plan “that continues to reinforce all of the investment in the airports.”

Alaska Air Group Inc. and Hawaiian Holdings Inc. 

 that Alaska Airlines would acquire Hawaiian Airlines in a deal that was valued at approximately $1.9 billion, including $900 million of Hawaiian’s net debt, according to an announcement at that time. The acquisition was 

, the same day that Alaska Airlines received a 

 from the Federal Aviation Administration, a major milestone in the efforts to integrate the operations of the two airlines.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Diana birkett rakow hawaiian airlines 010526

<title>Hawaiian Airlines announces $600M investment plan</title>

The Kahu‘ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan includes investments over the next five years to modernize airport spaces, aircraft cabins and technology, expand loyalty benefits for Hawai‘i residents and continue "our deep investment in community and sustainability statewide," Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow said.

Hawaiian Airlines announces $600M investment plan

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Nālani Kanakaʻole, a fifth-generation loea hula, died Jan. 3 in Hilo. She was 79.

She was the youngest daughter of Edith Kanakaʻole, the founder of

 in 1985 with her husband, Sig Zane. Their son, Kūhaʻoʻīmaikalani Zane, was recently named chief executive officer of the design firm, which creates clothing inspired by Hawaiian plants, moʻolelo and symbols that share Hawaiian stories across the world.

Nālani Kanakaʻole began rigorous training in hula when she was just 3 years old under

her grandmother, Mary Kekuewa Kanaele Fujii, and later under her mother. By the time she was 14 years old, she was teaching. She spent nearly seven decades sharing cultural knowledge through mastery of mele oli, or chanted poetry, and vigorous ʻaihaʻa-style dance.

Kanakaʻole co-led Hālau o Kekuhi with her sister, Pualani Kanakaʻole Kanahele, and later her niece, Huihui Kanahele-Mossman.

She was born in Keaukaha, Hilo, and was raised in a traditional Hawaiian household on homestead lands, where she was immersed from childhood in the language, protocols and practices of her ancestors.

In 1993, Kanakaʻole and her sister were named National Heritage Fellows by the National Endowment of the Arts, in recognition of their lifelong commitment to preserving indigenous Hawaiian chant and dance.

She was a storyteller and hula master. Kanakaʻole also lectured in Hawaiian Studies and authored works on hula and design, as well as scripted performances.

, honored Kanakaʻole family’s contributions to Hawaiian music and culture. Nālani and her sister, Pualani, were among the honorees recognized with lifetime achievement awards for their 

dedication to preserving and advancing traditional Hawaiian chant, mele, and performance

Kanakaʻole is survived by her husband, Sig Zane; son, Kūhaʻoʻīmaikalani Zane (

; sister, Pualani Kanakaʻole Kanahele; niece and co-kumu hula Huihui Kanahele-Mossman; and the extended Kanakaʻole, Kanahele and Zane ʻohana, along with the students who continue to carry on her teachings. 

Details on the memorial service will be announced later.

Nālani Kanakaʻole

<title>Nālani Kanakaʻole, revered kumu hula and cultural matriarch, has died</title>

She was the youngest daughter of Edith Kanakaʻole, the founder of Hālau o Kekuhi and for whom the stadium used for Merrie Monarch is named. She also co-founded Sig Zane Designs in 1985 with her husband, Sig Zane.

Nālani Kanakaʻole, revered kumu hula and cultural matriarch, has died

The people have voted and three Hawai‘i eateries have made the list of 

 in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The awards aim to rank the 10 best in several areas of travel and lifestyle.

The three restaurants were among the field of 20 vying for a spot on the list. Voting took place in December and the winners were announced Jan. 2.

, located at 116 Wailea Ike Dr. Suite 2204, in Wailea, tops the list at No. 1. The eatery invites visitors to “come as they are for every occasion” and aims to “forge a meaningful connection between the food, the island and the community,” its website states. Chef Chris Cosentino is a Top Chef Masters winner and James Beard Award nominee.

, located at 1312 Front St. in Lahaina. The restaurant is a casual dining spot led by owner and Chef Alvin Savella that offers “a blend of Mexican, local, American and seafood cuisine,” its website notes. Read 

, located in the Romer House Waikīkī at 415 Nāhua St. The restaurant offers “iconic local flavors inspired by nostalgic island dishes,” according to its website. Chef Brad Dodson “strives to reflect Hawai‘i’s melting pot of cultures through his cooking, which showcases a blend of classical and modern techniques,” Aloha State Daily’s food and dining reporter Kelli Shiroma Braiotta 

, Cirque du Soleil’s first resident show in Hawai‘i, ranked No. 4 on the 10Best list of 

, which also were announced on Jan. 2. The show, staged in a 784-seat theater at the Outrigger Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel, recently marked its 

 and tells the story of Hawai'i from the Polynesian migration to the golden age of tourism. ASD previously interviewed one of the show's hula dancer's, Oriana Mahealani Lulu, 

Coco Deck sign 031325

<title>Hawai‘i restaurants, Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana recognized on 10Best lists</title>

USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for Best New Restaurants and Best New Attractions were announced Jan. 2.

Hawai‘i restaurants, Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana recognized on 10Best lists

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

Isaiah Corpus, 25, who is from Wahiawā and raised in Waiʻanae, said that he knew as a teenager that he wanted to run his own retail store someday.

“I am the first member of my family to have a store on my own and am proud to have started this business by myself,”

I’ve always been an ocean and beach enthusiast: I taught myself to surf and kayak. I helped at beach cleanups and always want to give back to the ocean and marine life. That’s how I created my business.”

About a year ago, Corpus hatched the plan for 

Shop Kainalu, a Hawaiʻi inspired lifestyle and apparel brand, set to open this spring in Seattle, where he has lived since 2024. 

He added that the initial investment for the venture came from his savings.

said he took a few business classes and met mentors and coaches, who helped with the paperwork like applying for a state business license.

“I didn’t realize how long it would take to retrieve, but despite that, it all worked out in the end,” he said. "Iʻm excited to have my business out there and to launch soon."

While his primary job is with a major U.S. airline, Corpus said, he currently operates a one-man shop, overseeing the fashion and graphic design elements of its products, as well as renovating the new space located between Seattle's University District and Lower Queen Anne, which is expected “to take a couple more months,” he noted.

The store is slated to open in May, with a traditional Hawaiian blessing, he said. Other priorities for Corpus ahead of the launch include working on finalizing the website (currently down), hand drawing more designs to ramp up inventory, while recruiting brand ambassadors and, eventually, a team for the store.

When asked what makes Shop Kainalu stand out, he told ASD, “I use eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, recycled fabrics and renewable textiles that reduce waste, preserve resources and eliminate harmful chemicals, embracing innovative, slow impact production methods for my store. I want to ensure that every clothing item I make not only elevates modern style but also protects the ocean.”

The brand will soon offer tees, totes, swimwear, and a range of other everyday essentials for men, women, and the home, according to 

The biz’s name in Native Hawaiian means ocean wave, which he says “integrates my purpose behind my story. … On a personal level, [I'm] always surfing, going to the beach, so when you shop at my store, you shop to care for the environment, that’s how the name came up.”

In Seattle, he continues to volunteer at cleanups and noted that a portion of the proceeds from the shop with go toward local ocean conservation groups and nonprofits.  

As a new small business owner, Corpus said he’s "still in the learning process" but has already found support from Seattle- and Hawaiʻi-owned small businesses alike. 

Interested in connecting with Corpus? Email 

His plans for the future include opening up another retail store in the Islands. Fun fact: White Plains Beach in ʻEwa Beach is a must-visit whenever Corpus comes home, which is usually monthly.

i culture and community continue to shape who I am and what I build," he said. “Even while living on the continent, Hawai

i remains at the center of my work and purpose. This journey reflects many Hawai

i people building something away from home while staying deeply connected.”

Isaiah Corpus 16x9

<title>Small business owner with Hawaiʻi roots to open first store in Seattle</title>

Born and raised on Oʻahu, Isaiah Corpus plans to launch Shop Kainalu, a Hawaiʻi inspired lifestyle and apparel brand, in Washington where he now lives. Corpus, a self-described ocean and beach enthusiast, discusses the details leading up to its spring debut, as well as his hope to open another retail store in his island home.

Small business owner with Hawaiʻi roots to open first store in Seattle

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Crime & Courts

A pair of Hawai‘i Island men were charged in federal court Monday for their alleged role in a years-long fireworks smuggling operation.

Darrel Goo, 52, of Kea‘au, and Cy Tamura, 45, of Hilo, were charged in U.S. District Court with transporting fireworks into Hawai‘i illegally, unlawful transport and storage of explosive materials, and trafficking explosives via interstate commerce. Goo, a convicted felon following a 1994 vehicle theft case, was also charged with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

According to a criminal complaint, Goo had been in contact with Wisconsin-based fireworks wholesaler U.S. Mainland Fireworks Company between 2016 and 2025, arranging each year to bulk-purchase fireworks for as much as $131,000 at once.

To conceal his purchases, Goo allegedly would either pre-pay for the fireworks using multiple money orders through a series of proxies on the Big Island, or simply with cash. He also used the alias John Branco and random addresses in Alaska to further obfuscate his purchases.

The complaint claims that, in 2020, Goo — as “Branco” — ordered 588 cases of aerial fireworks for more than $51,000, which he paid for with 50 $1,000 money orders sent from various Big Island post office locations.

Meanwhile, the complaint states that Tamura would arrange for the transport of shipping containers to the island each year. While the containers would be labeled as containing horticultural materials such as horse hay or potting soil, they would contain the fireworks Goo ordered.

Naturally, the complaint also states that neither Goo nor Tamura had proper licenses to import or store fireworks.

The complaint also alleges that Goo, while traveling to Wisconsin to complete these transactions, would also stop over in Indiana or Kentucky to purchase “overload” fireworks — pyrotechnics containing more explosive material than consumer-grade fireworks.

Also included in the complaint is an affidavit by an IRS criminal investigation special agent, Shaun Morita, who claimed that an undercover investigation recorded Goo and Tamura’s interactions with the Mainland Fireworks Company in 2025. During this year’s transaction — for which Goo paid about $62,500 in cash — Goo told a Mainland Fireworks employee that their sales markup in Hawai‘i ranged between 600% and 1,000%.

In August, a U.S. magistrate judge issued a search warrant for Goo’s and Tamura’s residences, which turned up about 37,000 pounds of fireworks along with various firearms and more than $40,000 in cash. All of the fireworks tested were found to vastly exceed the explosive limits of consumer fireworks: the complaint states that some contained as much as 1,164 times the explosive limit.

“While we are in the early stages of this particular case, and those charged are presumed innocent, it is our intent to send the clear message that the safety of our local communities remains our number one priority,” said U.S. attorney Ken Sorenson in a statement. “Those who compromise that safety by violating federal laws related to commercial fireworks will find themselves facing justice in federal court.”

If convicted, Goo and Tamura each face up to 10 years’ imprisonment and fines as much as $250,000 per count. Goo also faces another 15 years for the gun charge.

Daily Smile: Monday, January 5, 2026

ASD Staff

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Daily Smile: Monday, January 5, 2026

Authors

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