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Who has four paws and is excited for a snow day?

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<title>Daily Smile: Friday, January 9, 2026</title>

Daily Smile: Friday, January 9, 2026

 Who has four paws and is excited for a snow day?

Kam Napier Headshot

A. Kam Napier

Government & Politics

Columnists

 over the death of anti-ICE activist Renee Nicole Good, killed Wednesday when she drove her car toward an ICE agent while engaged in obstructing their work. This includes Hawai‘i Sen. Brian Schatz, Sen. Mazie Hirono, and Rep. Jill Tokuda, whose commentary aren’t really getting any scrutiny locally.

First thing I notice is that Schatz and Tokuda used their personal X accounts, rather than their official accounts. Right off the bat this tells me they’re trying to put some distance between their words and their public role, as if that were possible. They don’t write under pseudonyms.

[{"type":"text","text":"Schatz had this to say on his personal X feed:"}]

[{"type":"text","text":"Tokuda posted this:"}]

So a lot of finger-pointing here, but none where it belongs. What is it that put Good out on the street in the first place? What led her and her wife to 

, organizing with fellow travelers to willfully going out to interfere with ICE operations?

Someone planted in her head the idea that she was resisting an illegal authoritarian regime and for that, we can thank, in part, Schatz and Tokuda themselves, who have been enthusiastic purveyors of such language for years.

Here's Tokuda, just one day prior to the Minneapolis incident, doing something similar, albeit with a more pleasant demeanor.

. There was a riot, mostly spontaneous. What impact do you think it has when a Congressional representative keeps insisting that there had been one? (And isn't it odd the way the word "propaganda" figures so prominently in her post?)

Our democracy endured because it was never threatened in the first place. And in this defense of democracy that she’s praising, surely Tokuda remembers that it included shooting a woman to death? 

The federal action she’s praising includes Capitol Police Lieutenant Michael Byrd killing 

Comparing her two messages, one might conclude that when feds shoot a woman trespassing in her workplace, it’s good and honorable, but when they do so protecting themselves or our communities, it’s an impeachable crime.

Here's Hirono, using the word "regime" deliberately, still sending the message that there is some evil to resist:

Rep. Ed Case, at this writing, doesn't seem to have posted anything about the ICE shooting. On the subject at hand, there is this recent, more ambiguous post. Something important happened, something unsaid, we're supposed to remember what. 

Schatz, Tokuda, and Hirono, are among a chorus of voices that have been radicalizing their followers to regular and ongoing protests and obstruction of federal law enforcement. Now they're waving the bloody shirt of the woman they radicalized to further their political obstruction of a duly elected president, in furtherance of … what, exactly?

Bizarrely, the wholesale embrace of an entire category of lawbreakers. For some inexplicable reason, Democrats have chosen, as the hill they expect other people to die upon, illegal immigrants rather than the citizens who actually elected them. 

You can sympathize with those who broke the law in pursuit of a better life in America, but the fact is, even the sweetest and kindest of them are quite literally outlaws. They can no more expect to stay than you or I could if we took a trip somewhere and just never came home. There isn't a nation on Earth that wouldn't send us back for breaking their immigration laws.

The weirdest thing of all is, the Democrats have been doing this so loudly and for so long, that you almost have to work to remember: This is insane! 

It’s not just the things that Schatz, Tokuda and Hirono say that makes things worse. It’s what they don’t say. They know full well that Congress itself passed the immigration laws that the Trump administration is enforcing. These laws are binding on the executive branch. Trump didn't make up these laws and agencies out of thin air. Congress did. It’s interesting that the “my democracy!” crowd, always prattling on about the supposed authoritarian Trump, never takes responsibility for having passed these laws in first place, and demonstrates no willingness to change these laws through the democratic process. 

If you don’t like the immigration enforcement going on, the grown-up, civilized, democratic thing to do is introduce legislation changing those laws, debate it, vote on it. Instead we have the entire Democratic party, top to bottom, from Congress to street-level obstructionists, attempting to negate duly passed laws through riots, protests, emotional manipulation, foot-stamping temper tantrums and the pursuit of martyrdom.

There’s nothing democratic about any of that. It's emotional totalitarianism in place of peaceful debate.

And side note: If your goal is totally open borders — which would be the net result if the street theater protestors get their way — you better have a plan we can discuss for how America is supposed to support as many as 8 billion people, because that’s who would qualify for entry.

I'll end on this, since Tokuda's post includes a cherry-picked video with narration meant to minimize the danger faced by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. Well, there are other videos you might want to consider:

If Hawai‘i's Congressional reps are so concerned about insurrections, they might want to spare a post or two to talk Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz off the ledge of launching Civil War II:

A. Kam Napier is editor in chief of Aloha State Daily. His opinions in Pipikaula Corner are his own and not reflective of the ASD team.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Minneapolis ICE shooting Getty Images 2255109935

<title>Pipikaula Corner: Schatz, Tokuda, Hirono, fanning flames over ICE</title>

Three of our Congressional reps have spent years participating in a narrative that America is occupied by an illegitimate, authoritarian regime. It's getting their followers killed.

Pipikaula Corner: Schatz, Tokuda, Hirono, fanning flames over ICE

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Featuring iconic ice cream sandwiches in flavors like ube, banana chocolate chip, North Shore coffee and liliko

i, Uncle’s Ice Cream Sandwiches has been in business for more than 10 years.

As popular as the cold treats are, business owner Paul Logan — a self-described “chief cheesecake creator” — has been searching for new, complementary products lines to expand the business for some time.

He remembers why basque cheesecakes — a crustless dessert characterized by its caramelized, “burnt” top and creamy interior — caught his attention.

“It’s all about contrast — that deeply caramelized top with a soft, custardy center,” he says. “It’s simple, bold and a little unconventional. It checked so many boxes.

“It’s remarkable — so different and delicious, you will want to tell your friends," he adds. "They have a good shelf life; these keep quite well in the freezer. They’re giftable and memorable — if you’ve never had one before, you will remember your first bite.”

When going deeper into the basque cheesecake concept, Logan came up with the name “Hanabi,” which translates to “flower fire” in Japanese.

“Hanabi means fireworks,” Logan says. “Since we fire these cakes at a high temperature to create the caramelized exterior — which brings in tons of flavor — I liked the image of working with fire. Additionally, like a fireworks explosion, the taste of these cakes is literally a flavor explosion in your mouth. It’s celebratory, it’s warm, and it captures the feeling we want people to have when they experience the cheesecake.”

 are a locally made product made with high-quality ingredients, according to Logan. He explains that these “burnt cheesecakes” are baked at high heat, resulting in a deep, caramelized topping that contrasts nicely with the cheesecake’s soft, custard-like interior.

“The result is a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a subtle bitterness that balances its creamy decadence — rustic, yet refined,” Logan says. “We launched with five different flavors — original, guava, Cookie Butter, ube and blood orange. They have all been quite popular, with the original probably being the slight favorite.”

The cheesecakes currently come in two sizes — a nine-inch cake ($69-$79, depending on flavor), which can serve 12 to 14 people, and a 4-inch cake ($14 to $16), designed for two to four people.

Hanabi cheesecakes can currently be ordered online for pick-up at select retailers, including BR Essentials (in Downtown Honolulu on Bishop Street) and at Cooke Street Market in Kaka

Cooke Street Market also offers basque cheesecakes by the slice ($14) in the original flavor. Cheesecake slices come with Cooke Street Market’s strawberry puree on the side.

“Customers can find these (cheesecakes) at our Waialua Sugar Mill kitchen,” Logan says. “I plan to bring an international flavor selection into our line-up with taste profiles from around the globe.

“It’s very similar to ice cream, where we have vanilla, but can create unlimited different flavors,” he adds. “While we make these out of our Waialua kitchen, we want to team up with specialty shops around O

ahu as pick-up locations, so they will be convenient to where customers work, live and play.”

Going into 2026, Logan says they’re “just getting started,” and customers can look forward to new flavors, limited releases and fun, seasonal ideas.

“Hanabi is part of the same story that started with Uncle’s Ice Cream — it’s just a new chapter,” he says. “Barbara and I have been building Uncle’s together for over a decade, and this is the first time we’ve expanded beyond ice cream sandwiches. It still comes from the same place — making something we’re proud of, doing it thoughtfully, and sharing it with our community here in Hawai

i. We’re also excited to see how people respond and let that guide where Hanabi goes next. It’s meant to stay creative and a little surprising.”

Hanabi Cheesecake slice and whole cheesecakes 010826

<title>Hanabi Cheesecake is the newest dessert from Uncle’s Ice Cream Sandwiches</title>

These basque cheesecakes can be found in flavors like ube, guava and Cookie Butter. They can be ordered online for pick-up at various retailers across Oʻahu.

Hanabi Cheesecake is the newest dessert from Uncle’s Ice Cream Sandwiches

Daniel Farr 02

Daniel Farr

A state dredging project at the Maunalua Bay Boat Ramp in Hawai’i Kai is expected to be completed by February, months earlier than originally projected, as officials report no anticipated delays and continued progress on navigation and shoreline improvements.

The project is intended to remove accumulated sand from the entrance channel and boat ramp to improve navigational safety, while also repairing damaged seawalls and installing sheet pile walls to stabilize eroding shoreline, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR). 

DOBOR staff told Aloha State Daily the project’s goals will be achieved once construction is completed and the channel is restored to its targeted depth.

Sand dredged from the entrance channel is being reused on eroded shorelines on both sides of the boat ramp, a strategy officials say reduces costs while keeping sediment within the natural coastal system.

“The true benefit of reusing the dredge sand is that we keep the sand within the littoral system and not disposing it elsewhere,” DLNR Communications Specialist, Ryan Aguilar, told ASD.

Final project costs are projected at $7,155,186, DOBOR told ASD. Staff estimates that reusing dredged sand locally saved approximately $300,000 compared with hauling and disposing of the material upland.

Decisions on where to remove and place dredged material were informed by boater input, sea floor depth surveys and sediment transport modeling, DOBOR told ASD.

Environmental monitoring is ongoing during construction in accordance with the project’s U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit, which is publicly available through the Corps, DOBOR told ASD.

The project targets a minimum channel depth of 6 feet below mean lower low water. DOBOR and boaters will continue monitoring water depths following completion, and a post-project depth survey will be conducted and made available upon request.

This marks the first time the main entrance channel has required dredging since it was created in the 1960s, leaving officials without historical data to predict when future maintenance dredging may be needed.

DOBOR awarded the original $6.8 million construction contract to American Marine Corp. with work beginning in late July. At the time, officials said no full closure of the boat ramp or entrance channel was anticipated, though intermittent interruptions could occur as work progressed.

DOBOR said dredging is not a one-time fix. Natural wave action, currents and storm events will continue to influence sediment buildup, and future dredging will be conducted as needed to maintain safe access.

Hawai'i Kai Dredging

<title>Hawai’i Kai dredging project nears completion as costs rise</title>

Reusing dredged sand locally saved approximately $300,000 compared with hauling and disposing of the material upland. DOBOR estimates the total cost will be about $7.2 million.

Hawai’i Kai dredging project nears completion as costs rise

 — a brand-new condo with 972 residential units and two, 44-story towers — is also home to a new food hall.

Located on the ground floor of the Liona Tower, 

 is celebrating its grand opening from 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, Jan. 17. The food hall is soft opening with limited hours (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) from Jan. 9 to 16.

[{"type":"text","text":"The food hall features both indoor and outdoor seating."}]

The space features 12 locally owned restaurants, and offers customers a variety of local and international flavors. Not all of the vendors are open yet; some have limited menus for the soft opening.

Vendors include FEAST by Jon Matsubara, King Thai Cuisine, Mangiamo Gelato, Middle Eats, Ninja Sushi, Sadie’s BBQ Honolulu, Serg’s Mexican Kitchen, Soul Chicken and more.

During today’s friends and family preview, participating vendors were serving samples and were open for business.

Serg’s Mexican Kitchen features the same menu as its Mānoa location. Meanwhile, the food hall is the first location for new vendors like Mangiamo Gelato.

On grand opening day, families are invited to enjoy keiki activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To access Midtown Eats, customers can enter the parking garage from the building’s Liona Street entrance and park on floors 1 to 2.5. Validated parking will be available.

Midtown Eats interior 010826

<title>New Honolulu food hall is now open</title>

Midtown Eats, the new food hall at The Park on Keʻeaumoku, is celebrating its grand opening from 10 a.m. to midnight on Jan. 17. The food hall is soft opening during limited hours from Jan. 9 to 16. Aloha State Daily got a tour of the new space.

New Honolulu food hall is now open

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Aloha Spirit

[{"type":"text","text":"What’s on the minds of Hawai‘i residents?"}]

Pacific Resource Partnership asked in its Winter 2025 Hawai‘i Perspectives survey and more than 900 residents across the Islands answered.

PRP is a nonprofit founded in 1987 that represents the Hawai‘i Regional Council of Carpenters, the largest construction union in the state with nearly 6,000 members, and more than 250 contractors.

This is the fifth iteration of the survey, which was conducted by Honolulu-based Anthology Research from July 1 to Aug. 10, 2025.

[{"type":"text","text":"Here’s what the survey found:"}]

Want to learn more about resident sentiments? You can download the 

Kinney says that one of the biggest surprises from the new survey is “how much residents in all four counties want our policymakers to act on creating more housing and do so quickly.”

“The theme of this survey is ‘hard calls’ because residents are willing to make tough decisions on policy issues and want our elected leaders to follow suit,” he told ASD.

Kinney notes that, for example, 55% of respondents say the height limits of buildings in certain areas should be increased to create more housing and 75% say the amount of time allowed for permitting and environmental reviews should be limited.

“Meanwhile, more than 7 out of 10 residents agree Hawai‘i should build more housing as quickly as possible,” he continued. “It’s clear our residents have moved beyond the question of whether we need to build more housing, but rather how we do it as fast and efficient as possible.”

But one of the biggest changes noted in this year’s survey compared to 2024 is that residents “feel more optimistic about the direction of our state,” Kinney says, noting that 36% of residents feel Hawai‘i is on the right track compared to 28% in 2024.

“This growing optimism could be the result of our policymakers taking decisive action on affordability, for example the historic state income tax cut passed by the state Legislature in 2025 and other legislation that helps make new homes more affordable.”

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Oahu neighborhoods homes i Stock

<title>New survey gauges Hawai‘i residents' views on critical issues</title>

Hawai‘i Perspectives, a survey of more than 900 residents statewide, was commissioned by Pacific Resource Partnership — a nonprofit that represents the Hawai‘i Regional Council of Carpenters, the largest construction union in the state, and more than 250 contractors. It was conducted last summer by Anthology Research.

New survey gauges Hawai‘i residents' views on critical issues

 in late December that its Kakaʻako store on Cooke Street was closed and the business was moving.

Its new location isn’t far — the business is reopening tomorrow, Jan. 8, on Ala Moana Boulevard in the former space of Valyou Hawaiʻi.

Starting tomorrow, the store will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. This is the business’s largest location, according to manager Cecilia Yang. Its other stores are located in Pearl Kai Shopping Center and in Waipahu.

You can find all your favorite snacks, ranging from Kit-Kats to chips and drinks. Newer snacks can be found near the store entrance.

Since the shelves are organized by category — chips, candies, noodles and more — it’s easier to shop. The business recently brought in more drinks, especially teas, according to Yang.

Like its other locations, the store isn’t limited to snacks. Customers can find sauces and a variety of cooking products, as well as home goods.

Customer parking is currently available on the side of the store, and additional parking will eventually be available in the lot behind the store.

Stay tuned for the store’s grand opening celebration. 1-2 Buy Hawaiʻi will also be doing special promotions for the upcoming Lunar New Year.

Daily Smile: Friday, January 9, 2026

ASD Staff

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Daily Smile: Friday, January 9, 2026

Authors

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