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Daily Smile

[{"type":"text","text":"Dog discusses what he does for a living..."}]

Smile 26 1 11

<title>Daily Smile: Sunday, January 11, 2026</title>

Dog discusses what he does for a living...

Daily Smile: Sunday, January 11, 2026

 Dog discusses what he does for a living...

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

[{"type":"text","text":"Update, Friday, April 10:"}]

Episode 44 of Kīlauea volcano's ongoing eruption ended at 7:41 p.m. Thursday, April 9, after 8.5 hours of continuous lava fountaining, according to an 

 from the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park website

, Highway 11 near HVNP and the park, which were temporarily closed on Thursday, have reopened, although some areas of the park remained closed. See a 

Kīlauea is bringing the heat — and tephra — again, prompting temporary park and highway closures on Hawai‘i Island.

[{"type":"text","text":"Episode 44 of the ongoing eruption began at 11:10 a.m. Thursday, April 9."}]

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park said in a 

 that the park is closed at its entrance due to hazardous volcanic material and gas associated with the latest eruptive episode.

Rangers evacuating the area reported that chunks of tephra —

 volcanic fragments including ash, pumice, Pele hair and reticulite — the size of softballs were falling at the Kīlauea Overlook at Kīlauea Military Camp around noon, the post noted.

A portion of Highway 11 near HVNP, between mile markers 25.5 and 40 on either side of the park, has also been closed. The closure was made in coordination between the state Department of Transportation, HVPN, Hawai‘i County Civil Defense and Hawai‘i Police Department in "anticipation of hazards from falling volcanic tephra," according to an announcement from Hawai‘i County Thursday.

 at 12:36 p.m., the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said lava fountains were, at the time, reaching about 625 feet above ground level.

 says that overnight guests of Volcano House and Kīlauea Military Camp may enter and shelter in place. The Kahuku unit is open but can only be accessed past mile marker 40.

 is in effect until midnight for interior, east and southeast areas of the Big Island, and the National Weather Service in Honolulu says the public "may be impacted by substantial tephra fall."

"Varying levels of ash, Pele's hair and other lightweight tephra may fall downwind of the eruption," the NWS notes. "Large foam-like tephra up to football size may fall near the summit and up to several miles downwind. Small particles are eye and respiratory irritants. Larger lightweight tephra are not usually harmful on impact, but  they can reduce visibility, create hazardous driving conditions and need localized clean-up. This lightweight material does not pose a roof-collapse risk."

 has been erupting intermittently since Dec. 23, 2024, from two vents in Halema‘uma‘u crater within the summit caldera.

, which started and ended on March 10, saw lava fountains reach 

 high, a record for this eruption, the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says.

, which ended Jan. 24 after a little more than 8 hours of continuous lava fountaining, also blanketed HVNP and some surrounding Hawai‘i Island communities with tephra and ash. (ICYMI: An estimated 14 million cubic yards of lava erupted during that episode. Here's 

 it was readying for the new eruptive episode.

HVNP said then that visitation and traffic soar during eruptions, but the park also anticipated that participants of the 

 would visit Kīlauea this week. The annual hula competition is underway in Hilo through Saturday, April 11.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Nps photo kilauea eruption 040926

<title>Update: Kīlauea eruption paused again; Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park reopens</title>

Episode 44 of the ongoing eruption began at 11:10 a.m. Thursday, April 9.

Update: Kīlauea eruption paused again; Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park reopens

IMG 1445

Rick Hamada

Government & Politics

Columnists

[{"type":"text","text":"\"Lucky You Live Hawai‘i\"."}]

It's a phrase locals have invoked for so very long and rings true with so many.

[{"type":"text","text":"Here's a more specific assessment derived from an AI overview:"}]

"'Lucky You Live Hawai‘i' is a popular phrase expressing deep gratitude and local pride for the unique lifestyle, natural beauty, and culture of the islands. It embodies a 'seize the day' mentality, focusing on enjoying moments like surfing, hiking, and family time over material wealth. The phrase reminds residents to appreciate their blessings despite challenges."

I've maintained in over 35 years in media that "Lucky You Live Hawai‘i" is an effective psychological tool in justifying or rationalizing the challenges we face at home every day. I lost my job due to cutbacks, taxes are so high, I cannot make the rent, took me two hours to get home, my car got broken into: Eh, dat's ok cuz "Lucky You Live Hawai‘i." It may be a temporary salve for the moment but it shouldn't be the standard of acceptance.

While we at it, the other distractive phrase is, "The ‘Ohana Style of Living".

For generations it has been difficult to own your own home. This difficulty for so many has become an impossibility. In order to assuage that profound sense of loss, the concept of generations living under one roof is advanced as a more beneficial and even preferable alternative to individuals owning their own home.

The implication is that your disagreement would be construed as you not having the respect for family being together and it's more important that you get what you want instead of what's best for tutus and aunties. When this concept is perpetuated amongst generations, then this becomes the definition of success. No. This becomes a redefinition of the American dream — to own your home.

When determining quality of life there are two camps that really don't converge for most local folk.

[{"type":"text","text":"There is the material and the spiritual."}]

The material is the hard costs of living; housing, utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, clothing and more.

The spiritual is how we feel; pride, peace, fulfillment, being one with nature and more.

As I stated earlier life is full of rationalizations designed to make us feel better when most are struggling with every day life.

[{"type":"text","text":"Now is the time to state the one phrase that some say matters most."}]

[{"type":"text","text":"\"The Price of Paradise\"."}]

This is the troika of brand marketing in making it acceptable that your inability to live the life of your own choosing is not only probable but there is a certain nobility in simply surviving rather than thriving.

[{"type":"text","text":"Let's take a look at the spiritual and emotional side of life."}]

I turn to state rankings to give us an idea of how we compare to others in other states. 

I gleaned information from various sources including local and national news sites, foundations and think tanks.

Hawai‘i is ranked as the happiest state in the U.S

 finds WalletHub, followed by Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Connecticut. 

These rankings are based on emotional and physical well-being, work environment, and community quality, with Hawai‘i leading in life satisfaction, low depression rates, and high productivity.

Hawaii is ranked #2 as the Healthiest State

 and according to a June 25, 2025 report we are No. 1 in health care.

I submit Hawai‘i's mandate for companies to provide mandatory health insurance for those who work more than 20 hours per week is a factor. However, the percentage of hard cost for this mandate has a great impact on the providing businesses and rarely do you hear what the financials are for said businesses.

[{"type":"text","text":"Well, here you go:"}]

Providing health insurance in Hawai‘i involves high hard costs, averaging roughly $6,300 annually for single coverage and exceeding $20,400 for family coverage per employee. Small businesses (1 to 10 employees) may pay $350 to $1,500+ monthly per employee, with costs heavily influenced by the 

. (Department of Labor and Industrial Relations)

Of course this is a great benefit for the employee but it's a substantial liability especially for small businesses and is contributory to our overall burdensome cost of living.

Hawai‘i is ranked No. 5 Most Independent State.

[{"type":"text","text":"Even the report seems conflicted."}]

According to a June 2025 WalletHub report, Hawai‘i was ranked as the 

 in the U.S. due to low reliance on outside support, high self-reliance in consumer finances, and low international trade dependency. However, this ranking contrasts with Hawai‘i's extreme geographical dependence on imports. Other reports, such as from the Fraser Institute, have historically ranked Hawai‘i low in economic freedom. 

Hawai‘i ranks 8th in the U.S. for student quality of life according to a 2025 

driven by high scores in social atmosphere, natural surroundings, and community, despite ranking lower (44th) in overall state rankings due to high economic pressures and cost of living. Key factors include high numbers of young adults, nightlife, and outdoor access. 

[{"type":"text","text":"Parents, is this the reality for your children?"}]

Notice that the most beneficial experiences for our students are in social atmosphere, natural surroundings and community. Least beneficial are cost of living and economic pressures. Still, we are in the Top 10 in the nation for student quality of life. That's the important entry since that reinforces the spiritual and emotional side.

[{"type":"text","text":"A brief look at the material side of life."}]

The following is self-explanatory, so I am only going to list category and rank. Hawai‘i is ranked:

 (cost of living being 20.32% higher than a living wage).

[{"type":"text","text":"2nd in people not wanting outsiders."}]

[{"type":"text","text":"I had to include the last one listed and here's more:"}]

Hawai‘i is often ranked among the least welcoming states for newcomers, frequently appearing high on lists of places that do not want outsiders moving there. Locals often feel overwhelmed by high tourist volumes, increasing costs, and the displacement of native residents, with one LinkedIn report ranking it No. 2 for this sentiment.

We began with "Lucky You Live Hawai‘i", "‘Ohana Style of Living" and "The Price of Paradise" and how I believe these phrases have become justifications for why so many will not live the lives they desire. 

And I do understand the idyllic pursuit of happiness is going to differ with individuals, but I maintain elements of the American Dream still exists even if culturally and politically we try to lower expectations to where survival is the goal and the standard. Hence, the animus against those who do work, earn, and sacrifice to elevate themselves, their families and create jobs and opportunities for others.

The 11th Commandment should be, "Thou shalt not punish those who excel and succeed".

[{"type":"text","text":"I'm not holding my breath."}]

I also believe we derive an enviable amount of positivity and fulfillment because of what our Islands and her people provide. We claim that we're unique because of the Aloha Spirit. I do understand, embrace and appreciate. But we are not alone. There are communities around this country where people love and care for one another in best and worst times. Instead of laying exclusive claim to this sentiment we may want to refocus on not just saying it but in living it.

One of the most important qualities I shared with my children growing up was achieving balance. Unfortunately we are lacking just that in our material and spiritual sides of life in Hawai‘i.

[{"type":"text","text":"I hope we'll find that balance together."}]

Lanikai Beach

<title>Hamada: "Lucky You Live Hawai‘i," we say — as celebration, or as cope?</title>

ASD columnist Rick Hamada discusses three phrases we tell ourselves to get by in the Islands.

Hamada: "Lucky You Live Hawai‘i," we say — as celebration, or as cope?

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

opens to the public today at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort

. The iconic King Street restaurant is now in the space of Hoku’s at The Kāhala.

“Welcoming Alan Wong’s is deeply meaningful for our resort,” states Joe Ibarra, general manager of The Kāhala Hotel & Resort. “We celebrate the extraordinary legacy chef Alan Wong and his peers built through Hawai

i Regional Cuisine, while starting a new chapter that reflects our hotel and the spirt of Hawai

The current menu features signature dishes from Wong’s King Street eatery, along with new, creative presentations that reflect his approach to Hawai

i Regional Cuisine. The menu celebrates Wong’s relationships with the Island’s community of ranchers, fishermen and farmers through the use of locally sourced ingredients.

"I want our guests to be able to taste Hawai

i,” states chef Alan Wong. “That comes through in the ingredients we grow here, the fish from our waters, and the local flavors so many of us grew up with. I hope guests enjoy that approach in every dish and continue to make lasting memories with us.

“By being back on the saddle, I’m back onto my platform,” he adds. “My platform is all about making Hawai

i a better place — making it more sustainable, making it more self-reliant; that farm-to-table idea.”

The meal begins with complimentary housemade French rolls served with chili pepper aioli. There’s also soy sauce and housemade chili pepper water — representing “salt” and “pepper” — at each table.

The “soup and sandwich” ($18) is easily a must-try appetizer and one of the highlights of our meal; we were served a smaller tasting portion to try. The chilled tomato soup is paired with a grilled cheese sandwich stuffed with kalua pig and foie gras. The playful yet elevated take on a classic comfort food combo was reimagined for Hawaiʻi’s warm climate. The chilled tomato soup is creamy yet refreshing; it’s complemented nicely by the cheesy, savory sandwich.

Wong recommends taking sips of the soup between bites of the sandwich. Or, you can dip the sandwich into the soup, which is served in a martini glass.

While the eatery has opened with signature dishes from its King Street restaurant, newer options include the Dungeness crab and shrimp cake ($16) — with yuzu caper aioli, ikura and mustard cabbage wasabizuke — and soy milk panna cotta topped with uni, ‘ahi, shrimp and ikura ($24).

The Dungeness crab and shrimp cake is the eatery’s version of a seafood cake. Meanwhile, the soy milk panna cotta is ideal for diners who enjoy raw seafood. The delicate panna cotta is topped with chunks of ‘ahi, shrimp, mentaiko, ikura and uni, along with sea asparagus. The seafood is tossed in Tokyo negi oil with soy. This dish boasts a variety of textures; the silky panna cotta is balanced by the pops of ikura, creamy uni and slight saltiness from the mentaiko.

We’re told that the restaurant used to serve this dish at its King Street location, but it wasn’t on the regular menu.

This Caesar salad boasts a 2.0 version, as the original was made with Romaine lettuce. The current rendition features watercress from Sumida Farms, along with radicchio, kalua pig, Parmesan crisps, anchovy, lomi tomato and poi vinaigrette. The croutons are made from the eatery’s housemade bread, while the poi vinaigrette is made from fermented poi.

“Da Bag” ($22) is a customer favorite; it takes a little bit of time to prepare, but the wait is worth it. It features an impressive presentation — steamed Manila clams are served with shiitake mushrooms, kalua pig, spinach and tomatoes inside a foil bag, which is opened tableside.

We enjoyed the buttery broth, the tender vegetables and the kalua pig’s subtle smokiness.

Other appetizers include the eatery’s iconic whole tomato salad with li hing mui ume dressing ($14); ‘ahi poke, avocado salsa and crispy won ton pi stack ($24); and Asian slaw with spicy ‘ahi poke and yuzu soy dressing ($24). 

Iconic entrees from the King Street restaurant include the ginger crusted onaga ($44) and Macadamia nut coconut Marrunga lamb chops ($70).

The onaga (longtail red snapper) is inspired by a beloved dish from Wong’s childhood. It’s served with miso sesame vinaigrette, Kahuku corn and mushrooms. All entrees come with your choice of white or brown rice.

The light, flaky onaga is cooked perfectly. The slight bite from the ginger is balanced nicely by the Kahuku corn’s sweetness.

The Marrunga lamb features lamb from Australia that’s crusted with macadamia nuts and coconuts, and served with eggplant salad, tomato slaw, green beans and local chevre. The lamb chops are tender and flavorful — not gamey — and the macadamia nuts deliver a satisfying crunch. 

i shrimp and manila clams ($32), twice-cooked kalbi-style short ribs ($40), beef tenderloin ($58), steamed opakapaka ($46) and North Shore Farm raised tilapia ($34). The latter is nicknamed as “The Ugly Duckling” on the menu; we’re told it’s served with chickpeas, barley, shiitake mushrooms, duck, taro and nage. The duck meat, combined with a chickpea and barley mix, is inspired by stuffed duck.

The beef tenderloin entrée features a new presentation with chili lemongrass and goat cheese from Sweet Land Farm. Meanwhile, the twice-cooked kalbi-style short ribs with Gochujang sauce are a nod to nostalgic memories of shoyu on the hibachi.

Be sure to save room for dessert; many of the featured desserts were at Wong’s King Street restaurant, with small changes from executive pastry chef Miya Nakashima.

Longtime customers will recognize “The Coconut” ($20), a signature dessert of haupia sorbet with a chocolate shell exterior topped with shaved coconut. It’s served with an assortment of local fruits and drizzled with lilikoʻi sauce. The haupia sorbet is creamy yet refreshing, with bright, citrusy flavors balanced by the chocolate shell's sweetness. This is an ideal choice if you want something light after a savory meal. 

If you want something indulgent, opt for the Waialua chocolate crunch bars ($18). They’re made with chocolate from Oʻahu’s North Shore, and come topped with a bourbon diplomat cream and Nicoise olive cacao nib relish. The crunch from the macadamia nut crust and cacao nibs contrast nicely with the creamy chocolate layer.

Other options include pineapple “shave ice” ($20) — served with pandan tapioca and lime panna cotta — banana caramel kinako custard “cream pie” ($16) and five spoons of brulee ($18). The latter features Ka’u orange, Kona coffee, liliko

The restaurant is open for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays. Customers can make reservations via OpenTable.

Alan Wongs Kahala blessing photo 040826

<title>Alan Wong’s Restaurant officially opens at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort</title>

Alan Wong’s new restaurant opens today in Kāhala. The menu features iconic dishes from the former King Street eatery, including ginger-crusted onaga with miso sesame vinaigrette, the whole tomato salad with li hing mui ume dressing, and “The Coconut” dessert of haupia sorbet in a chocolate shell.

Alan Wong’s Restaurant officially opens at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort

Lopaka and Tanya Kapanui

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya Kapanui

Hawai‘i History

Around 1845, Governor Boki is said to have given the Catholic Church in Hawai‘i a plot of land outside Honolulu in an area called Kulaokahua. This parcel of land became a cemetery, open to members of the Catholic Church in Hawai‘i. More land was added through subsequent purchases in 1866 and 1912, creating what is now known as the Roman Catholic Church King Street Cemetery.

However, by the turn of the 20th century, overcrowding at the Catholic Cemetery was already a concern. As early as 1899, the Committee on Cemeteries recognized that the city’s growing population meant an increase in deaths, which required more land for burials.

In 1902, the Board of Health reported a dire situation at the Catholic Cemetery. The rear quarter of the grounds was stated to be unfit for use as the underground water level was just three and a half feet below the surface, and burials had been made at two and a half feet short of the required depth. The groundwater drained into the open ponds behind the cemetery, where the Hawaiian Electric buildings are now, which Hawaiians were still using for fish. The original ‘Ewa half of the cemetery was badly crowded, and officials believed any new graves dug would encounter previously buried coffins. The “new” Waikīkī portion was also mostly filled and had very little space left. In 1908, the Board of Health declared the lower part of the cemetery to be unsanitary due to the high underground water level. Burials were supposed to stop, but they only reportedly slowed down.

On the property was a small house where the sexton, or caretaker, lived. The sexton was responsible for maintaining the cemetery and digging graves. In 1928, agents raided the cemetery and arrested the sexton after finding an alcohol still inside the house. Further investigation found a family tomb that led about 30 feet underground, which housed 20 gallons of aged “oke” (okolehao) and 4 gallons of wine. The sexton entered a plea of guilty to violating the National Prohibition Act, telling the court he made the liquor for his own use.

[{"type":"text","text":"“Ghosts don’t drink,” he told the judge, “But I do.”"}]

In September of the same year, the Board of Health declared that no new burial permits would be issued for the King Street Catholic Cemetery. All future burials were to be directed to the newly established Diamond Head Memorial Park. Although the cemetery was closed, a few burials were added after 1930, including the wives of prominent figures who were already buried on the grounds.

However, not all the remains buried there remain. As Honolulu grew, space became scarce. During the widening of King Street in 1971, 39 burials were disinterred and relocated to other cemeteries on O‘ahu. In 1997, during the construction of the adjacent condominium, a legal notice in the newspaper announced that they had discovered unmarked burial sites containing human skeletal remains on their lands purchased from and located next to the King Street Catholic Cemetery. The State Historic Preservation Division requested that the descendants of families buried in that location contact them regarding the appropriate treatment of the unmarked remains.

Perhaps not every spirit follows where the bones were taken. In a place where names were lost and resting places disturbed, the past lingers, sometimes seen, sometimes heard.

People often park along King Street in front of the cemetery and wait for traffic to slow before jaywalking across to the hospital. One woman said that while waiting, she heard someone call her name. She looked around, didn’t see anybody, and turned back to watch for her chance to cross. But the sound came again, and she stepped back from the curb and turned around. She looked beyond the fence, and as she stepped forward, she realized someone was calling her name from inside the cemetery. But no one was there.

Another popular ghost story comes from Nanette Napoleon. She said she spoke to a woman who was tracing her family’s genealogy. The woman spent hours looking for her ancestor’s grave until, all of a sudden, an older Hawaiian woman with long gray hair and wearing a white mu‘umu‘u appeared. The Hawaiian woman asked the lady who she was looking for, then led her directly to the correct grave marker. But when the lady turned to thank the woman, she had already vanished. This cemetery is small and flat, and there weren’t any nearby places to hide.

My own experience is similar. My wife and I were exploring the cemetery a few years ago. We find it interesting to see familiar names or dates that might be significant to us. A few headstones have surprising details about the person’s death, announcing they died from an illness or in a car accident. After looking at a fallen headstone with the name Kamehameha engraved in an arch across the top, we made our way towards the tall iron cross in the center of the cemetery. A young priest, clean-shaven with short black hair, wearing a long cassock, was there. My wife commented on the heat and how stifling the man’s robes must be.

As we passed him, the man said hello and gave us a slight nod. We greeted the man, and barely a second later, my wife turned back to look at the priest, only to find that he’d somehow disappeared. We looked behind the cross, but he wasn’t hiding there. There are two large banyan trees, each about a hundred feet away from the iron cross, and we looked behind both. Most of the headstones aren’t large enough to hide a fully grown man, but we walked up and down the aisles anyway. The priest was nowhere to be seen.

We never did figure out where he went. He either moved incredibly fast, or we were just very slow to realize we’d met a ghost.

King St Cemetery

<title>Ghosts of the King Street Cemetery</title>

From 1845 until the 1920s, a parcel of land outside of Honolulu granted by Governor Boki served as an active cemetery for the Catholic Church in Hawai‘i. It's still there on King Street, though its quiet surroundings have given way to high-rises, utilities and a hospital. Also still there, some say, are the spirits of the deceased appearing amid the headstones.

Ghosts of the King Street Cemetery

Higa headshot white shirt square

Sterling Higa

Stand-up comedian Tumua is doing crowd work somewhere on the Mainland, and 

 from the audience. The guy is from Kauaʻi, not born and raised, but “flown there, grown there.” He hasn’t lived there in nine years. While Tumua works the crowd, the guy shouts “chee hoo.” Tumua says, “That’s a solid chee hoo, man.” He does it again. Tumua has to shush him.

It’s a small moment, and Tumua plays it off with dry affection. The guy is playing out what he remembers of a place he left nine years ago. Much of the crowd never lived there at all.

Frank De Lima didn’t have that problem performing locally. Most of his audience hadn’t left. They were in the room — sharing the same plate lunch memories, cringing at the same accents, laughing because every joke was an inside joke. This wasn’t an introduction to local culture. It was a reminder, a celebration, even a reinforcement.

The plantation village was a truly different kind of place — shared land, shared labor, ethnic groups pressed close together with no way out. Filipinos, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and Hawaiians were all crowded into the same neighborhoods and schools. What came out of it — the food, the humor, the pidgin — came from people who couldn’t opt out of each other.

Even as that world was dissolving, people reached back for its symbols. By 1978, a political movement called Palaka Power had taken the plantation worker’s cloth as its name — a clear link to the past. The Palaka Power 

 said so plainly. The writers also noted, in the same breath: the ILWU was declining, sugar and pine would soon be gone, the Democrats of the ‘54 Revolution had mostly left the arena. They chose the symbol precisely because the reality was already receding. The myth was always partly constructed. But it was backed, then, by people who had actually 

The built world that replaced the plantation village included public housing, suburbs, and apartments. The Mainland has all of those. And then came radio, television, the internet, smartphones, and eventually TikTok.

Stand in the Sandy Beach parking lot on a Saturday. A kid near the lifeguard stand is hitting a vape and dancing to a song trending in Atlanta. The shaka sticker on the bumper is working harder than it used to. But social media didn’t cause any of this. It arrived to find the flattening of culture mostly finished and has been tracking it ever since.

The audience for local content skews diaspora: Aunties in Vallejo, Kalihi kids now in Las Vegas, people holding onto something they can’t quite name.

Nostalgia is real. But it runs in one direction. You can package a memory and ship it to Fresno. What you can’t do is put it back. A friend put it plainly: are we our own cover band?

Distinct cultures are not accidents. They grow from particular people living side by side. The plantation village wasn’t a brand. It was a neighborhood. The shaka sticker can travel, but the neighborhood can’t. Something real is lost when a place becomes content.

. He’s reaching for something he actually had, once. What is it, exactly? The memory of a place, a people. The kind of memory that swells within and erupts in shouts — or tears. It’s the memory that many hold of Hawai‘i, even those who visited only for a week.

Nostalgia can become sinful when we deceive ourselves. It’s easy to romanticize farm labor from the comfort of air-conditioned offices, but the plantations were not a paradise. And neither is Hawai‘i. The past is worth a visit, but no place to make a home. 

That’s a solid chee hoo, man — but once is enough. Shush.

Pineapple Plantation housing 16x9 Large

<title>What's in a chee hoo?</title>

Generations removed from the plantation era that forged it, local culture is in danger of becoming a nostalgia-fueled performance of itself, writes ASD columnist Sterling Higa.

What's in a chee hoo?

Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines are approaching the next major step in their combination — the rollout of a shared passenger service system on April 22 — but ahead of that milestone, passengers should take note of a few other changes underway now.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Tag your bag"}]

New self-service bag-tag software on kiosks in Hawaiian’s airport lobbies will enable guests to use kiosks to print and attach baggage destination tags, or bag tags, before proceeding to the bag drop areas, a recent 

. Meanwhile, the airline will shift to mobile and web check-in as the main way for guests to get their boarding passes.

“The upgrade is designed to reduce lobby wait times and congestion, making it easier for all guests to get to their departure gate, as well as reduce waste by discontinuing printed boarding passes,” the post states.

Airline spokesperson Tara Shimooka told Aloha State Daily on Friday that Hawaiian was already making the transition at its Mainland stations, with plans to start at Hawai‘i airports this week and into early April. The kiosks will be solely for printing bag tags, she says.

[{"type":"text","text":"This move aligns Hawaiian with Alaska’s check-in process."}]

“Whether you’re flying Alaska or Hawaiian, the check-in process is the same,” says Shimooka. She did, however, add that guests who may not be tech savvy or aren’t ready to make that change, can still check in with an agent to receive their boarding pass.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"One app to rule them all"}]

Starting Monday, you’ll find a single unified Alaska Hawaiian mobile app in your app store.

, the airline noted that as part of the transition to a single mobile platform, the current Alaska Airlines app will update automatically for most guests starting Monday, March 30. Meanwhile, the legacy Hawaiian Airlines app will remain available through April 21.

Anyone who’s booked on a Hawaiian Airlines flight through that date should continue to use the legacy Hawaiian mobile app for check-in and day-of travel updates, the airline says.

Shimooka told ASD that the full functionality of the single app won’t kick in for Hawaiian app users until the PSS rolls out April 22.

According to the blog, beginning on April 22, Hawaiian app users will be able to change or cancel flights directly in the app, share boarding passes and book flights with more than 30 

, including oneworld alliance members, using cash or points. There also will be Apple Pay integration.

You’ll still be able to manage existing travel, and Atmos Rewards benefits, login and passwords will remain unchanged, the post notes.

And although the single app supports both airlines, users can choose between an Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines theme.

“The unified app is a key milestone in Alaska and Hawaiian's ongoing investments to deliver a seamless guest experience across its combined global network,” the airlines said. “Today, guests benefit from shared lobby spaces, reduced lobby lines with modern bag-tag stations and a best-in-class loyalty program.

“By bringing both airlines into one app and the same passenger service system on April 22, guests will enjoy simplified trip management and self-service features across Alaska and Hawaiian airlines, and consistent performance improvements to our technology.”

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Coming soon"}]

[{"type":"text","text":"What is a passenger service system?"}]

"It means that instead of having two separate systems where tickets are housed, [it's] all in one," Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow told ASD following a pau hana hosted by Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i earlier this month, where she shared updates about the company. "So one confirmation code, any employee can help you with your ticket, it just makes the travel experience more seamless across the brands."

Spokesperson Alex Da Silva says it’s usually referred to as the central nervous system of IT for an airline, with every piece of passenger information connected to the PSS — when you book, when you’re issued your record locator, day-of travel updates, post-trip emails and even the information on the baggage tag system, on the app and loyalty information.

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