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Daily Smile

[{"type":"text","text":"Baloney search and rescue mission..."}]

Smile 26 1 17

<title>Daily Smile: Saturday, January 17, 2026</title>

Baloney search and rescue mission...

Daily Smile: Saturday, January 17, 2026

“How my dogs act when my husband gets home after 12 hours vs when I get back from the store after 10 minutes..."

Smile 26 2 13

<title>Daily Smile: Friday, February 13, 2026</title>

Daily Smile: Friday, February 13, 2026

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

Stand-up comedian Jose Figueras, also known as Jose Dynamite, first tried entertaining a crowd at a talent show when he was a senior in college at Chaminade University. His roommate helped him write some jokes. Unfortunately, his set followed that of another student who performed a song dedicated to classmates who had died in a recent car crash, he said.

He bombed. But that was not the end of his comedy journey. 

Figueras went on to become the founder of Comedy U Hawaiʻi, which provides up-and-coming comedians a space to try out their jokes, limited to three-minute sets. The group produces a stand-up comedy show with an open mic on Wednesday nights at Anna O’Brien’s, along with shows at other venues, including Blue Note Hawaiʻi.

“We keep the open mic in a very structured format where you're gonna get three minutes to start out,” Figueras told Aloha State Daily. “A lot of people feel like: ʻOh, I need more time.’ They don't realize if you suck for three minutes, that's a very long time for audiences to sit through.”

Figueras grew up watching Saturday Night Live and regularly watched performances by comedians, such as Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Kevin Nealon, David Spade and Phil Hartman.

“They would spoof commercials," he said. "I always thought that was the greatest thing ever, and I wanted to do that. I wanted to write funny commercials. And that's what made me want to get into marketing.”

After his initial attempt at stand-up comedy, he took some time off from the sport. But in the early 2000s, Laugh Factory came to Queen Kapi’olani Hotel, Waikīkī Beach. Figueras, who is now a media consultant for Pacific Media Group, was working in radio at the time and the station was doing a promotion for Laugh Factoryʻs amateur comedy night.

“And my co-worker, she just started laughing at everything I was saying and encouraged me to go try doing comedy,” Figueras said. “I realize now that she was just needing contestants. She didn't really think I was funny. Because I went up three times in a row, and I bombed so bad, again.”

The headliners for the event included Jo Koy and Ralphie May, he said, adding, “This is when they were just beginning to get a name for themselves.”

 was only allowed two minutes. Koy went on stage and made fun of 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"“And it was hilarious,” Figueras said."}]

A few years later, a local news group ran a story about the resurgence of local comedy. At the time, comedians such as Augie T., Frank De Lima and Andy Bumatai were performing. Paul Ogata was also coming up. Da Braddahs had their television show.

“It just made me say, ʻOK, I want to give this a try,’” he said. “And so, I went to one of the open mics, and after I got off stage, one of the guys that was one of the comedians that was there came up to me said, ʻYou know what? People like you. They really like you. You should come out Monday to this open mic here.’ And so, that's when I started going almost every single night of the week and getting on stage.”

When asked which personality traits are shared by comedians, Figueras did not skip a beat.

“Well first of all, there's so many different personalities in comedy,” he said. “There is one common denominator with all comedians: there is a level of narcissism and fear of rejection, and there is a sense of being a social outcast that all of us share. It’s such a common thing that no matter where you would go, the comedians will naturally be able to gravitate toward each other. You can look at news headlines and what's going on in the world, and you'll find the most disturbing, saddest thing ever and comedians are like, ʻOK, what's funny about that?’”

Comedians also share a dark sense of humor, 

“We're looking for that silver lining,” he said. “It’s our coping mechanism. Because comedy is always tragedy, plus time. After enough time, we can find something that’s going to be humorous in a situation.”

There are different techniques and styles of comedy, but finding your own voice is important, he noted.

“That's really discovering who you are as a performer and what is your point of view that is unique to you,” 

Recently, Figueras opened for Tumua Tuinei at the Blaisdell Arena on Dec. 27 and 28.

“Several years ago, he got his start on the Comedy U stage,” 

 said. “I've been in his corner from the first time he got up on stage. He's one of those guys that — when you talk about the ʻit factor’ when it comes to entertainers or movie stars or anything like that, there's some people — they just have it. … He had that gift from the very first time he got on stage at an open mic. He crushed it in the three minutes that we gave him.”

Figueras immediately offered him a chance to do the same three-minute set at a show that Friday night. 

“Eventually he started headlining his own shows, and now he's selling out arenas and theaters all across the U.S.,” he added. “I feel very blessed to be part of the journey and still continue to be able to work with him and support him and be invited to be on his stage

Comedy U started in 2013. Figueras had been doing a show on Friday nights at O'Toole’s Irish Pub a few years before that. The owner of that pub offered him the opportunity to move the show to Anna O’Brien’s, which has a larger performance space. Figueras teamed up with another local comedian Patrick Tyrrell to start a featured show, followed by open mic on Wednesday nights. Since the venue is close to the university, the group was named Comedy U.

“The concept was kind of like a university in that with doing the open mic, it would be a stage where we could allow the newer comics to come in and get the exposure practice.”

Doors open at 7 p.m. for the show and open mic at Anna O’Brien’s 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Jose Figueras

<title>Stand-up comedian shares how he started Comedy U Hawaiʻi</title>

Comedian Jose Figueras did not grow up as a class clown. In fact, he bombed his first few open mics. But he continued to hone his skills and now runs Comedy U Hawaiʻi, which provides a space for amateur comedians to test their jokes with a live audience.

Stand-up comedian shares how he started Comedy U Hawaiʻi

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

[{"type":"text","text":"There’s a new lounge experience in Honolulu."}]

, Casamigos House of Friends opened at the end of December. The new lounge is open daily for walk-ins from 4 to 9 p.m. to both, local patrons and hotel guests.

The lounge showcases golden sunsets and skyline views, along with curated Casamigos tequila cocktails and shareable bites.

“Casamigos House of Friends is about effortless hospitality, great drinks, thoughtful flavors, and a setting that encourages guests to slow down and enjoy the moment,” states director of culinary experience Eric Hanano. “It’s social, scenic and unmistakably Waikīkī.”

Specialty Casamigos tequila cocktails include Pele’s Paloma ($24) — Casamigos Reposado, Fever Tree grapefruit, guava puree and lime — Waikīkī Sunset ($18), made with vodka, melon liqueur, pineapple juice and grenadine; and Margarita Made Your Way ($22). The latter features your choice of Casamigos Blanco, Casamigos Jalapeno or Casamigos Mezcal.

Bestsellers include the charcuterie platter ($28) and ‘ahi poke nachos ($22). The charcuterie platter — designed to serve two people — includes prosciutto, Genoa salami, soppressata, Asiago, sharp cheddar and Boursin cheeses served with crostini, lavosh, mixed nuts and grapes.

Meanwhile, the ‘ahi poke nachos ($22) comprise crispy wonton chips topped with fresh ‘ahi, sweet onions, ogo, green onions, avocado, a shoyu-sesame oil drizzle, spicy aioli, kabayaki sauce and a sprinkle of furikake.

Other menu options include ‘ahi poke ($18), teriyaki chicken skewers ($18), ‘ahi sashimi ($26) and caprese skewers ($17).

Happy hour is offered daily from 4 to 5 p.m. Customers can take advantage of discounts on select cocktails and pūpū. The dishes feature smaller portions to match the price points; enjoy ‘ahi sashimi ($15 instead of $26), ‘ahi poke ($12 instead of $18) and skewers ($4 each; two pieces minimum). Customers are able to mix and match skewers from the available choices.

Guests can also enjoy live music daily from 5 to 7 p.m., along with validated parking ($3).

Besides its nightly service, Casamigos House of Friends is also available to rent out for private functions and special events.

Casamigos Lounge spread 021026

<title>New Casamigos lounge experience in Honolulu</title>

Located on the 37th floor of the Hilton Waikīkī Beach Resort & Spa, Casamigos House of Friends is a new lounge that’s open to both, local patrons and hotel guests. Enjoy curated Casamigos tequila cocktails, along with shareable appetizers.

New Casamigos lounge experience in Honolulu

[{"type":"text","text":"There’s a new all-you-can-eat sushi option on Oʻahu. "}]

 at Ka Makana Aliʻi is offering a new AYCE sushi menu during lunch and dinner. Lunch costs $28.95 and dinner is $38.95. Children ages 5 to 11 years can enjoy half-price admission; children ages 5 years and under have free admission. 

Lunch is from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner is 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday. There’s a 90-minute time limit for the AYCE experience. 

The menu is extensive, and comprises appetizers, noodles and rice, nigiri, and sushi rolls. 

Appetizers include cold tofu, gyoza, shrimp tempura, crab rangoon, baked mussels, and chicken wings. In addition, appetizers available during the dinner all-you-can-eat experience include salmon poppers, tuna tataki, and yellowtail jalapeno.

Diners can also enjoy hibachi-style dishes — like chicken teriyaki and noodles — along with nabeyaki udon or ramen, hibachi fried rice and a variety of salads.

Nigiri options include tuna, hamachi, salmon, unagi, tako and more. Each order includes two pieces. Sashimi options include tuna, unagi, red snapper, squid, yellowtail and salmon.

Customers can also choose from a variety of six- or eight-piece sushi rolls. Recommended options include the Hawaiʻi roll — spicy crunchy tuna and cucumber topped with cooked shrimp, avocado, unagi sauce and spicy mayo — and Godzilla roll, comprising spicy crunchy salmon and avocado topped with eel, spicy kani (crab), unagi sauce and spicy mayo. 

The dinner AYCE menu also includes options like the sweetheart roll — spicy crunchy tuna and avocado topped with fresh tuna, and served in the shape of a heart — crispy yellowtail roll and crazy Friday roll. The latter features shrimp tempura and lobster salad topped with avocado, wasabi mayo and masago. 

For an additional $20 per person, customers can have access to premium dishes in addition to the regular AYCE menu. All individuals in each dining party will be charged accordingly with this selection.

Premium nigiri include ama ebi, ikura and scallop. Premium rolls include salmon belly Osaka roll, lobster delight roll, angry dragon roll and more.

The premium AYCE experience also includes sashimi like sweet shrimp, scallop and ikura.

AYCE sushi lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays

Sakura Kapolei assorted nigiri 021126

<title>Sakura Sushi & Hibachi has a new all-you-can-eat sushi menu</title>

The eatery, located in Ka Makana Aliʻi, now offers AYCE sushi during lunch and dinner on Mondays to Thursdays. The AYCE experience costs $28.95 per adult during lunch and $38.95 per adult during dinner.

Sakura Sushi & Hibachi has a new all-you-can-eat sushi menu

Arrasmith Portrait

Perry Arrasmith

Government & Politics

Columnists

The voting power of the average O‘ahu resident has declined in the past century. 

When elected government first took shape in 1905, the Islands were less populated than they are today. In June 1900, a census count estimated that 154,001 resided in the entire Territory of Hawai‘i, of which 58,504 people lived on O‘ahu. The island experienced a great deal of population growth over the next decade, reaching 81,993 persons by the next count on April 15, 1910. 

O‘ahu’s legislative body is always changing, if not to the detriment of the average resident’s voting power. At least one 

 of the Honolulu City Council outlines the history of the Council’s evolution, dating back to its early formation just a few years less than a decade after Hawai‘i’s annexation into the U.S.

As of 2020, approximately 1,016,508 people reside on O‘ahu. Each member of the Honolulu City Council represents more than 112,000. 

Given the island’s population expansion, it’s only natural. However, that shouldn’t have to mean that the voting power of an individual will shrink in perpetuity, subject only to the growth (or decline) of O‘ahu’s population. 

However, that’s the way the current system is evolving. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"THE TERRITORIAL ERA"}]

Population growth is not the only natural reason for the shrinking power of an O‘ahu voter. The composition of the island’s Legislature, known initially as the Board of Supervisors and now as the City Council, has shifted since that point, too. 

The size of O‘ahu has also expanded since 1905, the year counties were formally established across the U.S. Territory of Hawai‘i through Act 39 of the 1905 Territorial Legislature. 

Elections for the first Board of Supervisors were made in late 1906. Three of the supervisors would hail from the City of Honolulu, one from the district of ‘Ewa, one from the districts of Wai‘anae and Waialua, and one more from the districts of Ko‘olauloa and Ko‘olaupoko, and an at-large member. Other county officers to be elected would be a Sheriff, a County clerk, an Auditor, a County Attorney, a Treasurer, and a Deputy Sheriff for each district of O‘ahu.

Even with O‘ahu’s 1910 population, each member of the Honolulu City Council represented less than 14,000 constituents each. 

This framework, in the grand scheme of history, was nothing more than a brief aberration. More reform was on the horizon. 

In 1907, the Territorial Legislature once again modified the fabric of O‘ahu’s organization through Act 118. The measure, among other gambits, formally chartered the entire island as the City and County of Honolulu. Members of the Board would serve two-year terms, 

Before the end of the Territorial era, O‘ahu was already evolving from employing a Board of Supervisors to a formal City Council.

O‘ahu was also rapidly growing. Between April 1950 and April 1960, the island’s population grew from 353,020 to 500,409 people. While the populations of every other county were in sharp decline, the island was becoming the gathering place of an emerging U.S. State. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"AN ISLAND IN A NEW STATE"}]

The Board preceded the Honolulu City Council, which was not established until statehood in 1959. Honolulu, with statehood, was set to get a City Council. 

In 1955, the Territorial Legislature once again initiated reform through Act 225. A new Charter Commission was authorized, resulting in the expansion of the Council to nine members. Under this new scheme, the composition of the Council would be divided between three rural members and six members selected from the entire county. The influence of rural voters was weighed more heavily than the votes of urban residents. 

Each at-large councilmember now represented an average of approximately 83,400 residents. At this point, each councilmember now represented a constituency larger than the total size of the island at the time of the first council elections in 1906.  

The inequities of the new system inspired controversy in the 1966 county elections. Resolution 173 provided two options for the future composition of the Honolulu City Council to the resident’s voters. 

The first option proposed a new council of nine members elected at-large. The second option proposed an expanded council of 11 members. Six would be elected from at-large seats, while five would be selected from council districts. 

The gambit confused voters. Nearly two-thirds of the voters favored both the first and second propositions. However, an electorate divided in three roughly even ways both meant that neither vote received a majority of the electorate’s support. The Council’s traditional structure remained in place.

The 1972 Charter Commission marked a turning point in the history of the county. Reform approved by the voters established nine district-based councils. Honolulu no longer had at-large seats. 

By April 1970, O‘ahu’s population grew to 630,528 residents. As a result of the transition to geographically based districts aligned to the principle of “one-person one-vote,” each district now had approximately 70,000 constituents. 

Compared to the system established before statehood, this arguably widened the relative voting power of individual voters. Since 1970, O‘ahu’s population has increased by more than 350,000 residents. The number of councilmembers, in the meantime, has stayed the same. 

Since that point, Honolulu has enjoyed nine members, each representing a specific geographic district of the county. While O‘ahu’s population has exploded in the last 50 years, the composition and method of our Council’s shape has stayed static, while the voting power of the individual has declined. 

As of this writing, varied efforts are underway to re-imagine the ideal size and scope of the county’s councilmembers. Each proposal is geared towards increasing the voting power of the individual.

Many arguments for lowering the size of an individual council seat are inspired by the overwhelming size of a council seat relative to the size of a district in the State Legislature. In 2026, a member of the Hawai‘i State Senate – the upper chamber of our State Legislature, represents an average of fewer than 60,000 residents. 

, for example, entertains increasing the size of the Council, albeit without a clear eye towards an ideal number of members. 

, Trevor Nagamine wants to increase the size of the City Council to 81 members. “The large size of Council districts in both population and physical area limits the ability of Councilmembers to be responsive to community issues, especially since City matters tend to be highly local in nature,” Trevor explains. Tom Heinrich is a little more measured through 

, arguing that the Council would be better served with 13 councilmembers. 

, want to make each member of the Council a county-wide representative. 

Many of these proposals are contradictory. However, they are a clear and present reminder that the size and shape of the City Council has never been fixed. It is a fluid construction, one that we could easily change. 

Reform may come. The voting power of the individual may increase, if present reforms move against the trajectory of history. 

Oahu Districts 16x9

<title>The Incredible Shrinking Voter of Honolulu</title>

The voting power of the average O‘ahu resident has declined over the past century, to where each of the nine city council members now represent more than 112,000 people across multiple neighborhoods. That's twice as many people as a Hawai‘i state senator represents. There are some efforts underway to change that.

The Incredible Shrinking Voter of Honolulu

Located at Leilehua Golf Course in Wahiawā, 

 previously offered breakfast buffets for holidays and special occasions. Due to the buffet’s popularity, the restaurant decided to offer it every Saturday starting this past January.

604 Clubhouse’s breakfast buffet is now weekly from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last seating is at 2 p.m.). It costs $60 per adult and $25 for children ages 12 years and under.

There’s a 90-minute time limit and automatic 20% gratuity. While reservations are recommended, walk-ins are also accepted.

Highlights from the all-you-can-eat experience include a prime rib carving station, snow crab legs, and an omelet station. Omelets are made to order; you can choose from ingredients like ham, Spam, mushrooms, red onions, bell peppers and more.

Hot buffet selections include coconut shrimp with sweet chili sauce, steamed catch (served with ginger puree, lup cheong and Chinese parsley), swirl French toast, Portuguese sausage and teriyaki chicken.

Some of the seafood options, like the steamed catch and shellfish delight — a combo of clams, mussels, shrimp, green curry, coconut milk, gremolata and cilantro — may change weekly. Seafood cioppino — a flavorful seafood stew with a rich, savory broth — and kakimochi-crusted bass were previously featured.

Cold options include fresh fruit, spicy ‘ahi poke, imitation crab mac salad and Caesar salad.

Guests can conclude their meal with desserts like macadamia nut bread pudding, assorted danishes and chocolate chip cookies.

While the breakfast buffet is promoted on Saturdays, the eatery’s a la carte menu is available, so customers can still order popular beverages like Hawaiʻi’s Best Bloody Mary ($18) — garnished with celery, cheese, smoked meat, a jumbo prawn, pineapple, lime, cherry tomato, pickled onion, pepperoncini and an olive — and mahalo margarita ($13). The latter features Jose Cuervo, lime sour, lemonade, strawberries and a li hing mui rim.

Saturday breakfast buffet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

604 Clubhouse buffet spread 020226

<title>604 Clubhouse has a new breakfast buffet</title>

The eatery, located at Leilehua Golf Course in Wahiawā, recently started a new Saturday breakfast buffet. The all-you-can-eat experience costs $60 per adult and includes a prime rib carving station, snow crab legs, an omelet station and more.

Daily Smile: Saturday, January 17, 2026

ASD Staff

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Daily Smile: Saturday, January 17, 2026

Authors

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