ASD icon blue inverse lighter

ASD Staff

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

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

[{"type":"text","text":"Caizel Jesus-Kapesi's parents knew it the day he was born. "}]

The son of Clisha Jesus and TeeJay Kapesi, Caizel was the second of four children and weighed 10 pounds at birth. 

"Literally as soon as he was born, we took him home, and that's how it started — Fatboy. He was a chunky kid," Clisha Jesus-Kapesi recalled to Aloha State Daily. 

And thus, Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi, the one the world has grown to love in recent days, was born. Clisha and TeeJay can't remember which parent coined the nickname, but it certainly stuck. 

In a 14-13 locally televised win at Leilehua on Aug. 21, Jesus-Kapesi completed 13 of his 20 passes for 193 yards, two interceptions and a touchdown. The gritty victory included a key first down in the closing minutes in which ‘Aiea went for it on fourth down deep in its own territory and converted to seal the game. For his efforts, Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi was named the Spectrum OC16 Impact Player of the Game. 

While interviewed by Spectrum's Jimmy Bender upon receiving his award, a TV super displaying Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi's name, weight, position and class was on display. The 6-foot-1, 268-pound sophomore quarterback quickly became an internet darling overnight, fans from around the world smitten with his name and social media posts of him reaching hundreds of thousands in reshares. Google Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi, and it would be hard to find a national sports content website that hasn't recycled the same set of pictures of him. 

"You must be here for Fatboy," multiple members of the ‘Aiea football program tell a visitor at a recent Na Ali‘i practice. 

Perhaps the first thing to know about Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi is that he's fully embraced his lifelong nickname. He politely introduces himself as Fatboy, and in the days since his viral introduction to the world, people who have never met him will approach him and say, 'Hey, you're Fatboy!'"

Due to the viral nature of his name, Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi was asked if local brands, such as local restaurant chain Fatboy's, have reached out. 

"I don't know about the restaurant yet. Hopefully soon," 

. "I was thinking about the FatBoy ice cream. That too, hopefully."

For those curious to learn more about him, what else should we know about Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi?

"I love cheeseburgers. I love burgers. That's one thing about me. I love burgers, especially McDonald's burgers," he said while flashing a grin. "You know, that's the one right there."

Life for the Jesus-Kapesi family has not been the same since last weekend. Their phones are still constantly buzzing with memes and comments. Through it all, Fatboy has stayed the same humble kid. During his viral interview, before he conceived it was possible he'd become as famous as he has, Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi gave the credit to God and his offensive line.  

"Being (seemingly everywhere) on social media, I take a lot of pride in it," he said. "I

t means a lot not just to me, but to my family. I'm putting my family's name out there, too."

Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi has been the starting quarterback on the varsity team at ‘Aiea High School since the beginning of his freshman year. He has a 3.7 grade point average and aspires to play college football. As ‘Aiea awaits improvements to its on-campus stadium, all of its games are on the road in 2026. Na Ali‘i improved to 2-0 after the Leilehua victory and will next take the field at Nānākuli on Saturday.

"I really, really want to play college football one day," he says. "My recruiting process so far, I'm working on it, but I'm ready."

A conversation with Clisha and TeeJay about Fatboy's ‘Aiea upbringing reveals why their son has been able to remain grounded despite his newfound fame. Young Caizel had his "knucklehead" moments, Mom says, but through strong parenting, he eventually learned and began to appreciate the process of earning everything he has, both good and bad. 

"'You can't do this, don't go do that. You have to do this to get that.' Having him work for his rewards. You want that? Then you work for it," Clisha says. "If you think we're hard, we're teaching you. He'll always be a kid at heart, and that's what I love about him."

Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi wouldn't gave gone viral last weekend if he weren't the Impact Player of the Game, and those go to winners. 

"I'm really proud of where he's at and where his potential could take him. We always tell him that what's done in the dark comes to light," TeeJay said. "The work he puts in on and off the field, the drilling he gets, letting him know that football's an avenue, and you can have all the talent, but you have to do everything right on and off the field. The talent can't outshine everything, and the classroom and the football field, one can't overcome the other, and he handles his business on that."

TeeJay is also an assistant linebackers coach for ‘Aiea, and he doesn't take it easy on Fatboy in practice. 

"Every day, we try to get this defense to bring the best out of not just him, but our offense as well," TeeJay said. 

The ‘Aiea community has supported Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi long before his viral moment. The rest of the world is now catching up. As nice as the attention is, nobody involved is pretending it's all been positive. 

"Seeing not only the positive comments, but the negative was really harsh," Clisha says. "I just had to remind him to just keep with the positive. (The attention) is something that we're not used to."

Mika Li‘ili‘i, ‘Aiea's head coach: 

"We always talk to the kids about social media. It can be evil and stuff like that. But in this situation, it's also a blessing for our school, for Fatboy to represent and bring some attention to our school and what we're doing. I know he feels it and he understands he's getting all the notoriety because his teammates are catching his balls and blocking for him and stuff like that."

Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi has played football for as long as he can remember, but he didn't get an opportunity to play quarterback until he was 12. 

He also dabbled in soccer and competitive hula, his 

 taking home a runner-up trophy during his only competition in 2019. 

Always on the bigger side, TeeJay remembers how he was placed as a lineman by default. "When he finally got his shot to be a quarterback, we hit the ground running, and that's who we have here today," Dad says. 

When one watches Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi throw a football, it's clear that doing so is easy to him. Using his upper body to gain torque, Fatboy spins it effortlessly in practice while his receivers practice multiple routes with him. 

Another thing that appears seamless to Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi: blending in with his teammates. In pre-practice stretching and jogging, he truly is one of the boys. His demeanor remains mellow and approachable.

Following a set of reps, his teammates, perhaps in acknowledgement of media around, break the huddle with "1, 2, 3, Fatboy!" 

[{"type":"text","text":"Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi can't help but laugh coyly."}]

"More people seeing that I'm on social media, I mean, it would be great for them to come to our games so we could show love to our community, show them what ‘Aiea High School football is about," he says. "For me, ‘Aiea is more than just a football program. It's home to me, so it means a lot."

Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi 082726

<title>‘Aiea quarterback Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi takes his newfound name fame in stride</title>

Jesus-Kapesi, the overnight viral sensation, confirms it's fine to call him by his nickname. He says he even prefers it.

‘Aiea quarterback Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi takes his newfound name fame in stride

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Opening a coffee shop has always been a dream for Kawai Mielke. She and Mia Cordes recently opened 

, a coffee trailer located along Kamehameha Highway in ‘Aiea.

“With several years of experience as a barista and my background in business — and growing up in the food and beverage industry — we decided to bring our experiences and passions together to open Pū Kena,” Mielke says.

She explains that pū means “together” and kena means “quenched” or “satisfied" in Hawaiian. Choosing a spot along Kamehameha Highway was also intentional.

“We named and created this place with the idea of it being a gathering place — a space where we can come together to share stories, nourish connections and build a lasting community, all while enjoying a cup of coffee,” she says. “We felt our location was perfect because it is both, the entrance and exit of ‘Aiea; we felt the community needed a coffee spot where people could gather, connect and enjoy a quality cup of coffee.”

Pū Kena offers coffees, matchas, teas and acai bowls. The business sources its coffee beans from White Nene in Kona; meanwhile, its matcha is sourced directly from Uji, Japan, according to Mielke.

“We created our menu with the hope of becoming everyone’s go-to coffee spot — whether it’s in the morning before work, during a lunch break, or whenever you’re craving a nice boost of caffeine,” she says. “We take pride in sourcing quality ingredients. All of our syrups are homemade, and we strive to make our drinks well-balanced — sweet enough to be delicious, while still allowing you to taste the quality of our coffee and matcha.”

Popular drinks include the Waimomi latte ($8) — made with homemade vanilla syrup and topped with kūlolo cold foam — the chocolate haupia latte ($8.45), which features a rich chocolate syrup finished with coconut coal foam and chocolate nibs; and the Hawaiian honey ($8), which is made with H

ōla honey, matcha and kūlolo cold foam.

The business’s strawberry fresa ($7.50) — comprising matcha, strawberry puree, vanilla cold foam and toasted cinnamon — is another customer favorite.

currently open daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“One of our main goals with this business is to support as many local businesses as possible,” 

Mielke says. “When you visit our shop, please make sure to take a look at our local list; we hope that if you discover or enjoy a product or business, you’ll consider showing them some love and supporting them, too. At Pū Kena, we believe in supporting one another and growing together as a community.”

Pu Kena Coffee owners 082026

<title>Pū Kena is a new coffee trailer in ‘Aiea</title>

The business — which opened earlier this month — is located along Kamehameha in ʻAiea. According to business owner Kawai Mielke, the biz was created to be a gathering place, and one of its goals is to support as many local businesses as possible.

Pū Kena is a new coffee trailer in ‘Aiea

 opened on Smith Street as Honolulu’s first Ethiopian restaurant, remembers chef Abraham Samuel.

“When we were in Chinatown, we had a full restaurant; the pandemic killed it,” Samuel says.

The biz now pops up several times a week in the space next to Bevy Bar at SALT At Our Kaka

ako. It opened earlier this spring, and features the same menu as its former Chinatown location.

The eatery is known for its house-fermented injera bread, family-style Ethiopian platters, and vegetarian- and vegan-friendly dishes.

“We have 11 different kinds of items for vegetarians and vegans,” Samuel says. “It’s like a dream come true for them.”

Most customers begin their meal with sambusas (two for $11). The homemade pastries are stuffed with brown lentils, green onions and herbs, and served with a house spicy sauce.

Samplers — including a veggie option ($21) and ET Love sampler ($25 for one, $48 for two) — are designed to be shared, according to Samuel. The veggie sampler comes with options like yellow split pea stew and red lentil stew.

All samplers are accompanied with injera, which is like a “very flat thin bread,” Samuel says.

“Injera is fermented,” he says. “We ferment it for three days and bake it in house. Every time we serve it, it’s freshly baked.”

He also explains that customers unroll the bread and use it to pinch or scoop up the platter’s contents, as no utensils are provided (Ethiopian food is traditionally eaten with your hands).

Other sampler options include collard greens, tomato salad, sauteed brussels sprouts, turmeric chicken stew, spiced beef stew, lamb stew and cauliflower with Ethiopian herbs.

Customers can also order meat options — like the awaze wot ($25), or beef stew, and turmeric braised chicken stew ($24) — as a la carte entrees.

“Our awaze wot is slowly cooked beef stew; it takes five to six hours to make,” Samuel says. “It’s slowly cooked with Ethiopian herbs and spices.”

Diners usually conclude their meals with the eatery’s unique peanut tea ($8) — a special house recipe with peanuts and honey — and either baklava or tiramisu for dessert. The latter is a newer addition to the menu, according to Samuel.

Ethiopian Love is currently open from Fridays to Tuesdays for dine-in or takeout. Those who want to dine in can enjoy outdoor seating in Bevy Bar’s patio area.

Open 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, Mondays-Tuesdays; open 4 to 9 p.m. Sundays

Ethiopian Love chef 081726

<title>Ethiopian Love is now in Kakaʻako</title>

The restaurant — which closed its Chinatown location during the Covid-19 pandemic — now pops up in the space next to Bevy Bar at SALT At Our Kakaʻako. The eatery is known for its vegetarian- and vegan-friendly dishes, especially its sampler platters.

Ethiopian Love is now in Kakaʻako

University of Hawai‘i women's volleyball head coach Robyn Ah Mow has resigned, announcing her decision with a statement on social media late Wednesday afternoon. 

"With a heavy heart, I want to share that I will be stepping away from my role as head coach of the Rainbow Wahine volleyball program," her statement read in part. 

Ah Mow coached the Rainbow Wahine from 2017 to 2025, accumulating a career record of 165-78 in eight full seasons. The Rainbow Wahine made the NCAA Tournament in her first seven seasons but 

Prior to becoming head coach for the Rainbow Wahine, Ah Mow was on the staff as an assistant coach from 2011 to 2015. 

Before her coaching career, Ah Mow was one of the best players in University of Hawai‘i history, as well as one of the world's best setters. She was a two-time All-American for the 'Bows in 1995 and 1996, as well as a setter for the U.S. national team, competing in the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics. 

Kaleo Baxter, Ah Mow's associate head coach, was named the program's interim head coach following her resignation. 

 is the epitome of what it means to be a Rainbow Wahine," UH athletics director 

 said in a statement. "She is a fierce competitor, a dedicated mentor, and an undeniable legend in the state of Hawai'i and the global volleyball community. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and passion she poured into this program over the last nine years as the leader of Wahine Volleyball, and more than 30 years since she first stepped on campus. We will all miss her dearly as our head coach, and wish her the absolute best in her next chapter."

[{"type":"text","text":"UH says a national search for the program's next head coach has begun. "}]

Robyn Ah Mow 082825

<title>Hawai‘i women's head volleyball coach Robyn Ah Mow resigns</title>

Ah Mow released a statement on late Wednesday afternoon to announce her decision.

Hawai‘i women's head volleyball coach Robyn Ah Mow resigns

A new izakaya recently opened in Māpunapuna — and it’s related to a popular neighborhood sushi bar.

 — located next to its sister business, Mitch’s Fish Market and Sushi Bar — opened quietly at the beginning of October. While Mitch’s Sushi specializes in sashimi-style fresh fish, sushi rolls and platters and omakase, Izakaya Mitch’s offers more cooked dishes designed to share.

The business is open from 4 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays, and is currently BYOB. There are designated parking stalls for customers right in front of the restaurant (street parking is also available).

Customers can choose from a variety of seafood, salads, pūpū, kamameshi and nabe. The nabe is designed for groups of four to share.

We start with sashimi ($45), which is an assortment of ‘ahi, salmon, scallop and hamachi. This is one of the few raw dishes you’ll find on the menu. The izakaya strives to offer different dishes from its sister restaurant, where you can still find an extensive selection of sushi.

We also love the dashimaki tamago ($13) — the rolled omelet, coated in dashi broth, is fluffy, light and easy to eat.

Of everything we tried, the crab tempura with matcha salt was one of my favorites. The Hokkaido king crab tempura is perfectly crispy on the outside and is delicious in and of itself, but the matcha salt takes its savory flavor to the next level.

The A5 wagyu steak ($45), cut pūpū style, is delivered to your table and meant to be cooked on the hot stone. The presentation is impressive, and the sizzling steak is buttery and tender, boasting that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. 

Kamameshi — traditional Japanese rice dishes served in iron pots — are designed to be shared; half and full portions are available.

Choose from a kamameshi with fish of the day, or with saba and salmon and ikura. The saba comes highly recommended. Sometimes, saba can have a fishy flavor, but not so in this dish. When the fish is mixed together with the mushrooms, rice and other veggies in the iron pot, the flavor is balanced.

Be sure to check out the specials of the day; menchi katsu ($18) was featured during our dinner. Its fried exterior was satisfyingly crispy, while the meaty interior is savory and juicy. At first glance, the katsu ball looks petite, but it’s hearty and filling.

We concluded our savory meal with the eatery’s featured dessert — ice cream with sweet potato ($5). We’re told the dessert changes periodically, based on seasonal, fresh ingredients the izakaya is able to obtain. 

Parking available directly in front of the restaurant; street parking also available

Izakaya Mitchs crab tempura with matcha salt 110125

<title>New izakaya now open in Māpunapuna</title>

Izakaya Mitch’s — located right next door to Mitch’s Fish Market and Sushi Bar — specializes in cooked dishes designed to share. You’ll find everything from Hokkaido crab tempura, dashimaki tamago and assorted sashimi to A5 wagyu steak, menchi katsu and nabe.

New izakaya now open in Māpunapuna

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

A sign in Honolulu's Ala Moana neighborhood has been announcing for a while now that LongHorn Steakhouse is coming soon — but how soon?

[{"type":"text","text":"Aloha State Daily was curious, so we reached out to ask."}]

A spokesperson for parent company Darden Restaurants told ASD in an email last week that the company's Hawai‘i LongHorn franchisee, Union MAK Corp., was still in the permitting process, but did not share any other details.

Vince Espino, president of Union MAK Corp., said the same in a separate email to ASD.

"LongHorn is still in the permitting stage," he wrote. "We're targeting to open summer of 2026 should permits align."

Information from the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting notes the plans review is in progress. 

 also show that the estimated value of the work is $1 million.

 employs 195,000 in more than 2,100 restaurants across the country. In addition to LongHorn, its family of restaurants include 

Olive Garden has two locations on O‘ahu — one in Ala Moana Center and a second in Kapolei at Ka Makana Ali‘i; Yard House can be found at Waikīkī Beach Walk; you can find Ruth's Chris Steak House in Honolulu and Wailea; and Capital Grille is expected to open in Līlia Waikīkī 

. Today, there are more than 500 locations.

Longhorn 071425

<title>What's up with LongHorn Steakhouse?</title>

A sign in Honolulu's Ala Moana neighborhood has been announcing for a while now that the restaurant is coming soon — but how soon? Aloha State Daily was curious, so we asked.

Daily Smile: Saturday, January 17, 2026

ASD Staff

Reporter

More in Daily Smile

Daily Smile: Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

Daily Smile: Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

Daily Smile: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

Daily Smile: Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026

Most read

Daily Smile: Saturday, January 17, 2026

Authors

ASD Staff

Reporter

More in Daily Smile

Daily Smile: Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

Daily Smile: Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

Daily Smile: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

Daily Smile: Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026

Most read