ASD icon blue inverse lighter

ASD Staff

Hawai'i Skies

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Barbara Rasmussen in East Hawai’i. "2026 has had some spectacular sunrises in East Hawai’i but this got my attention with the blinds closed! What a beautiful sight."

To submit your Hawai'i Skies photo, visit us 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Barbara Rasmussen

<title>Hawai‘i Skies: With the blinds closed</title>

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Barbara Rasmussen in East Hawai’i.

Hawai‘i Skies: With the blinds closed

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Barbara Rasmussen in East Hawai’i. "2026 has had some spectacular sunrises in East Hawai’i but this got my attention with the blinds closed! What a beautiful sight." To submit your Hawai'i Skies photo, visit us online or email: general@alohastatedaily.com For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter.

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

Business & Tourism

i and raised on Maui, Roselani Aiwohi says she never planned to be a fashion designer. 

The Maui High School graduate thought about pursuing marine biology in college but instead returned home to give birth and raise her oldest daughter.

“I ended up going back to school to get my bachelor’s in business and eight years later, I went to get my master’s in teaching,” she told Aloha State Daily. “That’s how I started learning more about native plants and ecosystems.”

Between achieving those degrees, Aiwohi worked in escrow before helping her husband run his family business, Uncle Jesse’s Place, a mixed martial arts store, for a few years. She later became a substitute and full-time teacher for more than 12 years, seven years of which were spent at Baldwin High School teaching photography.

Her current venture, a Maui-based alohawear brand named 

“happened by accident,” according to Aiwohi, because she had met and remained in contact with a driver in Indonesia prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We were still in touch through social media; the country had closed due to Covid, so tourists weren't coming in and they weren't able to drive or really make any money,” she recalled. “I sent a message and asked, ‘How's everybody doing? Just checking on you guys.’ And they said, ‘It's pretty bad out here. We can hardly buy any food.’ So, I reached out to my friends that were on the trip with me, and we wired them some money to help.”

The owner of the driving company, Budhi, asked if his wife could be hired to sew some items for Aiwohi. Her mind initially went to simple home goods like blankets. He advised her to draw out any article of clothing in her closet and send measurements. A few weeks later, when she received the samples in the mail, 

 said, “It literally looked like something that I would buy from TJ Maxx or Macy’s.”

“I was shocked. I couldn’t believe she did this from a drawing that I made and just measured myself. … At that point was when the light bulbs kind of went off in my head: If I were to put a cute print on here, I bet other people would want this same thing. In a nutshell, that's how it got started.”

She built Waiwaolani in spring of 2021, with its first release dropped in 2021. The business continues to employ a team of seamstresses in Indonesia, as well as print its fabrics featuring native plants there. Budhi acts as the courier between the two.

“I don’t work with a manufacturing company – it’s small scale, we get about three boxes of inventory every so many weeks,” which fulfills online and pop-up sales. Waiwaolani has nearly 20 part- and full-time staff, she added.

ASD asked Aiwohi more about her artistic process, community initiatives and more.

I am the ideator; sending the graphic designers mood boards, pictures of the plants and hand sketches that I do. With the prickly poppy, one of my very first prints, they just actually took my sketches and made it digital.

I have a list in my head of my favorite native plants from what I’ve seen or read and haven’t even gone through my list yet. I’m constantly educating myself, researching and learning new things. There can be different varieties of one plant, too, for example 'ōhi'a, and some of which are only found on a specific island in a specific place.

How do you incorporate that storytelling into your brand? 

My business has grown organically from the beginning. And I thought to myself, ‘If I put out a print, I want it to be a print that I can talk about and help educate people about,’ and so, sometimes that takes a while. … In terms of where, I run my own social media. Yes, to sell my product, but I’m more interested in using it for meaningful things.

What did you gain from business accelerator Mana Up's Cohort 9? 

It will benefit you how you want it to. Every week, you learn new things. Mana Up links you with the realtors, bankers, wealth specialists. The people who can help you sell yourself internationally.

I didn’t scale with all this money after I finished the program. But that program introduced me to people, these small businesses, who inspire me. I think for me, I came into Mana Up with a very different perspective because I'm a Native Hawaiian-owned business … Our Native Hawaiian population is not as relevant as they should be in certain areas like small business. I wish that there were more opportunities. I wish that there were more supporters. I think to myself, "How can I get my people here with me?"

We need to learn Hawaiian language and Hawaiʻi history to make sure that we stay grounded in what we do. But we also need to be business smart. We need to be money smart because then if not, we get left behind. I'm trying to be successful out here, so that I can help my people and provide for my kids, but at the same time, I'm not trying to appropriate my culture. If I'm going to talk about my culture, I need to practice my culture.

How is Waiwaolani active in the local community?

 I make sure I give back and schedule volunteer days that can teach others about native ecosystems. If we're not giving back and helping to conserve our native ecosystems, we're going to have less water. And years down the line, it is going to be a major problem. I think that's what I learned from a lot of these watershed organizations, they really try to teach the importance of keeping the native ecosystems intact, because at one point the entire Islands were covered in native ecosystems.

We’re going to announce a malama day. Watch for upcoming events and come out and support! The second annual Waiwaolani scholarships will also go to local high schoolers. 

There’re different reasons for my growth, like for my employees and bills to pay, right? But I am also growing it so that I can continue to give back to the people and things that are important to me. Incorporating culture into what I sell and do is my responsibility.

’ll be pushing out new collections and collabs. Soon, we’ll be starting our buyback program, where if people have Waiwaolani that they don't want or they don't wear anymore, hopefully I can buy them back and offer them to the community for those looking for a specific print or price point.

I’m taking college classes now in fashion tech, so hopefully in a couple of years, I can have my own line of handmade sewn collections, where 90% of it is done by me. That’s something else I’m working toward.

Other exciting things are in the works, but not yet ready to be announced. 

Aiwohi said a focus this year will be on family and traveling with them to sports tournaments. She has four kids and one grandchild.

Waiwaolani Roselani Aiwohi

<title>Maui-based brand aims to give back to native ecosystems</title>

Roselani Aiwohi, owner of Waiwaolani, a local clothing business featuring prints of Hawaiian plants, shares how the venture got started and what community initiatives its spearheading today.

Maui-based brand aims to give back to native ecosystems

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

The University of Hawai‘i football team's 2026 season doesn't officially begin until a road tilt at Stanford on Aug. 29, but the national buzz surrounding the Rainbow Warriors has already begun. 

 placed the 'Bows in next season's 12-team College Football Playoff as the Group of Five conference representative. The nod made the Rainbow Warriors a trending topic on X on Thursday, capturing the imagination of national pundits and fans alike. Hawai‘i has never reached the College Football Playoff. Its most prominent offseason appearance was a bid in the 2008 Sugar Bowl, back when UH was ranked 10th nationally in the now-defunct BCS rankings. 

All indications within the program suggest the Rainbow Warriors had a successful 

 Players had from Jan. 2-16 to officially enter the transfer portal, with the exception of players from Indiana and Miami, the two teams who competed in Monday's national championship game (Jan. 19-24). 

Fourteen members of UH's 2025 team entered the transfer portal. Departures included leading receiver 

, who landed at LSU on a lucrative NIL package, as well as starting punter 

, who will join national champion Indiana. Additionally, backup quarterback Luke Weaver, who threw the winning touchdown in the 

, signed with San Jose State, where he will compete for the starting job.

The Rainbow Warriors have added over a dozen players from the transfer portal. Highlights from the portal class include a handful of signees who prepped at Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, the national prep powerhouse that already had a major presence on the Hawai‘i roster. In 2025, the Rainbow Warriors had six Bishop Gorman alums on the roster, led by star quarterback 

. Additionally, associate head coach Chris Brown and quarterbacks coach 

 previously coached at Gorman before joining 

Bishop Gorman alumni joining the Rainbow Warriors in 2026 include former Washington wide receiver Audric Harris, former Michigan State quarterback Jeremiah Hughes, former Oregon and UNLV safety Kodi DeCambra, former Kansas State running back DeVon Rice and former Washington State and Wake Forest cornerback Jaylon Edmond. DeCambra, like Alejado, is an O'ahu native, while Rice originally committed to UH out of high school before flipping to the Wildcats.

Other portal additions include cornerback Caleb "CBo" Brown, who transferred from Hawai‘i to Virginia Tech ahead of the 2025 season before making his way back to Mānoa for his final season of college football. The 'Bows also beefed up their offensive line with 

Denaris DeRosa Jr. (San Jose State), Khalil Walker (South Florida) and Lipe Moala (Oregon).

No position group for the Rainbow Warriors added more players than its receiver group. After losing Harris, Joey Farthing and Brandon White to the portal, the Rainbow Warriors added Devin Alves (Virginia Tech), Carson Brown (Iowa State), 'Tre Griffiths (Oklahoma State) and Diezel Kamoku (Utah), a Kahuku alumnus. The Bows are also set to add Robert Haynes, a high schooler from Missouri City, Texas, that was originally committed to Arkansas. 

Spring practices for the Rainbow Warriors will begin in the coming weeks, followed by the team's offseason strength and conditioning program, spearheaded by head strength and conditioning coach 

Hawaii football 012226

<title>Restocked roster leads to optimistic outlook for 2026 Hawai‘i football team</title>

Following the closure of the NCAA transfer portal, the Rainbow Warriors were able to retain a handful of impact returnees.

Restocked roster leads to optimistic outlook for 2026 Hawai‘i football team

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Food & Dining

A seasoned restauranteur with restaurants throughout the Islands, a handful of chefs and a local bakery are among some of Hawai‘i’s culinary talents who are semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards.

The awards honor “excellence across all types of dining experiences, from fine-dining to casual establishments, while supporting and encouraging a more equitable and sustainable industry,” a Jan. 21 announcement noted.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Semifinalists from Hawai‘i include:"}]

The Restaurant and Chef Awards will be held in Chicago on Monday, June 15.

Asatos Waikiki Neale Asato 112025

<title>Hawaiʻi restaurateur, chefs among James Beard semifinalists</title>

There are nine semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards who hail from the Islands, including Neale Asato of Asato Family Shop, Peter Merriman of Merriman’s, and more.

Hawaiʻi restaurateur, chefs among James Beard semifinalists

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

 and Dave Bautista star in a new movie, “The Wrecking Crew,” which was filmed in 

, and releases next week. It will start streaming globally on Prime Video at 10 p.m. on Jan. 27.

The fast-paced action comedy features the estranged brothers, Jonny Hale (Momoa) and James Hale (Bautista), who reunite when their father dies mysteriously. In trying to figure out what happened, the brothers discover a conspiracy with the power to tear their family apart.

The story is set in Hawaiʻi, but filmed in the United States and New Zealand. Filming included 12 days in Hawaiʻi and 43 days in New Zealand, Angela Laprete, the Hawaiʻi producer for “The Wrecking Crew," told Aloha State Daily. Scenes captured in Hawaiʻi include a murder in Chinatown (which doubles as Kalihi in the movie), a chase scene on the H3, and motorcycle rides along the coast of east Oʻahu.

The idea for the buddy film started when Bautista and Momoa were working together on 

 that follows the human race when it has lost its sense of sight and has to find new ways to survive.

“I got to spend some time with Jason offset and realized he's just such a fun guy, and our energies are so different,” said Bautista, in a global virtual press conference. “We just don't clash. He's super high energy. I'm super low energy, which it just works. It works in real life. It works on film.”

The virtual press conference included Momoa, Bautista, the movie’s director Ángel Manuel Soto

 and moderator Alex Zane. It was streamed from London, England, for the United Kingdom’s premiere of “The Wrecking Crew.”

If character introductions in the movie give a glimpse of each actor’s role, we first see James (Bautista) effortlessly floating under water in a pool where he is training cadets to hold their breaths. The cadets are holding weights to stay submerged and keep dropping those weights to float to the surface for air until only Bautista remains, serene and underwater.

The introduction scene for Jonny (Momoa) is a bit different. He is on a motorcycle flying down a rural road and gets home to see his girlfriend packing the car because she is breaking up with him.

After working together in “See,” Bautista had wanted to do another production with Momoa that was more of a buddy cop film.

“So anyway, I tweeted one night: I want to do a buddy cop film with Jason Momoa, something like ʻLethal Weapon.’ I want David Lee to direct it. This is before I knew you,” he said of Ángel Manuel Soto, the movie’s director seated to his right. “But anyway, that was my tweet. And it exploded! It got more response than anything I've ever tweeted, which has been mostly garbage, just random thoughts. But anyway, people responded. So I called Jason. I was like: ʻHey, man, I want you to know about this because it is getting such a response, I probably should let you know and make sure you even want to do this. And he said, ʻYeah, actually, I already got an idea.’ And so basically his idea was pretty much the foundation of what the film is.”

“The Wrecking Crew” stars several actors who appear in “Chief of War,” including Momoa, who was Kaʻiana, 

It also features actors from Disney’s live action version of “Lilo & Stitch” (2025), including 

, who makes an appearance with shave ice, and died just after the movie's release. "The Wrecking Crew" also features 

, who stars in Disney’s live action movie “Moana,” set to release this year, as Moana’s mother.

“The Wrecking Crew” has multiple fight scenes, of course, including a notable one between Baustista and Momoa that involves rain, mud, a parked car and some blood.

“This was the most fun I've ever had on a film, throughout my career,” Bautista said. “Moments like that, they sound awful, but we were having a great time beating the hell out of each other, but also we were jumping in a hot tub between takes.”

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"The group laughed."}]

“And we got to shoot in New Zealand and Hawaiʻi,” 

. “It was awesome. We had to ride motorcycles in Hawaiʻi. It was great.”

What does Momoa hope audiences take away from the film?

“It's definitely up there as one of the funnest films I've ever made in my life,” he said. “I had the time of my life. I don't [usually] watch the premieres over and over. I've seen this movie five times now. I'm still laughing. I'm excited to watch it tonight. ... And I'm actually having a little private viewing for my kids, because we're very mad that it's not playing in theaters because they just love it.”

The movie leaves room for a possible sequel, as their father’s murder is solved, but another remains open.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

“The Wrecking Crew"

<title>Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista reflect on ʻThe Wrecking Crew’</title>

The action comedy launches on Prime Video on Jan. 27. It features two estranged brothers as they try to figure out who killed their father. Actors Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista share how the idea of the film got started and the role X played in its creation.

Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista reflect on ʻThe Wrecking Crew’

Kam Napier Headshot

A. Kam Napier

Columnists

Government & Politics

The entire Aloha State Daily team donned our logo apparel and headed over to the Hawai‘i State Capitol on Wednesday for the big

. We arrived nice and early and found that no one there could tell us what the plan was for the day, where to go, when things would happen.

Lines of the public formed to get into the House chamber and the Senate chamber, with people asking each other, "Is the House speaking first? Or the Senate?" Because people would like to, if it's possible, hear the opening remarks of both houses, or make a decision about which chamber to enter if they can only attend one of them.

We'd ask security and others who seemed to be in the know and get different answers. We were told the Senate would go first. We were told the House would go first. We were told, no, they're going off at the same time.

The third version ended up being the correct one, and we split up the team to cover both chambers. But anyone there alone would have to hope they got in the right line.

This is just emblematic of why Hawai‘i feels like it's on a downward slope. You get into the chamber — I opted for the House of Representatives — and you see the elected officials going through all the proper rituals and protocols. Robert's Rules of Order. The right things at the right time. A clear plan, for themselves.

And what do we invited guests — the citizens of Hawai‘i — get? Treated like an afterthought.

Look, I used to emcee really big events, a lot. When the guests arrive, you get up on a microphone and tell them what's going to happen, and when, and where, and also where the restrooms are because that's really important. You post wayfinding signs. You have your entire team trained to know the plan so they can help direct guests. This is not hard. 

The Legislature has been hosting these opening day shindigs for literally decades. Why is there no sign downstairs with a timeline and a map? Why is no one on a bullhorn telling people what to expect and where to go? Why is there no map of the legislators' offices upstairs so we can quickly find the people we want to see?

This is the blue-state model in a nutshell. Insiders are content that they followed procedures, while the rest of us wander around wondering what the hell is going on.

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.

Opening day 2025 16x9 Large

<title>Pipikaula Corner: Confusion reigns at Legislature opening day</title>

Attendees spent the morning asking "Where do we go? What do we do?" No one seemed to know.

Pipikaula Corner: Confusion reigns at Legislature opening day

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

A new takoyaki trailer recently opened in Kaka

 soft opened last month; its trailer can be found in front of Up Roll Café Kaka

ako. The new business specializes in authentic, Osaka-style takoyaki. The popular street food is known for its slightly crispy exterior and gooey interior. The snack features batter with octopus (tako), tempura bits and green onions, and is cooked in a special pan to achieve its round, bite-sized shape.

All takoyaki are made to order. All orders include eight pieces, and each contains a generous portion of tako.

Customers can order in person or online. The business recently launched its new 

While the original takoyaki ($10) is the most popular flavor — topped with mayo, bonito flakes and seaweed — other combos include barbecue and mayo ($12), green onion and ponzu ($12), and spicy cod roe, mayo and cheese ($12).

Other combos are a playful nod to “tacos,” with toppings like cheese and salsa with Sriracha ($14), and cheese and guacamole with Sriracha mayo and crushed tortilla chips ($14).

The takoyaki are best enjoyed immediately, but consume with caution — they’re served piping hot.

Hawai‘i Skies: With the blinds closed

ASD Staff

More in Hawai'i Skies

Hawai‘i Skies: Sunrise to start the day

Hawai‘i Skies: Double rainbow

Hawai‘i Skies: Textured clouds

Hawai‘i Skies: Lunar halo

Most read

Hawai‘i Skies: With the blinds closed

Authors

ASD Staff

More in Hawai'i Skies

Hawai‘i Skies: Sunrise to start the day

Hawai‘i Skies: Double rainbow

Hawai‘i Skies: Textured clouds

Hawai‘i Skies: Lunar halo

Most read