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[{"type":"text","text":"\"This is the largest stick Daisy has ever selected to bring home...\""}]

Smile 26 1 28

<title>Daily Smile: Wednesday, January 28, 2026</title>

"This is the largest stick Daisy has ever selected to bring home..."

Daily Smile: Wednesday, January 28, 2026

 "This is the largest stick Daisy has ever selected to bring home..."

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

New Zealand actor Temuera Morrison has worked alongside 

, first as his father in “Aquaman” movies and later as King Kahekili, his rival, in the Apple TV+ mini-series “Chief of War.”

 when speaking with Aloha State Daily about 

 Now, the actors are starring together in “The Wrecking Crew,” where Morrison plays the governor of Hawai’i.

The fast-paced action comedy features estranged brothers Jonny (Momoa) and James (Dave Bautista), who reunite in Hawai’i to find out who murdered their father. The movie launched on Amazon Prime Video on Jan. 27. 

“Hey, if there's any chance to work in Hawai’i, that's the best place to work in the world,” Morrison told ASD. “Stay on Waikīkī. Go and do some filming. Come back to Waikīkī. Have a little swim. Go eat. Go to the mall — Royal Hawaiian [Center] — and watch a little hula. Go try some malasada donuts. Oh, my God.”

“The Wrecking Crew” included 12 days of filming in Hawaiʻi and 43 days in New Zealand, Angela Laprete, the Hawaiʻi producer for the movie told ASD. Laprete is a founder of the 

Hawai’i Film Alliance, which formed in July

 and is advocating for tax incentives that could bring more movies and television shows to Hawai’i.

Morrison first captured Momoa’s attention when he played Jake Heke, the violent and alcoholic father at the heart of “Once Were Warriors” (1994), 

one of the most successful movies in New Zealand film history

“I think he'd seen my movie ‘Once Were Warriors,’ which I was a big part of and it moved him in a way that actually put him into acting,” Morrison said. “So, when ‘Aquaman’ came along, I think he was a big mover in getting me to play his dad. He's just been a big fan of mine. He's like my son, really.”

Over the years, Morrison played Boba Fett in the “Star Wars” movies and the voice of Chief Tui in “Moana,” among other roles. Recently, Morrison and Momoa appeared in “Chief of War,” which was filmed mostly in ‘Olelo Hawai’i. “The Wrecking Crew” focuses on the Hawaiian side of where Momoa grew up, he added.

“He's worked hard,” Morrison said. “He's put himself in a nice, viable place now, where we can make these kind of movies.”

Morrison said with a laugh that he doesn’t look like the state’s current governor, Josh Green.

“Sometimes I ask myself, ‘What the hell am I doing in this film?’” he said. “But anyway, my buddy is asking, so I better just turn up and be the governor.’”

Morrison remembers the first time he met Bautista.

“I met Dave Bautista some time ago, too, when he first started out,” he said. “It was really nice to reconnect with Dave. In fact, when I saw Dave on set for the first time, he goes, ‘Do you remember me?’ I said, ʻOf course, I remember you!’”

They originally met while working together on one of the “Scorpion King” movies. Bautista was “still pretty new to the whole acting scene” and was trying to learn his lines, he added.  

“I was giving him some hints: ʻWell, this is how you learn your dialogue, Dave. You don't put any emphasis on it. You just learn it flat,’” he said. “Later on, when you start to work with the other actor, that’s when the color will come.”

Learning the lines without inflection allows for more authentic emotional responses to the other actors in a scene, he explained.

“But if you started to shape it in the rehearsal now — or while you're at home at night — it's hard to break those patterns because you'll just get into your rhythm,” he said. “It’s best not to have any rhythm, any pattern, any emphasis anywhere until you start working with the other actors.”

On set for "The Wrecking Crew," Bautista recounted that advice and presented Morrison with a pair of Louis Vuitton sunglasses as a thank you, Morrison added.

“So again, at all kinds of levels, we're having fun,” he said.

As viewers stream the movie, he wants them to also have fun.

“Where there's Polynesians, there's also a lot of comedy,” he said. “It's a great popcorn movie to sit down, take the family, have a good old laugh. It’s very colorful. There's a few surprises.”

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Temuera Morrison

<title>Temuera Morrison plays Hawaiʻi governor in new film</title>

“The Wrecking Crew,” a movie starring Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista and Temuera Morrison is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Temuera told Aloha State Daily about the acting advice he gave Bautista, when they first worked together years ago, which resulted in a gift of Louis Vuitton sunglasses on set.

Temuera Morrison plays Hawaiʻi governor in new film

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

A federal budget bill allocating billions of dollars to Immigration and Customs Enforcement remains deadlocked as another shutdown of the federal government looms.

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly voted to pass 

 for various federal agencies through the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends in September.

While the budget bill includes funds for departments such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency — which would receive more than $5 billion under the bill — it also includes funding for the Department of Homeland Security and ICE, which many Democrats have opposed.

In particular, the bill would allocate a little over $10 billion to ICE, including $11 million for “costs associated with the care, maintenance and repatriation of smuggled aliens unlawfully present in the United States.”

Should Congress not pass the bill by Friday, the federal government will once again shut down. On Wednesday, senators laid out their positions on the bill, but no vote on the measure took place.

Hawai‘i Sen. Brian Schatz spoke on the measure Wednesday and condemned the actions of immigration officers in Minneapolis. Schatz had previously said on Saturday that he will vote against any DHS funding unless “more controls are put in place to hold ICE accountable.”

When the House voted 220-207 to pass the measure last week, Hawai‘i Reps. Ed Case and Jill Tokuda also voted against the bill.

Meanwhile, another, far longer budget bill has also been held up in Congress despite being much less divisive in the House — the bill passed the House last week 341-88, with Case and Tokuda in support.

 includes $22.3 million for continued funding to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant Program, another $27 million for a Native Hawaiian housing loan program, $22 million for the East-West Center, and more.

While the Senate moved to end discussion of the bill on Tuesday and push it to a vote, discussion of the ICE budget bill prevented any vote from taking place.

, a bill that would require universities enrolled in federal student aid programs to inform students of available resources in case of pregnancy.

In particular, the university would need to inform students of available accommodations and other services to help carry a pregnancy to term and provide post-birth care. Students would also be provided with a procedure for filing a complaint if they feel they’ve been discriminated against for choosing to carry a pregnancy to term.

The House voted 217-211 to pass the bill last week, with Case and Tokuda voting against it. On Tuesday, Hawai‘i Sen. Mazie Hirono spoke against the bill, calling it “yet another step in a broader war on reproductive rights and reproductive freedoms.”

Hirono told the Senate the measure does little to actually help pregnant students while notably not including any information about abortion or contraception — which she called “government-mandated bias” — while threatening to further cut funds to universities.

Like the other two bills, the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act remains on the Senate floor with no vote scheduled.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Lawmakers 16x9

<title>CONGRESS WATCH: ICE funding bill in limbo as shutdown deadline looms</title>

Debate of ICE budget bill stalls action on other measures

CONGRESS WATCH: ICE funding bill in limbo as shutdown deadline looms

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Customers can now choose from 40 brand-new dishes at 

. The fast-casual sushi eatery recently launched its new grand menu, which features 140 dishes.

Scan the QR code at your table to see the menu and order; you can also order from your server. The dishes are delivered to your table via Genki Sushi’s “bullet express.”

New dishes include assorted temaki ($4.45-$6.05) — choose from tuna salad, California, natto, shrimp tempura, spicy tuna or kalbi — and the Sunrise roll ($6.95). The latter used to be a seasonal special, but is now on the permanent menu. It comprises a shrimp tempura and imitation crab roll topped with salmon, tobiko and green onions.

If you want something shareable, go for the crispy rice topped with spicy tuna ($7.45) or crispy rice topped with tuna salad ($6.95). Of the two, the spicy tuna option was our fave.

The aburi char siu bowl ($6.95) features a nice, flame-seared option. The portion size allows you to try a variety of other dishes.

Genki Sushi has numerous options — including arabiki sausage a la carte ($6.95) and seared spicy tamago ($3.35) — if you want something other than seafood. The seared spicy tamago ($3.35) was one of our favorite new dishes, due to its slight heat.

Other new dishes include clam chowder croquettes ($6.45), garlic ebi mountain roll ($6.45), soft shell crab tempura roll ($13.20), Hokkaido scallops ($6.05), and shrimp tempura udon ($6.95). The latter was previously available for takeout only, but customers can now enjoy it for dine-in service.

Of course, customers can still enjoy popular dishes like the spicy tuna bowl ($6.45), ‘ahi poke ($5.45), fried squid combo ($6.45) and spicy tuna wonton ($7.45).

Genki Sushi new dishes 012826

<title>Genki Sushi launched its new grand menu</title>

The menu has 140 dishes and 40 brand-new options, including crispy rice with spicy tuna, aburi char siu bowl, clam chowder croquettes, Hokkaido scallops and more.

Genki Sushi launched its new grand menu

IMG 1445

Rick Hamada

Columnists

Protesters on O‘ahu rallied against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on this past Sunday over two shooting deaths in Minnesota that happened just weeks apart.

Organizers called the demonstration at the intersection of Atkinson Drive and Ala Moana Boulevard an “emergency protest,” and demanded justice for 

Alex Pretti, 37, a U.S. citizen who was shot and killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis

 agents tried to disarm him, and he resisted, and an officer fired defensive shots out of fear for his life and the safety of other agents.

It is the most incendiary news cycle since the nation was roused by the death George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement. With the passing of time and developments in this story, there was so much that emerged that revealed more truth. We are witnessing a variation on a theme in Minnesota but what is a common thread is the sweeping emotional narrative leading to a greater division in our country.

[{"type":"text","text":"First things first."}]

There is no joy surrounding the Pretti or Good stories. I lament the loss of life, the impact to their families and friends and the continuing divisions plaguing our country. We have been treated to personalized stories of each including backgrounds, families, occupations and more. 

I am not decrying the access to media those close to Pretti and Good have used to share their messages. As anyone of us who has experienced such grievous loss can attest that it is a painful and regretful experience. And to lose a loved one at the hands of law enforcement is not something I can relate to because that has never happened to me. But empathetically speaking, I can imagine their losses were exacerbated learning their deaths were at the hands of ICE agents.

[{"type":"text","text":"The as of now, unsolved questions are how and why. "}]

But there are so very many who have reached their own conclusions and this is on both sides. I am of the mind to opine on what we do know and hold accusations and assumptions until there is a verifiable explanation and conclusion by verifiable sources.

However I do maintain there is voluminous reporting and social media posts that present one side to the overall story of ICE. I hope to provide another side to what is for so many the accepted overall narrative regarding ICE, its operations and news coverage. 

[{"type":"text","text":"Some key points."}]

[{"type":"text","text":"\"ICE agents are untrained.\""}]

"The basic training for an ICE agent - ICE-D is a 13-week Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) integrated basic training program that consists of both FLETC and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) training. FLETC training includes three written examinations. You are required to obtain a 70% or better on all FLETC written examinations. ICE training includes four written examinations. You are required to obtain a 70% or better on all ICE written examinations," per the 

. There are requirements for speaking Spanish, physical conditioning and more. 

DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a written statement that ICE officer candidates receive extensive training over eight weeks in courses that include conflict management and de-escalation. She said many of the candidates are military veterans, and about 85% have previous law enforcement experience. “All ICE candidates are subject to months of rigorous training and selection at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, where they are trained in everything from de-escalation tactics to firearms to driving training. Homeland Security Investigations candidates receive more than 100 days of specialized training," she 

I understand there will be those who take exception to the aforementioned retort to ICE officers "are not trained." There are counter arguments from those in various spaces that will denounce the quality of training. As I mentioned before, I would rather base my opinion on what is verifiable. With the two pieces of official data from the DHS, the statements can be vetted for accuracy. I have not seen any discrediting of this training protocol except news reports citing politicians and academia for their opinions.  

[{"type":"text","text":"\"ICE should be eliminated.\""}]

More Americans now support abolishing ICE than keeping it.

found that 46% want to eliminate ICE, compared to 43% who support preserving it.

Polling data is some of the most easily manipulated information anywhere. It's the pool of those polled, it's the phrasing of the question, and both are areas where it's controllable to reach a specific conclusion. Case in point; political polling during an election year. Candidates will often cite their own "internal" polling for a specific result. It's literally a selfie in a snapshot of time where emotions will supersede a true preponderance of questions posed. As an example, where is the margin of error in the above cited poll numbers where there is only a 3% difference? Exactly.

 "ICE is targeting minorities and even children in separating families."

The mission of ICE is to protect America from cross-border crime and illegal immigration that threaten national security and public safety through 

criminal investigations and enforcing immigration laws, combating threats like terrorism, trafficking, and illicit movement of people and goods, and upholding immigration integrity.

ICE accomplishes this by enforcing over 400 federal statutes, with key functions including immigration enforcement, investigations and removals, focusing on criminals, national security threats and maintaining lawful immigration.

[{"type":"text","text":"\"ICE is too rough with enforcement.\""}]

I would counter that agitators among genuine protesters are too rough with ICE agents/officers.

Now, before you start rolling your eyes and yelling at your screen, simply consider the following.

I began this column referring to local protests being staged on Ala Moana Boulevard near the harbor. According to reports, hundreds attended, and you know what happened? 

No confrontations, no traffic snarling or blockages, no illegal and classless behavior to law enforcement.

[{"type":"text","text":"But you know what else happened? "}]

Those who have grievances regarding the Minnesota stories and who oppose ICE and DHS successfully protested. Their peaceful congregation, respect for motorists, bikers and pedestrians, and law enforcement countered the actions in other parts of the Mainland. And their message was delivered and received via local news coverage and more.

Side note: Kudos to Hawai‘i News Now's A‘ali‘i Dukolow for his well chronicled and well balanced story pertaining to a controversial and multi-layered story.

I know there are those that are saddened to being outraged at what is taking place in our country. You have every right to believe what you believe, to speak out on what you believe and even proselytize others to believe what you believe. But we don't have the right to escalate, to assault, to berate and spew hatred to ICE or any other law enforcement officers.

[{"type":"text","text":"Commit crimes, no."}]

[{"type":"text","text":"Final thought regarding protesting and not inflaming."}]

When you are taking to the streets either here or there ask yourself one question.

[{"type":"text","text":"Am I making my kids proud? "}]

[{"type":"text","text":"This is a rule of thumb all sides should embrace."}]

Protest i Stock 2230731637

<title>Hamada: Something important happened at Honolulu's anti-ICE protest</title>

No violence at all. What we see happening on the Mainland isn't the way things need to be.

Hamada: Something important happened at Honolulu's anti-ICE protest

Daniel Farr 02

Daniel Farr

Hawaiʻi County is launching a review of more than $33 million in homelessness grants after questions were raised about fairness, equity and whether the funding is reducing visible street homelessness.

The County Council’s Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee unanimously advanced a resolution last week requesting a performance audit of the Office of Housing and Community Development’s Homelessness and Housing Fund. The resolution, which targets the five-year program created in 2022, now moves to the full council for consideration. 

Council Chair Holeka Inaba told Aloha State Daily the audit, expected this fall, will examine how grants are awarded, whether funds are spent according to approved budgets and whether programs are achieving their intended goals. He said the review will also address concerns that some nonprofits received multiple awards with overlapping costs, including insurance and utilities, which may function as general overhead despite the county’s 10% administrative cap.

Housing Administrator Kehaulani Costa told ASD the Office of Housing and Community Development supports the audit and plans to work closely with the County Auditor’s Office throughout the process.

“We view this as an opportunity to better understand the scope of the county’s homelessness-related investments and to ensure transparency, accountability and continuous improvement,” she told ASD.

Inaba said the council wants to better understand whether the funding is making a visible difference in the community.

“For community and for us on the council, it’s what you’re seeing when you’re out there on the streets. Your numbers can say whatever it wants, it can say we have 200 more homeless in town or 200 less, but what are we seeing on the streets?” Inaba told ASD.

Inaba also raised concerns about the current grant process, saying organizations can, in some cases, receive funding simply by proposing to help people experiencing homelessness, even if the services do not fully align with community needs.

The council is exploring a new approach that would set specific service requirements, such as operating a 24/7, year-round shelter with a set number of beds and a resource center, and direct funding to organizations that meet those requirements.

Inaba said the audit will help ensure public funds are used equitably and effectively and could influence whether the county continues funding programs beyond the current 2027 deadline.

“I don’t anticipate us seeing a bill that would stop it anytime sooner because there’s already a hard stop,” he told ASD.

Even if the audit shows progress and the program is extended past 2027, Inaba said a deadline should remain in place so future councils continue to closely monitor the funding.

Councilwoman Jenn Kagiwada told ASD the review will help determine the most effective way to address homelessness at the county level. Kagiwada is the council’s only member with a social services background.

Councilman Dennis Onishi told ASD he has concerns about the program’s structure and reporting, saying the council currently has limited information about nonprofit performance and whether funding is effectively supporting families experiencing homelessness.

Onishi said the legislation authorizing the fund does not clearly define how grants should be awarded or evaluated.

“I feel the council should suspend the funding and reconstruct the legislation to fit the purpose of what the council would like to see happen,” Onishi told ASD.

He added that some funding could also be redirected to support first responders and security, as suggested during the original vote.

Lawmakers also raised concerns about visible homelessness in parks, vandalism and safety risks for children. Inaba said enforcement by the Department of Parks and Recreation, with support from police, is critical to addressing those issues.

The most recent funding round, approved in December, awarded 

 to 12 projects, with an additional $5.1 million supporting urgent initiatives such as safe overnight sleeping programs, emergency shelters and permanent housing with supportive services. Twenty-three applications requested more than $18 million, far exceeding available funds.

Since 2022, the Homelessness and Housing Fund has awarded more than 

 to nonprofits across Hawaiʻi Island. Top recipients include Hope Services Hawaiʻi Inc., which received nearly $10 million for long-term housing and support programs across the island; Bridge House Inc., which received $430,000 for recovery and family housing in Kona; the Big Island Substance Abuse Council, which received roughly $800,000 for detox, stabilization and family programs; and Neighborhood Place of Puna, which received $400,000 for youth and family street outreach.

Programs funded include street outreach, transitional living, permanent supportive housing and behavioral health services.

The Homelessness and Housing Fund, authorized through 2027, receives at least $9 million annually from residential property tax revenues. The audit is expected to provide lawmakers and the public with a clearer picture of whether the county’s homelessness funding is being spent effectively and producing visible results.

Daily Smile: Wednesday, January 28, 2026

ASD Staff

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Daily Smile: Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Authors

ASD Staff

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