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ASD Staff

Daily Smile

[{"type":"text","text":"Takin' care of business..."}]

Smile 26 1 31

<title>Daily Smile: Saturday, January 31, 2026</title>

Takin' care of business...

Daily Smile: Saturday, January 31, 2026

[{"type":"text","text":"Puppy's first day on the job..."}]

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<title>Daily Smile: Thursday, March 19, 2026</title>

Puppy's first day on the job...

Daily Smile: Thursday, March 19, 2026

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

Students from across the state were joined by Gov. Josh Green to urge lawmakers to pass bills outlawing disposable vapes in Hawai‘i.

At a rally at the State Capitol Wednesday, scores of keiki — members of the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawai‘i Youth Council, a program of the Hawai‘i Public Health Institute — waved signs in support of several bills in the state Legislature that would mitigate an epidemic of young people becoming addicted to vapes and e-cigarettes.

, would outright prohibit the sale of disposable vapes in the state, while another, 

, would require vape manufacturers to certify every year that their products are in compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations.

As written, HB2121 and SB2175 are functionally identical. Beginning in 2027, both measures would make the sale of “disposable electronic smoking devices” illegal within the state. Both bills specify that the ban only apply to devices that cannot be refilled or have a non-rechargeable battery.

Nate Hix, policy director at the Hawai‘i Public Health Institute, told Aloha State Daily that, if the bills were to pass, Hawai‘i would be the first state to implement a ban on disposable vapes. However, other nations have enacted similar bans, including the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, HB1573 sets a series of requirements for vape manufacturers, which would have to prove every year that the FDA had issued their product a “marketing granted order,” without which it would be illegal to market their product in the U.S.

Furthermore, manufacturers would need to prove each year that each of their product lines sold in Hawai‘i are in compliance with state and federal laws, and pay $1,000 for each product line sold in Hawai‘i each year. The state Department of the Attorney General would then maintain a list of products approved to be sold in the state; any manufacturer who fails to prove a product complies with the state’s requirements would have that product de-listed.

Hawai‘i Attorney General Anne Lopez said the bill consequently allows the state to remove unlisted products from store shelves. Distributors selling unlisted products would be fined between $500 and $2,000 for each product in violation, while the manufacturer would be fined $10,000 per violation.

Students and politicians spoke Wednesday about the continued prevalence of vapes in schools, with Kohala Sen. Tim Richards — co-introducer of SB2175 — saying that more than one-third of Hawai‘i high schoolers have tried vapes, and that users are four times more likely to take up smoking.

Jeremiah Jacinto, senior at H.P. Baldwin High School, told ASD that vaping is out of control at schools, with school restrooms constantly crowded with illicit vapers.

“It’s gotten to the point where it’s a gamble whether the bathroom is closed because of all the kids vaping,” Jacinto said. “Sometimes the teachers don’t even bother trying to confiscate the vapes anymore.”

Jacinto said he could name “like 50 kids” addicted to vaping, adding that many keiki seem unable to function without a vape.

“It’s like a brain vacuum,” Jacinto said. “It’s like a phone, they can’t leave the house without one in their pocket. They’re always trying to sneak a hit in.”

Kea‘au Rep. Jeanne Kapela — co-introducer of HB2121 — called vape manufacturers “companies selling addiction disguised as candy,” adding that disposable vapes generate needless plastic waste that tends to litter Hawai‘i's beaches and shorelines.

While the lawmakers were optimistic about the bills passing — the House bills are scheduled for a Senate committee hearing on Friday, while the Senate bill passed its first of two committee hearings in the House on Tuesday — they haven’t been uniformly popular. HB2121 and SB2175 have received some opposition by a group called the Hawai‘i Smokers Alliance, which advocates against smoking bans in Hawai‘i.

Michael Zehner, co-chair of the Hawai‘i Smokers Alliance testified on HB2121, calling it a “mean spirited, anti-business mess of a bill” that will destroy local vape retailers.

Meanwhile, a handful of other vape-related bills are still alive in the Legislature, even though they were not discussed at Wednesday’s rally, including HB 1563 and SB 3076.

 would relinquish to the counties the authority to regulate the sale of tobacco products and vapes. This would allow the counties to enact local restrictions on the sale of flavored vape juice — which Jacinto said helps manufacturers target keiki — which the counties of Hawai‘i, Honolulu and Maui have already introduced but cannot actually implement.

 would allow the Attorney General and Department of Taxation to inspect and seize tobacco products including vapes, and that untaxed vapes can be seized as contraband in the same way as untaxed cigarettes.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

97 16x9

<title>Governor and attorney general endorse disposable vape ban</title>

Keiki and lawmakers rallied Wednesday in support of bills cracking down on vape sales.

Governor and attorney general endorse disposable vape ban

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

University of Hawai‘i men's volleyball coach Charlie Wade noticed something odd about his team the last time the Rainbow Warriors took the floor, a four-set win over Lewis to close out the 

A turnstile crowd of 3,336 was on hand to watch the Rainbow Warriors finish out the weekend. The match between the 'Bows and the Flyers, originally set for Friday, was rescheduled due to heavy rain and wind across the Hawaiian Islands. UH was swept on Saturday night by 

 and labored through its first set on Sunday, which Lewis took 25-21. 

"We looked labored and didn't look joyful," Wade said of the way his team opened up Sunday's match. "I think that these guys, representing the state and playing in front of these crowds means a lot. We have built something that is really unique, globally, in volleyball. I think these guys, sometimes that pressure can catch up, and it's like we just weren't playing our style, our way, like we were trying to please the fans, they're coming off the loss the night before. 

"I just wanted to remind them this is the best time of your life, and you're here playing the sport that you love with your best friends and in an unbelievable environment. And let's find the joy. It should be joyful, and get out there and just free it up and get after it. There's nothing coming at us tactically that we don't understand. And it's just like, let's get after it and go back and let's have some smiles. I thought they responded really well."

The night before, the Rainbow Warriors were outclassed by UCLA, losing in straight sets. Despite the turbulent weather, a turnstile crowd of 8,927 showed up for the 'Bows. Hawai‘i went 2-1 at the OUTRIGGER Invitational, exiting the weekend 17-3. If Hawai‘i wants to win its first national championship since 2022, it will have to find a way to defeat the Bruins in all likelihood. 

"I think just understanding, like as a team, what to do in big moments and then later sets," junior setter and floor captain Tread Rosenthal said of the weekend's takeaways. "The first two sets (against UCLA), we go up early and just can't really maintain that performance level. And then the third set, we were right there with them, and just made a few dumb plays late to let him take control. So, I think just consistency in our play and understanding the moment."

After hosting the country's premier multi-team event, the Rainbow Warriors shift their attention to Big West Conference play. All six teams in the conference are ranked in the top 20 nationally, promising to be a five-week gauntlet for all involved. 

Hawai‘i will begin its conference slate with archnemesis Long Beach State, the 2025 national champions. The Rainbow Warriors, who travel to Long beach every other year as part of the Big West rotation, have not beaten The Beach at the Walter Pyramid since 2015. The 'Bows will have two chances this week to try to do so on Friday and Saturday in a pair of matches that begin at 4 p.m. HST. 

"I'm excited," Rosenthal said. "Definitely some leftover juice from last year, and they're gonna want to beat us in their home. So it's just kind of play our game once we go there, don't get too focused on what they're doing and stress ourselves."

Hawaii mens volleyball 031826

<title>Hawai‘i men's volleyball opens up Big West play at archnemesis Long Beach State</title>

The Beach is ranked No. 2 in the country, while the Rainbow Warriors are ranked third in the AVCA national collegiate men's volleyball poll.

Hawai‘i men's volleyball opens up Big West play at archnemesis Long Beach State

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Arts & Entertainment

[{"type":"text","text":"Get ready to eat, drink, kanpai! "}]

Japanese Cultural Center’s 2026 Irasshai: Eat, Drink, Kanpai!

 event is set from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 3, in Mōʻiliʻili. This fourth annual fundraiser benefits the JCCH, where the event will take place.

Inspired by the energetic street festivals and foods of Japan, attendees can look forward to an evening of tasty dishes from local chefs, refreshing beverages, and live entertainment 

all set along the backdrop of glowing lanterns.

The event is for individuals ages 21 years and older; tickets are still available. 

 ($180 each) include access to all food and drink stations, live entertainment and activities at the event.

[{"type":"text","text":"Here’s a sneak peek of the participating restaurants and vendors:"}]

: Aburi whole chicken leg with original Jerk-style dry rub

: Sake Koji-braised short ribs with shiso kimchi furikake

: Soy milk panna cotta with seafood salad

: Soy caramel bruleed beef, yuzu kosho, pickled hearts of Palm, wagyu beef fat shiso rice, ginger Sumida Watercress jus

: Maguro zuke inari soba pockets (maguro zuke served in an inari pocked filled with soba, cucumbers, kaiware and carrots, tossed in house dressing and garnished with green onions)

: Spicy miso eggplant with charred leeks, shichimi togarashi and sesame vinaigrette

: Kurogoma pudding, Mitarashi mochi, souffle cheesecake and strawberry sando cake

 (Sheraton Pricess Kaiulani): Cold Wakana soba noodle salad with yuzu vinaigrette

: Yakisoba with housemade Arabiki and housemade Spam, featuring Mountain View Farms pork

Featured beverage vendors include Aloha Beer Co., Beer Lab Hawai

i, Ito En, Lanikai Brewing Co., Maui Cocktail Kits, and Waiakea.

The event’s featured entertainment includes performances by Taiko Center of the Pacific, Chinagu Eisa (a multi-generational Okinawan Eisa taiko group), singer/songwriter and acoustic guitarist Zach Shimizu, ukulele artist Corey Fujimoto and more. Naoki Hayashi of 

 will also be doing a live printmaking demonstration. The art piece will be one of the featured items in the event’s silent auction.

2026 Irasshai Brandon 031726

<title>Save the date for 2026 Irasshai: Eat, Drink, Kanpai!</title>

2026 Irasshai: Eat, Drink, Kanpai! by Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi is coming up April 3. Attendees can look forward to Japanese street food-inspired dishes, live music and refreshing beverages.

Save the date for 2026 Irasshai: Eat, Drink, Kanpai!

“I was struggling to find the food that I was raised eating,” he says. “Shawarmas, falafels and kebabs have been my favorites. I had to cook this kind of food for myself every day, and also share with my coworkers at my old job.”

After the positive feedback he received, Askar decided to start his own business — called Middle Eats — and popped up weekly at the Honolulu Farmers Market in June 2020.

“(I wanted to) share my food and culture with the local community,” he says. “Even though I was stressed and scared that I wouldn’t do well and wasn’t really expecting much, I surprisingly sold out in 90 minutes on my first day. This was the moment when I found my new purpose — feeding people healthy food and flavors straight from the Middle East. They (these flavors) can’t be found anywhere else on this island.

“The goal was to pick different flavors from different parts of that region in one bite; that’s why I called the business ‘Middle Eats,’” he adds.

Since 2020, Middle Eats has popped up at farmers markets in Mililani, Kailua and Kapi

olani Community College, according to Askar. Around two years ago, the eatery opened its first location on Merchant Street.

“It’s a new restaurant concept called a virtual kitchen,” he explains. “People can place their order from our website, and come pick it up as a curbside option or via delivery.”

Toward the end of January, the business opened its physical location within the 

The business features a variety of wraps, rice bowls, dips, salads and side dishes.

“Our falafel, lamb kofta and shawarma brisket are definitely musts to start with, if you’re visiting us for the first time,” Askar says. “They all come with our housemade sauces like hummus, green tahini and baba ghanoush, which take our flavors to the next level.”

[{"type":"text","text":"He adds that everything is made to order to ensure maximum freshness."}]

The business’s lamb kofta are made from 100% Halal ground lamb patties with house kofta seasoning. Meanwhile, the shawarma brisket features USDA Prime braised beef brisket with the eatery’s special shawarma seasoning.

Wraps are made with footlong toasted lavosh bread, while rice bowls include cardamom basmati rice.

The business’s chicken kebabs and housemade falafel are especially flavorful when paired with its creamy, roasted garlic hummus and green tahini dip.

If you want something unique, opt for Middle Eats’ Egyptian Koshary ($16). This dish features an authentic taste of Egypt’s popular vegan street food. It’s loaded with basmati rice, brown lentils, macaroni spaghetti, vermicelli, seasoned chickpeas and salsa. It’s finished with crispy onions on top.

Askar says he’s excited for the business’s new spot, and encourages first-time customers to give them a try.

“It’s (this new location) part of our expansion plan in Hawaiʻi (to have) six stores across the Islands in the next three years,” he says. “We hope to get the support we need from the local community to come and try our food that is healthy and authentic, filling and delicious.”

Middle Eats chef 031326

<title>Middle Eats brings its authentic flavors to Keʻeaumoku</title>

Middle Eats features a variety of Middle Eastern dishes, ranging from hummus and falafel to kebabs and shawarma. The business recently opened within Midtown Eats food hall, located at The Park on Keʻeaumoku.

Middle Eats brings its authentic flavors to Keʻeaumoku

Lopaka and Tanya Kapanui

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya Kapanui

Hawaii History

Columnists

Looking back at Honolulu’s past, one might remember the chinaware, toys, and curios sold at Iida Store on the corner of Nu‘uanu Avenue and Beretania Street. The original owner, Masukitchi Iida, came from Japan in 1897 to open a branch of his family’s store, which was first located on Mauna Kea Street and then moved to the Nu‘uanu and Beretania corner in 1919.

On the other end of the block stood the Princess Theater. One of Honolulu’s grandest early movie houses, the Princess showcased silent films with live organ music before transitioning to talkies and later Cinerama. For decades, it drew locals and servicemen to its entertainment venue with films, live orchestra presentations, and occasional stage shows and concerts.

In 1930, a Hawai‘i newspaper printed a strange story. At midnight, a policeman had just finished his beat in the Downtown district and was making his way home. As he approached the corner of Kukui and Fort Street, something made him stop. While he stood on the corner, out of the darkness emerged a procession of men dressed in white. The silent parade moved past the policeman quietly without acknowledging his presence. There were too many to count, but what stood out even more than their ghostly countenance was the sight of a large, white dog leading the way. The policeman believed the spirit to be none other than Kū‘īlioloa, a demigod who could assume the form of a man or dog.

The article stated that the policeman was the stepfather of a prominent Hilo citizen, which seemed to lend some legitimacy to his story. There was no follow-up, and life went on, as usual. Honolulu evolved, and so did the district. Business at Iida Store grew, allowing them to relocate to Ala Moana Center, while the changing times led to the closure of the once-vibrant Princess Theater. Bordered by Kukui, Fort, and Beretania Streets and Nu‘uanu Avenue, the area known as “Block G” became the focus of Honolulu’s planned revitalization.

Honolulu’s business center was expanding, and as with any growing city, housing seems to always be at the top of the list of urgent needs. City planners wanted a way to breathe new life into the Downtown Honolulu district, and at the same time, add more living space. In 1970, the City issued a notice inviting firms interested in developing Block G to submit applications. 

In 1973, after five years of back-and-forth with the city and reportedly “thousands” of stumbling blocks, the Kukui Plaza condominium project finally got the green light. Plans included twin towers soaring to 35 stories each, containing 908 apartments, with nearly a quarter designated for sale to families of moderate income. Between the towers would be a five-story parking garage and a two-acre recreation area. The completion date was estimated to be December 1, 1975.

Many construction projects of this scale experience a few setbacks and delays, and this was no exception. But when Kukui Plaza finally opened in 1976, it was one of the first residential developments in the business center of Honolulu.

Today, Kukui Plaza stands as a distinctive residential landmark at the edge of Downtown and Chinatown. Its residents are a mix of longtime local families, working professionals, retirees, and some investors and renters. But through its layered history, the stories remain.

A woman who used to work at the shopping center across the street said that she once saw a large dog in the area. At first, I nodded and smiled, thinking she saw a large stray or an escaped pet. But her expression was full of wonder as she described coming out of the short lane next to Long’s Drugs. She just turned left onto Kukui Street when she saw a dog crossing diagonally in front of her, but as it got closer, it grew bigger. And bigger.

“By the time it got right in front of me, it was as big as my car!” she said.

The figure came from the corner near the intersection of Fort Street, walked in front of the woman’s car, onto the sidewalk, to the parking ramp, and then seemed to disappear as it walked toward the building. She laughed as she said it was late and she was tired, but she knew she wasn’t delirious.

I came across the policeman’s story a few years after hearing the woman’s tale, but I still wonder whether it was the same ghostly dog. I also wonder if anyone else has seen this mysterious animal.

Daily Smile: Saturday, January 31, 2026

ASD Staff

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Daily Smile: Saturday, January 31, 2026

Authors

ASD Staff

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