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It's always good to teach your dog how to let you know when he's hungry...

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<title>Daily Smile: Tuesday, February 3, 2026</title>

Daily Smile: Tuesday, February 3, 2026

 It&#039;s always good to teach your dog how to let you know when he&#039;s hungry...

Kalani Akana Cultural D opt

Kalani Akana

Viewpoints

Hawai‘i History

ʻAlekoko was the name of a chief of Puna, Kauaʻi. Kalālālehua (also “Hāhalua”) was his royal sister. They lived in Niumalu on the banks of Hulāʻia (also “Hulēʻia”) River.

Due to their desire for a fishpond, they commanded the Menehune people to construct and assemble a fishpond at the mouth of Hulāʻia. Their chief agreed to build the pond if the two aristocrats would adhere to the taboos of the Menehune – namely that they could not observe their work. The chiefs promised. Therefore, the Menehune would labor all night to complete the job.

The Menehune people are renown throughout Kauaʻi for their engineering. A famous chief of this people was Ola. Famous to this day are their wondrous works: Kīkī-a-Ola irrigation canal of Waimea; the koa forest and home of Hālau-a-Ola; the walkway through Alakaʻi, Kīpapa-a-Ola; and, this wondrous work, ʻAlekoko Fishpond, also called the “Menehune Fishpond.”

According to Katherine Luomala (1951), the Menehune were a different race of people who arrived in Kauaʻi before the people from Tahiti and the Marquesas. The were short, stout, dark-skinned people highly skilled in construction. In the Faraway Homeland, their ancestral origins, they were called “Manahune” and were servants of diminished socio-political power. Their mistreatment and abuse by the ruling class was a possible reason for them leaving Kahiki.

ʻAlekoko is not only named for the chief. According to famed Kauaʻi storyteller, Fred Wichman, the inability of ʻAlekoko and Kalālālehua to abide by the Menehune taboo was the main cause for its naming.

The story goes like this. Because of the loud banging and clacking of stones from being stacked and fitted, the two aliʻi sneaked a peek and looked at the Menehune. As soon as ʻAlekoko and Kalalālehua looked, the work ceased.

The chief Menehune, Ola perhaps, commanded them to stop working, wash their bloodied hands in the ripples (ʻale) of the water, and return home. Their hands were bloodied (koko) because the rocks from Wahiawa (before Hanapēpe) were not smooth, but jagged and rough. Menehune stood shoulder to shoulder from Wahiawa to Niumalu, about twenty miles, handing stones by hand one to another in the deep dark of night. At Niumalu, the stones were hewn so that they could be stacked and tightly fitted. This work is impressive in all of Hawaiʻi.

They had only one request – to observe their kapu. If those in charge cannot observe the laws then it is right for the laborer to leave the work aside.

The amazing works of this race of people, the Menhune, still exist until now. One moral of this story – keep your promises! Take care of the big person, the little person; those with much power and those with little power. Take care of ʻAlekoko.

This article is reprinted with permission from 

OHA's Ka Wai Ola newspaper: "The Menehune: A true race of people" by 

, in its April 2021 issue, Vol. 38 No. 3. Read more at 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Alakoko Fishpond 16x9

<title>Community Voices: More on the Menehune</title>

Famous to this day are the Menehune's wondrous works: Kīkī-a-Ola irrigation canal of Waimea; the koa forest and home of Hālau-a-Ola; the walkway through Alakaʻi, Kīpapa-a-Ola; and, this wondrous work, ʻAlekoko Fishpond, also called the “Menehune Fishpond.”

Community Voices: More on the Menehune

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Food & Dining

Award-winning chef Roy Yamaguchi is set to bring a new, oceanfront dining experience to the Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa in Līhu‘e.

Ocean House by Roy Yamaguchi is scheduled to open in June. Executive Chef 

"We share a common vision of celebrating culture through food, and this felt like a great opportunity to tell the story of Kaua‘i through what we put on the plate," Yamaguchi told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions. "Partnering with a brand that genuinely respects and supports local culture — and the ocean — was an easy decision."

Yamaguchi, who won the James Beard award for Best Pacific Northwest Chef in 1993, was born and raised in Tokyo, his 

, which can be found on O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island, include the namesake Roy's, Eating House 1849, Beach House, Goen Dining + Bar; and Humble Market Kitchin.

With the new concept, Yamaguchi says, "Our goal is to create a menu that exists only in this space. It's a dining experience you simply can't replicate anywhere else."

According to a recent announcement from Outrigger, Ocean House will serve breakfast and dinner.

Hungry? Signature dishes on the dinner menu include the "Kaua‘i Bag & Boil," which includes Kaua‘i shrimp, fresh daily catch, clams, Portuguese sausage and corn in a brown butter coconut sauce; a selection of fresh sashimi and "creative" sushi rolls; a lū‘au plate "celebrating the full flavors of the Islands;" and hand-crafted noodle dishes.

The chef says that the Kaua‘i Bag & Boil is his favorite item on the new menu.

"It's a dish that speaks directly to Kaua‘i through its ingredients and its sense of place."

Chef Roy Yamaguchi is a true culinary icon and it's an honor to have his vision anchoring the dining experience at Outrigger Kaua'i Beach Resort & Spa," 

Sean Dee, executive vice president and chief commercial officer for Outrigger, told ASD in an emailed response to questions.

 "His pioneering role in Hawai'i regional cuisine, his commitment to local farmers and fishermen, and his ability to create experiences that feel both refined and approachable made him the natural partner for Ocean House."

Dee says that Outrigger's relationship with Yamaguchi runs deep.

The chef's signature Roy's restaurant in Waikīkī "sits on the corner of Waikīkī Beach Walk, a development Outrigger spearheaded more than 15 years ago and continues to manage today, and we've further built that connection through collaboration on Hawai'i Food & Wine Festival events," he explained. "When the opportunity arose to bring his vision to Kaua'i, it felt like the natural next chapter."

When asked how the opportunity came about, Yamaguchi says that knowing Dr. Richard Kelley, the son of Outrigger founders Roy and Estelle Kelley, was the start. But when Dee reached out about an opportunity to collaborate with the Garden Isle resort, "I jumped on it immediately."

"I want guests to feel genuinely connected to the ocean, the island and the place itself, as well as to the farmers, fishermen and ranchers who supply us, and the people who made the entire experience possible," Yamaguchi says when asked what he hopes people will take away from a dining experience at Ocean House.

Dee says Ocean House is the is the "dining centerpiece of a much broader transformation rooted in a sense of place vision that touches everything from architecture and art to programing and dining."

All guest rooms and suites, along with two meeting rooms have been completely renovated and by early next month, guests will experience a "fully reimagined arrival with a gorgeous, updated lobby," Dee told ASD. A new Kawelo Cultural Center, fitness center and Voyager 47 Club Lounge will follow in late summer or early fall.

The design draws on two foundational Hawaiian legends: the story of Pele, the fire goddess, and the ocean journeys of Kawelo Lei Makua, a native hero born in Hanamā'ulu, directly adjacent to the resort — with original works throughout the property by local artists, including Allegra Scribner, Noah Harders, Dane Ishikawa, Shianne Schorr and Garret Kojima," Dee says. "Beyond the physical spaces, guests can join the E Ala E sunrise ceremony, the weekly E Komo Mai cultural celebration, hands-on hula, lei making and ukulele lessons, and our Malama Nukoli'i beach cleanup program — all designed to connect guests more deeply to the island."

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Roy yamaguchi

<title>Chef Roy Yamaguchi to launch new oceanfront restaurant on Kaua‘i</title>

Ocean House by Roy Yamaguchi is set to open next month at Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa in Līhu‘e.

Chef Roy Yamaguchi to launch new oceanfront restaurant on Kaua‘i

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

MĀNOA — A sellout crowd showed up at the Stan Sheriff Center for Saturday's NCAA Tournament match between the University of Hawai‘i men's volleyball team and 

hosted a contest with national championship implications on its home floor

In total, 9,943 fans passed through the turnstiles for the contest between the Rainbow Warriors and Trojans, setting a new NCAA Tournament record for men's volleyball. The previous record of 9,822 was also set at the Stan Sheriff Center in the 1998 championship match between UCLA and Pepperdine. 

On Saturday, both teams treated the record crowd to a match fitting for the occasion, with the 'Bows prevailing in a 25-22, 24-26, 25-23, 32-30 thriller. The Trojans staved off six match points from the Rainbow Warriors before the home team eventually advanced to next week's Final Four. 

"Congratulations to USC on a great season and a very hard, hard fought match," head coach Charlie Wade said following the match. "Thanks to the NCAA for allowing us the opportunity to host, and certainly to our admin for doing such a great job of hosting what was a fun weekend of volleyball. And, I have to thank the fans. It's really a historic event for us to have the largest crowd in NCAA men's volleyball postseason history."

Inspired by their home crowd, the Rainbow Warriors were largely in control during the first set, jumping out to a 23-16 lead. The feisty Trojans did not give up the first set easily, going on a 4-0 run to force Wade to call a timeout. The 'Bows put the finishing touches on their 1-0 advantage on a Kristian Titriyski kill. 

Titriyski hammered a match-high 19 kills in his NCAA Tournament debut. The sophomore was sidelined with a leg injury in the 2025 NCAA Tournament run for the Rainbow Warriors that ended in the national semifinals. In a conversation with setter Tread Rosenthal before the match, 

"I was telling him, 'I haven't played in (an NCAA Tournament) yet.' I'm really happy to play in the NCAAs, to win a game," Titriyski said. "It's a different feeling, especially when you start the tournament at home with a full gym. Everyone's supporting you. You can't even hear your own thoughts. I'm pretty thankful for that, and I appreciate the fans so much, because they're giving us those powers. ... They're always there for us just helping us and the seventh player outside the court helping us all the time."

In Set 2, it was the Rainbow Warriors who gave the Trojans trouble to end the stanza, as USC had a 24-22 lead but were pushed to deuce. The Trojans recollected themselves and took the last two points to even the match at 1-1. 

The third set was tight throughout, with neither team leading by more than two throughout. With the 'Bows up 24-23, Rosenthal, the Big West Player of the Year, served a ball that USC's Johnny Dykstra dug off the video board, securing an important 2-1 lead for UH. 

Hawai‘i gained separation in the fourth set with a prolonged service run by Adrien Roure. The 'Bows found themselves up 20-15 by the end of it, but the Trojans again clawed back to force deuce. In total, Roure's finished with seven service aces.

The Rainbow Warriors never trailed at the end of the fourth set, but the pesky Trojans didn't allow UH to get the two-point lead it needed until the set reached the 30s. USC's run reminded UH players and coaches alike to the contest it played a week prior in which it had five match points against Long Beach State but couldn't close things out against The Beach. 

"There's so many people watching you, and they just give you a boost of energy," Roure said. "We kind of had the same issue against Long Beach, I think we were kind of scared it's going to happen again, but I'm really happy we stayed calm and managed to win."

An attack error by USC's star player, Dillon Klein, finally gave the Rainbow Warriors the victory. 

Klein punished the Rainbow Warriors in a 

victory at the Stan Sheriff Center in 2025

. On Saturday, he had 16 kills, but needed 39 swings. 

USC's season ends at 20-8, while Hawai‘i marches on to the Final Four at 28-5. 

"One or two more points go our way, it's a different result," USC head coach Jeff Nygaard said in his postgame press conference. "It's heartbreaking, and in this moment, it's probably the most emotional thing that we could possibly have. ... I don't want to admit it's over. I'll probably be in shock for a while, but couldn't be happier about the character, culture and how our team fought the entire year."

Fans of both teams were in attendance, though Hawai‘i's fans far outnumbered USC's. Both fanbases cheered when the arena's public address announcer told the crowd that UC Irvine had shocked No. 1 UCLA in its region. The announcement was made between Sets 1 and 2 between the Rainbow Warriors and Trojans. 

The Rainbow Warriors will play their chief rival, Long Beach State, in the second national semifinal on May 9 at 3:30 p.m. HST at UCLA's Pauley Pavillion. In the first semifinal, UC Irvine will take on Ball State. The winners of both semifinals will meet in May 11's national championship match. 

"It was important for the growth, the development of such a young team (to reach the Final Four in 2025) and this is still a young team," Wade said of his squad, which only features one senior in 

. "We know we have the pieces. We know we can play to be champions, and we're two matches away from proving it."

Tread Rosenthal 050226

<title>Hawai‘i men's volleyball advances to NCAA Final Four with thrilling victory over USC</title>

The Rainbow Warriors outlasted the Trojans in four sets in front of a sold-out Stan Sheriff Center crowd on Saturday night.

Hawai‘i men's volleyball advances to NCAA Final Four with thrilling victory over USC

Government & Politics

The first phase of renovations are underway on the former Hilo Memorial Hospital.

The work is part of the Hawai‘i County Office of Housing and Community Development's plan to establish a "coordinated resource hub" focused on housing stabilization, workforce readiness, behavioral health and other wrap-around services, the county said this week.

Phase one includes re-roofing the main structure, the safe removal of hazardous materials and the selective removal of invasive trees to prevent future damage to the foundation, a recent announcement from the county noted.

Later phases will address upgrades to electrical and mechanical systems, ADA improvements, interior renovations and exterior repairs, which the county says will "prepare the building for tenant improvements and eventual program occupancy."

"Reaching this point represents the culmination of years of work, planning, and coordination," Housing Administrator Kehaulani Costa told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions. "The project is now moving into active construction and implementation to deliver a facility that will serve the community for generations."

OHCD has been working on the renovation of the former hospital since 2022, she says.

Diede Construction Inc. was the low bidder for the phase-one work, with a contract award of $8.03 million, according to the announcement. Costa says the contract was awarded on Jan. 29 and the notice to proceed was issued on March 16.

Some $16.6 million in federal grants — secured by U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono — will support the first and future phases of the renovation.

"OHCD is actively advancing planning for the second phase using remaining funds after award of the Phase 1 contract," Costa says. "The county is also working with congressional and state partners to identify additional funding. A timeline for Phase 2 will be established once planning and funding are finalized."

Bids were initially sought for this first phase of renovations 

At that time, the county said work was expected to begin in the fall and take about six months.

Costa, however, said there were delays in the bid award process and the project required rebidding due to compliance review issues and delays verifying federal SAM registration during the federal government shutdown last fall, which led to bid disqualifications.

"The remaining bids were higher than expected, so the project was rebid, received comparable bids and the bids were awarded," she says. "The construction schedule was adjusted accordingly and reflects finalized contract scope, site conditions and 

required environmental protections, such as seasonal restrictions to avoid impacts to the ʻōpeʻapeʻa (Hawaiian hoary bat) during its birthing and pup-rearing period from June 1 to Sept. 15."

The work is expected to take about 12 months to complete.

Located at 34 Rainbow Dr. in Hilo, the former hospital sits on about 25 acres owned by the state and managed by Hawai‘i County through an executive order.

The three-story building was originally constructed in two phases a century ago — between 1922 and 1924 — with a third phase completed in 1929, according to a 

 for the renovation project published in April 2024.

It's comprised of three main structures. Ward A, or the mauka wing, was constructed in the first phase; a central administration building, or core, in the second; and Ward B, or the makai wing, in the third.

According to the EA, the initial design of the building came from architect Afong Heen, while subsequent architects, including C.W. Dickey (who helped design the 

Alexander & Baldwin building in Downtown Honolulu

) "designed the rest of the hospital building in kind."

"The renovation of the old hospital is guided by ongoing master planning efforts to create a centralized campus for housing and supportive services," the announcement says. "The county has worked with community partners, service providers, and stakeholders to shape a vision that aligns facility design with identified gaps in housing, healthcare access and workforce support.

, an emergency shelter and assessment center for single men; and 

, a permanent supportive housing program, both of which are operated by nonprofit 

, the island's largest homeless services provider.

Costa says those programs are still operating and the county will "coordinate with the nonprofit operator as needed to ensure continuity of services during construction."

Hilo Memorial Hospital

<title>Renovation of old Hilo Memorial Hospital underway</title>

The Hawai‘i County Office of Housing and Community Development has been working on the renovation of the former hospital since 2022.

Renovation of old Hilo Memorial Hospital underway

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

 is known for its sushi omakase experience, available at different price points.

The eatery recently updated its happy hour — available from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays — to include new dishes.

New options include mochi, served takoyaki-style ($8), crispy crab ($9) and tako ($8).

The fried mochi ($8) is topped with melted cheese, bonito flakes, nori, mayo, green onions and okonomiyaki sauce. The mochi is crispy on outside and chewy on the inside. It’s best eaten hot to enjoy the melted cheese topping.

The crispy soft shell crab ($9) comes with Asian remoulade and citrus. The creamy aioli pairs nicely with the flaky crab.

Tako can sometimes sport a rubbery texture, but this fried version is not overly chewy. It comes with aioli and lemon.

Happy hour favorites include baked oysters ($7), spicy ‘ahi tuna on crispy rice ($9), featured five-piece sashimi ($18), and rainbow tiradito ($19).

The baked oysters are a one-bite pūpū topped with a savory foie gras aioli, bubu arare and chives. The spicy ‘ahi on crispy rice include two pieces per order; each piece comes topped with bubu arare and chives.

During our visit, the sashimi of the day included ‘ahi, salmon and hamachi. The tiradito — available with ‘ahi, hamachi, salmon or rainbow — features thinly sliced, sashimi-style raw fish bathed in citrus and garnished with chili pepper. We’re told the rainbow — a combo of ‘ahi, hamachi and salmon — is the most popular option.

Reservations for happy hour are recommended, since the eatery features limited counter seating.

TORO also features special events and limited-time experiences. The eatery is still accepting reservations for its Cinco de Mayo-themed tequila and omakase experience, available on May 6 and 7 at 5:30 and 7:45 p.m. The omakase ($200 per person) includes 14 seasonal creations paired with three handcrafted tequila cocktails.

TORO will also be featuring a gyotaku omakase from May 28 to 30 (two seatings available at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.). The event will feature an immersive pop-up gallery, featuring artist Jacelyn Rene’s gyotaku and watercolor work. The traditional art form will be brought to life alongside each individual’s omakase meal.

Each attendee will also get an original artwork to take home. The experience costs $350 per person (inclusive of original print).

1130 N. Nimitz Hwy, Suite C-130, Honolulu

Happy hour is from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays

TORO happy hour spread 050126

<title>This hidden sushi spot has a revamped happy hour</title>

Tucked away in Nimitz Business Center, TORO — known for its sushi omakase experience — recently updated its happy hour menu. New dishes include soft shell crab, fried local Hawaiian octopus, and fried mochi, served takoyaki-style.

This hidden sushi spot has a revamped happy hour

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

 and chef who lives in Waiʻalua with her ʻohana, recently shared her secret to swimming to the bottom of the ocean and more at a talk story event hosted by Honolulu-based solar company, 

“Itʻs a state of calm and Zen,” she told an audience of community members at 

on April 21. “When you feel the need to speed up, thatʻs your indicator to slow down. ... The main thing I have learned from the ocean is to embrace the stress and take the fear and donʻt panic, but turn it into courage and do something good with it instead.”

Werner says she has her dad to thank for taking her out to spearfish at a young age off the coast of Maui. Her family would prepare the catches in whole, which she describes as a “simple lifestyle.”

She took some time away from the sport, until it called her back in her mid-20s and by 2008, Werner became a U.S. National Spearfishing Champion.

 From there she received multiple recognitions in the sport, as well as for her efforts in environmental sustainability.

Her most recent endeavor is the launch of “Kimi’s Kitchen: An Ocean Woman's Guide to Wild Home Cooking” a cookbook and biography in partnership with Nicole Gormley and Jennifer Fiedler, published by 

“It’s been a lifelong goal to write a cookbook,” the certified culinary chef said at the event. “Food has always been a part of who I am. It’s been a part of my roots and values and passions and creativity for so long. … It was important to create a tangible thing that would be a legacy piece.”

But the main inspiration for the new cookbook, she added, is gratitude.

“That’s what life is. I love every part about it. I love the highlight moments and I love the humble moments. I wanted a piece that would capture it all.”

As a mom, she noted the book also serves as instruction for her son, Buddy, whom she dedicated it to. “I want him to be able to feed himself,” she said.

Werner is also a customer and brand ambassador of RevoluSun. She told Aloha State Daily at the event that the partnership has been ongoing for a few years.

“As Hawaiʻi continues to navigate rising energy costs and grid uncertainty, it’s important for us to create opportunities for open dialogue and education,” 

co-founder and chief innovation officer, said in an emailed statement to ASD.

“Events like ‘A Full Circle Talk Story with Kimi Werner’ bring together leaders, customers and community voices to explore how sustainability and energy independence intersect. It’s a reflection of RevoluSun’s mission to provide not just solutions, but guidance and partnership for a more secure energy future.”

RevoluSun will be hosting an event on May 14 focused on the topic of the Safe Harbor timeline and future of commercial solar in Hawaiʻi. 

Check out this video of the two coming together in 2025 on Wernerʻs home project.

Kimi Werner x Revolusun

<title>RevoluSun and new cookbook author Kimi Werner bring community together</title>

Maui-born freediving spearfisher and chef Kimi Werner recently signed copies of her new cookbook and shared her journey over lunch hosted by the Honolulu-based solar company.

Daily Smile: Tuesday, February 3, 2026

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Authors

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