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ASD Staff

Hawai'i Skies

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Carol Sears in Mililani Mauka. "

We get stunning rainbows because of the frequent rains and sunshine at the same time. Especially during the winter months."

To submit your Hawai'i Skies photo, visit us 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Carol Sears 26 1 29 3

<title>Hawai‘i Skies: Stunning rainbows</title>

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Carol Sears in Mililani Mauka.

Hawai‘i Skies: Stunning rainbows

Today&#039;s Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Carol Sears in Mililani Mauka. &quot;We get stunning rainbows because of the frequent rains and sunshine at the same time. Especially during the winter months.&quot; To submit your Hawai&#039;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.

Letters to the Editor

. I was really delighted to read his Jan. 14 column about 

. Bob was my husband's cousin and we would see him every three years or so when he attended family reunions on the Mainland. I am a former and now retired journalist and was always very interested in Bob's career and subjects. It's amazing that Bob passed away 20 years ago but that people still remember him and the concepts and background that he articulated about Hawaiʻi's political and economic development and the support for its culture. So interesting! Thank you so much for your column.

[{"type":"text","text":"Kristy Liercke, Virginia"}]

Krauss HI Observer Image 1975 16x9

<title>Letter to the Editor: Remembering Bob Krauss</title>

Krauss had influence on Hawaiʻi politics, culture and more, including family.

Letter to the Editor: Remembering Bob Krauss

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Aloha Spirit

We’re in the midst of humpback whale season, the time of year — typically November through May 

i’s warm waters to mate, give birth and raise their young.

Since the Pacific Whale Foundation began working in Maui County waters nearly 45 years ago, the subpopulation of humpbacks in the North Pacific has grown from about 1,000 to somewhere between 25,000 and 30,000, Morgan Wittmer, EcoTours Manager with PWF’s PacWhale Eco-Adventures told Aloha State Daily. Of those, about 12,000 are expected to come to the Islands this season.

That “massive change” is attributed to the attention given to these animals and protecting the mammals and their habitat, she says.

Aloha State Daily spoke with Wittmer to learn more about whales in Hawai

i, the work the Pacific Whale Foundation does and more. Here’s what we learned.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Pacific whale foundation humpback whale 020926

Lisa Eller

Viewpoints

Traditionally, koholā (humpback whales) are acknowledged as ancient beings and considered to be a kinolau (manifestation) of Kanaloa, the god of the ocean – which is why they may be referred to as “Kanaloa” by cultural practitioners.

Kohola Whales KWO

Community Voices: Kuleana to care for whales as living ancestors

<title>Pacific Whale Foundation on its work, humpback whale season, more</title>

Founded by Greg Kaufman in 1980 “to protect a declining humpback whale population from global threats,” the nonprofit owns PacWhale Eco-Adventures, whose profits support the Pacific Whale Foundation’s work.

Pacific Whale Foundation on its work, humpback whale season, more

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Lunar New Year, also called Chinese New Year, starts Tuesday, Feb. 17. To mark the event, there are parades, parties and more. Kung Hei Fat Choi!

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"MONDAY, FEB. 9"}]

 A new Sig Zane design called “Hoʻohei,” which means “to lasso,” or figuratively, “to fascinate,” according to the alohawear clothing brand, released in stores on Monday, Feb. 9. The design features two color schemes: one where the horse is orange and the other where it is black. The shirts will be available online starting Wednesday, Feb. 11.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"SATURDAY, FEB. 14"}]

Chinatown 808’s Chinatown Festival and Parade, presented by American Savings Bank, returns for its 50th year. The all-day event runs from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. and takes place in ʻAʻala Park on N. Beretania Street, between Maunakea and ʻAʻala streets. The parade starts at 4:30 p.m. along Hotel Street and goes from the Hawaiʻi State Capitol through Chinatown. Look for lion and dragon dances, martial arts demonstrations, activities for keiki, live entertainment and vendors with crafts and food. There will also be a pony and donkey petting area. 

The District is hosting a Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day party, which is located one block from Ala Moana Center. The event features DJs, two rooms of music and opportunities to get table service or private karaoke rooms. Enjoy a mix of hip-hop and top 40 hits, as well as dance music. The event runs from 9 p.m. until 4 a.m. Business casual or standard night club dress code applies. The cover charge is $20. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"SUNDAY, FEB. 15"}]

. This free yoga class is designed to help attendees start the Lunar New Year with a fresh start. Wear red, if possible. Bring a mat or towel. The class starts at 8 a.m. at the Lululemon store at Ala Moana Center. Water is provided. Afterward, shop the Lunar New Year collection. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"MONDAY, FEB. 16"}]

This event will have attendees building a 2026 mini bingo card, which can be turned into a magnet or key chain. The goal is to get the group back on track with New Year’s resolutions for 2026. Attendees must be at least 18 years old. No artistic experience is needed. Craft as golden hour settles over the North Shore at LPN Farms. Tickets start at $55. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"TUESDAY, FEB. 17"}]

. From Chinese food to coffee and pastries, Food and Dining Reporter 

This challenge asks participants to join a virtual challenge and commit to 2.026 miles, 20.26 miles or 202.6 miles in the year of 2026. Registration for the virtual race costs $25. It includes a commemorative medal and bib, plus 15% of the registration fee goes to the nonprofit Soles4Soles, which takes donated used shoes and creates business opportunities for low-income families across the world. 

 Head to the Royal Hawaiian Center to catch a lion dance from the Lung Kong Physical Culture Club, which will visit The Royal Grove and participating stores. The event starts at 5 p.m. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"SATURDAY, FEB. 21"}]

Waikīkī Beach Walk Welcomes Lunar New Year. 

There will be a pole-jumping performance at 5 p.m. at Waikīkī Beach Walk Plaza. Lion dancers will visit retail stores and restaurants after that. 

 Watch an acrobatic lion dance from the Wah Ngai Lion Dance Association at The Royal Grove within the Royal Hawaiian Center. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"SUNDAY, FEB. 22"}]

 will share traditional Chinese folk dance at The Royal Grove within the Royal Hawaiian Center. The performance starts at 3:30 p.m. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"SATURDAY, FEB. 28"}]

This all-day event includes live entertainment, food and craft vendors, and a keiki zone. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Palama Settlement. Parking is available at Likelike Elementary School. Free. 

Chinese New Year with Mahjong Social Club. 

This monthly competitive mahjong community is meeting to celebrate Chinese New Year. The friendly competition is for experienced players only. The event includes a nightmarket with food and vendors. Dress your best. Arrive promptly at 4 p.m. to play. The winner takes home a grand prize. Mahjong costs $15 and includes a complimentary herbal mocktail. 

 Catch calligraphy with Ina Chang at The Royal Grove within the Royal Hawaiian Center. The event runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Chinatown Festival and Parade

<title>What to do for Lunar New Year on Oʻahu: parades, lion dances, and more</title>

Across Oʻahu, residents are preparing to usher in the year of the fire horse, which starts Tuesday, Feb. 17. Events in the next few weeks include parades, lion dances and opportunities to set intentions for the new year.

What to do for Lunar New Year on Oʻahu: parades, lion dances, and more

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

Hawai‘i coffee farmers are urging lawmakers to reinstate a subsidy to help fight a pair of devastating pests.

Coffee leaf rust (CLR) is a disease spread by fungi first detected in the state in 2020 that destroys, on average, about 15% of any coffee crop infected, 

The coffee berry borer (CBB) is an invasive beetle first found in Hawai‘i in 2010 that lays eggs in coffee berries, which can reduce crop yields by 35% or more, 

Treating these pests, unfortunately, is expensive and time-consuming. Mark Petersen, president of the Kona Coffee Farmers Association, told Aloha State Daily that the most effective treatment for CLR is a pesticide called Priaxor, which is applied directly to coffee trees to both kill spores that cause the infection and temporarily prevent future infections.

“But that costs like $750 for two gallons,” Petersen said, adding that two gallons of product can be applied to about 15 trees and that treatments are only effective for 45 days. “And if you’re a small farmer looking at that price tag, that’s scary.”

Meanwhile, the CBB is thoroughly entrenched and ineradicable in the state. Controlling the pest requires constant field hygiene, Petersen said: assiduously ensuring that all berries are picked during the harvest, leaving no berries still on trees or fallen on the ground to attract the beetles. And despite this, Petersen said there is no way to avoid all beetle damage.

Petersen said the state Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity had a pair of subsidy programs that allowed farmers to be reimbursed for pesticide purchases, but those programs lapsed last year, leaving farmers to once again shoulder the costs themselves.

Consequently, Petersen and other coffee growers have urged the legislature to pass 

, which would reinstate the subsidy programs for the next two years.

The measure would allow growers to submit proof of purchase of certain department-approved pesticides and be reimbursed for up to 75% of the costs.

There would be limits to the subsidies: farmers could only receive up to $600 per acre each year, and no more than $12,000 in total per year. On the other hand, CLR and CBB benefits would be separated, allowing farmers to potentially be reimbursed up to $1,200 per acre per year for countermeasures against both pests.

Petersen said the subsidies were vital for encouraging small growers to still participate in pest management, which allows for more effective regional control of the pests. He added that organic farmers, who choose not to use the chemical pesticides best suited for dealing with CLR or CBB, therefore still benefit when other growers in the area are able to use pesticides more effectively.

While nobody spoke against the bill at a 

 of the House Committee on Agriculture discussing it, some coffee farmers recommended increasing the funds available to the program — the bill currently would allocate $300,000 in total for both subsidies for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

The committee on Friday voted unanimously to recommend its passage with little debate, but proposed amendments that would strike the $300,000 allocation and leave it blank, with the total funding for the program to be determined at a future date.

The bill is still referred to two additional House committees and has not yet been scheduled for subsequent hearings.

Coffee leaf rust lowerleaf surface 16x9

<title>Coffee growers urge lawmakers to reinstate pest control subsidies</title>

State program that reimbursed farmers for pesticides lapsed last year. Farmers want it back.

Coffee growers urge lawmakers to reinstate pest control subsidies

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

[{"type":"text","text":"A new sandwich shop is opening tomorrow in Kapolei."}]

 — whose original location is in Kāhala — is opening its second location in Kapolei tomorrow, Feb. 10. The business is located next to Daiichi Ramen in the same plaza as Consolidated Theatres Kapolei. 

The menu at this location is the same as the business’s Kāhala store. Customers can choose from a variety of hot and cold sandwiches in mini, small, medium or large sizes. (During our media preview, menu prices were not yet available.) 

Popular hot sandwiches include The Hot Bobbie — the eatery’s signature dish, made with turkey, cranberry, stuffing and mayo — classic cheesesteak, and Capastrami. The latter is a combo of pastrami, Swiss, coleslaw and Russian dressing.

Meanwhile, popular cold subs include Cap’s BLT and American wagyu club. The latter features Snake River Farms wagyu, turkey, bacon, provolone, onions, lettuce, tomato and mayo.

Customers can also look forward to plant-based options; sides like loaded cheesesteak fries; and salads.

[{"type":"text","text":"The store will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m."}]

Capriottis Kapolei wagyu club 020926

<title>New sandwich shop opening in Kapolei</title>

Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop is opening its new Kapolei location on Tuesday, Feb. 10. The business is known for its loaded hot and cold subs; bestsellers include Cap’s BLT, classic cheesesteak and The Bobbie.

New sandwich shop opening in Kapolei

Kung Hei Fat Choi! Lunar New Year officially starts Feb. 17. These limited-time specials below feature a variety of themed treats and full-on meals to celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse. 

: The eatery is featuring a char siu pineapple special ($26). 

: Available throughout February for Hong Kong Festival and Lunar New Year 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Big Island Candies"}]

: Enjoy specialty Year of the Horse-themed treats, including:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Chao"}]

: The eatery will have a variety of Lunar New Year-themed specials available, including:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Choco leʻa"}]

: Enjoy specialty treats like the six-piece Lunar New Year truffle box ($22.99) and Good Luck tokens ($6.99). The truffle box includes flavors like almond cookie, fresh gau and white rabbit wrapped in a box with a “year of the fire horse” design. 

: The Lunar New Year truffle box is available for pick-up Feb. 13, 14 or 17; available while supplies last 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Duk Kee Chinese Restaurant"}]

: The restaurant’s Lunar New Year menu ($108) is available for all of February. It includes chicken salad, New Year jai, half roast duck, beef tenderloin with King oyster mushrooms, steamed fish with ginger and scallions, shrimp with lotus root and snow peas, mini sesame balls and steamed rice. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Fujiya Hawaiʻi"}]

: Enjoy a Lunar New Year set ($17), which includes gau mochi with whole red bean, whole longan mochi, whole lychee mochi, chi chi dango and almond cookie manju. Almond cookie senbei ($13.95) will also be available. 

: Feb. 16 and 17, but may be available longer 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Fun Station"}]

: This Lunar New Year special menu ($128.88) is designed to feed four to six people. It includes crab meat with dried scallop soup, Chinese stir-fried sticky rice, Chinese jai, fried chicken, braised pork trotter clay pot and fried sesame balls. 

 7192 Kalanianaʻole Hwy. Ste. D-105, Honolulu, HI 96825

: Enjoy a variety of featured specials, including:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Honolulu Cookie Co."}]

: The Year of the Horse Gift Box 2026 ($20.95) includes 16 cookies in six flavors, including chocolate chip macadamia, pineapple macadamia, chocolate dipped macadamia, dark triple chocolate macadamia, white chocolate confetti and yuzu. Yuzu is February’s flavor of the month, and features a bright, citrus flavor with hints of mandarin, grapefruit and lemon. 

honolulucookie.com/cookies-gifts-chocolate/year-of-the-horse-gift-box.asp

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Kamukura Surf + Dine"}]

: Enjoy specials like roasted pork and seasoned egg ramen and Kamukura gyoza set ($33) and lemon salmon sushi roll and edamame set ($26) 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Kith Treats"}]

: This limited-edition treat is inspired by the Year of the Horse. The new dessert — called The Horse — features vanilla ice cream infused with Cinnamon Toast Crunch, persimmons and candied pecans, and is finished with gold sprinkles and a dried persimmon garnish. The flavor is available in three formats — milkshake, ice cream sandwich and ice cream swirl.

The business’s Lunar New Year capsule collection adorned with horse motifs is also available. 

: To celebrate Lunar New Year, Kona Coffee Purveyors and b. patisserie will be launching two pastries and six desserts for a limited time. Indulge in the following:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Kunia Chinese Restaurant"}]

: The Chinese New Year family pack ($119.95) is available for both, dine-in and takeout. It includes half roast duck, house special chow mein, New Year jai, salt and pepper shrimp, orange chicken, seafood fish maw soup and garlic fried rice. The eatery will also have specials like fried flounder ($12.95) and jai ($16.95). 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Oh My Grill"}]

: Pearl’s Lucky Pac ($199) is designed to feed 12 to 15 people. It includes beef broccoli cake noodle, green onion and ginger fish fillet, garlic shrimp, char siu fried noodles and crispy gau gee. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"SXY Shu Xiang Yuan"}]

: Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 

: The Lunar New Year special course ($99) is designed to feed four to six people. The meal highlights bold, Szechuan-inspired flavors and comforting classics. Feast on signature dishes like spicy pork dumplings, garlic fried rice, fish filet simmered in Szechuan chili broth, garlic pork ribs, stir-fried eggplant, green beans infused with savory aromatics, and sticky rice cake with brown sugar. 

: The Lunar New Year set menu ($88.88) is designed to feed four people. It includes siu mai, har gow, fried chives and shrimp cake, fried mochi pork dumplings, garlic chicken, vegetable combo, original soup with fatty beef rice noodles, pickled pepper with beef tripe rice noodles, and warabi mochi dessert (served with kinako, matcha and ube powder). Guests who order the Lunar New Year set menu will receive one complimentary Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodle fan, while supplies last. 

: Starting Feb. 1; available until the end of February 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"The Pig & The Lady"}]

: This special Year of the Fire Horse menu ($100 per person) includes:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Tim Ho Wan"}]

2201 Kalākaua Ave. Ste. A-307, Honolulu,

: Feast on special dishes for Chinese New Year, including lava buns ($8.88) and Chinese pan-fried mochi cakes ($8.88). 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Yi Xin Café"}]

: This Chinese New Year set menu ($238) includes New Year jai, sand ginger chicken, signature curry crab with naan bread, tenderloin steak with fresh pineapple, garlic butter prawns and Hong Kong-style garlic stir-fried fish fillet. If you pre-order anytime before Feb. 16, you will receive complimentary homemade Chinese New Year gao. 

Hawai‘i Skies: Stunning rainbows

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Hawai‘i Skies: Stunning rainbows

Authors

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More in Hawai'i Skies

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