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[{"type":"text","text":"What a happy puppy..."}]

Smile 26 2 19

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

What a happy puppy...

Daily Smile: Thursday, February 19, 2026

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

recently celebrated its ninth anniversary in Kakaʻako

, just debuted a brand-new menu. The brewpub’s new menu features more dishes that are designed to pair well with the business’s beers, according to restaurant manager Michael Kimpan.

“We want to highlight our beers and give people an opportunity to pair their food well with different beers,” he explains.

Customers can choose from a variety of appetizers, seafood dishes, pub favorites, entrees, pizzas and desserts. Start with new shareable dishes like ‘ahi saku tataki ($25), ‘ahi saku sashimi ($24) and mushroom Rockefeller ($17).

The sashimi features your choice of blackened (Cajun-seared) or sashimi-style ‘ahi, served with pickled ginger, lilikoʻi wasabi, shoyu, green onions and daikon. The tataki features a Cajun-spiced, flash-seared ‘ahi.

Meanwhile, mushroom Rockefeller is a twist on oyster Rockefeller and features mushrooms stuffed with creamy spinach artichoke dip, and topped with tomato-onion chutney butter. They’re bite-sized flavor bombs and it’s impossible to eat just one.

Several specials featured for the brewery’s ninth anniversary celebration — including the Red Zeppelin barbecue-buffalo slider ($18) and pepperoni-mushroom roll’d pizza ($16) — are now available as permanent menu items. The Red Zeppelin barbecue-buffalo slider is also available in full-sized burger form ($24), and includes an all-beef patty topped with Red Zeppelin beer barbecue-buffalo sauce, blue cheese crumbles and ranch mayo.

“We designed a number of items that pair well with different beers; the Red Zeppelin barbecue burger is going to go well with that particular beer,” Kimpan says.

If you’re craving dishes with local flair, opt for the Kaka

ako teri burger ($24), kalbi ($26) or loco moco ($19). The latter features an all-beef patty topped with brown gravy, sauteed onions, mushrooms and two eggs over rice.

Pizzas have always been popular at the brewpub. Newer options include the spicy meat lover ($33) — a combo of pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon bits, chili flakes, jalapeno and garlic aioli — and a new dessert option. The sweet Aloha cinnamon roll-walnut pizza ($16) is topped with cinnamon butter, cream cheese glaze and candied walnuts.

“The dessert pizza is definitely one that our staff really enjoys,” Kimpan says.

Also new is the brewpub’s walnut-Nutella ice cream sundae ($12), which features your choice of chocolate or vanilla ice cream.

Aloha Beer Co. also now offers customers the option to create-their-own mixed six-pack ($12.99). Choose from seven signature styles, including the Aloha Lager, Hiker’s Dream, Aloha Blonde and more.

Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays

Aloha Beer Co Red Zeppelin burger 021826

<title>Aloha Beer Co. launched a new menu</title>

The Kakaʻako brewpub’s new menu features a variety of appetizers, seafood dishes, entrees and pizzas that are designed to pair well with the venue’s beverages. Customers can also create their own mixed six-pack of canned beers.

Aloha Beer Co. launched a new menu

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Architect Francis Oda, one of the founders of G70, died Feb. 14 surrounded by family, including wife Caroline and children Reid and Nalani. He was 84.

Francis was more than one of our founders — he was a mentor, spiritual father and source of inspiration for everyone who had the privilege of working with him,” G70 CEO Linda Miki said in an announcement of his passing on Wednesday. “His legacy lives on in our G70 ‘ohana, our projects and our commitment to serving Hawai‘i and beyond with integrity and car

[{"type":"text","text":"Oda led the firm, founded in 1971, for more than 50 years."}]

His work helped shape Hawai‘i’s built environment and reflected his deep respect for culture, community and place,” G70 says. “Over the course of his career, he mentored generations of professionals whose work continues to reflect his values of excellence, humility and service.”

Born and raised in Hawai‘i, Oda made his first trip to the Mainland in 1959 to study architecture at Cornell University, according to the university’s 

“At the time, no one in his family had ever visited the contiguous U.S. and jetliner travel wasn’t available,” the write-up notes. “It took Oda five days just to reach the Cornell campus.”

He received a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell and a Doctor of Architecture from the University of Hawai‘i, where he was a “distinguished alumnus” and helped develop the Doctor of Architecture program, G70 noted.

Oda also was an adjunct associate professor at the UH School of Architecture.

According to G70, Oda received more than 50 design awards throughout his career, including the American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Our Divine Savior Church in Chico, California.

 His award-winning projects include the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele, the Four Seasons Mānele Bay Hotel, Hanauma Bay Nature Center and the Nanea Golf Clubhouse

He also helped envision master plans and design guidelines for the city of Kapolei, the UH Long Range Development Program, Kanu o ka ‘Āina and Kamehameha Schools Kaiaulu o Kaka’ako Masterplan

, and designed several international projects in French Polynesia, Mauritius and Canada, the firm noted.

Oda was a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, designated a Mānoa Forum Fellow by UH, received the 

 and was inducted into the Hawai‘i Business Hall of Fame.

, the 2026 president of AIA Honolulu, the Honolulu chapter of the American Institute for Architects, and an associate principal at G70, told Aloha State Daily in an email that Hawai‘i has lost "one of its most influential voices in Francis Oda."

"I remember sitting with Francis a few years ago — he asked us what we were dreaming about. Not what we were working on. Not what our goals were. What we were dreaming. Then he asked about our reality. He understood that balance — between the possible and the present — and that is what stays with me," Hirai says.

"For Hawaiʻi's architectural community, he was one of a kind. He identified early on that our profession carries a unique responsibility — to place, to culture, to the people who experience what we design. You see it in the buildings he left behind across these Islands and beyond. You see it in the culture he built at G70. And you see it in the people he mentored — who are now doing the same for others.

"As AIA Honolulu president, that question still challenges me — what are we dreaming about? What could our profession look like if the next generation had people willing to push their thinking the way Francis pushed ours?"

 of what was then called The Hawai‘i Society, the American Institute of Architects. You can read a 1982 interview with Oda in 

Recently, though, the architect was featured in newest episode of AIA Honolulu’s Let’s Talk Story series, a video and podcast highlighting conversations between an emerging and experienced architect. You can watch the video and listen to the podcast, 

[{"type":"text","text":"Hirai encourages those who didn't know Oda personally to take a listen."}]

"I'll be honest — hearing his voice again is not easy," Hirai says. "But it's an incredible way to experience who he was, and to celebrate everything he gave this profession and the community he loved."

"The Hawaii Architectural Foundation mourns the passing of Francis Oda, FAIA, whose career reflected an exemplary commitment to architecture and a deep devotion to the community he served," HAF President Katherine MacNeil told ASD in an email. "A recipient of the Foundation’s Gordon W. Bradley Humanitarian Award, Francis was recognized for his far-reaching leadership and enduring contributions to Hawaiʻi’s civic and cultural life. Elevated to Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, he embodied professional excellence and principled leadership. Through award-winning architecture, visionary master planning, and dedication to architectural education, he strengthened Hawaiʻi’s built environment and the profession. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations."

In addition to his work, Oda was also a senior pastor and board chair of New Life Church Honolulu and served as global chair of Transform Our World.

A celebration of life service is set for Saturday, April 25, at First Assembly of God — Red Hill, Moanalua.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Francis Oda G70 03 A6249

<title>Architect Francis Oda, founder of G70, dies at 84</title>

Hawai‘i has lost "one of its most influential voices," Lance Hirai, the 2026 president of AIA Honolulu and an associate principal at G70, says.

Architect Francis Oda, founder of G70, dies at 84

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

WAIKĪKĪ — As he stood on the balcony of his penthouse suite overlooking Waikīkī Beach, Anthony "AC" Carter still finds it hard to believe at times that this is where life has taken him. 

Carter grew up in an unstable household, as his mother developed a drug habit and all seven of his uncles were incarcerated at some point in their lives. 

As a teenager in Atlanta, Carter dropped out of high school after his freshman year.

Basketball was Carter's refuge. He would interact with drug dealers, but only as a means to make money playing pickup ball. He eventually decided to pursue the sport on a more organized level, latching on at Saddleback Community College in California. From there, he earned a scholarship offer to play basketball for the University of Hawai‘i, where from 1996 to 1998, he became one of the most decorated players in program history. 

Despite playing just two seasons in Mānoa, Carter scored 1,070 career points, just one of 18 players in program history to surpass 1,000. His 6.9 assists per game remain a program record. One of his most memorable moments in a UH uniform was his 19 points and seven assists in a 76-65 win over No. 2 Kansas on Dec. 30, 1997. 

Although his individual honors included two All-Western Athletic Conference selections and two All-America honorable mentions, Carter was also remembered for being one half of a dynamic duo with backcourt mate Alika Smith. 

Following his collegiate career, Smith joined the Yakima SunKings of the Continental Basketball Association before embarking on 13 seasons in the NBA, where he played for six different franchises (Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors). 

Following his playing career, Carter went on to become a respected assistant coach in the league, where he was on the bench for the Spurs, Sacramento Kings, Heat, and most recently the Memphis Grizzlies in 2025.

Though Carter doesn't live in the Islands, he's currently back in his old stomping grounds. On Saturday, Carter will become just the second player in University of Hawai‘i men's basketball history to have his 

 when his No. 23 goes up in the rafters as part of AC Carter night. Not bad for a guy who only attended high school for one year. 

"It's been awesome to be back. I've seen a couple of familiar faces, and it's good to walk around and just bring back some memories," Carter said. "Being able to be back for this special moment is awesome and something that I never expected. Shout out to the coaching staff over there and some of the people that thought I was a good enough guy to get his jersey retired. It's been very special so far."

Normally during this time of year, Carter is stuck in grind of the NBA season. Though its been nearly three decades since he ascended way from the Islands to continue his basketball career, Carter has always been fond of his alma mater. In 2019, he donated $100,000 towards UH's scholarship fund. 

Carter's jersey retirement ceremony will be held during the University of Hawai‘i's game against UC Santa Barbara at 5 p.m. on Saturday. The game will also be televised nationally on ESPNU. 

"We're very fortunate here at UH to have some great former teams, former players, that put us in the position we are in today," Hawai‘i head coach Eran Ganot said. "He and his teams, incredible teams that sold out this arena more than any other team for any sport, and so I really hope we have a sellout for him and for our guys. There's a combination of things coming into this week, and we're honoring great players, great teams. ... We're going to do everything we can to continue to honor those."

As part of the week's festivities, Carter will also hold an autograph session following UH's 7 p.m. game against Cal Poly on Thursday. After Saturday, he will be just the second player in program history to have his jersey number retired, following Bob Nash. Carter will also visit the Rainbow Warriors during practice and offer his advice. Eager players are likely to ask him what it takes to make it to the NBA, and the answer he'll offer in that regard may surprise them.

"Never look at it as you're trying to make it to the NBA. That's the advice I will give players these days. Just go and play the game," Carter said. "Somebody's gonna find you, just like somebody found me and gave me a second chance to go to junior college. I just was playing the game. I wasn't expecting to be able to go back to school. Guys always say, 'I'm gonna make it to the NBA. I'm gonna do this,' it's a lot of pressure on different guys. 

"I didn't have pressure because I was a high school dropout and I got a second chance. I never thought of seeing myself making it to the NBA. It was all about just having fun and bringing joy to people in junior college and the University of Hawai‘i.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

AC Carter 021826

<title>AC Carter returns to Hawai‘i ahead of jersey retirement</title>

UH will honor Carter and retire his No. 23 jersey during Saturday night's game against UC Santa Barbara.

AC Carter returns to Hawai‘i ahead of jersey retirement

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

Christine Kaakua, a property claims specialist at 

, took over the reins this year as president of the company’s 

. Its name means value-driven, intentional work, which is what the group aims to do under the company’s charitable arm, Island Insurance Foundation.

“There’s a really good foundation here with the club,” Kaakua told Aloha State Daily. “Leadership is very involved in the community, so we try to support whatever events come up annually.”

Collaboration and connection are top-of-mind for her, she noted, adding, “I try not to think of myself as the president of this because to me, this is everybody’s club, I just have some administrative stuff that I need to do.”

She said the volunteer club, which started in 2018, currently has about 20 members. Focus areas include education, environment and social services, among others.

Kaakua joined Island Insurance in January 2024 and said her co-worker invited her to join the Ho'ohana Club. She hopes to continue to grow the group in the same way.

“It’s a way to meet new people across departments, so part of the goal is to empower employees to foster teamwork,” she said. “A lot of it is just asking your neighbor you sit next to, ‘hey, do you want to join the club?’ It’s not a requirement and it is open enrollment — anyone can join at any time. It’s a revolving door.”

In 2025, Island Insurance employees volunteered more than 350 hours of their time. The Ho'ohana Club distributed free school supplies to hundreds of keiki at the Towers of Kūhio Park, helped organize food at 

Helping Hands Hawaiʻi’s Adopt-a-Family

, and supported the Hawaiʻi Heart Walk and 

To kick off 2026, Kaakua said the club was 

was set to volunteer at The Pantry on Feb. 13.

“Our volunteers report back that the work is very rewarding,” she added, “For me, it’s connection with employees and leadership at Island Insurance, as well as with members of nonprofit organizations and the community. It’s rewarding to hear stories from people from all walks of life and establishing that connection.”

“Personally, I’m not new to this industry, but where I came from, our company was more national, so it wasn’t as hands-on in the local community,” she continued. “This is new territory for me; I'm realizing how big the nonprofit sector is and how many opportunities there are. Our goal is to help when we can and do our best to meet the need.”

Island Insurance Foundation also donated about $515,000 to nearly 50 nonprofits in 2025.

“We believe that our donations to these nonprofits make tangible differences in the lives of the local residents who need it most,” said Dana Tokioka, Island Insurance Foundation president, in a recent announcement. “By supporting these worthy organizations that do so much good, we are helping to make Hawai‘i an even better place for Island families.” 

Since 2003, the foundation has donated more than $15 million to organizations statewide.

“I’m grateful to be part of a local company that values giving back and being involved in the community,” Kaakua told ASD. “I’m excited for all our events to get out and support our community. That’s where our company was founded, and where everything comes from.”

Island Insurance Foundation at The Pantry

<title>Island Insurance employees give back</title>

The charitable arm of Island Insurance, Island Insurance Foundation, donated more than $500K to 50 local nonprofits last year. Employees gave more than 350 hours of their time through various service projects spearheaded by its Ho‘ohana Club.

Island Insurance employees give back

 is celebrating its 75th anniversary from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 21, at its 

 store. The event — which is free to the public — is the business’s way to say “thank you” to the community, according to general manager Remy Matsumoto.

“We’re super grateful to be able to do business for seven decades,” she says. “Really, it’s thanks to the locals who helped us with word of mouth from the beginning, who helped promote it. That’s why I think we’ve been here for this long. Hopefully, we can be in business for another 25 years and make it to 100 years. That’s our goal.”

The iconic North Shore shave ice spot originally started as a grocery store founded by Mamoru Matsumoto and Helen Momoyo (Ogi) Matsumoto in 1951, according to Matsumoto.

“They started it as a way to support their family,” she says. “We started out as a grocery store, and five years later, we started to sell shave ice.

“The sign outside — you’ll be able to see that it still says ‘M. Matsumoto Grocery Store,’” she adds. “The official anniversary date is Feb. 13.” 

To celebrate its milestone birthday, Matsumoto Shave Ice is offering a variety of anniversary specials. Customers can get small shave ice desserts with no toppings for $1 (regular price $3.75) on Saturday only. The most popular flavors are the tropical ones, including liliko

i, guava and mango, according to Matsumoto, who says that whoever buys a shave ice will be given a scratch card for a chance to win more prizes.

“You’ll have the chance to win Matsumoto gift cards,” she says. “We’re giving away snacks from some of our local vendors, while supplies last.”

Saturday’s event will also include a taiko drum performance, Lunar New Year lion dance and other live entertainment.

The business’s “Ichiban special” ($7.25) will also be featured as an anniversary special, according to Matsumoto. The dessert usually comprises one shave ice flavor of your choice, topped with ice cream, azuki beans, mochi and condensed milk, and is served in an edible waffle tray. However, for the anniversary celebration only, customers will be able to get this dessert in a rainbow flavor.

The business will also be offering its special anniversary T-shirt at a discounted rate ($10 instead of $24). Having a Matsumoto Shave Ice logo T-shirt featured in “50 First Dates” was one of the many highlights for the business over the years, according to Matsumoto.

“That was something really huge for us — getting our name out there,” she says. “Even just starting to sell T-shirts; that started in the 

’70s. We started selling our T-shirts because people wanted to wear our workers’ uniform.”

Beyond Saturday’s festivities, Matsumoto encourages attendees to stay tuned for further news from the business throughout the year.

“We’re planning to celebrate for the entire year, so we’ll also have other collaborations coming out,” Matsumoto says.

66-111 Kamehameha Hwy. No. 605, Haleʻiwa

Anniversary celebration is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 21

Matsumoto Shave Ice Remy 021726

<title>You can get $1 shave ice this Saturday</title>

Matsumoto Shave Ice is celebrating its 75th anniversary this Saturday, Feb. 21. The community is invited to enjoy a variety of specials, including $1 small shave ice (no toppings included), discounted anniversary T-shirts and more.

You can get $1 shave ice this Saturday

 vividly remembers helping his mom in the kitchen while he was growing up.

“She was always eager to teach us and include us in the process, whether it was cooking or baking,” he says. “She loved preparing all of my brother’s and my favorite dishes. I became her little ‘food critic,’ always excited to taste whatever new creation she came up with.”

Lee’s passion for trying new foods — both locally and while traveling to new countries — continued as he got older. His expanding palate led him to take classes at Kapiʻolani Community College’s culinary program, and eventually work at Tokoname Sushi Bar and Restaurant in Kailua.

Howdeshell, gave me the opportunity to become head chef at his restaurant,” Lee says. “My mentor, Harry Nakashima — now head chef at Gyotaku — trained me meticulously during my time there, and I learned so much under his guidance. To this day, I continue to seek his advice and wisdom.”

After seeing many successful small pop-ups at local farmers markets, Lee became curious about starting his own business. He recalls spending hours researching and talking to other small business owners before finally deciding to launch Travie’s Patties.

The biz, which specializes in smashburgers, was inspired by one of Lee’s favorite foods.

“[I wanted] to build something that combined bold flavors with a fun, customizable concept,” he says. “Smashburgers gave me the freedom to showcase my favorite flavor combinations, and experiment with unique sauces and toppings.”

Travie’s Patties celebrated its grand opening at Village Night Market in August. The business model represents speed, affordability and quality, according to Lee.

“I wanted Travie’s Patties to be a place where customers can get a hot, made-to-order smashburger without the long wait or high price tag,” he says. “By keeping our prices fair and our flavors fresh, we’ve built a loyal customer base that trusts and enjoys what we do."

Since family members and friends call him “Trav,” coming up with a business name was fun for Lee.

“Every business needs a name people can remember,” he says. “When we started brainstorming burger-related names, ‘Travie’s Patties’ just stuck. It’s fun, catchy and easy to remember.”

Lee remembers experimenting with recipes and gathering food taste testers to perfect his signature burgers and sauces. He designed the business’s menu to be simple, but packed with flavor; its main features include Chimmy ($9 single, $12 double) and the McTravie ($9 single, $12 double).

Both burgers start with a homemade ground sirloin patty mix, grilled onions, a slice of American cheese and crispy cheese crisp atop soft, garlic-buttered potato buns. Customers can add lettuce and tomato at no extra charge, according to Lee.

“We are proud to use locally sourced ingredients from D.Otani Produce,” he says. “The Chimmy comes with our housemade chimichurri aioli, which has a little garlicky, spicy kick. The McTravie features our housemade classic burger sauce with your choice of homemade regular or spicy pickles.”

The biz also offers shoestring fries ($4) and tater tots ($4), which both come with ketchup and the business’s signature chimichurri aioli.

The business recently added a dirty drinks section, which includes dirty sodas, to its menu. A dirty soda is a non-alcoholic drink, which is made “dirty” by being mixed with flavored purees, juices, syrups or cream, according to Lee.

Popular options include The Landshark ($7) — a combo of Sprite, blue raspberry, strawberry puree and gummy sharks — and The Girly ($9). The latter features a pink slush Alani Nu energy drink base with strawberry puree, cream and cold foam.

“The Dirty Alani Nu ($9) uses the energy drink base, then is built the same way (with flavored syrups and purees),” Lee explains. “Lilo’s iced tea ($6) is our take on the famous local-style iced tea, for those wanting a refreshing option.”

The biz loves to celebrate its customers, according to Lee, who says they started an interactive weekly discount called “Player of the Week.” Before each event, the biz announces its featured “player.” Customers then receive a sports player card with a letter and a number as their order placeholder instead of a ticket. If their card matches the business’s player of the week at checkout, the customers get a discount.

“People love it so much that some even try to buy their player cards to keep as souvenirs,” Lee says. “It’s become a fun and unexpected way to connect with our customers while they wait for their food.”

Stay updated with the business by following Travie’s Patties on 

. The biz is scheduled to be at Taste of Aloha Night Market — which is every second Saturday of the month — for the rest of the year. You can also find the biz at various local farmers markets and upcoming holiday craft fairs, the Village Night Market at Pealridge Center on Nov. 15 and 808 Craft and Gift Holiday Craft Fair on Dec. 6.

The biz also offers catering for private events and fundraisers.

“I want to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all our customers — new and returning — as well as our close friends and family, who volunteer their time to help run our pop-ups,” Lee says. “Your support means the world to us. I’m humbled by how many people want to see us succeed. That motivation keeps me pushing forward every single day.”

Travies Patties green sauce burger 110225

<title>Travie’s Patties pop-up offers fun, flavorful smashburgers</title>

The biz celebrated its grand opening in August, and can be found at a variety of night markets and seasonal craft fairs across Oʻahu. The biz also recently added non-alcoholic dirty sodas to its menu.

Daily Smile: Thursday, February 19, 2026

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