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Hawai'i Skies

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Julie Ford at Magic Island just "as the sun peaked over the back of Diamond Head."

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Hawaii Skies 2.26.26

<title>Hawaiʻi Skies: Magic Island magic</title>

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Julie Ford at Magic Island.

Hawaiʻi Skies: Magic Island magic

Today&#039;s Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Julie Ford at Magic Island just &quot;as the sun peaked over the back of Diamond Head.&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.

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Rick Hamada

Government & Politics

Columnists

If you ever needed confirmation that our political condition in America is fractured look no further than President Donald J. Trump's recent State of the Union address.

Although not spoken by him I can summarize his speech by simply saying, "The state of our union is broken due to the Democrats hatred of me and my administration."

I have witnessed States of the Union addresses dating back to January of 1980 with President Jimmy Carter reporting that American hostages remain in Iran and Russia was poised for an invasion of Afghanistan. In his speech he proclaimed he would not support sending an Olympic team to compete in Moscow. Now I understand unanimity regarding threats to national defense and bringing home American hostages. Both sides, Republicans and Democrats, applauded his statements including priorities to resolve pressing national issues.

However, the decision to boycott the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics was controversial then and remains so today. The debate about the possible U.S. boycott was heated and animated with American opinion divided. So you can imagine what the reaction was in the 1980 joint session of congress.

[{"type":"text","text":"Brace yourself."}]

[{"type":"text","text":"It was respectful."}]

Yes, respectful. I know for some of the younger generations this word may be lost on you when contemplating current political conditions.

In those moments, and throughout Carter's speech, there was bilateral support and if there were points of disagreement and opposition you wouldn't really be able to tell because congressmen comported themselves befitting their roles and positions. They are sitting representatives of the United States of America and come hell or high water they were gonna act that way.

[{"type":"text","text":"Fast forward to today."}]

Here are two of the statements that elicited boorish response from Democrats in attendance. And, yes, I mean attendance since over 50 Democrats boycotted the president and his State of the Union address. Yet again another demonstration of disrespect and, well, immaturity.

[{"type":"text","text":"Oh, right, statements."}]

"When I last spoke in this chamber 12 months ago, I had just inherited a nation in crisis. Today, our border is secure, our spirit is restored, inflation is plummeting, incomes are rising fast, the economy is roaring, our enemies are scared, our military and police are stacked, and America is respected again — perhaps like never before."

"The Somali pirates who ransacked Minnesota remind us that there are large parts of the world where bribery, corruption, and lawlessness are the norm, not the exception. Importing these cultures through unrestricted immigration and open borders brings those problems right here, to the USA – and it is the American people who pay the price, in higher medical bills, car insurance rates, rent, taxes, and perhaps most importantly, crime. We will take care of this problem."

I stated earlier that if you wanted confirmation that our political condition in America is fractured then look no further than the State of the Union address.

Perhaps the most unsettling aspect is the vitriol that was spewed by democrat congressional members that was galvanized by actions and not words.

[{"type":"text","text":"The sitting on hands."}]

When you agree with a president and support a comment it's traditional that you rise in applause regardless of party.

The most impactful demonstration of the great divide between parties occurred when President Trump shared stories regarding illegal immigration:

"And yesterday, as you probably saw at the White House, I hosted a ceremony with Americans who lost their treasured loved ones to the scourge of illegal immigration. People came into our country — how we allowed this to happen with our open borders. These are the Angel Moms and Families that for decades our government betrayed and our media totally ignored — totally.

"It was terrible, hard to believe actually. In 2023, a 16-year-old high school cheerleader named Lizbeth Medina was supposed to perform in her town's Christmas parade, but she never arrived. Her mother Jacqueline went home to look for her and she found her lying dead in a bathtub bleeding profusely after being stabbed 25 times.

"Lizbeth's killer was a previously arrested illegal alien who had broken in and brutally — just brutally extinguished the brightest light in her family's life, violently and viciously. Her heartbroken mother is in the gallery to remind everyone in this chamber exactly why we are deporting illegal alien criminals from our country at record numbers and we're getting them the hell out of here fast.

[{"type":"text","text":"\"We don't want them.\""}]

[{"type":"text","text":"Then the president asked this question."}]

"One of the great things about the State of the Union is how it gives Americans the chance to see clearly what their Representatives really believe.

"So, tonight, I'm inviting every legislator to join along with my administration in reaffirming a fundamental principle. If you agree with this statement, then stand up and show your support.

"The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens."

The resounding applause as GOP members jumped to their feet in affirmation was the loudest and most sustained ovation of the evening.

President Trump acknowledged the raucous response and smiled. He then turned his attention to the Democrat side.

The camera captured images of democrat lawmakers sitting in cold silence. Expressionless. Seemingly indifferent. Other angles showed some who were agitated and scowling projecting their opposition to exactly what the president proposed.

They sat and glared as the applause continued with chants of "U.S.A." One very simple political position that the Legislative and Executive branches could agree upon, right?

That one moment was an opportunity to stand in unity assuring the citizens of our nation that despite our differences we can affirm our allegiance to their citizenship, to their lives and that we collectively put America first.

The president truly looked incredulous. He cocked his head at an angle looking at the seated and surly democrat members communicating a "No, really?" non-verbal message.

[{"type":"text","text":"That was followed by an abject look of disappoint as he said, "}]

"Isn't that a shame? You should be ashamed of yourself, not standing up. You should be ashamed of yourself. That is why I'm also asking you to end deadly sanctuary cities that protect the criminals and enact serious penalties for public officials who block the removal of criminal aliens, in many cases, drug lords, murderers all over our country."

[{"type":"text","text":"It was the most amazing yet unsettling political moment."}]

[{"type":"text","text":"And it confirms that our political nation is truly divided."}]

This counterproductive and borderline inertia ridden representation by leaders who have sworn an oath to serve this nation are succumbing to harmful partisanship.

If we don't fix and repair this broken foundation, we will no longer be able to claim the United States is the greatest nation on Earth.

[{"type":"text","text":"Stop sitting on your hands, stop the playground bullying and get to it."}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"italic"}],"text":" "}]

Trump state of union Getty Images 2263427166

<title>Hamada: State of the Union — fractured</title>

We're looking at a Congress in which one party would rather sit on its hands than stand or applaud the most basic decencies or functions of government.

Hamada: State of the Union — fractured

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Business & Tourism

Arts & Entertainment

The transportation company Roberts Hawaiʻi will open Limelight Hawaiʻi, a new entertainment venue focused on the kamaʻāina market next month, Roy E. Pfund, the company’s president and CEO, told Aloha State Daily. The venue, which was once Hawaiian Hut, is located on the grounds of the Ala Moana Hotel and will soft open on March 20.

Originally, Roberts Hawai’i purchased the venue as a place for its long-running show, Magic of Polynesia, which had been at the Waikīkī Beachcomber by Outrigger hotel. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, that show closed, and Roberts Hawaiʻi decided to reimagine the space as one that could serve kama’āina.

Limelight Hawaiʻi is a 6,000-square foot space designed to accommodate weddings, corporate events, fashion shows, and high-level night club entertainment. It can fit up to 700 guests with a stage and 400 guests with table service. The space can accommodate just under 900 with no furniture, he said. The total investment — including buying the space — was about $15 million, Pfund said.

“We're really focusing on the kamaʻāina market,” he said. “And from the history part of how Covid impacted our company —  everything got shut down on the tourism side, and it took a while to build back — I think that was one of the main reasons why we looked at shifting to diversify our base, seeking a greater portion of our business outside the direct tourism industry.”

Roberts Hawaiʻi offers transportation packages to popular tourism attractions on Oʻahu, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi, including natural sites, such as 

, and events, such as Germaine’s Lūʻau and Chief’s Lūʻau in Kapolei. The company also operates 

Roberts Hawaiʻi is still in the “hiring mode” for this venue, Pfund added. Eventually, he expects between 50 and 60 employees will be working at this space.

“One of the good things is we do have a large employee base because we're an employee-owned company, an ESOP [employee stock ownership plan] company,” he said. “Hopefully, we can draw on some of the existing employee base, as well, to fill in. Because you have events when you may need a lot of people, and then other days, you're going to need less people, so I think that does help provide some staffing flexibility for us.”

has a 4K LED screen, lights and a sound system. Kalani Rodrigues of OnStage Hawaiʻi, was a consultant for lighting, he added. For audio, they brought in a person who handles sound for national touring acts.

The space can be used for parties and meetings during the day and pau hana with live entertainment in the evenings, Pfund said. On the weekends, especially Fridays and Saturdays, Roberts Hawaiʻi may also bring back some kind of nightclub entertainment, he added. There will also be brunches for special holidays, such as Mother’s Day.

The executive chef for Limelight Hawaiʻi is Jim Gillespie. He brings more than 30 years of experience across Hawaiʻi’s hospitality industry, including executive leadership roles at 3660 on the Rise, Plaza Club, and Sunset Bar & Grill. Jeff Marcello has been named the venue’s general manager. 

“Limelight Hawaiʻi brings together the highest-quality audio and production technology available in a venue of this kind in Hawaii,” said Marcello, in a written statement. “But technology is only part of the story. We set out to create a truly versatile space where live music, conferences, weddings and corporate events are not only supported — but elevated. That same philosophy carries through our menus, which fuse island-inspired flavors with modern favorites, thoughtfully extended into our culinary offerings, craft cocktails, and beverage program. The result is a gathering place designed to flex with the needs of our community, giving both locals and visitors a reason to think of Limelight first for their next celebration.”

The venue has already broadcast its first Super Bowl for an internal audience, and the halftime show; with the volume turned up, it sounded like a concert, Pfund said.

“We did our own Super Bowl preview,” Pfund said. “It works great, showing the Super Bowl on that big screen — that type of thing is what we really are looking at doing. Providing really the opportunity for more kamaʻāina events. So, our focus really is on the local market, as opposed to creating a showroom for some kind of tourist show or that type of thing.”

Limelight Hawai’i

<title>Roberts Hawaiʻi to open new entertainment venue</title>

The space is a $15 million investment, designed for weddings, corporate events, fashion shows, pau hana, nightclub entertainment, and more. Roberts Hawaiʻi plans to use the space — formerly known as Hawaiian Hut — to offer events that appeal to kamaʻāina.

Roberts Hawaiʻi to open new entertainment venue

Higa headshot white shirt square

Sterling Higa

Everyone says they want economic growth. Politicians promise it. Business leaders demand it. But a new 

 from the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization shows we’re being left behind economically. The reason is simple: Growth requires people.

We can’t have economic growth without either making more people or welcoming more people. Hawai‘i’s elites aren’t doing either.

The UHERO report lays bare what nominal income figures obscure. When adjusted for Hawai‘i’s cost of living, our real per capita income sits alongside Alabama and West Virginia. Our labor productivity ranks among the nation’s worst-performing states. We’re not just expensive, we’re poor.

The economic bind is straightforward: You can’t grow an economy without growing the workforce. That means two options: Have more children, or attract newcomers.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"So why aren’t we doing either?"}]

Listen to the dominant cultural narrative: “Hawai‘i is full.” “Mainlanders are ruining our Islands.” “Stop moving here.” This is the prevailing sentiment found in comment sections on social media.

And it isn’t new. Even 50 years ago, when George Ariyoshi was Governor, concerns about growth were driving political agendas. The difference is that back then, the population was still growing. Now we’re actually shrinking, but the rhetoric has only intensified.

The irony cuts deep. The same people lamenting our economic decline are making newcomers feel unwelcome.

Housing is exhibit A. We say we want affordability, but we fight every new housing development. Why? Because more housing means more people, and we don’t actually want more people.

The truth is blunt: hostility toward newcomers is a feature, not a bug. It keeps the Islands exclusive.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"The One-Child Elite"}]

Now shift to the other side of the equation: reproduction. Look at Hawai‘i’s upper-middle-class families. How many children do they plan to have?

 that American adults plan to have only 1.7 children, well below the replacement rate of 2.1. For elites, these children will be heavily resourced. Private schools, SAT tutors, Mainland colleges, trust funds. The entire parenting philosophy is intensive investment in a small number of children.

Some are choosing to forego children entirely, giving rise to the 

Contrast this with the Biblical vision of children as blessing, not luxury goods. Contrast it with the demographic reality that below-replacement fertility makes economic decline more likely, as economic growth in Hawai‘i has typically tracked population growth.

My mother was one of five children. Obaachan was one of seven. Grandpa was one of 10. These weren’t wealthy families; they were normal. Large families used to be the default, not the exception.

Today’s low fertility families are self-defeating. These same families will later bemoan the brain drain when their own kids leave for the Mainland. But they’ve made two choices that guarantee that outcome: don’t have enough kids to sustain a workforce, and don’t welcome newcomers to fill the gap.

You can’t complain about labor shortages when you’ve chosen to have one child and oppose the immigration — domestic or international — that would solve the problem.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"The Economic Bind"}]

Every culture has to answer a basic question: are children a blessing or a burden? The Biblical answer? “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). That’s not outdated religious poetry; it’s the foundation of human flourishing. Economic growth doesn’t happen in the abstract. It requires human beings. Societies that treat children as blessings get more of them. Societies that treat them as expensive lifestyle choices get fewer.

The progressive solution fails You can’t redistribute your way out of a shrinking workforce. You can’t tax and spend your way to higher productivity. You need people.

The local conservative solution fails too. You can’t complain about economic stagnation while opposing people moving to the Islands and opposing the development necessary to house newcomers.

Both sides want the fruit of growth without the root of growth: more humans.

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

The data shows Hawai‘i is following the economic trajectory of West Virginia, not California. We’re being left behind. The question is whether we actually want growth, or whether we want a gated community for people who already live here.

If we want growth, we need to do one or both of these things:

First, have more children. Not one or two. Three, four, five, or more! Make large families normal again, not a marker of religious devotion or lower-class irresponsibility.

Second, welcome immigrants. Stop the “Hawai‘i is full” rhetoric. Build more housing.

Right now, Hawai‘i’s elites are choosing decline. They’re just pretending otherwise.

It’s easy to blame them. Harder to admit we’ve absorbed the same assumptions, that kids are expensive, that newcomers are problems, that growth is bad. Maybe it’s time to question what we’ve been taught.

 For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Hawaii children i Stock 184290957

<title>The growth we say we want in Hawai‘i (but really don't)</title>

Hawai‘i constantly says it wants economic growth but has been allergic to one thing necessary to make that happen: More people. We need bigger families, not smaller, and to be more welcoming to people moving to the Islands.

The growth we say we want in Hawai‘i (but really don't)

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

A proposal that would allow public unions to negotiate with employers for better retirement benefits is still alive despite strong opposition by state agencies.

Current state collective bargaining statutes dictate that certain things are beyond the scope of negotiations between the state and the 

 representing state and county workers. While “all matters affecting employee relations” are up for debate during negotiations, other matters such as employee recruitment and jobs classifications are not.

 would make a small but significant change to those statutes: retirement benefits would no longer be one of the prohibited topics.

This proposal has, predictably, been popular among many of the bargaining units, which have urged lawmakers to pass the measure. Randy Perreira, executive director of the Hawai‘i Government Employees Association, told the House Labor Committee earlier this month that the measure will help attract much-needed new workers to the state.

“Our state’s retirement benefits used to be one of the primary reasons why individuals sought a career in public service,” Perreira wrote. “For the state to become a competitive employer, they must take a holistic approach in respect to an employee’s retirement plan, particularly for future employees and generations.”

However, state agencies have warned that the bill will unnecessarily complicate management of the Employees’ Retirement System, the system by which retirement benefits are disbursed to state and county employees.

The state Department of Budget and Finance predicted that allowing the 15 public bargaining units to negotiate their own unique benefits package would “essentially create 15 different pools of employees.”

“That would be an administrative nightmare,” Kalbert Young, executive director of the Employees’ Retirement System, told Aloha State Daily. “I think that would be financially fatal.”

Young said the ERS has 118 employees statewide to administer a system that directly impacts some 140,000 people — about 55,000 public workers, 50,000 retirees, and some 30,000 other pensioners, along with beneficiaries and households.

Beyond the administrative overload, Young explained that the state’s pension and collective bargaining statutes are relatively delicate and can’t easily be altered without potential side effects. For example, he said, any change that could cut promised payments to public pension programs would likely result in legal challenges.

Lawmakers can still alter state pension laws, Young said, such as in 2011 when the state adopted a tiered system, whereby people who become enrolled in the pension system before or after specific dates receive different benefits.

“But that applies to everyone in the system,” Young said. 

“We’re not saying that Bargaining Unit 8 gets their own unique benefits.”

And if any significant changes are made to the state’s retirement laws, Young said that could draw the ire of the Internal Revenue Service.

The IRS has certified the state pension system and granted it tax qualified status, which allows beneficiaries to receive certain tax breaks on their pensions, Young explained. Should the IRS determine a change to the system violates its own rules, it could rescind that tax qualified status, which would lead to ripple effects throughout the entire system.

The Hawai‘i State Constitution guarantees public pension payments, Young said. In a worst-case scenario where the state pension fund is no longer sufficient to pay out the necessary benefits, then the state is obligated to find those funds elsewhere.

“And then, that affects every taxpayer in the state,” Young said. “So, I think it’s worth keeping an eye on.”

While Young said he understands why the state’s bargaining units are attracted to the proposal, he said he hopes the bill fails.

“But I do have to acknowledge that it has continued to move,” Young said. The bill passed second reading in the House on Feb. 17 and has been referred to the House Finance Committee.

On the other hand, a corresponding Senate measure is officially dead, with the Senate Committee on Labor and Technology voting in January to defer it.  

State capitol 022725

<title>State pensions up for negotiation under proposed law</title>

State agencies are concerned about a bill that allows government workers' unions to negotiate new retirement benefits.

State pensions up for negotiation under proposed law

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Girls’ Day, or Hinamatsuri, is coming up Tuesday, March 3.

Whether you’re looking for mochi or other limited-time treats, the following are sure to please the girls in your life:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"A Cake Life"}]

: These Sakura sugar cookies ($7) are available for a limited time. 

: Available for purchase and pick-up until March 3

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Choco le‘a"}]

: This dessert shop’s March specials include:

: Available for pre-order; treats will be in store starting Feb. 27 

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

: Fujiya Hawaiʻi is offering a variety of treats for Girls’ Day. Choose from:

: Pick-ups and walk-ins available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 2; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 3

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Hokulani Bake Shop"}]

: The dessert shop will offer Sakura-shaped cookie and a four-pack of cupcakes ($23). Cupcake flavors include red velvet, vanilla buttercream, guava and chocolate buttercream; no substitutions on flavors are accepted.  

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

: Eaton Square, 438 Hobron Lane Ste. 102, Honolulu

: This Girls’ Day strawberry shortcake ($44.50) is designed to serve four to six people. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"La Palme D’or"}]

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

: The dessert shop is offering specialty cakes with seasonal decorations for Girl’s Day. Choose from strawberry shortcake (6-inch cake $58, 7-inch cake $70, 8-inch cake $90) and raspberry mousse cakes (7-inch cake $65). 

: This online business is offering a three-pack strawberry set ($8), Sakura sweet box ($15) and assorted sweet set ($3). All treats are available in dark or white chocolate or matcha flavors. 

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

: 1111 Dillingham Blvd. No. 101, Honolulu

: The eatery is featuring a Girl’s Day special ($65). The special menu highlights sushi — featuring 12 pieces of seasonal fish — along with dishes inspired by pearls, peach blossoms and Nobori lanterns. 

Girls Day roundup Fujiya Hawaii 022426

<title>Where to find treats for Girls’ Day 2026</title>

Whether you’re looking for mochi or specialty desserts, we’ve got you covered.

Where to find treats for Girls’ Day 2026

The business’s second store is located in Kāhala — specifically Kāhala Korner, the same plaza where 

The new store — which is in the former Subway space — will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Due to its size, this location is more conducive to takeout.

While this store is smaller than the business’s Downtown Honolulu location, it includes some of its most popular features.

Customers can take advantage of the store’s smoothie machine and DIY ramen machine. Smoothies ($4.99 each) come in flavors like acai; strawberry and banana; and blueberry, strawberry and banana.

Customers can also choose from the extensive ramen selection, then use the machines to cook their ramen.

The store also features a large selection of grab-and-go hot and cold foods.

Hot foods include fried mandoo ($3.39), potato corndogs ($3.49), and tornado potatoes ($3.49). The latter — which features a crispy, spiral-cut potato on a stick — is a customer favorite.

Cold options include sweet and savory sandwiches, musubi, and kimbap.

Similar to its Downtown Honolulu location, this store offers a variety of assorted snacks and customizable drinks.

Customers can also find CU Hawaiʻi  x Sig Zane merch, along with popular Korean skincare products.

CU Hawaii Kahala sign 022526

<title>CU Hawaiʻi opens in Kāhala</title>

The Korean convenience store just opened its second location in Kāhala Korner, the same plaza as Kapa Hale and Olive Tree Café. The store opened in the former Subway space, and while not as big as the brand’s Downtown Honolulu location, it includes some of its most popular features.

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Authors

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