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Daily Smile

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<title>Daily Smile: Friday, February 27, 2026</title>

If my dogs had a cellphone...

Daily Smile: Friday, February 27, 2026

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Several new retailers and restaurants have recently opened at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu and more are set to open soon, the center announced Tuesday. Here’s what you should know.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"What's New:"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Coming Soon:"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Relocations and renovations:"}]

Ala Moana Center opened in 1959 and is the world's largest open-air shopping center with more than 2.4 million square feet of retail space. It offers more than 350 stores and restaurants, including 160 dining options.

(ICYMI: Last month it was announced that longtime anchor tenant Neiman Marcus 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Always aline 041426

<title>What's new at Ala Moana Center</title>

The shopping center has welcomed a number of new tenants with more coming soon.

What's new at Ala Moana Center

Government & Politics

A new event, set for this weekend, aims to help O‘ahu residents affected by recent storms.

The City and County of Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting will host a "Rebuild O‘ahu" event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at the 

In March, two back-to-back Kona Low storm systems battered the Islands in as many weeks, bringing heavy rain, flooding and destruction across the state. The two storms have been declared a 

Saturday's event brings a number of city and state departments together with other vendors and partners, who will be on-site to offer guidance and resources, DPP said in an announcement Monday.

"These storm victims have obviously been through a lot. As a community, we want to be proactive and help them get back to some sense of normalcy and clarity as best we can by providing resources and guidance on how to repair and rebuild their homes and businesses," 

DPP spokesperson Davis Pitner told Aloha State Daily in an email. "

By assembling city agencies, state partners and private vendors together in one space, we are bringing resources directly to residents and business owners, professional advice, and information they need to build back stronger and safer."

In addition to DPP, other participating organizations include the Building Industry Association, 

, Cessa Corp, University of Hawai‘i, city real Property Tax, Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization, state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Honolulu Department of Community Services and Honolulu Department of Customer Service.

"Together, these partners will offer a comprehensive range of support to help residents rebuild," the announcement notes. "Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the rebuilding process, including which emergency repairs require permits and which do not."

DPP staff can answer questions about building permits, grading, flood and special management area requirements, assist with creating HNL Build accounts and help guide participants through the permitting process.

Pitner says that simply knowing where to start might be the single greatest challenge homeowners face in the rebuilding and recovery process.

"After a disaster, the path to recovery can feel overwhelming and paralyzing," he told ASD. "Navigating the building permit process, understanding flood zone regulations, and distinguishing between what types of work you can and can’t do is a lot to handle alone, among all the other challenges storm victims are facing.

"We organized this event to reduce the confusion. Our goal is to provide the answers and resources residents need to move forward with confidence."

Interested? DPP is offering free one-on-one prescheduled appointments with staff throughout the day. The 20-minute sessions "will focus on helping participants navigate the process to repair or rebuild their home or business, including about zoning, permitting pathways and any required approvals," the announcement says.

Walk-ins will be accepted, but DPP says advanced registration is "strongly encouraged." You can 

Pitner says it's difficult to predict the anticipated turnout Saturday but noted that the city has received more than 1,400 damage reports following the recent storms.

While the severity of these cases varies, many of the affected properties will likely require repairs, some of which may require homeowners to obtain permits to rebuild."

Long permitting times and related backlogs have long plagued DPP.

"Currently, we are experiencing a couple of backlogs in our building permit process, one is in the prescreen phase due in part to adjustments in technology and staffing, and also in our commercial electrical review due to staffing," Pitner says. "But when these backlogs arise, we focus in to eliminate them.

"In 2025, we overhauled significant technologies and platforms that we continue to adjust to and streamline in 2026, which is normal for large, complex implementations such as these. But overall, our residential code review and commercial code review times are doing well, on average at two weeks and two months, respectively. Each project is different and may encounter issues with other agency reviews or the applicant’s time revising or holding on to the application."

Noting, again, the more than 1,400 damage reports due to the storms, Pitner says DPP hopes Saturday's event will give the department a better idea of incoming applications.

Pitner says, too, the department will expedite building permits for those affected by the storm and will waive building permit plan review and building permit fees for storm-affected landowners. Those who require emergency work can proceed with that work, as long as a building permit application is submitted within 48 hours, he noted.

Find storm-related frequently asked questions 

 — including info on emergency building permit repair work and the types of work that do not require a permit — and instructions on how to apply under the "Kona Low Rebuild" designation 

As part of the ongoing recovery effort, DPP also recently launched the 

, a new initiative from the city that aims to connect residents and businesses affected by the storms with donated construction materials and volunteer services.

Residents must have reported home damage from the storm to participate in the program. Those who have not yet done so, can submit a report by visiting 

You can submit a request or donate materials or services 

Those with additional questions can email DPP at 

DSC07742 16x9

<title>Honolulu to host 'Rebuild O‘ahu' event on Saturday</title>

The city says the April 18 event aims to support residents affected by recent storms that have caused widespread flooding across the island over the past two months.

Honolulu to host 'Rebuild O‘ahu' event on Saturday

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

The National Park Service is soliciting feedback from the community, particularly descendant

Kauleolī, via an in-person meeting and online surveys scheduled now through May 15 to protect cultural sites along the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail

NPS acquired the 95-acre Kauleolī shoreline parcel in two phases: 63 acres were acquired in August 2016, and an additional 32 contiguous acres were acquired in 2021, according to 

the Kauleolī Unit Management Plan website

“Prior to acquisition, Ala Kahakai received community support, particularly from descendants, on the acquisition of the property. Kauleoli was acquired to protect the ala loa (aka Kingdom Road), associated cultural and natural resources; and the view plane from Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park to the south,” Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail

 Superintendent Aric Arakaki told Aloha State Daily by email.

“Lands in the state conservation district, like Kauleolī, allows for the construction of one dwelling. Hence the acquisition and the support received from community,” he continued. “The NPS has heard initial ideas to address needs from community and staff members. This is the kickoff of the public engagement; no broad public engagement has occurred before now.”  

The plan aims “to guide natural, cultural, and biocultural resource protection and establish appropriate uses for the unit, with an emphasis on recognizing and supporting the important connections of community to Kauleolī,” the website reads.

 said that management costs will be determined when the Unit Management Plan 

for Kauleolī is completed and adopted. He anticipates that this plan will be completed by 2027 and funded by NPS’ fund source for Unit Management Plans.

When asked why this plan is needed now, he noted, “Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail did not own land prior to the acquisition of Kauleolī. Managers need guidance on protecting resources, responding to environmental changes, and identifying activities and experiences that are desired and appropriate. The plan will also evaluate the facilities and infrastructure that are needed.”

A public meeting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, at the Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook. Those interested in attending can expect trail managers to share preliminary concepts, answer questions, gather ideas, and learn about Kauleolī. Any updates will be made 

To submit comments virtually through May 15, 

NPS says its overall goal is “to meet legal and policy requirements and fulfill its kuleana to Kauleolī.”

“We have much to learn about Kauleolī and hope the public can share knowledge about her past, what has changed, and how she should be cared for in the future,” Arakaki said. “The plan will outline a long-term vision for Kauleolī, aiding trail managers in protecting resources, exploring ways to enhance meaningful visitor experiences, and identifying necessary facilities and infrastructure for visitor use and NPS management.”

He adds: “Ala Kahakai NHT Comprehensive Management Plan call for ahupuaʻa community-based management of the trail. Consistent with this, the overall goal is to engage those with ancestral and historic ties to the area in management planning and plan implementation in a manner that is inclusive of all residents.”

More information about Ala Kahakai can be found 

The next major phase of the process will include identifying and drafting documents about environmental impacts.

Kauleoli2 NPS Photo

G70 and Maui County Department of Parks and Recreation have partnered to bring community spaces and facility programs back to West Maui. Residents can submit feedback in-person and online starting May 19 to June 14.

West Maui 2024

Public input sought for proposed community center in West Maui

Now through Oct. 4, The National Park Service is seeking public feedback for the sites it manages on Ford Island, which include six bungalows and the USS Oklahoma and USS Utah memorials. Pearl Harbor National Memorial Superintendent Tom Leatherman shares why the proposed long-term site management plan is needed now and how community members can weigh in via in-person and virtual meetings, as well as an online survey.

Ford Island Public meeting 02

‘First real opportunity’ for public input on Ford Island’s future

<title>Public input sought for Kauleolī plan in South Kona</title>

Now through May 15, The National Park Service is seeking public feedback to help shape the long-term vision of the Kauleolī Unit of Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail on Hawaiʻi Island. A community meeting will be held on April 18 at the Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook, where trail managers will share preliminary concepts, gather ideas and answer questions.

Public input sought for Kauleolī plan in South Kona

Five new tenants have recently opened at Ala Moana Center and three more are set to open soon, the center announced Monday. Here’s what you should know.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"What’s new:"}]

 can be found Street Level 1 of the ‘Ewa Wing, offering Mexican-style cabana chillers, mango twisters and fresh fruit cups.

, a Native Hawaiian and ‘ohana-driven apparel brand, can be found on Level 3 of the ‘Ewa Wing.

(ICYMI: Aloha State Daily caught up with its owners at the Made in Hawai‘i Festival in August. Read 

Kawaii Kingdom, which offers an array of collectibles that include plush toys, character figurines, stationery, blind boxes, hair accessories, bag charm, key chains and more, can be found on Mall Level 2 of the Mauka Wing.

, a Hawai‘i-based jewelry brand, is located on Level 3 of the ‘Ewa Wing.

 has opened its second location at Ala Moana Center in the Makai Market Food Court on Street Level 1. Read more about the new location from ASD’s food and dining reporter Kelli Shiroma Braiotta 

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

, a clothing brand where every piece is cut and sewn in Hawai‘i, is set to open in February 2026 on Level 3 of the ‘Ewa Wing.

Eyeland Hawai‘i, which offers a selection of eyewear, prescription lenses, professional adjustment and repair services, will open this month on Street Level 1 of the Diamond Head Wing.

, a brand founded in Shenzhen, China, that offers a modern take on traditional tea culture, will open its first Hawai‘i store in February 2026 on Mall Level 2 of the Mauka Wing.

Ala Moana Center opened in 1959 and is the world's largest open-air shopping center with more than 2.4 million square feet of retail space. It offers more than 350 stores and restaurants and 160 dining options.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Ala Moana Center provided

The shopping center has welcomed a number of new tenants, with more coming soon.

Two new tenants have recently opened up shop at Ala Moana Center, one has temporarily relocated and more are coming soon, the center announced Wednesday. Here's what you should know.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"What's new:"}]

— The second brick-and-mortar location of 

, a Honolulu-based boutique offering swimwear and activewear, can be found on Street Level 1 of the ‘Ewa wing. It also has a location at 

, which rents mobility scooters, wheelchairs and strollers, and offers secure luggage storage, can be found on Street Level 1 at Center Court.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"On the move:"}]

 has moved to a new temporary location on Mall Level 2 of the ‘Ewa Wing while its permanent store is under construction. The new permanent store is scheduled to open next year.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Coming soon:"}]

, a Hawai‘i-based jewelry brand, is set to open on Level 3 of the ‘Ewa Wing this month.

 will open on Street Level 1 of the ‘Ewa Wing in December, offering Mexican-style cabana chillers, mango twisters and fresh fruit cups.

, the flagship brand of the Portland-based Columbia Sportswear Co., will open on Level 3 of the ‘Ewa Wing in February 2026. The brand offers 

outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment.

 will soon open their second location at Ala Moana Center in the Makai Market Food Court.

 will make its debut in the Islands in July 2026. You'll find on Mall Level 2 of the ‘Ewa wing.

More new tenants were announced at the end of August. Read about those 

Ala Moana Center opened in 1959 and is the world's largest open-air shopping center with more than 2.4 million square feet of retail space. It offers more than 350 stores and 160 dining options.

Daily Smile: Friday, February 27, 2026

ASD Staff

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Daily Smile: Friday, February 27, 2026

Authors

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