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Daily Smile

[{"type":"text","text":"If my dogs had a cellphone..."}]

Smile 26 2 27

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

If my dogs had a cellphone...

Daily Smile: Friday, February 27, 2026

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Crime & Courts

 the City and County of Honolulu after she was fined nearly $600,000 over an improper apartment listing.

In 2019, Sandra May needed a tenant. She had owned a home on Wilhelmina Rise since the 1970s, with a lower unit in the home available for rent by long-term tenants. But after her husband died in 2019, May, living on a fixed Social Security income, needed to make ends meet, but couldn’t find another tenant.

To broaden her search, May listed the unit on several online rental platforms. But May — who her attorney Loren Seehase said “struggles to utilize any kind of technology” — had inadvertently listed the unit as available for less than 30 days.

That same year, the City and County adopted an 

 hiking up fines against property owners illegally hosting short-term rentals. Violators could be fined up to $10,000 for each day a violation persists.

In November 2019, May received a notice of a violation from the city regarding an online property listing. She promptly corrected the listing to show that the unit was only available for periods of 30 days or more, and believed the matter to be done.

Two years later, after the lifting of the Covid-era moratorium on evicting tenants for non-payment of rent, May again was in need of new tenants. Once again she listed the unit online, once again (in 2023) she received a notice of violation from the city, once again she corrected the listing, once again she thought the matter over.

In April 2024, it happened again. Only this time, because this was a recurring violation, the city informed May that she would incur daily $10,000 fines until the listings were corrected.

Unfortunately, May spent much of late March and April in and out of the hospital following a car crash and other medical procedures. By the time she learned of the violation and was able to correct it, 59 days had elapsed — and now she owed the city $590,000.

On the same day, the city also placed a $10,000 lien on May’s property stemming from the second violation.

“She’s like, ‘you know you’re going to put an old lady out on the street,’” Seehase told Aloha State Daily. “‘I can’t pay this, you’d have to take my home.’ And the city responded by saying ‘Well, I guess you’d better get an attorney.’ So, it was a very callous response. Poor Sandra was in tears about it, and there was no conversation, there was no negotiating, there was no listening to reason.”

May sought out attorneys, who referred her to the Pacific Legal Foundation, a public interest law firm that focuses on property rights cases. Even better for May, the PLF works pro bono, Seehase said.

Seehase said the letter informing May of how much she owed the city did not mention any way to challenge the fines. Without a mechanism within ordinances to challenge the situation, Seehase said the only option is to challenge it on constitutional grounds, in federal court.

In particular, Seehase said the case could be argued to be in violation of the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. That amendment most famously concerns “cruel and unusual punishment,” but also protects against excessive fines.

Seehase said other Eighth Amendment cases have attempted to determine whether particular fines are so ruinous they will destroy a person’s livelihood, weighed in proportion to the actual crime itself.

In this particular case, Seehase said, May’s mistake brought no harm to anybody other than herself.

“This is not the type of situation where we’ve got like a building code violation and lives are imminently in danger,” Seehase said. “This is an advertisement, so there was no harm done to anyone.”

On the other side of the coin, Seehase said the $10,000-per-day fines are the absolute maximum allowed by city ordinance, and that the city could have chosen to reduce those fines at their discretion. Because the city hit May with the $590,000 fines and the $10,000 lien on the same day, Seehase said that “it really kind of appeared that the city went on a vendetta … against poor Sandra.”

Seehase emphasized that, regardless of how the listings may have appeared online, May did not ever offer the property for periods of less than 30 days. If a person attempted to book the property for less than 30 days, May would cancel the booking.

May is seeking relief through the federal court, not monetary damages, Seehase said. Should they win, the court will determine an appropriate remedy, potentially including a partial or total reduction of the fines.

Seehase said the City and County has 21 days to respond once they have been served.

A spokesman for the Department of Planning and Permitting told ASD the department cannot comment on pending litigation.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Sandra May rentalsign 610x407 16x9

<title>Octogenarian sues Honolulu over $600,000 fines</title>

Sandra May was told she owed the city hundreds of thousands of dollars over an improper online rental listing.

Octogenarian sues Honolulu over $600,000 fines

Igor Lytvynchuk, the Washington man charged with throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, had his first court appearance in Honolulu on Wednesday.

Lytvynchuk, 38, appeared in U.S. District Court to plead "not guilty" to two charges of illegal taking of an endangered marine mammal. Those charges stem from 

 on May 5 when a man — later identified by investigators as Lytvynchuk — was recorded on video hurling a rock at a monk seal on a Maui beach, seemingly only narrowly missing the animal’s head.

As any form of harassment of an endangered seal violates both the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, that single rock incurred two charges. Both charges are misdemeanor offenses, carrying a maximum possible sentence of one year in prison each, although Magistrate Judge Rom Trader told Lytvynchuk Wednesday that there is no guarantee, if he is found guilty, that he will face the full maximum sentence.

Lytvynchuk was arrested May 13 near Seattle by special agents of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Following an initial court appearance in Washington, the case was transferred to the District of Hawai‘i.

Lytvynchuk had little opportunity to speak at Wednesday’s hearing, confirming in one or two words that he understood Trader’s description of the legal process ahead of him. While his “not guilty” plea drew murmurs from the several dozen people in the gallery, he made no statement about his actions during or after the hearing.

However, a lawyer for Lytvynchuk had previously told media that Lytvynchuk had supposedly believed the seal to be a sea lion threatening sea turtles.

Trader ordered Lytvynchuk to be released on an unsecured $25,000 bond with several conditions, including that Lytvynchuk surrender his passport and all travel documents, that he not change addresses without approval from his pretrial officer, and that his travel is restricted to the Western District of Washington — a U.S. court district covering the state west of the Cascade Mountains — and O‘ahu for court purposes only.

Furthermore, when on O‘ahu, Lytvynchuk is prohibited from accessing any beaches or approaching any marine wildlife, Trader said.

“I think that’s an appropriately tailored restriction, given the circumstances,” Trader said.

Failing to comply with these conditions could result in a warrant for Lytvynchuk’s arrest and put him in jail until trial.

Lytvynchuk is also required to be present at future court hearings. However, Trader said he is inclined to waive that requirement for certain minor hearings and allow Lytvynchuk to appear remotely.

For example, the next hearing date is scheduled for June 9, where attorneys for both sides will set a mutually agreeable trial date and other deadlines. Trader agreed with Lytvynchuk’s attorney Sean Fitzsimmons that Lytvynchuk’s physical presence at that hearing will not be necessary.

Screenshot 2026 05 27 at 3 58 24 PM 16x9

<title>Lytvynchuk pleads 'not guilty' in monk seal case</title>

Igor Lytvynchuk will be barred from O‘ahu beaches as his court case over an alleged attack on a Hawaiian monk seal continues.

Lytvynchuk pleads 'not guilty' in monk seal case

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Food & Dining

Ready for another weekend? Aloha State Daily rounded up some ways you can enjoy time off, including three theater productions, plus opportunities to eat and drink or listen to live music!

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Friday, May 29"}]

Catch stand-up comedy at Consolidated Theatres. 

Get ready to laugh with four comedians: Jose Dynamite, Jasmine Bautista, Josh Staples and Cathy Tanaka. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the performances start at 7:30 p.m. at Consolidated Theatres Kapolei. There are some R-rated laughs, so this show is recommended for audience members who are at least 18 years old. Tickets are $40, which includes a $20 voucher for concessions. 

Multiple theater productions are on stage this weekend. Catch the musical “Funny Girl,” which runs 

at Diamond Head Theatre. Tickets start at $41, plus fees. 

 See “Yellow Face” at Mānoa Valley Theatre through Sunday, May 31. Tickets start at $44 for subscribers. 

 Finally, catch the premiere of “Memory Beads” by Diane Aoki, which opens Thursday, May 28, and runs through Sunday, June 28, at Kumu Kahua Theatre. Tickets start at $28, plus fees. 

 a dog, cat or chinchilla? It is kitten season, and the Hawaiian Humane Society is at “critical capacity,” according to its website. Can’t adopt? There is also a need for fosters who can help shelter pets regain their confidence by placing them in homes while they await adoption. The Hawaiian Humane Society is also looking for couch crashers who can take adult dogs into their home for a short-term stay and share more about their personality and needs with potential adopters. This past weekend, more than 130 pets came into the shelter seeking homes. 

Eat and drink at the House of Sakura pop-up. 

 is back for a limited time. Those stopping by the pop-up can enjoy Beam Suntory 

, as well as premium sakes, Japanese beers and select wines by the glass. There are also 

shareable dishes, including a seafood platter

, ʻahi sashimi and more. Open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, May 31. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Saturday, May 30"}]

Attend the Science & Sustainability Festival. 

 is holding its annual Science & Sustainability Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its campus in Kalihi. The event includes opportunities to view animal and plant specimens from the museum’s collection and talk story with researchers. The festival will also be the debut of new additions to the Science Adventure Center. There will be more than 40 booths, including federal, state and city agencies and local conservation groups. Admission grants access to all of the Bishop Museum’s galleries and exhibits, including the Hawaiʻi-themed Lego exhibit 

“Ea Mai ‘Eiwa: Patterns of Practice,”

, as well as her husband, Sig Zane, and their son, Kūhaʻoʻīmaikalani Zane. Admission is $5 for kamaʻāina and military with online registration. 

 Local Motion’s annual Surf into Summer contest is back. It will take place at Ala Moana Bowls on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31. The event includes amateur surfers, who range in age from seven years old to 70 years old. Check-in times are an hour before each heat. Register ahead of the event. 

This outdoor movie series is a partnership between the City and County of Honolulu, the Waikīkī Improvement Association and Southwest Airlines. Arrive at 4:30 p.m. to enjoy festivities, including live music, games, food, photo opportunities, and more. Bring chairs and blankets. Catch “Zootopia 2” at 7:30 p.m. at Queen’s Beach in Waikīkī. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Sunday, May 31"}]

Attend the Hot Girl Summer: A Women in Rap Party. 

This women in rap party features music from artists such as Megan Thee Stallion, Latto, Nicki Minaj, Flo Milli and more. Beachwear or pink-themed attire is encouraged. 

 runs from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. at Kiki’s Tiki Bar in Waikīkī. Catch Early bird tickets are $10. 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Laugh

<title>Laughs, science and more: What to do on Oʻahu this weekend</title>

Already dreaming of the weekend after three days off? Aloha State Daily can help you make plans for Friday, May 29, through Sunday, May 31. From a women in rap party in Waikīkī to stand-up comedy in Kapolei, there are lots of events happening this weekend on Oʻahu.

Laughs, science and more: What to do on Oʻahu this weekend

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

,” a nighttime event that plays homage to paniolo culture and cuisine, made its debut this month at Waikōloa Stables, which is owned and managed by the Waikōloa Village Association.

The inspiration for the cultural residency comes from marketing specialist Karen Morgan of 

 and Aki Smith, a third-generation paniolo who used to rodeo in a similar show with his father, Gilbert, as a boy at the historic arena. Morgan wanted to revive the paniolo archives she had discovered while working with Waikōloa Stables and serendipitously met Smith at his western store, 

“It’s becoming real. We’ve been stirring this pot for seven years,” Smith told Aloha State Daily in early May. “The biggest challenge for me was marketing this thing — getting people to know the vision we have to show that paniolo exist in the middle of the Pacific.”

“It’s going to be an experience of a lifetime,” he continued. “We have eight cowboys altogether that ranch every day. This is part of our lives. This is what we do as our profession. Nothing is staged.”

In preparation for the show’s premiere, which took place May 21 for an invite-only crowd, Smith worked to rehab the arena over the last six months.

He also chose its eight signature rodeo acts — from team roping to double mugging and more — three of which guests will get the chance to participate in. 

Chef Nakoa Pabre of Umekes has created an island-inspired menu, including handcrafted cocktails, beers and spirits, in partnership with Maui Beer Co. and Kupu Spirits. At dinner, guests can meet the cowboys and enjoy live music by Ho’opono Wong. 

“When we end our show, they can close out the evening with a great meal and experience, where we’ll have more activities like leather branding, learning how to swing a rope, and mingling with the paniolo to get their perspectives," Smith said.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"What does it mean to be a paniolo?"}]

Smith, who started riding horses at 2 years old, says, “That’s the only lifestyle I know and it’s how I get to raise my kids.” He and his wife, Keala, live and work on 

“It’s a day-to-day deal. It’s not like you’re clocking in, clocking out. You wake up to it and go to sleep to it,” he said. “To me, it’s important to pass it down. It has a big responsibility to it; how to preserve and take care of the land and the animals, how to treat others with respect and so forth.”

Being self-sustainable was something gleaned from his grandfather. “We still go down to the ocean to provide for our families.”

“I find still today with the world changing as much as it is, the paniolo industry has changed so much with it, but it’s dear to my heart that I hold onto the culture,” he added.  “It’s so much different than Mainland cowboys. It all started because our king made a Kapu [code or law] and didn’t want to kill all the cattle but also didn’t know what to do with it. So, because of the vaqueros [Mexican-Spanish cowboys] that’s how we were created.”

, “In 1832, King Kamehameha III sent for help to California to teach the Hawaiians how to handle the wild cattle and to learn horsemanship.” The vaqueros taught the Hawaiians roping, herding, and other skills. Ikua Purdy brought the story of the paniolo to a wider audience, winning roping competitions and receiving several accolades.

whose business is named after that year "paniolo" was coined in the Islands 

, “blending equine wellness, cultural storytelling and botanical beauty," through massage and healing equine experiences. She praises Smith for his ability to orchestrate the new rodeo show.

“The harmony and leadership of Aki and the team, seeing them riding in the sunset, it’s really quite beautiful,” she said, adding, “One thing that’s unique is the arena is our stage and there’s a closeup intimacy that we’re going to get with the cowboys and the horses. It’s a cool experience, and part of Hawaiʻi’s rich culture and community.”

Smith adds: “I can’t thank the good Lord enough for better timing. I think it’s only going to get better as we move forward. Come and check it out. We’re really proud of it, and I’m really really proud to be a cowboy.”

“Paniolo Legends Under the Lights” is now open to the public monthly on select dates throughout the year. To book the experience, 

Learn more about offerings at Waikōloa Stables, including equine services, riding programs and other community events at 

Paniolo Legends 001 edit

<title>New rodeo highlights Hawaiian cowboy heritage on Hawaiʻi Island</title>

“Paniolo Legends Under the Lights” is produced by third-generation paniolo Aki Smith, owner of Paniolo Culture Co. Presented in partnership with 1832 Hawaiʻi Living Co. and Waikōloa Stables, the evening includes rodeo events in the historic arena, a meal from Chef Nakoa Pabre of Umekes, live music and time to talk story with cowboys.

New rodeo highlights Hawaiian cowboy heritage on Hawaiʻi Island

Government & Politics

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen’s former chief of staff has sued the county over alleged corruption claims that implicate the mayor himself.

According to a lawsuit filed Friday in Maui’s Second Circuit Court, Leo Caires — Bissen’s chief of staff between 2022 and 2024 — has accused the county of forcing him out of his job in December 2024 because he had discovered fraudulent activity within the county Office of Economic Development.

While the suit does not name Bissen as a defendant — the defendants include the county and several unspecified “John Doe” individuals and organizations — the text of the suit suggests that Bissen had attempted to halt investigations by Caires into cases of fraud by county staff, and had Caires fired when that failed.

The suit claims that, beginning in March 2024, Caires was informed by the county’s Corporation Counsel of a series of suspicious transactions connected to a grant awarded by the OED. Within those transactions, Caires found an invoice for more than $45,000 from a company called “RTFEX Depot,” along with a series of unverifiable transactions between Bissen’s executive assistant.

The suit identifies that assistant only through the initials MA and the nickname “Pono.” In 2024, a Pono Asano was Bissen’s executive assistant.

According to the suit, Caires could find no evidence that RTFEX Depot was a real company, and, despite the business supposedly being based in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Arizona Corporation Commission told him no such business was registered in that state.

Consequently, Caires concluded that the assistant “Pono” and the recipient of the grant — identified in the suit only as “AVS” — submitted false cashiers’ checks made out to a false company to defraud the OED.

But when Caires reported the incident to Bissen, the plot thickened. After Caires issued a notice to Bissen on March 19, 2024, that he wished to interview “Pono” for an internal investigation, the lawsuit claims that Bissen “indicated that he did not want anything to do with the Notice and appeared agitated by it.”

A month later, Caires — now strongly suspicious that “Pono” and other staff in the Mayor’s Office had conspired to embezzle more than $45,000 from the county — reiterated to Bissen that an investigation should be made.

According to the suit, “Mayor Bissen got upset at Mr. Caires and ordered him to stop the investigation.”

Bissen allegedly did not fire “Pono” but reassigned him to a position in the OED, which “baffled” Caires. Only after Caires raised objections did “Pono” resign from the county.

During this time, Caires claims his duties as chief of staff were being reduced: he claims he was removed from major meetings and events, and his communications with Bissen dwindled from daily conversations to “infrequent check-ins.”

In May, Bissen told Caires the chief of staff position would be eliminated altogether for budgetary reasons, and Caires would be reassigned as the county’s Energy Commissioner, the suit states. However, the suit also claims that, after Caires was demoted to Energy Commissioner in October, Bissen then promoted “CL” to take his place, having evidently not eliminated the chief of staff position after all.

But during the “Pono” investigation, Caires also grew suspicious of the OED’s director at the time — Luana Mahi, although the lawsuit only identifies her with the initials “LM.”

Caires believed Mahi was using her position to award grants to family members, after reportedly finding a grant awarded to a business with clear ties to her husband, son and her own prior employment history.

But despite again raising these concerns with Bissen, the mayor did not share his concerns, and eventually directed Caires to sign off on the suspicious grant. The suit claims that Caires “felt intimidated” by this, and that Bissen responded, “There is nothing wrong with this.”

The county Board of Ethics later found a conflict of interest between Mahi and at least one OED grant, leading her to be placed on paid leave in August 2024.

Caires’ own county career ended shortly afterward. In September 2024, Caires’ began taking intermittent medical leave “due to conditions he developed stemming from the retaliatory acts from the County and Mayor Bissen,” the suit claims.

Upon returning from leave around Dec. 23, 2024, Caires found a termination letter from Bissen on his desk, dated Dec. 18, 2024. The letter allegedly read, in part, “You have served as Energy Commissioner since May 2024, but I have not observed the level of expertise, management skills, attention to detail, or enthusiasm for energy efficiency required to ensure the success of these initiatives."

Consequently, the suit accuses Bissen’s office of violating the Hawai‘i Whistleblowers’ Protection Act and of wrongful termination. The suit seeks unspecified compensatory, punitive and other damages.

Caires’ attorney Joe Rosenbaum said the suit has not yet been served to the county and other defendants. However, last year the Maui County Council approved 

 — the firm Marr Jones and Wang LLLP — for pre-litigation responses to Caires' claims, to the tune of $350,000.

“I think [the suit] proves there are employees within county governments who are willing to stand up to corruption even if it costs them their jobs,” Rosenbaum told Aloha State Daily.

[{"type":"text","text":"A statement from Bissen's office called Caires' allegations inaccurate."}]

The concerns he raises were identified by others at the time, and we reject any attempt to revise history," the statement read. 

“I made significant efforts to support his success, including mentorship, training, and an opportunity to continue serving as Energy Commissioner based on his prior experience,” read Bissen's statement. “Lahaina’s recovery placed extraordinary demands on everyone in public service. Ultimately, it came down to an inability to meet the expectations required. As Mayor, I have a fiduciary responsibility to ensure our team delivers for the people of Maui County. That responsibility requires making difficult decisions. I stand firmly behind the decision that was made, and I am confident it was the right one for our community. I am disappointed it has come to this.”

Mayor Bissen Getty Images 1595220331 16x9

<title>Former Maui chief of staff sues county over alleged corruption</title>

Leo Caires, Mayor Richard Bissen's former chief of staff, has accused the county of firing him unjustly after investigating multiple fraud cases within the county government.

Former Maui chief of staff sues county over alleged corruption

, who is also the oldest son of reggae legend Bob Marley and his wife, Rita, still remembers the day when he was at a beach on Maui and inspiration for a song hit.

“The moment is etched in my memory,” Marley told Aloha State Daily.

, is still one of his most popular ones on Spotify, where it has been streamed more than 122 million times. It also features renowned 

“Hawaiʻi is an inspiration to me,” Marley said. “It reminds me of home. It has a strong spirit. And I just love the nature of Hawaiʻi and the people of Hawaii.”

Now, Marley is back again with his family to share a 

 on Saturday, April 11, at The Republik. Proceeds from the event benefit the Waikīkī Community Center and will be used to help build a new library for keiki.

, including one which was written with his wife, Orly. Their son, who is 10 years old, has brought some books from their home in Los Angeles to donate, he added. Attendees of the concert can also bring books for the children’s library.   

The show comes just a week ahead of the release of “Brightside,” which is Marley’s first studio album in eight years. “Brightside” is set to release as a vinyl exclusive on Saturday, April 18, which is 

, and digitally on Friday, May 1. It includes “Make it Paradise,” which features Shimabukuro.

“We did that ʻBeach in Hawaiʻi’ song,” he said. “And then when I did ʻMake it Paradise,’ it had that flavor. It had that Hawaiian flavor, that ‘ukulele flavor.”

He called Shimabukuro, who happened to be in Los Angeles for a concert.

“He took the time to come over to my studio,” Marley said. “We hung out, and we did the song. And it's a wonderful song, and I can't wait for people to hear it.”

The album’s eight songs were co-produced by Marley and his brother, Stephen, in his newly built Rebel Lion Studio. The new album also includes the track “Many Mourn for Bob,” released as a single on Feb. 5, which is about his father.

“I'm at a stage in my life where I'm at a maturity now where I can relate to him in a more emotional way,” Marley said. “Not just as a father or a legend, but on a more human perspective on what he went through that a lot of people might not know about. He went through a lot emotionally, mentally. I feel people don't understand. I recognize that. And I relate with him in that way. 

"And he passed away very young. It's kind of sad in some ways, even though he's a big legend now. It's still sad. He was so young. It's my empathy toward him and my emotional feelings that I share with him, in a spiritual way also, because writing the song, there was a strong connection with him. ... When I was doing it, I thought to myself, ʻYou know what ... He could have sung this song, himself.’ I had a strong connection to him when I was doing that song.”

Bob Marley & The Wailers inspired generations of Hawaiʻi artists, including Glenn Awong of Maoli, one of the writers of 

 which includes the lyrics: “Sometimes I listen to Marley, while I sip on my whiskey.” Marley is also on the mind of 

first Pacific Islander to win “American Idol,”

 who recently referenced “Three Little Birds” as inspiration for his own single, “Sunshine.”

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"For Marley, his father is still with him."}]

“My father is a part of me,” he said. “In some ways, the memories are etched in my DNA. But my father — he was a fun guy, too. That's another thing people don't know. He loved to laugh and have fun and make jokes. I remember going to the countryside with him, playing soccer with him. He was a fun person. And I remember that side of him a lot.”

 released on Feb. 24. The music video, launched on March 26, features his daughters Zuri and Judah.

“We had so much fun doing it,” Marley said. “Even though the topic is kind of heavy, but the video is kind of light and fun. The lyrics are a metaphor. I use racism as a metaphor of a virus that's cured by a Dr. Brightside.”

One of his favorite songs in the new album is “Why Let the World,” he said.

“Sometimes, we need a break from all the negativity,” Marley said. “In the news, in the world, there's a lot of bad stuff going on, and I think that song kind of helped me.”

His charity, Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment (URGE) Foundation, helps children in Jamaica, Africa and throughout the world through education, health care, nutrition and more, according to its website. Marley grew up in Jamaica.

“Early in our life, we grew up in the poor part of Kingston,” Marley said. “And gradually, as my father — his career took off — we moved out and lived in better places throughout time. But we never forgot where we came from. And we never forgot the people that didn't make it out like we did.”

His parents set an example of helping others, he said.

“We formed the charity to invite others to help, but it's just a part of who we are trying to help our fellow human beings who need our help,” Marley said. “We really focus on children, though. After a while, the best way to help our communities is to help develop kids and help kids out, so that the future can be brighter for all of us in the community.”

And that is exactly what Marley is focusing on with the benefit show for Waikīkī Community Center this weekend, where attendees can build a library by bringing books to the show and help keiki.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"“That's what it's all about,” he said."}]

Tickets start at $45, plus service fees. 

Ziggy Marley

<title>Ziggy Marley reflects on benefit show, new album</title>

The eldest son of Bob and Rita Marley is about to release his first studio album in eight years, “Brightside.” The nine-time Grammy winner spoke with Aloha State Daily about the new music, which releases on April 18, as well as his benefit concert this weekend at The Republik in Honolulu.

Daily Smile: Friday, February 27, 2026

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