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Daily Smile

[{"type":"text","text":"When a service dog sits in front of you on a plane..."}]

Smile 26 3 18

<title>Daily Smile: Wednesday, March 18, 2026</title>

When a service dog sits in front of you on a plane...

Daily Smile: Wednesday, March 18, 2026

 When a service dog sits in front of you on a plane...

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

MĀNOA — Joshua Walker flashed a grin when asked about how late it all came together. He almost couldn't believe it himself. 

The 2025 University of Hawai‘i women's volleyball sludged through a 

, which wrapped up in November. Citing personal and family reasons, head coach 

 resigned on April 29, prompting UH to start a national search for its new coach mere months before the 2026 campaign. 

, the former UH men's volleyball standout and assistant coach, was hired in June. Since then, he's been on the recruiting trail for the Rainbow Wahine. It wasn't until Tuesday that his initial staff was finalized with the hiring of assistant coach Will McDonald. The day before, former BYU head coach Heather Olmstead was named UH's associate head coach. 

Then on Thursday, the roster of 15 and the new coaching staff, led by Walker, converged in the UH-Mānoa practice gym for the first day of fall camp. The Rainbow Wahine will play Hawai‘i-Hilo in an exhibition on Aug. 15, then officially begin the season on Aug. 28 against Georgia Southern. 

"Just the way everything has just kind of flown and synced together over those last couple weeks has just been amazing," Walker said. "The timing has been right, (though) you could have said the timing wasn't ideal. ... Everything just kind of fit right in place."

Olmstead, McDonald and former UH men's libero Kolby Kanetake are the assistant coaches on Walker's staff, replacing former Ah Mow assistants Kaleo Baxter and Nick Castello, who remained with the team throughout the summer as it transitioned in leadership. 

"For me, it was just making sure that as we kind of get things going, that we're we're all on the same page and we all have have strengths that we know we can balance off each other," Walker said. "I've known Colby forever. Obviously, I coached him. Heather is elite at what she does. ... Having someone like Will on board is is instrumental as well to put all those pieces together.

"There's just a lot of people that want to help. There's a lot of people that are interested. So even though the timing was what it was, people know what this program is capable of, and just making sure we're finding the right people that can make a difference this year and potentially going forward was was very important."

In keeping with the theme of the pursuit of excellence despite extemporaneous circumstances, Walker says the team word for the 'Bows in 2026 is "Mauna," the Hawaiian word for mountain. It's also an acronym. M stands for "mission," a stands for "attitude," u stands for "uniformity," and the final a stands for "assimilate."

Also during Thursday's practice, Walker named outside hitter 

, middle blocker Miliana Sylvester and defensive specialist Victoria Leyva the team captains for 2026. All three were standouts under Robyn Ah Mow and chose to stick around through the transition. 

Despite the air of optimism that surrounded the practice gym given the team's fresh start, the Rainbow Wahine returnees won't forget their former coach, either. 

"I was very close to coach Rob, and I learned a lot from her," Hakas said. "It wasn't easy (to say goodbye). But if you're gonna go play pro and that's your dream, I'm gonna go play pro one day, and that's how it's gonna be. One day you're here, one day you're in a different team, and you gotta learn to adjust to that, too. And today is day one, so I'm excited to work with coach Josh. We're gonna see how that goes, but I'm very excited for this new chapter for sure."

Said Sylvester: "I think just the lessons that (Ah Mow) taught me, so much going on the court, so much that she's taught me about life. I feel like she was a mentor, a coach, a mom. Anything I could think of, I was able to turn to her, and so I'm definitely going to be thankful for that. I'm going to continue it in my everyday. I think we use things from her all the time, every day in the gym and in life."

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Joshua Walker 073026

<title>Hawai‘i women's volleyball gears up for first season of Joshua Walker era</title>

Led by their new head coach, the Rainbow Wahine held their first preseason practice on Thursday afternoon.

Hawai‘i women's volleyball gears up for first season of Joshua Walker era

Kam Napier Headshot

A. Kam Napier

Columnists

The Hawai‘i Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists held its 2025 Excellence in Journalism awards on Wednesday night at the Japanese Cultural Center in Mō‘ili‘ili. 

The awards covered work done through 2025 by local media on all platforms — digital, print, radio and television. Hawai‘i's submissions were judged by the San Diego and East Tennessee chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Aloha State Daily, which launched in January 2025, is thrilled to have won 14 awards across a wide range of categories, including Best Overall News Site.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"In the Internet division:"}]

,” by the ASD Newsroom. Judges said, "Great work by a new Internet startup. Aloha State Daily offers comprehensive, continuously updated local content across the Islands."

Lahaina fire survivor Cesar Martinez looks to be part of the solution for housing,

In the News Media division, open to all print and digital:

,” by A. Kam Napier. Judges said, "Aloha State Daily Editor A. Kam Napier promised readers "something to chew on," and his well-written columns achieve that goal."

Column Writing or Blog/Features or Sports

” ASD Staff. Judges said, "The breaking news Tsunami warning coverage is the perfect example of journalists who place their personal safety and worries aside for the good of the public — ensuring that their communities have the information they need to seek shelter and safety during a weather event. The coverage itself is well-organized and robust and is a true testament to the necessity for local journalism."

Lawsuit filed against Maui Land & Pineapple

With HB1118 advancing, here's a look at the state mandated vaccines for public school kids

Hawai'i education then and now: A 50-year view on soaring costs and declining enrollment

Pipikaula Corner: Making elections elections again

Kailua, Kamehameha-Maui win HHSAA football titles

," by Christian Shimabuku. Judges said, "This is a photo nicely conveys the emotion every athlete hopes to feel: victory."

UH looks to capitalize on first Hawai'i Bowl since 2019

,” by Christian Shimabuku. Judges said, "A moment that's so fleeting and worth preserving."

, by Kukaua Medeiros, Salmons and Katie Helland. Judges said, "The winner showed both restraint and cleverness. Each headline created some allure, but also conveyed meaning and some open-ended appeal."

Measles are making headlines but Hawai‘i's top diseases may surprise you

Listen to the Mike Love song people quit their jobs over

If can, can: AIA Honolulu Celebrates 20 years of CANstruction

Outreach team provides medical, social services to homeless in Waikīkī,

" by Salmons. Judges said, "An illuminating first-person look at a vexing community issue."

To see all of Hawai‘i's award winners, visit 

, where the winners list downloads as an RTF file.

ASD best news site award

<title>Aloha State Daily named 'Best Overall News Site'</title>

The Hawai‘i Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists held its annual awards Wednesday night. For our work throughout 2025 — our first year —Aloha State Daily won 14 awards, including best online news site.

Aloha State Daily named 'Best Overall News Site'

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Arts & Entertainment

The afternoon tea, which used to be once a month, is now from 2 to 4 p.m. Seatings are available at 2, 2:15 and 2:30 p.m.  

Mu‘u or alohawear — complete with lei or fresh flowers — is encouraged but not mandatory.

The afternoon tea — which starts at $55 per person — starts with a choice of Hobbs Tea from Kaua‘i, housemade vanilla scones, and a choice of iced tea, a specialty mocktail or mimosa. Hobbs Tea choices include hibiscus, earl grey, chai, mamaki and more.

The housemade vanilla scones are served with POG jam. 

The tea features a variety of savory and sweet treats. The savory selection includes a gougere (with ham, Parmesan and black truffle); ham and cheese spiral (cheddar cheese and housemade parmesan aioli); cucumber dill sandwich (dill cream cheese and housemade shokupan); and chicken salad croissant with cranberry and almonds.

Desserts include an ube macaron with ube cream cheese filling; guava fruit tart with guava curd and a sugar cookie crust; and dream cake with chocolate chiffon and whipped cream.

Guests can enjoy live music during afternoon tea. The August line-up includes performances by Grant Kono, Po’okela Wood, Lina Robins and Ka’ula Krug.

u and Mimosas is now every Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m.

Kaimana Beach tea spread 072826

<title>Mu‘u and mimosas afternoon tea is now every Saturday</title>

Kaimana Beach Hotel’s afternoon tea is available weekly starting at 2 p.m. The experience costs $55 per person and guests can enjoy a variety of sweet and savory baked goods, along with live entertainment.

Mu‘u and mimosas afternoon tea is now every Saturday

Hawaii Votes 16x9 26 7 28

<title>Primary election coming Aug. 8</title>

Voting in Hawaiʻi is no longer a single-day event; registered voters now have an extended window of time to vote.

Primary election coming Aug. 8

IMG 1445

Rick Hamada

Government & Politics

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

The second in command of the 50th state in our nation has been indicted by a grand jury for bribery, fraud, messy campaign spending stuff along with four others of questionable character. 

This headline made national news for one day and now it's gone. But here at home? This is only the beginning. I know that underhanded double dealing takes place throughout our government. Always has, always will. Why? Because humans are fallible. Imperfect. 

There are two elements that either promote or prevent corruption. The first is basic economics — ROI (Return on Investment). If I am going to offer a bribe, I have to ask myself, "What's the return on my investment?" 

In other words, if I bribe this or these officials, what's the multiplier effect back into my pocket? Let's look at what's before us. Covid-19 had so many layers of suspect policies, actions and spending. The spending! There were millions upon millions of federal dollars dropped into the lap of our state and counties. Combine cash windfall with fallible humans and it the perfect recipe for those bereft of any moral fiber to manipulate the situation for their personal gain, and I mean money. Lots and lots of money. Millions. 

But reports indicate that the bribers only gave the bribees collectively thousands of dollars. Now, that's max ROI. 

The other element is Risk and Reward. Is it worth the risk of getting caught when the profits justify the consequence? Corruption is so pervasive that until now there has not been such high-level prosecution nor legal actions, meaning it's sure worth the risk because you're never gonna get caught. Whoops. 

Conversely, the bribees allegedly accepted the bribers' money and did their thing. But their ROI was paltry and the risk was greater because the reward was a joke. You mean you can get bought off for a miniscule amount of cash? We're talking reportedly $5,000 maybe $10,000 in "campaign donations." And you cheapened and sold your political and administrative souls for chump change? More than that. You sold your constituents and citizens of this state down the gutter for nothing. You all knew it was wrong and importantly illegal. But still. Now, I know I did not use the word "allegedly" enough. Yes, there were indictments and that's pretty bad. But each of these five must be presumed innocent until proven so or guilty at trial. 

As my momma would say, "If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, well..."

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Flow of Waters stopped"}]

City Council Chair Tommy Waters got dealt with a blow in his pursuit of a third term as a city council member when a state judge ruled that he was ineligible to seek re-election. His political opponent and council candidate Trevor Ozawa filed the lawsuit that led to this ruling. Even lay folk can read the City Charter and glean that the limit for a councilman serving is two terms. There is voter precedent in affirming only two terms and when asked if there should be an extension to three terms, voters decidedly say no. 

Trevor, who is an attorney and represented himself, laid out a case that was focused on the specifics of the charter language. Tommy's team did not make a compelling case and as of this writing have not filed the fully anticipated appeal to this ruling. But there are remaining questions regarding process, procedure, administration, perceived or actual outside influences and more. Soon, my friends, soon.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Hāna beefs"}]

between locals and tourists. OK, I get it. For those who live Hãna side it's a tough road. Period. We've all hopefully have taken the drive and to do so daily is a grind. And that grind can be exacerbated by those driving who are sightseeing, inattentive to those behind and ignorant to what has become a certain etiquette developed over the years. This last case had some or all of those elements. However, the local boy scared the coconut milk out of the tourists he confronted. See the video from the newscast at the link.

Bruddah jumped out of his ride and was scary monstah charging the tourist's car, yelling profanities and taking out his frustrations on this unsuspecting guy. In any other scenario, this was road rage. 

But wait a second. A spokesperson for the group Hāna Highway Regulation responded, and I'm paraphrasing, the Hāna resident communicated the problem and how the visitor needed to correct himself. Ummm. She then stated that yes, he used strong words and verbal profanity. Really? No kidding! There are calls for traffic management. 

Here's how you manage it. Just like with Hanauma Bay, you put a limit on the number of tourists who can take the Hāna Highway. Oh, but what about businesses? Then allow things to remain the same and just deal with the congestion and the tourists. It's one way or the other but if this kind of action against tourists is condoned and, heaven forbid physical violence is committed then you may not have to worry about overcrowding on the Hāna Highway. Or anywhere in Hawai‘i. Viral video will take care of that.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Sylvia Luke 16x9 Large

<title>Hamada: Hot takes on bribery, Tommy Waters, Hāna Highway confrontation</title>

With so much in the news, ASD opinion columnist weighs in on the state's bribery scandal, Tommy Waters' attempt at a third term and a recent ugly confrontation between locals and tourists in the Hāna Highway.

Hamada: Hot takes on bribery, Tommy Waters, Hāna Highway confrontation

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Aloha Spirit

Ready to experience some great storytelling? The Tony Award-winning musical “Les Misérables” continues its performances at Diamond Head Theatre, while the Hawaiʻi Shakespeare Festival is set to open the play “Julius Caesar” at Mānoa Valley Theatre.

Prefer a film? Catch the final screenings of the Honolulu Surf Film Festival. Here are some of the happenings this weekend on Oʻahu:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Friday, July 31"}]

Mark your calendars for this Waipahu Bon dance.

 Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji will hold its Bon dance from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1. 

Celebrate ko Hawaiʻi Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea. 

 will celebrate ko Hawaiʻi Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea, or Sovereignty Restoration Day, which was one of the first national holidays of the Hawaiian Kingdom, marking the return of political power to the government of King Kamehameha III after the British temporarily seized control of Hawaiʻi in 1843. Free. 

This classic musical, which is taking the stage at Diamond Head Theatre, is based on Victor Hugo’s novel, and tells the story of Jean Valjean, who agrees to care for a factory worker’s daughter. Shows run Thursday through Sunday. Many performances are already sold out. Limited tickets are available. 

Attend the Hawaiʻi Shakespeare Festival. 

The Hawaiʻi Shakespeare Festival will open “Julius Caesar” at Mānoa Valley Theatre on Friday, July 31. Directed by Alex Munro, this

 production explores how a modern Julius Caesar would weaponize technology to obtain power. The show features a modern set plus pre-recorded videos and livestreams. Tickets are $15 on Wednesdays and Thursdays and $25 on Friday through Sunday. The 

Check out the Honolulu Surf Film Festival. 

The Honolulu Surf Film Festival will share its final screenings in the Doris Duke Theatre at the Honolulu Museum of Art this week. Catch “Kingdom of the Evening” and “Surf Poets Society X HSFF 2026” on Friday, July 31. On Saturday, Aug. 1, watch “Locals Only 2026.” Finally, catch “Water Colours” on Sunday, Aug. 2. Tickets for each screening are $15. 

Watch “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” in Concert. 

Catch part one of this movie on the big screen while the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra plays the score live in the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall. The performances will take place on Friday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 1. Tickets start at $38.50. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Saturday, Aug. 1"}]

Consolidated Theatres and Comedy U have announced another live stand-up comedy night at Consolidated Theatres Kapolei. The show features Jose Dynamite and five guest comedians: Ian Shippen, Tre Kun, Jasmine Bautista, Nalo, and Kanoa Morse. The live performances may include some R-rated laughs, so this event is recommended for adult audiences. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the performances start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40, which includes a $20 concession voucher for snacks or drinks. 

Catch Ballet Hawaiʻi’s Summer Intensive, “Forces of Nature.” 

Ballet Hawaiʻi will host its summer intensive, “Forces of Nature,” at Leeward Community College Theatre. From volcanoes to Vivaldi, this show brings nature to life through dance. Tickets are $50. Use the promo code FORCES20 for a 20% discount. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Sunday, Aug. 2"}]

This screening chronicles the true story of three boys who discover a juvenile

Tyrannosaurus rex fossil in North Dakota. The extended cut of the film will show at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the J. Watumull Planetarium at Bishop Museum. General admission is $5. Entry for children who are two years old or younger is free. 

 Send us your pictures of sunrises, sunsets and more.  Submitted photos may be featured in our reader submission series called Hawaiʻi Skies. Tell us what you saw and why it was special. 

“Les Misérables”

<title>Bon dance, 'Les Misérables,' and laughs: what to do on Oʻahu this weekend</title>

Ready to plan your weekend? Aloha State Daily can help! From a Bon dance in Waipahu to a Comedy U and Consolidated Theatres collaboration in Kapolei, there are lots of events happening across Oʻahu this Friday, July 31, through Sunday, Aug. 2.

Daily Smile: Wednesday, March 18, 2026

ASD Staff

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Daily Smile: Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Authors

ASD Staff

Reporter

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