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Hawai'i Skies

Kristin Richards

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Kristin Richards at Kapi’olani Park. "

These were taken at Kapi’olani Park right before sunset."

To submit your Hawai'i Skies photo, visit us 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

IMG 8232

<title>Hawaiʻi Skies: O’ahu Skies</title>

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Kristin Richards at Kapi’olani Park.

Hawaiʻi Skies: O’ahu Skies

 Today&#039;s Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Kristin Richards at Kapi’olani Park. &quot;These were taken at Kapi’olani Park right before sunset.&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.

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

The new Aloha Stadium and its developer, Aloha Hālawa District Partners, have yet to sign a master development agreement, though both sides continue to push towards a 2029 completion date. 

Both parties revealed new details about the stadium in recent weeks. In a legislative hearing on March 11, Aloha Hālawa District Partners managing member Stanford Carr said the stadium will feature individual seating with cupholders. While initial projections last summer tabbed the new stadium to have a seating capacity of 22,500, that number increased to 31,000. During the hearing, Carr said the seating has potential to eventually expand to as many as 40,000 seats. 

During Thursday's morning's monthly Aloha Stadium Authority meeting, stadium interim manager Mike Yadao says the facility has continued with its active dismantling, though the Kona low storm earlier in the month provided some delays. 

"This happens in all construction, it's not unusual," Yadao told Aloha State Daily following Thursday's meeting. "You just can't have a big excavator up when it's ready to that level, to that extent. But it doesn't delay any timelines. We'll be OK."

In a separate interview with Aloha State Daily earlier in the month, Carr said despite the challenges that come with building the stadium, he and his team of architects and engineers remain inspired to give Hawai‘i a stadium and entertainment district it can be proud of. 

When it was time for the New Aloha Stadium and Entertainment District (NASED) to pick a developer for the $650-million project in late 2024, AHDP was the only team at the end that made itself available. 

"One, we need it," Carr told Aloha State Daily when asked why he felt compelled to step up. "Two, it's complicated and very challenging. I'm just a little crazy, and I love challenges, and it takes the crazy ones to take something like this on."

Carr, a 1980 Maui High School graduate, first moved to O‘ahu to attend the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He eventually started his own company at Stanford Carr Development, which has completed a total of 25 projects and counting on O‘ahu, Maui and the Big Island, ranging from commercial developments to affordable housing units. Aloha Stadium has always been an attractive endeavor to him. 

"I feel for me, it's a culmination of my entire career and everything I've worked on and learned over my adult life," Carr said. 

Since taking on the project, Carr and his team have traveled to various sporting venues on the Mainland at both the college and professional levels. Building the new stadium while taking down the old one has come with its challenges, particularly preexisting underground utilities, but Carr says being on the same Hālawa grounds has also allowed some room for creativity. For example, by preserving the cast-in-place property structures in the north and south end zones, Carr estimates AHDP is saving $90 million in demolition costs. 

Carr's Aloha Stadium legacy will expand to his family. Multiple sons are on his team, including Dustin, 24, Stanford Carr Development's project manager.

"I think people just want to see progress," Dustin Carr says. "I think the more progress they see, the better of a light people will see the project. I think people will get more excited as we have more progress and more updates."

Plans for the stadium include for it to have a total of 28 suites, some of which will be near field level. It will also be the home of the Hawai‘i Sports Hall of Fame. The surrounding mixed-use district will have a range of dining options, cultural activities and 4,500 housing units. 

The field itself will host amateur and professional sports teams across multiple sports, with the University of Hawai‘i football team its flagship tenant. But with considerations for other sports such as soccer and rugby in particular, Stanford Carr tells ASD that the plan is for the new Aloha Stadium to have natural grass as its playing surface. The old Aloha Stadium, from its opening in 1975, featured various iterations of artificial turf, starting with AstroTurf before transitioning to synthetic grass-like turf in 2003. 

"We're going to go with natural grass because it's safer for the athletes, less injuries, and rugby will not play on artificial turf," Carr said. "And it will draw more professional sports."

Added Stanford Carr Development vice president of development Kaloa Robinson: "The key thing was that it was safer to play on. That's what I think really pushed it over the edge. ... We just have to get really comfortable with replacing (the surface) multiple times a year."

Count Yadao as one of the key proponents for natural grass at the new stadium. 

"It super cool, because it keeps our athletes safer from injury," Yadao said. "Stanford has indicated a strong desire to make it all natural grass, and I think we can. There's no reason why you can't."

Yadao is also agreeable to AHDP's planned seating expansion, calling it "exciting as all get-out." Though it's quite the jump from the initial 22,500, he still believes the 2029 deadline can be met. As NASED and AHDP continue to work together and negotiate, they both vehemently agree that Hawai‘i is due for a new stadium. 

"I think it's a symbiotic relationship, right? As the Stadium Authority communicates strength and stability, it then allows AHDP to have access to greater resources. And the more resources they get, the better stadium they can build," said Yadao of the $650 million stadium. "The issues that make construction difficult are not the increased capacity, but rather permitting and infrastructure build up. And I'm confident that with the mayor's cooperation, the county's cooperation, it can get done."

Said Robinson: "I think what I probably want the community to know is that there's a lot of analogs to the first moon landing insofar as there's just obstacle after obstacle to deliver the stadium in 2029. It's an extremely steep challenge to overcome, and the only way we're going to get there is if everybody helps out. There's basically every state agency and every city agency, the entire community, the ledge and the Honolulu City Council, all of them are going to have a role to play to make this thing work. Otherwise it's not going to happen."

[{"type":"text","text":"Added Stanford Carr: \"It's going to take a village to build a village.\""}]

Stanford Carr 021726

<title>Aloha Stadium marches towards 2029 completion</title>

The Aloha Stadium authority and its developer have shared a bevy of key updates in recent weeks.

Aloha Stadium marches towards 2029 completion

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

The latest round of storms bringing heavy rain to the Islands has so far had little impact on local airline operations.

"Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines are closely monitoring and assessing weather conditions," a spokesperson for the airlines told Aloha State Daily in an email. "As of 2 p.m., we have canceled six roundtrip Neighbor Island flights and remain focused on supporting our employees who live in the affected areas.

"We are continuing to evaluate our schedule and will notify guests of any changes to their flight," the spokesperson continued. "We encourage guests to regularly check their flight status and to check in online before arriving at the airport to save time. Guests should also monitor app push notifications for real-time updates."

In an announcement Friday, the Hawai`i Visitors & Convention Bureau offered this guidance to travelers currently in the state:

And for those with upcoming trips, HVCB says there's no reason to cancel or postpone travel.

"The state remains safe and welcoming, and conditions are expected to improve early next week," the announcement notes.

Travelers, though, should ensure their airline has a current mobile number on file and enable app and SMS notifications, as well as confirm flight statuses directly with the airline before departing for the airport.

Unrelated to the stormy weather, the state Department of Transportation on Friday confirmed that all airports in Hawai‘i are being staffed and will remain open and operational, despite some national reports that small airports nationwide may close or pause operations due to the partial shutdown of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and funding of the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA.

“All of our airports, including our smaller airports on the Neighbor Islands, are vital transportation links for our residents and visitors and they will remain open to serve the traveling public,” said DOT Director Ed Sniffen in a statement. “HDOT is in close communication with our federal partners impacted by the partial shutdown and we want to thank them for keeping our airports staffed and ensuring they remain operational, while minimizing disruptions to travelers. We appreciate the commitment of our dedicated federal workers and their families, who are again facing uncertainty due to the partial shutdown. We will continue to support these individuals who we work closely with on a daily basis, so they can continue to provide critical service to air travelers.”

Daniel k inouye international airport hnl 100925

<title>How the storm is affecting airlines and travel</title>

Hawaiian Airlines has canceled just a few flights due to the current storms as of this afternoon, and the Hawai`i Visitors & Convention Bureau has offered guidance to travelers.

How the storm is affecting airlines and travel

Square Kady Pascual Headshot RGZ5762

Kady Pascual

Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

 hits the Islands, residents are sharing what's going on in their neighborhoods in real time to help others stay informed. Here's what's going on from the community's point of view.

Pets have been rescued! If your pets are lost in the flood waters please message us. Pule Kahu Outreach & Rescue, Hawai‘i Pointer Rescue, and The Rescue Network are coordinating to get as many out as they can.

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

The people of Lā‘ie came together to help one another in a time of need.

A bird's-eye view of the flood progression in Lā‘ie.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Hawaiʻi is as strong as its people."}]

A ray of hope through the Kona Low 2 storm. 

Some pets have been lost or abandoned in Waialua. Letʻs help find their owners!

I bet you've never seen an upside-down waterfall before.

Jason Momoa teamed up with his favorite restaurant, Zippy's, to help those affected by the storm.

The water on the North Shore has turned color due to heavy runoff.

A bird's-eye view of rain and runoff experienced on the North Shore.

This kind-hearted braddah has been shoveling rocks and moving huge boulders out of the road in Waiʻanae Valley.

Residents of Lā‘ie woke up in the middle of the night to flooded homes and waist high water.

[{"type":"text","text":"Heavy rain caused flooding in Lā‘ie."}]

[{"type":"text","text":"Two houses washed away in Waialua next to the Otake store."}]

Residents on Waialua Beach Road woke up to flooded homes and roads. Some sections are sitting under three feet of water.

First responders and community members lent a helping hand to rescue residents.

[{"type":"text","text":"Two abandoned vehicles are left in the middle of Wilikina Drive."}]

Some levels of water is so high, residents are using kayaks for transportation.

[{"type":"text","text":"Keiki are seeing the brighter side of the storm."}]

Kona Low pt 2

<title>Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Neighborhood weather updates</title>

The community's point of view of the second Kona Low storm.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Neighborhood weather updates

Government & Politics

 The City & County of Honolulu says that an

 evacuation order remains in effect for residents in Waialua and Haleʻiwa.

"Impacted area: Waialua, west of Kaukonahua Stream," said the 10:40 a.m. statement from the city. "There is no access into Waialua allowed at this time. Vehicles are only being allowed to exit the area.

"Six evacuation shelters are currently operational for those displaced by the storm. The City is working with non-profit partners including the Hawaii Foodbank, Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and Partners in Care to provide essential resources and support. 131 residents and 45 pets were sheltered overnight.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Evacuation Shelter Locations:"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Update, 3\/21, 5:19 a.m.:"}]

 has extended O'ahu's flash flood warning to 11 a.m. Saturday, noting, "emergency management reported closed roads island-wide as a result of  Friday's flooding. While the latest radar depicts light to moderate showers, additional bands of moderate to potentially locally heavy showers may likely in from the south during the early morning hours."

There remains the possibility of "flooding in drainages, streams, rivers, roads, properties, and other low-lying areas," says the bulletin. "Public road closures possible in some areas. Landslides are  possible in steep terrain. Stay away from streams, rivers, drainage ditches, and culverts, even if they are currently dry.  Do not cross fast flowing or rising water in your vehicle, or on foot. Turn around, don't drown."

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Update, 10:13 p.m.:"}]

Residents of the Waialua area are urged to “leave now,” according to the latest release from officials of the City and Coutny of Honolulu. The remaining access road out of Waialua is at “high risk of failure if rainfall continues.” This impacts all of Waialua west (Kaʻena side) of Kaukonahua Stream. Access INTO Waialua ended at 9:30pm. Vehicles are only allowed to exit.  Here is 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Update, 6:39 p.m.:"}]

This weekend’s storm could cause more than $1 billion in damage, said Gov. Josh Green Friday evening.

Green said at a press briefing that the state is going to face “serious consequences” from the storm, which he called “Kona Low 2”. Kula Hospital on Maui was damaged during the storm, forcing the relocation of 99 patients, and several schools will require repairs, Green said, on top of untold damage to private residences. 

“This is the largest flood we’ve had in 20 years,” Green said.

Nonetheless, no fatalities have been reported so far, and there are no unaccounted-for people. Green said 196 people have been rescued from dangerous areas so far, but Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi added that those numbers were outdated: within just one hour, that number increased to 233.

Blangiardi said the storm is “probably only halfway through,” with another 6-8 inches of rain projected over the next few days. Because the ground is thoroughly saturated, he said this additional rainfall has a compounding effect and can cause floodwaters to rise extremely quickly. 

Green said that water levels at the Wahiawā Dam appear to be on a downward trajectory, last reported at 82.7 feet around 3:30 p.m. Friday, down from more than 84 feet less than 12 hours prior. But, he said, the additional rain projected to come this weekend could still bring waters over the edge of the dam. 

Consequently, Hale’iwa and Waialua remain under an evacuation order, Green said. Evacuation warnings have also been issued for ‘Īao and Kīhei on Maui.

Green said he has heard no reports of structural damage to the dam. 

Tony Koyamatsu, engineer in the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Dam Safety Division, said dam owners throughout the state were left to their own discretion whether they would preemptively pump water from their dams in advance of the storm; he did not confirm whether Dole Food Company, owner of Wahiawā Dam, did so.

Green said he has assurances from the White House and the Federal Emergency Management Agency that the state will have federal support for disaster recovery efforts. He added that the Hawai’i Community Foundation is already raising money for recovery.

In the meantime, several O’ahu hotels are offering deeply discounted kama’aina rates — starting at $191 per night — for evacuees. A list of those hotels, along with an updating list of evacuation shelters, can be found at 

Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, Adjutant General for the Hawai’i Department of Defense, said the Hawai’i National Guard has been activated throughout the state, and that more than 100 soldiers and airmen have been deployed to search and rescue operations on O’ahu.

Tomorrow, Logan said, teams will go door-to-door through the North Shore for further search and rescue operations.

Meanwhile, residents have been repeatedly urged to not drive through flooded roads. Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen said his department cannot pump out floodwaters until after the rain stops; consequently, the only method the department has to mitigate floods is by keeping drains clear.

Landslides have been reported throughout O’ahu, Sniffen said, the biggest of which were in Waimea. Similarly, he said crews have limited ability to respond to landslides while the rain continues and drivers are therefore advised to drive at speeds they can stop quickly.

Sniffen said all airports are currently operating as usual, but travelers are advised to call their airlines ahead of time to learn of possible reroutes or delays, and to arrive at their airport three hours ahead of their departures.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Update, 4:05 p.m.:"}]

 has extended O‘ahu's flash flood warning to 8 p.m., while the state as a whole remains under a flash flood watch until Sunday, 6 p.m.

"Significant flooding may occur due to the overflow of  streams and drainages," says the alert. "Roads in several areas may be closed, along with property damage in urban or low lying spots due to runoff. Landslides may also occur in areas with steep terrain.

"A kona low developing west of the islands will draw abundant moisture northward as it strengthens and eventually departs to north early next week. Several rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected. The heaviest rain is expected to last through Saturday, except for the Big Island where the heaviest rain is expected on Sunday."

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Update 2:30 p.m.:"}]

An assembly area at Kahuku Elementary has been closed, while an evacuation shelter at the Salvation Army Kroc Center Hawai`i will open for residents in Leeward areas affected by the ongoing storms.

Learn more about different shelter types 

Find a current list of the city's shelters and assembly areas 

If possible, bring a go bag with essential supplies including medications.

Assembly Areas are pet friendly but pets must be in a carrier or leash. Bring pet food and other essential supplies to care for your pet if you can.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Update, 1 p.m.:"}]

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi is “feeling good” about the stability of the Wahiawā Dam for the time being, but warned that the future of the storm is unpredictable.

“We don’t feel we’re in immediate danger of water topping the dam,” Blangiardi said during a noon press conference, adding that water at the Wahiawā Reservoir appeared to be receding somewhat earlier today.

However, the mayor added that the amount of rain still to come today and tomorrow is unpredictable. While he said the National Weather Service has indicated that the North Shore is currently between bands of heavy rain — which could mean a respite for some hours, he said — more bands are expected to reach the North Shore before the end of the day.

“The damage so far is catastrophic,” Blangiardi said, but explained that precise estimates of damage cannot be made yet because of flooded roadways. He said there are “dozens, maybe hundreds” of households displaced already.

So far, Honolulu Communications Director Ian Scheuring said there are 54 people at the city’s five evacuation shelters, located at Kahuku Elementary School, Mililani District Park, Nānākuli High and Intermediate School, Leilehua High School and George Fred Wright Wahiawā District Park. The city is prepared to open additional shelters as needed, and will provide additional resources should extended shelters be necessary.

Blangiardi said first responders and Honolulu Ocean Safety are conducting rescue operations to take residents out of the evacuation zone, but couldn’t provide specific details about the number of people rescued this way. But with multiple road closures on Kamehameha Highway, Blangiardi said that anyone who does not need to travel along the North Shore should stay well away.

As of 11 a.m., all non-essential city workers have been ordered to take the rest of the day off.

Residents are encouraged to call the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management for non-life-threatening emergency information at 808-723-8960.

Blangiardi also added that he has cancelled a trip to China he had scheduled for next week. He said that trip would have entailed “a number of business things” and wasn’t “your typical cultural exchange” but didn’t go into further detail.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Update, 12 p.m.:"}]

Due to severe weather conditions, Gov. Josh Green on Friday, and effective immediately, closed all state departments and released employees who are not considered disaster response and preparedness workers on O`ahu.

“The safety of our residents and families must come first," Green said in a statement. "With catastrophic flash flooding already impacting parts of Oʻahu, including evacuation orders on the North Shore and the potential for dam-related impacts, we are taking this situation extremely seriously. Closing state offices will allow families to focus on getting to safety and will support emergency operations. We urge everyone to heed all warnings, evacuate if directed and stay out of floodwaters as this storm continues through the weekend.”

With the exception of the Wahiawā District Court, which closed earlier today, the Judiciary remains operational and will issue any further guidance for Judicial Branch employees, an 

announcement from the Governor's Office notes.

According to the announcement, forecasts from the National Weather Service "indicate a prolonged period of heavy rain that will continue possibly through Sunday, with flash flooding and severe thunderstorms across the state."

Residents should monitor official updates from the National Weather Service and the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, the Governor's Office You can find preparedness guidance and more information from HIEMA at 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Update, 9:30 a.m.:"}]

In addition to flooding and other severe weather impacts on O

`ahu, the current storms have also affected some operations and services across the City and County of Honolulu.

In an announcement issued just before 9 a.m. the city notes that:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Department of Transportation Services"}]

For TheBus, Route 521 service remains suspended; Route 52 service is suspended north of Wahiawā; Route 60 service is suspended between Haleʻiwa and Kahaluʻu (Kamehameha/Kahekili at Hygienic Store), and Route 403 service is suspended on Paʻakea Road.

TheHandi-Van is operating normally, but users leaving or bound for North Shore and East Oʻahu (between Waialua and Kahaluʻu) may not be able to start or complete their trip.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":" No Skyline issues have been reported."}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Update, 9 a.m.:"}]

The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management says in an alert issued just after 9 a.m. that the Wahiawā Dam has not failed but is at "imminent risk of failure." Evacuation orders are still in effect.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Update, 8:50 a.m.:"}]

The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management says in an alert issued just after 8:30 a.m. that failure of the 

Wahiawā Dam is in progress or expected, which has the potential for "life-threatening flooding and catastrophic amounts of fast-moving water in downstream areas."

An evacuation order has been issued for all of Haleʻiwa between Puuiki Street and Kamehameha Highway and areas of Waialua between Kukea Circle to Otake Camp.

The alert says to use Kamehameha Highway Wahiawā-bound onto 

Kamananui Road and left to Wilikina Drive to evacuate. Do not use Kaukonahua Roard to access 

. The Karsten Thot Bridge on Kamehameha Highway also is closed. All traffic is routed to Kamananui Road.

 District Park, Leilehua High School, and Kahuku Elementary School. Waialua High and Intermediate School assembly area is closed due to flood conditions in the area.

Those in the evacuation area should take the following actions and leave now:

Do not walk or drive through moving water or on flooded roadways, the alert says, and stay out of the area until emergency officials advise it is safe to return.

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

 for a map of assembly locations for evacuations being urged by the National Weather Service.

"An assembly area is a parking lot or outdoor waiting area for people required to temporarily evacuate or unable to get home," said the O‘ahu Department of Emergency Management in a statement Friday morning. "Sites are NOT staffed and primary access is to outdoor areas. If possible, bathrooms will be opened. 

"Assembly Areas(s) are available to all impacted residents and visitors. Pets welcome but must be in a carrier or on a leash.

: TheBus is mobilizing evacuation bus resources to Waialua/HaleCiwa as of 6:00am and can direct them to any safe staging point in Haleʻiwa.  Deployed buses will be marked with "EVACUATION" on signage and may be flagged down at any safe location (not necessarily at bus stops) to board and evacuate.  No fares required.

"However, major service disruption in Waialua and Haleʻiwa. No service on Route 521. Routes 52 and 60 operating only to Weed Circle in Haleʻiwa. Routes 60 and 88A service impacted: No service between Waimea Valley and Kahaluʻu (Kamehameha/Kahekili at Hygienic Store)."

Officials urge evacuees to, if possible, bring a Go Bag with essential supplies including medications. 

"Assembly Areas are pet friendly but pets must be in a carrier or leash. Bring pet food and other essential supplies to care for your pet if you can."

 for all islands through Sunday afternoon.

More urgently, it issued, at 7:43 a.m., a flash floor emergency for Northern O‘ahu:

Emergency management reported widespread life-threatening flash flooding effects continuing across northern  O‘ahu, particularly in the Hale‘iwa and Waialua areas. 

"Although  rainfall rates have temporarily decreased, significant runoff  continues to produce high water levels, including the Wahiawa  Reservoir which continues to rise.  

"Additional bands of heavy rainfall moving in from the southwest will continue over the area throughout the day, which could lead to renewed rises in water levels and worsening flooding conditions. 

"The Wahiawa Reservoir (Lake Wilson) remains elevated, with water levels continuing to rise from runoff, despite a break in the heavy rainfall. Additional rises in this reservoir could further exacerbate downstream flooding along the streams, particularly near Otake Camp in Waialua.  For the windward side of Oahu, periods of heavy showers will continue to develop and move through, with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Water levels in the streams remain high, especially in the Waiahole, Waikane, and Kahana streams. Runoff impacting vulnerable low lying areas and roads will continue through the morning hours.    

"This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Northern Oahu. This is a   PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!"

Evac route

<title>Storm updates:  Waialua roads at risk of failing. Gov. Josh Green says storm damages…</title>

Waialua roads at risk for failure, residents urged to "leave now." Also, at a press conference Friday evening, Green and other officials said an evacuation order remains in effect for Hale’iwa and Waialua on O‘ahu, while an evacuation warning has been issued for ‘Īao and Kīhei on Maui.

Storm updates:  Waialua roads at risk of failing. Gov. Josh Green says storm damages could top $1 billion

Higa headshot white shirt square

Sterling Higa

Columnists

When a politician’s career ends in scandal, we focus on the scandal. But most political endings have a longer history. They result from a series of decisions, enemies made, and debts piled up. By the time things fall apart in public, a great deal has already happened in private.

Sylvia Luke has been Hawai‘i’s lieutenant governor since 2022. She’s up for reelection this year. But she has placed a large target on herself, and her enemies have been waiting.

To understand why, you need to know what she did for nearly a decade as chair of the House Finance Committee.

Rail construction is the lifeblood of the Carpenters Union. What it wanted from the Legislature was a permanent GET surcharge extension — a guaranteed revenue stream for rail with no end date. Luke denied them twice, in 2015 and again in 2017, and she didn’t confine her opposition to the back rooms. She said what she thought in public committee hearings and on the House floor.

The Carpenters’ super PAC (now known as Be Change Now) has a one-track mind. In 2012, it spent 

 trying to end Ben Cayetano’s anti-rail mayoral campaign. It stopped Cayetano — though the campaign ended in a public apology and a court settlement. In 2018, the Carpenters spent 

 helping Josh Green beat Jill Tokuda for lieutenant governor. Tokuda had also opposed rail funding. In 2022, when Luke left the Legislature to run for lieutenant governor, the PAC spent 

 Ikaika Anderson, plus $1.2 million opposing Luke. Their $4.1 million spending total set a state record for spending by a PAC in a single race.

) through a tax bill she had voted for. About seventy other lawmakers voted for the same bill, including Green himself. Four rival union leaders called it 

“an all-time low in Hawaii politics.”

 Luke won anyway — the primary with 36 percent, the general with 63.

The story the Carpenters were telling — that Sylvia Luke was corrupt — didn’t land.

What’s arrived since then has landed differently. Federal court documents made public in 2025 described 

 handed to an “influential” state legislator. Civil Beat eventually asked every active and former lawmaker: was it you? Then they started asking about Luke’s campaign finance records specifically. In February, her campaign 

. It added $10,000 in donations that had never been reported, received at a 2022 dinner that a federal informant also attended.

 the legislator in the filing, while denying she’d received $35,000. Governor Green canceled a Washington trip rather than leave Luke as acting governor. A follow-up audit of Luke’s campaign finances found 

Every disclosure came after someone started asking.

Luke says she is running for reelection. The 

ASD columnist Sterling Higa writes that the PAC of the Carpenters Union has spent millions opposing candidates who have opposed rail spending, including Sylvia Luke. Now that she's politically vulnerable and facing challengers, the union might be getting what it wants.

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