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Daily Smile

[{"type":"text","text":"Playing a prank on the office..."}]

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<title>Daily Smile: Wednesday, April 1, 2026</title>

Playing a prank on the office...

Daily Smile: Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

After a shocking 1-6 start to its 2026 season, all the University of Hawai‘i football team wanted was an opportunity to play meaningful games in November. 

Following consecutive victories on the road, the Rainbow Warriors have set themselves up for a true game of consequence on Saturday 

when Mountain West Conference newcomer North Dakota State comes to the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex

At 3-6 overall and 2-4 in Mountain West games, Hawai‘i needs to win out in order to achieve bowl eligibility. With three games left, North Dakota State will be its toughest test remaining in its pursuit of its second consecutive bowl appearance under head coach Timmy Chang. 

As a true FCS powerhouse, the Bison won 10 national championships, all of which came after 2011. Wanting to raise the profile of the program, the school made the transition to FBS play, paying the Mountain West a $12.5 million entrance fee in order to become an affiliate member of the conference. 

Right away, North Dakota State has established itself as a Mountain West contender with a mark of 7-2 overall and 4-2 in conference games thus far. Its two losses have been by a combined 12 points to UNLV and New Mexico. The Bison are looking to stay in the Mountain West championship game race, though a loss on Saturday would muddle their place near the top of the standings. 

When the Bison and Rainbow Warriors collide for the first time in front of a sold-out crowd on Saturday night, both teams expect to play with the intensity that comes with the feeling that each team has everything to play for. 

"It's a great opportunity, a great opponent that's coming in," Chang said. "We're going to be tested physically, mentally. It's a good football team. For us, we're just focused on our end, focused on the game plan, and getting ready to execute and and go out there in front of a sold-out crowd and have some fun."

UH has already announced that there are no tickets remaining at the 15,194-seat Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, the penultimate home game on the regular season schedule and first home game since Oct. 17. The school has deemed the game a "blackout," where the Rainbow Warriors will wear black from head to toe and fans are encouraged to do the same. 

"I'm glad to be back home, man. It's too much traveling for me," linebacker Jamih Otis joked. "The plane ride is good for the road trips and the vibes. But I'm glad to be back home, back in the city. I expect it to be packed out. It's nothing like playing at home. The love of your family and friends, seeing everybody, all the kids coming out. I think for us, we just feed off that. When we play at home, we're playing for something way bigger than ourselves —playing for the whole state."

While North Dakota State was a dominant force at the FCS level, the sense around the Rainbow Warriors is a consensus of confidence that they can win the war of attrition against a Bison program that's playing a full FBS schedule for the first time. In this instance, it also includes a trip nearly 4,000 miles from Fargo to Honolulu. 

"They got to come out here to our own backyard, and I'll tell you this — 10 hours [on a flight], your back will be aching," Hawai‘i slotback Titan Lacaden says. "It's not no easy slate."

The same traits that allowed North Dakota State to become an FCS dynasty have also translated to the FBS level. Hawai‘i players and coaches on both sides of the ball have praised NDSU's discipline and execution in key situations. In 2026, the Bison also have an elite defense that allows just 11.89 points per game, good for second best in the entire country. 

"Definitely a bigger unit, bigger group of guys. Pretty nasty, no lie," Lacaden said. "Like I said, these guys are big. These guys are super physical."

 in which he hauled in 11 passes for 109 yards and a touchdown in a 17-14 win at UTEP, 

 was named the Mountain West Freshman of the Week. 

Saturday was a special weekend in the Lacaden household. In addition to Titan's performance, father Frank is on the coaching staff at Kapolei, which defeated Mililani for the school's first OIA Open Division football title in school history shortly after the UH game went final. On Friday night, the Hurricanes will take on Kahuku in the state semifinals. Then on Saturday, generations of the Lacaden family will be in Mānoa to cheer on the Rainbow Warriors. 

"He did catch a glimpse [of the UTEP game]," Titan Lacaden said of Frank Lacaden. "He had a game, but he did catch a glimpse. He watched my first touchdown, and eventually had to put the phone away. But I was able to catch the back end of his game, and we're just happy, and I'm happy for him. Our family celebrates us both, and it's never a one man kind of thing. It's always a 'we' thing, and I'm happy that he's able to teach the next generation. 

"Football is definitely his thing, it's my thing, it's our family's thing. It's something that doesn't just teach us just about the sport — it teaches us about life. He's just continuing that to teach other student-athletes. ... For him to be able to do that, I'm just happy, and he reciprocates that back to me. He's proud to see me play the sport. He's just happy for me, as well."

Titan Lacaden 2 110726

<title>Hawai‘i and North Dakota State collide for first-ever meeting</title>

The inaugural Mountain West Conference matchup features a pair of teams with plenty at stake in their respective seasons on Saturday.

Hawai‘i and North Dakota State collide for first-ever meeting

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

Arts & Entertainment

Looking for something free to do in Waikīkī this weekend? Locals and visitors alike can plan for an evening of mele, art and aloha at Waikīkī fine art retailer and dealer, Island Art Galleries.

 and multigenerational Hawaiian music group 

 is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at 

Admission is free with complimentary refreshments included. Validated parking will be available at Embassy Suites Waikīkī, 201 Beach Walk.

“We hope this evening will be an opportunity to celebrate and share the beauty of Hawaiian art and music with our community and those visiting the Islands,” Island Art Galleries

Live Hawaiian music will be performed by Puamana, an all-female group of family members founded in 1966 by late composer and singer, 

, who was born in Lahaina. Today, her daughters 

Mihana Aluli Souza and Aima Aluli McManus,

 and granddaughter Mahina Souza, carry on the ʻohana's musical legacy.

two Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement awards for writing more than 200 songs and was later inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame. She was also part 

Schlueter, an award-winning outdoor painter from California, is known for capturing Hawaiʻi's vibrant natural landscapes such as Punaluʻu Beach and Diamond Head, among other locations.

“Many of the plein air work is called alla prima, meaning it is completed on the spot, in one shot, with no revisions. … There is a sense of urgency. Knowing that I am not going back and what I do in this moment is it,” 

. “Occasionally, I will work on a painting in the studio that I started on location. I try not to use photos for this kind of work relying on memory and the experience of being there.”

Schlueter will return to the Islands to create a new collection of Hawaiian plein air paintings.

Established in 1991 in by owner Jeff Liu, Island Art Galleries continues to showcase Hawai‘i and international artists’ paintings, prints and sculpture and glass works, its 

 states. Though Liu grew up in China, his family ties to the Islands date back to 1854, 

Island Art Galleries previously operated in Ala Moana Center and the Moana Surfrider on Oʻahu.

“Carefully curated over three decades, our collection is composed of a variety of different cultures and histories,” its 

 reads. “[Island Art Galleries] strives to deliver beauty to the visitors and residents of Honolulu hoping to inspire them with fine art that will last for generations.”

Beyond Schlueter, featured artists include Lance Fairly’s luminous works like Moana Moon and the giclée Ala Moana; Zhou Ling, a contemporary Chinese-American artist featured in series like Flower Season and Tahitian Dancer II; Anthony Casay, who paints dramatic marine, light and tropical scenes; Leohone, known for evocative, spiritually-tied native Hawaiian natural imagery; and more.

Stay updated about future events on the gallery's 

Puamana 5 16x9

<title>Free event to feature art and mele inspired by Hawaiʻi</title>

The upcoming community art exhibition will bring plein air artist Stock Schlueter and multigenerational Hawaiian music group Puamana together at Island Art Galleries in Waikīkī.

Free event to feature art and mele inspired by Hawaiʻi

senior Gabriel Morimoto, 16, coaches his classmate who is using a flight simulator on campus during a recent Friday afternoon when Aloha State Daily sat in.

“And you’re on the ground!” he congratulated.

Beside them, teacher Denton Alvarado closely watches another student on a separate simulator, saying, “keep the altitude at 25.”

Alvarado, a 2016 Maryknoll alumnus and original 

 (CAP) cadet graduate, recently returned to teach aviation, aerospace and more to ninth through 12th graders. Now, he’s working toward recruiting its middle schoolers.

In partnership with CAP, the school officially launched in 2016-2017 the Mx Scholar Program for STEM & Aerospace to provide real-world aviation training for students. Alvarado says he was one of the first students to join the program and helped “pioneer this aviation pathway.”

He notes that what initially drew him to the program stems from his childhood: seeing his dad serve in the U.S. Air Force. After high school, he became a CAP instructor and pursued a career in the airline industry, while remaining in contact with the friends he had made along the way.

 Alvarado says that professional connections are critical to the success of current and future students.

“Parents are relieved when they ask me what’s next for their kid,” he said, adding that he sees his role as coaching the family, giving them next steps and putting them in contact with the right resources and people.  

In-class curriculum is sourced from national nonprofit 

 (AOPA), including simulator practice that helps students learn the basic controls, so they feel more comfortable in a cockpit according to 

Alvarado. It also prepares students to earn a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) private pilot’s license.

After school programming by CAP focuses on STEM and education, leadership, aerospace, physical fitness and character, 

. As an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, CAP has been operating in Hawaiʻi since 1947 with a fleet of single-engine Cessna aircraft and small Unmanned Aircraft Systems that aid with search and rescue, emergency response and disaster relief across the Islands.

Alvarado notes that later this month, the school will celebrate a charter with CAP, which “creates a better partnership” with the Maryknoll Cadet Squadron, he said.

His goal for the remainder of the school year and beyond is to build the program for the next group of students, that’ll eventually “connect” the high school and grade school campuses.

A spokesperson for the school confirmed Monday that starting next week, the program will expand to Maryknoll’s middle schoolers.

Parents and prospective students can learn more about this program, among others, at Open House this Sunday, Nov. 8, starting at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on the grade school campus at 1722 Dole St. Doors open at

 12:30 p.m. and walk-ins are welcome, the spokesperson said. 

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

Morimoto, a self-described Maryknoll “lifer,” or student since kindergarten, says that the school has “the best community.”

“The people here are so welcoming and since we are a smaller school, everyone is intertwined, no matter who you know or what you do,” he told ASD.

Now in his senior year, Morimoto says he is busy applying for colleges. His dream schools are 

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, and California Aeronautical University.

He has visited Embry-Riddle before and knows of friends and family who went there, he said, adding that his interest in aviation sparked between ages 4 to 6.

Growing up, he would go into the cockpit to ask the pilots questions like how do you fly this or what does this and that do?

“I really aspire to become a pilot,” he said. “I’m trying to follow my family’s journeys, especially in attending Embry-Riddle. I hope I can be successful like them.”

He’s currently doing flight training with 

 while preparing to take the FAA written exam at the end of the year.

“It’s a very comprehensive exam that tests your knowledge not just on how well you know an airplane, but the physics and mechanics behind it – everything surrounding it.

 And if I pass, I obtain my private pilot’s license,” Morimoto explained. “Currently, I have about 25 flight hours and with CAP, I have about 4 hours.”

When asked what it was like the first time he flew a plane, he said he was nervous but over time he became more confident.

For those on the fence about taking the Maryknoll’s aviation and aerospace course, he adds that though it looks daunting from the outside, “you have a lot of fun, meet new friends and do hands-on activities together.”

Teaching other classmates has been “full circle,” he said, recalling how seniors helped train him his freshman year. Some of the skills he says he’s learned in class include time management and teamwork.

What it means to be a respected leader is also something he’s learning through CAP.

“Delegation is a big topic that we discuss in our squadron and it’s an amazing leadership trait for anyone to have from a CEO to just an employee,” Morimoto said.

Looking ahead, he envisions himself flying at 

Embry-Riddle with the support of his mentors, family, friends and co-workers.

“It’s not just me doing everything alone,” he said. “After flight school, I really want to become a commercial pilot for Alaskan or Hawaiian airlines. I want to come back home.

[{"type":"text","text":"“I am confident in my journey.”"}]

Maryknoll Aviation program hero edited

<title>Maryknoll to expand Civil Air Patrol program to middle school</title>

Alumni and teacher Denton Alvarado discusses how the school-based aviation program has taken flight over the last decade, and where it’s headed. High school senior Gabriel Morimoto also shares how the course teaches leadership skills that will set him up for a future in the industry.

Maryknoll to expand Civil Air Patrol program to middle school

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 Thursday. Here’s what you should know.

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

, a Montreal-born fashion brand, can be found on Level 3 of the ‘Ewa Wing

, a fast-casual brand serving up Hawaiian-style plate lunches, has opened in the Makai Market Food Court on Street Level 1.

, know for its handcrafted xiao long bao, is open on Mall Level 2 of the ‘Ewa Wing.

(ICYMI: Read more about Supreme Dumplings from ASD's Food and Dining reporter Kelli Shiroma Braiotta 

The Cookie Corner, a local brand offering freshly baked cookies, bars, brownies and other treats, has expanded at Ala Moana Center with a second location on Mall Level 2 of the Diamond Head Wing.

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

, a luxury wellness and recovery destination created by the team behind Body Balance Hawai‘i, is set to open on Street Level 1 of the Diamond Head Wing in August. The new studio will offer infrared and traditional saunas with red light therapy, cold plunges, private Pilates and personal training, body treatments and other wellness services.

, offering a selection of toys, plushies, collectables, stationery, beauty products, home goods, fragrances, electronics, snacks and accessories, is set to open on Level 3 of the ‘Ewa Wing in August.

, an ear piercing and jewelry brand, is also set to open on Level 3 of the ‘Ewa Wing in August.

 will make its debut in the Islands on July 1.

, which is renovating and expanding its permanent location at Street Level 1 near Center Court, can temporarily be found on Street Level 1 of the Diamond Head Wing (makai). The refreshed space is expected to reopen this summer.

Luxury brand Dolce & Gabbana has relocated to a newly designed boutique on Mall Level 2 of the Diamond Head Wing.

Gap will unveil its newly renovated store, found on Level 3 of the ‘Ewa Wing, on July 3.

UA Hawai‘i, formerly known as Ua Body, has relocated to a new space on Level 3, Center Court.

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 more than 160 dining options.

Ala Moana Center 052526

<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

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":"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 

Always aline 041426

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 

, 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.

Daily Smile: Wednesday, April 1, 2026

ASD Staff

Reporter

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Daily Smile: Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Authors

ASD Staff

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