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Hawai'i Skies

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Judy Peckenpaugh on Kauaʻi. "The calm AFTER the storm."

To submit your Hawai'i Skies photo, visit us 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

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<title>Hawaiʻi Skies: After the storm</title>

Today's Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Judy Peckenpaugh on Kauaʻi.

Hawaiʻi Skies: After the storm

Today&#039;s Hawai‘i Skies was captured by Judy Peckenpaugh on Kauaʻi. &quot;The calm AFTER the storm.&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.

Daily Smile

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Smile 26 7 3

<title>Daily Smile: Friday, July 3, 2026</title>

Bulldog vs toilet paper...

Daily Smile: Friday, July 3, 2026

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Food & Dining

Zippy's Kāhala location is set to reopen at 6 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, after nearly four months of renovations.

"This renovation was part of a broader effort to ensure our Kāhala location continues to provide a great experience for both our guests and team members," Jessica Yamamoto, communications and social media manager for Zippy's, told Aloha State Daily in an email. "Majority of the updates were focused on enhancing our operations and supporting our long-term commitment to the community.

"Most of the renovations won’t be super noticeable to our customers, as the majority were done back of house (i.e. upgrades to equipment). What we do think our customers will notice is the refreshed look of Kāhala’s interior, along with the installation of our 

You'll find Zippy's Kāhala at 4134 Wai‘alae Ave. The restaurant will resume regular hours of operation, open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily for dine-in and take-out.

opened the first Zippy's Restaurant in Honolulu's McCully neighborhood in 1966. 

 on O‘ahu, Maui, Hawai‘i Island and in Las Vegas. The chain celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

ICYMI: Jason Higa, CEO of Zippy's parent company, FCH Enterprises, and Francis' son, spoke with Aloha State Daily about the restaurant's origins, legacy and more earlier this year. You can 

Zippy's, which will honor the milestone throughout the year, kicked off its anniversary celebration earlier this year with the launch of a new line of 

As part of the ongoing anniversary celebration, the restaurant has so far unveiled an exclusive 

 to create a limited release, specially marked box of Original Hawaiian Soda Crackers; and launched a 

Kahala zippys 070126

<title>Zippy's Kāhala location to reopen</title>

The restaurant will reopen next week, following four months of renovations.

Zippy's Kāhala location to reopen

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

This week, the U.S. is celebrating its semiquincentennial, or 250 years of being a nation. There are many local celebrations, including parades and events with food and live music.

The City and County of Honolulu is providing partial sponsorship for fireworks shows at 8 p.m. at Kailua Beach Park and 8:30 p.m. at Kapi‘olani Regional Park/Kūhiō Beach Park. The North Shore Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a fireworks show at 8:30 p.m. at Haleʻiwa Beach Park.

Here are some of the upcoming semiquincentennial celebrations. Items with an asterisk feature fireworks.

Eat pop-up barbecue at Wai Kai (ʻEwa Beach). 

Celebrate with hot dogs, burgers and ribs as part of a pop-up barbecue on the wave deck 

. Spend the day in the water and enter for a chance to win a full day adventure pass for two people. 

Attend the PHAMily Fun Day: Freedom to Fly (Pearl Harbor). 

Go to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum for a day of family fun in collaboration with Hawaiʻi’s America250. The event starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. There will be opportunities to meet a 103-year-old WWII B-17 pilot,  patriotic demonstrations, live entertainment, activities for keiki including crafts and a bounce house, a vintage book sale, a photo booth and open cockpit experiences. Free popsicles will be given out to the first 250 guests. Tickets for kamaʻāina and military guests are $5 in advance or $10 at the door. 

*Visit the USS Battleship Missouri Memorial (Pearl Harbor, FIREWORKS). 

The Picnic on the Pier event is back after a six-year hiatus. Guests can gather between the USS Arizona Memorial and the Battleship Missouri —  where World War II came to an end. There will be live entertainment from Jai & The Tones, ship tours, and more. The event starts at 6 p.m. with fireworks at 9:20 p.m. Families can bring food and drinks. For security reasons, some items are not permitted, so check the list before arriving. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for keiki, if purchased in advance. 

Oʻahu Country Club will celebrate Independence Day with its annual Fourth of July Family Festival, which includes professional fireworks. The event is not open to the public, but fireworks will be visible and audible beyond the club property. The fireworks are scheduled for between 8:45 p.m. and 9 p.m. 

Party at The Gatsby Hawaiʻi (Kakaʻako). 

This party features three live bands, 12 DJs and food vendors. It starts at 8 p.m. and runs until 2 a.m. Early bird tickets are $20. 

 at 6 p.m. at Centerstage at Ala Moana Center. Hui Pu will take the stage starting at 4:30 p.m. Before the performances, attend a meet and greet with High Watah from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Hawaiʻi’s Finest at Ala Moana Center. There will be keiki activities and games, and special shopping offers. Ala Moana Center is also partnering with Blood Bank Hawaiʻi to host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Atkinson Trolley Depot. Free. 

*Listen to Kapena + Anuhea (Waikīkī, FIREWORKS). 

Prince Waikīkī will host two nights of live Island music performances in Waikīkī. On Friday, July 3, Kapena will take the stage. On Saturday, July 4, Anuhea will perform. There will be cocktails, smoky barbecue, and fireworks on the 

, which is Prince Waikīkī’s poolside venue. 

Celebrate at Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikīkī Beach Resort (

Enjoy barbecue, including kiawe smoked ribs with guava barbecue sauce and huli huli chicken skewers along with Dole Whip cups. The event starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 9 p.m. at the resort’s Great Lawn. The featured entertainers include The Jasmine Kaleihiwa Band, Ben Kama Band, DJ Mastermind and Nesian Nine. Validated self-parking is $15. The event is open to resort guests and kamaʻāina. 

*Catch Stars, Stripes & Grindz (Waikīkī, FIREWORKS). 

Head to Waikīkī Beach Walk,which will have a live DJ and food vendors, including Joja Burgers, Cosmic Tacos, Neha's Kitchen, Chillex Pops and Sugarless Bites. There will be family friendly activities and games. The event starts at 3:30 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for 8:30 p.m. 

Eat barbecue by the beach (Waikīkī, FIREWORKS). 

At Kaimana Beach Hotel, head to the second floor for Hau Tree inspired food and drinks. Catch a panoramic sunset on the oceanfront balcony along with beats from Aloha Got Soul's DJ O'Spliff. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. The fireworks are scheduled for 8:30 p.m. No cover. Valet is $10 per car.

Enjoy Tiki’s 4th of July Rooftop Bash (Waikīkī, FIREWORKS). 

Ditch the crowd on the beach and head upstairs to the Coconut Club, on the 21st floor of The Twin Fin Hotel. Tiki’s Grill & Bar is throwing this rooftop bash, which includes music from DJ Soulrenity and panoramic views of Waikīkī Beach. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $50. 

Head to the Decades Day Drinkin’ Pool Party (Waikīkī). 

Head to the pool atThe Ambassador Hotel of Waikīkī, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. DJ James Coles will provide music for this Decades Day Drinkinʻ Pool Party. The event starts at 1 p.m. and there will be games and barbecue. VIP cabanas are also available for $50 per person, up to four people, and include one round of drinks. Free valet parking is available for up to three hours. General admission is free. 

 at ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach for BBQ & Beats and enjoy barbecue, a full bar, and music from a DJ. No cover. Open to guests and kamaʻāina. Food and beverages available to purchase. Self parking or valet with validation up to four hours. 

*Watch fireworks (Waikīkī, FIREWORKS). 

 are partnering with Southwest Airlines to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with a fireworks show launched from a barge positioned 

, facing Halekulani Hotel and Moana Surfrider, 

A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikīkī Beach, at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4. Free. Details.

Head to the Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest (Mōʻiliʻili). 

 are expected to gather to celebrate culture, cuisine and more in Mōʻiliʻili, according to permits filed with the City and County of Honolulu. Enjoy the Bon Dance, find ʻono food and shop from local retailers and artisans. Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest is presented by the nonprofit Mōʻiliʻili Festivals with support from Kamehameha Schools and Waiānuenue at Kapaʻakea, a shopping center set to open in 2026, as well as community partners such as the Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai’i, Mō’ili’ili Community Center, and the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. Free. 

Enjoy the Hawaiʻi Kai Independence Day Market & Concert (Hawaiʻi Kai). 

Start the celebrations early at Hawaiʻi Kai Shopping Center on Friday, July 3. Catch a free concert that features 

, Hawaiian Style Band and Maunalua, as well as Henry Kapono Foundation’s On the Rise artists. Free. 

Rock the 4th with Henry Kapono and Duke’s on Sunday Band (Hawaiʻi Kai). 

This party features Henry Kapono and the Duke’s on Sunday Band at 

 on Saturday, July 4. That same evening, Nick Laʻa, a Henry Kapono Foundation Next Level Artist will be performing two shows upstairs at The Velvet Monkey. Each artist will have performances at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35 for each show. 

Celebrate with live country music, trains, and a petting zoo (Waimānalo). 

DLT Ranch is celebrating July 4 with live country music, train rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, a bounce house, sparklers and more. Tickets are $25. Keiki who are younger than 2 years old can enter free. 

Catch the Kailua 4th of July Independence Day Parade (Kailua). 

Hosted by the Kailua Chamber of Commerce, this event will have 45 vehicles, 20 floats and three bands, according to permits filed with the Department of Transportation Services. The route starts at Kainalu Dr. and Omao St. and proceeds along Kainalu Drive until it ends at Kailua Intermediate School. 

*Watch the fireworks show (Kailua, FIREWORKS). 

The City and County of Honolulu is providing partial sponsorship for a firework shows at 8 p.m. at Kailua Beach Park. Alexander & Baldwin is the event’s platinum sponsor and will provide complimentary shuttle runs from its shopping centers in Kailua Town to the beach park in 30-minute rotations, starting at 4 p.m. The event is expected to have 

, according to permits filed with the Department of Transportation Services. Free. 

Watch “The 100th, Seeds of Aloha” (Kāneʻohe and Pearl Harbor). 

 “The 100th: Seeds of Aloha” — which shares the story of the 100th Infantry Battalion unit that fought in World War II — will be featured across Oʻahu. Five of the screenings are at private retirement communities, but the film will also be shown at the First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu in Kāneʻohe on Sunday, July 5, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum on Friday, July 17. 

*Listen to live music at Hukilau Marketplace (Lāʻie, FIREWORKS). 

At the entrance to the Polynesian Cultural Center is Hukilau Marketplace, which will offer live performances from Pohaku, Kawao, Johnny Suite, and Wavvy in Lāʻie. The community event starts at 4 p.m. There will be vendors with food, as well as fireworks. Free. 

The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay is holding its annual barbecue cookout on Saturday, July 4. Enjoy Island-style barbecue made with fresh local ingredients, along with live music from Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning artists Kalae & Kalena, lawn games and family friendly activities with ocean views. There will be a fireknife performance and opportunities to hang out with goats and mini horses at The Stables. The menu includes Kahuku garlic shrimp, Kalbi short ribs, kiawe grilled bone-in ribeye, beer can chicken and spicy ʻahi poke, among other items. Tickets are $165 for adults and $75 for keiki. 

*Haleʻiwa 4th of July (Haleʻiwa, FIREWORKS). 

Enjoy food vendors, live entertainment and activities for keiki and celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at the Haleʻiwa Beach Park. The event headliner is The Elevations Hawaiʻi. The North Shore Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a fireworks show at 8:30 p.m. at Haleʻiwa Beach Park. 

Watch an aerial show, sky divers and live music at Schofield Barracks. 

The event, held at Weyand Field, includes an aerial show with skydivers, a patriotic salute and live performances from the Scooter Brown Band, the 25th Infantry Division Band, the 312th Army Band and country singer Chris Young. At 8:45 p.m., the 25th Infantry Division Band and the 312th Army Band will play the “1812 Overture” written by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The fireworks show is scheduled for 9 p.m. and the event will have food vendors. The event is open to Department of Defense personnel and their guests. 

Do you know of a July 4 event not on this list? Email 

Fireworks

<title>25 things to do on Oʻahu to celebrate the semiquincentennial</title>

Looking for ways to celebrate 250 years of the U.S. being a nation? Aloha State Daily has compiled a list of events — including firework shows — happening for the semiquincentennial. From ʻEwa Beach to Waimānalo, here are some of the events happening across the Island this weekend.

25 things to do on Oʻahu to celebrate the semiquincentennial

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Viewpoints

Aloha Spirit

 party over three years ago and declined to show, according to the Office of the Governor.

 from the 2022 legislative session, Gov. Josh Green was asked “to establish a Hawaiʻi Commission on the United State Semiquincentennial.”  

The commission formed by the governor did not receive any government funding

 “to coordinate a statewide effort commemorating and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America,” per the executive order.

Leading the 19-member Hawai‘i America250 Commission is Peter Young, a member of the Hawaiʻi Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, along with lawmakers and other representatives.

The commission is responsible for soliciting donations to bring local events and activities to “communities across the Islands [that] will reflect on our shared past, celebrate our diverse heritage, and honor our veterans and ancestors through events grounded in local culture and the Spirit of Aloha,” its website notes.

To donate, volunteer and learn more, go to: 

Hawaiʻi opts out of Great American State Fair

Hawaiʻi has no official government representation at 

, a block party on the National Mall in Washington D.C., running now through July 10.

It features attractions like rodeos and a 110-foot Ferris wheel, with more than 150 exhibits for all 50 states plus U.S. territories, as well as "businesses, innovators and civic organizations," according to 

, the organizer of the fair and other semiquincentennial events.

The decision for the Hawai‘i America250 Commission, which includes Green as an honorary chair, to say, “No can” to participating in the fair appears to have grown more apparent as the travel commitment grew “from a few days to two weeks with 12-hour days,” 

Green told Aloha State Daily in a statement Friday, “The Hawai‘i America250 Commission is not operating a pavilion at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., which is 5,000 miles away. No funds were earmarked by the state, or by Congress.”

One Mililani resident wrote in to ASD after hearing Hawaiʻi would not be at the fair.

“Especially with what's been happening in Hawaiʻi, participation in this national event would have been a great opportunity to formally and informally educate and share the history and Aloha of our people; to garner support/supporters from outside our state for the causes of the Hawaiian people and the legacy of its past monarchs,” the reader wrote.

Another ASD reader from Honolulu wrote, "

Wouldn't this have been a great opportunity for the state's Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)? According to their annual budget, they expend [millions] of our taxpayers’ money annually on branding and marketing!"

At least 10 mostly Democratic-led states decided against sending official government delegations to the fair, which including Hawaiʻi are: Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington, according to 

“Most of the states that opted out are led by Democrats. But all cited financial considerations, saying they'd have to spend at least $100,000 (and in some cases up to half a million dollars) of their own money and preferred to prioritize celebrations at home,” 

, noting, organizers offered to help cover basic booth setup.

 that “the decision came down to resources”; Illinois sent representatives from the Peoria Riverfront Museum to run the state's booth instead; and Oregon Gov. Tina Koteck cited both cost and concerns that the event is "a more partisan affair than originally presented,” per the The New York Times; while Young of the Hawai‘i America250 Commission has shifted focus to local initiatives.

New Hampshire, which has a similar population size to the Aloha State at about 1.4 million, found a way to participate by having its Department of Natural and Cultural Resources staff an official booth showcasing “historic documents, a presentation and a video featuring state political figures reading the Declaration of Independence.” It is the only New England State with a presence from local government, per the 

 and photos over the weekend from the Great American State Fair, Alaska and Hawaiʻi both have empty booth displays boasting red, white and blue backdrops, though, Hawaiʻi’s included a couple of rocking chairs. 

Makes sense, since they chose to sit this one out.

Hawaii at Great American State Fair

<title>Hawaiʻi says ‘No can’ to Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C.</title>

Hawaiʻi government officials will not be present at the Great American State Fair, put on by Freedom 250 now through July 10, along with at least 10 mostly Democratic-led states citing cost, staffing and for some, political reasons. Gov. Josh Green says no funds were earmarked for the fair by the state or Congress and instead, has thrown support behind local celebrations.

Hawaiʻi says ‘No can’ to Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C.

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Known for its hand-crafted xiao long bao, 

The business, which just opened by Shabuya in Ala Moana Center, has 14 locations in cities like Bellevue, Tacoma, San Francisco and more. The eatery offers authentic Taiwanese cuisine and soup dumplings, according to owner Brandon Ting.

“We started this restaurant’s first location in Bellevue, Washington,” he explains. “We brought the former executive chef of W Hotel Taipei from Taiwan to America; we created this menu together. We want to bring the most authentic, classic xiao long bao experience to Hawaiʻi; we are very excited to be on this island and to serve so many customers here.”

The Honolulu store opened for its friends and family event on Friday, and was soft opened over the weekend. The eatery can seat about 140 individuals.

Customers can make reservations for dine-in via 

“We encourage people to make reservations; we will occasionally accept walk-ins,” he says.

Most xiao long bao orders include six pieces. Each dumpling is folded by hand and steamed fresh to order, according to Ting. The wrappers are delicate, but designed to contain the filling and soup broth.

“The amount of soup inside is a very important standards that we value for our dumplings,” Ting says. “We always tell our customers not to bite them the regular way. If you do, the inside has a lot of soup, and you’ll squeeze it all out.”

Ting recommends that customers let the dumplings cool down, then “eat the entire dumpling in one bite” to enjoy the dumpling exterior and soup together. 

Ting explains that chef Peter Wang — former executive chef at W Hotel Taipei — helped establish the standards, recipes and techniques for Supreme Dumplings. Supreme Dumplings chef Norman Lu, the former head chef of Din Tai Fung’s original central kitchen, adds his expertise to the culinary team.

“Great xiao long bao is a game of millimeters and grams,” Lu states. “Each Supreme Dumplings xiao long bao weighs exactly 27 grams — 6 grams of wrapper, 11 grams of soup, and 10 grams of filling. Achieving that balance consistently requires tremendous discipline and craftsmanship.”

The Supreme pork xiao long bao ($13) is the eatery’s signature dish. Lu explains that choosing high-quality ingredients was essential.

“We carefully select a premium pork specifically chosen for its ideal fat ratio and fiber structure,” he states. “That’s what allows the filling to remain juicy without feeling greasy, while delivering a clean, natural pork flavor. We use premium ingredients throughout our kitchen, and even our seasonings are made from real ingredients, rather than additives." 

The Honolulu menu includes options like Szechuan spicy pork xiao long bao ($12), shrimp and pork xiao long bao ($14), black truffle and chicken xiao long bao ($19) and wagyu beef xiao long bao ($16). If you want a little bit of everything, go for the signature XLB assortment ($20), which includes spicy pork, chicken, wagyu, black truffle and crab fillings.

The menu also features Taiwanese favorites, including spicy pork wontons ($10) and Taiwanese chicken cold noodles ($13). Customer favorites include stir-fried string beans with garlic ($18), pork chop fried rice ($19), mini pan-fried pork dumplings ($15) and Supreme tan tan noodles ($15.50).

Customers can also look forward to a Hawaiʻi-exclusive dish that’s coming soon. The golden pineapple fried rice and a variety of Island-inspired cocktails will be added to the menu.

Desserts include sweet taro ($10.50), chocolate melt ($11) and matcha lava xiao long bao ($12). The latter features a matcha and white chocolate filling.

Supreme Dumplings Honolulu is currently open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Hours are subject to change.

“This is a place where people genuinely appreciate great food, family-style dining and experiences worth sharing,” Ting states. “We look forward to creating moments of joy for local residents and visitors alike.”

Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays

Supreme Dumplings wagyu dumplings

<title>Supreme Dumplings is now open in Ala Moana Center</title>

The business, which originated in Washington, specializes in handmade xiao long bao, or soup dumplings. Dumplings are folded by hand and are steamed fresh to order; customers can choose from fillings like pork, wagyu beef, truffle and chicken and more. Customers can currently make reservations via Yelp.

Supreme Dumplings is now open in Ala Moana Center

Higa headshot white shirt square

Sterling Higa

Government & Politics

Columnists

The most powerful man in the world got his start firing people on reality television.

For years Donald Trump leaned across a boardroom table and told contestants they were fired, and millions watched. When he ran for President, the bluntness that had been a television gimmick became a qualification for office. He spoke without a script and often without a filter. A great many Americans discovered they preferred a man who acted badly to men who performed well.

Politics runs downstream of culture, the saying goes, and culture runs downstream of whatever screen we happen to be staring at. The television screen that made Trump plausible has been retired. Now the glowing screens that replaced television are in the hands of the children who will pick his successor.

Each generation is raised by a medium, and they seldom notice. The grandparents had radio and the evening news. Their children had cable and a remote in hand. The next generation had broadband by high school. The youngest among us have clutched a glowing rectangle since before they could read.

David Foster Wallace once told a room of college graduates about two young fish. An older fish asks them how the water is. The two swim on for a while before one turns to the other and asks, “what’s water?” The hardest thing to see is the thing you are swimming in. And the water now is streaming.

A stream is a strange thing to describe to anyone who has never sat through one. A young woman plays a video game. A column of text races up the side of the screen, faster than a person can read, full of strangers shouting for her attention. The game is built to dole out small rewards on no fixed schedule, which is the same feature that keeps a gambler seated at a slot machine. Most of the time nothing happens. The viewer stays anyway. He’s probably playing his own game on another screen, and he is waiting, half there, for the day something interesting happens.

Children grow attached to these streamers. Many spend more hours each week with their favorite streamer than they do with their parents.

The streamer does not pose and does not edit. They sit for hours on end, and the rawness is part of the product. The generation before this one built careful profiles and took flattering photos, forever arranging the self for the selfie. This one lets the camera roll.

The printed word once demanded forethought. Ink is permanent, and a man preferred not to look a fool in something that would outlive him. A stream asks for nothing of the kind, only a camera, a connection, and a willingness to be watched doing very little.

If you do not recognize the names Ninja, Kai Cenat, iShowSpeed, or Pokimane, you are not swimming in the stream. But your 16-year-old nephew knows them well. His heart is being trained to speak as they speak and act as they act.

Someone will object that this is the worry of every graying generation. Plato fretted over the written word, our grandmothers over MTV, and the children always turn out fine. Perhaps, but a child reading a book after bedtime is one thing. That same child sitting beside a stranger late into the night, while their parents sleep, is another.

Who pays for all of this? As the saying goes, “whose bread I eat, his song I sing.” For most of history the bread came from a single hand: a patron, a publisher, a network. The streamer’s bread arrives from 10,000 hands, a few dollars at a time.

The man on camera learns, the way Pavlov’s dog learned, which tricks ring the bell. He drifts toward whatever is loud and lurid, because that is what loosens the audience’s pursestrings. And the streamer’s purse, more often than anyone cares to admit, is filled by the small donations of the lonely and unwell. The performer fancies that he is leading his audience. In reality, the audience is training the performer.

None of this stays in the world of entertainment. It is now, almost precisely, how a person raises money and wins office.

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez raised more than $20 million last year. Most of that came in small sums from ordinary people. It’s the same $5 gesture that lands in a streamer’s account, pointed at a political campaign.

Television made Trump famous, and only later made him a candidate. With AOC it went the other way around. She was on camera before she was anyone, and the politics grew out of that.

 her journey to attend the Standing Rock protests. Then she got a call to run for office. Ten years later, she is an early front-runner for her party’s 2028 nomination.

AOC never stopped streaming. In 2020, she sat down to play a video game with Pokimane, then the most popular female streamer on Twitch. They drew a live audience of 400,000 people. This was two weeks before the election, and AOC was stumping to register voters.

 with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who was then running for Vice President as a Democrat. A few days earlier, Republican candidate Donald Trump sat for a 

 Joe Rogan interview. This was a week before the election.

The Psalmist said that men who trust in idols become like them. Our streaming idols never stop talking but rarely say anything. They speak through the night, whispering into our children’s ears. They perform for a few dollars at a time, taken from 10,000 hands. And soon, they may choose our President.

Kai Cenat livestream

<title>The politics downstream</title>

Presidents used to emerge out of whistlestop tours, radio address, television and cable. Now, for the youngest voters and voters-to-be, political power gathers in the frenetic world of livestreams. ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa talks about what this means.

Hawaiʻi Skies: After the storm

ASD Staff

Reporter

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Hawaiʻi Skies: After the storm

Authors

ASD Staff

Reporter

More in Hawai'i Skies

Hawaiʻi Skies: Sky on fire

Hawaiʻi Skies: "Stopped in my tracks"

Hawai‘i Skies: There's a storm coming

Hawai‘i Skies: Color takeover

Most read