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Daily Smile

[{"type":"text","text":"Now let's all enjoy a dog showing a cat how to take a bath..."}]

Smile 26 4 10

<title>Daily Smile: Friday, April 10, 2026</title>

Now let's all enjoy a dog showing a cat how to take a bath...

Daily Smile: Friday, April 10, 2026

 Now let&#039;s all enjoy a dog showing a cat how to take a bath...

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

first Pacific Islander to win “American Idol,”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tickets start at $45, plus service fees. 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Ziggy Marley

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

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

Ziggy Marley reflects on benefit show, new album

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Kīlauea is bringing the heat — and tephra — again, prompting temporary park and highway closures on Hawai‘i Island.

[{"type":"text","text":"Episode 44 of the ongoing eruption began at 11:10 a.m. Thursday, April 9."}]

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park said in a 

 that the park is closed at its entrance due to hazardous volcanic material and gas associated with the latest eruptive episode.

Rangers evacuating the area reported that chunks of tephra —

 volcanic fragments including ash, pumice, Pele hair and reticulite — the size of softballs were falling at the Kīlauea Overlook at Kīlauea Military Camp around noon, the post noted.

A portion of Highway 11 near HVNP, between mile markers 25.5 and 40 on either side of the park, has also been closed. The closure was made in coordination between the state Department of Transportation, HVPN, Hawai‘i County Civil Defense and Hawai‘i Police Department in "anticipation of hazards from falling volcanic tephra," according to an announcement from Hawai‘i County Thursday.

 at 12:36 p.m., the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said lava fountains were, at the time, reaching about 625 feet above ground level.

 says that overnight guests of Volcano House and Kīlauea Military Camp may enter and shelter in place. The Kahuku unit is open but can only be accessed past mile marker 40.

 is in effect until midnight for interior, east and southeast areas of the Big Island, and the National Weather Service in Honolulu says the public "may be impacted by substantial tephra fall."

"Varying levels of ash, Pele's hair and other lightweight tephra may fall downwind of the eruption," the NWS notes. "Large foam-like tephra up to football size may fall near the summit and up to several miles downwind. Small particles are eye and respiratory irritants. Larger lightweight tephra are not usually harmful on impact, but  they can reduce visibility, create hazardous driving conditions and need localized clean-up. This lightweight material does not pose a roof-collapse risk."

 has been erupting intermittently since Dec. 23, 2024, from two vents in Halema‘uma‘u crater within the summit caldera.

, which started and ended on March 10, saw lava fountains reach 

 high, a record for this eruption, the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory says.

, which ended Jan. 24 after a little more than 8 hours of continuous lava fountaining, also blanketed HVNP and some surrounding Hawai‘i Island communities with tephra and ash. (ICYMI: An estimated 14 million cubic yards of lava erupted during that episode. Here's 

 it was readying for the new eruptive episode.

HVNP said then that visitation and traffic soar during eruptions, but the park also anticipated that participants of the 

 would visit Kīlauea this week. The annual hula competition is underway in Hilo through Saturday, April 11.

Nps photo kilauea eruption 040926

<title>Newest eruption prompts temporary closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park</title>

Episode 44 of the ongoing eruption began at 11:10 a.m. Thursday, April 9.

Newest eruption prompts temporary closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

Since breaking off from the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation in 2018, the six-team Big West Conference has been viewed as one of the toughest in collegiate men's volleyball from the very beginning. 

 in the conference are ranked in the AVCA national collegiate poll. 

With two full weekends remaining, the University of Hawai‘i men's volleyball team has a chance to rise from the gauntlet and win the Big West regular season title as soon as Friday. The Rainbow Warriors are currently 23-3 overall and 6-0 in conference play with series sweeps over 

Conference play for the 'Bows continues with matches at UC San Diego on Friday and Saturday, with first serve beginning at 4 p.m. HST for each contest. 

If UH were to win both matches, they would automatically clinch the Big West regular season title and top seed in the conference tournament regardless of what happens in its final home series of the year against CSUN on April 17-18. By virtue of their victories over Long Beach State (18-4, 4-2 Big West) and UC Santa Barbara (13-9, 4-3), the two teams beneath them in the conference standings, Hawai‘i has already clinched the tiebreaker over both squads. 

"It's not a place where you really go and think about but I like 6-0 better than 0-6 for sure," Hawai‘i head coach Charlie Wade said when asked about the team's favorable position in the standings. "We've been pretty consistent. There's been some peaks and valleys, but at the end, before the night's over, we've found a way to win. And that part, we've been consistent."

UH's road series at UC San Diego will serve as the second consecutive week the 'Bows have been on the road. After its most recent series against UC Irvine ended last Saturday, the UH returned home to O‘ahu, with Wade placing value in his players sleeping in their own beds and attending classes in person during the first half of the week. 

Another trek to Southern California means another opportunity for the program's Mainland fans to support the 'Bows, which Wade says has come in bunches. 

"It really is pretty special. I wouldn't say we expect it, we're really appreciative of everybody coming out, more so on the West Coast, but even when we get all the way to the East Coast and different places, there's a lot of lot of people wearing green in those crowds," Wade said. "And it's pretty awesome."

UH men's volleyball 040926

<title>Hawai‘i men's volleyball closes in on Big West regular season title</title>

The Rainbow Warriors could see themselves clinch the top seed in the conference tournament as early as Friday.

Hawai‘i men's volleyball closes in on Big West regular season title

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

As another storm approaches Hawai‘i, the previous two Kona lows have been declared a federally recognized disaster.

 Wednesday evening that President Donald Trump has approved a Major Disaster Declaration for the state after the two Kona low storms that struck Hawai‘i in March.

“Being recognized as a major disaster is significant because it opens the door for additional federal resources and establishes a shared responsibility between the state and federal government to support our communities throughout our recovery,” Green said in his announcement.

Green added that the declaration awards the state “initial federal support to help with response and early recovery efforts.”

As of Thursday afternoon, the Federal Emergency Management Agency had not included the March storms among its list of 

. Once it is included, FEMA can activate various disaster assistance programs as specified by the governor, such as public and individual assistance services.

However, a representative of the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency told Aloha State Daily Thursday that the latest storm is not included within the presidential declaration. Whether future storm responses will be included has yet to be determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The governor can request an extension of the declaration within 30 days of the declaration or the end of the designated disaster period.

Green also made another emergency proclamation — 

 — about the storms Thursday morning, extending the state of emergency and the disaster emergency relief period through June 7, unless terminated earlier.

Waialua flooding 032126

<title>Presidential disaster declaration issued for Kona lows 1 and 2</title>

Gov. Josh Green announced that federal aid will be available to recover from the March storms.

Presidential disaster declaration issued for Kona lows 1 and 2

Food & Dining

[{"type":"text","text":"Looking for a jolt of java? You're in luck."}]

Honolulu has been ranked the No. 7 on a list of the 

. The annual awards "celebrate the best in culinary travel around the world."

More than 400 chefs, travel experts, food and travel writers, and wine pros from around the world were polled "for their top culinary travel experiences," and the results were then turned over to a global advisory board who ranked the top nominees in each category.

"Hawaiʻi has grown coffee for over 200 years, and maintains a deep love of the drink," the ranking reads. "In the capital city, coffee shops are almost as plentiful as palm trees. On the second floor of Ward Center, in the creative community space BoxJelly, find 

 for a focus on brewed coffees and classic espresso drinks from a wide variety of sources. ... 

’s Mānoa honey iced latte is a must-have. The extensive pour-over menu at 

 features categories like fruity and floral or adventurous, including Kona-grown Geisha that goes great with a kinako cinnamon roll."

[{"type":"text","text":"Austin, Texas, took the top spot on the 10-best list. "}]

[{"type":"text","text":"Coffee first arrived in the Islands in the early 19th century."}]

 in Hawai‘i, published by Honolulu Magazine in 2014, 

 first planted coffee on O‘ahu in 1813. More than a decade later in 1825, Chief Boki, governor of O‘ahu, brought plants from Brazil, which were then planted in Mānoa Valley.

In 1828, the Rev. Samuel Ruggles planted cuttings from Boki's coffee in Kona, and less than two decades later, in 1845, Hawai‘i began exporting coffee.

The Hawai‘i Coffee Association also provides a history of the crop in Hawai‘i 

Coffee production continues to play an "important role" in Hawai‘i's economy "by contributing to employment, tourism, cultural heritage and the livelihoods of small farmers who make up the majority of coffee growers," a 

 on coffee production, exports, and labeling and blend requirements, shared by the state Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, notes.

According to that paper, coffee was cultivated on about 1,000 farms across 7,400 acres on five islands in the 2023-2024 season, accounting for 4% of Hawai‘i's total crop land.

"Green coffee production totaled 3.4 million pounds, valued at $67 million, with an average price of $19.50 per pound," the paper states. "In 2023, Hawaiʻi exported $5.8 million worth of green coffee beans and $3.8 million worth of roasted coffee to the international market, making coffee Hawaiʻi’s top agricultural export commodity in terms of total dollar value.

"Despite accounting for 0.1% of global coffee production, Hawaiʻi coffee holds a prestigious position in the international market due to its high quality, unique flavors, and limited supply."

But for those looking for a quick cup, Honolulu has a number of spots. Among some of the newer shops, Kooks Coffee 

 last month. You can find more from Aloha State Daily's Food and Dining Reporter

Unsplash generic coffee mike kenneally 040826

<title>Honolulu named one of the best U.S. cities for coffee</title>

Hawai‘i's capital city was ranked as part of Food & Wine's 2026 Global Tastemakers Awards.

Honolulu named one of the best U.S. cities for coffee

Kam Napier Headshot

A. Kam Napier

Columnists

Onlookers were stunned on Sunday, March 29, when the famous Scottish lake monster, affectionately known as Nessie, broached the waters of the equally famous Ala Wai Canal.

[{"type":"text","text":"ASD was first on the scene, bringing you these exclusive photos."}]

We were soon joined by noted Isle cryptozoologist Sigmund Zack, who said he was alerted by postings on the private social media channel of a secretive monster hunter society.

“I never thought I’d see the day!” said Zack. “I had been saving up all my Atmos Rewards miles for a trip to Scotland and now this happens — amazing!”

The creature kept perfectly still, head in the air, as if embarrassed to be caught in the open in broad daylight.

[{"type":"text","text":"Isn’t Nessie a little far from home? we asked."}]

“It’s 42 degrees in Loch Ness,” says noted Isle cryptozoologist Sigmund Zack. “That’s Fahrenheit, it’s sounds even worse in Centigrade, just 5 or 6 degrees! So the question isn’t, ‘Why would Nessie swim 7,000 miles to vacation in Waikīkī?” it’s ‘Why wouldn’t he?”

Zack speculated on the beast’s route across the Atlantic, down the Eastern Seaboard, through the Panama Canal, past Easter Island, finally arriving in the Islands with uncanny navigational skill. Was Waikīkī its final destination?

He shrugged. “There’s just so much we don’t know about Nessie. Its mating habits, its taste in streaming content, its connection, if any, to Big Foot. So many blanks to fill!”

Could Nessie pose a threat? If, as theories suggest, the lake monster is a Plesiosaurus, a living fossil from the Jurassic period, it’s likely to be carnivorous.

At that, Zack narrowed his eyes and dashed off a quick text message to unknown parties.

“I want to assure people,” he said to ASD, “that Nessie would never use its long neck, jagged teeth, lightning reflexes and propulsive swimming ability to pluck people from the sidewalk in a flash and drag them down into the Ala Wai as a snack. Not joggers, not kids, definitely not pets. And definitely not at night, when no one would notice. Nope. Definitely not.”

A crowd had gathered. Someone noted that the long neck and apparent humps of the sinewy serpent looked suspiciously like a log carried into the canal by the recent Kona Low deluge. 

[{"type":"text","text":"Zack threw up his hands."}]

 you to think!” he exclaimed. “Listen, people, and look at these photos,” he said, taking ASD’s iPhone and rummaging through the photos without so much as a thank you.

“The first photo is from 2:48 p.m. and the creature is clearly facing makai, looking into the feeding grounds — I mean, excuse me, the 

 — of Waikīkī. Then, just 12 minutes later, he is photographed again — by a journalist, mind you — this time facing mauka, possibly toward the ball field for leaner prey, I mean, where people play.

“Now, you tell me, what kind of log can change direction on its own, huh? Only flippers can do that!”

As he wrapped up on that conclusive, scientific point, Zack handed back ASD’s phone, took one last look at the bleached, scaly, possibly bark-like hide of the beast and walked off in a hurry.

[{"type":"text","text":"Happy April Fools’ Day, everyone!"}]

Nessie 29 March 2 48 pm 16x9

<title>Loch Ness monster spotted in Ala Wai Canal</title>

“It’s 42 degrees in Loch Ness,” says noted Isle cryptozoologist Sigmund Zack. “The question isn’t, ‘Why would Nessie swim 7,000 miles to vacation in Waikīkī?” it’s ‘Why wouldn’t he?”

Daily Smile: Friday, April 10, 2026

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Daily Smile: Friday, April 10, 2026

Authors

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