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[{"type":"text","text":"Coming in hot....."}]

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<title>Daily Smile: Tuesday, April 14, 2026</title>

Coming in hot.....

Daily Smile: Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

A proposal to build the Thirty Meter Telescope on the former site of another observatory is “feasible,” said a TMT project leader last week.

Last October, Gov. Josh Green and all four of the state’s Congressional delegates signed 

 urging leaders of the TMT project to consider shifting the construction of the controversial observatory to another site on Mauna Kea’s summit.

The letter cited “the Hawai‘i community’s request” to instead build TMT on the site of a decommissioned observatory, rather than disturbing a previously untouched piece of summit land, as the plan has been so far. The letter’s signatories assured that they would work with the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority and the University of Hawai‘i to develop a process for securing the permits necessary for such a shift.

, TMT project manager Fengchuan Liu told the board that the project could still work if it was shifted to the former site of the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory, which was fully dismantled in 2024. The CSO, first activated in 1986, was selected for decommissioning as part of the terms for TMT to receive a permit; the University of Hawai‘i needed to commit to close five existing telescopes by 2033.

“We on the project have taken a preliminary look at this issue from the technical side, scientifically, engineering-wise, and we believe it is feasible to build on the CSO site,” Liu said.

Liu said there are size differences between TMT and CSO: TMT’s 

, including the observatory dome, support buildings and parking area is roughly five acres, while CSO 

Nonetheless, Liu reiterated that moving the site to the former CSO location could conceivably be done. He suggested that the observatory’s support facility — used to recoat the TMT’s primary mirror segments — could be moved off the mountain to a location at sea level. Liu said this would introduce a logistical burden to the telescope’s operation, but would reduce the observatory’s footprint.

However, the logistics of such a move are still unclear, Liu said. He told the board he does not know whether the process would require new conservation district use permits or new environmental impact studies, and said the TMT’s own board would also need to sign off on the change.

Liu added that the change in site would also introduce minor variances in the observatory’s functionality: he said the CSO location is in a valley lower than most other summit observatories, causing different wind patterns that could impact the telescope’s imaging, although he believes those impacts can be mitigated.

By the same token, Liu said the lower site would also make the facility less visible from around the island than its proposed higher-elevation site.

While there was no public testimony on the matter at last week’s meeting, the board’s discussion last November of Green’s letter drew hundreds of pages of testimony, largely in opposition to the TMT project in general, relocated or otherwise.

One way or another, the future of the project remains unclear. The National Science Foundation announced in 2024 that it could only realistically fund one of two proposed telescopes as part of a “U.S. Extremely Large Telescope” project — either TMT or the Giant Magellan Telescope in Chile.

 last year that it had removed TMT from consideration — punching a $1.6 billion hole in the observatory’s budget — Congress passed 

 last month stipulating that the NSF advance both projects into final design review, although with no additional funding granted to either telescope.

 For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

ZOA 2023 7950 tio tmt 0018 16x9

<title>Thirty Meter Telescope could be moved, project leader says</title>

Controversial observatory could "feasibly" be moved to site of decommissioned facility elsewhere on Mauna Kea.

Thirty Meter Telescope could be moved, project leader says

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Courtyard by Marriott Waikīkī Beach has recently unveiled a comprehensive, multi-million dollar renovation.

Throughout the 405-room property, located on Royal Hawaiian Avenue, you'll find updated guest rooms and public spaces, new spots to grab a bite and other upgrades. 

[{"type":"text","text":"This revamp, according to a recent announcement, includes:"}]

The hotel was originally built in 1969 and last renovated in December 2015, the property team told Aloha State Daily in an email. The renovations for the public spaces began on Aug. 15, 2025, while the renovations for the accommodations started nearly a year earlier, on Oct. 5, 2024.

"This transformation was a natural next step for the hotel, allowing the property to align with the expectations of today’s traveler, whether visiting for business, leisure, or a blend of both," General Manager Paul Garcia said in a statement provided to ASD. "By reimagining its accommodations, on-site spaces and experiences, Courtyard by Marriott Waikiki Beach has created a more flexible, lifestyle-driven environment that reflects the energy of Waikīkī while supporting how guests travel today." 

The team said it could not disclose financial information or specific numbers when asked about the total costs of the renovations.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

HNLOW Exterior Front A

<title>Waikīkī hotel unveils multi-million dollar renovation</title>

Courtyard by Marriott Waikīkī Beach has revamped its 405-room property.

Waikīkī hotel unveils multi-million dollar renovation

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

 just launched a new elevated dining concept called Girl Dinner.

This meal ($40) is served daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. It includes chicken nuggets with crème fraiche, salmon roe and chives; Caesar salad; truffle fries; a filthy martini (vodka or gin); a collagen marshmallow and Hello Kitty ring pop.

The meal was inspired by the viral “girl dinner” trend but with an elevated twist. This version features a little bit of everything, but with a little indulgence, according to chef Chris Murakami.

“Just like the Adult Happy Meal, it’s supposed to be fun and exciting,” he says.

The chicken nuggets are exclusive to the Girl Dinner meal; it’s not part of the eatery’s regular menu. The soft collagen marshmallow is also made in house.

“I want to start putting different sauces for the chicken nuggets, like honey mustard,” Murakami says.

If you’re feeling extra, you can enhance your meal with 1 ($60) or 2 ($100) ounces of caviar.

While the meal includes a filthy martini — made with vodka or gin — that’s the eatery’s recommended pairing to maintain the “girl dinner” vibe. However, customers can substitute this with any other classic cocktail, glass of wine or zero-proof drink.

The Girl Dinner is available for a limited time, but no end date has been set yet. 

Girl Dinner served daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Girl Dinner nuggets with ikura 041026

<title>New Girl Dinner in downtown Honolulu</title>

The Dotted Line just launched an elevated meal called Girl Dinner, which includes chicken nuggets with crème fraiche, salmon roe and chives; Caesar salad; truffle fries and a filthy martini.

New Girl Dinner in downtown Honolulu

Arrasmith Portrait

Perry Arrasmith

Columnists

Since 1959, 16 people have served as Hawai‘i’s lieutenant governor. 

It’s a position without power that provides a path to power.

Where it often requires a great degree of name recognition to gain election and serves as a natural stepping stone to higher office, the position functions as a political incubator.

Per state law, candidates for both offices run separately in their respective party primaries. Once a candidate triumphs in each primary race, a party’s nominees for lieutenant governor and governor join forces on a single ticket for the general election.

When candidates have different priorities, philosophies, or personalities, it can create some politically tricky headaches. 

It’s a high-profile position with lots of paid staff and a big office on the fifth floor of the State Capitol. The lieutenant governor is effectively Hawai‘i’s equivalent of the U.S. vice presidency.

It’s also an office where political patience is a necessity. Once elected, successful candidates are often frustrated by the lack of actual authority. As a result, a discontented lieutenant governor can also serve as a source of conflict in the executive branch.

Those who become lieutenant governor are often from politically-influential roles in state politics. In a Faustian fashion, they may bargain away political power in order to gain a more prestigious office. 

It’s a huge gamble for any politician, but many still clamber to take the bet. 

Governors and lieutenant governors have a history of not getting along. When this happens, governors are left in a politically compromised position, while lieutenant governors stand to lose their political careers. 

For the first three decades of the State of Hawai‘i’s history, lieutenant governors frequently clashed with their governors. In fact, these clashes politically weakened governors, sewing chaos across the executive branch.

Political divisions between the governor and lieutenant governor destroyed the administration of Governor William Quinn. His lieutenant governor, James Kealoha, felt slighted by the lack of control over political appointments. The relationship soured, with Kealoha challenging Quinn in the 1962 primaries. Despite Keahola's defeat, the fractured GOP lacked the energy to defeat the Democratic Party's candidate, John A. Burns.

Burns was elected in 1962 alongside party ally William S. Richardson. Richardson, as his first lieutenant governor, was seen as a potential successor. However, the sudden resignation of the Hawai‘i Supreme Court Chief Justice Wilfred Tsukiyama created a unique opportunity for Burns. Richardson, instead of continuing as lieutenant governor, was elevated as chief justice. A technocrat, Andrew Ing, temporarily served as lieutenant governor for a year. 

Even so, Burns had trouble finding a loyal lieutenant governor to succeed him. He tried to get Kenneth Brown elected to the position in 1966, but voters didn’t warm to this hand-picked successor. Instead, Burns was saddled with former U.S. Congressman Tom Gill. Gill and Burns were of different political temperaments. Their inability to get along led to another politically brutal fight at the ballot box in 1970, where Lieutenant Governor Gill nearly ousted Burns. 

Luckily for Burns, he triumphed. A new candidate for lieutenant governor, George Ariyoshi, was tapped to succeed Burns. Unlike Gill, Ariyoshi was neither outspoken nor abrasive. When Burns became incapacitated in 1973 by an accelerating cancer, the silent Ariyoshi rose to power as governor.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"The Case for Abolition"}]

Like Quinn and Burns, Ariyoshi struggled to settle on a stable lieutenant governor in his administration. His first lieutenant governor, Nelson Doi, was part of Tom Gill’s political faction and refused to serve more than a single term.

Ironically, Doi also became an outspoken critic of the lieutenant governor’s office. He called for its outright abolition at the 1978 Constitutional Convention. 

Doi was burnt out from the position, so he ditched the boredom and political stability of the position after one term to return to the Big Island. It’s a bit odd, as he could have stayed in office, bided his time, and eventually run for governor in 1986. 

That never happened. Instead, Doi was succeeded by another political upstart, Jean King. Like Doi, King did not care for the Ariyoshi administration and directly challenged Ariyoshi in the 1982 primaries, narrowly losing to the two-term governor. It was a fight akin to the duel between Burns and Gill in 1970.

At this point, the next lieutenant governor appeared to be hesitant about opposing Ariyoshi. John Waihe‘e, a former delegate to the 1978 Constitutional Convention (which had limited governors to serving no more than two full terms) and legislator, set out to wait four years before running for governor. 

Waihe‘e won in his race for governor in 1986. From this point onwards, lieutenant governors no longer ran against incumbent governors in an election. 

Throughout Waihe‘e’s tenure, Benjamin Cayetano sat quietly as lieutenant governor. Arguably, his tenure set the stage for the contemporary, two-term lieutenant governor who had (until recently) dominated Hawai‘i’s political landscape.

Cayetano, like his eventual successors Mazie Hirono and James ‘Duke’ Aiona, played a largely quiet, supporting role to his governor. In Cayetano’s case, the reward was his own two-term tenure as governor. Neither Hirono nor Aiona got the same opportunity.

The Return of Temporary Lieutenant Governors

Since 2010, no lieutenant governor has served in office for a full two terms. If voters re-elect incumbent Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke in 2026, she could break that trend. 

Governor Abercrombie had two lieutenant governors. Shan Tsutsui, the former Senate President who also served as lieutenant governor under Governor David Ige, quit midway through his term. Ige also had three lieutenant governors, with then-state senator Josh Green serving throughout Ige’s final term.

As was the case with Waihe‘e’s single term as lieutenant governor, Green’s tenure positioned him to run for governor in 2022. It’s a situation whose calculus parallels Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami’s own situation in 2026. If he manages to win the 2022 primary for lieutenant governor, he’ll be set to run for governor in four years. 

One out of every four of those lieutenant governors used the office as a stepping stone to the governor's seat. Hawai‘i’s two U.S. Senators, Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono, also served time in the position. 

Keeping a lieutenant governor happy often benefits the governor. Governors Quinn, Burns, and Ariyoshi faced challenges from their lieutenant governors. Ige could have arguably faced a challenge in 2018 from then-Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui, but no such challenge ever came. In an unprecedented move, Tsutsui instead resigned to enter the private sector.

In turn, working with the governor as a lieutenant governor is politically advantageous. George Ariyoshi, John Waihe‘e, and Josh Green served as lieutenant governor for only a single term without serious squabbles with their governors.

Through their own initiatives, lieutenant governors can stay busy without bothering the governor. Lieutenant Governor Luke, for instance, has focused on 

. Other lieutenant governors took the same approach, finding policy priorities often ignored by the governor. Cayetano focused on afterschool programs for students, while Green focused on ending homelessness. 

Luke’s peaceful tenure as lieutenant governor has been shaken in 2026 as a result of her 

 that she might be the target of federal—and now state—investigations into her campaign contributions. The admission followed an 

 in late January by Hawai‘i Attorney General Anne Lopez that her office would share evidence with federal authorities. 

It’s all to say that a lieutenant governor occupies a precarious place in Hawai‘i’s political landscape. It’s a position of little political power that positions the politically ambitious for office as a governor. 

If mismanaged, however, lieutenant governors may find themselves forgotten. That’s simply part of the political bet.

Nelson Doi Tom Gill 16x9

<title>What’s in a Lieutenant Governor? </title>

Some of Hawai‘i's Lieutenant Governors have launched bigger political careers from the position, some faded in obscurity, and a number them clashed with their governors. One even quit halfway through his term to go back to private industry. Here are the names that made history in the statehood era.

What’s in a Lieutenant Governor? 

Hawaiian Electric customers be warned — higher bills are headed your way.

The utility this week said it anticipates that typical residential bills may rise between 20% and 30% in the coming months. The increases are driven by rising global oil prices linked to "escalating geopolitical tensions," including the current conflict in Iran, an 

"As an island state that relies heavily on imported fuel for electricity generation and transportation, Hawai‘i is particularly sensitive to global fossil fuel price fluctuations," HECO says. "These increases will affect electric bills, fuel prices and other commodities."

Customers on O‘ahu will begin seeing higher bills in April, while Hawai‘i Island and Maui County customers will see increases in May and June, the announcement noted.

The formula for rates is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission, and "includes fuel costs that fluctuate with world markets," according to the utility, which also notes that it makes no profit on the fuel used to generate electricity.

A HECO spokesperson told Aloha State Daily that increases for commercial customers are expected to be in the same ballpark as residential customers.

"Retailers operate on very thin margins, so rising energy costs remain a key concern," Dave Erdman, interim president and CEO of Retail Merchants of Hawai‘i, told Aloha State Daily in an email. "Our members are sharing practical suggestions to reduce in-store energy use and manage higher electric bills, such as using LED lighting, adjusting air-conditioning settings, turning off lights when not in use, and maintaining refrigeration and air filters for efficiency. 

"We will continue to monitor the situation, and gain and share feedback from members on impacts to their retail businesses, shopping centers/malls, dining establishments [and] our allied businesses in professional services and logistics," he continued. "The impact reaches our stores, centers, small businesses and at the homes of our retail employees.”

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"How to combat rising energy costs"}]

Those looking for ways to manage their energy bills can find 

Hawai‘i Energy, the state's energy conservation program, also offers tips, programs and rebates for both residents and businesses looking to offset rising energy costs.

 program, for example provides qualifying businesses and nonprofits with light upgrades at a "significantly reduced" prices.

And rebates help both businesses and residents lower the cost of energy-efficient upgrades, Hawai‘i Energy says.

"Instead of bearing the full expense of new equipment, participants receive financial incentives that reduce the initial investment, making it much easier to move forward with improvements that  deliver long-term savings on energy bills," the organization told ASD.

, rebates are typically tied to specific equipment upgrades like high-efficiency lighting, refrigeration systems, HVAC equipment and controls, and in many cases, the incentives can cover a "meaningful portion of the project cost," Hawai‘i Energy says. The organization also offers technical support to help find the most cost-effective upgrades. See a list of 

, meanwhile, can get rebates for things like energy-efficient appliances, water heating systems and regular maintenance services. Depending on the product, the rebate may be applied instantly when purchased through participating retailers or contractor, or customers can submit a rebate application after purchase, Hawai‘i Energy says. See a list of 

[{"type":"text","text":"As for businesses, Hawai‘i Energy says to:"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Rising gas prices"}]

Oil prices increased after the Iran conflict began on Feb. 28 and rose about 

In addition to rising electric costs, drivers are seeing higher prices at the gas pumps.

With an average gas price of $5.41, Hawai‘i joins California ($5.82) and Washington ($5.27) as the states with the highest average prices, as of March 30, according to data from 

Those three states also have the highest average diesel prices in the country: 

California at $7.30, Hawaiʻi at $6.67, and Washington at $6.50.

Hawai‘i was also led the states that saw the biggest weekly change in gas prices, up 18.8 cents, according to GasBuddy.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Rising energy prices illustration istock

<title>Hawaiian Electric bills expected to rise in the coming months</title>

The utility has warned customers that bills are expected to increase by 20% to 30%, driven by rising global oil prices.

Hawaiian Electric bills expected to rise in the coming months

ahu — a variety of local favorites and international chain eateries are expected to open in 2026.

[{"type":"text","text":"Here’s what’s on our radar:"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Alan Wong’s"}]

 Alan Wong’s first opened its King Street location in 1995

 and the restaurant closed in November 2020, after 25 years of operation. The 

 will be opening in the former space of Hoku’s At The Kāhala and will highlight a curated selection of signature dishes from the King Street restaurant. 

 will be its sixth location. This store is unique in that it will offer cakes and an expanded drink menu. 

: Soft opening soon; grand opening in January 2026

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Chick-fil-A"}]

: Located near Hawaiʻi Convention Center, 

 will not include a drive-thru, but will still offer ample dining space. 

: The popular café will offer bagels, grab-and-go coffee and more. The 

second location will be on level 1 of Building A

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Jalapenos 808"}]

: Paina Lanai Food Court, Royal Hawaiian Center, 

 is known for its authentic Mexican food and offers burritos, tacos, quesadillas and more. 

: Liliha Bakery will open its sixth location in Waikīkī Beach Walk (former space of The Blue Fish Waikiki). The beloved Hawaii restaurant is known for its signature Coco Puffs and nostalgic charm. 

: Located on the ground floor of The Park on Ke

eaumoku, this food hall will include renowned vendors like FEAST by Jon Matsubara, Middle Eats, Soul Chicken, Serg’s Mexican Kitchen and more. 

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

: Founded in China, Molly Tea offers a modern take on traditional tea culture. It’s recognized as the first freshly made tea brand dedicated to floral aromas. The Ala Moana Center store will be the brand’s first location in Hawaii. 

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

: The hand roll bar’s original location is in Ward Village. Its sushi hand rolls are known for their crisp nori and Koshihikari rice. It will be opening on Kūhio Avenue in the former space of Ice Monster. 

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

: Paris Baguette, a popular café that originated in South Korea, will be opening its third O

parisbaguette.com/location-list/hi/Honolulu

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

: The fast-casual eatery, known for its teppanyaki dishes, just opened its first Hawaiʻi location in Moanalua Shopping Center. The eatery will be opening locations in Kapahulu and Waikiki (at Hyatt Centric Waikīkī). 

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

: 1199 Dillingham Blvd. No. C104, Honolulu 

: The café will offer coffee, banh mi and more. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Sonic Drive-In – Kapolei"}]

: Corner of Fort Barrette Road and Kapolei Parkway 

ahu Sonic Drive-In will feature the classic drive-in, roller skating servers, and Sonic’s iconic menu, including burgers, hot dogs and shakes.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Westman Café + Lounge"}]

: Known for its brunch — with dishes like souffle pancakes — Westman Café + Lounge closed its location at Waikīkī Beach Walk in early 2024 and will be opening its new location soon at Ward Village. 

Daily Smile: Tuesday, April 14, 2026

ASD Staff

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Daily Smile: Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Authors

ASD Staff

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