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Daily Smile

[{"type":"text","text":"There are two different types of bulldogs...."}]

Smile 26 4 15

<title>Daily Smile: Wednesday, April 15, 2026</title>

There are two different types of bulldogs....

Daily Smile: Wednesday, April 15, 2026

 There are two different types of bulldogs....

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

Commercial aquarium fishing in Hawai‘i is dead again, perhaps forever, after a heated Board of Land and Natural Resources meeting Friday.

 discussed a series of proposed new rules for aquarium fishing in West Hawai‘i — an industry that has been effectively banned statewide since 2021 — and contemplated a choice. The board could have adopted the new rules, reinstating the industry alongside new regulations, or it could have rejected them and ordered the Department of Land and Natural Resources to draft different rules that could instead formalize the statewide ban.

After impassioned public testimony extended the meeting to more than 10 hours long, the board chose the latter.

The final motion — for which four of five board members voted, with the fifth, Kaiwi Yoon, abstaining — was for DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources to further review and revise the rules, and to “consider the alternatives under the public trust and cultural landscape analysis” before returning to the board.

While that motion does not explicitly direct DAR to formalize a ban on commercial aquarium fishing, it does align with a previous 2023 decision by the BLNR, when the board voted unanimously to begin a rulemaking process to establish a statewide ban on the industry.

That decision became stalled by legal disputes that only were resolved earlier this year; in the interim, DAR began developing the proposed rules to reopen the industry, which the board rejected on Friday.

Dozens of environmental advocates and Hawai‘i residents urged the board on Friday to reject those rules.

“These fish are a public resource and a cultural one,” said one testifier, Robert Phares. “While they remain on our reefs, they support the ecosystem, recreation, cultural uses, snorkeling and diving, and a visitor economy in which experiencing Hawai‘i's ocean life is a major attraction. Once a fish is commercially removed, that continuing public value becomes a one-time private transaction. The trade-off should require an extremely compelling public benefit, and I don’t see one here.”

While some testified in favor of DAR’s proposed rules — one fisherman, Jay Lovell, noted that “90% of those fish [that we catch]” would otherwise be killed through natural predation — they were few and far between, and one drew an admonition from Yoon.

Ron Tubbs, an advocate for commercial fishing, called the opposition “a bunch of anti-ecology BS,” arguing that marine fish are “the most renewable source on the planet.” But Yoon responded to Tubbs’ testimony, asking him to clarify if he believes the state’s cultural and environmental assessments are “BS.”

“The science that opposes you is ‘BS,’ is that correct?” Yoon responded, before Tubbs and Yoon began a back-and-forth over whether certain groups were being paid to publicly oppose commercial fishing.

Ultimately, Yoon said he abstained “out of good faith” for the pro-fishing contingent, “even though the numbers are overwhelmingly against you.”

Environmental group Earthjustice — which was involved in the legal debates surrounding the BLNR’s 2023 decision — declared the board’s decision a “victory,” with Earthjustice attorney Mahesh Cleveland saying the decision “recognizes the will of the people.”

“Again and again, communities have turned out at public meetings to oppose this trade,” Cleveland said. “We hope the Department will return with rules that protect Hawai‘i’s reefs and marine life from the harms of an extractive, profit-driven industry.”

I Stock 2242842066 16x9

<title>BLNR rejects aquarium fishing rules again</title>

After public outcry, the Department of Land and Natural Resources must go back to the drawing board for rules governing commercial aquarium fishing.

BLNR rejects aquarium fishing rules again

Hawai‘i will get $58 million in federal funding for health care development throughout the state’s rural areas.

Gov. Josh Green announced Tuesday that the $58 million awarded to the state by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Rural Health Transformation Program is just one part of a nearly $200 million five-year federal investment in the state’s rural health care development.

The $58 million announced Tuesday is split between two Hawai‘i health initiatives. The lion’s share, $45 million, will go to the University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine for its workforce development initiative.

That initiative – The Hawai‘i Outreach Medical Education in Rural Under-resourced Neighborhoods, or 

, initiative — offers free tuition for health or health IT-related careers if the person commits to work for five years in rural Hawai‘i.

 as including the entirety of all Neighbor Islands, as well as the northern half of O‘ahu.

Meanwhile, the state Department of Health will receive the remaining $13 million, which will be used to acquire new ambulances in each county and upgrade emergency communications networks throughout rural areas.

Green said in a statement that the federal funding will help the state retain more health care professionals and improve the quality of care in historically underserved areas.

 last December that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will award more than $50 billion to all states nationwide to strengthen their rural health networks. Hawai‘i's 

 of those funds — of which this $58 million is a part — is more than $188 million for the 2026 fiscal year.

[{"type":"text","text":"Further funds are expected for the state each year through 2030."}]

GovGreen

<title>State gets $58 million for rural health development</title>

Hawai‘i was awarded more than $180 million in federal funds for rural health care improvements this fiscal year alone.

State gets $58 million for rural health development

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

 is celebrating its 10th Anniversary Edition in Honolulu this year. This popular outdoor dinner party is returning Saturday, Sept. 12, at a brand-new, top-secret location.

“Diner en Blanc has become a beloved tradition in Honolulu, and celebrating the 10th Anniversary Edition is truly special,” states Malie Moran, co-host of Diner en Blanc in Honolulu. “This event continues to bring people together in meaningful and memorable ways, and we are thrilled to welcome both returning guests and newcomers to this milestone evening.”

Une Soirée Parisienne – La Belle Époque

” — highlights an era defined by elegance and artistry. Guests must come to the event dressed in chic, all-white attire; creativity is encouraged. 

As always, the event’s location is a secret until the last moment. Attendees will gather at pre-selected departure points and will be guided by event volunteers to a surprise venue.

While event attendees traditionally bring their own chairs, table — table settings must also be fully white — and gourmet picnic, curated meals will be catered by Memoirs Hawai

The featured bentos are designed for two to share. The charcuterie box will include brie, cheddar, Boursin, grapes, guava jam, kalamata olives, crackers and salami. Other options include chicken (marinated in garlic, white wine and herbs) with orzo pasta with truffle basil pesto, fresh mozzarella, sundried tomatoes and double fudge brownies; and garlic shrimp with the same sides and dessert.

A caviar set — complete with housemade blini, lemon crème fraiche, shaved red onions, chives and smoked salmon — will also be available, for guests who want a build-your-own-caviar experience.

Over the years, Diner en Blanc has been at Iolani Palace, Ko Olina Lagoon and Kualoa Ranch. Today, Diner en Blanc has grown into an international event, celebrated across 40 countries and 120 cities.

A limited number of tickets is still available for the event. Email 

 and mention “Aloha State Daily” in the subject line for more information.

Le Diner en Blanc 083126

<title>Diner en Blanc is celebrating its 10th Anniversary Edition</title>

The popular outdoor garden party returns Saturday, Sept. 12 at a brand-new, secret location. This year, the event’s curated meals will be catered by Memoirs Hawaiʻi.

Diner en Blanc is celebrating its 10th Anniversary Edition

Business & Tourism

re-located from Ward Centre to Ala Moana Center this past summer

 — is opening another location. Its Dimaond Head eatery is opening today on Monsarrat Avenue, in the former space of Gecko Girlz.

According to business owner James Webb, this Diamond Head location offers more seating for customers.

“This is a lot more seating than any of our other shops, even (the one at) Ward Centre,” he says. “Come hang out; do your work from our shop.”

The cafe serves its signature drinks, including the taro ube latte ($7.25-$7.75), royal honey latte ($7.25-$7.75) and cold brew on tap ($6-$6.75).

Customers can still look forward to popular dishes — like the breakfast burrito ($16), Ali‘i Maffles ($15), and avocado toast ($14) — for breakfast. The “Maffles” are the eatery’s version of mochi waffles.

The brie and balsamic toast ($14), roast beef sandwich ($17) and prosciutto pear flatbread ($17) are newer menu options (the latter two are available for lunch).

“We brought back some old things that we had (from our now-closed downtown Honolulu store), like the roast beef sandwich and prosciutto and pear flatbread,” Webb says.

He encourages customers to try the cafe’s affogatos, as the biz serves ice cream.

“We have a pistachio affogato; it’s pretty ono,” he says. “We’re doing a chocolate haupia affogato, as well.”

During its soft opening phase, Aliʻi Coffee Co.’s Diamond Head store will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eventually, Webb says this location will be open in the later afternoon.

“We’re trying to slowly open; eventually, it’ll be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” he confirms.

“I think we’re going to gain a bunch of customers that we hadn’t had before, from this side of the island,” Webb adds. “I’m happy to see them — the new customers and a lot of the old ones that live on this side, too. I’m excited ... next year, we’re opening in Waipio.”

Alii Coffee Co Monsarrat James Webb 083126

<title>Aliʻi Coffee Co. opens on Monsarrat Avenue</title>

The coffee biz — which recently moved its Ward Centre store to Ala Moana Center — opened another location on Monsarrat Avenue. This location has a slightly different food menu — compared to the business’s other stores — and brought back dishes like the roast beef sandwich, brie and balsamic toast, and prosciutto pear flatbread.

Aliʻi Coffee Co. opens on Monsarrat Avenue

Everyone’s looking to save money and get the most bang for their buck. This series will show you where you can save while still savoring a good meal.

 launched a $9.99 plate lunch special every Wednesday. While August’s special was Bikkuri tonkatsu, the September special will be a hamburger steak plate.

You can get this plate for $9.99 every Wednesday in September starting at 3 p.m. Limited quantities will be available, according to delicatessen department manager Kota Kawahara.

[{"type":"text","text":"“We’ll make 300 (plates) every Wednesday,” he says."}]

The plate features hamburger steak with rice and veggies. The 10-ounce beef patty is made with mayo, panko and onions, according to Kawahara. It features local beef, but is prepared Japanese-style.

“The sauce is a hybrid of a brown gravy and a Japanese demi-glace,” Kawahara says. “It’s like a fusion, so both, Japanese customers and local customers will like it.”

Patties are pan-fried, then wrapped with foil and finished in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. They are wrapped so the patties stay moist and juicy and retain their flavor, Kawahara explains.

Marukai will always have a discounted plate on Wednesdays; the entrée will change each month.

Marukai Hawaii manager 082726

<title>Budget Bites: $9.99 plates at Marukai</title>

This plate lunch special is available every Wednesday in September, starting from 3 p.m. Hamburger steak is the featured plate for September; each plate includes a 10-ounce hamburger patty, rice, veggies and a brown gravy/Japanese demi-glace sauce.

Budget Bites: $9.99 plates at Marukai

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Corey Idleburg

Viewpoints

Real Estate

Buying a condominium in Hawaiʻi is often the most realistic path to homeownership for local families. The mortgage fits. The price is lower than that of a single-family home. It feels like the door is finally open.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Then the HOA bill arrives."}]

New data from the U.S. Census Bureau, collected for the first time in 2024, confirms what many Hawaiʻi condo owners already know from experience. Hawaiʻi has the second-highest homeowners' association fees in the nation, with a median of $470 per month. Only New York ranks higher. Nationally, the median is $200.

That's not a rounding error. That's a second mortgage for a lot of families.

Hawaiʻi has more HOAs, and they cost more

Forty-two percent of Hawaiʻi homeowners pay a monthly HOA or Association of Apartment Owners (AOAO) fee. The national rate is 25%. The gap makes sense given how much of Hawaiʻi's housing stock is condominiums, especially on Oʻahu, where vertical density is the norm and land drives the price of everything.

In Honolulu County, the median HOA fee is $526 per month. Hawaiʻi County is the outlier at $135, but that's the Big Island, where more housing is single-family and rural, and where median incomes are also significantly lower.

Here's the number that should give any prospective buyer pause: a review of Oʻahu real estate listings from early 2026 found the median advertised HOA fee was $882 per month. That's nearly double the Census median. The gap reflects how many new condo buildings are on the market right now, and new buildings tend to have the highest fees.

For context on where prices stand in mid-2026: the statewide median condo price is approximately $531,000 to $545,000, which is down about 1% to 3% year-over-year. The Oʻahu median sits around $507,500 as of July 2026, up modestly from early in the year. Prices may look manageable compared to single-family homes. The carrying costs are another story.

The number on the listing isn’t the real number

Monthly fees cover routine maintenance and contributions to a reserve fund, which covers a roof that needs replacing, an elevator system that breaks down, or water intrusion that causes structural damage.

When the reserve fund isn’t there, owners pay a different way: through special assessments.

A special assessment is a lump-sum charge issued on top of regular fees when a building needs repairs and doesn’t have the money. They can run from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. In some older Waikīkī buildings, owners have faced assessments of $20,000 to $50,000. They arrive with little warning. And they are almost never visible in the fee disclosures a buyer sees before closing.

This isn’t a rare scenario. Reserve fund professionals who work in Hawaiʻi estimate that approximately three out of four associations are sitting on a funding gap nationwide, and Hawaiʻi’s aging condo stock, much of it built in the 1970s and 1980s, is particularly exposed. Many of those buildings are now past the useful life of their major components: plumbing, elevators, concrete, and roofing systems. The DCCA has published guidance specifically flagging this pattern, noting that aging infrastructure and deferred maintenance are among the leading drivers of surprise assessments on Oʻahu.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Then add insurance"}]

Property insurance has become a crisis of its own for Hawaiʻi condo owners, and it’s getting worse.

In the wake of the 2023 Maui wildfires, some condominium policy premiums jumped by more than 1,000%. Statewide, aggregate property insurance premiums rose 13.4% in 2024, the largest single-year increase in at least a decade, and nearly four points above the national average. The Kona Low storms that hit in March and April 2026 added further pressure; insurers are recalibrating risk across the Islands, and those adjustments will continue to be reflected in HOA fee lines over the next several years.

In June 2026, FEMA also updated its flood maps for Oʻahu, reclassifying 3,700 net new parcels, a 25% increase, into Special Flood Hazard zones. Properties in those zones now face mandatory flood insurance requirements to qualify for federally backed mortgages. For condo buildings that fall in newly mapped areas, the cost flows into the association’s insurance expense and, eventually, into monthly fees.

Mortgage rates are not helping either. The 30-year fixed rate in Hawaiʻi averaged about 6.9% as of mid-2026, nearly a full point higher than the lows of early 2025. Every basis-point rate increase makes the combined burden of mortgage payments plus HOA fees harder to sustain.

If you are considering a condo purchase in Hawaiʻi right now, four questions should be non-negotiable before you sign anything.

What is the reserve fund balance, and what percentage of the estimated need does it represent? The industry threshold for a healthy reserve is 70% funded or higher. Hawaiʻi law requires at least 50%, but 50% is different from an adequate amount. It’s the floor, not the standard.

When was the last reserve study conducted, and what did it find? Hawaiʻi law requires studies to be updated regularly and reviewed by an independent preparer with recognized certifications. A building without a current study is operating blind.

Have there been any special assessments in the past five years? Are any anticipated? Boards are required to disclose known assessments, but enforcement has gaps. A 2025 legislative bill that would have strengthened those disclosure requirements died in committee. The burden remains on buyers to ask.

What have insurance premiums done over the past three years — and is the building in any newly designated FEMA flood zone? A building whose premiums have doubled or tripled is already under financial stress. A building in a newly mapped flood area faces costs that are just beginning to arrive.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"If you already own"}]

Hawaiʻi law gives condo owners the right to review financial records, attend board meetings, and access reserve studies. Those rights exist whether or not your building actively promotes them.

Attend your board meetings. Request the financials. Find out where your building actually stands before the next special assessment letter shows up in your mailbox.

The price on the listing is just the beginning.

Reprinted with permission from Corey Idleburg, executive director of 

a Honolulu-based nonprofit that translates research, data, and policy into accessible public information for Hawaiʻi communities.

Salt Lake condos

Ray Tsuchiyama

Columnists

Tens of thousands of people in Hawai‘i live in apartment towers that are now a half-century old, or older. Owners face sometimes ruinously expensive assessments to repair or replace aging building systems. Under Hawai‘i law they're stuck. There's no provision for owners to take the radical step of collectively selling their units and handing the building off to someone else to redevelop. Other places have such laws, here's how they work.

Daily Smile: Wednesday, April 15, 2026

ASD Staff

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Daily Smile: Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Authors

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