ASD icon blue inverse lighter

ASD Staff

Daily Smile

[{"type":"text","text":"Warning: dog attacks baby (with kisses)....."}]

Smile 26 4 20

<title>Daily Smile: Monday, April 20, 2026</title>

Warning: dog attacks baby (with kisses).....

Daily Smile: Monday, April 20, 2026

 Warning: dog attacks baby (with kisses).....

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

, the six-time Grammy nominated and 18-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning artist, is one of many taking the stage for Hawaiian Council’s Aloha in Action Benefit Concert on Thursday, April 23, in Ko Olina. The event that will raise funds for those impacted by the 

, alongside internationally recognized artist 

 and more at the Ko Olina Grand Lawn, near Ulua Lagoon 4. Proceeds from the concert will go to 

, which provides direct assistance and resources to those impacted by the floods.

“Hawaiian Council stepped in right away with help out in Waialua,” Hānaialiʻi told Aloha State Daily. “My passion is, of course, to do anything for Hawaiʻi and our people.”

The recent storm led to evacuation orders for residents of Haleʻiwa and Waialua. It 

As of Friday, April 17, about 70% of tickets had been sold, and less than 100 VIP tickets were still available, representatives of Hawaiian Council told ASD. The space can accommodate a crowd of 5,000 people. VIP ticket holders receive a t-shirt and get closer 

to the stage with dedicated bathrooms and food and drink stands.

For this performance, Hānaialiʻi will take the stage with the young actress Maia Kealoha, who played Lilo in 

Disney’s live action “Lilo & Stitch”

 released in May of 2025. She plans to sing “Pālehua” and “Haleʻiwa Hula,” as part of her set, she told ASD.

“What's super exciting is Maia — the girl that plays Lilo in Disney 

 she's going to dance ʻPālehua,’ ” she said. “And I have to say, I've never sung ʻPālehua” in the area of Pālehua live, so I'm really looking to that, and she is going to dance hula.”

Attendees are also likely to hear “Haleʻiwa Hula,” she said. Her grandmother, who was born in Waikele but raised in Haleʻiwa, wrote that song.

“A lot of my grandmother's first cousins out there are all still living,” she said. “And they cry every time they hear that song — because of my grandmother. … They’ll definitely be at the concert.”

This benefit concert is a non-alcoholic, family friendly event.

“It's going to be incredible,” she said. “I love The Green. All the entertainment is great. Kimié, Mākaha Sons, Jack Johnson, the Osorio ʻOhana is going to be coming — Jon Osorio and his family. They're from Waialua, so they jumped on the bill right away to kokua their time.”

The tentative line-up, which is subject to change, includes:

“Everybody in Hawaiʻi has just been really wonderful about helping their community,” she said. “I think the world can really turn back and look at Hawaiʻi and how much the community loves each other — and helps.”

Those attending the benefit concert in Ko Olina will also likely be in for a good sunset, she said.

“That area is so beautiful," she said. "That sunset out there is my favorite sunset in the whole wide world. ... It's just incredible oranges and reds and yellows, and the background to the concert is just going to be so beautiful.”

Tickets are $25 for keiki who are 12 years old and younger. General admission is $50. VIP tickets, which include preferred seating and a benefit T-shirt and lanyard are $100. 

 For those unable to attend, contributions can be made directly to the Hawaiian Council’s 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Amy Hānaialiʻi

<title>Amy Hānaialiʻi and more to star in benefit concert</title>

Amy Hānaialiʻi spoke with Aloha State Daily about Hawaiian Council’s Aloha in Action Benefit Concert, which will raise funds for those impacted by the recent Kona Low storms. A limited number of tickets are still available for the nine-act concert which will feature Jason Momoa's band Öof Tatatá, alongside internationally recognized artist Jack Johnson, as well as Kolohe Kai, The Green, Kimié Miner and more.

Amy Hānaialiʻi and more to star in benefit concert

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Following back-to-back Kona Low storms in March that brought heavy rains, wind and flooding, Isle communities are moving toward recovery and rebuilding at the sight of blue skies this week.

Aloha State Daily rounded up some more organizations and causes that are directly supporting individuals and families who were affected.

via GoFundMe aims to “help Hawaiʻi farmers recover from flooding and severe wind damage with rapid, unrestricted aid for crop loss, repairs, and urgent operating needs,” the fundraiser page reads. “Funds will be disbursed directly to farmers to support immediate recovery needs.”

ASD has found an anonymous donor who will match all donations up to $100,000.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Emergency feeding"}]

responded by instinct, according to Amanda Corby Noguchi, who co-founded the nonprofit focused on food sustainability, education and community outreach with husband chef Mark Noguchi in 2017.

“And honestly, we never really stopped responding. Since the [Covid-19] pandemic, we've been working alongside our community partners and food systems community of growers, cooks and people of service in an ongoing, everyday way,” Amanda Corby Noguchi said in an email to ASD. “So when the warnings came that flooding was possible, we were already on the phone with partners talking though how weʻd activate together.”

Chef Hui is part of the Oʻahu Feeding Task Force, led by Amy Miller, president and CEO of 

Corby Noguchi added: “What was interesting this time was that food wasn't actually the scarcity — it was coordination. Very quickly, many hub leaders on the ground were telling us there was too much unsolicited food coming their way and not enough organization around it.”

In response, Chef Hui became a logistics hub to help manage inbound requests, move things along and minimize waste. World Central Kitchen, among other organizations, as well as local chefs and restaurants partnered together to make a difference, she noted. Interested in partnering? Reach out to 

“When you see you neighbors in need, you don’t think about your bottom line. You just start being of service however you can.”

Corby Noguchi told ASD that the feedback so far has been: “people didn’t just appreciate the food, they appreciated being seen.”

“Long term, every crisis teaches us how to show up better. Emergency feeding can’t be an afterthought — it needs to be standing infrastructure, build on relationships that start in community and flow upward.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Donate to teachers"}]

Earlier this month, the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association’s board of directors committed $50,000 from the union’s Crises Fund to support its members impacted by the storms.

, who are elementary school teachers at Hawaiʻi Technology Academy.)

Those interested in supporting Hawaiʻi teachers can donate to HSTA March 2026 Kona Storm Relief Fund or give to individual teachers via GoFundMe.

 has been on the frontlines of flood relief efforts, working in tandem with other organizations and businesses helping those in need.

Director Josue Aguilar recently told ASD he’s has a busy past month and half, coordinating and connecting with impacted communities in Waialua, Waimānalo, Mānoa and more on Oʻahu.

“As an organization, we come alongside others to support, communicate, assess needs, etc. ... We had hundreds of volunteers come help, but it has slowed down,” he said. “We’ve been working with anyone that is in need. As the needs change, there will be more specialized work to come.”

The organization, founded by husband-wife team Daniel and Lucy Molina, has also raised more than $50,000 for supplies and materials, and direct relief for local families and businesses.

“Giving has slowed after news cycles have changes,” said Aguilar, who is the nonprofit’s sole staff member.

He previously worked in disaster relief following the 2023 Lahaina wildfires for two years. “It’s very similar,” he said of the fire and flooding responses. “That disaster helped prepare me for this one.”

“As we move toward the recovery phase, continue to reach out to family, friends, volunteers, anyone who has been directly impacted.”

Mental health issues will need to be addressed, said Aguilar, whose faith helps him process and release trauma.

“I know I can’t carry it on my own, so I feel it and give it to the Lord.”

With more work to be done, he advises volunteers to sign up on 

“If youʻre considering volunteering always be helpful, flexible and willing to learn. Things can change very quickly,” Aguilar said.

“Our goal is to make sure folks don’t fall through the cracks.”

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Benefit concert"}]

Hawaiian Council's Aloha in Action Benefit Concert is set for Thursday, April 21. Proceeds will go toward 

, which provides direct assistance and resources to those affected by the floods. Tickets are still available 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Chef Hui 2026

<title>More ways to help with storm recovery</title>

Looking to give back to organizations continuing to aid those impacted by severe floods last month? Here are some ideas of how to help farmers, teachers and other members of the community.

More ways to help with storm recovery

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Mother’s Day is coming up Sunday, May 10. Whether you’re looking for an extravagant buffet or specialty desserts, check out the options below:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Artizen by MW"}]

: 888 Kapiʻolani Blvd. Suite 102, Honolulu

: This Mother’s Day bento ($45) is available for takeout. It includes roasted garlic beef shortrib, shoyu chicken, miso-honey glazed butterfish, vegetables, rice and a Valrhona chocolate cake. 

 to pre-order; pre-order deadline is May 8

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Bird of Paradise"}]

: Highlights for this Mother’s Day brunch buffet ($98 per adult, $49 per child ages 6 to 12 years) include:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Chef Chai"}]

: This all-you-can-eat lobster buffet costs $139 per person (50% off for children under 10 years old). The buffet will include:

: May 9 and 10; dinner seatings at 4, 4:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday brunch at 9 and 9:30 a.m.; 12 and 12:30 p.m. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Hy’s Steak House"}]

: This Mother’s Day brunch buffet costs $140 per adult ($105 for seniors ages 65 years and older, $65 for children ages 6 to 12 years, free admission for children ages 5 years and under).

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"The buffet will include:"}]

Diners can enjoy a 1.5-hour dining time. 

: May 10; brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., last seating at 1 p.m. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"La Palme D’Or"}]

: Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu

: This dessert shop is offering a variety of decorated treats. Choose from the rose strawberry shortcake ($65-$90), carnation strawberry shortcake ($58-$85), strawberry roll cake ($40), “Berry in Paris” raspberry mousse cake ($65), chocolate covered strawberries (three for $25, five for $35), icing cookies ($8 each), cake pops ($5.50 each), cheesecakes ($60), espresso sets ($8.50) and macaron sets ($15). 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"MW Restaurant"}]

: 888 Kapiʻolani Blvd. Suite 201, Honolulu

: This MW Feast to-go ($695) is designed to feed six to eight people. It includes crab and lobster dip, tofu and ‘ahi poke Sumida Farm watercress salad, pork short rib with Italian sausage tomato stew, miso honey glazed butterfish, Brandt beef prime rib, roasted potatoes and vegetables, and MW dessert platter. 

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

: Orchids Mother’s Day brunch costs $132 per adult ($75 for children ages 5 to 10 years old). It includes:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Plumeria Beach House"}]

: The Kahala Hotel & Resort, 5000 Kahala Ave

: Customers are invited to celebrate Mother’s Day at The Plumeria Beach House restaurant and Maile room. The buffet ($137 per adult, $55 per child ages 6 to 12 years) will include carving stations, chef specialties, fresh seafood and desserts. 

: May 10; 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. breakfast; 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. brunch buffet; 3 to 8 p.m. dinner buffet 

kahalaresort.com/dining/plumeria-beach-house/

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Red Salt (Kauaʻi)"}]

: Ko‘a Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach, 2251 Poipu Road, Koloa 

: This prix fixe brunch experience will feature a multi-course menu that showcases brunch classics with Island-inspired twists. Guests can also include unlimited MOM-osas. 

koakea.com/experience/event-calendar/mothers-day-brunch-at-red-salt/

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"The Capital Grille"}]

: Lilia Waikīkī, 2380 Kūhiō Ave. Ste. 105, Honolulu 

: This Mother’s Day brunch costs $80 per person. It includes:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Tiki’s Grill & Bar"}]

: This Mother’s Day brunch buffet costs $89 per person ($40 for children ages 5 to 12 years). It includes:

Tables are reserved for two hours from the reservation time.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Waikele Country Club"}]

: The brunch buffet costs $99 per adult ($63 per child ages 4 to 9 years old). Highlights include an omelet station with a variety of toppings, roasted prime rib, Pulehu short rib, steamed basa, sauteed mahi with lemon butter and capers, spicy pork, chicken pesto with penne pasta, assorted desserts and more.

The dinner buffet costs $129 per adult ($74 per child ages 4 to 9 years). It includes ‘ahi poke with limu, spicy ‘ahi roll, roasted prime rib, snow crab with drawn butter, garlic miso chicken, fire braised pork ribs with western barbecue sauce, seafood cioppino, garlic lemon herb rack of lamb with red wine demi glaze, garlic mashed potatoes with white truffle oil and more.

: May 10; brunch from 9 to 11 a.m., 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. 

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

: The Waikīkī eatery is offering two special sushi platters for Mother’s Day. Platter one ($190) includes maguro, kanpachi, salmon, hamachi, ikura, scallop, kappa roll, tekka roll and a yuzu hamachi roll. Platter two ($400) includes otoro, chutoro, maguro, uni, salmon, hamachi, ikura, scallop, spicy salmon roll and a spicy tuna roll.

Customers must pre-order by Friday, May 8. 

Mothers Day 2026 MW Restaurant 040826

<title>Where to celebrate Mother’s Day – part 1</title>

Whether you’re planning to dine-in or takeout, we’ve got you covered.

Where to celebrate Mother’s Day – part 1

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

Crime & Courts

The highest court in the country heard arguments against a Hawai‘i gun control law on Tuesday.

In 2023, Hawai‘i amended its gun control laws to include a rule referred to as the “vampire rule”: in much the same way that a vampire cannot enter a home without first being invited, the law prohibits people from bringing concealed firearms onto private property without the clear consent of the property owner.

Other places prohibited by the law include beaches, parks and restaurants that serve alcohol.

Gun advocates quickly challenged the new law, with three Maui residents — Jason and Alison Wolford and Atom Kasprzycki — along with nonprofit Hawai‘i Firearms Coalition filing a suit that, eventually, reached the U.S. Supreme Court.

All three individual plaintiffs possess licenses to carry concealed handguns and, 

, have been able to carry concealed firearms on private properties such as beaches, parks and restaurants without issue.

Attorney Alan Beck, representing the plaintiffs, told the Supreme Court 

 that Hawai‘i has “run roughshod” over the Second Amendment without sufficient precedent to justify the law.

On the other side of the argument, attorney Neal Katyal said “there is no constitutional right to assume that every invitation to enter private property includes an invitation to bring a gun.”

A sizable chunk of Tuesday’s discussion revolved around whether Hawai‘i's law has any precedent: whether any state had ever imposed their own prohibitions against the carry of firearms onto private property without the owner’s consent.

According to Hawai‘i's court filings, those laws existed: an 1865 law in Louisiana and a New Jersey law enacted in 1771, more than a decade before New Jersey even became a state.

But Beck raised concerns with these examples. The Louisiana law was part of America’s infamous “Black Codes,” law passed immediately following the abolition of slavery to impose restrictions on newly freed Black citizens.

“It is somewhat astonishing that Black Codes which are unconstitutional are being offered as evidence of what our tradition of constitutionally permissible firearm regulation looks like,” Beck said.

And, apart from the fact that the law predates the country itself, Beck said the New Jersey law was an anti-poaching measure focused on preventing the use of guns on specific enclosed lands.

However, while Katyal agreed that the Black Codes arose from “a shameful period,” he said they still carry important legal precedence.

The Court did not issue a verdict on Tuesday, but one is expected in the coming months.

Court Building 16x9

<title>U.S. Supreme Court hears "vampire rule" gun law arguments</title>

Wolford v. Lopez challenges 2023 gun law prohibiting concealed firearms on private property.

U.S. Supreme Court hears "vampire rule" gun law arguments

On April 25, the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced that it had conducted a sweep of encampments at Diamond Head State Monument, removing 43 camps from the crater slopes.

At the time, DLNR referred to "buckets used to hold human waste" littering Diamond Head. "No one knows if this material will flow into the ocean during rain," read a DLNR news release, which added that DLNR contractors did not remove those buckets because of health concerns.

Whether anyone will remove them is unclear. Aloha State Daily asked DLNR multiple times what is to be done with the buckets of human waste on state land, and received a simple answer: "our contractors do not remove the human waste," read an email attributed to DLNR homeless coordinator Pua Aiu.

The state Department of Health's spokeswoman Kristen Wong deferred follow-up questions back to DLNR.

Keoni Kino, co-founder of community cleanup group Kuilei Cliffs, said neither he nor his organization have since encountered any buckets of waste, but added that the encampments were located on different parts of Diamond Head than where Kuilei Cliffs operates.

"You would have to walk in to those specific camp sites to find those buckets," Kino told ASD via email. "Possibly in the future as we do more clearing we will come across those buckets of waste."

Daily Smile: Monday, April 20, 2026

ASD Staff

More in Daily Smile

Daily Smile: Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Daily Smile: Sunday, April 19, 2026

Daily Smile: Saturday, April 18, 2026

Daily Smile: Friday, April 17, 2026

Most read

Daily Smile: Monday, April 20, 2026

Authors

ASD Staff

More in Daily Smile

Daily Smile: Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Daily Smile: Sunday, April 19, 2026

Daily Smile: Saturday, April 18, 2026

Daily Smile: Friday, April 17, 2026

Most read