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Daily Smile

During the nail trimming, one groundhog seems to have already accepted its fate… 

Smile 26 4 21

<title>Daily Smile: Tuesday, April 21, 2026</title>

During the nail trimming, one groundhog seems to have already accepted its fate…

Daily Smile: Tuesday, April 21, 2026

 During the nail trimming, one groundhog seems to have already accepted its fate… 

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

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

Lieutenant Gov. Sylvia Luke will leave office at the end of her current term after announcing she will not run for reelection.

Luke, who was elected in 2022, announced Sunday afternoon that she has decided not to run for a second term “after a long discussion with [her] family and close friends.”

A spokesperson for Luke told Aloha State Daily that she will take no questions on the matter beyond her 

 in a statement she released Sunday. That statement alludes to “difficulties” over the past three months that led to her decision.

“But the last three months have been difficult, making the rigors of campaigning exceptionally burdensome for my family,” Luke’s statement read. “While I have always been a fighter, I cannot tolerate the toll that they are paying.”

Luke did not specify what those “difficulties” are. However, on Feb. 9, she 

 that she may have been the mystery lawmaker who was recorded accepting a paper bag full of cash during a 2022 dinner.

, former state Rep. Ty Cullen — having turned FBI informant after being arrested for taking bribes — recorded a transaction at a 2022 dinner where an unnamed “influential legislator” accepted a paper bag full of money from an unidentified man.

In February, Luke said she did not take the bag full of money, but said she had accepted $10,000 in checks from a lobbyist and the lobbyist’s daughter, both of whom were associates of Cullen. She said she attempted to return the money after Cullen was charged and that she had failed to report those donations at the time.

Gov. Josh Green made his own brief statement saying he respects Luke’s decision.

“Sylvia’s service to the State of Hawaiʻi for more than two decades leaves no doubt how much she cares about the people of Hawaiʻi,” read Green’s statement. “These last three years, the LG has made great progress in helping our keiki get access to universal preschool, something that has helped many local families.”

Who will take Luke’s place is an open question. As of April 17, two people have requested nomination forms to be placed on the ballot as a lieutenant governor candidate: Mike Peacock, running as a Democrat, and Ku Lono “Bobby” Cuadra, who has pulled papers to run as a Democrat, Republican and Libertarian, and to run for multiple state and U.S. representative seats. ASD has reached out to Peacock and Cuadra for comment.

[{"type":"text","text":"Prospective candidates have until June 2 to file nomination papers."}]

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Lg sylvia luke 2025 portrait2 54839406086 o Large 16x9

<title>Sylvia Luke not running for reelection</title>

Lieutenant governor seat up for grabs in upcoming election.

Sylvia Luke not running for reelection

Former state governor George Ariyoshi died Sunday, April 19, at the age of 100.

Ariyoshi was the longest-serving governor in state history, with a 12-year tenure from 1974 to 1986, and the first Asian-American elected governor in the United States. He turned 100 on March 12.

Ariyoshi was Hawai‘i's third governor, and served as lieutenant governor for the second, John Burns, and became acting governor when Burns fell ill in 1973. Prior to that, he served in the Hawai‘i Territorial Legislature — first in the House, then the Senate — and, after Hawai‘i was granted statehood, he was a state senator.

Before entering politics, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, working as a Japanese-English interpreter for the Army’s Military Intelligence Service. After the war, he received degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan Law School.

Several Hawai‘i lawmakers commemorated Ariyoshi, including Gov. Josh Green, who ordered Monday that the U.S. and state flags will be flown at half-staff at all state offices until the day of his memorial service, which has yet to be announced.

“Governor Ariyoshi devoted his life to Hawai

i with humility, discipline and an unwavering sense of responsibility to the people he served,” Green said in a statement. “He led our state during a pivotal moment with quiet strength and integrity, and his legacy as a trailblazer and public servant will endure for generations. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones.”

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi wrote that he "had a long and meaningful relationship with [Ariyoshi], more so than any other political figure in Hawai‘i." He added that Ariyoshi "led with humility, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people he served."

Hawai‘i Rep. Jill Tokuda also made a statement in honor of Ariyoshi, calling him “a model for how to live and lead with values and a strength of character.”

“The phrase that always comes to mind when I think of him is ‘kodomo no tame ni’ — ‘for the sake of the children,’” Tokuda wrote. “He led with that spirit every day, seeing all of us as his children and governing with a deep responsibility to protect our people, our lands, and our way of life for those yet to come.”

Hawai‘i Senator Mazie Hirono also made remarks, writing that Ariyoshi “helped Hawai‘i look to the future” in developing the 

, a document published in 1978 which was the first comprehensive state plan for any U.S. state.

[{"type":"text","text":"Ariyoshi is survived by his wife, Jean Ariyoshi."}]

 For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

George Ariyoshi 1974

<title>Former governor George Ariyoshi dead at 100</title>

Flags to fly at half-staff in commemoration of the nation's first Asian-American elected governor.

Former governor George Ariyoshi dead at 100

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

There’s a new burger spot in West Oʻahu.

 just opened its second location in Kapolei (its first location is in Wahiawā). The new store is located at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Oʻahu Kapolei and is open to the public.

This location features indoor and outdoor seating; the eatery will soon have its sign up.

The menu is mostly the same as the one at the original Wahiawā location, according to chef/owner Arjay Mijares. The Kapolei location has a few new dishes.

“The seared ‘ahi tuna and steamed edamame are new appetizers,” he says. “I also added the Godzilla burger on there, along with spinach salad.”

While Mijares says he was interested in finding a second location, this particular one “fell into his lap” about a month ago.

“We got the permitting, Department of Health inspection and everything situated,” he confirms. “We had to rearrange the kitchen a little bit, but we had our soft opening on Wednesday.”

The seared ‘ahi tuna ($19) — served with sesame seeds, wasabi and ginger slaw — is a refreshing starter. Meanwhile, the spinach salad ($23), topped with fresh berries, toasted almonds, goat cheese and poppyseed dressing, is ideal if you want something light but filling.

Of course, the eatery still features its line-up of loaded burgers; all burgers come with a side of waffle fries. Customer favorites from the Wahiawā location include the fajita sizzling burger ($22), short rib burger ($30) and barbecue burger ($21). The latter features an 8-ounce wagyu patty with barbecue pork, peppered bacon, cheddar cheese, an onion ring, barbecue sauce and pepper jack cheese.

Sandwiches and the eatery’s jumbo fried smoked chicken wings are also available.

Da Burger Wing Hub Kapolei will soon launch its weekend brunch, available Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Our Wahiawa location is still open and operational, but come join us,” Mijares says. “We want to make sure we bring a good vibe to Kapolei.”

Validated customer parking for four hours is available at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Oʻahu Kapolei.

Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays

Da Burger Wing Hub Kapolei owner 041726

<title>Da Burger Wing Hub opens second location in Kapolei</title>

The eatery, whose original location is in Wahiawā, just opened at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Oʻahu Kapolei. Its menu is mostly the same, with the addition of a few new appetizers. The eatery will be launching its weekend brunch menu soon.

Da Burger Wing Hub opens second location in Kapolei

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

MĀNOA — The No. 2 University of Hawai‘i men's volleyball team was not going to miss the same opportunity twice. 

With a 25-20, 25-16, 25-16 sweep over CSUN on Friday night, the Rainbow Warriors clinched the Big West regular season title and top seed in next week's conference tournament. The 'Bows had an opportunity to gain both conference distinctions in their series at UC San Diego last week, but suffered a disappointing loss on Saturday. 

In front of a Stan Sheriff Center turnstile crowd of 6,765 on Friday night, the 'Bows left no doubt in improving to 25-4 overall and 8-1 in Big West Conference play. Immediately after the match, the Rainbow Warriors took off their jerseys in favor of Big West regular season champion shirts. 

"You win the Big West regular season, you absolutely are in the running to win a national championship, and that's certainly our goal every year," Hawai‘i head coach Charlie Wade said following the match. "Winning league championships in this league is hard to do, no question. So, super stoked. But again, we got bigger goals than just the league title but certainly want to enjoy the fact that we've gotten this far and will be the 1 seed in the tournament and putting together a nice resume going forward."

The 'Bows dominated the Matadors (12-13, 0-9 Big West) with 12.5 team blocks and 29 total digs. With Kristian Titriyski sidelined with what Wade described as arm fatigue, sophomore Kainoa Wade got the start at opposite for the Rainbow Warriors and registered a team-high 10 kills. 

"It was good to see us bounce back this week in practice and just be engaged the whole time," said Kainoa Wade, Charlie's son. "That's a good CSUN team, and we took care of business tonight."

Reserve setter Vladimir Kubr, the team's lone senior, entered at the end of the second and third sets as the 'Bows built commanding leads in each. Kubr served once in each set as the Matadors were able to side-out each time. 

"Vlad is the most rock solid dude you'll ever meet," Kainoa Wade says of his teammate. "He is just on everything. He gets on all of us when we're goofing off. He gets us back engaged, and he's like an older brother to me, honestly. He's such a great guy, and I'm so stoked for him. He got an opportunity to be in this environment and helped us win the championship, honestly. So, yeah, it was awesome. I love Vlad to death, and he knows that."

Before the 'Bows head to Irvine, Calif., for next week's Big West Tournament, they'll wrap up their regular season with another match against CSUN on Saturday at 7 p.m. With Kubr the lone senior on senior night, he's expected to get a prolonged celebration and ovation on Saturday. 

Charlie Wade said he has something special planned for Kubr on Saturday but wasn't willing to divulge what it was on Friday night. 

[{"type":"text","text":"\"I don't think I can tell you before I tell him,\" Wade said. "}]

Hawaii mens volleyball 041726

<title>Hawai‘i men's volleyball clinches Big West regular season title</title>

The Rainbow Warriors will be the top seed in next week's conference tournament in Irvine, Calif.

Hawai‘i men's volleyball clinches Big West regular season title

Higa headshot white shirt square

Sterling Higa

Columnists

“It is usually better for everyone involved if the man is the achiever outside the home and the woman takes care of the family.”

Monitoring the Future, a long-running survey of American teenagers, has been tracking agreement with this statement for decades. In 2024, agreement among boys jumped to 41 percent, up from the lows of the late 2010s. Among girls, it nearly doubled to 23 percent.

 in Civil Beat this week. He warned that gender equality is under threat. The manosphere is winning. Tradwife influencers on TikTok are radicalizing your children. The Groypers, Milner explains, are a network of white nationalists, antisemites, and anti-feminists. They are the vanguard of a new and more threatening Republican Party. Democrats, he warns, have no answer.

Read the statement again. Does it condemn single mothers? Does it forbid women from working? Does it bar women from leadership? It makes a modest claim about what usually works. “Usually” is not “always.”

The wording also loads the dice against agreement. Paid work is called “achievement.” Home life is something else. A teenager who sees raising children as an achievement is nudged toward disagreement.

I generally agree with the statement, though I’d add that a woman caring for her family is achieving just as much as a man working outside the home. I suspect many readers agree.

Now look at the trend line, as analyzed at 

Agreement climbed from 1991 to a peak around 2013. It fell through the late 2010s. It rebounded in 2024 to roughly where it had been. The puzzle is not the recent rise. It is everything before it.

Teen agreement was rising for 20 years — before broadband, before the iPhone, before Instagram. No tradwife influencers existed. The manosphere had not been named. Yet the line rose. Milner does not mention this. A theory that blames TikTok for the 2024 number has to explain something: Why was the same belief already climbing, decades before TikTok arrived?

There is a risk in believing polls and not talking to people, so I asked my wife.

She is 34, too old to have grown up with tradwife content. She pointed out that most talk about sex roles frames it as a binary choice — family or career. The real question is usually sequencing.

She started having children at 19. At 34, she’s home with a 10th grader, an 8th grader, a 6th grader, and our three-year-old. Most days she takes the youngest to the park. The other mothers there often express regret — not that they had careers, but that they waited to have children.

There are inspiring stories of women starting careers at 50. There are far fewer stories of women leaving careers to give birth at 50. The order matters.

My grandmother started having her five children in her teens. She was a homemaker first and later worked as a waitress. She didn’t become the schoolteacher she once dreamed of being. She’s 94 this year, with five children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. A few years ago she wrote that she has no regrets.

Milner’s column performs a move Democrats have been making for a decade. Take a belief most of the Silent Generation held. Associate it with the worst actors who share some version of it. Insinuate that anyone holding the belief today must have been manipulated into it. Agreement with progressive conclusions is reasoning. Disagreement results from manipulation.

Were the Boomers who rejected traditional sex roles not also shaped by the media of their day? The universities, the press, the sitcoms that made Archie Bunker the butt of the joke?

Plenty of parties have been out of touch and recovered. The party that cannot recover is the one that treats its fellow citizens as inert clay, molded by whichever machine is in charge.

If you want to know why young people are returning to tradition, ask them. The families raising these teenagers are not a problem to be explained. They are neighbors worth listening to.

Mom and child

<title>Ask them, don't study them</title>

Political commentator Neal Milner is alarmed that teenagers find new value in mothers staying home to take care of the family. ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa has a rebuttal.

Daily Smile: Tuesday, April 21, 2026

ASD Staff

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