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Daily Smile

[{"type":"text","text":"An in the way-aholic..."}]

Smile 26 4 27

<title>Daily Smile: Monday, April 27, 2026</title>

An in the way-aholic...

Daily Smile: Monday, April 27, 2026

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

Food & Dining

 and chef who lives in Waiʻalua with her ʻohana, recently shared her secret to swimming to the bottom of the ocean and more at a talk story event hosted by Honolulu-based solar company, 

“Itʻs a state of calm and Zen,” she told an audience of community members at 

on April 21. “When you feel the need to speed up, thatʻs your indicator to slow down. ... The main thing I have learned from the ocean is to embrace the stress and take the fear and donʻt panic, but turn it into courage and do something good with it instead.”

Werner says she has her dad to thank for taking her out to spearfish at a young age off the coast of Maui. Her family would prepare the catches in whole, which she describes as a “simple lifestyle.”

She took some time away from the sport, until it called her back in her mid-20s and by 2008, Werner became a U.S. National Spearfishing Champion.

 From there she received multiple recognitions in the sport, as well as for her efforts in environmental sustainability.

Her most recent endeavor is the launch of “Kimi’s Kitchen: An Ocean Woman's Guide to Wild Home Cooking” a cookbook and biography in partnership with Nicole Gormley and Jennifer Fiedler, published by 

“It’s been a lifelong goal to write a cookbook,” the certified culinary chef said at the event. “Food has always been a part of who I am. It’s been a part of my roots and values and passions and creativity for so long. … It was important to create a tangible thing that would be a legacy piece.”

But the main inspiration for the new cookbook, she added, is gratitude.

“That’s what life is. I love every part about it. I love the highlight moments and I love the humble moments. I wanted a piece that would capture it all.”

As a mom, she noted the book also serves as instruction for her son, Buddy, whom she dedicated it to. “I want him to be able to feed himself,” she said.

Werner is also a customer and brand ambassador of RevoluSun. She told Aloha State Daily at the event that the partnership has been ongoing for a few years.

“As Hawaiʻi continues to navigate rising energy costs and grid uncertainty, it’s important for us to create opportunities for open dialogue and education,” 

co-founder and chief innovation officer, said in an emailed statement to ASD.

“Events like ‘A Full Circle Talk Story with Kimi Werner’ bring together leaders, customers and community voices to explore how sustainability and energy independence intersect. It’s a reflection of RevoluSun’s mission to provide not just solutions, but guidance and partnership for a more secure energy future.”

RevoluSun will be hosting an event on May 14 focused on the topic of the Safe Harbor timeline and future of commercial solar in Hawaiʻi. 

Check out this video of the two coming together in 2025 on Wernerʻs home project.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Kimi Werner x Revolusun

<title>RevoluSun and new cookbook author Kimi Werner bring community together</title>

Maui-born freediving spearfisher and chef Kimi Werner recently signed copies of her new cookbook and shared her journey over lunch hosted by the Honolulu-based solar company.

RevoluSun and new cookbook author Kimi Werner bring community together

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

Despite falling short of a Big West Conference tournament title in Irvine, Calif. on Saturday, the University of Hawai‘i men's volleyball team landed back in Honolulu on Sunday morning feeling as though it still received a considerable consolation prize over the weekend. 

After entering the Big West tournament as the 

, the 'Bows defeated UC San Diego in Friday's semifinals. In Saturday's championship match, the 'Bows were outlasted by Long Beach State in five sets. 

In spite of the loss, the Rainbow Warriors (27-5) ranked ahead of The Beach in RPI (1) and KPI (2), a pair of key metrics as far as NCAA Tournament seeding is concerned. Long Beach State (24-4) was third in both metrics and also 

lost a pair of matches at home to the Rainbow Warriors

UCLA (29-1) earned the top overall seed, while Long Beach State was the 3 seed. Ball State rounded out the national seeds at No. 4. 

All four national seeds will host a regional of three teams to make up the 12-team NCAA Tournament field. Each regional begins with the two unseeded teams playing each other — the winner then faces the host for the right to advance to the Final Four at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion from May 9-11. 

The two other teams in Hawai‘i's region are Belmont Abbey and USC, who will play each other on Friday, May 1, at the Stan Sheriff Center at 5 p.m. The winner then advances to play the Rainbow Warriors on Saturday, May 2, at 4 p.m. 

Prior to 2026, Hawai‘i has hosted the NCAA Tournament three times: in 1991 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, as well as 1998 and 2004 at the Stan Sheriff Center. In all three NCAA Tournaments held in the Islands, the Rainbow Warriors did not qualify, which only had four-team fields at the time. 

"Thrilled with that," head coach Charlie Wade said of the tournament draw. "I mean, I think it's historic. It's the first time that we've ever played in an NCAA postseason match at home. So, looking forward to the opportunity and hopefully get a huge crowd out there to support us."

As soon as the Rainbow Warriors got off the plane at 

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Sunday, they gathered around a laptop that played the NCAA selection show. Though members of the team were excited to learn they'd host a regional, disappointment in losing to Long Beach State the day before still lingered. The Rainbow Warriors were particularly close to clinching the victory in the fourth set with a 2-1 lead, but The Beach staved off five consecutive match points. 

t definitely sucks," setter Tread Rosenthal said of the loss. "I think a lot of the guys in the locker room are pissed off, especially knowing that we were super close to it. So, right now we're all kind of pissed off, but once we get back in the gym on Tuesday, we'll be ready to go."

, which include Friday's match between USC and Belmont Abbey will go on sale on Monday at 9 a.m. and can be purchased either online or at the UH ticket office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week. Meanwhile, individual match tickets will go on sale on Wednesday. 

"We'll play at 3 p.m. in the parking lot," Wade said of Saturday's 4 p.m. first serve, a few hours earlier than the traditional 7 p.m. timeslots the Rainbow Warriors occupy at the Stan Sheriff Center on Saturday nights. "We're just excited to have a postseason match here. ... It be a hot ticket. We'd like to fill the place up and put on a good show."

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

UH men's volleyball 042626

<title>Hawai‘i men's volleyball set to host NCAA Tournament match</title>

The Rainbow Warriors will host either USC or Belmont Abbey in the NCAA national quarterfinals on May 2.

Hawai‘i men's volleyball set to host NCAA Tournament match

[{"type":"text","text":"The Tokyo Toe is Las Vegas bound. "}]

, the former University of Hawai‘i star kicker who taught himself how to kick via YouTube, has signed a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. 

As a senior in 2026, Matsuzawa finished as a 

 given to college football's top kicker. After starting the 2025 season with a 

, Matsuzawa went on to make his first 25 field goal attempts of the season, finishing the year 27-for-29 on field goals and a perfect 40-for-40 on extra points. 

Matsuzawa made history in various ways for the Rainbow Warriors, becoming the program's first consensus All-American. By signing with the Raiders, he also became the first player from Japan to sign with an NFL team through the International Pathway Program (IPP). 

Earlier in the draft, 2020 Kapolei graduate De'Zhaun Stribling was the 33rd pick overall, getting selected by the San Francisco 49ers. He was the first pick of Day 2, as well as the first pick of the second round. 

In addition to Matsuzawa, a bevy of players with Hawai‘i ties signed with NFL teams immediately following the draft:

Kansei Matsuzawa 101725

<title>Hawai‘i's Kansei Matsuzawa signs with Las Vegas Raiders as undrafted free agent</title>

Matsuzawa signed with the Raiders in the immediate minutes following the 2026 NFL Draft and will look to compete for the starting job at kicker.

Hawai‘i's Kansei Matsuzawa signs with Las Vegas Raiders as undrafted free agent

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Hawaiian Council’s Aloha in Action Benefit Concert brought at least 7,000 attendees to Ko Olina on Thursday, April 23, and proceeds from the event will benefit those impacted by the 

Kūhiō Lewis, president and CEO of Hawaiian Council, anticipates the event raised approximately $1 million, although final numbers were still being tallied on Friday. 

The nine-act concert featured a sunset session with 

. It also included internationally recognized North Shore-based artist 

, who performed songs alongside the Nā Hōkū Hanohano-award winning singer and songwriter 

, who also had her own set. As the sky darkened and stars came out, Three Plus, The Green and Kolohe Kai took the stage.

, the six-time Grammy nominated and 18-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning artist. Hānaialiʻi had actress Maia Kealoha — who played Lilo in 

Disney’s live action “Lilo & Stitch”

 — join her on stage to dance hula for the song “Pālehua.”

Hānaialiʻi’s performance was followed by a set from the Osorio ʻOhana. 

, who is also Dean of Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge, performed with his children Duncan Kamakana, who was a finalist for Season 4 of “The Voice” in 2014, and 

, an associate professor of Indigenous and Native Hawaiian politics at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

“It's always really amazing to get up in front of this many people,” 

 told Aloha State Daily from backstage at the concert. “But it's especially important when it's this kind of cause. We're raising money to basically help dig people out from the floods and make things pono.”

Areas beyond Waialua were impacted by the floods, added Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio.

“I'll just say that there's been a lot of coverage for the folks who were affected in Waialua,” Osorio said. “But it wasn't just folks in Waialua who were affected by floods. There are still folks in Waiʻanae and in Nānākuli

 who have been deeply affected, and, of course in 

Mokulēʻia, so I just want to send a shout out to those families, and hopefully we can be more broad with our relief efforts and support. And I know Hawaiian Council has been reaching out in those areas too, but I'm hoping more people can send their eyes looking at Waiʻanae and Nānākuli.”

The family also highlighted a desire for systemic change.

 — and us — we're actually performing songs and we're doing work in the community that's calling attention to the fact that the state government really is not prepared for these kinds of climate disasters,”

 added. “This is not just a fix them as it happens — there has to be fundamental change in the way we live on this land, and the way we use and deploy water here. And Amy said this on the stage. She talked about that. It's a water issue. We think that musicians, artists and the general public really need to put more pressure on the state government to be more proactive.”

The benefit concert was live streamed by KITV. Donations of $250 or more made during the concert were featured on jumbo screens on either side of the stage. The live stream also featured video interviews with individuals impacted by the floods along with messages of support from popular artists not present at the event, such as Stan Walker and 

“I would say the concert's a lot like the response that we saw from the community,” Kamakana told ASD. “We've got a bunch of different acts from all kinds of backgrounds that just jumped in because there was a need.”

The event took place at the Ko Olina Grand Lawn, near Ulua Lagoon 4

. With its proximity to resorts, the event drew a mix of tourists and kamaʻāina, Lewis told ASD. Ko Olina Grand Lawn is located near 

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Four Seasons Resort Oʻahu at Ko Olina, Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club, and Beach Villas at Ko Olina.

“And what I love about it — it’s probably a whole different conversation —  but what you have here is visitors and residents hanging out together,” he said. "This is a coming together of both communities, so I think there's something special in that, too.”

The artists taking the stage donated their time. The stage — and its lighting — was also 

donated by Hawaiʻi Stage, which is owned

 and operated by the subsidiary of Hawaiian Council. That set-up alone would probably cost about $250,000, Lewis said. The use of the land was also donated, which means parking fees also supported the cause, Lewis explained.

“It's a family friendly event,” Lewis said. “It's been a month since the flood, and people are still like: ʻHow can we help? How can we engage?’ It's really makes you feel proud of being a part of Hawaiʻi.”

To donate to the Kākoʻo Mai Fund, go to 

Öof Tatatá

<title>Benefit concert brings more than 7,000 people to Ko Olina</title>

The nine-act concert, organized by Hawaiian Council, featured Jason Momoa's band Öof Tatatá, Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Jack Johnson, and more. Proceeds from the event will benefit those impacted by the recent Kona Low storms.

Benefit concert brings more than 7,000 people to Ko Olina

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

Crime & Courts

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen’s former chief of staff has sued the county over alleged corruption claims that implicate the mayor himself.

According to a lawsuit filed Friday in Maui’s Second Circuit Court, Leo Caires — Bissen’s chief of staff between 2022 and 2024 — has accused the county of forcing him out of his job in December 2024 because he had discovered fraudulent activity within the county Office of Economic Development.

While the suit does not name Bissen as a defendant — the defendants include the county and several unspecified “John Doe” individuals and organizations — the text of the suit suggests that Bissen had attempted to halt investigations by Caires into cases of fraud by county staff, and had Caires fired when that failed.

The suit claims that, beginning in March 2024, Caires was informed by the county’s Corporation Counsel of a series of suspicious transactions connected to a grant awarded by the OED. Within those transactions, Caires found an invoice for more than $45,000 from a company called “RTFEX Depot,” along with a series of unverifiable transactions between Bissen’s executive assistant.

The suit identifies that assistant only through the initials MA and the nickname “Pono.” In 2024, a Pono Asano was Bissen’s executive assistant.

According to the suit, Caires could find no evidence that RTFEX Depot was a real company, and, despite the business supposedly being based in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Arizona Corporation Commission told him no such business was registered in that state.

Consequently, Caires concluded that the assistant “Pono” and the recipient of the grant — identified in the suit only as “AVS” — submitted false cashiers’ checks made out to a false company to defraud the OED.

But when Caires reported the incident to Bissen, the plot thickened. After Caires issued a notice to Bissen on March 19, 2024, that he wished to interview “Pono” for an internal investigation, the lawsuit claims that Bissen “indicated that he did not want anything to do with the Notice and appeared agitated by it.”

A month later, Caires — now strongly suspicious that “Pono” and other staff in the Mayor’s Office had conspired to embezzle more than $45,000 from the county — reiterated to Bissen that an investigation should be made.

According to the suit, “Mayor Bissen got upset at Mr. Caires and ordered him to stop the investigation.”

Bissen allegedly did not fire “Pono” but reassigned him to a position in the OED, which “baffled” Caires. Only after Caires raised objections did “Pono” resign from the county.

During this time, Caires claims his duties as chief of staff were being reduced: he claims he was removed from major meetings and events, and his communications with Bissen dwindled from daily conversations to “infrequent check-ins.”

In May, Bissen told Caires the chief of staff position would be eliminated altogether for budgetary reasons, and Caires would be reassigned as the county’s Energy Commissioner, the suit states. However, the suit also claims that, after Caires was demoted to Energy Commissioner in October, Bissen then promoted “CL” to take his place, having evidently not eliminated the chief of staff position after all.

But during the “Pono” investigation, Caires also grew suspicious of the OED’s director at the time — Luana Mahi, although the lawsuit only identifies her with the initials “LM.”

Caires believed Mahi was using her position to award grants to family members, after reportedly finding a grant awarded to a business with clear ties to her husband, son and her own prior employment history.

But despite again raising these concerns with Bissen, the mayor did not share his concerns, and eventually directed Caires to sign off on the suspicious grant. The suit claims that Caires “felt intimidated” by this, and that Bissen responded, “There is nothing wrong with this.”

The county Board of Ethics later found a conflict of interest between Mahi and at least one OED grant, leading her to be placed on paid leave in August 2024.

Caires’ own county career ended shortly afterward. In September 2024, Caires’ began taking intermittent medical leave “due to conditions he developed stemming from the retaliatory acts from the County and Mayor Bissen,” the suit claims.

Upon returning from leave around Dec. 23, 2024, Caires found a termination letter from Bissen on his desk, dated Dec. 18, 2024. The letter allegedly read, in part, “You have served as Energy Commissioner since May 2024, but I have not observed the level of expertise, management skills, attention to detail, or enthusiasm for energy efficiency required to ensure the success of these initiatives."

Consequently, the suit accuses Bissen’s office of violating the Hawai‘i Whistleblowers’ Protection Act and of wrongful termination. The suit seeks unspecified compensatory, punitive and other damages.

Caires’ attorney Joe Rosenbaum said the suit has not yet been served to the county and other defendants. However, last year the Maui County Council approved 

 — the firm Marr Jones and Wang LLLP — for pre-litigation responses to Caires' claims, to the tune of $350,000.

“I think [the suit] proves there are employees within county governments who are willing to stand up to corruption even if it costs them their jobs,” Rosenbaum told Aloha State Daily.

[{"type":"text","text":"A statement from Bissen's office called Caires' allegations inaccurate."}]

The concerns he raises were identified by others at the time, and we reject any attempt to revise history," the statement read. 

“I made significant efforts to support his success, including mentorship, training, and an opportunity to continue serving as Energy Commissioner based on his prior experience,” read Bissen's statement. “Lahaina’s recovery placed extraordinary demands on everyone in public service. Ultimately, it came down to an inability to meet the expectations required. As Mayor, I have a fiduciary responsibility to ensure our team delivers for the people of Maui County. That responsibility requires making difficult decisions. I stand firmly behind the decision that was made, and I am confident it was the right one for our community. I am disappointed it has come to this.”

Mayor Bissen Getty Images 1595220331 16x9

<title>Former Maui chief of staff sues county over alleged corruption</title>

Leo Caires, Mayor Richard Bissen's former chief of staff, has accused the county of firing him unjustly after investigating multiple fraud cases within the county government.

Former Maui chief of staff sues county over alleged corruption

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

 is set for Saturday, May 2, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Kāhala. The ticketed event is held by 

Mary, Star of the Sea Church and Schools 

on the school grounds (4470 Aliikoa St.). 

i,” the festival is a family-friendly event that features local cuisine.

The festival allows unlimited tasting portions from more than 20 participating restaurants and purveyors. The event is the largest festival in East Honolulu, attracting about 2,000 individuals.

“The event is designed to be accessible with reasonably priced tickets and tons of activities for keiki,” explains event co-chair Amy Bender. “Every year, there’s a new theme. This year, guests will be dazzled ‘Under the Moon in Old Hawaiʻi’ with vintage and retro flair under what will be a full moon that evening.”

Participating vendors this year include bEASTside Kitchen, Katsu Sando 808, Il Gelato, Kamitoku Ramen, Kapa Hale, Maile’s Thai Bistro, Mango Mango Hawai

i, Quiora, Tight Tacos, Vintage Books Hawai

Attendees can also look forward to a Trader Vic’s Bamboo Bar featuring Island-inspired cocktails — sponsored by Kai Vodka — and an assortment of craft beers from Kona Brewing Co.

The event will also feature kid-friendly activities, a live DJ and silent auction; prizes include staycations, restaurant gift certificates and more. All bids will support Mary, Star of the Sea Church and Schools.

Free parking and shuttle service will be available for attendees at nearby Kalani High School.

Tickets for the event cost $100 per adult and $40 for children ages three to 13; children under three have free admission. VIP tables are also available and include premium experiences like servings of prime cuts from Hy’s Steak House.

Proceeds from the event will support educational activities for Mary, Star of the Sea Church and 

East Honolulu Festival chef cooking 042326

<title>The 18th annual East Honolulu Food Festival is coming May 2</title>

The festival, hosted by Mary, Star of the Sea Church and Schools in Kāhala, is themed “Under the Moon in Old Hawaiʻi” and features vintage vibes. The family-friendly event invites the public to celebrate local cuisine.

Daily Smile: Monday, April 27, 2026

ASD Staff

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Daily Smile: Monday, April 27, 2026

Authors

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