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Daily Smile

[{"type":"text","text":"There are two types of people in the morning..."}]

Smile 26 5 25

<title>Daily Smile: Monday, May 25, 2026</title>

There are two types of people in the morning...

Daily Smile: Monday, May 25, 2026

 There are two types of people in the morning...

Ed Rampell

Arts & Entertainment

Columnists

Sunset," a crime drama shot on location in O‘ahu with an all-local cast and crew, premiered at the Los Angeles Tribune International Film Festival on August 15. Screenwriter/producer Colby Haines, who also stars as HPD detective Sandra Whitsome, flew out from Honolulu to attend "

Sunset’s" opening, as did co-producer Jacob Kamhis. The screening and post-film Q&A with the filmmakers took place at the Culver Theater, a multiplex redolent with Hollywood history located beside the Culver Hotel where the diminutive actors who played the Munchkins in 1939’s "The

stayed, walking distance from where MGM (now Sony Pictures Studios) stood.

Sunset," Haines’ Sandra Whitsome is the only female promoted from HPD’s sex crimes division to the homicide department where, as an older, single woman, she has to prove herself. A sex abuse survivor and workaholic, the by-the-book crimefighter breaks police protocols as Whitsome resolves to crack a cold case – the 30-year-old death of beautiful Hawaiian acting student Kanani Kekai (Nicole Rombaoa, who previously acted in "NCIS: Hawai‘i"

and was a stunt performer in Jason Momoa’s "Chief of War"), glimpsed in black and white flashbacks – using new DNA technology and clues the resourceful detective discovers.

As Whitsome strives to solve what really happened to Kekai, this psychological thriller takes more twists and turns than the road to Hāna. 

Cyndi Mayo-Akeo portrays Diana, the ex-wife of Brandon Carth (Todd Sells), who has convinced Diana they can reconcile their marriage. For her role as a wahine scorned, Mayo-Akeo scored the filmfest’s Best Supporting Actress award. The part-Hawaiian thesp’s many screen credits include Momoa’s 2026 comedy "The Wrecking Crew," "Magnum P.I."

and Clint Eastwood’s 2010 "Hereafter." Sells’ complex "

 Sunset" character Brandon is a former acting school classmate of Kekai who went on to become a successful actor. In real life, Sells has been a trophy-winning surfer and North Shore lifeguard who performed stunts in 2021’s "Godzilla vs. Kong," 2023’s "Murder Mystery 2," etc.    

" Haines — who has been acting since 1970s gigs on "The Partridge Family

TV series — told Aloha State Daily, “I wrote this as part of my master’s degree in communications, which includes journalism, public relations, advertising and screenwriting,” which the writer/actress/producer earned at Cal State Fullerton. “This is my first screenplay and the first feature I produced.”

is made with all-Hawai‘i cast and crew, entirely on O‘ahu, at 17 locations. I didn’t import anybody.” The film’s local imprimatur shows throughout the 90-minute-feature, imbuing it with a distinctive Hawai‘i ambiance. Location shooting, with lovely aerial shots of Makapu‘u, Koko Head, Diamond Head, etc., evoke a strong sense of place. Local actors get to be themselves, pidgin and all. And in a scene lensed in Roy’s Restaurant at Ko Olina Resort,musician Johnny Valentine (Bruno Mars’ uncle) serenades Colby’s character.

feature film directorial debut of Kurt Jones, who’d previously worked in the Islands as the director of photography for numerous episodes of the "Hawai‘i Five-O"

and "Magnum P.I." reboots, plus the "NCIS: Hawai‘i"

TV series. Jones was nominated for the American Society of Cinematographers’ award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography for a 2017 episode of "The Originals," a CW vampire series.

In an interview at the movie’s LATIFF premiere, Jones said, “I made the show DGA [Directors Guild of America] worthy. I brought in assistant directors and all the crew on the Island that had worked with me for 10 years. We had all working professionals on the movie the whole time,”  which Jones referred to as a fast-paced 14-day shoot. “That was only going to happen if the people I had were good at their jobs,” Jones emphasized.

The crew included Scott Mason, who’d worked with Jones on "Five-O"

cinematographer. “It was easy to have him as my DP, because he knows exactly what I like and I can explain something very simply and walk away and know he’ll deliver. A lot of the camera department had all worked for me. It was good to have a crew I could talk shorthand to,” related Jones, who after years of living in O‘ahu now works in L.A. as director of photography

TV series. Both Jones and Haines were originally from near Boston; Haines is an ‘Ewa Beach resident who has lived in O‘ahu for 17 years.

The star/screenwriter/producer stated, “My goal was to cast it as a SAG-AFTRA Ultra Low Budget production,” which, according to the actors’ union’s website, is a “Project Agreement [that] applies to films shooting entirely in the United States with a maximum budget of $300,000.” Haines went on to say, “We had 28 actors from Maui, O‘ahu, Big Island, under the SAG agreement… I was very intent on making sure that the world knew that Hawai‘i has qualified, very talented actors, as well as crew. And not for [studios] to always have to fly in people,” to work in front of and behind the camera while filming on location in the Islands.

“Part of the goal was to showcase Hawai‘i beyond Hawai‘i, so that they know about the talented cast and crew,” added Haines, who is now seeking distribution for "

With its cross-cultural movie mission that, as the filmfest’s founder Dr. Moe Rock puts it, “brings together an extraordinary range of filmmakers and stories from around the world,” the Los Angeles Tribune International Film Festival provided the Aloha State with a cinematic platform in the global motion picture capital.  

Ed Rampell and Luis Reyes are co-authors of the new book 

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Kahala Sunset Red Carpet Irene Colby Kurt Ian 16x9 Large

<title>The latest made-in-Hawai‘i movie world premieres at L.A. Film Festival, Native Hawaiian…</title>

Written by and starring Colby Haines, crime story "Kāhala Sunset" was filmed entirely in the Islands with a cast and crew featuring 
"NCIS: Hawai‘i," "Five-O" and "Magnum P.I." alums.

The latest made-in-Hawai‘i movie world premieres at L.A. Film Festival, Native Hawaiian actress wins award  

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

Earlier this month, the Hawai‘i State Senior Tournament held its 50th edition at Patsy T. Mink Central O‘ahu Regional Park. 

More than 65 teams from O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Maui and the Big Island made up the field of over 900 players, the vast majority of whom were over 60 years old, though a provision allowed a limited amount of players aged 55 and older the opportunity to play on certain teams. A division for players aged 70 and older also debuted in the 2026 tournament. Organizers of the tournament also took the time to recognize players aged 80 and older. 

Senior Softball USA Hawai‘i regional director Jeffrey Kimoto told Aloha State Daily of the players who took the field in the Hawai‘i State Senior Tournament. "

That's what kind of keeps them going. They're still active and they're enjoying the game. They're enjoying the friends that they're with and they play on the same team for many years. It's the camaraderie."

Despite the logistical challenges of hosting thousands of people when accounting for players, officials, and spectators, the tournament was viewed as a success. 

"What really helps us in these tournaments is the City and County is really great with us helping us run the tournament," said Donald Meinel, who was the commissioner of USA Softball for 33 years. "We really appreciate the city government helping us out."

Kimoto and Meinel both played in the tournament, which aimed to honor the legacy of the Hawai‘i Kūpuna Softball League, which was established in the fall of 1974. 

"It was busy. We had a lot of teams out there. For that big of a turn, everything was really smooth," Meinel said. "We had a couple injuries, but besides that, everything was really good. All the teams really had fun, and that's the main thing, you know?"

Future tournaments are planned on a rotational basis. The 2027 tournament is tentatively set to take place in Maui, then 2028 in Kona, 2029 on Kaua‘i, before returning to O‘ahu in 2030.

Senior softball 081726

<title>Hawai‘i State Senior Tournament celebrates 50th anniversary</title>

Teams from multiple Islands and age groups competed in the tournament, which took place earlier in the month.

Hawai‘i State Senior Tournament celebrates 50th anniversary

WEB square crop Hayley Lehman Headshot RGZ1636

Haley Lehman

Crime & Courts

Government & Politics

Seven environmental groups filed a lawsuit against Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on July 30, alleging that the new Critical Habitat Exclusion Rule prioritizes economic development over environmental protections.

The President Donald Trump administration redefined what constitutes “harm” to endangered species and habitats so now officials will analyze economic and national security impacts when deciding if a habitat is crucial to species’ survival. The 

 requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to consider excluding an area if a party provides “credible information” on the impact of a critical habitat designation, and the service is authorized to exclude areas from critical habitat if the benefits of exclusion outweigh the benefits of designating it a critical habitat. The change would allow for development on critical wildlife habitat if the animals are not immediately killed or injured.

Attorneys Barclay Samford, Brian Segee, Elizabeth B. Forsyth, Honolulu-based Harley M. Broyles, Bristen L. Boyles and Maxx Elizabeth Phillips filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Center for Biological Diversity, Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi, Defenders of Wildlife, National Parks Conservation Association, Sierra Club, Wildearth Guardians and Save the Manatee Club.

The plaintiffs asked the court to vacate the new rule and restore critical habitat exclusions that were previously in place, writing that designating critical habitat is critical to the Endangered Species Act’s goal to recover endangered and threatened species and that the rule violates the National Environmental Protection Act.

The Department of the Interior has until Sept. 28 to respond to the lawsuit. The U.S. Department of the Interior told Aloha State Daily by email on Aug. 6, “The Department stands by the rule. The rule faithfully implements the Endangered Species Act as written by Congress.”

Harley Broyles with Earth Justice Mid-Pacific office said that the rule takes away the agency’s discretion when it comes to protecting endangered or threatened species.

“The rule has been changed to favor development interests over the protection of to be listed as endangered and threatened species, and we all know that a big part of what preserves species that habitat protection is vital. Species thrive when they have their natural habitat,” she said.

According to the lawsuit, the regulation change “unlawfully provides industry special interests with an effective veto over important agency decisions to protect essential habitat for imperiled species of wildlife.”

Broyles said that the organizations and nonprofits have an interest in protecting species that can’t advocate for themselves.

Hawaiʻi makes up .29% of the nation’s land mass and is home to 

“The future for our native species is under threat and in 

that’s going to have a lot of repercussions,” she said.

The plaintiffs want to protect imperiled species, biodiversity and species’ connection with people who are of the land, Broyles said. The lawsuit tied the interests to members across the country who are concerned about manatees in Florida, the ʻiʻiwi bird and honu in Hawaiʻi, the monarch butterfly and western bumble bee in Montana and the jumping mouse in New Mexico. 

The lawsuit points to a Hawaiian living on Kauaʻi, who was raised with the ʻiʻiwi as a symbol of the living native forest, her ancestral connection to the ʻāina and her respect for honu, which is regarded as an ʻaumakua, an ancestral guardian spirit.

ʻIʻiwi bird

<title>Environmental groups file lawsuit against Interior Secretary, U.S. Fish and Wildlife…</title>

Seven environmental groups filed a lawsuit against Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service alleging that the new Critical Habitat Exclusion Rule prioritizes economic development over environmental protections. The Interior Department wrote that they stand by the regulation.

Environmental groups file lawsuit against Interior Secretary, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Real Estate

An oceanfront estate on Maui, comprised of two adjacent residences sitting on two parcels that total a little more than 1.2 acres, has hit the market with a $45 million asking price. 

Located at 4640 and 4650 Makena Road in Kīhei, the estate has eight bedrooms, 7.5 baths and spans just over 7,500 square feet, according to 

. Information provided to Aloha State Daily noted that the properties are offered fully furnished with central air conditioning, a security system and attached multi-car garages. There also are "expansive" ocean-facing lāna‘is, tropical landscaping, an in-ground heated pool and indoor-outdoor living spaces.

The property is located minutes from Wailea and sits about 40 feet above a white-sand beach, the listing notes, adding that a gated path leads to a secluded stretch of sand known as "Secret Beach."

"Opportunities of this magnitude — two contiguous oceanfront parcels with elevation, privacy and direct beach access — are extraordinarily limited," the listing states. "Offered together, this is a chance to secure a one-of-one compound in a supply-constrained market where replacement is simply not possible."

The property is listed by Hawai‘i Life's 

, who told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions that "very rarely" does a listing listing like this hit the market.

"In my 45 years of real estate along the South Maui coastline, I have not encountered another listing as unique as this one," he says. "The two contiguous oceanfront lots, which front perhaps the best white sand beach in all of Maui, offer stunning views. The fully usable lots ensure security among the lush tropical grounds, making this property exceptional. Replicating this setting today would be extraordinarily difficult given the scarcity of comparable land and increasingly complex state and county regulations surrounding new oceanfront construction."

But what makes the property unique is the history and evolution of the estate, Richardson told ASD.

"The original home was built in 1990 by San Francisco venture capitalist Pierre Lamond, who used exceptional materials for its time, including black glazed roof tiles, copper downspouts integrated into the walls, cedar eaves and stucco walls with extensive glass windows and doors to capture the ocean views," he says. "In 2000, Lamond purchased the neighboring property for $10 [million] and thoughtfully remodeled it to complement his original home, using the same materials and creating what is now a cohesive estate."

Lamond and his wife sold the property for $42 million in 2021, according to a 

Today, Richardson said the two properties encompass 1.26 acres and 200 linear feet of ocean frontage, with both lots elevated about 35 feet above the beach.

"The estate combines privacy, security, mature tropical landscaping, direct beach access and extraordinary views," he says. "It is the combination of these elements, particularly the two contiguous oceanfront lots and their elevation above the coastline, that makes the property impossible to replicate."

Richardson says it's hard to choose a single favorite feature of the property, but the lāna‘i on the second residence is a fave.

"It wraps around the whole front of the home and cantilevers over the lava rock cliff; the views are stunning, and you would not be able to replicate its location due to today’s setback laws," he told ASD. 

According to Richardson, views from the upper-level primary suite of the original home stretch from Makena to Lahaina, and the elevation gives you "a soaring perspective over the coastline."

"I also love the sense of arrival and discovery throughout the property," he says. "Behind the gated entry, you have beautifully maintained, tropical grounds, two residences that share a cohesive architectural language and a 640-square-foot pool. Every time I enter the property, there is still a sense of wonder because of how much it offers while remaining remarkably private."

4640 4650 Makena Road13

<title>Maui oceanfront estate is on the market for $45M</title>

The offering includes two adjacent oceanfront residences that span more than 7,500 square feet of living space on a little more than 1.2 acres.

Maui oceanfront estate is on the market for $45M

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

 just opened today in Waimalu Shopping Center. This is the business’s third and newest location. It features a full-service, sit-down dine-in experience, along with a takeout window. 

The biz is celebrating its grand opening tomorrow, Aug. 15, with a lion dance at 11:30 a.m.

Customers can expect a variety of manapua, along with dim sum, peking duck and plate lunches; this location features an expanded menu.

The business’s Hong Kong-style dim sum selection was crafted in partnership with its sister restaurant, Mei Sum Dim Sum. The dim sum menu comprises spring rolls ($4.95), potstickers ($6.35), shrimp pork hash ($6.35), half moon dumplings ($6.35), shrimp dumplings ($6.35) and more.

[{"type":"text","text":"The business’s classic char siu manapua is a bestseller."}]

Besides manapua and dim sum, customers can choose from a variety of local-style plate lunches. Entrees include ginger fried chicken, kalbi ribs, garlic butter shrimp, hamburger steak and more. Seafood and steak combo plates are also available. 

Island Manapua is re-branding its other two locations in Mānoa and Waipahu as Aloha Manapua.

“Over the years, we’ve grown from being a neighborhood manapua counter into a gathering place for families, friends and our community,” states Christy Tong, owner of Aloha Manapua. “Rebranding as Aloha Manapua celebrates our local roots, our commitment to serving our community, and the relationships we’ve built with our customers. While our name is changing, our dedication to the food and service our customers know and love remains the same.”

The ‘Aiea store will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For the rest of August, customers can take advantage of a 10% discount.

Aloha Manapua shrimp dim sum 081426

<title>Aloha Manapua is open in Waimalu Shopping Center</title>

This is the business’s third and newest location; it’s celebrating its grand opening Aug. 15. Customers can enjoy its signature manapua, along with dim sum and plate lunches. The business is featuring a 10% discount for the rest of the month.

Daily Smile: Monday, May 25, 2026

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