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[{"type":"text","text":"A really good idea..."}]

Smile 26 6 1

<title>Daily Smile: Monday, June 1, 2026</title>

A really good idea...

Daily Smile: Monday, June 1, 2026

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Crime & Courts

A debate over whether elephants are “people,” legally speaking, will go to the Hawai‘i Supreme Court.

In 2023, the Nonhuman Rights Project — a Florida-based nonprofit dedicated to challenging the legal status of animals — filed a petition in the First Circuit Court in Honolulu on behalf of two elephants at the Honolulu Zoo, Mari and Vaigai.

That petition was a writ of habeas corpus, a legal mechanism calling for a court to review and overturn a person’s potentially unlawful imprisonment. Even non-human animals like elephants, the petition argued, have a right by common law to bodily liberty, and the petition requested that the court order that Mari and Vaigai be released to an elephant sanctuary.

Whether Mari and Vaigai can legally be considered people became the central issue in the ensuing court case, which has been appealed up to the state’s highest court: the state Supreme Court accepted a petition to hear the case last week.

This wasn’t the first time the Nonhuman Rights Project has argued that habeas corpus applies to non-human animals in general or elephants in particular: the New York Court of Appeals heard a habeas corpus petition by the Nonhuman Rights Project on behalf of an elephant, Happy, who was kept at the Bronx Zoo.

While the New York court ultimately ruled against the Nonhuman Rights Project, that they heard the case at all “refuted the irrational and arbitrary notion that only members of the species Homo sapiens may invoke the protections of the Great Writ,” the Honolulu petition read.

“As societal norms and knowledge about nonhuman animals evolve, so too must common law,” the petition went on.

That additional knowledge about elephants made up a substantial portion of the Honolulu petition, going into detail about the animals’ sophisticated cognitive abilities and potential for self-awareness.

Mari, 50, and Vaigai, 40, were born in the wild, but were respectively gifted to the Honolulu Zoo 44 and 34 years ago as gifts by the prime ministers of India at the time. Since then, they have lived apart from any other animals of their species, something the petition called “undeniably cruel,” given elephants’ highly social nature.

The petition also claimed that the conditions of the Honolulu Zoo are detrimental to the elephants’ health. Both animals are obese, the petition claims, and only have access to an “impoverished environment” for stimulation.

”When the elephants are not simply standing and feeding, they can be seen walking between the front and back yards on the same path every time,” the petition read. “Mari and Vaigai’s lives are nothing but a succession of boring and frustrating days, damaging to their bodies and minds, and punctuated only by interaction with their keepers.”

While the First Circuit dismissed the petition in 2024 — arguing that habeas corpus under the common law are only available to humans — the Nonhuman Rights Project appealed the case to the state Intermediate Court of Appeals.

That court ruled in January in support of the First Circuit’s decision. By that point, the legal argument revolved around the legal definition of “person” and whether it specifically means “human” in all instances. Writing for the majority opinion, Judge Keith Hiraoka wrote that “person” and “animal” are considered separate legal categories throughout common law, for example as relating to theft of property including animals or anti-bestiality laws.

Nonetheless, the debate will continue in the Supreme Court, although future court dates have not yet been scheduled.

[{"type":"text","text":"Aloha State Daily reached out to the Honolulu Zoo for comment."}]

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Honolulu zoo elephants

<title>Are elephants people? State Supreme Court to weigh in</title>

Two Honolulu Zoo elephants, Mari and Vaigai, are at the center of a Supreme Court case about the rights of non-human animals.

Are elephants people? State Supreme Court to weigh in

This is Copo. He firmly believes this cow statue is his new best friend...

Smile 26 6 15

<title>Daily Smile: Monday, June 15, 2026</title>

Daily Smile: Monday, June 15, 2026

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

 is opening its third location this weekend. The new store is in ‘Aina Haina Shopping Center (in the former spot of 

), and will be celebrating its grand opening at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 13.

This new store marks the brand’s third Oʻahu location and second opening in less than a month following its recent 

Waikīkī expansion at Park Shore Waikīkī Hotel

“We wanted to capture something in east Honolulu,” says operations manager Zayne Chong. “This space opened up in 

‘Āina Haina, and we thought it would be a good fit for Oakberry on the East side.”

The business is known for its natural acai that features no dyes, corn syrup or artificial preservatives. Customers can choose from popular items like the crunchy bowl — acai with chia pudding, granola, strawberry, blueberry and cacao nibs — and the matcha bowl, which comes with acai, double matcha chia pudding, strawberry, goji berries and honey. Acai smoothies are also available.

Create-your-own acai bowl options are also available. Choose from toppings like peanut butter, almonds, chia pudding, cacao nibs, honey, granola and more.

Customers who join the business’s email list can get a free, classic-sized Fruity bowl on grand opening day.

‘Āina Haina store will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.

Open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends

Oakberry Aina Haina original 061226

<title>Oakberry Hawaiʻi is opening its third store in ‘Āina Haina</title>

The new store — located in ‘Āina Haina Shopping Center, in the former space of Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha — will be celebrating its grand opening at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 13.

Oakberry Hawaiʻi is opening its third store in ‘Āina Haina

 recently launched a new happy hour experience.

The Capital Grille’s “Capital Hours” happy hour is available daily from 4 to 6 p.m. in the restaurant’s bar and lounge section. The happy hour menu launched about three weeks ago.

It includes a variety of happy hour-exclusive dishes — listed in the middle section of the “Capital Hours” menu — along with drink discounts.

The sliced, dry-aged New York strip ($20) has been one of the most popular dishes so far. It’s Kona crusted and serve with aji verde. It’s a nice way to try one of the eatery’s dry-aged steaks if you’re curious about the flavor, but unsure about committing to a full-sized cut.

The Parmesan truffle fries ($14) are addictive, as they’re topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and white truffle oil. The menu says it’s designed to serve two, but it can be easily shared among more, especially if you’re ordering multiple dishes.

The petite filet sandwiches ($18) come highly recommended by our server. They’re like meaty sliders, comprising toasted brioche buns filled with truffle aioli, filets and cabernet onion jam.

Other exclusive dishes include porcini-rubbed lollipop lamb chops (two for $18), oysters casino (two for $15), cast-iron garlic shrimp ($14), Caesar salad bites ($10), The Grille’s signature cheeseburger ($28), and mushroom truffle arancini ($15). 

The happy hour menu also includes some of the eatery’s signature appetizers (not at discounted prices, though). Options include pan-fried calamari ($25), which are hand-battered and come with hot cherry peppers; prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella ($22); and caviar and caramelized onion dip ($49).

The prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella are like a twist on charcuterie. The thick pieces of cheese are encased in nutty, thinly sliced prosciutto and served with 15-year-aged balsamic, heirloom tomatoes and Grana Padano crostinis. 

If you’re feeling fancy, the caviar and caramelized onion dip ($49) is great for sharing among a group. The housemade potato chips are delectably crispy, and the dip is creamy and tasty, without the onion flavor being too overpowering. 

Happy hour specials also include discounted cocktails ($12 each); signature cocktails range from $19 to $25. The Old Fashioned and classic margarita are popular, but customers can also choose from Greyhound martinis, Straight Up (choice of Wheatley American craft vodka or Bombay gin), or peach bourbon smash.

Diners can still order from the steakhouse’s regular menu even when dining in the lounge. Complimentary three-hour valet parking is available at Lilia Waikīkī.

Happy hour is daily from 4-6 p.m. in the lounge

Complimentary three-hour valet parking available at Lilia Waikīkī

The Capital Grille happy hour spread 010526

<title>The Capital Grille Hawaiʻi has a new happy hour</title>

Feast on exclusive dishes — including Parmesan truffle fries, sliced dry-aged New York strip and filet sandwiches — and enjoy discounted cocktails during the new “Capital Hours.”

The Capital Grille Hawaiʻi has a new happy hour

[{"type":"text","text":"There’s a new all-you-can-eat sushi spot in Honolulu."}]

Sumo AYCE Sushi recently opened in Azure Ala Moana. It’s located in the former space of Debu (the new restaurant sign isn't up yet). The all-you-can-eat experience costs $26.95 per person during lunch (Mondays to Thursdays) and $36.95 for the all-day menu.

The eatery is originally from Las Vegas; this is its first Hawai

i store. Since it’s in its soft opening, only walk-ins are accepted (no reservations).

The restaurant is currently open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last seating at 9 p.m.; last call for the kitchen is at 9:45 p.m.). There’s a 90-minute time limit for the all-you-can-eat experience. If customers leave leftover rice, they will be charged.

Customers also have the option to order a la carte, if they don’t feel like doing AYCE. All members of the same dining party must choose the same experience (either all-you-can-eat or a la carte). 

The menu features a variety of nigiri, appetizers, sushi rolls and all-day specials like salmon carpaccio, lobster garlic bread, poke nachos and more.

On the AYCE menu, certain dishes — like uni nigiri, ama ebi nigiri and salmon cut center steak — can only be ordered once.

Recommended appetizers include KFC — Korean fried chicken with Korean sweet and spicy sauce — chicken karaage and crispy rice. The latter features crispy rice topped with spicy tuna, jalapeno, garlic ponzu, spicy mayo and eel sauce.

Popular nigiri so far include seared salmon and yuzu yellowtail nigiri. Classic nigiri options include tuna, shrimp, yellowtail and more.

Choose from unique options like corn cheese garlic bread, bulgogi garlic bread and lobster garlic bread. The latter features soft garlic bread topped with crab, lobster, mozzarella cheese, eel sauce, spicy mayo and scallions.

While filling up on carbs is not usually recommended for AYCE experiences, these breads are trying at least once and are easy to share.

Customers can choose from a variety of four-piece and eight-piece sushi rolls; there are more than 40 options. Popular options include the Chanel roll (shrimp tempura, spicy crab and avocado topped with tuna and salmon); Lisa Lisa roll (shrimp tempura, avocado, crab and cream cheese topped with tempura crunch and eel sauce); and the lemon salmon roll (crab and avocado topped with salmon, lemon and ponzu).

End with desserts like honeydew or ube Melona bars, or vanilla mochi ice cream.

Customer parking is available at Azure Ala Moana; look for the designated retail parking stalls within the structure.

Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last seating at 9 p.m.)

Sumo AYCE Sushi dinner spread 122925

<title>New all-you-can-eat sushi spot opens in Honolulu</title>

Sumo AYCE Sushi just opened in Azure Ala Moana. The eatery — originally from Las Vegas — offers an extensive all-you-can-eat menu, along with an a la carte menu.

New all-you-can-eat sushi spot opens in Honolulu

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Real Estate

With a groundbreaking and blessing ceremony on Thursday, James Campbell Co. marked the start of construction on Nāliko, its newest residential community in Kapolei. The $170 million development will bring 300 rental homes to the West O‘ahu community.

, president and CEO of James Campbell Co. since 2024, says the project is “more than new construction. It is an investment in people, in community and in the future of West O‘ahu.”

It’s also a historic moment for the company.

“Over many decades, our lands have supported thousands of homes across Kapolei and West O‘ahu,” he told the crowd gathered Thursday. “This is the first time we are developing a housing community that we intend to own as part of our long-term portfolio.”

The project can be found on 2.7 acres across from Kapolei Regional Park, at the corner of Kama‘aha Avenue and Manawai Street. It’ll feature five stories of residences built around a six-story parking garage, according to an announcement Friday.

TCA Architects designed the project and Moss & Associates is leading construction, which is expected to be finished in 2027.

Penn told Aloha State Daily that there will be a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units, but a bulk of those — 175 — will be one-bedroom.

Matthew Caires, vice president of development affairs for the company, told ASD after the groundbreaking that there’s a critical need for rentals, especially affordable rentals.

Of the 300 units in the new development, 80% will be market rate while 20% will be reserved for households earning 80% of the area median income or below, he says. Income limits vary depending on the household size, but you can see the City and County of Honolulu’s 

A project that has been several years in the making, Caires says the company is “incredibly grateful” to get to this point.

Housing continues to be a major challenge in the Islands. Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corp.'s 

, found that Hawai‘i will need an estimated 64,490 additional housing units by 2027 to meet demand.

“This project reflects our deep, ongoing commitment to building communities that meet Hawai‘i’s real housing needs,” Penn said in the announcement. “Every element of this development was created with the community in mind — from its walkable design to its access to parking, schools, and jobs. This project represents another step in our shared kuleana to meet Hawai‘i’s housing needs and to create opportunities that allow West O‘ahu families to build their futures right here at home.”  

James Campbell Co. is a Hawai‘i-based, nationally diversified real estate company with a portfolio that spans 11 states and Washington D.C. It has played a pivotal role in the development of Kapolei.

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James campbell co groundbreaking kapolei 111325

<title>James Campbell Co. breaks ground on Kapolei rental project</title>

Nāliko is the real estate company's newest residential community in Kapolei, a $170 million development that will bring 300 rental homes to the West O‘ahu community.

Daily Smile: Monday, June 1, 2026

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Daily Smile: Monday, June 1, 2026

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