ASD icon blue inverse lighter

ASD Staff

Daily Smile

[{"type":"text","text":"Competition over. Give him the gold medal..."}]

Smile 26 6 7

<title>Daily Smile: Sunday, June 7, 2026</title>

Competition over. Give him the gold medal...

Daily Smile: Sunday, June 7, 2026

 Competition over. Give him the gold medal...

WEB square crop Hayley Lehman Headshot RGZ1636

Haley Lehman

Government & Politics

Have you wanted to represent your community and share your voice on a county board or commission? If you're a resident of Maui, Lānaʻi or Molokai, now might be your chance.

The County of Maui is looking to fill 77 seats on more than 30 boards and commissions. Board members and commissioners are selected by the Independent Nomination Board, appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the county council to 

 listening to public testimony, reviewing policies and standards, and making recommendations to the mayor and county council.

Mayor Richard Bissen stated in a news release that Maui County residents shape the community’s future.

“Our volunteer boards and commissions members help guide the decisions that affect lives, strengthen government, and support vital County services,” Bissen said. “As a member, your voice matters — your experience matters. We have a critical need for boards and commissions volunteers whose insights and experiences will shape the County of Maui for generations to come.”

 on the Affirmative Action Advisory Council, Board of Variances and Appeals, Board of Water Supply, Conservation Planning Committee, Dangerous Dog Adjudication and Appeals Board, Fire and Public Safety Commission, Hāna Advisory Committee, Housing Advisory Board, Independent Nomination Board, Kula Ag Park Committee, Liquor Control Adjudication Board, Liquor Control Commission, Commission on Persons with Disabilities, Maui County Cultural Resources Commission, Molokai Planning Commission, Public Works Commission, Urban Design Review Board and Commission on Healing Solutions for Homelessness.

Applications for boards and commissions are due Nov. 11. Interested applicants can fill out the application 

, submit an application by mail or pick up a paper copy from the Maui County Business Resource Center in Kahului and the Kalana O Maui Building in Wailuku. Applicants are required to fill out their contact information and length of residence in Maui County, and can share their education and employment record, interest in serving, previous service on boards, commission or committees and qualifications.

Not living in Maui County but still interested in serving on a board or commission? Seats are also available at The 

, which has three vacancies on boards and commissions; 

Maui County

<title>Maui County seeks volunteers for boards and commissions</title>

The County of Maui is looking for applicants to fill vacancies on 30 boards and commissions.

Maui County seeks volunteers for boards and commissions

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Real Estate

A recently completed $7 million rehabilitation project has breathed new life into an affordable rental community in Līhu‘e, preserving long-term dozens of affordable rental homes on the Garden Isle.

Kaua‘i Housing Development Corp., a nonprofit corporation established in 1992 to provide affordable housing for low and moderate income families, was joined last week by government officials, project partners and other community leaders for a dedication and blessing of Kalepa 23.

“This investment ensures that 80 affordable homes on Kauaʻi will remain available to local families and kūpuna for years to come,” KHDC Executive Director Andy Friend said in a recent announcement. “We’re grateful to the state, county and all of our partners who worked with us to improve this community and preserve an important source of affordable housing for Kauaʻi."

According to the announcement, Kalepa 23 encompasses phases 2 and 3 of Kalepa Village, and includes eight two-story residential buildings with one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. 

The rehab included the total replacement of the solar water heating system; repairs to exterior dry rot; interior and exterior painting; upgrades to individual residences, including new flooring, appliances, cabinetry and light fixtures; and replacement of numerous plumbing fixtures and interior doors, the announcement notes.

Kalepa 23 serves households earning up to 60% of the area median income, with some units designated for households at the 30%, 50% and 60% income levels, the announcement notes. Income limits are determined by household size; you can find current guidelines for Kaua‘i County 

[{"type":"text","text":"All 80 units are now fully occupied."}]

Friend told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions that he's seen a couple of market studies that show a need for more than 2,000 affordable housing units on Kaua‘i, and with land and development costs so high, it's "extremely challenging to increase the supply of both single-family and multi-family housing."

"Building new affordable housing is needed, but we can't overlook the importance of preserving the affordable housing we already have," Friend says. "We need to do both to increase the overall supply. As multi-family properties reach 15, 20 or 25 years of age, they require rehabilitation and improvements to remain safe and viable for rental. Investing in these properties not only extends their useful life but also gives people a sense of pride in where they live."

Friend says the development was originally built in two phases, with 40 units completed around 2004 and another 40 built around 2008.

Statewide, Hawai‘i will need an estimated 64,490 additional housing units through 2027 to meet demand, according to the Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corp.'s 

That same study notes that Kaua‘i County needs a total of housing 4,914 units by 2027 — 2,156 for ownership and 2,758 rental units. Some 3,258 units are needed for those making 80% or below of the area median income.

According KHDC, the Kalepa 23 rehabilitation project was completed with both public and private financing, including federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, support from the Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corp.'s Rental Housing Revolving Fund, and financing by Bank of Hawai‘i and Rural Community Assistance Corp.

Kaua‘i County owns the underlying land. Shioi Construction, Inc. was the general contractor for the rehab work, the announcement says.

Kalepa 23 rehab

<title>rehab project preserves affordable rentals in Līhu‘e</title>

Kaua‘i Housing Development Corporation recently completed the rehabilitation of Kalepa 23, preserving long-term 80 affordable rental homes for Kauaʻi families and kūpuna.

$7M rehab project preserves affordable rentals in Līhu‘e

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

MĀNOA — As the sun set at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex on Saturday evening, the University of Hawai‘i football team had 15 minutes left to inject one last shot of hope into a spiraling 2026 campaign, one that started with 

 and has outdone itself in disappointing moments each week. 

With a 3-point lead and a path to the end zone ahead of him, Hawai‘i quarterback Micah Alejado had the ball punched out by New Mexico's Drew Speech at the 1-yard line, recovered by Lobo linebacker Mercury Swaim. 

Taking advantage of Hawai‘i's costly error, New Mexico pieced together a methodical seven-minute drive, capped by quarterback Toa Fa'ave's 21-yard jaunt into the end zone. 

On Hawai‘i's next drive, a lethargic 17-yard effort spread across six plays, the 'Bows resorted to a punt after its seventh penalty of the game, a flag for unnecessary roughness. Then on the very next play, New Mexico's 

Scottre Humphrey took a handoff 49 yards to the house, the final dagger in a 21-10 comeback victory for the Lobos, the latest heartbreak for the Rainbow Warriors. 

While New Mexico improved to 5-1 for the 2026 season and its first 2-0 Mountain West Conference start in program history, Hawai‘i fell to 1-6 overall, including 0-4 in Mountain West play following its most recent discovery in finding creative ways to avoid victory. 

The guys gave them all that they can handle," Hawai‘i head coach Timmy Chang said as he stood emotionless at the postgame press conference podium. "Just a few more plays remain on that side of the ball. So, the result is losing by 11. 

"I think no doubt that they're hurting, and they should hurt. They put so much effort and work into trying to be good and trying to win these games and trying to play for the state, and for whatever reason we come up short, and so these are good life lessons for them on how to how to deal with adversity, how to handle it, what type of person we're going to be during this time, and I know more than ever they're going to stick with each other and and play hard."

Hawai‘i scored first on a 27-yard Sean Olvera-Harle field goal with 7:51 left in the first quarter, but their red zone woes continued in the second quarter when a 32-yard Olvera-Harle attempt was missed with 10:14 left in the half. By the time Saturday's game was said and done, UH's red zone conversion rate of 62.50% is 133rd out of 138 teams in the country. 

With six seconds left in the first half, Hawai‘i receiver 

 hauled in his first career college touchdown from one yard out to give the Rainbow Warriors a 10-0 lead at halftime. Lacaden finished with a team-high seven receptions for the second straight week, finishing with 41 yards. 

"That doesn't satisfy me. I'm a team player. Team comes first. That's one of the rules and the standards that we hold here in this very lecture hall," Lacaden said during the postgame press conference, which takes place in UH's meeting room. 

The homecoming crowd of 11,878, most of which left and booed after New Mexico's final score, witnessed how the Rainbow Warriors slowly let New Mexico off the hook. 

The Lobos, built on discipline and dominating the line of scrimmage under head coach Jason Eck, didn't show either during the first half. New Mexico committed six penalties each on offense and defense in the first half, yet the Lobos trailed just 10-0 at halftime. 

To begin the third quarter, the Lobos converted a key fourth-and-2 with a trick play, then scored on a 1-yard Scottre Humphrey rush with 9:43 left in the third quarter to cut the UH lead to 10-7. The Rainbow Warriors were poised to extend their lead back to 10 points before Alejado's fourth quarter fumble and never scored again. 

"Not really much to say," said Lacaden, a redshirt freshman, when asked about the team's struggles. "We got to clean up the little things. I feel like that's the story every week for us."

Hawaii football 101726

<title>Hawai‘i football melts down in homecoming loss to New Mexico</title>

The Rainbow Warriors faltered against the Lobos on Saturday, falling to 1-6 for the 2026 season.

Hawai‘i football melts down in homecoming loss to New Mexico

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

Ready to get in a Halloween mood? Aloha State Daily compiled a list of 31 things to do this month, in honor of the 31 days of October. 

From haunted houses to themed drinks, there are lots of opportunities to celebrate spooky season. Check the list for where to take keiki to trick-or-treat and participate in costume contests. There are also opportunities to surf and dance.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Now until Oct. 31:"}]

This scary experience is back. Brutex Laboratories quarantine facility has an outbreak. See what happens when containment fails. There are live actors and immersive sets, plus hands-on challenges. General admission is $38. Express pass is $46. Get a 10% discount through Oct. 11 with the code EARLY10. 

Dead Letter Office (Downtown Honolulu). 

’s “Dead Letter Office” Halloween pop-up will run from Oct. 8 to 31. The speakeasy is part of AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu. To enter, look for a wall of mailboxes. The themed drinks include the phantom ink ($18), moonlit martini ($18), autumn after dark ($20), and blood transfusion ($18). Individuals can get those cocktails “delivered” using the speakeasy’s signature mailbox system. The speakeasy is open Wednesdays through Sundays. 

. Doors open at 6 p.m. and close at 10:30 p.m. Late arrivals cannot be admitted. Not recommended for youth who are under 13 years of age. Tickets start at $20. 

Something Spooky for Everyone! (Kapolei). 

Catch three scary movies each Saturday of October at the Consolidated Theatres at Ka Makana Aliʻi. From “Corpse Bride,” “ParaNorman” and “Beetlejuice” on Saturday, Oct. 10, to “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit,” “E.T. The Extra- Terrestrial,” and “The Ring” on Saturday, Oct. 31, there are lots of movies coming to the big screen soon. 

Hitchcock Tober and Horror Fest (Oʻahu). 

 at Consolidated Theatres. The Master of Suspense is famous for films such as “Psycho,” “Rear Window,” “Vertigo,” “North by Northwest” and “The Birds.” October also marks 

, and Consolidated Theatres will be featuring scary movies on Wednesdays at its Kapolei, Mililani, Pearlridge and Ward locations. Featured films include “Hereditary,” “The Exorcist,” “Rosemary’s Baby,” “The Thing,” and “Psycho.” 

Go to Church, with a Spooky Twist! (Oʻahu). 

 to paniolo-themed festivals, check out some of the events being offered by local churches. Senior Editor Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros shares some of the events coming up across Oʻahu from Waikīkī to Lāʻie. 

Visit Wet ʻnʻ Wild and participate in a 

 at noon as part of daily admission on Saturday, Oct. 10. Also included in the lineup of Wet ʻnʻ Wild events is a 

 on Saturday, Oct. 31. Events are included with daily admission or season pass. 

Check out this pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkin, attend a farmers market, shop local vendors and visit sunflower fields. Head to Aloun Country Market on Saturday, Oct. 17, in Waipahu to participate in the holiday activities. Tickets are $5. 

The Great Pumpkin Festival (ʻĀina Haina). 

Holy Nativity School will host The Great Pumpkin Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 17. There will be pumpkins, games, live entertainment and ʻono food. Admission is $10 and includes access to the pumpkin patch and one free mini pumpkin. Attendees can also enjoy a petting zoo, silent disco, live entertainment and meet-and-greets with characters from “Toy Story.” 

 which explores twilight, mirages and ghost stories, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, at Hawaiʻi Theatre Center. The performance  features aerial performance from Samadhi Hawaiʻi, spoken word from Kealoha, the first poet laureate of Hawaiʻi, and contemporary and Polynesian dance. Tickets start at $30, plus fees. 

Chicken Skin Ghost Stories (Near Downtown). 

Ready for chilling legends and ghost stories? Catch

 “The Ghost Guy” who writes a column for Aloha State Daily, as he shares stories of the Islands’ folklore on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. at the Doris Duke Theatre at the Honolulu Museum of Art. He and his wife, Tanya, run the ghost tour company Mysteries of Hawaiʻi and co-authored the books: “Hawaiʻi’s Night Marchers: A History of the Huakaʻi Pō” and “Kahuna.” Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for youth. 

Howl-o-Ween Dog Costume Contest & Parade (ʻEwa). 

Bring your dog and head to Hoalauna Community Park. The event, which includes Emcee Steezy, a live DJ, games, prizes and more, runs from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 23 in ʻEwa. Don’t have a pet? Everyone is welcome to join the fun. Free. 

Da Dream Lab is partnering with Kailua Dance Academy and Kailua Music School, plus other local businesses to host Hauntopia, which runs Oct. 23, 24, and 25, plus Oct. 28 – Oct. 31. The event is back for its third year. Its defined for keiki and families with a goal of 

 according to the listing on Eventbrite. Designed for keiki who are between three years old and 12 years old. Tours are 60-90 minutes. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $20 or free for keiki who are two years old or younger. 

Octo-Bear-Fest: Boos & Brews (Waikīkī).

 Go to the Honolulu Zoo on Saturday, Oct. 24, for an evening of fun, featuring food, live music, local breweries, and trunk-or-treat opportunities. There will be games and costume contests. Attendees who are at least 21 years old can sample beers from four local breweries: Aloha Beer Co., Waikīkī Brewing Co., Beer Lab HI, and Honolulu Beerworks. The event supports wildlife conservation and helps protect the Malayan sun bears, which are the world’s smallest bear species. Tickets are $10 for keiki and $20 for adults or $45 for the adult brew package, which includes pours from local breweries. 

Creatures of the Samadhi Lagoon (Kakaʻako). 

This Halloween-themed show presented by aerial dancers of Samadahi Hawaiʻi features otherworldy creatures. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. 

for the performance of “Creatures of the Samadhi Lagoon - A Circus Halloween Show.” Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $30 plus fees. 

Trick or Treat (Hawaiʻi Kai, Kāneʻohe). 

On Oct. 24, go trick or treating at various locations across Oʻahu, including the 

 at Hawaiʻi Kai Towne Center, the Trunk or Treat at 

This dog, bird and car show features games and costume contests, plus activities for keiki at Wai Kai. There will also be local vendors, trunk-or-treat opportunities, and an aquatic exhibit. The Mega Monster Mash runs from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Oct. 24. Free. 

Keiki and pets are invited to dress up in their Halloween best and trick or treat at stores at the Town Center of Mililani on Sunday, Oct. 25. There will be a costume contest. Pets must be on leashes. Free. 

There is also a chance for keiki to participate in a Halloween costume contest from 2 to 5:15 p.m. at The Royal Grove within the Royal Hawaiian Center. Shops throughout the Royal Hawaiian Center will also offer opportunities to trick or treat from noon to 6 p.m. the same day. Free. 

 The weekly Thursday Night Market at Wai Kai, which runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., will have a Halloween theme on Oct. 29 with a 

. The night market is pet and keiki friendly. Free. 

 Catch Emo Night at The Republik. Doors open at 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30. Tickets are $16 and include a $1 donation to support organizations focusing on mental health, harm reduction, children and families, poverty and homelessness, disenfranchised communities and terminal illness. 

Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre is bringing this best-selling novel by Stephen King to life at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall. This is a co-production of Opera Parallèle in San Francisco, Portland Opera, and Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre. The production is about two hours with an intermission. There are shows on Friday, Oct. 30, and Sunday, Nov. 1. Tickets start at $35. 

Trick or Treat (ʻEwa, Kapolei and Waimānalo). 

 on Oct. 30 with chances to trick or treat, participate in costume contests and enjoy haunted pop-ups. There will also be live entertainment, food and drinks and more. The Villages of Kapolei will host its 

, which includes trick or treat opportunities, a costume contest and a screening of the movie “Nightmare before Christmas.” Or catch Waimānalo School Family Resource Center will also host 

 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the parking lot for the school. The event includes a contest for best decorated trunk, as well as local food vendors. Free. Details in links.

Catch Natural Vibrations and DJ Jojo Flow upstairs at the Hideout and Likkle Jordee and DJ Hapa Boy downstairs at The Secret Spot. The Halloween bash is being presented by Hawaiʻi’s Finest. Arrive early to get zombie makeup done by artists. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. Tickets are $60. 

Tiki’s Annual Halloween Bash (Waikīkī). 

This annual event at The Twin Fin will transform a beachfront venue into an Island-inspired Halloween hotspot with live music, a DJ, handcrafted specialty cocktails, and a dance floor overlooking Waikīkī Beach. The event runs from 8 p.m. until closing on Oct. 31. There will be a costume contest. Pre-sale tickets are $15. Same-day tickets are $40. 

, a celebration featuring “cult camp, crimson lips, fishnets, corsets, glam rock, mad science, theatrical weirdness,” and more, according to its website. The party starts at 8 p.m. and is open until 4 a.m. this year on Oct. 31. There are more than $2,000 in cash and prizes. Tickets start at $15 with VIP experiences available. 

KSSK Perry & The Posse Bring Morning Live Show to Limelight (Ala Moana). 

The popular Saturday morning show will be live at Limelight Hawaiʻi from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Oct. 31. The entertainment lineup includes Lyric Medeiros, who was recently part of Season 28 of the television show “Big Brother,” the Mākaha Sons,

. There will also be a costume contest. Tickets are $60 for adults and $36 for keiki. 

The Ala-Ween Spooktacular at Ala Moana Center is family friendly event features trick-or-treating at more than 100 stores and restaurants, plus a dance party, prize giveaways and complimentary balloon creations and photo opportunities on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Ala Moana Center. Throughout the month, there will also be a 

, seasonal merchandise and themed dining experiences. 

 Kāhala Mall will also host Halloween events, including trick or treat opportunities across the mall from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be a DJ and decorations. Participating shops and restaurants have balloons outside. 

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (Near Downtown). 

Catch “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Honolulu Museum of Art. Dress in your Rocky Horror best and check the website for 

. In collaboration with Hawaiʻi Opera Theater, the screening on Oct. 31 will be accompanied by a full cast of actors acting out the scenes playing on screen. Recommended for ages 18 years old or older. Tickets are $25. 

Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience (Chinatown). 

This high-energy, live tribute concert, “Who’s Bad: Thriller Nights,” is a celebration of Michael Jackson and starts at 7 p.m. on Oct. 31 at Hawaiʻi Theatre Center. It features a live band and dynamic dancers. Tickets start at $54.50. 

Surf, Style & Spooky Season (North Shore). 

The sixth annual Turtle Bay Halloween Surf Off returns to the lineup at The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay. Presented by Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience, this contest brings together surfers of all ages and abilities in their best Halloween costumes. A panel of celebrity judges will give awards for division champions, best costume, and best surfing performance. The event starts at 2 p.m. on Oct. 31. Entry fees are $20 per participant, which is donated to the Kahuku High School Surf Team. 

Catch this tour from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 31 at the 

. Creepy tales and chills are part of the program and visitors will get to meet the animals who call the sanctuary home. There will be lots of opportunities for photos. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are recommended. So is water, sunscreen and bug spray. Attendees who wear costumes get prizes. 

Know of something that didn’t make the guide this year? Email katie@alohastatedaily.com to be considered in next year’s guide.

Daily Smile: Sunday, June 7, 2026

ASD Staff

Reporter

More in Daily Smile

Daily Smile: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026

Daily Smile: Monday, Oct. 19, 2026

Daily Smile: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026

Daily Smile: Friday, Oct. 16, 2026

Most read

Daily Smile: Sunday, June 7, 2026

Authors

ASD Staff

Reporter

More in Daily Smile

Daily Smile: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026

Daily Smile: Monday, Oct. 19, 2026

Daily Smile: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026

Daily Smile: Friday, Oct. 16, 2026

Most read