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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...

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

 concluded with rounds 5-20 on Sunday, with five players with Hawai‘i ties getting selected. 

Up first was Arizona State senior and Saint Louis alumnus Nu‘u Contrades, who was taken in the sixth round with the 186th overall pick by the San Diego Padres. 

A pair of Baldwin alums were taken a round apart from each other in University of Hawai‘i senior standout Ben Zeigler-Namoa, who was taken in the 10th round by the Atlanta Braves. Arkansas junior Kuhio Aloy followed in the 11th round when he was selected by the New York Mets with the 330th overall selection.

Additionally, Seattle University pitcher and Maui High School alumnus Luke Alwood was taken in the 10th round by the Chicago Cubs with the 307th overall selection.

Rounding out the Island ties was former University of Hawai‘i outfielder Jack Salmon, who transferred to UNLV prior to the 2026 season and was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 19th round. 

Zeigler-Namoa woke up at 4 a.m. to keep track of the draft online, then received a call from his agent telling him the Braves were preparing to take him in between rounds 8-10. 

"It was obviously shock," Zeigler-Namoa told Aloha State Daily of his reaction. "Didn't expect that to happen. I was just grateful to have my mom right next to me."

Zeigler-Namoa came to UH as a pro prospect out of Yavapai College in Arizona. He remained on the radar of scouts in each of his four years as a Rainbow Warrior. Though getting selected as a fifth-year senior was a relief, he also acknowledged he was picked as a senior sign, meaning he'll earn significantly less than the 

With the Braves organization, Zeigler-Namoa says he was told he'd be playing a lot of first base. At Hawai‘i, he played all three outfield positions in addition to first base. He even pitched during his first season with UH in 2023. 

 at the Big West Conference tournament, Zeigler-Namoa says he was able to stay sharp by working the program's keiki camps during the summer. 

"The kids have been keeping me in shape, making me run around and yell and do things like I'm playing baseball. And then I've been training on my own after, which has been really nice, and I've had the honor of having the coaching staff around to help me out, too," Zeigler-Namoa said. "It's been great."

One of the first calls Zeigler-Namoa made after getting drafted was to former UH teammate Austin Machado, who signed with Atlanta as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 season as a junior. Machado is currently with the 

Augusta GreenJackets, the Single-A affiliate of the Braves.

In the days ahead, Zeigler-Namoa is expected to sign, then receive his minor league assignment. Starting his journey in pro ball has been a long time coming, but the wait is finally over. 

"I'm grateful for everyone I've met throughout the journey so far, and I hope to continue to represent Hawai‘i in the best way possible," he said.

Additionally, UH pitcher John Alikre II signed with the Cubs as an undrafted free agent on Sunday. On Monday morning, former Hawai‘i ace pitcher 

 signed a free agent deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Ben Zeigler-Namoa 071226

<title>Five players with Hawai‘i ties selected in final day of 2026 MLB Draft</title>

The 2026 MLB Draft concluded with three selections with Island ties on Sunday.

Five players with Hawai‘i ties selected in final day of 2026 MLB Draft

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

Tiny pieces of abalone shell fall into place on the bridge of the ʻukulele spelling out the glittering words: 110 years. The work is taking place inside Kamaka Hawai’i, a four-generation family business located on South Street in Kaka’ako, not far from Waterfront Plaza. This year, the shop celebrates its 110th year in business.

Today, it is older than the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, which is about to turn 100 years old, and 

At its helm is Chris Kamaka Sr., its president, who follows in the footsteps of his father, Sam Kamaka Jr., and grandfather, Sam Kamaka Sr., who founded the family business. His son, Christopher Kamaka Jr., represents the fourth generation of a family tradition.

The family is in the business of producing one of the 

 including Jake Shimabukuro, Taimane Gardner, Herb Ohta and 

. Instruments made by the company have also been played by movie stars, including 

And this weekend, ʻukulele is being celebrated as part of the 

International ʻUkulele Festival of Hawaiʻi

, a free event that returns to the Kapiʻolani Park Bandstand, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, and features live performances, ʻukulele makers — such as Kamaka ʻUkulele,  — as well as food vendors, educational activities and more. New this year are performances at the Waikīkī Beach Walk stage, which extend the festival experience into the heart of Waikīkī on Saturday, July 11. 

On Friday, the International ʻUkulele Festival of Hawaiʻi held its Gala Party, which celebrated Kamaka ʻUkulele’s 110-year anniversary with a Generations of Tradition Concert that featured Raiatea Helm, 

, Jeff Peterson, Kris Fuchigame, and Mākena, which combines 

Kamaka ʻUkulele’s founder, Sam Kamaka Sr., started making ‘ukulele for family and friends in his garage in Kaimukī as a hobby.

“He got to travel the world a little bit as a merchant marine and even had a gig in New York for a little while before he came home and decided to do this,” said the company’s president. “He was always intrigued with the string instrument, and he played guitar, ‘ukulele, and bass, but ‘ukulele was always fascinating to him. It was small and easy to play. He started building ʻukulele in his garage as a hobby for family and friends.”

Music ran in the family. In fact, a lot of family members were musicians who used to greet the cruise ships when they came into the harbor.

“It kind of blossomed from there,” Kamaka said. “He started his first shop at King Street and eventually had to move out to the farm.”

[{"type":"text","text":"That was in Waiʻanae."}]

His grandfather also invented the pineapple ʻukulele, which has a rounded belly, rather than the classic figure eight design.

That design came up because he was experimenting with shapes and was using a pipe to shape the wooden instruments, Kamaka said. A rounded shape was easier to create. Different shapes also had different tones, he added.

“When we saw it, he thought: ʻThis kind of looks like a pineapple,’” he said. “And he even had an artist that he contracted with that was close to the shop to paint.”

The original patent for the design still hangs behind the cash register on the first floor of the factory.

After his grandfather died in 1953, his father took over. Kamaka’s father had been away at school pursuing a doctorate in entomology, or the study of insects, before returning home to care for his grandfather. He decided to pursue the family business for a year and re-evaluate.

“He did research at the library on instrument building,” Kamaka said. “And from there built the shop in 1958, where we are today.”

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Every instrument starts with Koa wood."}]

“From the beginning, Koa was always our go-to, mainly because it's from Hawaiʻi,” he said. “And it's a beautiful wood, and it's highly sought after — not only for instruments, but for flooring, cabinets, furniture. But for instruments it's ideal. It's got a beautiful tonal quality.”

Today, Kamaka ʻUkulele produces instruments in four sizes: soprano, alto, tenor and baritone.

Over more than 100 years, there have been some difficult periods, including the recession.

“During Covid was another tough time,” Kamaka said. “They actually shut us down because they deemed us non-essential, which is kind of weird, because people were calling from all over the place wanting to get a new ʻukulele, because they're just stuck at home.”

In June, the company launched a collaboration with the popular aloha wear brand Manuhealiʻi to celebrate its milestone anniversary. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi also proclaimed June 18 – his father’s birthday – 

, in honor of the 110th anniversary of the ʻukulele business, he added.

Other collaborations are coming soon. In August, a special edition ʻukulele will be released for ʻAulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, for its 15th anniversary, he added. The design includes Mickey Mouses on the fingerboard.

“There's even a hidden Mickey in the instrument,” Kamaka said.

Kamaka ʻUkulele also has a collaboration with Reyn Spooner in the works to honor the ʻukulele business’ 110th anniversary, he said. And a new collaboration with Polynesian Voyaging Society is in the works for a fundraiser for the nonprofit.

Take a free guided tour of Kamaka ʻUkulele at 10:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. 

Chris Kamaka Sr.

<title>Kamaka ʻUkulele celebrates 110 years</title>

The ʻukulele company which makes instruments played by ʻukulele virtuosos  and movie stars is celebrating more than a century of business. The instruments will be featured at the International ʻUkulele Festival of Hawaiʻi, a free event that returns to the Kapiʻolani Park Bandstand, this Sunday, July 12.

Kamaka ʻUkulele celebrates 110 years

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

 at Waterfront Plaza last March. The night market is expanding soon to include a second location — Taste of Aloha will have its first market at NEX from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 31.

“As the community began to grow, we slowly realized we wanted a bigger space to support more local vendors,” says event coordinator Landen Tsuda. “With a bigger location, we realized that there were more opportunities to support not only the community, but also our local small businesses.”

The July 31 event will take place in the NEX parking lot. Attendees can look forward to local food vendors, handmade crafts and entertainment. Plus, for the first time, this night market will be welcoming food trucks into its vendor line-up, according to its 

“We will have the same favorites from Waterfront Plaza, but now with the bigger lot, we want to really showcase all of the amazing talent from all over O

ahu,” Tsuda says. “We want to thank our regular vendors who stuck with us through thick and thin; the market wouldn’t happen without their support. We want to thank the community for coming out to support them as well.”

Taste of Aloha’s upcoming market at Waterfront Plaza from 4 to 8 p.m. on July 11 will feature a matcha theme. Attendees can look forward to matcha drinks, desserts, specialty treats and other unique matcha-inspired creations.

For more information, visit Taste of Aloha's 

Taste of Aloha NEX 070126

<title>Taste of Aloha is expanding to include a second market location</title>

Taste of Aloha is currently located at Waterfront Plaza every second Saturday of the month. The market is expanding to include a second location; it will be at NEX on from 4 to 8 p.m. on July 31.

Taste of Aloha is expanding to include a second market location

“Something new, below BLA, is hatching soon,” Bar Leather Apron posted on 

This isn’t fowl play: BirdyGo!, the new concept from the team behind Bar Leather Apron and MĀZE, is now open. BirdyGo! is located right downstairs from Bar Leather Apron (the former spot of Burgers on Bishop) in Topa Financial Center.

The business is in its soft opening and its hours are posted on Instagram. It will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from June 25 to 27.  

BirdyGo! is currently only open for takeout, but we’re told a dine-in area will be coming soon. There are tables around the corner, though, where customers can sit and enjoy their food.

The menu currently features fried chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, cauliflower nuggets and fries. No pre-orders are currently accepted; orders are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Of course, the fried chicken sandwiches are the star of the show.

“Fried chicken has always been a huge part of my life,” 

. “Throughout my career, it’s been one of those things I’ve constantly made for people I care about — special staff meals, birthdays, celebrations, late nights, after party events where we just wanted to cook something fun and comforting.

“I’ve wanted to open a fried chicken shop for a long time now,” he wrote. “I’ve done a couple pop-ups and events, but finally, I’m excited to share my passion with everyone.”

The fried chicken sandwich features the business’s signature fried chicken thigh dipped in house chili oil with BirdyGo! sauce, pickles and cabbage slaw. Customers can choose their spice level — no spice, mild, medium, hot or super hot. The chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy inside.

“(It’s) Nashville hot chicken meets Korean ramyun seasoning,” Chung explains in his 

. “The chicken gets dipped in a scallion chili oil (with a hint of duck fat) inspired by ginger scallion sauce, then dusted with a seasoning blend inspired by Korean ramyun packets. Spicy, savory, a little nostalgic, and something I’m really excited about. The pickles and slaw are extra tart to cut the richness.”

Two- ($8.50) and four-piece ($15.50) chicken tenders are also available. Adding the signature BirdyGo! sauce or paniolo ranch ($1 each) is recommended. The Birdy Go! sauce is like a creamy, zesty Thousand Island.

Sandwiches are served a la carte, but customers can opt for BirdyGo! fries ($6.50) or crinkle-cut fries ($5). The BirdyGo! fries feature a ramyun seasoning and roasted garlic.

BirdyGo! also features two drink options—its iced tea and lemonade of the day ($6 each). During our visit, a smoky tea — lapsang souchong, lemon and mandarin — and yuzuade were offered. The latter is a tart-yet-refreshing combo of yuzu, red shiso, ume and soda.

Stay updated with the business by following along on 

“This project is meant to be fun, something casual,” 

. “It’s something we can keep evolving and improving every single day. And we will have plenty of fun items for everyone to enjoy.”

The Downtown Honolulu business offers $2 flat rate parking at Topa Financial Center for BirdyGo! customers.

Open 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (or until sold out) June 25 to 27

Birdy Go fried chicken sandwich 062526

<title>BirdyGo! offers fried chicken sandwiches in Downtown Honolulu</title>

The new concept from the Bar Leather Apron and MĀZE is located downstairs from Bar Leather Apron in Topa Financial Center. The business is in its soft opening and features fried chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, seasoned fries and cauliflower nuggets.

BirdyGo! offers fried chicken sandwiches in Downtown Honolulu

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

More than 200 candidates are running for elected offices in Hawai‘i and will appear on ballots this year. See the candidates for city and county races, 

Tuesday marked the filing deadline for prospective political candidates to submit their nomination papers to run for office in the upcoming 2026 elections. The 2026 primary election will be held Saturday, Aug. 8, with the general election set for Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Here are the candidates for statewide races. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Governor"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Lieutenant Governor"}]

U.S. Representative candidates, District II

State Senator District 5 (Wailuku, Kahului)

State Senator District 8 (Kaua‘i, Ni‘ihau)

State Senator District 9 (Hawai‘i Kai, Diamond Head)

State Senator District 10 (Kaimukī, Kapahulu, Mō‘ili‘ili)

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"• Incumbent Les Ihara Jr., Democrat "}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"• Jackson Sayama, Democrat  "}]

State Senator District 11 (Mānoa, Makiki, Punchbowl)

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"• Incumbent Carol Fukunaga, Democrat "}]

State Senator District 13 (Liliha, Iwilei, Nu‘uanu)

State Senator District 14 (Moanalua, ‘Aiea, Fort Shafter)

State Senator District 15 (Kalihi, Māpunapuna)

State Senator District 17 (Mililani Town, Wahiawā)

State Senator District 19 (Pearl City, Waipahu)

State Senator District 20 (‘Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe)

State Senator District 21 (Kalaeloa, Kapolei)

State Senator District 25 (Kailua, Waimānalo)

State Rep. District 3 (Hilo, Keaukaha, Kea‘au)

State Rep. District 4 (Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaiian Beaches)

State Rep. District 5 (Kea‘au, Mountain View, Volcano, 

Pāhala, Punalu‘u, Nā‘ālehu, Hawaiian Ocean View

State Rep. District 6 (Captain Cook, Kailua-Kona)

State Rep. District 7 (Kailua-Kona, Honokōhau)

State Rep. District 8 (Hawi, Waimea, Waikōloa)

State Rep. District 12 (Pukalani, Makawao)

State Rep. District 13 ( Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe)

State Rep. District 15 (Hā‘ena, Hanalei)

State Rep. District 16 (Wailuā, Līhu‘e)

Kōloa, Po‘ipū, Kalāheo, Ele‘ele, Hanapēpē, Waimea

State Rep. District 18 (Portlock, Hawai‘i Kai)

State Rep. District 19 (‘Āina Haina, Niu Valley)

State Rep. District 20 (Leahi, Wai‘alae, Kaimukī)

State Rep. District 21 (Pālolo Valley, Wilhelmina Rise)

State Rep. District 23 (Mō‘ili‘ili, McCully)

State Rep. District 25 (Ala Moana, Downtown Honolulu)

State Rep. District 26 (Makiki, Punchbowl)

State Rep. District 27 (Pacific Heights, Nu‘uanu)

State Rep. District 28 (Sand Island, Chinatown)

State Rep. District 29 (Kamehameha Heights, Kalihi Valley)

State Rep. District 30 (Kalihi, Hickam Village)

State capitol 022725

<title>Here's who's running for office in 2026, part 1</title>

Tuesday marked the filing deadline for prospective political candidates. See who's running for state offices here.

Here's who's running for office in 2026, part 1

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Real Estate

, has made its largest investment in technology set to be deployed across its properties nationwide. In Hawaiʻi, that touches more than 200 employees and over 7,000 homes operated of by 

CEO and president of Hunt Military Communities

“We are in an operationally intensive business. We

’re delivering 400,000-plus work orders a year,” he told Aloha State Daily. “So, you need great technology to help you manage those processes in a way that promotes quality assurance and quality control.”

turnover rate averages about 40% annually. "It was 38.65% for 2025. That is fairly consistent across all branches and installations with some variation at certain bases with specialized training." 

The process improvement technology, he says, helps with leasing, maintenance and more, which brings “much better service to our residents.”

“The biggest improvement has been our maintenance service delivery or work order delivery, and that’s been evidenced by the improvements to operating KPIs [key performance indicators] that our military partners track,” Stann said.

According to the company, “From AI-enabled work order intake to centralized resident portals and automated business processes, the approach is improving accuracy, speed, visibility and consistency across installations while reducing administrative burden on onsite teams.”

Stann adds that the tech also benefits Hunt’s bottom line.

“These housing projects are their own financial entity; they are meant to be self-sustained, meaning that that don’t require further investment from the military. ... They need to produce enough cashflow to reinvest back into the homes, communities."

In Hawaiʻi, the number of financial deposits from the housing projects increased by 73% in 3 years, totaling $42 million in 2022 and $73 million in 2025, he explained, adding, “This is money that gets deposited in accounts that are controlled by our military partners, and [Hunt] maintains the asset management and sustainment plans, and then we recommend what projects need to be done to continue maintaining these home. They release the funds and we use those funds to do the work.”

Stann said for the tech design, Hunt initially worked with a third-party IBM company and leveraged firms to help with the coding but has since taken ownership of it. It was built in Salesforce and then integrated into Hunt’s property management software system, he noted.

Though this type of customer relationship management tool was launched in 2023, ʻOhana Military Communities is continuing to beta test the software.

When asked about implementation challenges, he said, “Change management is hard. Getting them (staff) to buy into a new tool is hard. But you overcome that with leadership and being a team. ... Their feedback has been essential.”

Stann said more tech is coming down the pipeline.

The former U.S. Marine sees his work now as a continuation of his service to support military family members.

“Housing is a very emotional subject. I think it’s really important to be well-trained in communication and solving problems … they (staff) need to be ready to de-escalate situations, solve problems same-day and take real pride in that,” he said. “We exist to take that stress off their plate ... there’s a lot of sacrifice that comes with being in the military.”

The most rewarding part of the job, he said, is working with people and partners.

“I love being able to solve these complex problems so that they can focus mostly on what they do best – and that’s training for the defense of this nation.”

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Integration in the Islands"}]

Jeff Choi, vice president of operations for ʻOhana Military Communities, recently gave ASD a tour of homes at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Fast Facts about the portfolio:

• All available housing is rentals.

•Occupancy is currently at 97%.

• Waitlist is “pretty healthy.”

•There are over 100 playgrounds.

•Other amenities include access to community center, pool, gym and more. 

• Pets are allowed.

Source: Jeff Choi, vice president of operations for ʻOhana Military Communities

He shared how it’s been adopting the new technology and other local updates.

“One of the really exciting things — and I've been doing this for just over 20 years, in military housing for five — is that Brian [Stann] decided he was going to build the technology and not wait for somebody else to catch up ... itʻs built for what we do,” Choi said.

According to Choi, some of the tech initiatives, including custom mobile apps, have been rolled out in Hawai’i, with more planned.

Out of its nearly 200 employees in the Islands, there are about 90 technicians, he said, adding, “We aim for best in class service 24/7.”

Under military contracts, there are strict rules and regulations ‘

Ohana Military Communities must abide by, he said. One, for example, is that in an emergency situation, their response time must be 60 minutes or less. He explained that typically includes plumbing leaks, electrical issues and more.

“Our new app, I’m calling it a ‘shot clock’, is designed with these very specific requirements for military housing,” Choi said with a smile. “So, I think it’s going to make our technicians lives easier.”

The quick response time, he added, is also “a great benefit of living here.”

Currently, technicians are still beta testing the work order app, Choi told ASD. Once out of the testing phase, residents will be able to download the app to view status of work orders.

ʻOhana Military Communities has begun to roll out new platforms that aim to improve operations, benefiting both staff and service members and their families that reside at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Marine Corps Base Kāneʻohe, among various communities on O‘ahu and Kauaʻi. We spoke with Hunt’s leadership at the corporate and local levels to learn about its overall impact.

Daily Smile: Sunday, June 7, 2026

ASD Staff

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Daily Smile: Sunday, June 7, 2026

Authors

ASD Staff

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