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This is George. He just tried freshly grated pecorino romano for the first time. Will not be accepting anything less from here on out...

Smile 26 7 10

<title>Daily Smile: Friday, July 10, 2026</title>

Daily Smile: Friday, July 10, 2026

 This is George. He just tried freshly grated pecorino romano for the first time. Will not be accepting anything less from here on out...

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

A now-retracted paper on solar energy offered "nothing serious" for discussions about the future of energy on O‘ahu, the state's chief energy officer said.

Last month, the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization published a paper about how O‘ahu will meet electrical demand through 2050 while also transitioning to net zero carbon emissions.

In particular, the paper posited that extensive solar power development on O‘ahu is sufficient to meet the island’s projected power needs, and that plans for additional fuel-burning power plants — such as, 

, a liquid natural gas facility proposed by Japanese company JERA — are less cost-effective and less energy-efficient than solar buildout.

On Tuesday, the paper’s lead author Michael Roberts 

 the study following criticisms about its methodology and data from the Hawai‘i State Energy Office and Gov. Josh Green.

Mark Glick, chief energy officer of the HSEO, told Aloha State Daily that the paper was favorable to solar energy to a reasonable degree. 

“There are a lot of players that are looking at this system and agree that there need to be major and not incremental changes,” Glick said. “And we’re kind of wondering why some people are proposing solutions that almost perpetuate the status quo, when we know it needs to change.”

Glick said the report's supposition that an island-wide energy grid could operate primarily with solar and batteries and with a minimum of new sources of "firm" energy — reliable sources of electricity that are unlikely to be interrupted, such as power plants — is drastically at odds with reality.

"I would say, that is not a common sort of engineering practice," Glick said, before amending his statement: "It's not 'not a common practice,' it's not a practice, it's not utilized anywhere."

The HSEO released on Wednesday a review of the paper enumerating its various inaccuracies and poor assumptions, such as the paper’s “centerpiece assumption” that O‘ahu can simply increase its utility-scale solar generation twelvefold by building solar infrastructure across about 31,500 acres.

“The … report appears to treat the hardest constraint in Hawai‘i as though it were a secondary implementation issue,” the HSEO review read, adding that such a colossal buildout of solar infrastructure would face resistance every step of the way. “Land use is not a minor implementation detail in Hawai‘i; it is often the central constraint.”

The HSEO also challenged the paper’s estimates on the cost of solar procurement — drawn from 2018-2019 data instead of more recent and expensive figures — and its interpretation of the projected cost of JERA’s LNG plant.

The energy office’s report also found the paper made unsupported claims about the JERA facility’s projected emission rates, while overestimating the durability and resilience of not only its imagined all-solar infrastructure, but also the island’s existing oil-burning power plants, on which that solar infrastructure would rely during the buildout.

The HSEO report concluded with 56 unanswered questions about the paper’s findings, and warned that the paper’s conclusions “may be true only within the model’s assumptions.”

Glick noted that the paper heavily relies on contributions by one Matthias Fripp, an energy industry researcher with 

 to an environmental NGO with a history of lobbying against the JERA plan. The paper specifically cites a pair of papers Fripp co-authored several times, and includes a brief acknowledgement thanking him for “his contributions to [the] report,” a gesture not granted to any other person cited.

Glick said Fripp’s previous assertions about JERA — including a claim in March that the HSEO erroneously presented the costs of JERA to be $1.2 billion less than reality — have been “clearly false,” and “fiction.”

With the paper now rescinded — a UH Mānoa statement claims Roberts withdrew the paper to correct identified errors, complete a comprehensive review, seek additional input and feedback from stakeholders” before republishing a revised draft — its potential impacts on future energy discussion remain to be seen. But Glick said he was surprised the paper got that far at all.

“UHERO has had a long history of providing credible and generally unbiased information that has helped inform,” Glick said. “But this clearly does not fit into the level of that kind of product.”

UHERO is reviewing its publication standards, according to a UH statement released Tuesday.

"The findings and conclusions in any UHERO publication are those of its authors, not of UHERO or the University of Hawaiʻi," the statement read. "UHERO does not take positions on policy questions. UHERO’s role is to provide the evidence and analysis that decision-makers and the public need, not to advocate for particular outcomes."

Meanwhile, JERA still seeks permits to begin development of its planned 500-megawatt LNG facility in Kapolei.

 For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Image0 16x9

<title>State energy office slams retracted UHERO solar energy report</title>

State energy officer Mark Glick said the now-withdrawn report was unrealistic, unserious and unsupported by data.

State energy office slams retracted UHERO solar energy report

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

, formerly known as Harry’s Hardware Emporium, is officially open within Pint + Jigger. The speakeasy opened in May, and it’s currently open Fridays to Sundays only.

Customers can make reservations for the speakeasy using OpenTable. Search for Pint + Jigger; Hush Hush is listed under “Experiences.” When you click on it, you’ll be able to choose your preferred time slot. The speakeasy is open starting at 6 p.m. until 10 or 11 p.m.

For those who have visited Harry’s Hardware in Pint + Jigger’s previous location on South King Street, you’ll notice some familiar elements. The countertop is from the old location — it’s just been trimmed down, since the current space is smaller — and the speakeasy has the same wallpaper, stools and lighting, according to lead bartender Max Kamm, who explains that the intimate lounge now features New Orleans-inspired cocktails.

“We wanted to do a nod toward the New Orleans bar scene,” he says. “If you look at the menu, it’s going to seem like there’s a lot of usage of cognac, absinthe and French ingredients. A lot of New Orleans staples are on there — like Sazerac, Grasshopper — that are real prevalent there. I think there’s something on there (the menu) for just about anybody.”

The “HH” logo stood for Harry’s Hardware, but after Dave Newman stepped away from Pint + Jigger, the team changed the speakeasy’s name.

“It was named after his (Newman’s) grandpa,” Kamm says. “We’re doing the same concept — just wanted to do good cocktails, and we have a nice space to do it in.

“Harry’s (Hardware) closed right before the Covid-19 pandemic,” he adds. “We got to this location just about four years ago, and we just opened it (the speakeasy) now, so it’s been a long time. The reason we never opened this prior was because we’re just always shorthanded when it comes to the bar staff.”

The bar seats around 12 individuals, and there are three booths in the speakeasy. The speakeasy space can seat approximately 25 guests, according to Kamm.

“The booths are really different (compared to the old location),” he explains. “When they were doing the buildout for this, it was during the Covid-19 pandemic, so it made more sense to do it this way (with booths).”

The cocktail menu features a variety of barrel-aged options — which are popular, according to Kamm — refreshing libations, “guilty pleasures” and slushies. There are also beers and wines by the glass or bottle.

“If you’re into Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, a lot of the cocktails under the ‘boozy’ section are in your wheelhouse,” Kamm says. “If you’re looking for something fun and playful, but still tasty and leaning toward the dessert side, the ‘guilty pleasures’ section is good to look at.”

An example of this is the Grasshopper ($15), made with Raynal Cocnac, crème de menthe, crème de cacao, fernet branca and cream.

“For the Grasshopper, I wanted to make it look like you’re drinking a diner milkshake,” Kamm says. “If you like mint chocolate chip ice cream, I think you’ll enjoy it.”

The barrel-aged Vieuxcarre ($25) has also been a customer favorite. It comprises Rittenhouse rye, Old Overhault Rye, Raynal Cognac, Carpano Antica, Benedictine and bitters.

“The barrel-aged cocktails are always a hit,” Kamm says. “I think people are just intrigued by the fact that they’re barrel-aged.

“The only drink I have to talk to people about is the Frappe,” he adds. “Absinthe is such a huge thing in New Orleans. It’s one of those if you don’t like black licorice, you’re going to hate it (the cocktail).”

The speakeasy’s slushies ($16-$18) have also been well received. Choose from Irish coffee — Bushmills Irish whiskey, cold brew and cream — and Henny Colada, made with Hennessy VS (an iconic cognac), coconut and pineapple. (During our visit, we were indecisive about the flavors, so Kamm gave us samples of both.)

Right now, the speakeasy features cocktails only; customers can go downstairs to Pint + Jigger to order food. However, a small food menu might be coming soon to Hush Hush, according to Kamm.

“Eventually, the goal is to be open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays,” he says. “Our chef is (also) working on getting some food here; the idea is to continue wit the New Orleans scene (for the food menu).”

Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting at 6 p.m.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Hush Hush decor 070126

<title>Hush Hush is a new speakeasy in Pint + Jigger</title>

The speakeasy is currently open Fridays to Sundays for cocktails. The entrance is hidden in plain sight inside Pint + Jigger. The speakeasy’s menu now features a New Orleans-style theme with drinks like Sazerac, Grasshopper, and libations with absinthe.

Hush Hush is a new speakeasy in Pint + Jigger

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

Cancer care in Hawaiʻi continues to see wins this week with Thursday’s signing ceremony for both 

, the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center unveiled its Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center, the state’s first dedicated center for early phase cancer clinical trials.)

HB 1969, which became a law effective July 1, appropriates $1.8 million over the next fiscal year to the Department of Human Services to offer colorectal cancer 

for individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, or otherwise ineligible for Medicare. The measure also requires health insurance plans to cover medically necessary follow-up colonoscopies after a positive colorectal cancer screening test without deductibles, copayments, coinsurance or other cost-sharing, per the Governor’s Office.

Officials say the passage of this bill comes at a crucial time as colorectal cancer cases and deaths continue to rise, especially among young adults statewide.

“Governor Green’s signing of HB 1969 into law makes Hawaiʻi an innovative leader for colorectal cancer screening and treatment,” said Dr. Shane Morita, surgical oncologist, American Cancer Society (ACS) medical officer and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) volunteer. “Colorectal cancer is often curable when detected early, yet it remains a major cause of cancer-related death in Hawaiʻi. Expanding access will reduce the burden on local families and improve survival for our patients.”

, colorectal cancer is now the No. 1 cause of cancer-related deaths for adults under 50 and is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in Hawaiʻi for both men and women.

In the Islands alone, roughly 840 residents will be diagnosed with the disease and 240 will die this year, ACS estimates, adding that cases among people younger than 50 are rising with incidence nearly 3.5% annually from 2013 to 2022, per the 

“Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early,” said Rep. Cory Chun, who introduced HB 1969 during the 2026 legislative session. According to him, Sen. Rosalyn Baker, among other lawmakers and advocates, first began working on the policy in 2012.

“My family has also been touched by cancer. Before I became the representative for District 35, (which includes portions of Pearl City, Waipahu, and Crestview), I was working at the American Cancer Society,” he told Aloha State Daily. “In the last 10 years, we’ve seen a rise in colorectal cancer cases under the age of 50, actually, under the age of 40. ... We don’t quite know yet the reason why that’s happening and we don’t have a cure. So, the best way we can save people’s lives is to detect it early.”

Adults should begin regular colorectal cancer screening at age 45, per guidelines from ACS and 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer, should begin screening 10 years earlier than the youngest affected relative's diagnosis, or at age 35, whichever comes first.

“There are other less invasive ways to screen than a colonoscopy such as stool-based tests, and this new law includes coverage for follow-up treatments, as well,” Chun said. “If you feel like something is not right in your body, go get it checked out. Don’t wait.”

ACS officials say, “Cost and lack of insurance are major barriers to getting recommended screenings. For those without insurance, cost remains a significant obstacle. The passage of HB 1969 is a major step toward addressing the cancer burden in Hawaiʻi.”

Mark Vasconcellos is a two-time cancer survivor and longtime volunteer for 

, the 501(c)(4) advocacy arm of ACS, a 501(c)(3), who credits his life today to early detection, his local doctors, and those he serves alongside including Chun and ACS CAN Hawaiʻi government relations director, Cynthia Au.

“I want to thank them for keeping me alive,” he told ASD.

Twelve years ago, Vasconcellos was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and breast cancer, and shortly after discovered he had stage 1 colorectal cancer, which was treated by chemotherapy, radiation and a non-invasive surgical procedure.

“I didn’t have any symptoms, but Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, where I received my cancer care, sent me a reminder about getting a colonoscopy by age 50. I listened and went in for a screening and was glad that I did.”

When asked about what this new law means for him and others, Vasconcellos told ASD, “It’s a very happy moment and is long overdue. We’re going to be able to help everyone going forward, giving them a greater chance of survival and a longer life where they can spend more holidays with their loved ones. Life is too short.”

Vasconcellos, who was born and raised in Kaimukī and now resides in ʻAiea, works for a rental car company and volunteers with

 to help educate the community about cancer. 

He says after beating cancer, he went to eat and celebrate with his friends.

“I’m looking forward to growing our volunteer base (for 

and sharing more information about colorectal screenings and treatments, especially with younger people. Our message to them is to take care of yourself!”

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"More on HB 1969 and HB 1864"}]

Gov. Josh Green, who was formerly a physician on the Big Island, was smiling as he signed multiple 

 bills into law Thursday, July 9, including HB 1969 and HB 1864.

At the first bill signing ceremony of the day, ASD asked him which insurers would be participating in the program and how patients could opt-in or find more details.

“Everybody participates,” Green said. “We also are mindful that people already have plans they’re engaged with, whether that’s HMSA, Kaiser, Aloha Care, etc. It’s gotta be comfortable. We want it to be very straightforward and simple for people. So, we’ll put out a lot of announcements through the Department of Health of how you can make sure you access this."

He continued, “The big picture is that we want everyone to know that their screening for colorectal cancer is covered. It just takes a little bit of time now through the end of the year to update all the plans. But they were very aware, understood this was necessary and that it’s a good thing.”

Rep. Gregg Takayama, chair of the House Health Committee, added: “HB 1969 further covers persons who do not have access to health insurance. That’s key … because we expect many more people will lose health insurance coverage under Medicare in the coming years. Most of the health plans already provide for colorectal cancer screenings. This add uninsured patients to them.”

Green noted, “This is the safety net. I would not be surprised if we don’t create a whole series of safety nets to give people direct access to care as we go through this era where Medicaid is restricted somewhat.”

“There is also chatter around what will happen if the health care system consolidates. We are going to insist that these kinds of services remain part of any program,” he said.

ASD also asked Green if staffing is in place to be able to accommodate new or existing cancer patients.

“We always have challenges, especially in our rural communities, but that is another part of it. We’re going to make sure people get direct access and if they have to get over to Oʻahu for specialized care, we will make that available, too,”

He credited a few programs in place already to augment Hawaiʻi’s health care workforce: 

The Health Education Loan Forgiveness, or HELP, Program

Hawaiʻi Outreach For Medical Education in Rural Under-resourced Neighborhoods)

Hawaiʻi's Rural Health Transformation Plan

, "intended to repay debts and give extra access in areas outside of urban Honolulu." Green said.

“So, we’re going to be recruiting and recruiting and recruiting, as we have done in the last couple years. Primary care providers for screening. Specialty care providers for the actual treatments,” Green notes. “My hope is over the course of the next six years, we’ve come to a functional zero of shortage for health care providers. We also have enhanced the capacity for Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants to do a lot of the additional care, in this case screening.”

s efforts to build a local workforce pipeline that gets students interested in joining the health care field.

In brief, the state’s plan according to him is to “train kids early to get the interested in health care. We pay debt so people can afford to be health care providers. Make sure the plans or the state cover any extra screening … and the endgame: having specialists help those 2,500 people who [die of cancer every year in the state]."

Also related to cancer, HB 1864 requires insurers to cover standard fertility preservation services for individuals undergoing medically necessary treatment — like chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or hormone therapy — that may cause 

. This measure makes Hawai‘i the 22nd state to ensure that residents can build a family, while receiving life-saving medical treatment.

“This is a historic moment for many of Hawaiʻi’s young cancer patients who, until now, not only had the heartache of receiving the devastating news of a cancer diagnosis, but also had the painful realization that the treatment for their cancer would result in the permanent inability for future fertility,” said Dr. Michael Carney, chair of 

Hawaiʻi Society for Clinical Oncologists

, at the bill signing. “This law that we have worked so hard over so many years to pass, is now reality and these cancer patients can have at least a small part of their cancer journey improved. Hawaiʻi has now mandated the option of the initial protection for future fertility in these cancer survivors — hope for survival and genuine hope for a future family.” 

In a second bill-signing ceremony today, Green signed 

, (Act 220), which establishes a framework to relieve medical debt up to 

 for as many as 50,000 Hawaiʻi. The measure requires the Office of Wellness and Resilience, now under DHS, to create and administer a Medical Debt Acquisition and Forgiveness Program to purchase and eliminate outstanding medical debt for state residents, contingent on available program funds, per the Governor’s Office.

For more information on colorectal cancer screening in Hawaiʻi, visit 

Colorectal cancer bill signing

<title>New law increases access to colorectal cancer screenings and treatment statewide</title>

House Bill 1969, which became a law on July 1, aims to reduce colorectal cancer — the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in Hawaiʻi — by providing $1.8 million in state funding over the next fiscal year to the uninsured for screening and follow-up tests. Aloha State Daily caught up with Rep. Cory Chun, who reintroduced policy from 2012 into this year's legislative session, as well as Mark Vasconcellos, a colorectal cancer survivor and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network volunteer.

New law increases access to colorectal cancer screenings and treatment statewide

[{"type":"text","text":"It's worth it to get a cat just to buy these..."}]

Smile 26 7 9

<title>Daily Smile: Thursday, July 9, 2026</title>

It's worth it to get a cat just to buy these...

Daily Smile: Thursday, July 9, 2026

Kam Napier Headshot

A. Kam Napier

Columnists

If you’re a street junkie, shooting up heroin in Chinatown, the State of Hawai‘i has your back. It’ll take our tax dollars and turn them into clean needles, so you can keep on shooting safely.

Fentanyl addict? Go for it! Chances are you’ll never get busted for public intoxication (though it’s a crime), or possession (a crime), and if you overdose, the state will once again turn tax dollars into Narcan to save your life. All your emergency rooms visits? Not to worry! “The people” have you covered with their tax dollars and inflated insurance premiums.

If you’re an alcoholic, the State of Hawai‘i just doesn’t care. Legislators drink, after all, they’re not going to go after their own Heineken and Merlot. Just don’t drink and drive, that’s the only area where we see public policy put any time and money. Everyone seems perfectly confident that ID checks at the liquor store are keeping booze out of the hands of children.

Love pot? Lucky you live Hawai‘i! Hawai‘i loves pot and Hawai‘i loves you! It’s de facto legal, based on how often you can smell pot in the open. And it’s trivially easy to go the law-abiding medical marijuana route. Tell a doctor you’re anxious, get a prescription and it’s off the pot pharmacy you go. Enjoy! After all, we’ve hashed this issue out for years now and all sensible people agree that drug prohibitions never work. You have to respect people’s choices and just legalize and tax their habit.

But if you’re a smoker who’d like to quit smoking cigarettes by going to a safer but similar alternative, this same State of Hawai‘i has just two words.

, Gov. Josh Green just signed a law that as of January 1, 2027, will ban “99.9% of disposable vapes” in Hawai‘i. Flanked by public health officials and the obligatory Child For Whom We Do This, he positively beamed with pride.

Over what, exactly? Doctor Governor Green should be aware that if harm reduction works for hard drugs, it certainly does with nicotine. The UK’s NHS (formerly known as the National Health Service), which is beloved by American Democrats as an ideal model of universal health care, has 

“In recent years, e-cigarettes have become a very popular stop smoking aid in the UK. Also known as vapes or e-cigs, they're far less harmful than cigarettes, and can help you quit smoking for good. … Many thousands of people in the UK have already stopped smoking with the help of an e-cigarette. There's evidence that they can be effective. A 2021 review found people who used e-cigarettes to quit smoking, as well as having expert face-to-face support, can be up to twice as likely to succeed as people who used other nicotine replacement products, such as patches or gum.”

Our reporter asked Green about that. He replied with skepticism, saying, “The biggest problem has been getting an entire generation … innumerable middle schoolers and high schoolers hooked,” Green said. “Society has found ways to quit traditional cigarettes through medical means, through behavioral techniques; we should lean on those.”

Does he even hear himself? He said this while signing an e-cig prohibition law. Not medical means, not behavioral techniques, no, just the ban hammer. Meanwhile, actual tobacco cigarettes, the really dangerous ones we didn’t ban, remain perfectly available.

Then Green put Lola Irvin on the spot for further comment on our question. Irvin is administrator of the state Department of Health’s Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Division. As we reported, she said adults who have concurrently used traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes are less likely to successfully quit smoking, while young people who begin using e-cigarettes are more likely to transition to smoking traditional cigarettes.

[{"type":"text","text":"So much for harm reduction!"}]

Irvin seems unaware of the NHS findings I shared above about people successfully using e-cigs to quit tobacco cigarettes or reduce their intake. There are other studies.

Efficacy and Safety of E-Cigarette Use for Smoking Cessation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

,” for example, published in 2023 at The American Journal of Medicine. Conclusion: “Nicotine e-cigarettes were associated with increased smoking abstinence in comparison with non-nicotine e-cigarettes. Furthermore, nicotine and non-nicotine e-cigarettes increased abstinence compared with conventional smoking cessation therapies, and the absolute risk of [Serious Adverse Events] was low across all trials. Overall, these data suggest e-cigarettes appear to be more efficacious than conventional nicotine replacement or behavioral smoking cessation therapies.”

, published last November. “Nicotine e-cigarettes can help people to stop smoking for at least six months,” it concludes. “Evidence shows they work better than nicotine replacement therapy, and probably better than e-cigarettes without nicotine. They may work better than no support, or behavioral support alone, and may not be associated with serious unwanted effects.”

As for her arguments that e-cigs and vaping makes teenagers more likely to take up smoking real tobacco cigarettes, there are indeed studies that find teens given to try vices will try both vaping and smoking, sometimes in that order, sometimes the other way around. These studies find they’ll often also try pot and booze.

When you measure what youths actually do, however, the astonishing and wonderful fact is that 

peaked in 1997 at 36.4%, considerably higher than the adult rate that year of 24.7%. By 2021, the youth smoking rate dropped to just 3.8%, well below the adult rate of 11.5%.

That’s an 86% decline in just 24 years, across all ethnicities, sexes and grade levels.

And it has dropped even more since then, despite the arrival of e-cigs and vaping. As of 2024, according to the 

, just 1.4% of high school students reported any use of tobacco cigarettes.

, found that from 2022 to 2025, e-cigarette and tobacco cigarette use among youth further declined while nicotine pouch use remained low and stable.

In other words, we won the war on youth smoking, without any prohibitions at all. When our governor says that "an entire generation … innumerable middle schoolers and high schoolers" have just been "hooked" on nicotine, he is flat out lying. The exact opposite is true. 

Rather than declare victory and keep on with existing, obviously effective policies, Hawai‘i snatched a crisis from the jaws of success and enacted this ban.

Because they did so in part to “protect our keiki,” they had a student speak at yesterday's press conference, Maya Butts. The bathrooms at her school, Kalaheo High School, she said have become just “places to vape.”

That’s surely against school rules and is certainly already illegal, so this sounds like an enforcement problem to me. Except the enforcers failed to uphold existing law. Then she said:

“I’ve watched my smart, athletic friends completely lose their motivation. They got hooked on these devices that taste like candy, move on to other substances, then lose their spark altogether.”

I hate to break it to Butts, but if vaping makes her schoolmates lethargic and lazy, they aren’t vaping nicotine. They’re vaping pot.

But the ban is about more than health and protecting kids, Green said, and the text of the legislation argues. It’s about protecting the environment. In each disposable vape is a battery and these batteries are getting into the environment, they asserted, without data.

Setting aside the fact that I’ve never seen the gutters lined with thrown-away vapes the way one used to see cigarette butts, I’ll just note that this is the same state government that is forcing us to import batteries by the tons for our carbon-free solar future. A half-ton battery in every EV. Batteries the size of a Matson cargo container for the solar farms. All with no plan for their disposal or recycling.

OK, so if you dig into facts and find that there is no youth smoking crisis, and the stated rationalizations for the ban range from transparently bogus to logically inconsistent, what’s really going on here?

[{"type":"text","text":"Class warfare, that’s what."}]

Vaping nicotine is, by and large, a lower-middle class and working-class vice. Construction laborers, single moms working two or three jobs, people who ride the bus. People who rent. They have ambitions and aspirations constantly thwarted by Hawai‘i high cost of living and ridiculously unnecessary housing shortage.

They’re tired, they’re stressed. They turned, at some point in their lives, to Kool Milds and Marlboro Lights to deal with it all. They know smoking is bad, though, but quitting is hard. Smoking is a pleasure, it’s a consolation. It both calms anxiety and sharpens concentration.

Then, miracle of miracles, technology gave them a better choice. Tobacco-free nicotine they can inhale for the same soothing, sensual pleasures they got from smoking, with none of the known carcinogens, none of the pilau smell.

On the other hand, we have the upper-middle class and those who aspire to that status. Your governors, legislators, health department careerists and high school faculty. People with social capital and clout, if not vast wealth beyond the equity in their home that they own. Few to none of these white-collar, college-educated professionals ever smoked, or quit years ago. They know better.

[{"type":"text","text":"They took one look at vaping and thought, in unison:"}]

[{"type":"text","text":"“That looks stupid. That looks tacky. That looks low-class.”"}]

That’s it. That’s the whole mindset. All the people who pushed this ban won’t say it, because they know how it sounds. No one wants to be seen as a snob and a Karen, they want to hide that. So they prop up children as human shields, gin up a non-existent crisis and use health and the environment as fig leaves.

All those smiling faces at that press conference? That’s the look of people gloating in triumph.

[{"type":"text","text":"“We took something stupid away from the stupid people! Yay, us!”"}]

That’s all that happened yesterday, and Hawai‘i is a better place as a result. For them.

A. Kam Napier is editor in chief of Aloha State Daily. His opinions in Pipikaula Corner are his own and not reflective of the ASD team.

Vapes i Stock 2232713126 16x9

<title>Pipikaula Corner: Hawai‘i's fraudulent vape ban</title>

On Tuesday, Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green signed into law a ban on "99.9% of disposable vapes." It's a move totally at odds with the harm reduction strategies the state uses for all other vices, argues ASD Editor in Chief A. Kam Napier. And it's in response to a non-existent crisis, in that teen smoking and vaping is the lowest it's ever been in a quarter century.

Daily Smile: Friday, July 10, 2026

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Daily Smile: Friday, July 10, 2026

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