ASD icon blue inverse lighter

ASD Staff

Daily Smile

[{"type":"text","text":"This ain't gonna fly....."}]

Smile 26 7 17

<title>Daily Smile: Friday, July 17, 2026</title>

This ain't gonna fly.....

Daily Smile: Friday, July 17, 2026

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

This year, the Native Hawaiian Convention returns to Honolulu after five years away from Oʻahu. Hosted by Hawaiian Council, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, the event will take place Monday, July 20, through Wednesday, July 22, at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center

The convention brings together Native Hawaiian leaders, cultural practitioners, policymakers, educators and community members for three days of activities and conversations. It will immediately be followed by the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Festival, an invitational competition for keiki between the ages of six and 12 years old. The festival 

which runs Thursday, July 23, through Saturday, July 25 

“It is super important for us that we celebrate our 25th anniversary of our beginnings back here home in Hawaiʻi on Oʻahu,” Mehanaokala Hind, senior advisor to the CEO, executive office for Hawaiian Council, told Aloha State Daily. “After being away from Oʻahu for five years, we're so excited to be back home and be back in a venue that can host the growing audience that we have that's participating in the convention.”

start at $230 for Hawaiian Council members and $305 for non members. To make the convention more accessible, a limited number of need-based scholarships are available. Participants must 

In recent years, the convention garnered about 2,000 participants, Hind said, adding that the convention has outgrown the hotels in Waikīkī, especially for breakout sessions.

Last year, the convention was held in Tulalip, Washington. Before that, events were held on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“We have things that have been consistent over the past couple years that our conventioners look forward to and look toward,” Hind said. “But this year, since we're back home, and since it's the 50th anniversary of the first landing on Kahoʻolawe, we're going to have a few breakouts dedicated to that and celebrating them, and also a Kilohana Award [will go] to the surviving members of the 

In addition, the convention will feature Nā Mea Hawaiʻi, a marketplace featuring Native Hawaiian artisans and 

, as well as a 24-hour film competition and panel discussions. Some of the topics addressed during the convention include efforts to return ʻāina to Hawaiian hands, aloha ʻāina in the age of artificial intelligence, water safety, storytelling, economic sovereignty, disaster recovery, health, and more.

On Monday, July 20, there will be a pre-convention workshop day with hands-on cultural workshops led by Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong, Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata, Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine, Kumu Hula Lono Padilla, Lōpaka Kapanui, Haus of Puas, Kāhuli Leo Leʻa, the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and Pā Kōnane, among others.

The following day, Tuesday, July 21, there will be a keynote address by Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green, and panel discussions on legal challenges facing Native Hawaiian programs and efforts to restore ʻāina to Hawaiian hands. There will also be breakout sessions on different topics.

For the final day of the convention, which is Wednesday, July 22, there will be a keynote address by Senate President Ron Kouchi and a mayor talk story event, moderated by Green, which includes Hawaiʻi Island Mayor Kimo Alameda, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami.

“We're going to bring our government leaders in, starting with the governor and all county mayors, which is a unique feature of ours that we've been able to command the attention of our lawmakers to be able to be present while we discuss those issues that are super important for us,” Hind said. “And then for this year — because of the recent challenges within the last year to the Native Hawaiian trusts — the trusts are going to speak.”

 that evening, which features music by Hoʻonuʻa, Three Plus and Manaʻo Company

 in honor of Hawaiian Council’s 25th anniversary.

“We have a great concert,” she said. “We know that our people love to gather around music. We're going to take it 25 years back to celebrate the 25 years of our existence, [and the] birth of our organization. We're going to do a throwback concert to back in the days about 25 years ago, and the bands that were celebrating with all of us.”

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Native Hawaiian Convention

<title>Native Hawaiian Convention returns to Honolulu</title>

Following a convention in Washington last year, the Native Hawaiian Convention hosted by Hawaiian Council has returned to Oʻahu. Learn about the speakers, hands-on cultural workshops and panel discussions planned for this year’s event. There will also be special dedicated events to remember the 50th anniversary of the first landing on Kahoʻolawe.

Native Hawaiian Convention returns to Honolulu

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

The 2026 legislative session is effectively over after Gov. Josh Green made his final bill signings and vetoes Wednesday.

Nearly 6,000 bills this year were winnowed down to 267 new laws throughout the 2026 legislative session, fewer than the 313 signed into law in 2025.

 announced his intention to veto four bills this session, on Wednesday vetoed only one outright, although he made a line-item veto to a second bill that effectively killed it despite signing it into law.

[{"type":"text","text":"Among the final bills Green signed this year are:"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"New rules for cleaner fuels"}]

, formerly Senate Bill 2999, requires the state Department of Transportation to develop by 2028 new rules that set standards for alternative fuels, as part of the state’s mandated transition to carbon neutrality by 2045.

HDOT must also set benchmarks for the reduction of carbon emissions in the transportation sector: emissions must be 10% down from 2019 levels by 2035 and 50% down from 2019 levels by 2045. Those standards must be implemented by 2029, and allow producers of fuels at or below those benchmarks to receive credits; fuels above those benchmarks would receive deficits, and providers of high-carbon fuels would need to purchase credits to meet their obligations to the standard.

However, the new rules also require mechanisms to prevent those deficits from “unreasonable fuel price increases,” such as a credit clearance market whereby vendors can purchase additional credits at a fixed price, mirroring similar programs such as one in California.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"E-bikes leave the wild west"}]

Consistent state rules are coming for e-bikes, electric skateboards and other personal transportation gizmos under House Bill 2021, now 

The measure defines a motorized personal transportation device under 75 pounds as an “electric micro-mobility device,” and an “electric bicycle” as a pedalable bike with a motor of no more than 750 watts. Devices with motors higher than 750 watts and capable of speeds higher than 28 mph are now “high-speed electric devices,” a separate class of devices from mopeds or electric vehicles.

E-bikes also are now subdivided into three classes passed on their motor capabilities: those with motors that assist the rider only while pedaling and never above 20 mph are Class 1 bikes, those with motors that can be exclusively used to power the bike up to 20 mph are Class 2 bikes, and those capable of assisting up to 28 mph are Class 3 bikes.

With those new definitions in place, the bill includes “electric micro-mobility devices” under the same rules as “electric foot scooters,” prohibiting people younger than 15 from using them on public streets, requiring them to have lamps if used after dark, and more. Class 2 and 3 e-bikes are now prohibited for riders under 16 years old, unless under direct parental supervision, and no e-bike can be ridden on sidewalks faster than 10 mph.

The measure also prohibits wheelies — electric bicycles are required to keep all wheels on the ground — and high-speed devices are not permitted to be operated on a public roadway, sidewalk, bicycle lane, or other public area.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"$3 million for statewide dementia support"}]

, establishes within the state Executive Office of Aging the Hānai Memory Network Program, a project intended to expand the state’s ability to detect and care for patients of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Rep. Cory Chun said Tuesday that there are more than 31,000 Hawai‘i residents with Alzheimer’s, a number expected to double by 2050 as the population ages. The bill itself notes that people spent more than $309 million in Medicaid funds to care for Alzheimer’s patients last year, a sum that is expected to exceed $1 billion in 24 years.

The Hānai Network will establish memory clinics, hire dementia care specialists and develop a network to refer patients throughout the state to necessary care options and other services.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Lower price caps on school lunches"}]

Before Monday, state laws required that the Department of Education must recoup from students 50% of the cost of preparing a school meal. But after Green signed HB 2296 into law as 

, the cost of a school meal can be no more than one-quarter of the cost of preparing it.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"More pay for teachers"}]

Annual pay hikes are coming for public school and public charter school teachers under HB 1890, now 

While step increases for teachers have been part of the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association’s contract with the state for years, those increases have never been funded. The measure, therefore, allows those already-negotiated salary hikes — which will be about 3% annually for most teachers — to finally go through.

The measure also allows for longevity-based step increases for teachers who have served for more than three years.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"And “one” veto"}]

The sole bill which Green fully vetoed this year was 

, a measure that would change the process by which members of the Hawai‘i Teacher Standards Board — which sets credentialing standards for Hawai‘i teachers — are chosen. Green explained his rationale for vetoing the bill was because it muddies the separation of duties between the Standards Board and the Board of Education, and further evaluation is needed to assess how the proposal would impact the operation of both boards.

, a measure allocating $50 million into the state’s Rainy Day Fund. Green had previously said that such a use of funds would be imprudent given the state’s current disaster recovery priorities, and noted that the current balance of the fund, more than $1.5 billion, is the highest it’s ever been.

Consequently, although Green signed the bill, his line-item veto 

 the appropriation to a mere single dollar.

 For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

GovGreen

<title>2026 legislative session ends with 266 new laws</title>

Gov. Josh Green signed the last bills of the year on Wednesday, and made his final veto decisions.

2026 legislative session ends with 266 new laws

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Food & Dining

in Kapolei has partnered with local, faith-based organization River of Life Mission for an all-day Community Care Event set for Monday, July 20.

According to the restaurant, it will donate “15% of qualifying sales” that day to River of Life Mission, which 

for more than 40 years has served neighbors across Oʻahu

 who are experiencing homelessness, poverty and crisis.

“River of Life Mission has been a source of hope for so many people in our community,” said Nick Lovan, Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Kamokila, in a statement. “Fifteen percent of proceeds from those who mention the River of Life on Monday will help support their important work serving neighbors across Oʻahu.”

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"How does it work?"}]

Chick-fil-A Kamokila asks that guests who wish to participate in the fundraiser mention the organization at time of purchase when ordering in the drive-thru, for carry-out or while dining in. When placing a mobile order through the Chick-fil-A App, use the code “ROLM2026” (case-sensitive) before completing the mobile order.

This offer is valid only from 6:30 a.m to 10 p.m. at the 890 Kamokila Blvd. location on Monday, July 20. “The Community Care Event runs all day, and qualifying purchases made from opening to closing will count toward the donation,” per the restaurant.

Established in 1985, River of Life Mission aims to provide hope through hot meals and snack bags, outreach, practical care and connection to resources that help individuals and families move toward stability. With the aid of 17 staff members and longstanding partnerships, the organization served more than 200,000 meals in 2024 alone.

“Since I’ve been here, we’ve really tried to fortify our model, as well as be more innovative in how we are able to steward our resources,” Executive Director Kealiʻi Kane Gray told Aloha State Date in a recent interview.

Funds raised would help River of Life Mission scale sustainably, while helping people transition off the streets into “new life,” said Kane Gray, who joined the organization at the helm in October 2025.

Headquartered in Chinatown, the organization also hosts nearly 240 hub events monthly across Oʻahu in partnership with local churches, ministries and service providers.

Chick fil A Kamokila sign 082625

<title>Chick-fil-A Kamokila to host fundraiser for River of Life Mission</title>

On Monday, July 20, patrons of Chick-fil-A Kamokila in Kapolei can help support the local, faith-based organization, which for more than 40 years has served neighbors across Oʻahu who are experiencing homelessness, poverty and crisis. Learn more about how to participate in the upcoming Community Care Event.

Chick-fil-A Kamokila to host fundraiser for River of Life Mission

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

LAS VEGAS — Before meeting their media obligations as college football players, a quartet of University of Hawai‘i football players made a meaningful pilgrimage back to where it all began. 

Quarterback Micah Alejado, defensive back Elijah Palmer, linebacker Jamih Otis and running back Cam Barfield are all returning starters for Hawai‘i in 2026. Each will be essential pieces for a UH squad that has Mountain West championship aspirations, and as such, the four were chosen as the program's player representatives at the conference's media days on Wednesday at the Palms Resort Casino Resort in Las Vegas. 

All four also played prep football in Vegas at Bishop Gorman, a private Catholic high school and national powerhouse that has four national championships to its name. Before Wednesday's press junket, the four made a trip back to their old stomping grounds at Gorman. 

"It just makes me realize how far we have come and how far I've come," 

 told Aloha State Daily. "All the work that I put in to get to the point that I am right now, it's amazing to just soak up all those memories back of where it started."

Aided by the billionaire Fertitta family, Bishop Gorman boasts a $10 million football facility, which includes a state-of-the-art weight room in the end zone of Fertitta Field, its on-campus stadium. It's there that players such as Alejado, Palmer, Otis and Barfield honed their skills en route to becoming Division I athletes. 

Established in 1954, Bishop Gorman has long been considered the most dominant force in Nevada high school football with 22 state titles. Three consecutive national titles from 2014 to 2016 inspired its next crop of star football players, who were drawn to the school's winning tradition and mystique. 

"I grew up watching these dudes all on TV, wanting to be them, and just wanting to go to Gorman and playing football for the love of the game," said Barfield, who rattled off the names of a dozen former Bishop Gorman stars by memory, including quarterback Tate Martell and former O‘ahu youth football star Haskell Garrett. "Just seeing that, that's kind of where my story starts, and seeing them do it first and wanting to be like them, and wanting to be better than them."

Like Barfield, Palmer was born and raised in Las Vegas. Attending Bishop Gorman for high school seemed like a pipe dream, but he was able to do so thanks to help from his family. 

"I was never really going to Gorman growing up because you got to pay (

) and do all those things," Palmer said. "But having just that support system around me, there was a way for me to go. My family had made a way. It was hard, but my grandparents kind of stuck it out and helped me achieve goals that I had set for myself, and they for sure allowed me to do that by getting me to Gorman, as well."

While Barfield and Palmer were Las Vegas natives dreaming of suiting up for the local juggernaut, Otis and Alejado made the move to Sin City to further pursue their football dreams. Otis spent his childhood in Southern California but was certainly aware of the team over in Vegas. Meanwhile, 

 relocated from O‘ahu and became the rare freshman to win a starting job on the varsity team. 

"You just look at decisions, and you just want to set yourself up for a great future, and Bishop Gorman does that," said Alejado, who led the Gaels to their most recent national title in 2023. "Not just athletically, but academically. I think they have a great system that runs around their faith and a Catholic school system, and that was big for me because I'm a hard Catholic, very religious. Being able to have that, it was amazing. I think it's the best decision of my life. Meeting new people, being able to experience new experiences, just simple things like that, they add to your life, and I had a fun time."

Added Otis: "I think Gorman is just where we built that callous, built that mindset, just knowing how to work, what it looks like, and just being that guy every day. Being the game changer. That's the thing about Gorman; it breeds a lot of dogs. Coming in as a freshman, there was already a standard to uphold, and ever since then, we've been held to that standard and it carries on to college. Coming from that type of background, it kind of prepared us for any situation, any circumstance that we come through in college."

In total, the Rainbow Warriors had 13 Bishop Gorman graduates on its spring roster. Additionally, associate head coach Chris Brown and quarterbacks coach 

 were on the Gorman staff before getting hired by 

. Brown has been viewed as the glue keeping the pipeline between Bishop Gorman and Hawai‘i together, and he continues to recruit the Gaels heavily.

Following their Tuesday stop at Bishop Gorman, Alejado, Palmer, Otis and Barfield all toured the UFC Apex and hung out for a photoshoot. 

Then on Wednesday, the four made the rounds at the Palms as part of Mountain West media days. Alejado, Palmer, 

 were all named to the preseason All-Mountain West team, while Alejado was named the preseason Offensive Player of the Year. During their various media appearances on a bevy of platforms, they talked about 

heightened expectations for the team in 2026

"I feel like it's kind of what God has set for us," Palmer said of the 2026 season. "Whatever's in his will, it will be done. Hopefully that is a breakout year for the team. But if it's not, it's not, and we work for it regardless."

Otis echoed Palmer's sentiments, leaning on his faith and taking comfort in what happens as a result of that. 

"It's already written. All we can do is just trust God and keep putting our best foot forward every day," Otis said. "We can only control what we can control, and that's coming into to the facility, holding each other accountable, and understanding why we're doing what we're doing. We got our team goal: host the Mountain West Championship, so we're doing everything that we can to host that."

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Bishop Gorman 071626

<title>Hawai‘i's Mountain West representatives soak up Las Vegas homecoming</title>

Micah Alejado, Cam Barfield, Jamih Otis and Elijah Palmer all played high school football at Bishop Gorman High School, a national powerhouse in Vegas.

Hawai‘i's Mountain West representatives soak up Las Vegas homecoming

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

 is offering a new Sunday brunch buffet. The 

-based restaurant — known for its ocean views and live music — previously offered its buffet for special occasions like Father’s Day and Mother’s Day. Since it was a popular feature, the restaurant’s goal is to eventually offer it every Sunday.

The all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch buffet costs $60 per adult ($25 for kids ages 12 years and under; children 3 years and under have free admission). There’s a 90-minute time limit and 20% automatic gratuity.

The brunch buffet starts at 9 a.m. and features live music from 10 a.m. It’s held in the restaurant’s banquet room.

Buffet highlights include steamed crab legs, a prime rib carving station, made-to-order omelets, poke, assorted desserts and breakfast staples like fried rice, Portuguese sausage and pancakes.

 to see when the next buffet will be. Reservations are recommended; restaurant updates will be posted via Instagram.

Beach House by 604 buffet spread 071326

<title>The Beach House by 604 is offering a new Sunday brunch buffet</title>

The Waiʻanae restaurant’s new Sunday brunch buffet features prime rib, crab legs and made-to-order omelets. The buffet was popular with customers for special occasions like Father’s Day, so the restaurant’s goal is to offer it every Sunday.

The Beach House by 604 is offering a new Sunday brunch buffet

When it comes to their new businesses — 

, which specializes in gourmet burgers, and Ihawan Ave., which offers street food-style skewers — husband-and-wife team 

Joshua Dein Pagtama and Enerisa Pagtama say they were inspired by their personal taste and love of food. The duo’s businesses officially launched a few months ago; they currently pop up at events across Oʻahu.  

“As a couple with a highly competitive and entrepreneurial mindset, we wanted to created something truly distinct,” Enerisa Pagtama says. “We absolutely love premium wagyu beef, and we are equally obsessed with matcha. We decided to boldly combine the two, resulting in a unique, flavor-packed fusion concept that you won’t find anywhere else.”

Ihawan — which means “grill” in Tagalog — is Enerisa’s business and features a line-up of skewers. Customers can choose from wagyu ($10), Pinoy pork ($6), chicken teriyaki ($6), garlic shrimp ($6) and more.

“We are known for our signature skewers, served alongside our refreshing, housemade black Gulaman juice, which is a traditional black jelly drink enhanced with sweet vanilla extract,” Enerisa explains.

She says the wagyu skewer is a customer favorite.

“Our premium, juicy, wagyu beef skewers are paired with our inventive, tangy matcha vinegar sauce,” she says. “Customers constantly tell us it’s an absolute flavor bomb. The lobster balls are our second best-seller on the grill.”

Joshua, meanwhile, heads up Burger Ave., which specializes in wagyu beef patties.

“Every burger features a premium, juicy wagyu beef patty nestled inside a soft, toasted brioche bun,” he says. “You can upgrade any burger to a full combo meal, served with our crispy seashore garlic fries and a refreshing soda pop (our custom-flavored specialty sodas).”

The wagyu loaded ($20) is the most popular flavor. It includes a wagyu patty topped with bacon, white onions, sauteed mushrooms, the business’s signature housemade matcha garlic aioli and matcha powder on top.

Other options include the wagyu boss ($18) — wagyu beef patty with double cheese, pickles, white onions, matcha garlic aioli and matcha powder — Aloha wagyu ($19), which includes a pineapple slice, and wagyu herbs ($19). The latter features a wagyu beef patty topped with double cheese, pickled radish and carrots, cilantro, white onions and spicy honey Sriracha sauce.

“The Aloha wagyu is a perfect taste of the Islands; it has sweet grilled pineapple and a rich teriyaki sauce,” Joshua says. “The wagyu boss is simple and classic; the wagyu herbs features a fresh, vibrant twist. The housemade pickled radish and carrots is made Filipino atchara style (a popular pickled condiment).

“Our fusion of matcha into the savory dishes makes us unique,” he adds. “Using matcha as a culinary component in our garlic aioli and vinegar sauces creates an incredible depth of flavor that cuts through the richness of the premium wagyu. It’s a culinary boundary we are proud to push.”

Ihawan Ave. and Burger Ave. pop up at Wai Kai, What the Truck?! and Ka Makana Aliʻi. For the businesses’ event schedule, follow their 

“Everything we do is driven by love,” Enerisa says. “For us, this isn’t just about running a business; it’s about the community. The people we serve aren’t just customers; they become an extension of our family.”

“We are always growing and love hearing from the community,” Joshua adds. “We are open to suggestions and recommendations from our guests, so we can continue to elevate our food and serve you all even better.”

Burger Ave owners 071326

<title>This couple is serving up skewers and burgers with a twist</title>

Premium wagyu is the inspiration behind Burger Ave. and Ihawan Ave., which feature gourmet burgers and street-style skewers, respectively. These businesses are run by husband-and-wife team Joshua Dein Pagtama and Enerisa Pagtama. You can find these businesses at various events across Oʻahu, including What the Truck?!

Daily Smile: Friday, July 17, 2026

ASD Staff

Reporter

More in Daily Smile

Daily Smile: Thursday, July 16, 2026

Daily Smile: Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Daily Smile: Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Daily Smile: Monday, July 13, 2026

Most read

Daily Smile: Friday, July 17, 2026

Authors

ASD Staff

Reporter

More in Daily Smile

Daily Smile: Thursday, July 16, 2026

Daily Smile: Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Daily Smile: Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Daily Smile: Monday, July 13, 2026

Most read