The Hawai‘i Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists held its 2025 Excellence in Journalism awards on Wednesday night at the Japanese Cultural Center in Mō‘ili‘ili.
The awards covered work done through 2025 by local media on all platforms — digital, print, radio and television. Hawai‘i's submissions were judged by the San Diego and East Tennessee chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Aloha State Daily, which launched in January 2025, is thrilled to have won 14 awards across a wide range of categories, including Best Overall News Site.
In the Internet division:
First Place, Best Overall News Site, for “Aloha State Daily,” by the ASD Newsroom. Judges said, "Great work by a new Internet startup. Aloha State Daily offers comprehensive, continuously updated local content across the Islands."
Second place, Online Feature Reporting, for “An exclusive tour of Sumida Farm,” by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta.
Third place, Online Feature Reporting, for “Lahaina fire survivor Cesar Martinez looks to be part of the solution for housing,” by Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros.
In the News Media division, open to all print and digital:
First Place, Column Writing or Blog/News, “Pipikaula Corner,” by A. Kam Napier. Judges said, "Aloha State Daily Editor A. Kam Napier promised readers "something to chew on," and his well-written columns achieve that goal."
Second Place, Column Writing or Blog/Features or Sports, “Cheryl Tsutsumi's Uncles and Aunties," by ASD columnist, Cheryl Tsutsumi.
First Place, Breaking News Reporting, “Tsunami warning canceled,” ASD Staff. Judges said, "The breaking news Tsunami warning coverage is the perfect example of journalists who place their personal safety and worries aside for the good of the public — ensuring that their communities have the information they need to seek shelter and safety during a weather event. The coverage itself is well-organized and robust and is a true testament to the necessity for local journalism."
Second Place, Breaking News Reporting, “Lawsuit filed against Maui Land & Pineapple," by Stephanie Salmons.
Third Place, Health Reporting, "With HB1118 advancing, here's a look at the state mandated vaccines for public school kids," by Kukaua Medeiros.
Third Place, Data Journalism Story or Series, “Hawai'i education then and now: A 50-year view on soaring costs and declining enrollment," by Napier.
Third Place, Editorial Opinion, “Pipikaula Corner: Making elections elections again,” by Napier.
Second Place, Sports Photography/Videography, "Kailua, Kamehameha-Maui win HHSAA football titles," by Christian Shimabuku. Judges said, "This is a photo nicely conveys the emotion every athlete hopes to feel: victory."
Third Place, Sports Photography/Videography, “UH looks to capitalize on first Hawai'i Bowl since 2019,” by Christian Shimabuku. Judges said, "A moment that's so fleeting and worth preserving."
First Place, Headlines, by Kukaua Medeiros, Salmons and Katie Helland. Judges said, "The winner showed both restraint and cleverness. Each headline created some allure, but also conveyed meaning and some open-ended appeal."
Winning headlines were "Let the toddlers dribble," "“Measles are making headlines but Hawai‘i's top diseases may surprise you," "Snakes (hopefully not) on a plane," "Listen to the Mike Love song people quit their jobs over" and "If can, can: AIA Honolulu Celebrates 20 years of CANstruction."
Third Place, Public Service Reporting, “Outreach team provides medical, social services to homeless in Waikīkī," by Salmons. Judges said, "An illuminating first-person look at a vexing community issue."
To see all of Hawai‘i's award winners, visit SPJ Hawai‘i, where the winners list downloads as an RTF file.
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A. Kam Napier can be reached at kam@alohastatedaily.com.
