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Daily Smile

[{"type":"text","text":"We're simple. We'll watch this every time...."}]

Smile 26 9 3 2

<title>Daily Smile: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026</title>

We're simple. We'll watch this every time....

Daily Smile: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026

 We&#039;re simple. We&#039;ll watch this every time....

IMG 1445

Rick Hamada

Aloha Spirit

Columnists

[{"type":"text","text":"Can you honestly say you've never thought about killing yourself?"}]

Why is it such an outlandish concept that maybe once, twice or more times you just said to yourself, "That's it. I'm done."

And heaven forbids you should share these thoughts with anyone. Imagine the reactions from friends and family. We'll get into that later.

[{"type":"text","text":"I have always maintained that death is a part of life. "}]

There are some who believe that once the light is out, well, that's the end of it. Nothing more.

There are many who believe that their faith in their God, et. al, will deliver them eternal life. Ever more.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." -John 3:16

[{"type":"text","text":"That's what I believe. That's where my faith is found."}]

Now, you may not share this belief and that's OK. I'm not here to proselytize and definitely not to be judgmental.

But attitudes, opinions, policies and more are undoubtedly determined by foundational beliefs which run the gamut from here to there to everywhere.

September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month with September 10th recognized globally as "World Suicide Prevention Day".

The month and the day will be reported in the news focusing on events, classes, political and community leaders espousing the devastation of suicides and the need for prevention. These are lofty goals and honorable endeavors, but are we focusing on the tragic conclusion and not the "why?"

One of the mandates when there is a "month" dedicated to a cause is that we have to talk about it. We need to spread the word. We have to get involved.

[{"type":"text","text":"OK, let's talk about it."}]

I have had two family members who have taken their own lives. I have another who has attempted suicide.

[{"type":"text","text":"And I'll answer my own question from the start of this conversation. "}]

[{"type":"text","text":"I have thought about ending my own life."}]

I want to stress that there is no flippancy in the words I am sharing. This isn't some sort of orchestrated attempt to create a dramatically provocative column.

I believe that frank, direct, and unbridled sharing can have a positive effect on those who are open to doing the same.

According to the State Department of Health, suicide remains a serious public health challenge with long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities. The most recent results from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) showed an estimated 13.9 million U.S. adults aged 18 or older had serious thoughts of suicide in 2025. In Hawai‘i, suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death overall. Adults aged 25-34 years old have the highest rate of suicide.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Hawai‘i Chapter

, states that Hawai‘i tallied 200 deaths to suicide which is a 13.7% rate per 100,000. This ranks Hawai‘i 38th overall in the nation. The AFSP cites that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death overall in Hawai‘i and ages 25-34 is the age group with the highest suicidal rate. 

You'll find more information about demographics, attempts made vs. actual, number of calls made to hotlines and more, at their site. A quick search will tell you more.

[{"type":"text","text":"But the why still remains."}]

I thought about it, but I never acted upon it. But thinking about it served its purpose. It helped to put in real perspective where I truly was in life. I was younger, feeling overwhelmed with life. Stress, stress, and more stress. My ego would not allow me to share. I kept these feelings of inadequacy within myself. But I did a good job of being the fun, happy guy. Shoots, throw such awesome parties, travel to great places while internally I was a mess. I felt I was a failure, I felt out of control, and that I was putting my family in a vulnerable and precarious position. There were times I felt disempowered and concluded they would be better without me, and I truly wouldn't be missed. And it was in those times of quiet and solitude when I'd ask myself why not.

[{"type":"text","text":"And then He would intervene."}]

In the mental swirl between my ears, there was only one element of peace and clarity.

[{"type":"text","text":"Faith is singularly the most important part of life and of death."}]

But as an imperfect human being I fought my faith. The bad side would convince me I was alone in this battle. I was right to feel as I did. I would convince myself that I was the only one to solve the problems that ironically, I had created. So, the downward spiral continued, and living life was replaced with just surviving while wondering is this the last day?

[{"type":"text","text":"I have to say."}]

[{"type":"text","text":"This isn't easy."}]

But I believe it's necessary to fulfill the directive to "get the word out".

The public forum invites anonymous judgment and critiques which can be infuriating and hurtful.

[{"type":"text","text":"But you know what? So, what."}]

If you share some of what I'm sharing, don't be ashamed. Please understand that you are not alone. Confronting yourself with honesty takes an unprecedented courage that eradicates any sense of weakness or failure. Others in your life who love you and know you will be so proud of your path to self-healing. And those that don't? Who needs them.

[{"type":"text","text":"I found that my faith was the key. "}]

My trust was found in prayer and the actions the Lord took in my life to reinvigorate my faith.

Turning over my everything to Him with trust and belief that no matter what I personally face, the Lord will lead the way.

If you are facing challenges and are seeking some solace and direction, then please don't give up.

If you believe you know the right path to take, then take that first step.

If there is someone in your circle who you feel most comfortable and trust, then reach out.

[{"type":"text","text":"If you're looking for a professional, then here are some contacts:"}]

If you're looking for a faithful path, then I would ask someone you trust for a suggestion and if that's not an option, then I would start with a church closest to you and attend one service. You will know if it's the right place for you and, if it is, then be open to His love and His word.

I am clearly not qualified to diagnose nor give prescriptive or any other similar advice.

I'm just a guy who is blessed to talk into a microphone and write some words.

But I am a guy who feels you, and I'm prayerful that you will find your keys to a life that you love.

suicide prevention I Stock 2229391632 16x9

<title>Hamada: A confession for Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month</title>

When there's a month dedicated to a cause, we're suppose to talk about that cause, right? ASD opinion columnist Rick Hamada has frank thoughts about this particular month.

Hamada: A confession for Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Playwright Jeannie Barroga has written more than 80 plays. Now, she needs help.

Barroga and her husband, Tony Williams, retired in the fall of 2025 and decided to move from California to Hawaiʻi. They tossed or donated belongings and then shipped about 30 boxes to their new home.

In April, Barroga was diagnosed with a rare four-inch malignant tumor which turned out to be the largest one her doctors had seen in a while, she told Aloha State Daily. 

It is a high risk incurable gastrointestinal stromal tumor, or 

, a rare malignancy that begins in the digestive system. 

On top of the normal monthly costs and rent, there are additional costs for travel to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, plus, a four-figure cancer drug that must be purchased monthly, which she hopes will be covered by a grant.

Cost of living was already 60% of their income and medical bills are another 20%, according to her GoFundMe website

 Each trip to Mayo Clinic involves booking round-trip tickets, ground transportation and more for Barroga and her husband — someone is required to attend the medical appointments with her— which costs between $5,000 and $7,000. She was advised there might be three or more trips like this within a year.

 has raised $11,000 toward the $40,000 goal. 

“It's just really touching to see that response,” she said. “It was mind blowing.”

Sometimes, her husband would be in the other room and see a donation come in and gasp, causing her to run in to see what was wrong, Barroga added.

“It's very humbling,” the playwright added.

Barroga first came to Hawaiʻi more than 30 years ago for a production of her play, “Talk-Story,” at Kumu Kahua Theatre.

While still living in California, she joined the Keakalehua Playreading Hui, which was created by 

, chair of the performing arts department at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. That was during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

She is also part of Tree Moss Hawaiʻi, a collective of emerging and established Hawaiʻi playwrights.

Over the years, her plays have appeared on stage not just at Kumu Kahua Theatre, but also 

, where she was one of 30 Hawaiʻi-based writers producing 10-minute plays, created within the span of a single day.

part of a collection at Stanford University

. The collection includes drafts of her plays, notes and journals, as well as administrative files. 

Barroga was originally born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but moved to Northern California after college, where she held roles at the Oakland Ensemble Theater and Palo Alto's TheatreWorks. She was also the artistic director at the Asian American Theater Co. and Teatro ng Tanan in San Francisco.

 which focuses on Maya Lin, the Chinese American woman who designed the Vietnam War Memorial, 

 which puts the spotlight on the Buffalo Soldiers during the Civil War, and 

 which follows the impact of 9/11 on a Filipina woman.

Several theaters across the nation are also holding events to help fundraise in support her medical journey:

Bindlestiff Studio will share readings of extracts of her work, with proceeds of the event going to support Barroga.

will share a reading of her play “Buffaloʻd,” with proceeds benefiting the playwright.

musicians will have a musical benefit called “I Dream of Jeannie,” with proceeds going to support her care.

Jeannie Barroga,

<title>Playwright seeks help with cancer battle</title>

She wrote plays like “Talk-Story,” “Banyan,” “Walls” and “Buffaloʻed.” Now, this playwright — who lives in Hilo and has created more than 80 plays — needs help battling cancer bills.

Playwright seeks help with cancer battle

From live musical performances to night access to the Honolulu Museum of Art, there are plenty of ways to stay busy this Friday, Sept. 5, through, Sunday, Sept. 6. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Friday, Sept. 4"}]

Blue Note Hawaiʻi’s 2026 artist in residence, Josh Tatofi,

returns to the stage at Blue Note Hawaiʻi for performances at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, and Saturday, Sept. 5. The Nā Hōkū Hanohano-award winning artist uses his platform to promote Hawaiian language and traditions. Seating is first-come, first-served. Tickets start at $55. A $20 food or beverage minimum is required, per person. 

See the ʻAi Mama exhibit at Gallery ʻIolani. 

This newly opened exhibit at Gallery ʻIolani at Windward Community College explores the contemporary transmission of ʻike through the lifework and lived experience of master cultural practitioners ʻŌlohe G. ʻUmi Kai and Suluʻape Keone Nunes. The exhibit opened Aug. 25 and runs through Dec. 11. The gallery is open from 12:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Check for 

 including a panel discussion featuring the cultural practitioners on Saturday, Sept. 12.  Free. 

Visit the Honolulu Museum of Art after hours and explore galleries, stargaze from the courtyards and listen to live music. Usually, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. On Fridays, hours are extended until 9 p.m. as part of HoMA Nights. On Friday, Sept. 4, HoMA Nights will feature the Gilbert Batangan jazz trio. Museum admission, which includes access to HoMA Nights, is $15 for kamaʻāina or free for youth 18 years old or younger. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Saturday, Sept. 5"}]

The legendary rock band known for hits like “Don’t Stop Believin,’” “Any Way you Want It,” and “Faithfully” is taking its Final Frontier Tour to the stage at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu on Saturday, Sept. 5, Sunday, Sept. 6, and Tuesday, Sept. 8. “These will be our final performances in Hawai‘i,” the band shared on social media. “Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic farewell before the lights go down one final time in Hawai‘i.” Tickets are still available. 

 will have their showdown with the Ninth Island when they take on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in their first home game at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. The first 2,500 fans will receive a white shirt as part of this white out event. Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winning singer and songwriter 

 will perform the national nathem and Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī. To help get you ready for the game, Aloha State daily will be handing out white fans that are UH x ASD branded! Check out our booth at the 

, where there will be a tent from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on the fifth floor of the parking structure. Hawaiʻi’s Finest will hold a conert series and Likkle Jordie will be performing. 

The 44th Annual Okinawan Festival will be coming to the Hawaiʻi Convention Center on Friday, Sept. 5, and Saturday, Sept. 6. Renovations to the convention center mean no bon dance this year, but there will be cultural experiences, traditional foods, and live performances. 

Catch the Royal Court Investiture and Opening Ceremony of Aloha Festivals. 

The month-long Aloha Festivals kick off this weekend with the Royal Court Investiture, which honors the aliʻi of Hawaiʻi. The Aloha Festivals Royal Court will don regalia worn by aliʻi of the highest rank and participate in a ceremony at Helumoa Gardens in the Royal Hawaiian Center. An opening ceremony, which features hula and live musical performances, will follow. 

 is now a weekly event on Saturdays. Show up in muʻu or alohawear, complete with lei. The tea, which runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., features sweet and savory treats. The experience starts at $55. 

In the early days of the Territory of Hawai‘i, Princess Theresa Owana Ka‘ōhelelani La‘anui Wilcox Belliveau was accused of conspiracy to commit forgery of the last will and testament of Queen Lili‘uokalani. “The Queen’s Will” runs Thursday through Sunday through Sept. 20 at Kumu Kahua Theatre. 

Tickets for “The Queen’s Will” are $28

 for general admission, with discounts for students, kūpuna, and large group orders. 

Want to take the mic and sing along with back up from a live band? You can at 

, previously known as Anna OʻBrien’s, which is now under the direction of Tavana McMoore, the singer and songwriter who goes by his first name only: Tavana.

 The series, called Karaoke Stars, returns at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6. 

Rainbow Warriors

<title>Catch Journey, football, and more: your guide to the weekend</title>

Ready to make plans for Labor Day weekend? Aloha State Daily has you covered. From live performances from the legendary rock band Journey to catching the Rainbow Warriors at their first home football game, here are some of the events happening on Oʻahu this weekend.

Catch Journey, football, and more: your guide to the weekend

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Everyone’s looking to save money and get the most bang for their buck. This series will show you where you can save while still savoring a good meal.

 launched a $9.99 plate lunch special every Wednesday. While August’s special was Bikkuri tonkatsu, the September special will be a hamburger steak plate.

You can get this plate for $9.99 every Wednesday in September starting at 3 p.m. Limited quantities will be available, according to delicatessen department manager Kota Kawahara.

[{"type":"text","text":"“We’ll make 300 (plates) every Wednesday,” he says."}]

The plate features hamburger steak with rice and veggies. The 10-ounce beef patty is made with mayo, panko and onions, according to Kawahara. It features local beef, but is prepared Japanese-style.

“The sauce is a hybrid of a brown gravy and a Japanese demi-glace,” Kawahara says. “It’s like a fusion, so both, Japanese customers and local customers will like it.”

Patties are pan-fried, then wrapped with foil and finished in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. They are wrapped so the patties stay moist and juicy and retain their flavor, Kawahara explains.

Marukai will always have a discounted plate on Wednesdays; the entrée will change each month.

Marukai Hawaii manager 082726

<title>Budget Bites: $9.99 plates at Marukai</title>

This plate lunch special is available every Wednesday in September, starting from 3 p.m. Hamburger steak is the featured plate for September; each plate includes a 10-ounce hamburger patty, rice, veggies and a brown gravy/Japanese demi-glace sauce.

Budget Bites: $9.99 plates at Marukai

Opening a coffee shop has always been a dream for Kawai Mielke. She and Mia Cordes recently opened 

, a coffee trailer located along Kamehameha Highway in ‘Aiea.

“With several years of experience as a barista and my background in business — and growing up in the food and beverage industry — we decided to bring our experiences and passions together to open Pū Kena,” Mielke says.

She explains that pū means “together” and kena means “quenched” or “satisfied" in Hawaiian. Choosing a spot along Kamehameha Highway was also intentional.

“We named and created this place with the idea of it being a gathering place — a space where we can come together to share stories, nourish connections and build a lasting community, all while enjoying a cup of coffee,” she says. “We felt our location was perfect because it is both, the entrance and exit of ‘Aiea; we felt the community needed a coffee spot where people could gather, connect and enjoy a quality cup of coffee.”

Pū Kena offers coffees, matchas, teas and acai bowls. The business sources its coffee beans from White Nene in Kona; meanwhile, its matcha is sourced directly from Uji, Japan, according to Mielke.

“We created our menu with the hope of becoming everyone’s go-to coffee spot — whether it’s in the morning before work, during a lunch break, or whenever you’re craving a nice boost of caffeine,” she says. “We take pride in sourcing quality ingredients. All of our syrups are homemade, and we strive to make our drinks well-balanced — sweet enough to be delicious, while still allowing you to taste the quality of our coffee and matcha.”

Popular drinks include the Waimomi latte ($8) — made with homemade vanilla syrup and topped with kūlolo cold foam — the chocolate haupia latte ($8.45), which features a rich chocolate syrup finished with coconut coal foam and chocolate nibs; and the Hawaiian honey ($8), which is made with H

ōla honey, matcha and kūlolo cold foam.

The business’s strawberry fresa ($7.50) — comprising matcha, strawberry puree, vanilla cold foam and toasted cinnamon — is another customer favorite.

currently open daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“One of our main goals with this business is to support as many local businesses as possible,” 

Mielke says. “When you visit our shop, please make sure to take a look at our local list; we hope that if you discover or enjoy a product or business, you’ll consider showing them some love and supporting them, too. At Pū Kena, we believe in supporting one another and growing together as a community.”

Pu Kena Coffee owners 082026

<title>Pū Kena is a new coffee trailer in ‘Aiea</title>

The business — which opened earlier this month — is located along Kamehameha in ʻAiea. According to business owner Kawai Mielke, the biz was created to be a gathering place, and one of its goals is to support as many local businesses as possible.

Pū Kena is a new coffee trailer in ‘Aiea

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Real Estate

It's official: Kaua‘i Coffee Co. will continue to operate on the Garden Isle.

The brand's parent company, Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, negotiated a new 15-year agricultural  lease for the 3,100-acre farm on which Kaua‘i Coffee has been operating with property owner Brue Baukol Capital Partners, allowing operations to continue. The property is located at 870 Halewili Road in Kalāheo.

"Kaua‘i Coffee has always belonged to the people of Kaua‘i and that will never change," General Manager Brian Kubicki said in an announcement Thursday. "Our appreciation for the overwhelming outpouring of support and aloha from our community can’t be overstated. We are proud to say that our roots remain exactly where they belong, our team is entirely secure, and we are actively looking forward to bringing even more job opportunities to our local community as we grow."

According to the announcement, the new lease allows 

 to focus on a "forward-looking growth strategy" leveraged by its parent company, itself a part of the global Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group.

"Our role at MZB-USA is to serve as a strong foundational backbone for Kaua‘i Coffee, providing the national scale and robust distribution network needed to protect and amplify what makes this farm so special," Matthew Smith, president of Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, said in the announcement. "We believe completely in the local team, the community and the land. By securing this long-term lease, we’re ensuring that the local operation has the stability and support it needs to thrive and continue growing the finest coffee in America."

Additionally, the announcement notes, the new lease guarantees the "continuity of Kauai Coffee's core values," which include: 

Keeping local employees employed under the island leadership team; the stewardship of Important Agricultural Lands and maintaining the farm's global Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance and Non-GMO Project certifications; continuing the Fair Trade Community Development program; uninterrupted operations at one of the Garden Island's popular visitor destinations; and strategic investments in farming technology, machinery and visitor experiences that are aimed at creating new local positions.

The news comes after months of uncertainty.

WARN, or Worker Adjustment and Retaining Notification, notices distributed earlier in the year signaled potential layoffs, but the original WARN dated Jan. 12 and an additional notice dated March 5 were 

"Also, as of today, we have no further information to provide you regarding the timing of any possible employee terminations as we continue to negotiate in good faith with the landowner toward a new, long-term, agricultural lease," Kubicki wrote in a letter to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations at that time.

A representative of Kaua‘i Coffee told Aloha State Daily that the company has approximately 140 employees, all of whom will be retained with the extension of the lease.

In a statement provided to ASD, Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami said, "

We are happy to hear of the lease agreement between Kaua'i Coffee and BBCP and what this means to our island's community."

"Kaua'i Coffee is not only an iconic part of our island's agricultural heritage, but also an important source of local jobs and economic opportunity," Kawakami says. "We also want to recognize and mahalo the International Longshore and Warehouse Union for their advocacy and hard work for our island's people. We appreciate the commitment shown by Kaua'i Coffee and BBCP to preserving agricultural operations, supporting local families and investing in the long-term success of our community. We look forward to seeing Kaua'i Coffee continue to thrive for generations to come."

In its own announcement Thursday, Brue Baukol Capital Partners, a Denver-based real estate investment firm that develops and acquires commercial properties, says the renewed lease "underscores a shared commitment to preserving agriculture, supporting local employment and responsibly stewarding approximately 3,100 acres designated as Important Agricultural Land."

BBCP says, too, that the lease also provides the flexibility to evaluate other agricultural opportunities on portions of the property that aren't currently being cultivated.

“Kaua‘i Coffee Co. and its employees have been exceptional stewards of these lands for the past 15 years, and we are grateful for the care, dedication, and commitment they have shown, especially throughout the past several months as we worked toward a new agreement,” 

James Priestley, vice president of Brue Baukol Capital Partners, said in that announcement.

“We are excited about the future of Kaua‘i Coffee and proud to support the continued growth of one of Hawaiʻi’s most iconic agricultural brands. This agreement preserves local jobs, keeps these lands in productive agricultural use, and creates new opportunities to explore additional agricultural activities and community benefits in the years ahead.”

, Kaua‘i Coffee got its start in the early 1800s as McBryde Sugar Co., one of the first sugar farmers in Hawai‘i.

"The transformation from McBryde Sugar Co. to Kaua‘i Coffee in 1987 represents Hawai‘i's largest diversified agricultural projects in the past 50 years," the site notes.

With more than 4 million coffee trees grown on the 3,100 acres, the site says Kaua‘i Coffee is the largest coffee grower in Hawai‘i and the U.S. It's been a part of Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group since 2011.

Kauai Coffee Visitor Center Photo Credit Dan Lane

<title>Kaua‘i Coffee Co. secures 15-year lease</title>

The brand's parent company, Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, negotiated a new 15-year lease for the 3,100-acre farm on which it has been operating with property owner Brue Baukol Capital Partners. Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami shares what this means for the Garden Isle community.

Daily Smile: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026

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