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ASD Staff

My Favorite Local Saying

There's a noticeable difference between "hammer" and "hammah" as 

To submit your Favorite Local Saying photo, visit us online or email: 

Jozsef hocza D3nou O Yb A Lc unsplash

<title>My favorite local saying: Hammer vs. Hammah</title>

You're welcome for this handy information from @cjs_life3.

My favorite local saying: Hammer vs. Hammah

There&#039;s a noticeable difference between &quot;hammer&quot; and &quot;hammah&quot; as explained by this 6-year-old. To submit your Favorite Local Saying photo, visit us online or email: general@alohastatedaily.com.

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Arts & Entertainment

In the 37 years since he moved to Maui, Chuck Bergson, president, CEO and director of Pacific Media Group, says the Hawai‘i media company has grown from "a little, one-radio station you can only really hear in West Maui" to 21 stations across the Islands and a handful of other mediums and platforms.

Its evolution continues with the recent launch of 

, a new network that offers podcasts, social media shorts, YouTube shows and local documentaries, bringing new media platforms together with legacy media.

Radio has always been the core of the business, Bergson told Aloha State Daily during a recent interview at the company's Downtown Honolulu offices.

"But we saw early on that the world was changing, the media landscape is changing, so you have to change with it. You've got to evolve," he says.

Today, Bergson says PMG has four radio stations in Honolulu, six on Maui, five on Kaua‘i and six on Hawai‘i Island — including three in Hilo and three in Kona; offers the digital news sites 

, and advertising at most of Hawai‘i's airports; bought the Maui Visitor Channel and Scenic Hawai‘i; and also publishes visitor guidebooks for the state as well as Maui, Hawai‘i Island, Kaua‘i and O‘ahu.

Bergson compares the newest evolution to a rainbow: at the beginning, he says, are "these wonderful legacy media platforms, and as the world changes and you start to go over the rainbow, you get to the top of the rainbow, and that's where we're now looking to modernize and evolve into this new media environment and ecosystem."

And when you bring legacy media together with new media, "then you have something really special. That's the pot of gold at the end. So that's where we are today."

"There was a great opportunity because it's all kind of happening all around Hawai‘i in little spurts," Josh 

, head of creative content for PMG, told ASD. "You've got podcasts, which I've been a part of, ... and you've got social media, and you've got all of these influencers. It's kind of all there, but no one has really put them together in a space and led from the front. When Chuck started talking about maybe this project we could do, the idea was that there's over 30 years of experience and strength in media through Pacific Media Group. What better way than to do this new project with that grounding?"

As the tagline of its website notes, CULTURE offers content that "moves Hawai‘i forward." And 

 says it all starts with Hawai‘i itself.

"Pacific Media Group has always been about Hawai‘i. It's a company from Hawai‘i for Hawai‘i," he says. "There's no one from the Mainland calling the shots. It's Chuck from Maui. The staff here is from here. That was very interesting, where it was like 'Hey, we're here working to present to the world the stories of Hawai‘i and so the idea was [to] create content that we could produce at a high level, we could then distribute it on YouTube, all the podcasts on all platforms, and then we could create content."

 says the radio used to be the center of communication.

"It told you what was cool, who's the new artist, where's the new concert or event, and since technology has progressed, a lot of that has been dispersed, so why not have the radio stations bring that all together?"

There are three original podcasts made for the CULTURE network: Santo Loco, Sugar Caddy and TRXTR. Original podcasts are "podcasts of people, content that we believe in," 

 says, noting that PMG does the full production. There are two affiliate podcasts as well, which are partner shows carried by CULTURE: Mike Kai Podcast and Headliners Hawai‘i.

"With those five podcasts that we've started on, we feel we have a good base," 

 says. "... There's something for everyone, whether it's entertainment or its mindset, business, golf, sports, whatever it is, we feel like these five wrap a lot of that together and I'm sure we're looking to grow that shortly, as well."

One of the new YouTube shows is "Listening Party," which he compared to a "more artistic" version of NPR's 

"Back to that [idea of] breaking new artists and helping artists get their music out, we do the full production of a live, invite-only event, and the artist plays their music, and as they're playing, they're explaining the thoughts and theories behind it," 

 explains. "They bring up other songwriters, producers, engineers, and they can stop, restart, they can say, 'Hey, this is what it used to sound like.' It's really the craft behind the music so people get to know them well."

The debut episode featuring singer-songwriter 

Another is Behind the Scenes: On Tour, which will take viewers behind the scenes of local artists on tour. Featured first will be a look at tour life with Johnny Suite and the Green. 

"These are everyday local guys that's going to be at Red Rock and they're going to be in Vegas and they're going to be in Washington, and what does it look like to sell out 10,000 people, because these bands are doing that," Duhaylonsod says. "How does that feel? And it should ignite that next generation to go, 'We can do that. We're from right here.' I think that's another testament to what Pacific Media Group is doing here. When you see our content, you should be inspired and you should want to go and be bigger than yourself, and that's what CULTURE is."

Duhaylonsod says the initiative is unique in that it bridges the gap between radio and "what's happening now." The radio's distribution size can also be leveraged to promote the local acts.

"If you just do your own podcast, it's you, your mom and all your family and a couple of friends," he says. "[If] you're doing a podcast with us, it's a massive network behind you."

"Really, what we're trying to do across the board is elevate people — elevate the artists, elevate the podcasters," Bergson says. "There's a lot of talented people that can create things and where the void tends to be in a lot of cases is distribution. How do you get distribution? How do you get it seen? How do you get it heard? So we're trying to do these things with the idea of elevating people. Let's bring them up, bring them along, give them some support, and help that all feed together and complement. With all of us working together to promote things of Hawai‘i through different platforms and different mediums, and talking about different things culturally, to me it's a winning combination. I think not only will the people who live here understand and appreciate it, but the people who love Hawai‘i and value Hawai‘i will enjoy and help us perpetuate this."

CULTURE by PMG brand hero

<title>Pacific Media Group launches 'Culture'</title>

CULTURE by Pacific Media Group offers up local podcasts, social media shorts, YouTube shows and documentaries, bringing new media platforms together with legacy media.

Pacific Media Group launches 'Culture'

Ka Wai Ola Staff

Viewpoints

Hawaiian History Month is an annual invitation to honor Queen Liliʻuokalani, celebrate the rich history of Hawaiʻi and its Indigenous people, and deepen our understanding of the people, places and events that continue to shape these Islands.

As communities across the pae ʻāina come together each September for a month of special events, we invite everyone in Hawaiʻi — and around the world — to continue learning, sharing, and celebrating Hawaiian history throughout the year. This year’s celebration features concerts, living history performances, walking tours, panel discussions, student documentaries, cultural demonstrations and educational programs that bring Hawaiʻi’s history to life.

Whether you are able to join us in person or participate through livestreamed events, each experience is an opportunity to remember the resilience of our kūpuna, honor the strength of our Kānaka ‘Ōiwi and our lāhui, and celebrate the living traditions that continue to guide Hawai‘i today.

More than a series of events, Hawaiian History Month is an ‘aha: a collection of experiences and gatherings that heal and strengthen our aloha for one another and for this beloved place, connecting past, present and future.

It reminds us that we all share a collective kuleana to aloha our ‘āina, preserve our culture, respect the rights of Native Hawaiians, and perpetuate EA so that future generations inherit a thriving Hawai‘i. May the aloha we experience throughout this month inspire each of us to live our EA every day.

To explore the full calendar of events, register for programs, access livestreams, discover educational resources, and find ways to celebrate Hawaiian History Month throughout the year visit 

And follow us on social media for event updates, historical stories, and opportunities to stay connected with the growing Hawaiian History Month movement.

ACT 167 (2025) Relating to Hawaiian History Month

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Hawaiʻi:

SECTION 1.
The legislature finds that in the month of September, Queen Lili‘uokalani’s birth, life, and legacy is remembered and celebrated in the Hawaiian community, including at churches and Hawaiian organizations, such as Kawaiaha‘o Church’s Ali‘i Sunday, the Lili‘uokalani Trust Kīpuka (children centers), and the Kamehameha Schools.

The legislature further finds that the Hawai‘i Pono‘ī Coalition was formed in 2007 to educate residents and visitors to the islands on Hawai‘i’s history, the Native Hawaiian people, and the culture that makes Hawai‘i a place like no other. In September 2007, the Coalition launched a commemorative event on the grounds of ‘Iolani Palace to celebrate the birthday of Queen Lili‘uokalani.

The legislature concludes that designating September as Hawaiian History Month would be an appropriate way to honor Queen Lili‘uokalani and recognize the contributions of the Native Hawaiian community, while also providing community building, educational, and economic opportunities.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to designate September as Hawaiian History Month.

SECTION 2.
Chapter 8, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

“§8- Hawaiian History Month. The month of September shall be known and designated as “Hawaiian History Month” to promote public awareness of Hawai‘i’s history, honor Queen Liliuokalani, and recognize the contributions of the Native Hawaiian community. This month is not and shall not be construed as a state holiday.”

Approved Junes 3, 2025

[{"type":"text","text":"Hawaiian History Month Events"}]

“The Impact of Reformatories and Industrial Schools in Hawai‘i” presented by Dr. Maile Arvin 

Where: John A. Burns School of Medicine, MEB Auditorium, 651 ʻIlalo St.

Dr. Maile Arvin examines the experiences of Native Hawaiian children who were institutionalized during the Territorial Period. Discover how this history continues to shape understandings of Native Hawaiian health, resilience and healing. 

"The Beginning of a Garden" living history performance 

When: Sept. 19 – 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m.

Where: Foster Botanical Garden, 50 N Vineyard Blvd. (Honolulu, O‘ahu)

What:  Step into Hawai‘i’s past with "The Beginning of a Garden," an immersive living history performance by Hawaiian playwright Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl. Set within Foster Botanical Garden, this guided experience reveals how the people, plants, and places of the Hawaiian Kingdom shaped one of Hawai‘i’s oldest botanical gardens, bringing history to life through the very landscape where it unfolded. 

"Precious Garlands: The Life of Queen Emma and The Farewell of Queen Lili‘uokalani" (

What: Experience "Precious Garlands: The Life of Queen Emma and The Farewell of Queen Lili‘uokalani," two moving living history performances that bring the stories of Hawai‘i’s beloved queens to life. Through storytelling, music, and theatrical interpretation, these productions honor their leadership, resilience, and enduring contributions to the Hawaiian Kingdom and its people. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Other showings: "}]

Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi, William Charles Lunalilo Center, 16-716 Volcano Road, Kea‘au

The Episcopal Church of the Holy Apostles, 1407 Kapiʻolani St., Hilo

The Historic Roles of Kanaloa Kaho‘olawe Panel Presentation (

Where: Mission Memorial Auditorium, 550 S King St. 

A panel discussion with Dr. Davianna Pōmaika‘i McGregor, Michael Nāho‘opi‘i, and Hardy Spoeher moderated by Kim Ku‘ulei Birnie. McGregor is a professor emerita of ethnic studies and oral history at UH Mānoa and a longtime PKO leader. Nāho‘opi‘i is the executive director of the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission and a mo‘olono for the PKO. Spoehr is a historian who served as secretariat of the Congressionally formed Kaho‘olawe Island Conveyance Commission. The panel will discuss the varied historic roles of Kaho‘olawe over the centuries including as a place of refuge, a training ground for open ocean navigation, a royal refuge, a forest, a penal colony, a cattle ranch, and as a live-fire military training arena. 

Laʻa: Consecration of Aloha ʻĀina in ʻAha (

Where: Bishop Museum – Hawaiian Hall, 1525 Bernice St. 

Making La‘a is the first step in any successful Kānaka endeavor. Appealing to the akua and kūpuna is essential to all major tasks that a Kanaka takes. Because they are our sources of mana, we recognize that it is only with their support and aloha that our tasks will be meaningfully fulfilled. This panel explores the mo‘olelo of making and being la‘a on Kaho‘olawe. We will also trace how the spirit of la‘a has branched out to inspire an aloha ‘āina that places its faith in our akua across our pae moku. Panelists include Luana Busby-Neff, Kaliko Baker, Huihui Kanahele Mossman, and Kalā Mossman. Moderated by Kaipulaumakaniolono Keala.

E hoʻomanaʻo. E aʻo. E hoʻolauleʻa. E ola ke ea. Remember. Learn. Celebrate. May our ea continue to live.

This article is reprinted with permission from 

Hawaiian History Month: A Month to Remember, A Year to Celebrate

," by Ka Wai Ola in its September 2026 issue, Vol. 43 No. 9. Read more at 

Hawaiian History Month 2048x1188

<title>Hawaiian History Month: A Month to Remember, A Year to Celebrate</title>

This year’s celebration features living history performances, panel discussions, cultural demonstrations and more that bring Hawaiʻi’s history to life. See the list of remaining events this month.

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

rom Sept. 16 to 30, participating Ward Village restaurants will showcase limited-time dishes and special offers.

More than 25 restaurants and businesses are participating this year. Here’s the featured line-up:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"An Di Dzo"}]

: Special menu items include washugyu pho and a French dip sandwich. Diners can add an optional caviar bump to each dish.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Cino"}]

: The Italian-inspired eatery will feature a three-course menu. It includes:

"Cino is highlighting simplicity, freshness and seasonal ingredients for Taste of Ward," says chef Arnold Corpuz. 

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

: With an order of steamed dumplings, customers can get a drink of choice for $3. Cotti Coffee is known for its specialty drinks, like its cloud mousse latte.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Cream & Sugar Hawaiʻi"}]

: Victoria Ward Park Makai, 1020 Auahi St., Honolulu

: This kiosk at Victoria Ward Park features fresh breads and sweets. Enjoy special menu items like cinnamon rolls, pesto tomato focaccia and scallion chili crisp focaccia.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Dean & Deluca"}]

ula Shops, the bakery is featuring special menu items like yame-matcha and white chocolate mousse with matcha brownie, ube coconut tart, Macedonia, whole Montblanc roll cake, and whole green grape shortcake.

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

: The Kakaʻako spot will feature special beverages from Laʻa Kea Wellness and Aloha Matcha Hawaiʻi

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

: The Japanese restaurant — known for its extensive menu comprising sushi, donburi and sashimi — is featuring special offers on its sushi rolls.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Han No Daidokoro"}]

: The popular yakiniku restaurant is offering specialty dishes like A5 Miyazaki wagyu tsukimi yukhoe, Miyazaki wagyu sushi with sea urchin, and Nicolas Feuillatte Brut champagne.

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

: Customers can enjoy the bubble tea shop’s mango sago and bubble waffle.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"House of Mana Up"}]

: The business is featuring an ultimate sweet and savory gift set, along with customizable gift boxes.

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

: Customers can enjoy mersin tantuni, a specialty dish inspired by chef Ahu Hettema's childhood in Mersin. This dish includes wagyu, tomato, onion, mardin sumac, Kahuku parsley, Maui lemon and thin lavas bread.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Jules & Gem Hawaiʻi"}]

: The fragrance shop is featuring coffee-scented products.

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

: The popular ramen restaurant is featuring an exclusive tsukemen dish.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"La Tour Café"}]

: Located in ‘A‘ali‘i Shops, La Tour Cafe is featuring special menu items like falafel banh mi, watermelon mint julep and fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Luna’s Tex-Mex Cantina"}]

: The eatery is featuring al pastor skewers with rice and beans; a torta with grilled carne asada, melted cheese, avocado, chipotle mayo and lettuce; and Jarritos soda and strawberry lemonade.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Māla-Be"}]

: This local Hawaiian business, founded in 2023, is known for its Mediterranean-inspired vegan treats. Specialty menu items include a Mediterranean plate and Hawaiian cookie crumble.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Merriman’s Honolulu"}]

: During lunch, Merriman’s Honolulu is offering miso salmon (served with banchan, garlic rice and a miso lemon vinaigrette). During dinner, diners can enjoy A Taste of Ward surf and turf duo, comprising Manhattan steak with garlic potatoes, local vegetables and a shrimp pot pie.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Mochi Momma HI"}]

: Mochi Momma HI features its signature butter mochi in a variety of flavors. Enjoy special menu items like azuki strawberry mochi, butter mochi biko and Cookie Butter mochi.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Nalu Health Bar & Café"}]

: Featured special menu items include “heartbeet” juice (beets, orange juice, apple juice, pineapple and ginger) and purple bliss smoothie. The latter includes blueberries, bananas, spinach, almond milk and a scoop of acai blend.

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

: Nori Bar is featuring a special Nori oishi deluxe platter with lomi ‘ahi (topped with uni and caviar); oyster shooter; mini wagyu don (topped with shoyu, chili oil and green onions); toro shiso hosomaki; ‘ahi tataki nigiri; kanpachi nigiri topped with shichimi; garlic truffle salmon nigiri topped with ikura; seared spicy ‘ahi nigiri with tobiko and green onions; and sashimi (maguro, king salmon and hamachi).

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

: Special menu items include a lava flow don (chirashi don) and spicy salmon crème brulee torched bowl.

: The eatery is offering a Taste of Ward special menu for two. It includes:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Onkee Korean Grill House"}]

: The Korean eatery will feature a specialty japchae.

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

: East Village Shops and South Shore Market, 1170 Auahi St., Honolulu

: This neighborhood lifestyle shop is featuring Truffle & Pop popcorn and Please Come Again Ice Cream.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf"}]

: Customers can enjoy $3 off any fall pumpkin or horchata drink.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"The Social Honolulu"}]

: The eatery is featuring a tomato bisque with seafood and fried pocho sausage.

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

: Choose from specialty drinks like lilikoʻi and jeju mandarin orange, lime and jeju green citrus, honey grapefruit black tea and strawberry hibiscus.

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

: Special menu items include a Cafe coco mocktail (coconut water, espresso cold foam, orange juice, maple syrup and dehydrated orange) and Mānoa chocolate basque cheesecake, served with a tropical compote and vanilla ice cream.

“We really love working with Mānoa Chocolate because of the quality of their product, and it’s local,” says Ryan Ko, vice president/chief operating officer of Westman Group

. “We wanted to offer something simple, approachable and familiar.”

Taste of Ward Nori Bar 091526

<title>Taste of Ward is back Sept. 16 to 30</title>

For two weeks, you can take advantage of featured dishes and limited-time offers at participating Ward Village restaurants and businesses.

Taste of Ward is back Sept. 16 to 30

WEB square crop Hayley Lehman Headshot RGZ1636

Haley Lehman

Government & Politics

A Honolulu City Council bill is heading to the mayor’s desk after Waialua resident Kathleen Pahinui advocated for a bill to permit farmers markets and food distribution in underutilized public parks.

The Waialua Bandstand hosts concerts about once a month and Pahinui said she believes the small park could be better utilized. The Waialua Farmers Market is on Saturdays behind the Waialua Sugar Mill, and Pahinui said that if the farmers market was permitted to meet at the Waialua Bandstand, it could make the market more visible, easier to find and make the park more of a gathering place in the North Shore community.

Pahinui met with city councilmembers and worked with the Department of Parks and Recreation on the bill.

, sponsored by Councilmember Andria Tupola and passed by the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday, would allow nonprofits to operate food distribution events and farmers markets in public parks.

Tupola said that she sees the bill as an opportunity to revitalize Oʻahu’s public parks while supporting farmers and food security efforts.

“In a lot of our parks we see vandalism, illegal camping and too often our response is the same: we spent hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to eradicate problems over and over which isn’t sustainable. What we really need in our parks is transformation, bringing back life, bringing back community and bringing back food,” she said at a City Council meeting in July. “Can you imagine some of our underutilized parks with a regularly operating farmers market? I’m excited about that. It transforms our parks into positive community gathering spaces instead of places that we’re constantly policing.”

The Committee on Housing, Homelessness and Parks adopted suggestions from the Department of Parks and Recreation to clarify that farmers markets are operated by nonprofits, are subject to the department’s rules and regulations, are not located on properties where the people’s open market program operations and are not located in highly utilized parks. 

 operate for about 45 to 60 minutes at 13 locations on Oʻahu.

The bill received opposition from tour operators and the Waimānalo neighborhood board.

The City and County of Honolulu banned unregulated commercial activity at beach parks between Waimānalo and Makapuʻu in 

Kimeona Kane, chair of the Waimānalo neighborhood board, expressed concern in a March letter to the council that the bill goes against Wāimanalo stance against commercial activity in public parks.

“If this is allowed, it may undermine the current law that supports our community position, protects our public spaces from disrespectful attention and overwhelming strain on conditions and value of life for local residents,” Kane wrote. “There could be potential for this bill to serve other communities, and I encourage them to seeks these opportunities, however I do believe that other options can and do exist, where Farmers Markets may take place.

Pahinui told ASD that she shares Kane’s concerns about commercial activities in public parks, which is why she pushed for the bill to be for nonprofit organizations and in smaller parks off the beaten path.

Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau Executive Director Brian Miyamoto supported the opportunity to support small farmers and improve access to fresh food, and wanted the council to clarify that “products being sold are locally grown or produced.”

His requests that the bill prioritizes Hawaiʻi grown agricultural products, direct participation by farmers and local producers and transparency in product sourcing and labeling did not make it into the final bill.

Jennine Sullivan, executive director of Feeding Hawaiʻi Together, wrote to the council that the bill strengthens local food systems and improves community wellbeing.

Feeding Hawaiʻi Together operates The Pantry, which distributed 2.2 million pounds of food in 2025. “Expanding access points for fresh food is critical to meeting the growing needs of our community,” Sullivan wrote.

The bill also supports small businesses and improves access to fresh, nutritious food, Sullivan stated, writing, “Allowing farmers’ markets in public parks creates more opportunities for communities to connect directly with local agriculture in accessible, familiar spaces.”

ʻElepaio Social Services distributes food to about 1,200 kūpuna each week through four pantries on the west side of Oʻahu, including at Nānāikapono Protestant Church. Director of Community Impact and Engagement Cassidy Keola wrote that the bill would allow ʻElepaio Social Services to operate the pantry in a public park, like Nānākuli Beach Park, which could make it more accessible.

“Holding food distributions at a park would improve operation logistics and efficiency and re-open the church to community members. Plus, hosting a distribution in a public and visible space such as park would help us reach more community members who may not know of our services,” Keola stated.

Ted Kefalas, director of strategic campaigns for Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi, wrote to the council that Grassroot supports legislation to lower barriers to entrepreneurship.

“Selling food or homemade wares at a farmers market is a low-cost, low-risk way for people to turn an idea into a business. This measure would give more Oahu residents the opportunity to start up small businesses and participate in the tourism industry,” he wrote.

Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi President and CEO Sherry Menor wrote that the bill supports one of the chamber’s missions to support the economic viability of agriculture careers and reduce operating expenses, and food and economy security as food prices rise.

Tupola speaks at Council meeting

<title>Bill passed by City Council would allow farmers markets in underutilized parks</title>

The Honolulu City Council passed a bill on Wednesday that would allow the Department of Parks and Recreation to permit nonprofit organizations to host farmers markets and food distribution events in underutilized public parks.

Bill passed by City Council would allow farmers markets in underutilized parks

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."}]

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.

My favorite local saying: Hammer vs. Hammah

ASD Staff

Reporter

More in My Favorite Local Saying

Reader Submissions: Share your ‘favorite local saying’ at Aloha State Daily

My favorite local saying: Kamehameha Schools sophomore shares ʻŌlelo Noʻeau

Most read

My favorite local saying: Hammer vs. Hammah

Authors

ASD Staff

Reporter

More in My Favorite Local Saying

Reader Submissions: Share your ‘favorite local saying’ at Aloha State Daily

My favorite local saying: Kamehameha Schools sophomore shares ʻŌlelo Noʻeau

Most read