Pritchett photo 300 dpi square

John Pritchett

Cartoons

Government & Politics

Trojan panda

<title>Pritchett Cartoon: Trojan Panda</title>

And this time, we're not talking about the mayor!

Pritchett Cartoon: Trojan Panda

De Soto 2025

DeSoto Brown

Hawai‘i History

Columnists

Do you think about gas stations? Probably not much, until you notice that your vehicle’s fuel level is low, and you then stop at one near your home or your work. You vaguely assume gas stations have always been around and always will be. Of course that’s not true - at least that they’re always existed.

Petroleum is a natural substance produced by nature. It comes from ancient organic matter that’s been buried underground, under pressure, for millions of years. It can be burned, making it a fuel source, something that humanity continues to require increasing amounts of. But it wasn’t until the middle 1800s that anyone finally figured out that this could be done to any significant degree with the black stuff that seeped out of the ground in certain places. Gradually petroleum — oil — would come to replace wood, coal and other oils from natural sources as the go-to source to burn for power.

This development happened to conveniently coincide with the invention of the internal-combustion engines that were utilized for the first automobiles as they evolved in Europe and the USA, beginning in the 1880s. And it was gasoline in particular, which is just one of the liquids that can be refined from crude oil, that was the most useful.

The first two autos to be imported to the Hawaiian Islands arrived in 1899, and you would understandably assume that this meant that the suppliers of petroleum-based fuels like kerosene — the most useful at that time — would need to start supplying gasoline soon after. But you’d be wrong, because (perhaps surprisingly) those very early cars didn’t use it. How could that be? Simple - they were electric! That’s not a new technology, as you might think; it’s one of the first that was used for cars.

Obviously, though, it was gasoline power that would soon take over. In those very early days, though, there were no gas stations nor any gas pumps to fill up the tanks of automobiles. Gas was often delivered to retailers in large cans, from which the liquid was poured into smaller containers to eventually end up in cars. This was clearly a slow, cumbersome and inefficient process.

As automobile manufacturing exploded in the United States in the early 1900s, putting it ahead of every other nation’s per capita car ownership, the delivery of gas to individual vehicles was greatly improved with the system we use today: a large tank is installed underground, and electrically-powered pumps pull it up from below ground and then into the machines that use it. With Hawai‘i’s annexation by the USA being finalized in 1900, we naturally followed what was happening throughout the entire country, including automobile ownership and all its related activities.

It might be surprising that the first gas pumps weren’t placed as they are today. Instead, they were placed on sidewalks next to streets, meaning that cars stopped to get gas might be blocking other traffic. It took awhile for the next step to occur, which was to create a dedicated space off the streets for refueling to take place.

By the 1920s in Hawai‘i, the familiar gas station was in use. This was the same as we have today: a space with a building whose roof protects one or two islands on which several gas pumps are installed. The pump hoses and handles can be used for vehicles stopped on either side, which accommodates more cars at one time, and everything is moved safely off the street and away from traffic and pedestrians.

The oil companies that owned the gas stations often wanted two things for their facilities. First, they preferred to use a standardized architectural style that made their brand’s buildings quickly recognizable to motorists, in hopes of creating customer loyalty. This was particularly because, until the 1980s, there were no credit cards that could be used universally for any kind of purchase. Drivers had to carry a different credit card for each specific gas company, making them more likely to seek out a particular brand where they could charge their purchase. And secondly, oil companies also wanted their stations to be somewhat attractive, particularly in residential areas where neighbors might be critical of an industrial-looking structure.

A feature of gas stations for decades were the small colored triangular flags that fluttered from overhead ropes above the properties. In use since at least 1940 for special events, by the 1960s these flags were strung up continuously and were an easy way to spot a station as you approached. 

Into the early 2000s, motorists expected a number of free services to be provided for their cars each time they got gas. First, and most importantly, only employees actually pumped gas. This was partly because the process could be a little grimy and customers did not want to dirty their hands, but also because gasoline was so flammable — and so many people still smoked at that time — that allowing unsupervised handling of the fuel was potentially dangerous. But in addition, windshields were wiped while oil levels were checked under the hood. Tire pressures were confirmed, with air being added if required. As gas prices began to rise abruptly in the 1970s, though, stations began to cut back on such amenities and to gradually shift to self service exclusively.

Possibly the biggest change in the gas station business, however, was the complete abandonment of selling car parts (including batteries and tires) along with actually repairing vehicles. This had been a long-established part of the industry and customers often dropped off their cars for such work at their favorite station. The loss of this service was partly due to the increasing complexity of car engines, but possibly more important was the decision by oil companies to simplify their work - just stick to selling gas and drop all the other stuff. Today, the older station buildings that are still in use have long since repurposed their former service bays into convenience stores, and now gas customers are entirely on their own to fill their own vehicles.

1 Gas map 76 16x9

<title>How Hawai‘i got its gas stations</title>

Strange but true — at one time, horse-drawn carriages delivered supplies of gasoline around O‘ahu, and fuel pumps were often located by the side of the road for motorists running on empty. As gas-powered cars became more common, a new kind of building emerged in the Islands — the gas station. Guess which famous waterman owned one in Waikīkī!

How Hawai‘i got its gas stations

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

Ready to plan your weekend? Aloha State Daily can help! Here are 10 events happening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Friday, Sept. 25"}]

This four-day convention, PhotoCon Hawaiʻi, returns for its seventh year and will take place from Thursday, Sept. 24, through Sunday, Sept. 27 at Capitol Modern. The event features a tech expo where global manufacturing giants debut the latest hardware, lenses, lighting and workflow innovations for the photography industry. The event also includes more than 50 expert speakers leading about 65 workshops, as well as state-of-the-art gear that can be tested in real-world settings. General admission is $150, or $50 for military. 

Watch screenings at this Korean indie film showcase. 

Called Intimate Korea, this showcase of independent films features stories about family, distance between generations, and a rapidly changing world. There will be four feature films and five award-winning shorts showing at Doris Duke Theatre, which is part of the Honolulu Museum of Art. Screenings run from Friday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Sept. Sunday, Sept. 27. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Saturday, Sept. 26"}]

Catch the Aloha Festivals’ 78th Annual Floral Parade. 

Attracting kamaʻāina and tourists, this event features men and women on horseback, showcasing the traditional art of pāʻū riding, while wearing the colors of the different Islands. 

The parade takes place from 9 a.m. until noon. The route starts at Ala Moana Regional Park and travels along Kalākaua Avenue, ending at Kapiʻolani Regional Park. Free. 

 The American Institute of Architects’ quarterly book club will explore “What If We Get it Right?” by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, which takes a hopeful look at climate action. The discussion of the book will be led by  Dr. Kirsten Oleson, professor of ecological economics in the department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs for the discussion, which will take place from 3 p.m to 5 p.m. at Hawaiʻi Nature Center’s Rain Shelter, and register 

Listen to “From Samoa to Sinatra” with Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra. 

Catch this one-night-only performance featuring music from Matt Catingub’s latest album “From Samoa to Sinatra.” The concert celebrates Catingub’s 50 years in the industry and pays homage to his late mother and vocalist, Mavis Rivers, whose voice will be featured as part of the concert. Catingub previously conducted a pops series for the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, which preceded Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra. He will take the stage at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, where he once recorded a live album with Rosemary Clooney. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Sunday, Sept. 27"}]

Participate in the Honolulu Century Ride. 

Grab your bicycle and head to the Honolulu Century Ride. There are 25-mile, 50-mile, 75-mile and 100-mile routes featuring Oʻahu’s South Shore and the Windward Coast. Kalaniana‘ole Hwy will be closed from Hanauma Bay to the entrance of Sandy Beach Park to provide a car-free space for cyclists traveling along the Kaiwi Coast. There will also be aid stations, mechanical help, and members of the Honolulu Police Department to support cyclists along the way. Funds raised will support the Hawaiʻi Bicycling League’s advocacy and education work to make the roads safer. Registration for the full course is $100 for adults, with discounts for youth.  

Looking for an excuse to brunch? Check out Roy’s Hawaiʻi Kai, which recently launched its Sunday brunch, which it previously offered only for special occasions, such as Mother’s Day. 

Head to the Bishop Museum and join nonprofit 

 in celebrating Kāhuli, or endangered Hawaiian land snails. 

“Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals,”

 which wrapped up its world premiere last weekend, included a final movement called “The Kāhuli.” Catch that musical performance brought to life by

Iggy Jang on violin, Megan Conley on harp, and Shawn Conley on bass at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. on the first floor of Hawaiian Hall. There will also be Kāhuli puppet-making opportunities and other activities, plus chances to meet live native snails from the Pūpū Ola: Kāhuli Captive Rearing Research Center. General admission to Bishop Museum is $24.95 for kamaʻāina, with discounts for kūpuna and keiki. Check 

Ocean Music Action’s calendar for other volunteer projects

Catch a book signing and writing workshop. 

Author Tori Eldridge, who graduated from Punahou School in the same class as President Barack Obama, is back on Oʻahu. The Portland-based Kanaka Maoli author will be promoting her recent books “Kauaʻi Storm” and “Hawaiʻi Rage,” which are part of the Ranger Makalani Pahukula Mysteries,

 from 2 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at Native Books as part of an event sponsored by Lōʻihi Arts Foundation. The event includes a discussion of “Kauaʻi Storm” and “Hawaiʻi Rage” as well as a 90-minute interactive writing workshop. Free. 

 market takes place from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu. There will be more than 40 vendors. Free. 

092725 035

<title>Catch Aloha Festivals’ floral parade, films and snails: what to do on Oʻahu</title>

Ready to plan the weekend? From a floral parade featuring the traditional art of pāʻū riding in Waikīkī to a showcase of Korean independent films at the Honolulu Museum of Art, there are lots of events happening on Oʻahu this Friday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Sept. 27.

Catch Aloha Festivals’ floral parade, films and snails: what to do on Oʻahu

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

[{"type":"text","text":"A new omakase featuring “entertainment sushi” is opening in October."}]

 officially opens to the public on Oct. 1, but customers can now make reservations for the new restaurant via 

The new restaurant — not to be confused with Sky Waikīkī — is located on Kalākaua Avenue by Ki Club. It can seat around eight people.

Chef Maki Goto from Kyushu, Japan features “entertainment sushi.” After the Oct. 1 grand opening, the restaurant will offer two different dining experiences.

The casual sushi course ($100 per person) — available at 5 p.m. — features a relaxed sushi course experience without entertainment or show elements. The casual sushi course will include three appetizers, sashimi, eight pieces of nigiri, miso soup and dessert.

The restaurant’s entertainment sushi experience ($150 per person) will officially start in October, according to Goto, and will only be available for the eatery’s 7:30 p.m. omakase seating.

“Our signature sushi experience will feature entertainment and special presentations throughout the course,” she says.

[{"type":"text","text":"The menus for the sushi courses will be different, according to Goto."}]

“The casual course is a simpler, sushi-focused experience without entertainment, while the entertainment omakase includes more dishes, special presentations and a show-style experience,” she explains.

During a recent media preview, we got a first look at the entertainment sushi experience, which included music and interactive elements during some of the featured courses.

Our preview featured dishes like corn potage, toro nigiri, crab chawanmushi with trout roe, and uni topped with a gold leaf.

Nigiri pieces included Hokkaido scallop, shrimp, yellowtail amberjack, zuke akami and washu beef, which featured a torched presentation.

Interactive courses from the media preview included toro and takuan on toast — which was topped with caviar and gold dust — the corn potage, which was served “shot style” with music; and maguro nigiri, which was seared in real-time.

Reservations for Sushi Sky are available on 

; limited customer parking is available in the restaurant’s parking lot.

Seatings at 5 and 7:30 p.m.; reservations are available on OpenTable

Sushi Sky chef 091126

<title>Sushi Sky is a new omakase with an 'entertainment sushi' experience</title>

The new sushi restaurant, located on Kalākaua Avenue, features two dining experiences — a relaxed sushi course (without any entertainment), and a signature sushi experience, which includes music, interactive elements and special presentations. The entertainment sushi course will be offered for the restaurant’s 7:30 p.m. seating.

Sushi Sky is a new omakase with an 'entertainment sushi' experience

Higa headshot white shirt square

Sterling Higa

 in Civil Beat this week about the tune of “Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī.” He learned that the melody served the British and the Germans, and perhaps the French, before it reached Honolulu. He felt some angst about it.

I can’t share the angst. A tune is like a coin. It passes through many hands and is no worse for the trip.

Words are different. Anthem lyrics are where a nation says what it means, and the words of "Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī" pushed out other words. Olin mentions the older anthem twice and moves on. But it’s worth more than a moment. The king’s sister wrote it, and it is the better song.

On Feb. 20, 1875, King Kalākaua stood in Kawaiahaʻo Church, five days home from a trip to America. His 

 was read in Hawaiian and in English. He told his people that idleness had thinned the nation since the days of Kamehameha. The cure, he said, was “material and social progress.” He wanted enough of it that the powerful governments then friendly to Hawaiʻi would think the kingdom worth keeping. The king placed the nation’s safety in its own industry and in the favor of stronger nations.

Then the choir rose and sang the national song, written by Princess Liliʻuokalani nine years before. It places the nation’s safety in the care of God.

Liliʻuokalani wrote the song in 1866 because Kamehameha V wanted a national air of Hawaiʻi’s own in place of “God Save the Queen.” Her 

 is a prayer to the Almighty Father. The most powerful man in the Islands appears in his own anthem as someone who needs looking after.

The English translation sings well, though it hides some of what the Hawaiian chorus says.

We recognize these words from our state motto: 

, commonly translated as “the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.”

That motto was spoken by Kamehameha III in 1843 after the Paulet affair. But Liliʻuokalani turns it from a declaration into a petition.

, in thy enduring righteousness. May the life of the land endure through thy everlasting righteousness. The motto never says whose righteousness it means, but Liliʻuokalani’s chorus does.

Liliʻuokalani’s anthem looks to God for every blessing on the nation. The first constitution, in 1840, said the same in prose: “God must be our aid, for it is His province alone to give perfect protection and prosperity.”

By the time she wrote, that sentence was gone from the law. The constitutions of 1852 and 1864 spoke of a God who gives men their rights and may be freely worshipped. That is good law, but it is not a confession. So for 10 years Liliʻuokalani’s anthem carried the faith that the constitution had dropped. At the opening of a legislature or on the birthday of a king, the kingdom stood and told God that its hope was all in him. It was the last place where the nation still said so with one voice.

Kalākaua wrote his own words in 1874. They were first sung at Kawaiahaʻo on his birthday, the day before he sailed for America. The tune was one the royal bandmaster had arranged two years earlier as a hymn to Kamehameha. For more than a year the kingdom had two songs. In 1876 the king kept 

The reasons for Kalākaua invoking Kamehameha are not hard to find. The legislature had elected him over a beloved queen, and a riot followed. He was not of Kamehameha’s line, and everyone knew it.

A shaky throne wants a song that ties it to something solid, and Kalākaua reached for the great king. But Kamehameha died before the first missionaries landed. He kept the kapu to the end, with Puʻukoholā heiau dedicated with human sacrifice. Kamehameha was a great king, but he is an odd father for a Christian nation to sing to.

Kalākaua’s mele is a different creed from his sister’s. Her song speaks to God about the king. His speaks to the people about the king, and God is not addressed at all. Hers gives the name Father to the Almighty, and his gives it to Kamehameha. She asks for peace from God. The only defense his song names is the spear. The psalmist cautioned against relying on arms for defense: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”

With the old song went the last public words that rested the nation on God. They went at the king’s whim, in favor of his own verses. 

But spears could not defend that king. Eleven years later he signed a constitution at the point of other men’s bayonets. Six years after that the throne fell, and no spear was strong enough to defend it. His sister, a prisoner in her own palace, wrote another hymn, the “Queen’s Prayer.” She asked again for peace from God.

Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī is still sung at ball games and graduations, and with special feeling at sovereignty rallies. Most of us learned it before we could ask what its lyrics said, or what they replaced.

But “He Mele Lāhui Hawaiʻi” is the better song, and Liliʻuokalani’s anthem is still worth hearing.

Liliuokalani i Stock 1701031086 16x9

<title>"Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī" lyrics and history: The Liliʻuokalani anthem that Kalākaua replaced</title>

For 10 years the Hawaiian Kingdom stood and sang a prayer written by the future queen. Then her brother wrote his own song. ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa on the words “Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī” replaced.

"Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī" lyrics and history: The Liliʻuokalani anthem that Kalākaua replaced

Puppet designer Greg Corbino’s hands manipulate the paper until it begins to take a round shape. Suddenly, the paper wrinkles and folds are an elephant’s eye.

Upstairs at the Honolulu Museum of Art School, the Obie Award–winning puppet designer has been building more than 50 puppets, including a nearly life-size elephant and several creatures that call Hawaiʻi home, such as a manta ray and a larger-than-life replica of a kāhuli, a native land snail, for the world premiere of “Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals,” which will have shows on Friday, Sept. 18, and Saturday, Sept. 19, at Hawaiʻi Theatre.

“There's something about this last moment, working with the eye, when you’re using the paper and then you can step away and then you start to feel the soul of the puppet and the animal,” he said. “That's really fun to go from just cutting strips of cardboard and stapling and trying to see it and trying to find it. And then suddenly, you step away and start to say, ʻOh, there it is.’ But really, the most fun part is when these puppets, which right now are just still — when they get in the hands of brilliant puppeteers and on the stage 

 they just come to life. Every time, it takes my breath away.”

“Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals,” which is being presented by nonprofits Ocean Music Action and Hawaiʻi Theatre, is based on the famous suite, “The Carnival of the Animals,” by Camille Saint-Saëns, which was composed more than 100 years ago and consists of 14 short movements, often paired with dance, which feature animals. "Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals,” composed by Stephanie Ann Boyd, puts the spotlight on endangered animals, with live music from six musicians; dancers from Ballet Hawaiʻi and Dance Heginbotham; the voice of actor 

, who will narrate the experience and recite 

poetry about endangered animals written by keiki

Tickets start at $30. Use the code 'MALAMA20' at checkout for a 20% discount. 

Corbino’s fascination with puppets started in preschool when his teacher gave him one as a gift.

“I just got so interested in making stuff,” he said, as he crinkles up paper. “I remember my dad made me a puppet stage, and I was just always making puppets and putting on shows.”

After the Covid-19 pandemic, it was a creative outlet he returned to again. He made a giant 16-foot humpback whale, made entirely out of plastic bags and other debris he collected from the ocean. That was the start of falling back in love with making puppets, he said.

This year, he became a full-time puppet designer.

When the New York-based designer flew to Hawaiʻi, he said he brought tools, but used cardboard and paper that had been sourced locally.

“Oh my gosh,” said Megan Conley, president and founder of Ocean Music Action, when she opened the door of the studio and saw the frames of the elephant, turtle, polar bears, shark and more.  

Corbino was demonstrating how a spring in the elephant’s trunk would move during the performances.

“He's an engineer, as well as an artist,” Conley said. “Puppetry is not something most of us are familiar with. … It's imaginative and creative and artistic. But then also, [it’s] the reality of ʻHow is this going to move?’ And the engineering behind it. It’s just so special and emotionally compelling.”

Also significant is that these puppets are made almost entirely out of recyclable materials. 

“What they said was all of the cardboard — everything in this room — wasn't going to be recycled on island,” Conley said. “It was going to be shipped back to the Mainland. And then who knows? It's not just recycled material. It's material that was bound for a cargo ship. … Just saving those resources and instead creating beautiful art with it — it's just so beautiful.”

As part of his visit to Hawaiʻi, Corbino held a workshop at East-West Center, where community members of all ages could try their hand at puppet design.

“We made Hawksbill sea turtles,” he said.

Leading up to the performances, Conley has been leading community action events through Ocean Music Action, which is focused on connecting music and conservation. Several 

 remain, including Kāhuli Celebration Day at Bishop Museum on Sunday, Sept. 27. 

Conley hopes the show helps “shift the culture,” she said.

“We have the world that we live in, and our role as artists is to paint this beautiful tomorrow,” she said. “How can it be different and better for animals? Like the beautiful animals that he is creating, but it's really for all of us. And in Hawaiʻi, culturally, there's that understanding of the reciprocity — the reciprocal relationship we have with nature.”

Workshop

<title>Puppet designer puts spotlight on conservation</title>

Artist Greg Corbino brings to life a manta ray and a larger-than-life native land snail, along with other creatures who call Hawaiʻi home as part of the world premiere of “Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals” this weekend. The production combines music, dance and puppets to tell the stories of the world’s disappearing animals.

Puppet designer puts spotlight on conservation

Business & Tourism

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.

Pritchett Cartoon: Trojan Panda

John Pritchett

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Pritchett Cartoon: Trojan Panda

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