Stephanie Salmons
Business, tourism and the economy are all important facets of life in the Islands, but nothing can happen on those beats without people. I love telling the stories of your friends and neighbors, your coworkers and leaders, people who are making the decisions that affect your life and cool people who are doing cool things. Like most reporters, I'm nosy. I like to know about people — what they're doing and why, what makes them tick, etc.
At Aloha State Daily, I'm excited to be a small part of building something awesome from the ground up. And I believe in our mission! Regardless of where you live, the role of local news doesn't change — it's important in keeping our communities informed about the things that impact our daily lives and holding people in positions of power accountable. Not to mention, Hawaii has a lot of awesome stories to tell and I'm beyond grateful and excited to be able to share them.
Originally from Kentucky, I've lived in Hawaii for almost seven years now - including 3.5 years in Hilo on Hawaii Island and another three years in Honolulu. I now live in Honolulu with my husband, who was born and raised here.
A lifelong writer and storyteller, I graduated from Murray State University with a degree in print journalism in 2007 and have spent the better part of the past 17 years working as a reporter. For most of my career, I've worked at community-focused papers in North Carolina, Kentucky and Hawaii, covering communities big, small and in between, telling stories important to the people who live there. That's a big reason why I'm so passionate about community journalism and the role of hyperlocal news within the places we live, work and play.
Latest from Stephanie Salmons
Hale Haukani opens at UH Mānoa
You'll find the $170 million student housing complex on the mauka side of Dole Street between the East-West Center and Mānoa stream.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 20, 2025
Made in Hawai‘i Festival draws nearly 70K attendees
The three-day event began Friday, Aug. 15, and ran through the weekend.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 18, 2025
Annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival welcomes shoppers
The three-day event began Friday and continues through the weekend. Aloha State Daily spoke with a handful of the small business owners who set up shop.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 16, 2025
Commuters take note: Rail construction will lead to extended lane closures
Closures are planned on Nimitz Highway and Iwilei Road as part of the Skyline rail's City Center Guideway and Stations project.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 15, 2025
HART breaks ground on next phase of Honolulu rail project
A blessing and groundbreaking ceremony was held Aug. 11 at the future site of the Ka‘ākaukukui, or Civic Center, station in Kaka‘ako for the next phase of the project, the city center guideway and stations.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 15, 2025
Need to find your way around the airport? There's an app for that
Apps for the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu and the Līhu‘e Airport on Kaua‘i provide travelers a new tool to help navigate the airports and find more information.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 15, 2025
Hotel Molokai sold
The property was acquired for an undisclosed price in a sale that closed Aug. 6.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 14, 2025
Canadian restaurant chain set to open its first Hawai‘i location
Earls Kitchen + Bar will open in Waikīkī in October. In the meantime, the restaurant is looking to fill a lot of jobs.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 13, 2025
Hawai‘i County seeks bids for renovations of former Hilo hospital
The century-old former Hilo Memorial Hospital needs a new roof, among other improvements, to prepare for improved services for the homeless.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 13, 2025
Conservation easement protects 74 acres of Hilo farmland
The Pu‘u‘eo Mauka conservation easement protects about 74.3 acres of land along the Wailuku River and Rainbow Falls that the Keolanui family, co-founders of O.K Farms, have cared for and stewarded for more than 20 years.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 11, 2025
Entrepreneurship and Hawai‘i Pacific University
As Amy Nguyen-Chyung settles into her new job as dean of Hawai‘i Pacific University's College of Business, HPU also is working to support innovation and entrepreneurship across its campus thanks in part to a recent gift from philanthropist and entrepreneur John Scarpa. Aloha State Daily recently spoke with Nguyen-Chyung about her new role, entrepreneurship in Hawai‘i and the new entrepreneurial pathway.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 11, 2025
Restauranteurs talk rebuilding and expanding two years after Maui wildfires
Qiana and Michele Di Bari are the restauranteurs behind Sale Pepe Pizzeria e Cucina, which was lost in the 2023 wildfires and reopened earlier this year, returning to Lahaina. They also recently opened Via! by Sale Pepe, a "fast casual twist" to the Italian flavors made popular at its sister restaurant. Aloha State Daily recently spoke with the Di Baris ahead of the second anniversary of the fire to talk about their experience during the tragedy, their rebuilding — and their newest endeavor.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 08, 2025
Another public-private partnership for UH aims to expand student housing in Hilo
Aloha State Daily recently spoke with a University of Hawai‘i administrator about the university's newest P3 project that has UH working with a not-for-profit organization that will manage and redevelop the Hale Kāwili Apartments, a complex adjacent to the UH-Hilo campus.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 06, 2025
BIA Hawai‘i aims to build Maui's construction workforce
PACT is a full-time workforce development program for people who are new to the construction industry.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 06, 2025
Kā‘anapali evacuation order lifted
No brush fire size estimates or other details were available as of an update from the Maui Emergency Management Agency at 1:55 p.m.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 05, 2025
Tickets on sale for Made in Hawai‘i Festival
Set for Aug. 15 to 17 at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, the festival will showcase more than 700 local artisans, makers and entrepreneurs, and offer shoppers thousands of locally made products.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 04, 2025
Airlines talk flight impacts during tsunami threat
Evacuation orders on July 29 snarled traffic in Honolulu and some fliers were grounded — along with the planes — at the state's airports as flights were canceled.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 02, 2025
Honolulu continues affordable housing push
The City and County of Honolulu this week selected a "preferred negotiating partner" for the redevelopment of 436 Ena Road into long-term affordable rentals.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 01, 2025
Alaska Air Group names Honolulu leadership team
The newly announced leadership team will oversee Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines combined operations in Hawai‘i — once the carriers receive a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 01, 2025
Hawai‘i County launches loan program for home improvements
The goal is to help families "repair, improve or modernize the homes they personally occupy as their primary residence," the county said this week.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 31, 2025
Parking lot repaving will close Hanauma Bay for two weeks
More than 400,000 people visited Hanauma Bay in 2024, with daily attendance around 1,400, according to the City & County of Honolulu's Department of Parks and Recreation.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 30, 2025
Waikīkī timeshare hits major development milestone
Developers last week topped off Ka Haku, a Hilton Club, a new timeshare property under construction by Hilton Grand Vacations.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 29, 2025
Take a look at the 'Best in Hawai‘i Architecture'
AIA Honolulu's 67th annual Design Awards, which took place last week, recognize excellence in architectural design.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 29, 2025
Honolulu selects preferred partner for redevelopment of Waikīkī property
The City and County of Honolulu, which acquired the property at 1615 Ala Wai Blvd. through condemnation in January 2024, is demolishing an existing, long-vacant building to make way for a future affordable housing development. Demolition began earlier this month.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 25, 2025
What's happening with Hawaiian Airlines' loyalty program
A combined loyalty program for Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines will launch next month. Here's what you should know.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 24, 2025
Leasing underway for new affordable senior rentals in ‘Aiea
Located on the former site of the ‘Aiea Sugar Mill at 99-385 Pōhai Place, ground broke on the project in the fall of 2023. Residents are expected to begin moving in next month.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 24, 2025
Home building and remodeling expo returns Aug. 8-10
The Building Industry Association of Hawai‘i's three-day expo will have booths from top local builders, remodelers, suppliers and designers; hands-on exhibits and live demonstrations; seminars and more.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 24, 2025
For sale: oceanfront home in Lanikai is on the market for $16 million
Located at 958 Mokulua Dr., the property has 7,000 square feet of interior living space, five ensuite bedrooms and four full- and one half-baths.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 23, 2025
Aurum Maui opens in Wailea
At the helm of the restaurant, which opened July 19, are Maui locals and husband-and-wife team Taylor and Natasha Ponte.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 22, 2025
State to hold first hiring event on a military base
The July 22 event, hosted by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, will focus on helping military spouses connect with employment opportunities.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 22, 2025
The latest from Hōkūli‘a, a private residential community and 'agrihood' on the Kona Coast
Hōkūli‘a is a private, low-density residential community situated on more than 1,200 acres in Kealakekua.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 22, 2025
Falls of Clyde to be removed from Honolulu Harbor
The 146-year-old vessel has been docked at the harbor for years and was impounded in 2016. Here's the fate that awaits the ship.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 19, 2025
Archway planned for Honolulu's Chinatown
The effort is being spearheaded by L&L Hawaiian Barbecue co-founder Eddie Flores, who also serves as the chairman of A Better Chinatown Association, a nonprofit leading fundraising for the project.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 18, 2025
New Hawai‘i insurance commissioner is a familiar name
Scott Saiki, a former longtime lawmaker who served as speaker of the House from 2017 to 2024, has been tapped for the role.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 17, 2025
Waikīkī hotel hits the market
‘Ewa Hotel Waikīkī is located on 15,000 square feet of leasehold land at 2555 Cartwright Road.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 17, 2025
Hawai‘i County to open waitlist for Section 8 voucher program
Applications will be accepted beginning at 9 a.m. Aug. 1 and the wait list will remain open until further notice
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 16, 2025
Ongoing auction will benefit Kāne‘ohe nonprofit
The fundraiser for Habilitat is happening now and open through 6 p.m. Aug. 1.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 16, 2025
Peter Dames: 'Servco’s strength has always been adaptability'
Aloha State Daily recently caught up with Dames, who became president and CEO of Servco Pacific Inc. in late 2023, to talk about his leadership role, the challenges the company currently faces, what's on the horizon — and more.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 15, 2025
What's up with LongHorn Steakhouse?
A sign in Honolulu's Ala Moana neighborhood has been announcing for a while now that the restaurant is coming soon — but how soon? Aloha State Daily was curious, so we asked.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 15, 2025
Hawai‘i Leadership Forum expands its Leaders Lab to Neighbor Islands
The immersive one-day labs will be held Oct. 28 on Kaua‘i; Nov. 7 on Maui; and Dec. 3, on Hawai‘i Island. You have until noon Friday, Aug. 1, to apply.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 14, 2025
New law expands resources for homeless youth
Legislation signed this week by Gov. Josh Green establishes a Safe Spaces for Youth program within the Office of Youth Services for those experiencing, or at the risk of, homelessness.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 12, 2025
Honolulu to open waitlist for Section 8 voucher program
Pre-applications received next week will be randomized and 3,000 will be selected through a lottery and placed on the waiting list.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 11, 2025
Fee simple Whitmore Village condo on the market for $275K
Located at 1016 Ehoeho Ave. #208, the 664-square-foot unit is ideal for a first-time homebuyer says the listing agent, who also happens to own the property.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 11, 2025
Demolition of abandoned Waikīkī apartment begins
The work clears the way for a future affordable housing project on land owned by the City and County of Honolulu.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 11, 2025
DPP to launch new permitting software Aug. 4
Officials with the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting say the new system will bring "greater consistency, transparency, and efficiency to the way the public interacts with the department."
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 10, 2025
Business mākeke in Hilo set for Saturday
Presented by Hawai‘i County's Department of Research and Development, the event features a lineup of 60 vendors.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 10, 2025
New law aims to stabilize Hawai‘i's insurance market
"This bill is here because it has become increasingly clear that our housing market was unstable," Gov. Josh Green said during a bill signing at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol on Monday, July 7. Aloha State Daily also spoke to insurance officials and real estate leaders to see what this means for residents and the real estate market.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 09, 2025
Honolulu selects partner for Iwilei-Kapālama planning effort
Last month, the city issued a request for proposal seeking a multidisciplinary planning and development team to prepare a transit-oriented development plan called "Transforming Iwilei-Kapālama: Connecting People and Places."
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 08, 2025
Royal Hawaiian Center's Sam Shenkus recognized
Shenkus recently received the 2025 ICSC Trustees' Distinguished Service Award, the highest volunteer recognition from the International Council of Shopping Centers. Aloha State Daily recently spoke with Shenkus about her award, career and community service.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 07, 2025
Honolulu's small business incubator recently launched in West O‘ahu
The 13-week Idea2Biz program, offered by the City and County of Honolulu's Office of Economic Revitalization, kicked off June 17 with 20 aspiring entrepreneurs from the Wai‘anae Coast.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 04, 2025
Young Brothers president steps down, new interim president named
Jeremiah “Jay” Ana has led the company since 2020 and will take on an advisory role through the end of the year. Frank Almaraz, pictured, has been appointed interim president.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 04, 2025
Romer House Waikīkī set to launch Après Surf
The hotel says the new community surf club — hosted by pro surfers Meg Godinez and Makoa Kaleiki Ho — is inspired by the "spirit of après ski culture," or the social activities after a day of skiing.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 02, 2025
CNHA assumes operation of Bishop Museum gift shop
With the move comes plans to refresh the space under a new name and showcase Hawai‘i-made and designed projects, the organizations recently announced.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 01, 2025
A look at Kohanaiki, a private club and residential community on Hawai‘i Island's Kona Coast
Aloha State Daily recently spoke with Carrie Nicholson, the principal broker and vice president of sales and marketing for Kohanaiki Realty, about the 450-acre development and what's available.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 01, 2025
Ala Moana parcel listed for sale
Located across from Ala Moana Center at 1646 Kapi‘olani Blvd., the property is about 32,805 square feet and ripe for redevelopment.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 28, 2025
Owner-occupant sales set to start for luxury condominium in Ala Moana
Muse Honolulu will launch the sales through a public lottery next month. Applications for the lottery opened June 21 and the deadline to apply is next Wednesday. The lottery itself will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 9.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 27, 2025
Tantalus home that once belonged to Richard Chamberlain on the market for $8 million
Perched above Honolulu, you'll find the 1.8-acre property at 3711 Round Top Drive.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 27, 2025
For sale: A pink penthouse in Waikīkī's Hale Moani
Thinking pink? This penthouse condo might be for you. The fee simple property hit the market earlier this month with a $340,000 asking price.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 26, 2025
Movers and Shakas helps new transplants and returning kama‘āina learn about Hawai‘i
The nonprofit got its start early in the Covid-19 pandemic, initially aiming to bring remote workers from the Mainland. Now, its Hawai‘i Talent Onboarding Program offers a six-week acculturation program that introduces business leaders and executives who have recently relocated or returned to the Islands to Hawai‘i's culture, history and community.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 26, 2025
Deadline extended for New Aloha Stadium negotiations
The demolition of the existing Aloha Stadium is still expected to commence by the end of August.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 25, 2025
Items that once belonged to Abigail Kawānanakoa available at auction
You'll find furniture, artwork, leather goods, rugs, carved wooden bowls and chairs, saddles and other riding gear, and more available in the sale, hosted by O‘ahu Auctions.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 24, 2025
Keiki still carrying a 'heavy emotional burden' after 2023 wildfires
A new report by the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization highlights the latest findings from the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study. For the first time, researchers have looked at the impact of the 2023 wildfires on children. Mental health specialist Christopher Knightsbridge, who works with children and adults in Lahaina, says the numbers found in the study are likely even higher.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 24, 2025
Eddie Flores Jr. on 'Franchising the American Dream'
The businessman and entrepreneur has just published his latest book, "Franchising the American Dream." He'll hold a book signing and discussion at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at Barnes & Noble in Ala Moana Center.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 21, 2025
Skunk captured in Kaka‘ako
Its origin is unknown but the state Department of Agriculture says that Kaka‘ako Water Front Park where it was found is adjacent to Honolulu Harbor, where skunks — apparently hitching a ride on cargo ships — have been captured in the past.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 20, 2025
Meet the husband-wife team at Aurum Maui
Natasha and Taylor Ponte are looking to strike gold with the new restaurant venture.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 19, 2025
Hawai‘i a pickleball hotspot
A recent study conducted by PodPlay Pickleball Business Guide found that the state has the third highest density of pickleball courts in the U.S. Vermont and Maine are the only two states to offer more.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 19, 2025
Hawai‘i Farm Project expands executive leadership team
Julie Strong has been named to a newly created role, while Edgar Cordero is now the general manager of one of the company's most notable brands.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 18, 2025
The Park on Ke‘eaumoku expected to welcome first residents in September
Aloha State Daily recently caught up with the developer to see how the $500 million-plus mixed-use project is progressing.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 17, 2025
Visitor rescued after fall in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Park officials say the 30-year-old Boston man told search-and-rescue rangers that he wanted a closer look at the Kīlauea eruption.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 14, 2025
New model homes to open Saturday at ‘Ewa Beach resort
Starting June 14, you can tour new model homes at Kekainani, a collection of 32 luxury, oceanfront residences within Hoakalei Resort.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 13, 2025
City seeks developer for Kapolei property
The city issued a request for qualifications, seeking a partner to redevelop underused, city-owned land located along Kapolei Parkway between Wakea Street and Kamokila Boulevard.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 13, 2025
Oceanfront estate in Makapu‘u is on the market for $24.9 million
The compound offers seclusion, views of the ocean and the Ko‘olau mountains — along with plenty of space for your family and friends.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 12, 2025
Why these business owners wanted to work with Mana Up
Aloha State Daily attended the June 10 launch of the business accelerator's Cohort 10 and spoke to a few of the participating small business owners.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 12, 2025
JL Capital acquires an ownership stake in Tournet Hawai‘i
Find out what the move means for the real estate and private equity firm in the short- and long-term.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 11, 2025
DOE breaks ground on $60M gym, music building at Farrington High School
It's just the second of a nine-phase, long-term modernization project. The first phase was completed in 2017.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 11, 2025
Luxury Waikīkī hotel unveils $82M renovation
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach, which opened in 2016, has refreshed the guest rooms in its ‘Ewa Tower, front desk and both infinity pools; recently debuted The Ritz-Carlton Suite Collection on its highest floors, and has introduced a a new dining concept.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 10, 2025
Honolulu takes next step in Iwilei-Kapālama redevelopment
The city has put out a request for proposals to find a multidisciplinary planning and development team to prepare a transit-oriented development plan dubbed "Transforming Iwilei-Kapālama: Connecting People and Places."
Stephanie SalmonsJune 09, 2025
Snakes (hopefully not) on a plane
The brown tree snake remains the top invasive species threat to Hawai‘i. The introduction of the reptile to the Islands would be an "ecological disaster," agriculture officials say, and last year they conducted nearly 1,500 inspections of planes and ships arriving from Guam, where the snake is especially prevalent.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 07, 2025
What happens when illegal animals, invasive stowaways are found in Hawai‘i
State agricultural inspectors recently found a ball python in a Kaimukī back yard. That got us wondering, what happens next?
Stephanie SalmonsJune 06, 2025
High-low: Homes for sale in Launani Valley
ASD looks at the highest- and lowest-priced properties actively listed in the Central O‘ahu neighborhood, a condo and a single-family home, both priced at under $1 million.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 06, 2025
Mana Up's Meli James says small businesses are the 'core and backbone' of Hawai‘i
James, who co-founded the business accelerator and venture fund with Brittany Heyd, tells ASD more about the role small businesses play in Hawai‘i, the challenges they face, what more can be done to support the state's entrepreneurs and the lessons she's learned since starting Mana Up.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 05, 2025
Mana Up announces newest cohort
These 10 businesses will go through a six-month accelerator program focused on helping them scale their business.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 05, 2025
Zippy's Restaurants is using technology to bring kama‘āina home
The local favorite's new tech developments are creating jobs for kama‘āina to return to the Islands.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 05, 2025
Snake captured in Kaimukī
According to the state Department of Agriculture, inspectors noted the snake was very docile, likely making it an escaped pet.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 04, 2025
Hotel legends launch high-powered hospitality group
Elliot Mills and Jerry Gibson have spent decades working in Hawai‘i's hospitality sector, leading some of the state's largest hospitality operations. They've now teamed up to launch Hawai‘i Hospitality Group, a new asset management firm.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 04, 2025
Historic tour boat Vida Mia delivers Old Hawai‘i charm
Aloha State Daily joined a coffee cruise May 30, where we spoke with Brynn Rovito, owner of the nearly 100-year-old classic motor yacht about its history — and how business is going nearly five years after she acquired the boat.
Stephanie SalmonsJune 03, 2025
Ala Moana project will transform former office building into affordable rentals
The development is located just a short distance away from Ala Moana Center and near the planned Ala Moana rail station.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 31, 2025
Outreach team provides medical, social services to homeless in Waikīkī
The joint effort includes members of the Waikīkī Business Improvement District and its Safe and Sound Waikīkī program, the Institute for Human Services, Waikīkī Health and other business partners. They walk Waikīkī every Wednesday, meeting people where they're at. This week, ASD tagged along to see their work firsthand.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 30, 2025
Hā‘ena home once owned by Julia Roberts hits the market
Limahuli Ocean Estate sits on 8.29 acres at "the end of the road" in Hā‘ena, on Kaua‘i's North Shore.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 29, 2025
Neighborhood Board election results are in
There were 14,031 votes cast in the election, which began in April and ended earlier this month.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 29, 2025
Kīlauea eruption, long weekend leads to big crowds and traffic jams
The most recent episode of the ongoing eruption drew thousands of visitors to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park over the weekend.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 28, 2025
Active home inventory up in April
Trevor Benn, president of the Honolulu Board of Realtors and president and owner of Forward Realty, says O'ahu's condo market has about 6.8 months of inventory while the single-family home market has about 3.5 months of inventory — the norm is about two months.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 28, 2025
Pedestrian bridge crossing Ala Moana Boulevard in Kaka‘ako is now open
The $17.8 million elevated walkway, located between Ward Avenue and Kamake‘e Street, opened May 22, a little more than three years after construction on it started.
Stephanie SalmonsMay 24, 2025