Kam Napier Headshot

A. Kam Napier

Columnists

Business & Tourism

You might be toasting the New Year around this time, so let’s dive into the intoxicating statistics one can find at … the 

Booze is a billion-dollar business on O‘ahu, literally. From 2015 to 2021, annual gross liquor 

 reported to the City & County of Honolulu averaged $1.2 billion.

The liquor commission has been busy. In the fiscal year running from 

The commission doesn’t just grant licenses and inspect bars. It’s also a workforce development center providing training to servers to qualify to dispense alcohol. Throughout the fiscal year, 6,646 people registered for virtual server training classes, while 188 registered for in-person training. Almost 4,800 of these people went on to take their test, most of whom passed.

It might surprise you to know that when it comes to new liquor licenses, the commission is not terribly busy with bars and restaurants. Its single most active category was actually for special permits. These are good for up to three days and are needed by any organization holding an event that serves alcohol. The commission received 667 such applications from the nonprofit sector, followed by 251 applications from for-profit business.

For regular liquor licenses, there were 101 applications from caterers, 43 from restaurants and 16 from dispensers — the technical name for a bar.

There were also 53 applications for transient vessel licenses. Under 

, even a vessel that’s simply passing through the Islands must get a license to sell alcohol while in port here.

Entire categories of establishments saw little to no activity from 2024 to 2025. For example:

The word cabaret always makes me think of well-dressed people out somewhere swanky, with a stylish floor show. However, the reality is that, as defined by law in Honolulu, a cabaret is really just a disco or nightclub with a dance floor and which stays open until 4 a.m., or a strip joint.

What kind of license does Honolulu need to make 

 nightclub happen? That's what I'd like to know.

A. Kam Napier is editor in chief of Aloha State Daily. His opinions in Pipikaula Corner are his own and not reflective of the ASD team.

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<title>Pipikaula Corner: Honolulu drinking, by the numbers</title>

Honolulu Liquor Commission data details a billion-dollar business.

Pipikaula Corner: Honolulu drinking, by the numbers

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

At Aloha State Daily, the Aloha Spirit beat was created to highlight giving back. In our first year, we took time to meet with those who are making a positive difference in the Islands, whether as a nonprofit or church leader or committed volunteer, and share their stories. A few volunteer profiles that stood out were 

Ranked by page views, here are the top 15 Aloha Spirit stories for 2025.

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<title>Top 15 Aloha Spirit stories from 2025</title>

Here are the most-read Aloha Spirit stories for 2025 ranked by page views. This year, local leaders envisioned new community spaces; individuals offered support to local families and organizations via GoFundMe; a longtime cultural exchange welcomed four orphans from Osaka, Japan, to O’ahu for two weeks; and more.

Daniel Farr Headshot

Daniel Farr

Government & Politics

Kaua‘i’s first battery-electric buses will hit the road Monday as the county launches new express routes connecting Anahola and Waimea, cutting travel times and expanding public transportation access across the island.

The Kaua‘i Bus will begin operating the new 900 and 950 routes on Jan. 5, providing weekday service between Anahola and the Waimea Athletic Field, with stops at key destinations including Līhu‘e Airport in both directions.

The launch marks the first time battery-electric buses will be used in Kaua‘i’s public transit system. The four buses were purchased through a combination of federal and local funding, including support from the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Vehicle Program.

The Kaua‘i Transportation Agency told Aloha State Daily that each of the four electric buses cost $1.2 million, for a total investment of $4.8 million.

“We are excited to introduce the new 900/950 routes and highlight our commitment to a cleaner, greener Kaua‘i,” Mayor Derek Kawakami said in a statement. “The addition of electric buses represents a meaningful investment in sustainable infrastructure and the health and well-being of our island community.”

According to the agency, Route 900 will depart Anahola beginning at 5:20 a.m. and operate every four hours through 5:20 p.m., with the final stop at the Waimea Athletic Field at 6:50 p.m. Route 950 will run in the opposite direction, departing the Waimea Athletic Field starting at 7:10 a.m. and operating every four hours through 7:10 p.m., arriving in Anahola at 8:41 p.m. Both routes will operate Monday through Friday.

Transportation officials said the new routes are designed as more direct, express-style service with selected stops, improving frequency and reliability along the Anahola–Waimea corridor compared with existing bus service.

The agency said the routes are expected to reduce travel time by approximately 30 minutes for riders traveling between Anahola and Waimea. Key stops will serve areas near high schools, Līhu‘e Airport and major transit hubs such as Kapa‘a Skate Park and Kukui Grove, allowing riders to transfer to other bus lines.

For more information about the new routes, riders can contact The Kaua‘i Bus at 808-246-8110 or email 

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<title>Electric buses, new express routes debut Monday on Kaua‘i</title>

The county debuts its first battery-electric buses alongside new express routes connecting Anahola and Waimea.

Electric buses, new express routes debut Monday on Kaua‘i

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Welcome the new year with savings — and a lucky bag or two.

Meaning “lucky bag,” Fukubukuro is Japanese New Year custom where shops and merchants offer mystery bags at discounted prices.

Here are a few malls and retailers participating in 

AMC Fukubukuro2026 Lifestyle Images 8

<title>Where to go for Fukubukuro this year</title>

Meaning “lucky bag,” Fukubukuro is Japanese New Year custom where shops and merchants offer mystery bags at discounted prices. Here are a few places to check out.

Where to go for Fukubukuro this year

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

ahu — a variety of local favorites and international chain eateries are expected to open in 2026.

[{"type":"text","text":"Here’s what’s on our radar:"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Alan Wong’s"}]

 Alan Wong’s first opened its King Street location in 1995

 and the restaurant closed in November 2020, after 25 years of operation. The 

 will be opening in the former space of Hoku’s At The Kāhala and will highlight a curated selection of signature dishes from the King Street restaurant. 

 will be its sixth location. This store is unique in that it will offer cakes and an expanded drink menu. 

: Soft opening soon; grand opening in January 2026

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Chick-fil-A"}]

: Located near Hawaiʻi Convention Center, 

 will not include a drive-thru, but will still offer ample dining space. 

: The popular café will offer bagels, grab-and-go coffee and more. The 

second location will be on level 1 of Building A

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Jalapenos 808"}]

: Paina Lanai Food Court, Royal Hawaiian Center, 

 is known for its authentic Mexican food and offers burritos, tacos, quesadillas and more. 

: Liliha Bakery will open its sixth location in Waikīkī Beach Walk (former space of The Blue Fish Waikiki). The beloved Hawaii restaurant is known for its signature Coco Puffs and nostalgic charm. 

: Located on the ground floor of The Park on Ke

eaumoku, this food hall will include renowned vendors like FEAST by Jon Matsubara, Middle Eats, Soul Chicken, Serg’s Mexican Kitchen and more. 

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

: Founded in China, Molly Tea offers a modern take on traditional tea culture. It’s recognized as the first freshly made tea brand dedicated to floral aromas. The Ala Moana Center store will be the brand’s first location in Hawaii. 

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

: The hand roll bar’s original location is in Ward Village. Its sushi hand rolls are known for their crisp nori and Koshihikari rice. It will be opening on Kūhio Avenue in the former space of Ice Monster. 

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

: Paris Baguette, a popular café that originated in South Korea, will be opening its third O

parisbaguette.com/location-list/hi/Honolulu

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

: The fast-casual eatery, known for its teppanyaki dishes, just opened its first Hawaiʻi location in Moanalua Shopping Center. The eatery will be opening locations in Kapahulu and Waikiki (at Hyatt Centric Waikīkī). 

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

: 1199 Dillingham Blvd. No. C104, Honolulu 

: The café will offer coffee, banh mi and more. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Sonic Drive-In – Kapolei"}]

: Corner of Fort Barrette Road and Kapolei Parkway 

ahu Sonic Drive-In will feature the classic drive-in, roller skating servers, and Sonic’s iconic menu, including burgers, hot dogs and shakes.

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

: Known for its brunch — with dishes like souffle pancakes — Westman Café + Lounge closed its location at Waikīkī Beach Walk in early 2024 and will be opening its new location soon at Ward Village. 

Restaurants in 2026 Paris Baguette 122925

<title>New restaurants opening on Oʻahu in 2026</title>

From the return of Alan Wong’s to Liliha Bakery’s sixth location, here’s a look at O‘ahu’s dining scene in 2026.

New restaurants opening on Oʻahu in 2026

[{"type":"text","text":"There’s a new all-you-can-eat sushi spot in Honolulu."}]

Sumo AYCE Sushi recently opened in Azure Ala Moana. It’s located in the former space of Debu (the new restaurant sign isn't up yet). The all-you-can-eat experience costs $26.95 per person during lunch (Mondays to Thursdays) and $36.95 for the all-day menu.

The eatery is originally from Las Vegas; this is its first Hawai

i store. Since it’s in its soft opening, only walk-ins are accepted (no reservations).

The restaurant is currently open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last seating at 9 p.m.; last call for the kitchen is at 9:45 p.m.). There’s a 90-minute time limit for the all-you-can-eat experience. If customers leave leftover rice, they will be charged.

Customers also have the option to order a la carte, if they don’t feel like doing AYCE. All members of the same dining party must choose the same experience (either all-you-can-eat or a la carte). 

The menu features a variety of nigiri, appetizers, sushi rolls and all-day specials like salmon carpaccio, lobster garlic bread, poke nachos and more.

On the AYCE menu, certain dishes — like uni nigiri, ama ebi nigiri and salmon cut center steak — can only be ordered once.

Recommended appetizers include KFC — Korean fried chicken with Korean sweet and spicy sauce — chicken karaage and crispy rice. The latter features crispy rice topped with spicy tuna, jalapeno, garlic ponzu, spicy mayo and eel sauce.

Popular nigiri so far include seared salmon and yuzu yellowtail nigiri. Classic nigiri options include tuna, shrimp, yellowtail and more.

Choose from unique options like corn cheese garlic bread, bulgogi garlic bread and lobster garlic bread. The latter features soft garlic bread topped with crab, lobster, mozzarella cheese, eel sauce, spicy mayo and scallions.

While filling up on carbs is not usually recommended for AYCE experiences, these breads are trying at least once and are easy to share.

Customers can choose from a variety of four-piece and eight-piece sushi rolls; there are more than 40 options. Popular options include the Chanel roll (shrimp tempura, spicy crab and avocado topped with tuna and salmon); Lisa Lisa roll (shrimp tempura, avocado, crab and cream cheese topped with tempura crunch and eel sauce); and the lemon salmon roll (crab and avocado topped with salmon, lemon and ponzu).

End with desserts like honeydew or ube Melona bars, or vanilla mochi ice cream.

Customer parking is available at Azure Ala Moana; look for the designated retail parking stalls within the structure.

Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last seating at 9 p.m.)

Sumo AYCE Sushi dinner spread 122925

<title>New all-you-can-eat sushi spot opens in Honolulu</title>

Sumo AYCE Sushi just opened in Azure Ala Moana. The eatery — originally from Las Vegas — offers an extensive all-you-can-eat menu, along with an a la carte menu.

New all-you-can-eat sushi spot opens in Honolulu

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Michael Brestovansky

Crime & Courts

DLNR patrols to prevent illicit Christmas tree bonfires at Kāne‘ohe Bay over the holiday

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Don't burn your Christmas trees at the beach, DLNR warns

Darrel Goo and Cy Tamura face federal charges over nearly a decade of illegally transporting fireworks into the state.

Courtfed

Two Big Island men arrested over firework smuggling scheme

Automaker settles with 48 states for $150 million.

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Hawai‘i gets $260,000 in Mercedes-Benz emissions fraud lawsuit

From student admissions policies to gun control laws, these are some of the biggest Hawai‘i court cases continuing into next year.

Six court cases to watch in 2026

Police have indicated that speed, alcohol and/or drugs, and reckless driving are believed to be contributing factors to the fatal crash on Saddle Road on Christmas Eve.

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Governor, Hilo community mourns death of emergency room doctor

Gregory Glaser is wanted for the 2010 suspected murder of Amber Jackson in Kapa‘a

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Suspect identified in 15-year-old Kaua‘i murder case

State lawsuit against PayPal over unfair and deceptive practices settled for $6 million.

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PayPal pays up

Mother and son Dorothy and Bryson Mahoe have both been sentenced for their roles in abusing four children over seven years.

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‘Aiea man gets 20 years for child sex assault

Christian Latimore, 37, was shot and killed after a standoff on his boat in Ke‘ehi Boat Harbor.

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Lethal force justified in June Sand Island shooting

Class-action settlement means eligible drivers could receive up to $4,500 if their car was stolen this year.

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Hyundai, Kia to offer theft reimbursements after settling class-action lawsuit

A contractor sued HART for millions last month over Skyline delays. HART filed a counterclaim Thursday accusing the contractor of filing a false claim.

HART rail car

HART hits back in Skyline lawsuit

The U.S. Department of Justice requested voter registration data from 40 states, including Hawai‘i, earlier this year. Hawai‘i's Chief Elections Officer Scott Nago refused.