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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

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Aloha Spirit

In just two days, surfing pets and their owners will compete paws on the nose in The Raising Cane’s Going to the Dogs SurFur ComPETition (GTDSC) at 

Catch the 2025 one-day themed event “Legends of the Pawty Wave,” featuring surfing action from current year competitors and alumni. It begins with a blessing at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, at Kūhiō Beach in Waikīkī. Surfing will commence at 8:30 a.m. at Baby Queens surf break. 

This year, 30 animals (mostly dogs and one cat) will compete in two divisions – tandem with their owners and solo for “high-caliber” surf dog athletes – throughout the day, according to volunteer organizer Kelli Hergert. 

Official GTDSC heat assignments can be found, 

The family and pet friendly event is expected to draw hundreds of beachgoers at a time, she said. 

Members of the dog surfing community will serve as judges and about 30 volunteers are dedicated to just this portion of Duke's OceanFest, which runs from Aug. 16 to 24.

“We've grown every year since we started in 2015,” Hergert told ASD. “We started off with three dogs and a pig, and we’ve now had cats and ducks surf.”

She said this year, there are three brand new tandem teams that she vetted, but the rest are “returning alumni.”

“We strive to have a safe and fun competition with animals that actually want to be out there on the surfboard. ... We’re not just doing it for the photo ops or the notoriety. Some of these human and dog combos are amazing to watch because they love being with each other so much and surfing is just an activity that they do.

“For a few of them, it looks like they were born to surf. ... That’s what I try to focus on, that everybody out there is having a really good time, that they look happy and want to be out there.”  

When asked about where to park, Hergert said there is nearby street parking, as well as at the Honolulu Zoo, Tom Maffat Waikīkī Shell, and Waikīkī Shopping Plaza and Ross garages.

Raising Cane’s Restaurants has officially sponsored GTDSC since 2022, though its been involved since 2019, she noted. This year, Cane’s selected social media influencers and actress and comedian Amy Hill, 

make appearances and help with judging during the day.

“Iʻm really grateful to be a part of Duke's OceanFest,” Hergert said. "And then, to be able to create that kind of magic at the beach and put on a world-class event. I want people to think ʻWow, this was well organized and well thought out, that is was something special.'”

Hergert is a dog mom to Alfie, a 40-pound, 14 year-old poi dog, terrier-mix who enjoys paddle boarding on flat surfaces.

“Jim Fulton was the organizer of OceanFest in 2001, and so in 2015, Jim came to me and said, ʻHey, you own a dog, you know how to surf, do you want to help me with a dog surfing competition?ʻ I said, ʻWell, I donʻt surf with my dog.ʻ And heʻs like, ʻIt doesn't matter. Can you help me with it? I need a pet lover and a surfer.ʻ And Iʻm like, ʻOK!” And so, thatʻs how this all started."

ODKF Support Inc., doing business as Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest, is a nonprofit organization whose mission aligns with the 

, which is “to provide resources for scholarships and grants for Hawaiʻi athletes,” its website notes.

“What I love is the energy at the beach. I can’t say it enough. It’s an amazing event, and just being a part of the mission of celebrating Duke’s life and legacy, perpetuating his Aloha Spirit,” Hergert said. “But also, you cannot be angry when you’re watching dogs and you can’t be unhappy when you see people having fun with their pets, friends and family. You walk away from it with a huge smile.”

For more information about the festival, visit 

The Raising Cane’s Going to the Dogs SurFur ComPETition, visit 

. Those interested in becoming a sponsor or volunteer may email Hergert at surfdogshawaii@gmail.com.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Dukes Oceanfest Dog Surfing

<title>Watch animals 'born to surf' in Waikīkī this week</title>

Volunteer organizer Kelli Hergert shares the history behind and what to expect this year at The Raising Cane’s Going to the Dogs SurFur ComPETition at Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest this Thursday, Aug. 21, at Kūhiō Beach. Spectators can enjoy all-day surf action by dogs, a cat and their humans.

Watch animals 'born to surf' in Waikīkī

Government & Politics

More than 150 dignitaries, military personnel and community members welcomed four 11-year-old children from Holy Family Home, an orphanage in Osaka, Japan, to Hawaiʻi with cheers, lei and aloha at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Monday.

As part of a 76-year cultural exchange between the orphanage and the 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” the children – Umi, Kanami, Ryota, and Ryuki – will stay with military host families for two weeks, while enjoying Oʻahu’s culture and attractions with planned visits to the Waikīkī Aquarium, Kualoa Ranch, the Outrigger Canoe Club and more.

The relationship between the Wolfhounds and Holy Family Home began in 1949 under the leadership of Master Sgt. Hugh O’Reilly, who secured funds and materials to build a new facility for the orphanage where they were stationed after World War II. Following O’Reilly’s death in 2006, Hawaiʻi-based nonprofit Peace Bridge formed “to carry on and expand this tradition of compassion and friendship between the Holy Family Home and the Hawaiʻi community, fostering one of the longest-running military-civilian partnerships in U.S. Army history,” according to the organization.

“It was Christmas 1949. After witnessing the conditions of the orphanage, the soldiers began to pass around an Army helmet for donations to improve the living conditions. The men raised $143 and donated it to the orphanage on New Year’s morning,” it was said during the opening remarks of Monday’s ceremony.

The soldiers of the regiment spent their spare time repairing the facility. “In 1957, the Wolfhounds invited two children to visit their soldiers and familiy stationed in Hawai’i. Thus began the longstanding tradition we’re witnessing today.”

Hugh O'Reilly Jr. was present at the festivities and has helped continue his father's legacy.

Lt. Col. “Teddy” Borawksi, 1st Battalion Commander said, “We’re honored to host our four special guests Umi, Kanami, Ryota, and Ryuki, for the next two weeks and we look forward to sharing our lives, our traditions in this beautiful island that we call home.

“As Wolfhounds, we are known for being ferocious in battle and compassionate in peace. The children of the Holy Family Home embody the spirit of compassion and we are privileged to be your gentle wolfhounds. It is hard to put into words how much it means to us to continue this tradition. One born from the hearts of Wolfhounds long before us. Our commitment to this bond is just as strong today as it was decades ago. And we will not allow this cherished connection to fade.”

Gov. Josh Green presented a proclamation to Borawski, marking Aug. 18, 2025, as "Wolfhounds Day." 

, he made a stop at Holy Family Home to meet with the children and staff, he said.

“It was just so loving, and there was so much care,” Green recalled from that visit.

“You are honorary citizens today. We are grateful that you will be able to share our culture, and then be able to go back and share your experiences. … Our young guests, we hope this will be an amazing trip with long lasting memories and new friendships. … Let’s hope for another 76 years of love and compassion.

On behalf of Mayor Rick Blangiardi, City and County of Honolulu Chief of Staff Andy Sugg,

echoed the governor’s sentiments, while thanking the host families, among others, and presented a proclamation from the city. 

“The turnout is unbelievable,” he said of Monday’s event. “I didn’t know what to expect, but this is really incredible. ... So, thank you all for your dedication and for your commitment and for thinking of the children. There’s a lot going on in the world and we often forget that this is the future and we’ve got to really nourish and take care of all of our kids."

President of Peace Bridge Rika Hirata shared more history, describing the organization’s role “as a bridge between the Wolfhounds, Holy Family Home and the local community.”

The nonprofit’s mission is “to sustain and grow upon this tradition of aloha,” she continued. Its website states the aim is to continue “legacy of peace and love for the children of the Holy Family Home.”

“On behalf of Peace Bridge, I thank all of you for your support and ask for your continued support in the future,” she said.

Peace Bridge is volunteer-run and has supported more than 150 children without families. Learn more about the local organization, 

Japanese orphans 2025

<title>Turnout for Osaka orphans at HNL ‘unbelievable,’ says gov’t official</title>

Four 11-year-old children from Holy Family Home in Osaka, Japan, landed at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport Monday met with cheering, lei giving and aloha, from dignitaries, the U.S. Army “Wolfhounds,” and local nonprofit Peace Bridge and its community supporters. These orphans will stay in Hawai’i for two weeks with military host families, while enjoying  Oʻahu’s culture and attractions, promoting international peace and partnership.

Turnout for Osaka orphans at HNL ‘unbelievable,’ says gov’t official

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

As telescope lease agreements on Mauna Kea near their expiration dates, the process for renewing them remains up in the air.

Doug Simons, Director of the University of Hawai‘i's Institute for Astronomy, advised the state Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority last Thursday that the window for observatories on the mountain to negotiate their leases of state land is rapidly closing.

All observatories on Mauna Kea are legally bound to decommission their facilities and fully restore their sites to natural conditions by the end of 2033 if they are not able to negotiate further land use with the state. Because of this, Simons said that the telescopes could be very close to the end of their operational lives: decommissioning would likely need to begin by 2028 in order to be completed by the deadline.

In 2020, Simons said he predicted that those observatories that intend to remain operational beyond 2033 must negotiate their leases with the state by the first half of the 2020s — “which is right now, more or less.”

Despite this, those negotiations have not yet been completed, Simons said. Between the protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope in 2015 and 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the MKSOA taking over management of the mountain from UH in 2028, the process has been paused and restarted multiple times over the years.

But without an understanding of how many telescopes will continue to operate beyond 2033, it is difficult for any observatory to estimate the cost of operating on Mauna Kea. Simons said all observatories in the Mauna Kea Science Reserve contribute millions of dollars each year to various shared infrastructure costs, so each telescope that doesn’t have a lease renewed will increase costs for the rest.

“So that really gets you back to the basic question … how much is it going to cost?” Simons said. “And if we don’t know the answer to how much a lease is going to cost, the process is basically stalled.”

Even if the MKSOA can get through the negotiation process quickly, Simons said any new leases will almost certainly be challenged in contested cases and litigation, which will eat up even more time.

Further complicating affairs is the myriad of international funding agencies involved in the various observatories, all of which would need to agree to lease terms, which Simons said is a particularly complex and time-consuming part of the process.

And, of course, all of this is taking place as major cuts are planned for American science funding, with President Donald Trump’s administration 

 in June enormous slashes to NASA and National Science Foundation budgets.

MKSOA board members remained optimistic that they can expedite the lease negotiating process relatively quickly: “It’s not like we’re sitting at the table yet, but the more we prepare ourselves to be at that table, the quicker it will go,” said member Neil Hannahs.

But the MKSOA and its executive director John De Fries already have a lot on their plate as they race toward 2028, when the Authority will assume full control of the mountain from UH. A new management plan for the mountain is being developed, and is not expected to be completed until mid-2026.

At the same time, MKSOA is developing its strategic 

 — a short, three-page document outlining the Authority’s guiding principles regarding Mauna Kea that would impact any proposed lease terms. Public 

 will be held around Hawai‘i Island through September to solicit feedback on the draft document.

Doug Simons BLUE small 16x9

<title>Clock ticking for Mauna Kea leases</title>

Negotiations for renewing Mauna Kea observatory leases need to start soon, warns IFA director

Clock ticking for Mauna Kea leases

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

The crowds were waiting, a line forming long before the doors for the 

Hawaiian Airlines presents the 31st Annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival 

The three-day event began Friday and continues through the weekend, sure to draw throngs of shoppers looking to support local artisans, crafters and business owners. And there was plenty to choose from: handmade wares, jewelry, clothing, food and baked goods, spices, art and more.

There's even more for shoppers to take in, too, with a lineup of chef demonstrations, entertainment, fashion shows and more throughout the weekend. Read more about that 

 drew more than 70,000 attendees and generated approximately $10 million in revenues in 2024.

Aloha State Daily joined in on the fun Friday, speaking with a handful of the small business owners who set up shop. We asked them all the same questions and here's what they had to say:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"What does 'Made in Hawai‘i' mean to you?"}]

We're a printing company, so we print most of our stuff here and Made in Hawai‘i gives a lot of small, local businesses, how we started, a great opportunity to showcase what they're selling or what they're making here in Hawai‘i.

What's the best part of owning a small business?

The best part is working with family. It's a good and bad problem, but it's the best, and I have great teammates.

Made in Hawai‘i [means to] try to use as many local vendors as possible if you need to outsource anything, and really keeping to as much of our native culture and the local aloha spirit, hoping that all of that shines through all of your product when you're here.

The best part about owning a small business, I guess, is the level of creativity you can have. Obviously, I'm an artist, so I can steer myself wherever I want to go. Recently I've been going more ... bird friendly, just because I think that it's something that everybody — if you live here, if you visit here — you need to pay attention to the native species and really respect kanaka and all of the Hawaiian culture that is here, and without that, really you have nothing. So that's what I like to do.

To me, it means the creativity from these islands — the inspiration that comes from living here, local culture, Hawaiian culture. And it means that we do things with our hands. We make things on our own and we base it here. I know there's a lot of creative people and just walking around here, you get so inspired to see the pottery, the art prints, the fabrics, textiles, the food, all of that. But the fact that it came from here and from our creativity, our own minds, is what it means to me.

The best part is you get to choose which 120 hours a week you want to work. (Laughs). But it's fun. You have creative control, you can manage your schedule. If you have an idea in the middle of the night, go get on it. It's all you, right? So that's what I love about it.

Made in Hawai‘i means to me community. I just am so lucky to live here and get to do business with all these amazing other small business entrepreneurs. Everyone is so great.

The best part about being a small business owner is really just the fulfilled feeling I get from wearing all the hats. It can be so hard, but it's so fulfilling at the same time.

Made in Hawai‘i has been something that we grew up with. It started off as kind of like the big fair. What we like to view it as is the big kick-off for holiday season. I think a lot of small businesses really value it as just being a way for us to connect with our local audience. There are some smaller craft fairs that do pop up, but this is like 

 big one. This is the one that you want to be at. And for us, last year was our first year doing Made in Hawai‘i and it was kind of life-changing for us. We weren't expecting it to be so crazy, and then it hit. It was literally our biggest event. So this is probably going to be our kickoff for the holiday season. We're going to be ramping up and producing even more stuff every single month and this is just the beginning of it.

Owning a small business has been very beneficial for me, just because of the flexibility. The commute is very easy. I get out of bed and then I just go to the office, which is like two minutes away down the hallway, and I'm able to do the things that I love. This has been a dream for me. ... It started as a business in high school and now that I have big boy money, I can do everything that I want and have everything look the way that I like it.

It's a good way to get exposure and to network with other vendors, and just meet all my customers that have bought from me online and acquire new customers.

[{"type":"text","text":"Freedom. (Laughs). I love the freedom."}]

MIHF is produced by the Hawai‘i Food Industry Association. Proceeds from the festival support HFIA's mission "to build a strong, sustainable and resilient food industry in Hawai‘i."

MIHF 081525 entrance

<title>Annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival welcomes shoppers</title>

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.

Annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival welcomes shoppers

As Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines continue efforts to integrate operations, Jim Landers, who has worked for Hawaiian for more than a decade, has been tapped as head of Hawai‘i operations.

 a Honolulu leadership team that will oversee Hawaiian and Alaska's combined operations in Hawai‘i once the carriers receive a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration this fall.

Alaska Air Group, Inc. and Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. 

 that Alaska Airlines would acquire Hawaiian Airlines in a deal that was valued at approximately $1.9 billion, including $900 million of Hawaiian’s net debt, according to an announcement at that time. The acquisition was 

The distinct Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines brands will be maintained but the 

Landers, a U.S. Navy veteran who joined Hawaiian in 2013, is the senior vice president of technical operations and currently oversees the airline's operations control functions, flight operations, maintenance and engineering, and supply chain management, Alaska Airlines said in a July 29 announcement.

 of Hawaiian Airlines in September following its combination with Alaska Air Group — and will be responsible for "

safety and operational performance while supporting all aspects of the combined operations in the islands." 

"Hawaiian and Alaska airlines are going through a lot of exciting change in a very short period, and our Honolulu leadership team will help support our thousands of employees in Hawai‘i as we further integrate our operations and build on Hawaiian’s long legacy of serving the Islands," Landers told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions. "My main priorities are to ensure we continue to run a safe and reliable operation as we grow our network with Alaska Airlines, and deliver more benefits to our guests and communities across the islands and beyond."

Landers says that during his 27 years in the Navy, he traveled the world and lived in dozens of places, but Hawai‘i is home and there's no place he'd rather be.

"I joined Hawaiian in 2013 when Hawaiian was going through another phase of rapid growth as we were investing in new aircraft and launching more international destinations," he says. "As we progress forward in this period of change, I intend to continue to lead the Hawai‘i operation putting the positive experience of our guests at the forefront and focusing our phenomenal team on safe and reliable operations."

Other core members of the Honolulu leadership team include 

Alisa Onishi, managing director of marketing for Hawaiʻi; Daniel Chun, managing director, Hawaiʻi public affairs and sales; Jonathan Goo, safety director; and Melodi Pieper, human resources regional director.

Additionally, the announcement notes that 

 has been named managing director, Hawai‘i, international and heavy maintenance, and 

 has been named managing director of airport operations and customer service.

A head of Hawai‘i guest operations will soon join the leadership ranks, Alaska says.

According to Alaska, Honolulu is the company’s second-largest hub after Seattle, with more than 6,500 Hawaiʻi-based employees.

"The Honolulu leadership team will support several thousand frontline employees in the Islands while also managing ongoing integration work, including the rollout of a combined loyalty program launching this fall and the adoption of a single passenger service system next spring," the announcement noted.

No changes have been announced for the CEO position and Sprague remains in that role. ASD sat down with Sprague earlier this year to talk about the merger and future plans. You can 

The joint operation is on schedule to received a single operating certificate from the FAA in October.

"This is a phased process with several FAA requirements, and we remain on track," an airline spokesperson told ASD.

, every airline in the U.S. has an FAA-issued operating certificate, but a merger combines "all aspects of two airlines' operations into a new entity under a single operating certificate." Each airline operates separately under its own certificate through a lengthy, six-phase process to combine both organizations.

Alaska Hawaiian Airlines 1920

<title>Alaska Air Group names Honolulu leadership team</title>

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.

Alaska Air Group names Honolulu leadership team

For Viper Heart, meeting Stephen Nii, then-owner of family grocery business Nii Superette Inc. in Waipahu, changed the trajectory of her life as an alcohol and drug addict. Nii, who was a caregiver and worked 12-hour days at the store, died suddenly at age 51 last February, she said.

“Stephen was a guru to everybody even though he wasn't an addict himself. He was one of my best friends,” Heart told Aloha State Daily. “About three years ago, he started the first sober living store on island. He got rid of the alcohol and cigarettes he was selling and replaced them with healthy alternatives.”

An herbalist and psychic from Mililani, Heart said she was clean for years, but was in relapse when she met Nii during the summer of 2023. With his help over the next few months, she got sober again and was hired as an employee by fall. “He wanted somebody in recovery, so I made Instagram videos, talked with people and got trained on how to run the shop.”

Heart, who was a manager at spiritual shop Gaia Hawaiʻi before it closed, kept Nii's business operating after he passed, under its new name Viper’s SanctuarNII. 

In February, the business took over the 700 square foot space that was Drip Studio HNL, which moved to a larger location at Fort Street Mall. Currently, Viper employs five staff members.

“Our clientele is in town; most of our events were in town and rent was getting higher, so it just felt like town was calling me,” she said about the decision to move. “We'll be open 24/7 with the intention of helping people sober up before they drive home."

Viper’s SanctuarNII will celebrate its grand opening on April 1. It is open now amid renovations with two events planned for March – a paint and sip and mocktail-making class. More information can be found on Instagram @vipers_sanctuarnii.

On the retail side, building inventory is also a priority before the grand opening, Heart said, adding that she’s working to stock alcohol-free and low sugar beverages, jewelry, clothing, candles, potions, crystals and chicken feet protection charms. 

The store offers spiritual services and community events complete with a sober living bar that will serve hand-crafted mocktails, herbal teas and mushroom coffee. The bar will have a to-go window and mocktails can be made to choice.

“Personally, it helps me and others with recovery. Everyone is welcome no matter what your definition of recovery is,” she said. "How we prescribe is through intentional conversations, or talking story, in a safe space that leads to healing. I want the space to feel like home and be a sanctuary.”

Including Nii, Heart said she is grateful to Jackie, Naiʻa, Maria, Dani and Kekoa for their support, along with her pet bunny Chubby. 

By next year, she aims to open a boozeless burlesque club. “I love to dance and have fun,” Heart said.

As a business owners, sheʻs been learning to slow down and take care of herself. “I’m filling my cup, so I can help fill others.”

Honolulu Fort Street Viper Heart

<title>​​From Waipahu to Fort Street Mall, this new sober living store and bar prepares to open…</title>

Viper Heart, owner of Viper’s SanctuarNII, took over Waipahu-based Nii Superette last year after her friend and store owner Stephen Nii died suddenly. Heart, who is in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, hopes to promote healing in the new space, which officially opens April 1. Its offerings include spiritual services and community events complete with hand-crafted mocktails, herbal teas and mushroom coffee, crystals, chicken feet and more.

​​From Waipahu to Fort Street Mall, this new sober living store and bar prepares to open in Downtown Honolulu

ASD Staff

Ben is looking for someone who appreciates that good things take time. Could that be you?

08 07 2025 Ben

Adopt-a-Pet Aug. 7, 2025: Ben the cat loves gentle pets and treats

Lu is currently living in a foster home with an awesome family but is ready for his forever home.

Adopt-a-Pet Aug. 7, 2025: Lu + you = forever ʻohana

"This playfully energetic girl loves to explore the world on walks and learn new skills to add to her growing repertoire," said the Hawaiian Humane Society.

07 31 2024 Moo

Adopt-a-Pet July 31, 2025: Moo, with black and white spotted fur, canʻt wait to meet you

Axle will bring "joy, love, and lots of tail wags to your life," according to Maui Humane Society.

Axle MHS 7.31.25

Adopt-a-Pet July 31, 2025: Axle has a big heart and goofy personality

This 2-year-old small mixed breed pup loves warm hugs, Hawaiian Humane Society says.

07 24 2024 Gage

Adopt-a-Pet July 24, 2025: ʻFall in love with Gage and his snaggletoothʻ

This visually impaired dog may be shy at first, his gentle heart is just waiting to shine. Adopt him today at the Maui Humane Society.

Kruz

Adopt-a-Pet July 24, 2025: Cruise with Kruz, a mixed breed dog

<title>Adopt a Pet</title>

This 3-year-old dog "loves to show off his skills like sitting, catching treats and bopping tennis balls with his snout," says the Hawaiian Humane Society.