Hawai'i Skies

My Favorite Local Saying

Cartoons

Daily Smile

Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

Adopt a Pet

Daily Features

ASD icon blue inverse lighter

ASD Staff

Dog loves playing with his ball by the sea and catching because he thinks the sea will steal the ball from him...

Smile 26 5 2

Daily Smile: Saturday, May 2, 2026

Monkeys don't like the stringy things on the banana either...

Smile 26 5 1 2

Daily Smile: Friday, May 1, 2026

100 tennis balls and somehow none are right...

Smile 26 4 30

Daily Smile: Thursday, April 30, 2026

Smile 26 4 29

Daily Smile: Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Now let's all enjoy a puppy fighting some cauliflower...

Smile 26 4 28

Daily Smile: Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Smile 26 4 27

Daily Smile: Monday, April 27, 2026

Smile 26 4 26

Daily Smile: Sunday, April 26, 2026

When your mom is actually a horrible singer but you can't complain because she is your treat dealer...

Smile 26 4 25 2

Daily Smile: Saturday, April 25, 2026

Smile 26 4 24

Daily Smile: Friday, April 24, 2026

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

, is now open to the public. The Pinehopple Room is located on the second floor, directly above the Kaka

The space was previously home to the HI Brau Room, Aloha Beer Co.’s speakeasy that the biz operated primarily as a private event space.

“We always loved the room and felt like it had so much character,” says Candice Ishikawa, Aloha Beer Co.’s head of marketing and brand. “People who discovered it seemed to immediately fall in love with it, and we saw an opportunity to reimagine the space as something more distinctly connected to Aloha Beer and to Hawaiʻi, while opening it back up for more people to enjoy.”

Ishikawa explains that The Pinehopple Room concept came from the idea of taking the creativity and craft that goes into brewing beer and applying that same spirit to cocktails and hospitality.

“We wanted to create an intimate, upscale lounge that still felt unmistakably part of Aloha Beer, while offering a different side of Aloha Beer from the casual beer garden downstairs,” she says. “The name ‘Pinehopple’ comes from our logo icon and is a play on pineapple and hops, bringing together something immediately evocative of Hawaiʻi, with our roots as a brewery.”

[{"type":"text","text":"The venue’s name impacted its décor and ultimate vibe."}]

“We didn’t want to lose the darker, intimate character that made the original space special, so we built it with a vintage Hawaiʻi-inspired aesthetic, adding tropical botanicals, greenery, warm lighting and other details that make the room feel lush and inviting,” Ishikawa says.

She says The Pinehopple Room’s beverage program is where “the concept comes to life.” The drinks were inspired by the golden age of Hawaii cocktail culture, but the team wanted to bring its own unique twist to the beverages.

“We kept coming back to the idea that classic Hawaiʻi cocktails deserve to be remembered, not simply replicated,” Ishikawa says. “We’re taking those flavors and traditions, and reinterpreting them through fresh ingredients, thoughtful technique and our perspective as a craft brewery.”

So far, popular cocktails include the tropical itch ($18), Molokai fogcutter ($16) and paradise of the Pacific ($21). The tropical itch is made with 

bourbon, rum, orange curaçao, lilikoʻi, pineapple and a dark rum float; the Molokai fogcutter features aged and white rums, pineapple, lilikoʻi, lemon and orgeat; and paradise of the Pacific includes aged rum, tamarind, pineapple and hibiscus grenadine, according to Ishikawa.

Customers can also enjoy a scorpion bowl for two ($38), which is served in a vintage-inspired fish bowl. The drink is designed to be shared and also doubles as a fun centerpiece for the table, according to Ishikawa.

She also explains that The Pinehopple Room team is excited to offer a series of guided spirit flights.

“Guests can explore bourbon, Scotch, international whiskies, agave spirits, and Caribbean rum or Hawaiʻi-made rum, with a guided tasting sheet that provides some background and context for each pour without making the experience feel overly formal,” she says.

Customers can also enjoy light bites that pair naturally with the cocktails. Highlights include Pinehopple sashimi trio (market price) — served with a lilikoʻi-wasabi glaze — Pinehopple shrimp cocktail ($12), spinach dip salmon belly bites ($18), Cuban sliders ($13), paprika chicken pops ($18) and a salami caprese flatbread ($15).

“On the food side, we wanted dishes that were easy to share and felt at home alongside the cocktail program,” Ishikawa says.

The Cuban sliders feature brioche buns stuffed with mayo-mustard, ham, kalua pork, Swiss cheese, pickled cucumbers and cilantro-orange sauce. The paprika chicken pops comprises chicken drummettes in paprika batter, served with blue cheese honey-Red Zeppelin buffalo sauce and celery curls. So far, the chicken pops, spinach dip salmon belly bites and sliders have been customer favorites.

Ishikawa explains that The Pinehopple Room team has been excited to welcome guests and have them experience “the way different kinds of craft come together in one space.”

“Pinehopple is also about the experience around what’s in the glass,” she says. “There’s a sense of nostalgia and vintage Hawaiʻi hospitality without trying to recreate a specific era. We want it to feel special, but never overly formal — a place where people can slow down, connect and stay awhile.”

The Pinehopple Room is currently open from 5 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The lounge does not have a formal reservation system set up and is primarily open for walk-ins, but if a customer calls ahead, the venue can hold a table for them, according to Ishikawa.

“Aloha Beer has always been about creating places for people to gather, and Pinehopple gives us a new way to do that,” Ishikawa says. “Someone can have a beer in the beer garden downstairs, then head upstairs for a cocktail or whiskey flight and feel like they’ve stepped into an entirely different experience without ever leaving Aloha Beer. We’ve loved this room for a long time, and we’re excited to finally open the doors and share it with more people.”

The Pinehopple Room decor 092826

<title>The Pinehopple Room is a new upstairs lounge in Kakaʻako</title>

Located upstairs from Aloha Beer Co. on Queen Street, The Pinehopple Room — previously home to the HI Brau Room speakeasy — recently opened to the public. The upscale lounge features a vintage Hawaiʻi-inspired aesthetic, along with classic Hawaiʻi cocktails with a modern twist.

The Pinehopple Room is a new upstairs lounge in Kakaʻako

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Aloha Spirit

Hale Hōkūala Kaua‘i, Curio Collection by Hilton, a new 210-room lifestyle resort on Kaua‘i, has opened in Līhu‘e.

Marking Curio Collection by Hilton’s debut in Hawaiʻi, the property brings the brand’s focus on individually remarkable hotels and memorable stays to one of the world’s most sought-after island destinations," according to a recent announcement from the resort. "Overlooking Nāwiliwili Bay and neighboring Kalapakī Beach, Hale Hōkūala introduces travelers to the island through contemporary design, destination-driven dining, cultural programming and outdoor recreation."

Located within the Hōkūala Resort community, 

— its name means "House of the Rising Star" — offers up 23 suites, open-air spaces, private lānais, and views of the Pacific, Hā‘upu Mountain and the Ocean Course at Hōkūala, the announcement notes. 

"Curio Collection by Hilton is a collection of hotels that are defined by their individuality and connection to place. What makes Kauaʻi such a perfect fit is that this island has a character all its own," General Manager 

 told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions. "While visitors are drawn by the incredible natural beauty, what truly makes Kauaʻi special is the people, the culture and the sense of community. The aloha here is genuine. It's something you feel in the way people welcome you, share their stories and care for this place.

"That's what sets Hale Hōkūala apart from a more typical hotel experience. It's not just about offering a place to stay. It's about creating opportunities for guests to connect more deeply with the island, its culture and the community that makes Kauaʻi so unique."

According to Itoga, construction on the resort began in the third quarter of 2024.

[{"type":"text","text":"Here's what else you'll find at the property:"}]

[{"type":"text","text":"Amenities and other features"}]

Hale Hōkūala was designed by Hart Howerton and AHL, with interiors inspired by the Garden Isle landscape from Looney & Associates.

Guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and private lānais, the announcement notes, while the interiors draw colors and textures from around the island.

On the property, you'll find a pool and fitness center, with access to a full-service spa, wellness programming, tennis and pickleball courts available within the broader Hōkūala resort community, the announcement notes. Other outdoor offerings include preferred tee times at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Ocean Course at Hōkūala, more than five miles of trails, complimentary bicycles and beach amenities, as well as other open green spaces.

You can also check out The Farm at Hōkūala, showcasing canoe plants, native crops and other agricultural traditions.

The property offers more than 14,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space that can be used for the likes of meetings, weddings and other celebrations and group gatherings.

The resort's culinary program is led by Executive Chef Hans Lentz and Director of Food and Beverage 

Its signature restaurant, the Portuguese-Hawaiian concept Figueira, overlooks the 18th hole of the Ocean Course at 

Hōkūala and honors Portugal's influence on Hawai‘i's food culture, the announcement notes.  The name comes from the Portuguese word for "fig tree" and its menu includes pineapple French toast with Kuleana Rum caramel, Kaua‘i prawns, Portuguese fisherman's stew, bacalhau no forno, pastel de nata and malasadas.

Thirsty? You'l be able to grab Hawaiian-grown coffee, local craft beer, cocktails and a curated wine list with both Portuguese and global labels, the resort says.

Meanwhile, The Wiliwili at Hale Hōkūala is a causal poolside eatery that offers poke bowls, plate lunch specials, shave ice, pūpū, tropical cocktails, zero-proof choices, juices and smoothies made with local ingredients, the announcement notes.

Both concepts were developed by StiR Creative, Hilton's in-house food and beverage consultancy.

The resort's signature cultural immersion program, 

, which means "the awakening of connection," is "built around ongoing relationships with cultural practitioners, nonprofits, historians, artisans and educators," the resort says, and offers on-property activities, off-property excursions and culinary storytelling.

According to the announcement, the Kaua‘i Museum is the inaugural partner for a series that explores the Garden Isle's "history and creative expression within the broader Hawaiian story." Future programing will spotlight agriculture, lei making, traditional aquaculture, land stewardship, hula and Hawaiian storytelling.

"Kauaʻi has a spirit that's difficult to describe until you experience it," 

 says. "The island's beauty is obviously extraordinary, but what leaves the deepest impression on visitors is the people, the culture, and the genuine sense of community. There's an authenticity here that isn't manufactured. It's reflected in the way neighbors care for one another, the pride people have in preserving local traditions and the aloha that's shared every day.

"The Curio Collection provides a platform to celebrate those qualities rather than define them," he continued. "The goal isn't to bring something new to Kauaʻi, but to create a resort experience that honors what's already here and helps guests connect more deeply with the island, its stories and its people. We believe travelers today are looking for meaningful experiences, and Kauaʻi offers that in a way that's truly unique."

When asked what kind of response he's anticipating with the opening of the resort, 

we hope guests experience the genuine spirit of aloha that makes Kauaʻi so special."

[{"type":"text","text":"The resort is designed to be more than a place to stay, he says."}]

"We want it to feel welcoming, comfortable and familiar, a place where guests can truly relax and connect with Kauaʻi," Itoga continued. "What makes that experience special is our people. The majority of our team members are local residents, many born and raised on Kauaʻi. This is their home. They know the community, they care deeply about this island and they take pride in sharing its culture, traditions and history with our guests.

"Whether guests spend their time exploring the island or simply slowing down and enjoying the moment, we want them to feel the warmth and care that are such a natural part of life here. Our hope is that they leave with more than memories of Kauaʻi's beauty. We hope they leave feeling connected to the people, the place, and the spirit of aloha that makes this island so special."

Hale Hokuala Kauai exterior 100126

<title>Hawai‘i's first Curio Collection by Hilton resort now open</title>

You'll find Hale Hōkūala Kaua‘i within the Hōkūala Resort community in Līhu‘e. The resort is designed to be more than a place to stay, General Manager Jon Itoga told Aloha State Daily, noting, that "the goal isn't to bring something new to Kauaʻi, but to create a resort experience that honors what's already here and helps guests connect more deeply with the island, its stories and its people."

Hawai‘i's first Curio Collection by Hilton resort now open

The 11 months since Diana Birkett Rakow has taken the controls at Hawaiian Airlines has been full of change for the carrier.

Formerly the senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines, she was 

 of Hawaiian in September 2025 and stepped into the role on Oct. 29, 2025.

Her appointment came nearly two years after 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 

As she approaches the one-year mark in the role, Birkett Rakow says that one of the biggest challenges has been “just navigating through the volume of change.”

“The flip side of that is that I think people have, certainly our teams have, just navigated through a lot of change with a ton of resilience and grace,” she told Aloha State Daily during a recent interview at Hawaiian Airlines' Honolulu headquarters. “And I appreciate our guests going on that journey with us and it’s really satisfying to get to a place where there is more seamlessness in the experience; there is more stability. It’s a dynamic industry and a dynamic world, so there’s always going to be continued change, but we have the opportunity now with the full-value proposition after our reservation systems came together, full-value proposition for our guests to really make sure that people understand that, appreciate it and are bringing more of their travel into our ecosystem.”

[{"type":"text","text":"In the last year:"}]

Birkett Rakow started in the CEO role the same day that Alaska Airlines received a 

 from the Federal Aviation Administration, a major milestone in the efforts to integrate the operations of the two airlines.

 called Atmos Rewards weeks before she stepped into the role, another milestone in the combination).

At the start of the 2026, Hawaiian Airlines and state officials announced the 

, which includes investments of more than $600 million over five years “to modernize airport spaces, aircraft cabins and technology for both guests and employees, expanding loyalty benefits for Hawai‘i residents and continuing our deep investment in community and sustainability statewide,” Birkett Rakow said at that time.

launched a unified Alaska Hawaiian mobile app

transitioned to a single passenger service system

 on April 22. Hawaiian also joined oneworld alliance, a global airline network that 

In March, Chef Dell Valdez was tapped as Hawaiian's new executive chef, bringing his "modern interpretation of Hawaiʻi’s diverse culinary identity to the airline’s First Class dining program while continuing to oversee the airline’s Featured Chef Series," an 

The airline also did away with complimentary meals in the main cabin of most domestic flights this summer, instead 

 with a menu curated by Maui-based chef Sheldon Simeon.

unveiled plans to invest in the premium travel experience for both the Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines brands.

For Hawaiian, that means new interiors for its A330 widebody aircraft, a fleet of 24 that serves destinations in Asia, Oceania and select North America routes, a recent announcement from the airline noted. That work begins in 2028 and includes 22 Leihōkū Suites for travelers on international business class and domestic first-class flights, the announcement says. The updates are part of the Kahu‘ewai investment plan.

As part of broader investments in core guest experiences, Alaska Air Group also will introduce premium reserve, a new premium economy cabin that debuts in 2028 on Alaska's 787-9, 787-10 and select 737-10 MAX aircraft, and on Hawaiian’s A330 fleet, “providing guests with more room, comfort and choice on longer flights,” the announcement notes.

In addition to the recent changes, Birkett Rakow says that particularly stormy year — with the Kona Low storms in March and a hurricane season that has brought storm-related damage and destruction to the Islands — has also been a challenge, not only for the airline, but for the community and the tourism industry.

“The flip side of that is it prompts good conversations about how do we continue to make this industry as resilient as it needs to be to power local jobs in the economy and support broader economic diversification and community," she says.

 serves as the central reservation technology that connects the digital tools and programs used by guests and employees, was one of four major integration milestones that also included the launch of 

 from the Federal Aviation Administration; and joint collective bargaining agreements for the airlines’ various unions.

“From a guest perspective, that was really the big unlock for people to experience us as one airline with two strong brands and a combined loyalty program,” Birkett Rakow says. “The integration went really smoothly and it’s been sort of great to hear people’s relief that they don’t have two confirmation codes; the system works really well.”

The combined labor contacts is the remaining key milestone in the Hawaiian and Alaska combination, she says, noting that’s “more of an employee-facing milestone, but it is one that we’re working toward with negotiations with all of our labor groups.”

Diana birkett rakow 100126

<title>Nearly a year into the role, Hawaiian Airlines CEO talks challenges, changes</title>

The 11 months since Diana Birkett Rakow has taken the helm of Hawaiian Airlines has been full of change for the carrier.

Nearly a year into the role, Hawaiian Airlines CEO talks challenges, changes

[{"type":"text","text":"Looking for the best jolt of java?"}]

Drip Studio HNL in Honolulu and HiCO Hawaiian Coffee in Kailua-Kona are two of just 20 in the U.S. nominated for the list of 

 in the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

The awards aim to rank the 10 best in several areas of travel and lifestyle, and the 20 nominees were chosen with the help of a panel of experts. The final 10 will be determined by voters.

Drip Studio owner-operators Vince Pohaku and Kelsie Mercado Uehara founded the specialty coffee house, located at 1114 Fort Street Mall, in 2023 with no cafe experience and the argument that "

Hawai'i grows world-class coffee, so we should drink like it

," an announcement from the shop notes. The coffee shop founders add that it works directly with farms and roasters to showcase Hawaiʻi as a world-class coffee destination.

Meanwhile HiCO, which has three Big Isle locations, serves 100% Hawai‘i-grown coffee, supporting local farmers and honoring the Islands' agricultural heritage, its 

 once a day until 6 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19. Winners will be announced Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Several other Hawai‘i businesses are up for spots on various other 10Best lists, voting for which is underway:

Drip Coffee sign 092526

<title>These Hawai‘i coffee shops, distilleries are nominated for 10Best lists</title>

The USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards aim to rank the 10 best in several areas of travel and lifestyle. Nominees are chosen with the help of a panel of experts but the final 10 will be determined by voters.

These Hawai‘i coffee shops, distilleries are nominated for 10Best lists

To kick off the summer, The Kāhala Hotel & Resort is offering a 20% 

 and Seaside Grill. The discount can be applied to Plumeria Beach House’s a la carte or buffet menus (the discount doesn’t apply to alcoholic drinks). The restaurant is known for its open-air, casual atmosphere with ocean views.

Plumeria Beach House’s seafood dinner buffet is on Friday and Saturdays only from 5 to 8:30 p.m. It normally costs $97 per adult and $49 for children ages 6 to 12. With the kamaʻāina discount, it’s around $78. Buffet seating is limited to two hours per table.

Buffet highlights include seafood on ice — including oysters, snow crab and shrimp cocktail — and a carving station with the eatery’s signature garlic and rosemary-rubbed prime rib of beef.

The seafood station features ‘ahi sashimi, spicy ‘ahi poke, limu ‘ahi poke and mixed ginger scallion poke, along with assorted sushi. Diners can choose from ‘ahi nigiri, inari, dynamite California rolls and more.

Hot entrees include the fresh catch of the day, Thai-style fried chicken, scallop fried rice, salt and pepper shrimp, stuffed salmon and more. Meanwhile, the salad bar features Caesar salad, Nalo greens, Chinese chicken salad, summer watermelon feta salad, seasonal fresh fruits and more.

Desserts include Oreo cheesecakes, caramel walnut sable, fruit tarts, lilikoʻi crunch macnut cakes, cobbler of the day — apple was featured during our visit — and the Kāhala signature bread pudding with creme anglaise. The dessert station also features a self-serve soft serve ice cream machine with a toppings bar.

Diners will receive four hours of complimentary parking with a $50 minimum purchase.

https://www.kahalaresort.com/dining/plumeria-beach-house-menus-seafood/

Seafood buffet from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays

Plumeria Beach House seafood station 061626

<title>Kamaʻāina can enjoy a 20% dining discount at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort</title>

To kick off the summer, The Kāhala Hotel & Resort is offering a 20% kamaʻāina discount at Plumeria Beach House and Seaside Grill. The discount can be applied to Plumeria Beach House’s a la carte and buffet menus.

Kamaʻāina can enjoy a 20% dining discount at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

Crime & Courts

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen’s former chief of staff has sued the county over alleged corruption claims that implicate the mayor himself.

According to a lawsuit filed Friday in Maui’s Second Circuit Court, Leo Caires — Bissen’s chief of staff between 2022 and 2024 — has accused the county of forcing him out of his job in December 2024 because he had discovered fraudulent activity within the county Office of Economic Development.

While the suit does not name Bissen as a defendant — the defendants include the county and several unspecified “John Doe” individuals and organizations — the text of the suit suggests that Bissen had attempted to halt investigations by Caires into cases of fraud by county staff, and had Caires fired when that failed.

The suit claims that, beginning in March 2024, Caires was informed by the county’s Corporation Counsel of a series of suspicious transactions connected to a grant awarded by the OED. Within those transactions, Caires found an invoice for more than $45,000 from a company called “RTFEX Depot,” along with a series of unverifiable transactions between Bissen’s executive assistant.

The suit identifies that assistant only through the initials MA and the nickname “Pono.” In 2024, a Pono Asano was Bissen’s executive assistant.

According to the suit, Caires could find no evidence that RTFEX Depot was a real company, and, despite the business supposedly being based in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Arizona Corporation Commission told him no such business was registered in that state.

Consequently, Caires concluded that the assistant “Pono” and the recipient of the grant — identified in the suit only as “AVS” — submitted false cashiers’ checks made out to a false company to defraud the OED.

But when Caires reported the incident to Bissen, the plot thickened. After Caires issued a notice to Bissen on March 19, 2024, that he wished to interview “Pono” for an internal investigation, the lawsuit claims that Bissen “indicated that he did not want anything to do with the Notice and appeared agitated by it.”

A month later, Caires — now strongly suspicious that “Pono” and other staff in the Mayor’s Office had conspired to embezzle more than $45,000 from the county — reiterated to Bissen that an investigation should be made.

According to the suit, “Mayor Bissen got upset at Mr. Caires and ordered him to stop the investigation.”

Bissen allegedly did not fire “Pono” but reassigned him to a position in the OED, which “baffled” Caires. Only after Caires raised objections did “Pono” resign from the county.

During this time, Caires claims his duties as chief of staff were being reduced: he claims he was removed from major meetings and events, and his communications with Bissen dwindled from daily conversations to “infrequent check-ins.”

In May, Bissen told Caires the chief of staff position would be eliminated altogether for budgetary reasons, and Caires would be reassigned as the county’s Energy Commissioner, the suit states. However, the suit also claims that, after Caires was demoted to Energy Commissioner in October, Bissen then promoted “CL” to take his place, having evidently not eliminated the chief of staff position after all.

But during the “Pono” investigation, Caires also grew suspicious of the OED’s director at the time — Luana Mahi, although the lawsuit only identifies her with the initials “LM.”

Caires believed Mahi was using her position to award grants to family members, after reportedly finding a grant awarded to a business with clear ties to her husband, son and her own prior employment history.

But despite again raising these concerns with Bissen, the mayor did not share his concerns, and eventually directed Caires to sign off on the suspicious grant. The suit claims that Caires “felt intimidated” by this, and that Bissen responded, “There is nothing wrong with this.”

The county Board of Ethics later found a conflict of interest between Mahi and at least one OED grant, leading her to be placed on paid leave in August 2024.

Caires’ own county career ended shortly afterward. In September 2024, Caires’ began taking intermittent medical leave “due to conditions he developed stemming from the retaliatory acts from the County and Mayor Bissen,” the suit claims.

Upon returning from leave around Dec. 23, 2024, Caires found a termination letter from Bissen on his desk, dated Dec. 18, 2024. The letter allegedly read, in part, “You have served as Energy Commissioner since May 2024, but I have not observed the level of expertise, management skills, attention to detail, or enthusiasm for energy efficiency required to ensure the success of these initiatives."

Consequently, the suit accuses Bissen’s office of violating the Hawai‘i Whistleblowers’ Protection Act and of wrongful termination. The suit seeks unspecified compensatory, punitive and other damages.

Caires’ attorney Joe Rosenbaum said the suit has not yet been served to the county and other defendants. However, last year the Maui County Council approved 

 — the firm Marr Jones and Wang LLLP — for pre-litigation responses to Caires' claims, to the tune of $350,000.

“I think [the suit] proves there are employees within county governments who are willing to stand up to corruption even if it costs them their jobs,” Rosenbaum told Aloha State Daily.

[{"type":"text","text":"A statement from Bissen's office called Caires' allegations inaccurate."}]

The concerns he raises were identified by others at the time, and we reject any attempt to revise history," the statement read. 

“I made significant efforts to support his success, including mentorship, training, and an opportunity to continue serving as Energy Commissioner based on his prior experience,” read Bissen's statement. “Lahaina’s recovery placed extraordinary demands on everyone in public service. Ultimately, it came down to an inability to meet the expectations required. As Mayor, I have a fiduciary responsibility to ensure our team delivers for the people of Maui County. That responsibility requires making difficult decisions. I stand firmly behind the decision that was made, and I am confident it was the right one for our community. I am disappointed it has come to this.”

Mayor Bissen Getty Images 1595220331 16x9

<title>Former Maui chief of staff sues county over alleged corruption</title>

Leo Caires, Mayor Richard Bissen's former chief of staff, has accused the county of firing him unjustly after investigating multiple fraud cases within the county government.