Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

i this fall. One of Asia’s largest convenience store chains, CU’s first location in Hawaiʻi marks its debut in the United States.

BGF Retail, CU’s parent company, signed a Master Franchise Agreement with Hawai

i LLC. CU operates more than 18,000 stores across South Korea and more than 600 stores across central and southeast Asia.

The first CU stores will be in urban Honolulu; the flagship store will be in Downtown Honolulu at the Executive Centre. Stores will range from 700 square feet to 2,500 square feet.

i stores will include viral Korean snacks and beverages, along with cosmetics and household items; modern store designs; popular Korean national brands; interactive dining (including instant ramen cooking stations); local fusion dishes and more.

CU storefront 052825

<title>This Korea-based convenience store is opening in Hawaiʻi this fall</title>

Asia’s large convenience store chain’s flagship store will be in Downtown Honolulu.

This Korea-based convenience store is opening in Hawaiʻi this fall

Lopaka and Tanya Kapanui

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya Kapanui

Hawaii History

Columnists

In the heart of downtown Honolulu stands a structure with clean lines, an open ceiling, and ominous whispers. Modern and minimalist, the Hawai‘i State Capitol building is a striking departure from the domed, classical government buildings found across the Continental U.S. But beneath its sleek geometry and sunlit courtyards lies a deeper story that begins with royalty, dislocation, and spirits that may never have left.

The land beneath the Capitol wasn’t always reserved for democracy. It once held the castle-like ‘Iolani Barracks, also known as Hale Koa, the House of Warriors. Built in 1871 of coral blocks, the barracks housed the royal guard of King Kamehameha V. Surrounding the open courtyard were rooms once used by the guards for various purposes, including a kitchen and mess hall, a medical dispensary, and a temporary jail.

After the disbanding of the Royal Guard and the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, the building was repurposed in a variety of ways. It served as a temporary shelter for refugees of the devastating 1899 Chinatown fire, became headquarters for the National Guard of Hawaiʻi, housed government offices, and even functioned as a storage facility. Though its role shifted with the times, the stone walls of the barracks remained. For nearly a century, Hale Koa stood firm while the cultural and political landscape evolved around it.

When Governor John A. Burns envisioned a new Capitol to symbolize Hawai‘i’s future, builders carefully dismantled Hale Koa, meticulously numbering each block, and reassembled the structure within the grounds of ‘Iolani Palace, where it remains today.

From this transplant grew something entirely new.

Completed in 1969, the Hawai‘i State Capitol breaks from tradition. There’s no dome. No rotunda. Instead, its architecture is shaped by island geography and cultural symbolism. A wide reflecting pool surrounds the structure, representing the Pacific Ocean that embraces the Hawaiian Islands. Housing the Senate and the House of Representatives, two conical chambers rise on either side, representing the Islands’ volcanic origins. Tall concrete columns line the perimeter of the building, shaped like majestic coconut palms. The central courtyard is open to the sky, allowing sun, rain, and wind to move freely, just as they do in nature.

At the dedication of Hawaii’s state Capitol in 1969, Governor John A. Burns stated, “The open sea, the open sky, the open doorway, open arms, and open hearts — these are the symbols of our Hawaiian heritage. In this great State Capitol, there are no doors at the grand entrances which open toward the mountains and toward the sea. There is no roof or dome to separate its vast inner court from the heavens and from the same eternal stars which guided the first voyagers to the primeval beauty of these shores.”

Reflecting balance and openness, the entire structure is a conversation between earth and sky, people and place. But some believe the conversation has grown … crowded. They say Governor Burns never left.

John A. Burns, Hawai‘i’s second elected governor and the man who championed the construction of the Capitol, is often felt within its walls. Governor Burns was well known for smoking cigars in his office on the fifth floor. People would know the governor was in whenever the pungent scent of cigar smoke drifted through the halls and along the lānai. Now, visitors and staff routinely catch the distinct aroma of a burning cigar in various places around the building, even though the Capitol has been smoke-free since 2006. But not all the hauntings are so stately.

The women’s restroom on the chamber level has a reputation all its own. Staff have complained of the hand dryer turning on suddenly, followed by the sound of water running, even when the room is empty. While skeptics blame faulty sensors, others aren’t so quick to dismiss the encounters. Staffers that say the restroom feels creepy and those who’ve had strange experiences there are office managers and legal aides whose professions demand logic and order, making their encounters all the more eerie.

Unfamiliar with the story, one woman recalled her eerie experience on her first visit to the Capitol building just a few years ago. She explained that while she was in the stall, she heard low, continuous mumbling, just soft enough that she couldn’t make out words. She assumed someone else was in the restroom, but when she stepped out, the restroom was completely empty. The murmuring had stopped, and the woman realized she had been alone all along. When asked if she noticed anyone outside the door, she said there was no one. Nobody outside the door and no one disappearing down the hall. She said aside from the chicken skin moment, she had a nice visit that day at the Capitol, but she doesn’t think she’ll be returning any time soon.

Although the building was designed to echo the harmony of the Islands’ natural beauty, some strange presence still lingers. Maybe it’s the land that was once home to royal warriors, speaking out. Or perhaps some spirits feel they still have work left to do.

Whatever the cause, the Capitol is not as silent as it seems.

Queen looks upon the state seal

<title>Smoke and Whispers at the State Capitol</title>

Something more than the memory of thousands of failed bills haunts the State Capitol, possibly including a gubernatorial ghost.

Smoke and Whispers at the State Capitol

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

Mid-Pacific Institute broke ground on a new $7.5 million track and field facility on Tuesday morning, commemorating the moment with a ceremony and Hawaiian blessing. 

The project, which was announced in the summer 2022, was bolstered by a $1.5 million donation by Michael Wood, a local businessman and former track athlete at Cal, along with his wife, Joanne. 

In Mid-Pacific's 117 years in Mānoa, the campus previously never had a track facility. 

"It's a dream come true," Mid-Pacific track and field head coach Rick Hendrix told Aloha State Daily. "I've been here 17 years, and I never thought I'd see this day coming. But it's all about the kids, and they're gonna have a great facility next year. We won't have to ride a bus for 40 minutes one way, and 40 minutes back. They'll be able to just come out of  campus and hop on the track. So, it's a blessing."

Track and field practices for the Owls previously included bus rides to Hawai‘i Kai on Kaiser High School's track or Kalihi on Farrington High School's track. Other times, the Owls would practice on the grass field on campus. 

MPI's new track facility, spearheaded by local firm G70, will feature a six-lane track. The facility will also accommodate other track and field events such as pole vault and triple jump. 

In addition to the Wood family donation, local organizations such as the 

Atherton Family Foundation and Central Pacific Bank Foundation contributed to the funding of the facility. 

"The goal is that 100% will be funded by donations, and we're clearly on our way there," said Dr. Paul Turnbull, Mid-Pacific president. "We've got just a few months left to close out, and we're really making great progress."

Construction of Mid-Pacific's new facility is expected to be completed well in time for the school's Class of 2026 to graduate on it. 

"Pure joy for the students," Turnbull said. "We have so many students who are dedicated not only to the sport of track and field, but also just to improving themselves and really pulling together mind, body and spirit. When you think about a total school experience, this is the beginning of generations of that happening on campus, rather than us needing to look for other facilities for those particular students."

Included in Tuesday's festivities was a blessing for Mid-Pacific's Wailele Spring, with plans to beatify and revitalize it. 

Renderings of Mid-Pacific's new track and field facility are below (courtesy Mid-Pacific):

MPI TF groundbreaking 032725

<title>Mid-Pacific Institute breaks ground on first-ever $7.5 million track and field facility</title>

Bolstered by a $1.5 million donation, Mid-Pacific's new track and field facility is expected to be completed in 10 months.

Mid-Pacific Institute breaks ground on first-ever $7.5 million track and field facility

Around $40 for all-you-can-eat wagyu and sushi sounds too good to be true. The catch: this deal is currently only on Wednesdays at 

Kale’s Hale, which opened earlier this year, is known for its all-you-can-eat Hawaiian fusion yakiniku ($39.99 per adult). The eatery prides itself on serving Kagoshima wagyu, along with a rotating selection of banchan. The banchan selection ranges from tuna mac salad and cucumber kimchi to ocean salad, taegu noodles and pickled garlic.

Kale’s Hale “Wasabi Wednesday” includes sushi as part of the $39.99 price for both lunch and dinner. Each order of sushi includes four pieces. Choose from more traditional options like the California roll, shrimp tempura roll and spicy ‘ahi roll, along with unique combos like the surf and turf roll with steak and lobster, spicy spicy, He‘e lū

u leaf with coconut,” says chef Kale Afong. “The spicy spicy has spicy ‘ahi and spicy beef inside. The ‘Gout’ roll has pork belly and crab. The spicy spicy and gout rolls are my two favorites.

“These are a lot of the ingredients that we carry in house, so we just turned it into sushi,” he adds.

Of the sushi rolls we tried, the “Gout” roll was one of my favorites. The creamy crab mixture contrasts nicely with the crispy pork belly and delivers a satisfying crunch in every bite. The surf and turf roll was also a favorite — you can’t go wrong with a sushi topped with lobster.

While sushi is only available on Wednesdays, the eatery will eventually have more options like wagyu nigiri, according to Afong.

If you dine in for lunch but don’t want to get the all-you-can-eat option, meat sets — ranging from $11.99 to $34.99, depending on the meat — are also available. Additionally, customers can opt for a la carte cuts of beef, pork, seafood and veggies.

Walks-ins are accepted, but reservations — especially for Wasabi Wednesdays — are highly recommended.

Note: Kale’s Hale is still in its soft opening. The eatery will celebrate its grand opening once it receives its liquor license.

Open daily, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. lunch, 3:30-9 p.m. dinner

Kales Hale sushi and wagyu 052725

<title>This yakiniku spot in Kalihi now offers all-you-can-eat sushi</title>

Kale’s Hale offers AYCE sushi on Wednesdays only for $39.99.

This yakiniku spot in Kalihi now offers all-you-can-eat sushi

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

Residents in Hawai‘i Kai are urging Kamehameha Schools against hypothetical high-rise developments in Haha‘ione Valley.

Among the extensive land holdings of Kamehameha Schools are three properties in Hawai‘i Kai, adjacent commercial land parcels totaling about eight acres. Businesses such as 7-Eleven lease those three parcels, located between 6640 and 6660 Hawai‘i Kai Drive, from KS, although possibly not for much longer.

The leases for all three parcels expire in 2028. And while KS has not stated any plans for the properties following the expiration date, many residents are worried nonetheless.

 “Many people are assuming they do have a plan,” said Tom Cooper, a spokesman for 

Haha‘ione Advocates for Respectful Development

 (HARD), a volunteer community organization raising awareness about resident concerns regarding the future of the three parcels.

Because, while Cooper confirmed that KS has told HARD it has no current stated plans for the future of the parcels, eight contiguous acres of land directly at the mouth of Haha‘ione Valley could no doubt seem enticing for a possible high-rise development along Hawai‘i Kai Drive, he said.

“It’s like getting Boardwalk and Park Place in Monopoly for a developer,” Cooper said.

Cooper estimated there are perhaps 30 businesses located on the parcels. The westernmost contains a 7-11, a gas station and Boston Pizza; the middle one holds a business plaza that is home to numerous small businesses; and the easternmost parcel, the largest, contains the former Japan-America Institute for Management Sciences building.

While JAIMS permanently dissolved in 2024, part of the building is currently used as a preschool.

HARD’s concerns about a large-scale development are not mere NIMBYism, Cooper said, referring to an acronym for “Not In My BackYard,” which is often leveled at opponents of high-density housing.

“There is only one way in or out of the valley,” Cooper said. “In a major fire, such as the ones in Lahaina and L.A., if you add 200, 300, 400 new cars to traffic that’s already bottlenecked, it would be devastating.”

Of course, other concerns do include the impact to view planes within the valley, increased noise pollution and crime, Cooper added.

Furthermore, he said, the JAIMS parcel directly borders Haha‘ione Elementary School, and major construction next to the school could not only be a safety hazard for students — who, Cooper said, could try to explore a dangerous construction site — but would also have a deleterious effect on their education due to the chronic noise

HARD does not oppose respectful development, Cooper said. The group has met with the majority of property owners and residents in “the donut” (the ring of properties immediately surrounding the three parcels) and said that the majority seem to support converting the JAIMS building into a community center, a cultural center, or something else with social or community value.

For now, though, with nothing officially on the horizon, HARD is simply gathering support. Cooper said the group has met with "a key member" of the Honolulu City Council to be notified if and when any proposal for a zoning variance or other changes to the properties is submitted to the City and County.

At the same time, Cooper said HARD has circulated 

 among residents that has gathered more than 1,000 signatures, something he hopes will help sway KS’ eventual decision. That petition specifically requests that KS maintains the JAIMS building “nestled under the magnificent trees … for over 50 years” and that government groups not approve plans for buildings on the properties taller than the current developments.

[{"type":"text","text":"Aloha State Daily reached out to Kamehameha Schools for comment."}]

Hawaiikaimap

<title>Hawai‘i Kai residents preemptively petition against high-rise</title>

As three Kamehameha Schools leases run out in Hawai‘i Kai, residents worry about what comes next

Hawai‘i Kai residents preemptively petition against high-rise

The HHSAA has announced its Class of 2025 for the 12-member Hall of Honor. 

Every year since 1983, a committee votes for the 12 most outstanding senior student-athletes in Hawai‘i. A bevy of sports and islands have been represented over the years. Although athletic achievement is the main criterion, academic record, community involvement and character are among the other factors considered. 

Each member of the Hall of Honor is awarded a $2,000 scholarship courtesy of the HHSAA and Enterprise Holdings. 

The 2025 Hall of Honor will be honored in a June 1 Banquet at 

Sheraton Princess Ka'iulani's Ainahau showroom. 

The HHSAA Hall of Honor Class of 2025 is below (courtesy HHSAA):

HHSAA

<title>HHSAA announces Hall of Honor Class of 2025</title>

Twelve of the state's most outstanding senior student-athletes will be honored on June 1.

HHSAA announces Hall of Honor Class of 2025

Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp celebrated its grand opening at Ala Moana Center

Fumis OG garlic shrimp 052825

You can now get this original garlic butter shrimp in Honolulu

OAKBERRY ACAI launched its first Hawaiʻi location

Oakberry acai signature acai bowl 052725

Kapolei’s newest acai bowl spot is grand opening May 31

The Hawaiʻi Kai-based business recently opened its second location in Kapahulu

Hanapaa Kapahulu poke bowl with sign 052325

HanaPa’a Market is celebrating the grand opening of its new location on May 24

You can get up to 50% off select dishes for a limited time on Sundays and Mondays.

Sansei Seafood Restaurant sign 052025

Budget Bites: Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Steak House’s early bird special

Starting this week, Himalayan Kitchen is open daily.

Himalayan Kitchen Kailua saag paneer 052025

This popular Indian eatery recently reopened its Kailua location

Kaimana Beach Hotel’s afternoon tea service is starting in June

Kaimana Beach Hotel afternoon tea food 052125

Save the date for the launch of this new Mu‘u and Mimosas afternoon tea

Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodle now offers a daily dim sum menu

Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodle dim sum spread 052125

Central Oʻahu has a new dim sum option

The menu is still the same, and you can now find the biz on Sand Island Access Road

Kau Kau Grill plate lunches 052025

Kau Kau Grill — and its huge plates lunches — recently relocated

Entertainment

Consolidated Theatres is offering movie merch and fun food offerings to celebrate the premiere

News

Government & Politics

Crime & Courts

Sports

Business & Tourism

Real Estate

Food & Dining

Entertainment

Arts & Culture

Aloha Spirit

Hawaii History

Opinion

Daily Features

News

Government & Politics

Crime & Courts

Sports

Business & Tourism

Real Estate

Food & Dining

Entertainment

Arts & Culture

Aloha Spirit

Hawaii History

Opinion

Daily Features

Food & Dining

Hawai‘i Cuisine: Food, Flavors, and Local Favorites

This Korea-based convenience store is opening in Hawaiʻi this fall

You can now get this original garlic butter shrimp in Honolulu

Kapolei’s newest acai bowl spot is grand opening May 31

This yakiniku spot in Kalihi now offers all-you-can-eat sushi

HanaPa’a Market is celebrating the grand opening of its new location on May 24

Budget Bites: Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Steak House’s early bird special

This popular Indian eatery recently reopened its Kailua location

Save the date for the launch of this new Mu‘u and Mimosas afternoon tea

Central Oʻahu has a new dim sum option

Kau Kau Grill — and its huge plates lunches — recently relocated

Limited-time “Lilo & Stitch” movie-themed menu items launch May 23

A new Vietnam Deli recently opened in Kailua