Opinion
Talking story about values.
The staff reporters at Aloha State Daily have a clear mission on the news side of the house: to tell you what happened, not what to think or how to feel about what happened. Here in the opinion section, we want to talk story about values — what we think Hawai‘i should do, or should not do, and why. This is where we welcome informed debate and where people can argue for their perspective.
Strange Events at the Ke‘elikōlani Building
It's hard to imagine now, but this area of the Capitol District of Honolulu was once waterfront property, where King Kamehameha I and his Royal Court made their home. Now, state government department heads, rather than powerful kahuna, hold sway, but it's possible the old energies linger, causing eerie experiences.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiMay 13, 2026
Uncles and Aunties: Ron Montgomery, finds 'thrill' repairing planes
Ron Montgomery served in the Navy for 28 years as an aircraft mechanic and air crewman, and shortly after worked a 25-year career with Hawaiian Airlines. Now, you can find him volunteering to restore a variety of vintage planes, mostly World War II-era, at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. On May 23, the museum will hold a community event, themed Armed Forces Appreciation.
Cheryl Chee TsutsumiMay 12, 2026
Earning the right to teach
Fame is not the same as mastery, says ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa, as he contemplates the careers of Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama, stars of "Renovation Aloha." The duo was in trouble again recently, this time for having run two illegal short-term rentals.
Sterling HigaMay 12, 2026
Community Voices: Follow the yellow brick road
Stay tuned for further news on the bills advancing toward the Land of Oz.
Tom YamachikaMay 11, 2026
Community Voices: Last week to apply for OHA’s Mahiʻai Micro Fund Program
Farmers impacted by the recent Kona Low storms may be eligible for awards of up to $5,000, while other eligible farmers may receive awards of up to $3,000 to support ongoing operational costs. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 15.
Bill BrennanMay 11, 2026
Pipikaula Corner: How the Clinton White House just bamboozled Hawai‘i
The Legislature was jubilant as it passed SB2471 on Friday, seeking to overturn the effects of the Citizens United decision in Hawai‘i and get big money and outside influences out of our elections. The irony is, Mainland power players were pulling our strings the whole time.
A. Kam NapierMay 11, 2026
Community Voices: Historic 2024 tax cuts rescued for majority of Hawai‘i residents
Grassroot Institute of Hawai‘i played a part in convincing the Legislature to preserve nearly all of the promised tax cuts that had been poised for repeal at the start of the session.
Keliʻi AkinaMay 11, 2026
ʻGotta start somewhereʻ
ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa digs into the claimed Christian ethics of would-be assassin Cole Tomas Allen, who stormed the White House Correspondent's Dinner in Washington, D.C.
Sterling HigaMay 08, 2026
Community Voices: Untangling occupational licensing rules
If passed, Senate Bill 2876 would replace burdensome cosmetology licensing requirements for natural hair braiders with a simple registration. This is a step in the right direction for local entrepreneurs, Grassroot Institute of Hawai‘i notes.
Keliʻi AkinaMay 07, 2026
Community Voices: Hawaiʻi’s rural nurses hold the line. It’s time the state holds them up
In honor of National Nurses Day on May 6, HPU School of Nursing Dean Edna Magpantay-Monroe shares how the state has begun to take steps to strengthen rural health infrastructure, though more work is needed.
Edna Magpantay-MonroeMay 06, 2026
Hamada: Political influence in Hawai‘i by the numbers
A shockingly low percentage of people vote in Hawai‘i, notes ASD opinion columnist Rick Hamada. Something to keep in mind as we see what the Hawai‘i State Legislature passes this week.
Rick HamadaMay 06, 2026
The continuous haunting of the Kaka‘ako fire station
Fire stations around the world, and across the Islands, are famous for hauntings. Here's a closer look at the strange experiences of fire fighters at the Kaka‘ako Fire Station, located in an area where once more than a thousand small pox victims were buried.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiMay 06, 2026