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Opinion

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.

Columnists

Disembodied voices at Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel

Disembodied voices at Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel

Spirits ancient and modern have been heard and seen in the hallways and kitchens of this hotel, named for King David Kalākaua’s gracious wife.

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiDecember 31, 2025

Hamada: Remembering the late John Henry Felix and Cliff Slater

Hamada: Remembering the late John Henry Felix and Cliff Slater

Both men, whom we lost this year, were passionately engaged in civic life. Felix as a longtime politician; Slater as a rail critic who brought facts and research to bear on the issue, back when it was projected to a cost a mere $1.8 billion.

Rick HamadaDecember 31, 2025

Residual energy manifests at Ali‘i Place

Residual energy manifests at Ali‘i Place

More than a century ago, the site hosted stables that were burned down during an outbreak of bubonic plague. Now, it's home to the Ali‘i Place office tower. One tenant, the Prosecuting Attorney for Honolulu, is the kind of place where strong emotions leave a mark on their surroundings, resulting in eerie experiences.

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiDecember 24, 2025

Hamada: Why you should vote, especially if you think it doesn't matter

Hamada: Why you should vote, especially if you think it doesn't matter

Through taxes and regulations, government touches your life 24/7, from your morning coffee to the clothes on your back. Voting is one way you can stand up for yourself — and with the number of races that are quite close, your vote really does matter.

Rick HamadaDecember 24, 2025

Pipikaula Corner: Missing details on charter schools

Pipikaula Corner: Missing details on charter schools

Civil Beat has launched a three-part series on Hawai‘i's charter schools that seems to want to write them off as underperforming. There are some big caveats to that conclusion, however, that haven't been explored.

A. Kam NapierDecember 23, 2025

Hamada: Trump steps in it over Reiner

Hamada: Trump steps in it over Reiner

The late director Rob Reiner was a harsh and dramatic critic of the president, but Trump's statement on the murder of Reiner and his wife, Michele, allegedly by their own son, was completely unnecessary.

Rick HamadaDecember 16, 2025

Pipikaula Corner: Hawai‘i's confidence crisis

Pipikaula Corner: Hawai‘i's confidence crisis

People are not just packing their bags because Hawai‘i is expensive. They’re packing their bags because they don’t believe any institution can do anything about that, least of all the politicians and bureaucrats who set policy.

A. Kam NapierDecember 13, 2025

Huaka‘i Pō at First Hawaiian Center

Huaka‘i Pō at First Hawaiian Center

First Hawaiian Center remains the tallest building in Downtown Honolulu. The property on which is stands is home to an amazing — and sometimes frightening — history. Long before there was a bank, a house stood on the property, known as Haleʻākalā. Bernice Pauahi lived there, as did the future Queen Liliʻuokalani. Duke Kahanamoku was born there. And some say Huaka‘i Pō, the Night Marchers, still make their presence known there.

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiDecember 10, 2025

Hamada: Debate on Hawaiʻi's taxis and rideshares

Hamada: Debate on Hawaiʻi's taxis and rideshares

Some thoughts about the Honolulu City Council's legislation aimed at giving traditional taxi services an even playing field against Uber and Lyft. Plus, tips for drivers and riders.

Rick HamadaDecember 09, 2025

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