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Anthology FINN Partners

Aloha Spirit

Anthology FINN Partners mourns the passing of David Wilson, co-founder of McNeil Wilson Communications, whose strategic thinking, wise counsel and irreverent British wit helped shape the firm and earned him enduring friendships throughout Hawai‘i. He was 80.

Wilson co-founded McNeil Wilson Communications with David McNeil in 1982. What began as a three-person office grew into Hawai‘i’s largest public relations agency and expanded into advertising, research and integrated marketing. Today, the firm operates as Anthology FINN Partners.

For those who knew him, Wilson’s legacy reaches well beyond the company he helped build. He was a trusted adviser to business and political leaders, a mentor to colleagues and a steadfast friend whose charm was matched by considerable determination.

“He had a presence: handsome, athletic, charming, making people laugh with that irreverent British sense of humor we shared. Yet beneath the charm was considerable steel: David was passionate, tough, strong-willed, unyielding,” said McNeil. “He was my brother in many ways.”

Born and raised in Manchester, England, Wilson served aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal during his career in Her Majesty’s Royal Navy and later rose to become an officer. A gifted natural athlete, he excelled in swimming and water polo and later competed in the Honolulu Marathon.

Wilson met Hawai‘i television news reporter Carolyn Tanaka during her visit to the United Kingdom. The couple married and made Honolulu their home. Carolyn later served as press secretary and communications director to Governor John Waihee.

In Hawai‘i, Wilson built a reputation for sound judgment, political insight and a commonsense approach to complicated challenges. His counsel was sought by elected officials and local CEOs, and his work spanned tourism, transportation and other major industries.

“David was very interested in making Hawai

i a better place,” said former Governor Waihee. “He was the kind of person who you would want as a friend.”

Wilson also helped develop generations of communications professionals. Dennis Christianson, whom Wilson hired as the firm’s creative director in 1993, remembered him as a mentor who made colleagues, clients and business partners feel they were part of a team.

“David helped build this firm, but just as importantly, he helped build the confidence and careers of so many of us who worked alongside him,” Christianson said. “He had a way of making you feel that he was firmly in your corner. I’ll always be grateful for his guidance, his friendship and the laughter we shared.”

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, who knew Wilson from the formative years of their careers, recalled his intelligence, humor and persuasive charm.

“David was one of the most charming, witty, and well-informed friends that I ever knew. He could talk about almost anything, and the scary part was he was always convincing, even if you disagreed with him,” Blangiardi said.

“David was one of a kind and did so much for so many people and our City over the years. He will be missed.”

Wilson is survived by his wife, Carolyn Tanaka; daughters Hollis Wilson and Brooke Wilson De Leon (Malia De Leon); sons Aran Wilson and Jamie Wilson (Rebecca); grandsons Edward and Henry Wilson; and brother Ian Wilson (Sue).

Services will be held Dec. 12 at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9 a.m., a tribute program at 9:30 a.m. and the funeral service at 10 a.m.

Reprinted with permission from Anthology FINN Partners. Learn more at 

David Wilson Headshot 16x9

<title>Community Voices: In remembrance of David Wilson, co-founder of Anthology</title>

Wilson co-founded McNeil Wilson Communications with David McNeil in 1982. Today, the firm operates as Anthology FINN Partners, offering public relations, advertising, research and integrated marketing services across the Islands.

Community Voices: In remembrance of David Wilson, co-founder of Anthology

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

The "blue wave" that swept Mainland races during the midterm election came for Hawai‘i as well, with four out of 10 Republican state representatives losing their seats.

The final vote counts the state Office of Elections released on Wednesday morning revealed that only three incumbent House Republicans who were up for re-election this year were able to keep their seats. 

Diamond Garcia, who represents portions of ‘Ewa and Kapolei, narrowly beat Democratic challenger Anthony Paris by only 72 votes — fewer than the number of blank votes cast for that race. Wai‘anae Rep. Chris Muraoka defeated Democrat challenger Kalehua Kaopua by some 300 votes, and ‘Ewa Beach Rep. Julie Reyes-Oda barely eked out a win over Democrat Rose Martinez by 16 votes.

Meanwhile, representatives Garner Shimizu (Fort Shafter), Elle Cochran (Kahakuloa) and Joe Gedeon (Portlock), lost their respective elections to Democrats — in Cochran's case, she came in distant third behind second-place Democrat Sne Patel and the victorious Green Party candidate Pa‘ele Kiakona. 

And Royal Kunia Rep. Elijah Pierick did not run for reelection in his House district, but lost his bid for the Senate seat previously held by Democrat Henry Aquino, leaving his House seat to be won by Democrat Corey Rosenlee.

"The 'bluenami' isn't people changing sides and voting Democrat," Garcia told Aloha State Daily. "It's Republicans not turning out."

The Office of Elections reported that about 42% of all registered voters submitted ballots in the general election, down from the 48% turnout in the previous midterms. 

Despite the losses Republicans took in Hawai‘i, Garcia, who is the Republican caucus' Minority Floor Leader in the House, took a positive view. In the face of Republican losses throughout the Mainland, the party's losses on Hawai‘i aren't that bad, he said.

"We're back down to the numbers we had in 2024," Garcia said. "It could have been worse and it has been worse."

Nonetheless, Garcia said the party needs to take the election as an opportunity to focus its messaging on issues that matter to voters, particularly the affordability crisis.

Muraoka agreed, telling ASD that Republicans need to start demonstrating results to voters in order to claw back ground in the state. 

"It's high school politics, we need this system of checks and balances to keep one party from becoming too powerful," Muraoka said. "We want as much conservative voices in Hawai‘i as we can get."

Garcia said the dominance of a single party within Hawai‘i should build the desire for people to hear alternative voices in politics. But, he added, "Republicans are good at policy and bad at messaging. And Democrats are bad at policy and good at messaging."

Meanwhile, Kapolei Rep. Kanani Souza held onto her seat, facing no Democrat challengers, but fellow Republican Sheila Medeiros. The race between the two in the primary election was narrow enough to force a do-over in the general, and led to a Supreme Court case earlier this year.

On the Senate side of the race, only one Republican seat was up for grabs: Republican Bob McDermott claimed the ‘Ewa Beach seat currently held by outgoing Republican Kurt Fevella, defeating his Democrat opponent by about 400 votes. 

But Kāne‘ohe Sen. Brenton Awa took a loss nonetheless, losing his bid for U.S. Representative to incumbent Jill Tokuda. 

"It's a big relief off my shoulders," Awa told ASD, saying he wants to get back to work for the remaining two years of his Senate term.

But Awa said his race proved that "it doesn't matter whose name is on the ballot," only their party affiliation. He said Republicans need to figure out how to "get beyond the triggers" that cause voters to focus on labels instead of the core issues.

Awa said he encountered a man who said he would have voted for Awa but didn't because Donald Trump remains president, which Awa said shows that the "big issues" don't resonate with voters so much as the divide between red and blue.

But Awa also hinted that he might leave that divide behind as well. After his Senate term is up, he told ASD he may run for Honolulu Mayor, a non-partisan race.

"I may leave the Republicans, we'll see," Awa said, although he added that he wouldn't join the Democrats either. "The divide is why we're conquered."

[{"type":"text","text":"ASD reached out to Tokuda for additional comment."}]

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<title>"Blue wave" hits Hawai‘i, picks off four Republican House seats</title>

GOP winners reflect on midterm results.

"Blue wave" hits Hawai‘i, picks off four Republican House seats

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Thanksgiving is coming up on Nov. 26. Peruse part 1 

. Check out the following dine-in and takeout options:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Aliʻi Fish Market"}]

i Fish Market’s Thanksgiving menu ($395) is designed to feed six to eight people. Each box’s contents are designed to take home, cook and re-heat.

[{"type":"text","text":"Boxes include:"}]

: Basalt Waikīkī’s turkey to-go packs costs $250 and are designed to feed a family of four.

[{"type":"text","text":"The turkey to-go meals include:"}]

The food will be chilled with heating instructions included. Pre-orders must be made by Nov. 19.

[{"type":"text","text":"The restaurant will also feature Thanksgiving Day specials."}]

[{"type":"text","text":"Brunch specials (7 a.m. to 1 p.m.):"}]

[{"type":"text","text":"Dinner specials (4 to 9 p.m.):"}]

: This Thanksgiving feast costs $155 per adult ($75 per child ages 12 years and under). Highlights include chilled crab, sushi, and fresh Pacific oysters; carving station with roasted Thanksgiving turkey, prime rib and whole suckling pig; locally caught steamed fish; Kona lobster pasta; and a variety of decadent desserts. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Big City Diner"}]

: Various locations (Kailua, Pearlridge, Waipio)

: This Thanksgiving big meal to-go costs $159.99. All items are ready to re-heat.

[{"type":"text","text":"The to-go meal includes:"}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Chef Chai"}]

: Chef Chai’s Wiki Wiki Thanksgiving boxes ($175 small, $320 large) feature a Thanksgiving feast designed for two or four people.

: Pick-up Nov. 26, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the restaurant will be closed for dine-in service on Thanksgiving Day 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"DECK."}]

: DECK.’s Thanksgiving specials will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. The Thanksgiving plate ($42) includes turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing and roasted vegetables.

Desserts are served a la carte and include pumpkin bread pudding ($12) with whipped cream, caramel and cinnamon; basque cheesecake ($14) with lime zest and caramelized banana; and pecan tarts ($13) with whipped cream, salted caramel and praline pecans.

The eatery’s regular menu will also be available all day. 

Eating House 1849 by Roy Yamaguchi – Waik

: International Market Place, 2330 Kalākaua Ave. Ste. 322, Honolulu

: This special holiday dinner costs $70 per person. It includes:

Limited items on the eatery’s regular dinner menu will also be available. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Empire Steak House"}]

: This four-course menu costs $140 per person. It includes:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Et al."}]

: et al.’s Thanksgiving special ($45) is available for both dine-in and takeout.

The meal includes garlic and herb butter roast turkey, HI Steaks smoked meat and sage stuffing, Sweet Land Farm chevre and chive potato puree, pan roasted brussels sprouts with ‘Ōhi‘a Honey verjus, prune mui cranberry sauce, turkey jus and basque pumpkin caramel cheesecake. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Foodland"}]

: Foodland features a variety of Thanksgiving options.

Premium turkey dinner ($129.99), serves eight to 10 people; order by Nov. 18

[{"type":"text","text":"Turkey breast dinner ($89.99), serves up to five people; order by Nov. 18"}]

[{"type":"text","text":"Prime rib dinner ($149.99), serves four to six people; order by Nov. 18"}]

Dinner from our chefs ($199.99), serves eight to 10 people; order by Nov. 18

: Pick-up during store hours, Nov. 25 to 27

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Haliʻa by Side Street Inn"}]

a by Side Street Inn will feature a family-style meal ($185) designed to feed four to five people.

It includes kalua turkey with gravy, lilikoʻi and pineapple glazed ham, mushroom and Portuguese sausage stuffing, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, mixed greens, green beans with macadamia nuts and fresh cranberry sauce. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Hau Tree"}]

: This four-course family-style Thanksgiving dinner costs $135 per adult ($55 per child ages 12 years and under).

It includes ‘ahi tartare, creamy truffle mushroom soup, delicata squash salad, glazed turkey breast with brown butter and thyme, leg and thigh meat confit with maple mustard, black truffle gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry compote, roasted brussels sprouts, Hawaiian rolls, pumpkin crunch, and hojicha kūlolo tart. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Hard Rock Cafe"}]

: Hard Rock Cafe’s Thanksgiving menu includes traditional slow-roasted turkey, buttermilk stuffing, creamy sweet potato mash, green bean casserole and sticky toffee bread pudding for dessert. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Hideout at The Laylow"}]

: Hideout at The Laylow’s holiday menu features local flavors through dishes like kabocha ravioli, Portuguese sausage-infused turkey and pumpkin spice crème brulee. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Jolene’s Hawaiʻi"}]

: Various locations (Honolulu, ‘Ewa Beach and Bayview)

i is offering Thanksgiving packs for pick-up. Choose from:

Each pack is designed to feed six to eight people; food should be consumed within four hours of pick-up.

Pre-orders must be made by Monday, Nov. 23. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Kukui’s (Kauaʻi)"}]

: The Thanksgiving morning buffet costs $95 per person. Highlights include a chef’s omelet station, cranberry-roasted turkey carving station, made-to-order crepes and waffles, coconut shrimp, Hawaiian-style miso mahi mahi, roasted pumpkin and vegetable Wellington, pumpkin cheesecake bars and more.

The Thanksgiving prix fixe dinner costs $85 per person. It includes herb-roasted turkey with cranberry-orange compote, Hawaiian Alaea salt prime prime rib, misoyaki butterfish with passion fruit glaze, pumpkin soup, pecan pie and more. 

: Morning buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Nov. 26

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Little Sparrow Honolulu"}]

: Little Sparrow’s Thanksgiving take-away feast costs $89 per person.

Each dish comes with re-heating instructions. Pre-orders are open thru Nov. 22. 

: Pick-up from 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 25; 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Nov. 26 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Pitch Sports Bar"}]

: Pitch Sports Bar’s Thanksgiving packages come in small ($110, feeds two to three people) or large ($220, feeds five to six people) sizes.

Packages include oven-roasted turkey with a turkey leg, honey-glazed ham with traditional turkey gravy, homemade stuffing with water chestnuts, bacon parm brussels sprouts, Asian chicken salad and garlic mashed potatoes.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Side Street Inn"}]

: Side Street Inn’s dine-in prix fixe special costs $185 and is designed to serve four to five people.

It includes smoked kalua turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, Portuguese sausage stuffing, turkey gravy, potato mac salad, cranberry sauce and farmer’s salad. Dine-in seatings will be limited to two hours; the restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The eatery will also offer a Thanksgiving to-go special; pre-orders are recommended. The local-style kalua turkey plate ($40) includes smoked kalua turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, Portuguese sausage stuffing, potato mac salad, turkey gravy and cranberry sauce.

: Nov. 26; pick-up for Thanksgiving to-go from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

: International Market Place, 2330 Kalākaua Ave. Ste. 330, Honolulu 

: Stripsteak’s Thanksgiving feast features a three-course menu for $129 per person. It includes:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Swim Restaurant & Bar"}]

: Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach Resort & Spa, 

: Swim Restaurant & Bar will serve a special Thanksgiving menu for the holiday. The roast turkey dinner ($35) includes stuffing, mashed potatoes, maple glazed brussels sprouts, giblet gravy and a slice of pumpkin pie. Extra pumpkin pie slices ($6 each) will be available. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"The Lookout"}]

: The Lookout’s Thanksgiving buffet costs $85 per adult ($39 for children ages 5 to 11 years). The buffet includes butternut squash soup, macadamia nut green beans, candied yams, mashed potatoes, Portuguese sausage and mushroom stuffing, pineapple glazed ham, roasted turkey with gravy, kalua turkey, togarashi glazed salmon, prime rib station with au jus and horseradish sour cream, warm bread pudding, pumpkin crunch, self-serve vanilla ice cream with whipped cream and chocolate sauce, and more. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Tiki’s Grill & Bar"}]

: Tiki’s Grill & Bar is featuring a special Thanksgiving plate. Plates include brined, roasted Tom turkey with all the fixings, including sausage apple and Hawaiian ‘ulu stuffing; Yukon Gold potato and tarragon gratin; Molokai sweet potato puree; sage chardonnay pan gravy; fresh cranberry and star anise orange relish; and a side of bacon, macadamia nut and pineapple brussels sprouts.

Pumpkin tres leches topped with spiced crème and dulce de leche will be for dessert.

Thanksgiving 2026 Stripsteak 110326

<title>Where to go for Thanksgiving 2026 – part 2</title>

Whether you want to celebrate with a buffet or a cozy meal at home, we’ve got your Thanksgiving plans covered.

Where to go for Thanksgiving 2026 – part 2

WEB square crop Hayley Lehman Headshot RGZ1636

Haley Lehman

Crime & Courts

A Honolulu Fire Department battalion chief and the City of Honolulu face a civil lawsuit from a woman who alleges she was assaulted at the department headquarters in February 2025.

According to the complaint filed on Oct. 28, the woman identified as Jane Doe was working at the Honolulu Fire Department headquarters when Battalion Chief Blake Takahashi texted her at 4:53 p.m. on Feb. 14, 2025, and asked her to stop by his office. He reportedly gave her alcohol and made sexual advances.

Takahashi is accused of sexually assaulting the woman in his office. Takahashi remains on paid administrative leave, according to HFD Public Information Officer Jacob Pekelo. Pekelo declined to comment on pending litigation.

Battalion chiefs at HFD earn between $139,752 to $160,908, according to the City and County of Honolulu 

Takahashi has worked for the City and County of Honolulu for more than 24 years and serves as a 

 in 2024 for his work leading the department’s training programs and developing the department’s Mentorship Program for recruits.

The lawsuit filed by Woodruff Soldner, Nicole Kalakau and Rafael Renteria of Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner alleges that the city and its fire department “failed to keep its employees safe from Battalion Chief Blake Takahashi’s predation — resulting in a sexual assault in the workplace.” 

Takahashi turned himself in at the Honolulu Police Department on Feb. 18, 2025, and was released later that same afternoon pending investigation, the 

A woman obtained a temporary restraining order against Takahashi in 2025 in connection with the allegation, according to court filings.

Lance Aquino, a spokesperson for HPD, told Aloha State Daily that the case was 

“thoroughly investigated by HPD.” According to Aquino, the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney declined to charge Takahashi on Dec. 17, 2025.

The attorneys representing the woman argue that the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney had an “obvious conflict of interest” and 

a motivation to protect itself from liability, according to the complaint.

Kalakau, one of the woman's attorneys, told ASD by email Tuesday that a civil lawsuit was the "only path left to accountability" after 20 months without answers. She said that the woman immediately reported the assault to HFD and reported it to HPD the next day, but HFD's internal investigation has been silent since then.

hat silence is part of why she's here," Kalakau said. "She's lost faith in how the City handles complaints, and we have reason to believe this isn't the first time HFD, with help from other City agencies, has buried misconduct. Battalion Chief Takahashi's past misconduct, and HFD's failure to act on it, set the stage for what happened to Jane Doe."

The woman “suffered severe physical injury, psychological trauma, emotional distress and economic loss,” because of the alleged sexual assault, the lawsuit states. Kalakau said that the woman wants "transparency, accountability, and real change at HFD and the City."

We expect firefighters to be heroes. We're going to root out the ones who aren't, and the ones who protect those few bad apples. We hope the heroes at HFD will stand with us. This isn't just about Jane Doe. It's about clearing out a toxic culture that has no place at HFD or anywhere in the City and County of Honolulu."

The case was assigned to Judge Shirley Kawamura and court dates have not yet been set.

HFD HQ

<title>HFD battalion chief accused of sexual assault</title>

A woman identified as Jane Doe in a civil case alleges that a Honolulu Fire Department battalion chief sexually assaulted her in February 2025.

HFD battalion chief accused of sexual assault

Arts & Entertainment

 is coming Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The festival will be held at Makiki District Park (1527 Ke

The event is free and is open to the public. Kimchi Day Festival Hawaiʻi strives to bring the community together for a day dedicated to Korean food, traditions and culture, according to David Suh, president of The United Korean Association of Hawai

"The Kimchi Day Festival is the perfect excuse to gather your friends, try some amazing dishes, and capture memories that look just as good as they taste", says Suh. "I can't wait to see all of you out there bringing your appetites and celebrating with us.”

The annual festival, hosted by The United Korean Association of Hawai

i, highlights Korea’s rich culinary heritage and showcases the cultural connections between Hawaiʻi and Korea.

The festival is centered around kimchi, Korea’s iconic fermented dish that has become popular in Hawaii. Kimchi is usually made with salted vegetables — like Napa cabbage — along with garlic, ginger and chili pepper. Gov. Josh Green signed House Bill 1950 into law in 2023, and officially designated Nov. 22 as Kimchi Day in Hawai

At this year’s festival, attendees can look forward to a won bok toss tournament, best homemade kimchi contest, a kimchi-making demo, kimchi jeon eating contest, and a K-pop dance competition. There will also be live performances, featuring Korean drumming and other cultural presentations.

For more information, visit the Kimchi Day Festival’s 

Kimchi Day Festival 2026 kimchi packs 102826

<title>4th annual Kimchi Day Festival Hawaiʻi is coming Nov. 14</title>

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Makiki District Park; it’s open to the public and free to attend. Attendees can look forward to live music, cultural performances, a kimchi-making demonstration and K-Pop dance contest.

4th annual Kimchi Day Festival Hawaiʻi is coming Nov. 14

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ASD Staff

My Favorite Local Saying

"I grew up in Honolulu, and whenever I see or hear someone use this saying it make laugh or smile," said former Honolulu resident 

Sharri Hogan of San Juan Capistrano, California.

 defines "Try wait" as an idiom meaning please wait a moment; hold on; give me a second. ex: 

To submit your Favorite Local Saying, visit us 

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Hilo's Yolanda Keehne shares a few of her favorite pidgin words, including "gadut," "hamajang" and “huli-maka-flip."

Anthology FINN Partners

Latest from Anthology FINN Partners

Community Voices: In remembrance of David Wilson, co-founder of Anthology

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