Letters to the Editor

Columnists

Viewpoints

Opinion

Tamara McKay

Pritchett photo 300 dpi square

John Pritchett

Ka Wai Ola Staff

Ralph S. Cushnie

HPU Provost and SVP Alan Shoho Headshot

Alan Shoho

James Morioka1

James Morioka

B Camara

Bobby Camara

IMG 1445

Rick Hamada

Business & Tourism

[{"type":"text","text":"Hawai‘i’s tourism industry is in trouble. "}]

Now, this is not breaking news. We have encounted over generations the apparent demise of our No. 1 economic engine. Time after time, we have emerged, at times even stronger, and business would continue, even flourish. 

However, our dependence on one industry would also continue. The exposure would continue. And our vulnerabilities would become more pronounced promoting uncertainty, anxiety and, yes, economic failures. 

I am not a tourism expert. I worked in the tourism industry when I was a younger and more adventurous man and I have been blessed to have hosted national and international tours with listenters 20-plus times over the years. But I do have eyes and I do have a degree of expectation and perspective when it comes to travelling and touring. I am sure you do to so instead of asking the “experts” I am asking you. 

[{"type":"text","text":"Why is Hawai‘i tourism in trouble? "}]

We first have to understand that our tourism is a product in the open market. Tourism is one of the most competative industries anywhere. Our product is the unique experience of Hawaiian culture and beauty in the Pacific. When selling a product, one of the most important aspects to a customer is value. 

When you’re considering a family vacation what is likely first on the list? You would think that it’s destination but leading the charge is price. Cost. Cash. Budget. Now, you may say it is destination first but I maintain that cost that is often the final deciding factor. 

OK, yes, some tourists don’t care about the cost. I want to go to Paris and I’m going. I want to go to Australia and I’m going. I want to go to Boise and I’m going. Well, two out of three and you get the picture. This percentile of traveler is comparatively low.

From the purveyor's perspective you base your business on one of two premises. 

One, you rely on volume. Your pricing and inventory determine profitability. I need to sell a thousand widgets a day at X amount of dollars, that covers my hard cost and what remains is profit. You don’t care who buys. As long as a thousand are sold, you’re good. 

Two, you rely on premium pricing to attract a specific demographic. You market your product as essential, desirable, exclusive, and assure the customer they will receive a premium return on their increased investment. It's not quantity, it's quality.

[{"type":"text","text":"There are some businesses that co-mingle these two different strategies."}]

[{"type":"text","text":"One that comes to mind is Macy's."}]

Macy's, especially here at home, has a certain cache, a reputation for upscale brands in virtually all they sell. Clothing and jewelry come to mind. But they are also known for their deeply discounted sale items. When the kids were young, we shopped at Macy's at Kāhala Mall for their clothing from infant to pre-teen years. It's not that we were loaded but the discounts on Polo, for example, were 30% to 50% off and more on some items. Cha-ching! 

[{"type":"text","text":"Hawai‘i marketed our tourism product in a similar way."}]

We would have travel organizations and agencies in the past that would market a discounted or budget experience in Hawai‘i. The state would rely upon great numbers of visitors to generate more of a volume-based revenue model. And it worked. For example, in 2019, we hosted about 10.4 million tourists. That's about 10 times the number of residents statewide. This number generated over $17.75 billion. From a marketing and sales perspective, this would define success.

[{"type":"text","text":"Then Covid hit."}]

[{"type":"text","text":"Numbers plummeted, both in visitors and revenue."}]

[{"type":"text","text":"The industry and, well, life took a hit."}]

I'm in a fairly decent mood so I'm not going to continue down the Covid path. We all know because we all lived it.

[{"type":"text","text":"However, in the years to follow, recovery has been mixed."}]

The upside. Domestic travel increased dramatically. Many believe Hawai‘i is an exotic destination, albeit one safely within the United States.

The downside. International travel continues to produce flaccid numbers far below pre-pandemic times. 

According to a recent Civil Beat report, "there was once a time when about 1 in 4 tourists on Oʻahu was from Japan. In 2019, almost 1.5 million people — 24% of the total tourism traffic that year and more than any country outside the U.S. — came from the island nation. But that’s not the case anymore, according to data from the Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Over the last six years, the number of people traveling to Oʻahu from Japan dropped by roughly 50%. Last year, only about 1 in 8 tourists visiting the island was from Japan — a total of just over 715,000 people."

International tourists, especially Japanese, are the ideal customers. They spend more, they stay longer, and they'll come back. Unfortunately, that's not the case now.

"The number of foreign travelers coming to the Hawaiian islands crashed by 95%," Civil Beat reported, "falling from roughly 3 million in 2019 to just over 148,000 in 2021. The number of tourists from abroad remains about half of what it was before Covid-19. Visitors from countries including Korea, Canada and Australia still aren’t back to their pre-pandemic numbers."

[{"type":"text","text":"A post-COVID reality was the impact to locals after the pandemic."}]

[{"type":"text","text":"Without tourists, we could again enjoy our home!"}]

Beaches were clear and open. Hiking trails were accessible. Locals reacquainted themselves with places like Waikīkī, the Ko'Olina lagoons, and tourist typical attractions. Once we got a taste of it, things changed. Overtourism was always a topic of discussion but this time it was more than just talk. Educational outreach to visitors on how to behave was implemented and the already-high rates for accommodations, car rentals and meals and restaurants went higher and higher. Interestingly, despite these changes, tourism numbers were holding steady for the first quarter of 2026.

[{"type":"text","text":"That swiftly changed."}]

Hawai‘i tourism is now having its worst year in recent memory, with storms, shorter stays, and higher costs worrying the industry. Residents and businesses have faced one severe weather event after another, and the tourism sector has taken a huge hit.

As a series of storms, powered by a strong El Niño, continued to skirt around the Islands, the number of visitors on any given day dropped dramatically. In March, the average daily visitor census was 

 compared with the year before. The decline widened to 

The state reported there was over $1 billion in damages suffered due to these storms. Coupled with the drop in tourism revenues the financial situation looks bleak.

I understand resiliency and that incredible quality which is found in our people, businesses and more.

[{"type":"text","text":"Yes, through time and incalculable efforts, we will overcome."}]

[{"type":"text","text":"But, at what price?"}]

I admire and commend the positivity held by those who were the most negatively affected by storms and more. You should be elevated, celebrated and advocated by all.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"italic"}],"text":" "}]

Unsplash waikiki aerial

<title>Hamada: Tourism on the rocks</title>

We said we wanted fewer visitors and our wish was granted — and now revenue is dropping. Where do we go from here?

Hamada: Tourism on the rocks

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

 plans to move away from the state of Hawai‘i, the LPGA is still sending its best to the Islands. 

The 2026 Lotte Championship, which runs from Oct. 1-4 at Hoakalei Country Club, will feature a bevy of players featured in the 

Jeeno Thitikul, No. 4 Hyo Joo Kim and No. 5 Miyu Yamashita. Thitkul and Kim are in the same group and tee off at 7:22 a.m., while Yamashita tees off at 12:03 p.m.

Though world No. 1 Nelly Korda will not play this week, the Lotte field includes a return for 2021 champion Lydia Ko, one of the biggest names in the sport. Ko, who was born in South Korea and raised in New Zealand, ascended into worldwide superstardom when she reached the top spot in the women's rankings at just 17 years old, becoming the youngest player among both men and women to be ranked No. 1. Now 29, Ko enters the tournament with a world ranking of 13.

Among her 23 victories on the LPGA Tour was the 2021 Lotte, which was moved to Kapolei Golf Club. Her 28-under 260 was a tournament record by eight strokes. After finishing in a tie for 18th in the 2022 Lotte, Ko will compete in the Islands for the first time since then. Five years after her first Lotte victory, she believes there's a lot that can be replicated despite playing on a different course. 

"I just remember I played with a lot of freedom and confidence, and I think I could draw on a lot of that, like the mindset of how I was playing then," Ko said during her pre-tournament press conference. "But it is two very different style of golf courses, so it's hard to kind of compare those. But more like kind of the mindset I played with, I think that is something that I could draw not only for this event but the events coming up (for the rest of the season)."

While Ko made history with her unprecedented world ranking at 17 years old, she enters this year's Lotte with an opportunity to earn another milestone in the sport. 

Despite not reaching 30 yet, Ko has accumulated $21.8 million in career earnings. She is $223,228 away from surpassing Annika Sorenstam's mark as the LPGA's all-time money winner, a record that has stood since 2001. 

The 2026 Lotte carries a purse of $3 million, with the winner getting a $450,000 cut. Meanwhile, second place earns $282,976 and third place comes with a payout of $205,279, meaning Ko will need to finish in the top two to surpass Sorenstam this weekend. 

"To be honest, it's really not on my mind," Ko said of the money record. "I mean, Annika had (72) wins, and we are just playing in a very different generation where we're playing for so much more money.

"As golfers, we're very lucky because it's one of those rare things where if we perform, we get rewarded, and not all work, not all careers have that. I'm just very grateful to be in this position and be able to excel at my job and have great payout days. But my career versus Annika, it's so different, and I don't think I'm gonna reach 70 something wins in the time that I'll be playing. Obviously, I want to win as many as I can, and I'm still eager for the trophy more so than the prize money."

As for local golfers in the tournament field, Punahou alumna golfer Allisen Corpuz is the highest ranked player with Hawai‘i ties at 32. Meanwhile, Moanalua alumna and Kapolei Golf Club assistant Lani Luafalealo returns after debuting in the 2025 Lotte. 

Luafalealo shot a 1-under 71 in the first round but ultimately missed the cut. 

"The pressure, the intimidation of the course, the atmosphere, the environment was just totally different from what I was used to," she said on Wednesday. "I just took the competition and the competitiveness from last year, and that's what I learned."

As Ko tees off at the first hole at 11:52 a.m. on Thursday, her presence will be a welcome sight for local golf fans eager to get a glimpse of one of the top names in the sport. In return, she'll compete in a locale she's genuinely fond of. 

"I love coming to Hawai‘i," Ko said. "Not even for a golf tournament. I like coming here for vacation. We were here on a vacation last week. It's been a while since I actually have been to O‘ahu. I went to the Big Island last year for some work and vacay, but I think the people are great. It feels a little bit like New Zealand in parts, and the food is good. I've loved it more as I've gotten older, and I actually met my husband here in Hawai‘i. So, it's kind of become a very special place for us."

Lydia Ko 093026

<title>Global golf star Lydia Ko looks to reach new milestone in Hawai‘i</title>

Ko, the 2021 Lotte champion, looks to replicate her success from five years ago at Hoakalei Country Club and has a chance to make some history in the process.

Global golf star Lydia Ko looks to reach new milestone in Hawai‘i

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

Aloha Spirit

State and U.S. flags will be flown at half-staff this weekend in commemoration of former U.S. Rep. Patricia “Pat” Saiki, who died Wednesday at the age of 96.

Saiki was the second woman in Hawai‘i elected to represent the state in Congress — the first being Patsy Mink — as well as the first Republican Hawai‘i Congress member. She reportedly died peacefully in her home in Kāhala, according to the 

, a successor organization to the state’s first teachers’ union, which she founded.

Before her career in politics, the Hilo-born Saiki was a public school teacher at Kaimukī Intermediate School. When her daughter fell ill at school and was taken to the hospital, she was told she could not use school phones for personal business such as checking on her daughter, which led her to form the Teacher’s Chapter of the Hawai‘i Government Employees Association.

Saiki ran for the state House of Representatives in 1968 and won — becoming the first woman to hold the seat — and served through 1974. Following that, she ran for the state Senate, where she served until 1982, when she unsuccessfully ran for Lieutenant Governor.

In 1986, she was elected to her U.S. House seat, where she served until 1990 before an unsuccessful U.S. Senate run. That year, then-President George H. W. Bush appointed her to be the administrator of the U.S. Small Business Association, where she served until 1993.

Among her legislative achievements were the establishment of the Kapi‘olani Medical Center’s Sex Abuse Treatment Center, passing reparations for Japanese immigrants and Japanese-Americans detained in internment camps during World War II, and successfully urging President Bush to halt the use of Kaho‘olawe as a bombing range in 1990.

Later in life, Saiki was chair of the Hawai‘i Republican Party from 2014 to 2015 — during which time the party saw membership rolls triple, according to Gov. Josh Green’s office.

“Pat Saiki’s six decades of public service and her pioneering example for young women and Asian Americans in Hawai

i and across the U.S., combine to form both a lasting, inspiring legacy and a high bar for all of us who serve the public,” Green said Wednesday.

From Friday through Monday morning, U.S. and state flags will be flown at half-staff at all state offices and agencies, as well as Hawai‘i National Guard facilities.

Saiki is survived by four children, Stuart Saiki, Sandra Saiki, Margaret Saiki and Laurie Saiki, as well as numerous grandchildren. Services are pending.

Screenshot 2026 09 30 at 3 43 39 PM 16x9

<title>Former Congresswoman Pat Saiki dead at 96</title>

Flags to fly at half-staff this weekend to honor the state's first Republican delegate

Former Congresswoman Pat Saiki dead at 96

ASD icon blue inverse lighter

ASD Staff

Daily Smile

[{"type":"text","text":"\"I have plans tonight, sorry...\""}]

Smile 26 9 30

<title>Daily Smile: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026</title>

"I have plans tonight, sorry..."

Daily Smile: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

 has opened its newest location in Honolulu — guests and the community can now find the Korean convenience store at the recently refreshed Pagoda Hotel.

In the 648-square-foot retail space you'll find fresh grab-and-go items, customizable beverages, a ramen bar with various Korean instant ramen offerings, travel and wellness necessities, and a range of Korean and local products, according to an announcement Monday.

"When we started looking at the retail space, we really wanted to bring in something that would be useful not only for our hotel guests, but also for the people who live and work in the neighborhood," 

Chue Yang, general manager of Pagoda Hotel, told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions. "

CU was a great fit because it offers so much more than a traditional hotel convenience store. You can grab a quick meal, snacks, drinks and everyday essentials, and having that right on property is a great amenity for our guests. At the same time, it gives people in the surrounding community another reason to come to Pagoda."

CU Hawai‘i at Pagoda will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

The shop's debut follows a new, property-wide refresh that was 

As ASD reported then, citing an announcement at that time, the refresh included updated guest rooms with contemporary island-inspired interiors and upgraded furnishings; in-room artwork by kama‘āina artist 

; a restoration of the koi pond area; revitalized corridors and updates to the exterior; an art wall in the lobby; and a new snack and retail concept in the lobby.

Yang told ASD that CU is just "another piece of the larger transformation happening at Pagoda."

"We’ve invested significantly in updating the hotel and improving the guest experience, but the goal has always been bigger than just renovating the rooms and lobby," Yang says. "We’re also rethinking the businesses and amenities on the property and how they can better serve both our guests and the surrounding neighborhood. CU is one of those additions, and with Rainbow Drive-In and Paris Baguette still to come, there’s a lot more happening at Pagoda."

, a bakery and cafe that originated in South Korea, is slated to open in 2027, while Rainbow Drive-In, which is set to takeover the Pagoda's iconic floating restaurant, is targeted to debut later this fall.

“In addition to expanding our guest offerings and delivering on our commitment to ensuring the highest levels of service, we’re thrilled to introduce this thoughtful, delighting neighborhood staple to the people working, living and visiting the midtown Honolulu area,” Robert Kurisu, CEO of CU Hawaiʻi, said in the announcement. “This partnership is a natural extension for both brands, and it's exciting to bring CU Hawaiʻi to a property with so much history.”

Located on Rycroft Street near Ala Moana, the 199-room, 12-story Pagoda Hotel, was built in 1964 and is currently managed by Highgate. 

 on Bishop Street in Downtown Honolulu last November.

BGF Retail Hawai‘i, the local subsidiary of CU’s parent company, 

signed a master franchise contract with Hawaiʻi-based CU Hawaiʻi LLC to bring the convenience store to the Hawai‘i market. CU operates more than 18,500 stores across South Korea and more than 730 stores globally.

CU Hawaii Pagoda 083126

<title>CU Hawai‘i opens in Pagoda Hotel</title>

CU Hawai‘i opens in Pagoda Hotel

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Anna O’Brien’s, the Irish pub in Mōʻiliʻili not far from the campus of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, is under new management. The bar and performance space will have its soft opening on Friday, July 10, under the direction of singer and songwriter Tavana McMoore, who goes by the professional name, Tavana.

The pub’s upstairs space is being renamed Tavana’s at Anna’s and will be a listening room, where groups can perform. A new stage and a green room for the band are already in the works. Downstairs, Anna O’Brien’s will remain much the same as it has been in the past, with pool tables and darts, the singer and songwriter told Aloha State Daily.

“I spent my whole career here in Honolulu and have been given so much,” Tavana said. “There's so much talent out there in Honolulu, and I'm hoping that this can serve as a hub where people can come and curate their artistry and perfect it.”

Tavana started playing in this space as a teenager, more than 30 years ago. It is where he has seen some of his favorite bands, he said. The knick-knacks that the Irish pub has accumulated over the years will stay.

“All the cool quirky things about Anna's are still going to be here,” Tavana said. “It's still the same beautiful space it always has been, and I'm just showing up every single day and trying to beautify it.”

The space will continue to have its outdoor patio, he added.

“People can go out and relax outside, as well,” he said.

When the pub’s owners wanted to move on to other things, Tavana stepped in.

“The idea of it not being here was really a not fun thought,” he said. “It means a lot to me to be able to come in here and start to curate shows and try to save the space.”

Just days ago, on Tuesday, July 7, the Irish pub celebrated its 57th birthday. The space will be celebrating that milestone, plus soft opening under new management, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 10. There is a $20 cover charge.

“We got Nick Danger and Ronnie V's flying over,” Tavana said. “We got Local Mojo. I'll be playing there. A lot of other musicians are going to be stopping by. Everybody's talking about it. We're all pretty excited.”

Other events on the calendar for July include 

karaoke, comedy, and musical open mic nights, as well as live performances

Tavana

<title>Anna O’Brien’s under new management</title>

Learn what will and won't change as this Irish pub — not far from the campus of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa — soft opens under new management on Friday, July 10.

Anna O’Brien’s under new management

Ed Rampell

If produced, this wouldn’t be the first time Tinseltown tried to bring the iconic CBS-TV crime series shot in the 50th State to the big screen.

Hawaii Five 0 Logo 16x9

Hollywood ponders movie remake of “Hawai‘i Five-0” directed by Ha‘ikū helmer Destin Daniel Cretton

“A Marble in the Jar” debuts on 10 screens across the Mainland this Friday. The doc includes eye-popping, jaw-dropping camerawork above the pounders and underwater, as Weston-Webb rides the waves from Hawai‘i to French Polynesia to Australia to Bali to Mexico to France to Portugal to California and beyond on the pro-surfer circuit, in search of championships and the ideal tube.

A Marble inthe Jar Still01 1920x1080 Body Glove Brent Bielmann23

Pro-Surfer Tatiana Weston-Webb rides the wild surf in new doc shot at Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Tahiti and Beyond

Michelle Manu presides over new exhibition paying tribute to female protectors, defenders and combatants at world’s only museum honoring international self-defense disciplines, including ancient Hawai‘i’s lua. She resides in California but returns to the Islands next month to lead a women's retreat on Hawai‘i Island.

Aloha State Daily Manuwithherbooksin Warrior Women Exhibit 16x9 Large

Hawaiian martial arts master inaugurates “Warrior Women” exhibit at L.A. Museum

Written by and starring Colby Haines, crime story "Kāhala Sunset" was filmed entirely in the Islands with a cast and crew featuring 
"NCIS: Hawai‘i," "Five-O" and "Magnum P.I." alums.

Kahala Sunset Red Carpet Irene Colby Kurt Ian 16x9 Large

The latest made-in-Hawai‘i movie world premieres at L.A. Film Festival, Native Hawaiian actress wins award  

Ed Rampell is a Hollywood-based film historian who has lived in Hawai‘i, Tahiti, Samoa, and Micronesia for many years and has co-authored four movie books about Hawai‘i, most recently "On Location in Hawai‘i, A Guide to Where Your Favorite Movies & TV Shows Were Filmed from Jurassic to Eternity."

Ed Rampell

Latest from Ed Rampell

Hollywood ponders movie remake of “Hawai‘i Five-0” directed by Ha‘ikū helmer Destin Daniel Cretton

Pro-Surfer Tatiana Weston-Webb rides the wild surf in new doc shot at Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Tahiti and Beyond

Hawaiian martial arts master inaugurates “Warrior Women” exhibit at L.A. Museum

The latest made-in-Hawai‘i movie world premieres at L.A. Film Festival, Native Hawaiian actress wins award

More from our columnists