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Corey Idleburg

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Adam Keawe Manalo-Camp

Columnist: Lisa Eller

Lisa Eller

Polynesian Voyaging Society

Kuu Hiraishi

Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi 

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Davianna Pōmaikaʻi McGregor

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Sterling Higa

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Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

, remembers tinkering with his family’s banana bread recipe back in 2021.

“To our family, banana bread and Hawaiʻi go hand in hand,” he says. “Makua Banana Bread Co. was inspired by our family trips to Hawai

i (while growing up). Our favorite Island memories were the ones surrounded by family, exploring the islands, and always trying to find the best banana bread.”

He explains that he launched Makua Banana Bread Co. in pursuit of “baking the perfect banana bread loaf.”

“We are lucky to have grandparents and parents who have an entrepreneurial spirit and a love for baking,” he says. “Baking is a love language in our family, and food and baked goods are always at the center of our gatherings.

“‘Makua’ in the Hawaiian language means ‘parent,’ which has a strong connection to family,” he adds. “We named our business Makua Banana Bread in honor of the relatives who helped shape who we are today. Banana bread brings a lot of people joy, and often reminds them of loved ones and childhood memories.”

 location, the business sold its banana bread at farmers markets and events across O

ahu with its VW bus, according to Murray. Even after the business expanded and opened its Haleʻiwa shack, it kept its VW bus as a fun photo opportunity for visiting customers.

The business currently offers three flavors of banana bread — classic, chocolate chip and mochi. The latter is the newest flavor, and is made with mochiko rice flour, resulting in a soft, chewy, mochi-style texture.

“Our moist and dense classic banana bread is always a favorite, and our chocolate chip banana bread builds on the classic flavor with the perfect amount of chocolate sweetness,” Murray says. “Our mochi banana bread is a unique twist on traditional banana bread; we love that it offers a different take on a familiar classic.”

Customers can also order banana bread online and have it shipped across the United States, according to Murray. Mainland orders are baked and shipped Monday through Wednesday with guaranteed two-day delivery from the ship date; Murray notes that the business offers free shipping on Mainland orders of $100 or more.

“We always bake and ship on the same day; (our product is) always fresh, never frozen,” he says. “Hawaiian Island orders are shipped Monday through Friday with next-day delivery from the ship date.”

Orders for the business’s mochi banana bread only open once a month, since the product is a more limited item.

“People love when we release it for online shipping; it’s one of our best sellers,” Murray says. “Because it’s a small-batch item, we release it during a short window and then close orders until the next month.”

Orders for mochi banana bread are open through March 23 at 11:59 p.m., and everything will be baked fresh and shipped on March 24. 

Murray says that the community has been one of the factors that makes the business special, and that they love being part of individuals’ North Shore experience.

“For many customers, stopping by for banana bread has become a tradition when they visit Hawaiʻi,” he says. “It has been incredible to see our banana bread travel to homes across the country, and we are grateful for everyone who supports us both locally and from afar. We want to use our banana bread to help other families and friends create similar fun and adventurous memories together. At the end of the day, what’s more important than spending time with your family and loved ones?”

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Makua Banana Bread manager 031826

<title>Makua Banana Bread’s next “mochi drop” is coming up</title>

Orders for the business’s small-batch mochi banana bread only open once a month since it’s a limited item. The Haleʻiwa-based business also offers classic and chocolate chip banana bread, which can be ordered in-person or online.

Makua Banana Bread’s next “mochi drop” is coming up

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Government & Politics

For some Hawai‘i residents, the storm system that moved through the Islands 

 brought not only heavy rains and high winds, but property damage, too.

"While it is still very early, insurers are beginning to receive claims across several lines of insurance, particularly homeowners and auto," the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Insurance Division told Aloha State Daily in an email Tuesday.

The Insurance Division regulates the state's insurance industry. As the regulator, the division says it doesn't receive claims directly but is in communication with insurers and monitoring the situation closely.

"Early indications suggest damage ranging from flooding and water intrusion to wind-related impacts such as roof and property damage," the division noted. "We expect claim filings to increase as more residents assess damage and contact their insurers."

In an announcement over the weekend, DCCA told residents to "protect their property and file insurance claims as quickly and smoothly as possible."

The Insurance Division says the most important thing for policy holders is to c

ontact their insurance company or agent as soon as possible to begin the claims process "and to document all damage thoroughly."

"This includes taking photos or videos before making temporary repairs, keeping receipts and maintaining clear records of communications with their insurer," the division says. "If consumers encounter issues or have questions, they can contact the Insurance Division as we are here to help ensure claims are handled fairly and in accordance with the law."

Need some guidance? You can check out the division's 

instructional video on how to file an insurance claim

Among other tips noted in the March 14 announcement, the Insurance Division says that residents should review their insurance policies each year.

One of the most important steps homeowners, renters and condominium unit owners can take is to review their insurance policies to understand what is covered and what is not," the announcement states. "Residents should also keep copies of their property, flood and auto insurance policies in a waterproof container, or stored securely in the cloud so they can be easily accessed if a claim must be filed."

Additionally, the announcement notes, most standard homeowners, condominium unit-owners and renters insurance policies don't cover flood damage. Flood insurance is available separately through the 

The Insurance Division told ASD that flood insurance is generally not required for all homeowners, but is typically required by lenders for properties located within designated high-risk flood zones.

"However, flooding can occur outside of these areas, which is why we strongly encourage all homeowners and renters to consider flood coverage," the division says.

"In a typical home setting, a standard flood insurance policy generally helps cover physical damage caused by rising water, such as damage to the structure of the home (including foundation, walls, electrical and plumbing systems) and certain essential contents like appliances and personal belongings," the division continued. "However, coverage is subject to policy limits and exclusions such as items like landscaping, temporary housing costs, and some high-value personal property may be limited or not covered."

Meanwhile, the division says that for those who have flood damage but don't carry flood insurance, standard homeowners policies generally don't cover flood-related losses.

"In those situations, individuals may look to federal disaster assistance programs, if a disaster declaration is made, or explore any available local relief resources."

More information on flood insurance is available at 

Find more resources to help you better understand your insurance coverage online, including 

Looking for more tips, disaster recovery resources or assistance with insurance-related concerns? You can reach the state Insurance Division at 1-844-808-DCCA (3222) or visit 

Storm

<title>Residents urged to file insurance claims following severe storm</title>

Read ahead to find more information and resources about filing claims after last week's Kona Low storm system brought heavy rains, high winds and property damage to the Islands.

Residents urged to file insurance claims following severe storm

“I was struggling to find the food that I was raised eating,” he says. “Shawarmas, falafels and kebabs have been my favorites. I had to cook this kind of food for myself every day, and also share with my coworkers at my old job.”

After the positive feedback he received, Askar decided to start his own business — called Middle Eats — and popped up weekly at the Honolulu Farmers Market in June 2020.

“(I wanted to) share my food and culture with the local community,” he says. “Even though I was stressed and scared that I wouldn’t do well and wasn’t really expecting much, I surprisingly sold out in 90 minutes on my first day. This was the moment when I found my new purpose — feeding people healthy food and flavors straight from the Middle East. They (these flavors) can’t be found anywhere else on this island.

“The goal was to pick different flavors from different parts of that region in one bite; that’s why I called the business ‘Middle Eats,’” he adds.

Since 2020, Middle Eats has popped up at farmers markets in Mililani, Kailua and Kapi

olani Community College, according to Askar. Around two years ago, the eatery opened its first location on Merchant Street.

“It’s a new restaurant concept called a virtual kitchen,” he explains. “People can place their order from our website, and come pick it up as a curbside option or via delivery.”

Toward the end of January, the business opened its physical location within the 

The business features a variety of wraps, rice bowls, dips, salads and side dishes.

“Our falafel, lamb kofta and shawarma brisket are definitely musts to start with, if you’re visiting us for the first time,” Askar says. “They all come with our housemade sauces like hummus, green tahini and baba ghanoush, which take our flavors to the next level.”

[{"type":"text","text":"He adds that everything is made to order to ensure maximum freshness."}]

The business’s lamb kofta are made from 100% Halal ground lamb patties with house kofta seasoning. Meanwhile, the shawarma brisket features USDA Prime braised beef brisket with the eatery’s special shawarma seasoning.

Wraps are made with footlong toasted lavosh bread, while rice bowls include cardamom basmati rice.

The business’s chicken kebabs and housemade falafel are especially flavorful when paired with its creamy, roasted garlic hummus and green tahini dip.

If you want something unique, opt for Middle Eats’ Egyptian Koshary ($16). This dish features an authentic taste of Egypt’s popular vegan street food. It’s loaded with basmati rice, brown lentils, macaroni spaghetti, vermicelli, seasoned chickpeas and salsa. It’s finished with crispy onions on top.

Askar says he’s excited for the business’s new spot, and encourages first-time customers to give them a try.

“It’s (this new location) part of our expansion plan in Hawaiʻi (to have) six stores across the Islands in the next three years,” he says. “We hope to get the support we need from the local community to come and try our food that is healthy and authentic, filling and delicious.”

Middle Eats chef 031326

<title>Middle Eats brings its authentic flavors to Keʻeaumoku</title>

Middle Eats features a variety of Middle Eastern dishes, ranging from hummus and falafel to kebabs and shawarma. The business recently opened within Midtown Eats food hall, located at The Park on Keʻeaumoku.

Middle Eats brings its authentic flavors to Keʻeaumoku

Square Kady Pascual Headshot RGZ5762

Kady Pascual

Business & Tourism

 across the Islands that led to fuel contamination in ‘Ewa Beach. A number of customers have reported that this issue has rendered their vehicles undrivable after filling up at this station.

Heavy rainfall allowed water to leak into the station’s 87-octane (regular) fuel tank at the 

 gas station on Fort Weaver Road in ‘Ewa Beach (store #61043) on Friday, March 13. Aloha State Daily spoke to 

, the owners of Hele to find more information about the incident.

According to John Payton, vice president of retail for Par Hawai

i, the incident occurred between 7 to 10 p.m., with the store responding after customers alerted employees. The ‘Ewa Beach location was the only Hele station across the Islands to experience fuel contamination during the storm, he said.

“I was happy we were able to catch it quickly and shut it down, but unfortunately, there were a number of folks impacted,” Payton said.

Though there could have been several factors causing the incident — extremely heavy rain and power outages — Payton believes equipment failure was the cause for the fuel contamination.

“We are still investigating the cause, and we’ll be doing some equipment repairs to ensure that [this issue] doesn’t occur again,” he said.

i will conduct a series of tests to ensure that its equipment can withstand situations like the recent storm.

Payton said about 26 known individuals are known to have been impacted by the contaminated fuel. Par Hawai

i is working directly with them to resolve their issues.

If you were impacted by this situation, Payton advises you to call Par Hawai

i at 808-547-3111 directly or visit the ʻEwa Beach Hele location in person.

Hele Gas Pump Fuel Contamination

<title>Fuel contaminated in ‘Ewa Beach during Kona Low</title>

Due to heavy rainfall, water leaked into a Hele gas station’s fuel tank, then into customer’s vehicles.

Fuel contaminated in ‘Ewa Beach during Kona Low

Lopaka and Tanya Kapanui

Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya Kapanui

Hawaii History

Looking back at Honolulu’s past, one might remember the chinaware, toys, and curios sold at Iida Store on the corner of Nu‘uanu Avenue and Beretania Street. The original owner, Masukitchi Iida, came from Japan in 1897 to open a branch of his family’s store, which was first located on Mauna Kea Street and then moved to the Nu‘uanu and Beretania corner in 1919.

On the other end of the block stood the Princess Theater. One of Honolulu’s grandest early movie houses, the Princess showcased silent films with live organ music before transitioning to talkies and later Cinerama. For decades, it drew locals and servicemen to its entertainment venue with films, live orchestra presentations, and occasional stage shows and concerts.

In 1930, a Hawai‘i newspaper printed a strange story. At midnight, a policeman had just finished his beat in the Downtown district and was making his way home. As he approached the corner of Kukui and Fort Street, something made him stop. While he stood on the corner, out of the darkness emerged a procession of men dressed in white. The silent parade moved past the policeman quietly without acknowledging his presence. There were too many to count, but what stood out even more than their ghostly countenance was the sight of a large, white dog leading the way. The policeman believed the spirit to be none other than Kū‘īlioloa, a demigod who could assume the form of a man or dog.

The article stated that the policeman was the stepfather of a prominent Hilo citizen, which seemed to lend some legitimacy to his story. There was no follow-up, and life went on, as usual. Honolulu evolved, and so did the district. Business at Iida Store grew, allowing them to relocate to Ala Moana Center, while the changing times led to the closure of the once-vibrant Princess Theater. Bordered by Kukui, Fort, and Beretania Streets and Nu‘uanu Avenue, the area known as “Block G” became the focus of Honolulu’s planned revitalization.

Honolulu’s business center was expanding, and as with any growing city, housing seems to always be at the top of the list of urgent needs. City planners wanted a way to breathe new life into the Downtown Honolulu district, and at the same time, add more living space. In 1970, the City issued a notice inviting firms interested in developing Block G to submit applications. 

In 1973, after five years of back-and-forth with the city and reportedly “thousands” of stumbling blocks, the Kukui Plaza condominium project finally got the green light. Plans included twin towers soaring to 35 stories each, containing 908 apartments, with nearly a quarter designated for sale to families of moderate income. Between the towers would be a five-story parking garage and a two-acre recreation area. The completion date was estimated to be December 1, 1975.

Many construction projects of this scale experience a few setbacks and delays, and this was no exception. But when Kukui Plaza finally opened in 1976, it was one of the first residential developments in the business center of Honolulu.

Today, Kukui Plaza stands as a distinctive residential landmark at the edge of Downtown and Chinatown. Its residents are a mix of longtime local families, working professionals, retirees, and some investors and renters. But through its layered history, the stories remain.

A woman who used to work at the shopping center across the street said that she once saw a large dog in the area. At first, I nodded and smiled, thinking she saw a large stray or an escaped pet. But her expression was full of wonder as she described coming out of the short lane next to Long’s Drugs. She just turned left onto Kukui Street when she saw a dog crossing diagonally in front of her, but as it got closer, it grew bigger. And bigger.

“By the time it got right in front of me, it was as big as my car!” she said.

The figure came from the corner near the intersection of Fort Street, walked in front of the woman’s car, onto the sidewalk, to the parking ramp, and then seemed to disappear as it walked toward the building. She laughed as she said it was late and she was tired, but she knew she wasn’t delirious.

I came across the policeman’s story a few years after hearing the woman’s tale, but I still wonder whether it was the same ghostly dog. I also wonder if anyone else has seen this mysterious animal.

Kukui Plaza Large

<title>The ghost dog at Kukui Plaza</title>

Sightings, decades apart, of a ghostly dog suggest that an enduring presence roams the area of Downtown Honolulu that now houses Kukui Plaza.

The ghost dog at Kukui Plaza

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

Before the University of Hawai‘i men's basketball team embarked on its 2025-2026 campaign, Isaac "Big Fish" Johnson sat in a hot tub with some of his teammates. Life after basketball came up, and it was there that Johnson shared this particular season would probably be it for him as far as organized hoops is concerned. 

Following a two-year church mission in Ohio, Johnson began his collegiate career at the University of Oregon in 2021. The 7-foot center from Utah arrived as the No. 61 ranked player nationally in his high school class, according to ESPN Recruiting. But college ball was a different story at first, and Johnson played in just 14 games as a true freshman. He then transferred to Utah State, where he started 31 games in the 2023-2024 season but saw his role diminish the following year. 

With one year of eligibility remaining, Johnson hit the NCAA transfer portal one last time, landing with UH. The plan was to play for the Rainbow Warriors for one year, then get a job while supporting his wife, Audrah, an outside hitter for Chaminade's women's volleyball team. 

Johnson has started all 28 games for the Rainbow Warriors thus far, quickly earning fan favorite status. Whether it's an electrifying dunk, swished 3-pointer or an emphatic block, fans can be seen motioning their arms and performing a chomping motion in support of Big Fish.

Each game with the 'Bows has reminded Johnson why he began playing in the first place. He loves the sport. And he has a lot more to give to it. 

"Being here has ignited that fire back in me, and it feels amazing to be in that position and to have that love rekindled," Johnson said. "It's been pretty awesome.

"It's been consistently throughout the season, there's been moments and being a part of this team, meeting with this coaching staff that treats us like adults and like real human beings instead of a number. The community loves us so deeply. There's just so many little things that have helped grow it."

While being a member of the team has reignited Johnson's love for the sport, his play on the court has revived a program that was coming off a disappointing 2024-2025 season. The Rainbow Warriors went 15-16 overall and 7-13 in Big West play, missing the conference tournament entirely. Heading into their final set of home games in 2025-2026, the Rainbow Warriors are 21-7 overall and 13-5 in conference games. 

If the Rainbow Warriors were to defeat UC Riverside on Thursday and Long Beach State on Saturday, coupled with a UC Irvine loss on Thursday or Saturday, the 'Bows would be crowned Big West regular season champions. Two wins, regardless of UC Irvine's results, would guarantee the 'Bows a top 2 seed and valuable double bye in the conference tournament, which runs from March 11-14 in Henderson, Nev. 

Hawai‘i head coach Eran Ganot believes Johnson has a true shot at winning conference Player of the Year. His impact on the court is felt well beyond his 13.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. 

"Big Fish is up there for Player of the Year, and he's a guy who's come from winning programs, but now he's had to have the task of being a more impactful player on a winning program," Ganot said. "He's done that, and it's been fun to watch. And I think he has a bright future."

Following Saturday's home finale against Long Beach State, Johnson will be one of six seniors honored following the game, along with Harry Rouhliadeff, Gytis Nemeikša, Hunter Erickson, Dre Bullock and Yacine Toumi. Point guard Tanner Cuff is also listed as a senior but is expected back for the 2026-2027 campaign after a knee injury sidelined him in November. 

"Just to see all those guys smile, this is what they wanted, and they wanted to play for a good program, to have success as a team," Ganot said of his senior class. "Then the added benefit of doing it in this state with this fanbase, I couldn't thank them more. I always say this, and I'll say it again over the course of the week, people ask me about the seniors. Hire them. They're guaranteed. And number two, just very grateful for them, thankful that they're in our lives."

The Rainbow Warriors will head to Nevada for the Big West tournament next week, where they'll aim to punch a ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 10 years. Regardless of how the season ends, it won't be the end of Johnson's playing career. 

"Life is short. This is for Fish or anybody, whatever path they choose: Do what you love, where you love, with the people you love, and do it at a place where you can improve. Development's really important," Ganot said. "For me as a coach, you could see the joy, because he loves Hawai‘i, he loves his team and he loves the game, and so that's a big part of why he's improved, because he's happy, and that's a credit to the people of Hawai‘i, the University of Hawai‘i, his teammates, himself. Everybody deserves to be happy."

Isaac Johnson 030426

<title>Hawai‘i men's basketball standout Isaac "Big Fish" Johnson rediscovers his love for the…</title>

Johnson, a senior transfer and one of the team's star players, has been one of the biggest keys in the program's turnaround in the 2025-2026 season.

Hawai‘i men's basketball standout Isaac "Big Fish" Johnson rediscovers his love for the game in Islands

Jayden Kepoo Caspino

Jayden Kepoʻo-Caspino is a Waiʻanae-raised Native Hawaiian who moved from Oʻahu to Oregon in 2019. Now serving as the communications & marketing director at Ka ʻAha Lāhui O ʻOlekona Hawaiian Civic Club, Jayden shares his passion for Indigenous storytelling with poʻe Hawaiʻi living on the continent.

Jayden Kepoʻo-Caspino

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