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Malia Hill

Wacksman Headshot 2025 Aloha

Dan Wacksman

Ray Tsuchiyama

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Peter S. Adler, PhD

Hannah Coburn HPR

Hannah Kaʻiulani Coburn

Ed Rampell

Zane Dalgamouni

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Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

Crime & Courts

Councilman Tommy Waters will not be on the ballot in the general election this year, after the Hawai‘i Supreme Court found him ineligible to run.

Waters’ eligibility to run for reelection for the term from 2027 to 2031 has been a 

 for months, after rival candidate Trevor Ozawa filed a lawsuit against Waters in June.

The Honolulu City Charter limits council members to only two consecutive four-year terms. Waters had argued that, despite joining the council in 2019, his first term was not a full four-year term: the results of the 2018 election were disputed, leading to a special election in 2019 that he won.

Because Waters was ultimately elected after the official start of the term, he argued that the term was not served in full, which allowed him to run again this year.

The state Supreme Court determined otherwise. Writing for the opinion of the court, Associate Justice Lisa Ginoza concluded that Waters was elected to the full 2019-2023 four-year term.

“Determining whether Waters or [then-incumbent] Ozawa was elected to that term was delayed due to the challenges to the November 2018 election,” Ginoza wrote. “But it was the same four-year term to which Waters was ultimately elected.”

Ginoza wrote that the charter’s definition of a council term makes no consideration for the amount of time a council member actually serves. Rather, a four-year term is something with a fixed, predetermined period of time, to which a council member is elected.

Ginoza also addressed a complaint filed earlier this month by 40 voters in Waters’ Council District 4, which argued that declaring Waters ineligible would disenfranchise voters who submitted ballots for Waters during the primary election. According to state voter totals, 8,678 people voted for Waters in the primary, putting him in second place behind Ozawa — who received 12,279 — but above two other candidates.

Despite the claims by the 40 voters, Ginoza argued that no voters have been disenfranchised by the court’s ruling.

“The number of votes received does not render a candidate eligible for office,” Ginoza wrote, adding that choosing to keep Waters on the ballot and “let voters decide,” would also end up ignoring votes cast for third-place candidate Tara Malia Gregory, who received 4,225 votes.

As no candidate received a majority of votes in the primary, the general election will be a contest between the two candidates who received the most votes. With Waters now out of the picture, that means Gregory will be on the ballot.

 against the results of the primary election this week, arguing that voters who had cast ballots for Waters could have instead voted for her had they known he was ineligible to run — a First Circuit Court judge had declared Waters ineligible on July 27, only after early and absentee voting had begun.

Ginoza’s opinion was not unanimous. Acting Chief Justice Sabrina McKenna submitted her own opinion dissenting with Ginoza’s conclusions, arguing that Waters 

 eligible and should be on the ballot in the general election.

McKenna wrote that she believes Waters was elected to fill a vacancy in 2019 and therefore did not serve two consecutive four-year terms, and should therefore be deemed eligible. But even if his eligibility is ambiguous, McKenna wrote, “principles underlying representative democracy” require that Waters be presumed eligible.

“Respectfully, the majority’s decision determining Water ineligible is not only erroneous as a matter of law, it violates these principles of representative democracy,” McKenna wrote.

Nonetheless, Waters’ name will not appear on the ballot in the general election. Those ballots have not yet been mailed.

Neither Waters, Ozawa or Gregory immediately responded to Aloha State Daily’s requests for comment.

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<title>Waters out of council race after Supreme Court verdict</title>

The Hawai‘i Supreme Court found Waters ineligible to run for reelection this year.

Waters out of council race after Supreme Court verdict

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

It's not about the yards, touchdowns or percentages to University of Hawai‘i offensive coordinator Anthony Arceneaux. It's only about his unit doing enough to win. 

In 2025, that line of thinking helped the Rainbow Warriors go 9-4, by far their most successful season of the decade. In 2026, led by the return of quarterback Micah Alejado and a handful of 

 in the transfer portal, the 'Bows have high hopes for their season, which begins on Saturday at Stanford. Kickoff between the Rainbow Warriors and Cardinal is set for 1 p.m. HST on the ACC Network. 

Prior to the opener, Aloha State Daily caught up with Arceneaux for a Q&A about the team's prep for the season, as well as a question that cuts deep into his Saint Louis roots. Arceneaux, a 1999 Saint Louis graduate, followed his brother, former Crusader great Darnell, to the University of Utah. It is also at Saint Louis where Anthony Arceneaux began a decades-long friendship with UH head coach Timmy Chang. 

With fall camp over and the season on the horizon, what's the level of anticipation among the team?

I think you can feel [the excitement] with the boys in practice. For me, I try to be somebody that doesn't get too high, doesn't get too low. I'm just trying to continue to stay on the process and stay on track of what we're doing. The month of prep was great for us, and now we then fine-tune the areas that we need to.

Micah's always been solid. The goal is always to get 1% better at every position, and because Micah is as talented as he is and is a great leader and great football player, he still has areas that he can improve, and he'll be the first one to tell you that he's working on those things.

 How would you evaluate the depth at the receiver position? A lot of new guys. [Note: Pofele Ashlock is the only full-time returning starter among the receivers]

We have a really good receiver room. Our goal is to really utilize each of their own specific talents and abilities, and put them in positions to succeed. Even with the guys that we had last year, everybody kind of had their own particular attributes that added to our success. These guys that we have this year, they have different qualities and some of them similar attributes. But that's the plan, right? To try to position them and give them opportunities to make the plays within their capabilities.

 As an offense, how would you compare what you guys put out on the field last year from a production standpoint compared to what you want to put out there this year?

Production-wise, I'm not a big numbers guy. I don't really like to look too much into those numbers. We look at specific numbers that correlate directly to what we believe wins and losses will come out of, and so when we start looking at that, it's more about what are we getting out of each play by effort, by details, and by habits, and then we use that as our gauge.

In the running back group [which Arceneaux also oversees], losing a guy like 

 but gaining a transfer Devon Rice, how has that changed the makeup of the room?

The biggest part is you lose leadership, right? A guy like Landon Sims is not easily replaceable. He did so much for not just our running back room, but for the offense and the entire team, as far as how he carried himself and went about his day-to-day. And then now the the torch just gets passed on to a guy like Cam Barfield. With Devon coming in, he's done an amazing job of just trying to acclimate to how we do things, our culture and our way of playing this game of football, and he's done a magnificent job there.

If you were to put together an all-time Saint Louis football team, who would your quarterback be? 

There's a lot of good choices out there. Oh man, you gonna put me on the spot? I got my brother Timmy. I got my brother Darnell. I got Jason Gesser and Marcus Mariota. Goodness grief [contemplates]... I'd have to go Marcus Mariota. [Note: Anthony Arceneaux was the Saint Louis receivers coach, as well as the strength and conditioning coach in Mariota's lone season starting for the Crusaders in 2010]

We were blessed to be able to coach him when my brother was the head coach there in 2010, and he's just an amazing human being. And he is an amazing athlete. I mean, the guy was able to retain additions to the offense every week, and we were able to grow it into something that didn't start out as one in the beginning of the season into a state championship caliber team when it was all said and done. I love my brothers. Darnell, Timmy, all the ones I played with. But I gotta go with Mariota.

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<title>Q&A: Hawai‘i football offensive coordinator Anthony Arceneaux ahead of highly anticipated…</title>

Arceneaux has been on the UH coaching staff since 2024 and was named offensive coordinator in 2025.

Q&A: Hawai‘i football offensive coordinator Anthony Arceneaux ahead of highly anticipated 2026 season

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Haley Lehman

The City and County of Honolulu collects thousands of abandoned shopping carts across the island per year. The Honolulu City Council is considering a bill that would make it illegal to remove and possess a shopping cart outside of the business that owns it.

 would make it illegal for a person to possess or use a shopping cart outside of the business premises that the shopping cart belongs to. People who are found with shopping carts would be fined up to $2,000 and could be imprisoned for up to a month, and they would forfeit the shopping cart to the city.

In a statement accompanying the bill, Waters said that the possession and abandonment of shopping carts threatens the public’s health, safety and welfare.

The City and County of Honolulu Department of Facilities Maintenance collected 3,535 shopping carts in 2024 and 2,608 shopping carts in 2025, according to a DFM spokesperson. Most of the carts collected are typically not in usable condition, they said.

Waters wrote that shopping carts on sidewalks, in parks and at bus stops create unsafe conditions for the public, and shopping carts that obstruct waterways can lead to overflow.

“The city must be able to ensure the safety of members of the public when they are using sidewalks, roads and streets, bus stops, parks, waterways, and other public spaces and ensure the public’s ability to use these accommodations freely,” Waters stated.

The bill has not been scheduled for public hearing or a committee meeting yet.

Shopping carts cost from $500 to $650 and up to $1,000 each depending on where they are manufactured, shipping costs, the volume purchased, the type, size and construction, and if they have anti-theft locking devices, according to Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi Interim President and CEO Dave Erdman.

“All of this increases the cost of our goods purchased at a retailer because the loss of these carts, being stolen, it adds to cost of a retailer’s business and adds to the prices we pay in a store,” Erdman said.

The bill garnered support from Honolulu Police Department, which said the bill will disincentivize people from stealing shopping carts and improve the beauty and safety of Oʻahu.

Honolulu Police Department Major Paul Okamoto of Waikīkī wrote to the council that abandoned shopping carts in public spaces are a sign of “urban blight” and “deterioration” in Hawaiʻi.

“Removing these carts from private property onto public property, exerting unauthorized control over the cart, appropriating it for your own use, and retaining it to deprive its owner of its use is theft,” Okamoto wrote. “This theft continues to occur because there is no consequence for taking or being in unlawful possession of them.”

In an email to ASD, Okamoto wrote that theft cases involving shopping carts produce certain challenges that make enforcement impractical — sometimes a store representative cannot be found in a reasonable amount of time that can provide a statement or identifying marks on the cart have been removed or damaged — so HPD is “exploring a legislative solution to more effectively deter the theft and unauthorized use of shopping carts.”

Trevor Abarzua, president and CEO of the Waikīkī Improvement Association, wrote in a letter to the council that shopping carts left in pedestrian-oriented districts like Waikīkī prevent the public from safety using an area and create hazards. 

He stated that the bill “will provide the City with an important tool to address a longstanding problem, protect pedestrian access, support local businesses, reduce environmental hazards, and preserve the safety and usability of our public spaces.”

Lauren Zirbel, executive director of the Hawaiʻi Food Industry Association, wrote that the cost of replacing stolen shopping carts increase the cost of doing business in Hawaiʻi when retailers and customers are already dealing with high operation and food costs.

Waters wrote in an email to ASD on Thursday, “At a time when families are already struggling to afford everyday necessities like eggs, milk, and other groceries, Bill 53 is a commonsense step toward reducing avoidable cost increases, while helping keep neighborhoods across O‘ahu safe and accessible.”

Honolulu City Council, state Legislature considered alternative options

Former Councilmember Calvin Say introduced a 

in August 2023 that would ban people from using or leaving shopping carts on public property and would create a fine of $500 or imprisonment for up to a month. The bill was sent to two committees but never got a public hearing.

The Hawaiʻi Legislature attempted to address the same concerns in January through 

, but the bill received opposition and did not move forward. HB1636 proposed that businesses mark each shopping cart with identifying information and would have authorized counties to return a shopping cart to a business in exchange for a $500 fine.

RMH opposed House Bill 1636. “House Bill 1636 proposed holding the retail businesses accountable for abandoned shopping carts by allowing counties to impound them and assess fees or fines of $500 or more. Bill 53 recognizes that the shopping cart is stolen, and not abandoned by the retailer,” Erdman said.

The City and County of Honolulu isn’t the first municipality to consider fining people who take shopping carts off a business’s property. Ogden, Utah made it a 

 or a $50 fine if a person removes and is in possession of a shopping cart removed from a shopping area. People in Federal Way, Washington who push or use a shopping cart in a public right-of-way are fined $50. Arizona made it illegal to possess a shopping car away from a retailer’s premises, and Phoenix, Arizona ordered retailers to use locking wheel systems and charges $25 to $50 to return abandoned shopping carts.

Critics say the bill penalizes homelessness

 Critics wrote that the bill would disproportionately impact Oʻahu’s homeless residents. Jonathan Huynh, an Oʻahu resident, wrote that the bill is a “grossly disproportionate and inhumane” approach to addressing the issue of shopping carts.

“This ordinance targets those who have no home, who use a simple cart to carry what little they own,” Huynh wrote. “It is a legislative weapon against the poor, disguised as a public safety measure.”

Shopping cart

<title>Shopping carts could be banned if removed from commercial stores</title>

Shopping carts could be banned if removed from commercial stores

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

Chick-fil-A recently launched a new limited-time special. Its chicken & waffles sandwiches, along with two s’mores-inspired treats, are available at Chick-fil-A restaurants nationwide (excluding some licensed Chick-fil-A restaurants) until Nov. 14, while supplies last.

The chicken & waffles sandwiches debuted on National Waffle Day, or Aug. 24, according to Kurt Milne, owner/operator of 

“We’ve never had waffles (on our menu), just the waffle fries,” he says. “It’s (the maple) a new smell in our restaurant, which is cool. It definitely smells like a brunch spot.” 

Customers can enjoy the chicken & waffles breakfast sandwich ($6.49), which is served during breakfast hours, and a larger entrée sandwich, which is available during lunch and dinner (10:30 a.m. to close). The sandwiches feature two maple-flavored waffles, signature Chick-fil-A chicken, applewood smoked bacon, honey butter spread and a side of syrup.

Customers can opt for the original or spicy chicken for the sandwich.

“Most people are getting the original instead of the spicy; however, the people who do get the spicy love it,” Milne says. “It brings the sweetness down a little bit. They (the chicken and waffles) complement each other really well. I personally like the spicy waffle sandwich.”

Inspired by the campfire classic, Chick-fil-A’s s’mores milkshake and s’mores frosted coffee include combinations of toasted marshmallow, graham cracker and chocolate. The s’mores milkshake ($6.29) is garnished with a seasonal whipped topping, which is naturally flavored to taste like a toasted marshmallow.

Meanwhile, the s’mores frosted coffee ($6.19) is mixed with toasted marshmallow syrup, chocolate shortbread and graham cracker crumbles.

The limited-time dishes have been positively received by customers, according to Milne.

“On average, each location has been selling 300 of the sandwiches a day and 150 of the milkshakes a day,” he says. “The toasted marshmallow whipped topping is really yummy.”

Chick fil A Kapiolani owner 082726

<title>Chick-fil-A has new chicken & waffles sandwiches for a limited time</title>

The sweet-and-savory sandwich — which debuted on National Waffle Day — is available at Chick-fil-A locations nationwide until Nov. 14, while supplies last. Chick-fil-A also has two new s’mores-inspired desserts.

Chick-fil-A has new chicken & waffles sandwiches for a limited time

[{"type":"text","text":"Caizel Jesus-Kapesi's parents knew it the day he was born. "}]

The son of Clisha Jesus and TeeJay Kapesi, Caizel was the second of four children and weighed 10 pounds at birth. 

"Literally as soon as he was born, we took him home, and that's how it started — Fatboy. He was a chunky kid," Clisha Jesus-Kapesi recalled to Aloha State Daily. 

And thus, Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi, the one the world has grown to love in recent days, was born. Clisha and TeeJay can't remember which parent coined the nickname, but it certainly stuck. 

In a 14-13 locally televised win at Leilehua on Aug. 21, Jesus-Kapesi completed 13 of his 20 passes for 193 yards, two interceptions and a touchdown. The gritty victory included a key first down in the closing minutes in which ‘Aiea went for it on fourth down deep in its own territory and converted to seal the game. For his efforts, Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi was named the Spectrum OC16 Impact Player of the Game. 

While interviewed by Spectrum's Jimmy Bender upon receiving his award, a TV super displaying Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi's name, weight, position and class was on display. The 6-foot-1, 268-pound sophomore quarterback quickly became an internet darling overnight, fans from around the world smitten with his name and social media posts of him reaching hundreds of thousands in reshares. Google Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi, and it would be hard to find a national sports content website that hasn't recycled the same set of pictures of him. 

"You must be here for Fatboy," multiple members of the ‘Aiea football program tell a visitor at a recent Na Ali‘i practice. 

Perhaps the first thing to know about Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi is that he's fully embraced his lifelong nickname. He politely introduces himself as Fatboy, and in the days since his viral introduction to the world, people who have never met him will approach him and say, 'Hey, you're Fatboy!'"

Due to the viral nature of his name, Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi was asked if local brands, such as local restaurant chain Fatboy's, have reached out. 

"I don't know about the restaurant yet. Hopefully soon," 

. "I was thinking about the FatBoy ice cream. That too, hopefully."

For those curious to learn more about him, what else should we know about Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi?

"I love cheeseburgers. I love burgers. That's one thing about me. I love burgers, especially McDonald's burgers," he said while flashing a grin. "You know, that's the one right there."

Life for the Jesus-Kapesi family has not been the same since last weekend. Their phones are still constantly buzzing with memes and comments. Through it all, Fatboy has stayed the same humble kid. During his viral interview, before he conceived it was possible he'd become as famous as he has, Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi gave the credit to God and his offensive line.  

"Being (seemingly everywhere) on social media, I take a lot of pride in it," he said. "I

t means a lot not just to me, but to my family. I'm putting my family's name out there, too."

Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi has been the starting quarterback on the varsity team at ‘Aiea High School since the beginning of his freshman year. He has a 3.7 grade point average and aspires to play college football. As ‘Aiea awaits improvements to its on-campus stadium, all of its games are on the road in 2026. Na Ali‘i improved to 2-0 after the Leilehua victory and will next take the field at Nānākuli on Saturday.

"I really, really want to play college football one day," he says. "My recruiting process so far, I'm working on it, but I'm ready."

A conversation with Clisha and TeeJay about Fatboy's ‘Aiea upbringing reveals why their son has been able to remain grounded despite his newfound fame. Young Caizel had his "knucklehead" moments, Mom says, but through strong parenting, he eventually learned and began to appreciate the process of earning everything he has, both good and bad. 

"'You can't do this, don't go do that. You have to do this to get that.' Having him work for his rewards. You want that? Then you work for it," Clisha says. "If you think we're hard, we're teaching you. He'll always be a kid at heart, and that's what I love about him."

Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi wouldn't gave gone viral last weekend if he weren't the Impact Player of the Game, and those go to winners. 

"I'm really proud of where he's at and where his potential could take him. We always tell him that what's done in the dark comes to light," TeeJay said. "The work he puts in on and off the field, the drilling he gets, letting him know that football's an avenue, and you can have all the talent, but you have to do everything right on and off the field. The talent can't outshine everything, and the classroom and the football field, one can't overcome the other, and he handles his business on that."

TeeJay is also an assistant linebackers coach for ‘Aiea, and he doesn't take it easy on Fatboy in practice. 

"Every day, we try to get this defense to bring the best out of not just him, but our offense as well," TeeJay said. 

The ‘Aiea community has supported Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi long before his viral moment. The rest of the world is now catching up. As nice as the attention is, nobody involved is pretending it's all been positive. 

"Seeing not only the positive comments, but the negative was really harsh," Clisha says. "I just had to remind him to just keep with the positive. (The attention) is something that we're not used to."

Mika Li‘ili‘i, ‘Aiea's head coach: 

"We always talk to the kids about social media. It can be evil and stuff like that. But in this situation, it's also a blessing for our school, for Fatboy to represent and bring some attention to our school and what we're doing. I know he feels it and he understands he's getting all the notoriety because his teammates are catching his balls and blocking for him and stuff like that."

Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi has played football for as long as he can remember, but he didn't get an opportunity to play quarterback until he was 12. 

He also dabbled in soccer and competitive hula, his 

 taking home a runner-up trophy during his only competition in 2019. 

Always on the bigger side, TeeJay remembers how he was placed as a lineman by default. "When he finally got his shot to be a quarterback, we hit the ground running, and that's who we have here today," Dad says. 

When one watches Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi throw a football, it's clear that doing so is easy to him. Using his upper body to gain torque, Fatboy spins it effortlessly in practice while his receivers practice multiple routes with him. 

Another thing that appears seamless to Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi: blending in with his teammates. In pre-practice stretching and jogging, he truly is one of the boys. His demeanor remains mellow and approachable.

Following a set of reps, his teammates, perhaps in acknowledgement of media around, break the huddle with "1, 2, 3, Fatboy!" 

[{"type":"text","text":"Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi can't help but laugh coyly."}]

"More people seeing that I'm on social media, I mean, it would be great for them to come to our games so we could show love to our community, show them what ‘Aiea High School football is about," he says. "For me, ‘Aiea is more than just a football program. It's home to me, so it means a lot."

Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi 082726

<title>‘Aiea quarterback Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi takes his newfound name fame in stride</title>

Jesus-Kapesi, the overnight viral sensation, confirms it's fine to call him by his nickname. He says he even prefers it.

‘Aiea quarterback Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi takes his newfound name fame in stride

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros Headshot

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros

Aloha Spirit

Business & Tourism

Born and raised on Oʻahu, Taylor Yuen was in elementary school the first time she attended the Made in Hawaiʻi Festival in 2012. She was there to help with the family business, PorkGrinds Hawaiʻi, and worked the booth passing out samples to shoppers and would rearrange the boxes of products into forts during downtime, she recalls.

, which aims to bolster opportunities for local student entrepreneurs, will debut

“This is a full circle moment for me,” says Yuen, who has a design and marketing company, 

at Chapman University in California, where she's pursuing a degree in business administration with an emphasis in entrepreneurship and marketing and a minor in graphic design.

She graduated from Punahou School in 2023, the same year she launched Keiki Makers Market in the spring as “a passion project,” Yuen says; it has since grown to include more than 130 student makers from kindergarten through undergraduate university.

Her overall goal is “to make youth entrepreneurship, education, mentorship and resources accessible to students across the state of Hawaiʻi.”

“My journey as an entrepreneur began at the height of the [Covid-19] pandemic when social entrepreneurship became especially powerful. After joining a student-led initiative to support our school's financial aid fund, my eyes were opened to a world in which my passions for art and creativity could make a tangible impact,” she told Aloha State Daily. “Participating in various student markets on my school's campus, I realized just how many students were searching for similar opportunities and wanted to bring that concept into the community. This led me to explore and educate others about owning their passions, eventually resulting in the start of what would become Mākia.”

Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi’s Impact SmallBiz Accelerator

 program in 2025, Yuen decided that rebranding Keiki Makers Market to include adults would allow for future growth.

She landed on the name Mākia, which means purpose in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, she said, adding that all the makers “are asked to think about what their mākia is, or their purpose, whether that’s art, animals, environmental studies, etc.”

“It’s about connecting that passion to a greater purpose that can impact community,” Yuen continued.

Mākia Market was originally hosted at Hawai’i Children’s Discovery Center and now takes place on select dates at 

The Barn at SALT at Our Kaka’ako. Its last event there was held on Aug. 8.

“Each market is different and themed. We’re onto our 18th market and the bulk of them do happen in the summer,” she said, noting that student vendors sell various products such as jewelry, crochet keychains and plushies, art, baked goods and more, some of which donate a portion of their proceeds to local organizations.

When asked how the company is funded, Yuen said “boot-strapped,” with some personal investment.

“It’s all reinvested back into the business to support the students,” she said, noting that decreasing barriers to entry for student makers is a core value. “They get a discounted student vendor rate, which goes to support participation in our events.”

 “elevates seasoned Mākia student makers to step into leadership positions within the wider Mākia ecosystem,” according to Yuen.

“I have had the privilege of witnessing these women grow from first-time market participants into confident, influential leaders who now drive innovation and inspire peers in Mākia and beyond. Seeing that transformation is incredibly powerful and has definitely been the most memorable moment throughout this journey for me.”

Yuen is working on creating an entrepreneurship curriculum she hopes to deploy by next summer.

“While our workshops and courses build the foundation for early entrepreneurial thinking and long-term leadership, our markets provide the platform for students to actively apply those skills that are best learned in practice — like pitching themselves and their businesses, engaging with customers and adapting in real time,” she said. “But beyond technical skills, we love witnessing students step into their identity as founders, take initiative and support their peers

l, Yuen has offered marketing and presentation crash courses to seven student makers, who will be “surrounded by very established businesses at one of the busiest markets on the island.”

“It has helped build their confidence, and now I think they’re more excited than nervous,” she said.

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? “One mentor would challenge me to ‘Get out of the way!” ... Don’t limit yourself and acknowledge when your mindset is holding you back. Believe in your ideas. Ask for help from your community.”

Check out Mākia Market at booth No. 106 at the four-day MIHF festival. Here is their planned schedule:

,, Abigail Yang & Leila Toma '28 (Mākia Student Ambassadors)

, Katia Dela Cruz '28 (Mākia Student Ambassador)

, Audrey Wee '28 (Mākia Student Ambassador)

, Megan Ing '27 (Mākia Student Ambassador)

Summer 2026 Mākia Market

<title>Made in Hawaiʻi Festival to feature Mākia Market for the first time</title>

Founder Taylor Yuen is a college senior and local entrepreneur who remembers helping at her dad’s booth at MIHF at a young age. This month, her business will participate in the festival, showcasing Hawaiʻi-based student makers — what she describes as a “full circle moment.”

Made in Hawaiʻi Festival to feature Mākia Market for the first time

Pritchett photo

John Pritchett is a cartoonist, illustrator, and graphic designer based in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. He has received awards from United Nations Correspondents Association, Best of the West, Hawai‘i Publishers Association and The Society of Professional Journalists.

John Pritchett

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