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Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

new movie starring actors Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista

 that will start streaming on Prime Video on Jan. 28 — Zippy’s is debuting a new menu item for a limited time.

 is available starting today, Jan. 12, at all Zippy’s locations in Hawai

i and Southern Nevada until Sunday, March 1. The Wrecking Crew Pac ($15.95 in Honolulu at takeout; prices vary by location) features a combination of Zippy’s signature items and customer favorites.

The new menu item includes three scoops of rice with furikake, two scoops of Zippy’s OG chili, one scoop of mac salad, one piece of fried chicken, four pieces of Portuguese sausage and one piece of hoki fish.

Select scenes from “The Wrecking Crew” were filmed at Zippy’s ʻEwa store in 2024. Zippy’s fans are encouraged to try the new menu item and watch “The Wrecking Crew."

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Zippys Wrecking Crew plates 010926

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

The new movie launches this month, featuring Momoa and Dave Bautista, who play estranged brothers brought together by the death of their father. The story is set in the Islands.

"The Wrecking Crew"

What to know about 'The Wrecking Crew' starring Jason Momoa

<title>The Wrecking Crew Pac is now available at Zippy’s</title>

The limited-time menu item, inspired by Prime Video’s “The Wrecking Crew,” will be available at all Zippy’s locations in Hawaiʻi and Southern Nevada starting today until March 1.

The Wrecking Crew Pac is now available at Zippy’s

Kam Napier Headshot

A. Kam Napier

Government & Politics

 over the death of anti-ICE activist Renee Nicole Good, killed Wednesday when she drove her car toward an ICE agent while engaged in obstructing their work. This includes Hawai‘i Sen. Brian Schatz, Sen. Mazie Hirono, and Rep. Jill Tokuda, whose commentary aren’t really getting any scrutiny locally.

First thing I notice is that Schatz and Tokuda used their personal X accounts, rather than their official accounts. Right off the bat this tells me they’re trying to put some distance between their words and their public role, as if that were possible. They don’t write under pseudonyms.

[{"type":"text","text":"Schatz had this to say on his personal X feed:"}]

[{"type":"text","text":"Tokuda posted this:"}]

So a lot of finger-pointing here, but none where it belongs. What is it that put Good out on the street in the first place? What led her and her wife to 

, organizing with fellow travelers to willfully going out to interfere with ICE operations?

Someone planted in her head the idea that she was resisting an illegal authoritarian regime and for that, we can thank, in part, Schatz and Tokuda themselves, who have been enthusiastic purveyors of such language for years.

Here's Tokuda, just one day prior to the Minneapolis incident, doing something similar, albeit with a more pleasant demeanor.

. There was a riot, mostly spontaneous. What impact do you think it has when a Congressional representative keeps insisting that there had been one? (And isn't it odd the way the word "propaganda" figures so prominently in her post?)

Our democracy endured because it was never threatened in the first place. And in this defense of democracy that she’s praising, surely Tokuda remembers that it included shooting a woman to death? 

The federal action she’s praising includes Capitol Police Lieutenant Michael Byrd killing 

Comparing her two messages, one might conclude that when feds shoot a woman trespassing in her workplace, it’s good and honorable, but when they do so protecting themselves or our communities, it’s an impeachable crime.

Here's Hirono, using the word "regime" deliberately, still sending the message that there is some evil to resist:

Rep. Ed Case, at this writing, doesn't seem to have posted anything about the ICE shooting. On the subject at hand, there is this recent, more ambiguous post. Something important happened, something unsaid, we're supposed to remember what. 

Schatz, Tokuda, and Hirono, are among a chorus of voices that have been radicalizing their followers to regular and ongoing protests and obstruction of federal law enforcement. Now they're waving the bloody shirt of the woman they radicalized to further their political obstruction of a duly elected president, in furtherance of … what, exactly?

Bizarrely, the wholesale embrace of an entire category of lawbreakers. For some inexplicable reason, Democrats have chosen, as the hill they expect other people to die upon, illegal immigrants rather than the citizens who actually elected them. 

You can sympathize with those who broke the law in pursuit of a better life in America, but the fact is, even the sweetest and kindest of them are quite literally outlaws. They can no more expect to stay than you or I could if we took a trip somewhere and just never came home. There isn't a nation on Earth that wouldn't send us back for breaking their immigration laws.

The weirdest thing of all is, the Democrats have been doing this so loudly and for so long, that you almost have to work to remember: This is insane! 

It’s not just the things that Schatz, Tokuda and Hirono say that makes things worse. It’s what they don’t say. They know full well that Congress itself passed the immigration laws that the Trump administration is enforcing. These laws are binding on the executive branch. Trump didn't make up these laws and agencies out of thin air. Congress did. It’s interesting that the “my democracy!” crowd, always prattling on about the supposed authoritarian Trump, never takes responsibility for having passed these laws in first place, and demonstrates no willingness to change these laws through the democratic process. 

If you don’t like the immigration enforcement going on, the grown-up, civilized, democratic thing to do is introduce legislation changing those laws, debate it, vote on it. Instead we have the entire Democratic party, top to bottom, from Congress to street-level obstructionists, attempting to negate duly passed laws through riots, protests, emotional manipulation, foot-stamping temper tantrums and the pursuit of martyrdom.

There’s nothing democratic about any of that. It's emotional totalitarianism in place of peaceful debate.

And side note: If your goal is totally open borders — which would be the net result if the street theater protestors get their way — you better have a plan we can discuss for how America is supposed to support as many as 8 billion people, because that’s who would qualify for entry.

I'll end on this, since Tokuda's post includes a cherry-picked video with narration meant to minimize the danger faced by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. Well, there are other videos you might want to consider:

If Hawai‘i's Congressional reps are so concerned about insurrections, they might want to spare a post or two to talk Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz off the ledge of launching Civil War II:

A. Kam Napier is editor in chief of Aloha State Daily. His opinions in Pipikaula Corner are his own and not reflective of the ASD team.

Minneapolis ICE shooting Getty Images 2255109935

<title>Pipikaula Corner: Schatz, Tokuda, Hirono, fanning flames over ICE</title>

Three of our Congressional reps have spent years participating in a narrative that America is occupied by an illegitimate, authoritarian regime. It's getting their followers killed.

Pipikaula Corner: Schatz, Tokuda, Hirono, fanning flames over ICE

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

[{"type":"text","text":"Don’t call it a merger."}]

Rather, Hawai‘i Medical Service Association, or HMSA, and Hawai‘i Pacific Health, this week announced plans for a new partnership the leaders of these organizations say will improve access to care and address health care affordability in Hawai‘i.

As part of the partnership, HPH and HMSA would create a new nonprofit parent organization called One Health Hawai‘i “to align strategy, strengthen collaboration and improve coordination statewide across Hawai‘i’s health care system,” an announcement on Wednesday noted.

During a news conference Wednesday, HPH President and CEO Ray Vara, said it was an “exciting day, but it really comes from a premise of something that we all know all too well, and that is that we’ve got a real affordability issue here in the state of Hawai‘i. Frankly, I would argue that it’s the greatest challenge facing our state.”

Health care might not be the single largest contributor to affordability in the Islands, but Vara says it’s “certainly in the top three or four.”

“And as someone who’s an insider in the industry, I’m, frankly, quite concerned,” he continued. “I’m worried about its long-term sustainability. I look at it from a health care provider perspective. I’ve seen it from the outside looking in as from an insurance perspective and I certainly recognize it from a community perspective.”

The intent of One Health Hawai‘i is to create “an affordable, sustainable, high-quality accessible health care system for the people of Hawai‘i,” he says.

Dr. Mark Mugiishi, CEO of HMSA, shared similar sentiments and says it’s time for a structural change.

“The world is replete with examples of companies that didn’t change, right? Whether it’s Blockbuster, Liberty House, there’s a whole bunch of big, big companies in Hawai‘i that don’t exist today because they didn’t evolve,” says Mugiishi, who was born and raised in the Islands and has been in health care for his entire career. “And yet, there are other companies that have done great things evolving. Whether it’s Netflix or Amazon or Uber, they’re all part of our life today because they evolved with what was needed to move us into a new direction of how we live our lives. That’s what we hope this will do for health care and the reason for that is that [an] integrated entity under a common parent that leads in affordability and access will allow us the opportunity to bring a lot of fundamental changes to the way health care is delivered. We’re very, very, very excited to bring that to all of you in the state. That will be part of the mission of both of our great organizations and we’re really, really excited about all of that.”

Mugiishi noted that the proposed system is an open system and that all providers are needed to join.

“We want our members to be able to see the doctor of their choice, to go to the facility of their choice, and so we will include everyone in this initiative that we’re watching,” he says.

Established by social workers in 1938, HMSA is the largest health insurer in the Islands. HPH is a not-for-profit health care system with four medical centers — Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children and Straub Benioff Medical Center in Honolulu, Pali Momi Medical Center in ‘Aiea and Wilcox Health in Līhu‘e — and other clinics around the state.

Vara noted that this proposal is a partnership or an affiliation rather than a merger, with both HPH and HMSA coming together under a new parent but continuing to operate largely the way they do, respectively. The real opportunity, he says “comes through the efficiencies that we get through alignment between the two entities under the parent.”

The proposal aims to address some of the issues that drive health care costs up, the announcement noted, including minimizing administrative burden such as duplicative paperwork, tests and authorizations; improving chronic condition management through better coordination, targeted outreach and community-based support; shifting appropriate services to lower-cost settings; and eliminating inefficiencies so people can receive health care earlier.

Mugiishi says that for someone looking for a provider or seeking health care, the process should be easier.

“Today the process is very fragmented,” he says. “We have some data about what providers are accepting new patients. Providers have some data about who’s eligible to go see them and what their coverage is like. In an integrated entity, it’s all shared in one database, one understanding, so the process should be much more seamless.”

According to Vara, the proposal will have to go through a number of state agencies to include a certificate of need process, which is overseen by the State Health Planning & Development Agency. Find more about that 

There also will be conversations with the attorney general and the state insurance commissioner, as well as federal approvals required, he noted, adding that they’ve already had conversations with Gov. Josh Green, himself a physician.

Aloha State Daily reached out to the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs with questions about the proposal for the state insurance commissioner and received a comment from the Hawai‘i Insurance Division in response:

“At this time, it is unclear whether the Insurance Division will have jurisdiction over this proposal. We will need to wait for the HPH-HMSA filings to determine whether there are insurance-related implications. At that time, we will know whether the Insurance Division will be a part of the approval process.”

[{"type":"text","text":"Vara says the process itself could take between six to 18 months or more."}]

The boards of both HPH and HMSA have authorized the companies to move forward, and the organizations will now take the next steps in the process, submitting the proposal to the appropriate state and federal agencies for review.

One Health Hawai‘i would be led jointly by Mugiishi and Vara as co-CEOs, and governed by a newly formed board.

Find more information about the proposed plan, including frequently asked questions and what it means for patients, providers and employers, at 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

HPH HMSA 010726

<title>HMSA, Hawai‘i Pacific Health announce partnership plan</title>

The leaders of these organizations say the proposed affiliation aims to improve access to care and address health care affordability in Hawai‘i

HMSA, Hawai‘i Pacific Health announce partnership plan

Daniel Farr 02

Daniel Farr

Hawaiʻi County is struggling to fill more than 500 job openings across departments, from the Hawaiʻi Police Department and fire to water supply, public works and parks.

Councilmembers told Aloha State Daily that solving the staffing shortage will require more than one approach. Some positions are temporary placeholders for recruits or seasonal programs, while others reflect deeper challenges, including salaries that lag the private sector, high living costs and a nationwide shortage of qualified applicants.

Councilwoman Heather Kimball, who represents North Hilo, Hāmākua and part of Waimea, said vacancies look different depending on the department. Some, like police recruit slots or seasonal programs, are expected. Others, particularly in water and wastewater, are harder to fill because of a nationwide shortage of trained workers. In some cases, county salaries simply can’t compete with the private sector.

“There is no silver bullet solution to address all the vacancies,” Kimball told ASD. “We need to look at pay for critical positions, workforce development, and consider how AI might influence local government jobs in the future.”

The Hawaiʻi Police Department illustrates how vacancy totals can be misleading. While previous reports showed higher numbers, the department currently has 113 vacancies, 73 sworn officers and 40 non-sworn positions, according to Tom Callis, the county’s public information officer. Temporary recruit slots aren’t counted in that total but remain open while new officers are trained.

Council Chair Holeka Inaba, who represents North Kona, highlighted practical steps the county could take to attract workers.

“The County can definitely try hiring bonuses and consider hybrid work-from-home options for certain positions that allow for it,” Inaba told ASD.

Councilman Dennis Onishi, who represents South Hilo and part of Keaʻau, said recruitment struggles go beyond salaries, pointing to the high cost of living, childcare and rising medical costs.

“Entry-level pay is lower than what the private sector offers, and West Hawaiʻi costs make it tough for families starting off,” he said.

Onishi is working on solutions, including summer hires with Alu Like, internship programs with Hawaiʻi Community College, and discussions with the finance and R&D departments to reduce employee healthcare costs and expand early childhood services.

Councilman James Hustace, who represents Kohala and parts of Waimea, said vacancy levels will be a focus during the upcoming budget season.

“I will be tracking positions that remain unfilled and continue to encourage our HR department to participate in community outreach,” Hustace told ASD. “We also need to strengthen our education pipeline, build university and apprenticeship partnerships and ensure county jobs remain competitive with the private sector.”

Councilmembers agreed that addressing the county’s staffing challenges will require a multi-pronged approach, from improving pay and benefits to workforce development and preparing for how emerging technologies could reshape government work.

Screenshot 2026 01 09 at 10 53 37 AM 16x9

<title>Hawaiʻi County job vacancies: What councilmembers are doing about the problem</title>

Hawaiʻi County is struggling to fill more than 500 job openings across departments. Councilmembers agreed it will require a multi-pronged approach.

Hawaiʻi County job vacancies: What councilmembers are doing about the problem

 — a brand-new condo with 972 residential units and two, 44-story towers — is also home to a new food hall.

Located on the ground floor of the Liona Tower, 

 is celebrating its grand opening from 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, Jan. 17. The food hall is soft opening with limited hours (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) from Jan. 9 to 16.

[{"type":"text","text":"The food hall features both indoor and outdoor seating."}]

The space features 12 locally owned restaurants, and offers customers a variety of local and international flavors. Not all of the vendors are open yet; some have limited menus for the soft opening.

Vendors include FEAST by Jon Matsubara, King Thai Cuisine, Mangiamo Gelato, Middle Eats, Ninja Sushi, Sadie’s BBQ Honolulu, Serg’s Mexican Kitchen, Soul Chicken and more.

During today’s friends and family preview, participating vendors were serving samples and were open for business.

Serg’s Mexican Kitchen features the same menu as its Mānoa location. Meanwhile, the food hall is the first location for new vendors like Mangiamo Gelato.

On grand opening day, families are invited to enjoy keiki activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To access Midtown Eats, customers can enter the parking garage from the building’s Liona Street entrance and park on floors 1 to 2.5. Validated parking will be available.

Midtown Eats interior 010826

<title>New Honolulu food hall is now open</title>

Midtown Eats, the new food hall at The Park on Keʻeaumoku, is celebrating its grand opening from 10 a.m. to midnight on Jan. 17. The food hall is soft opening during limited hours from Jan. 9 to 16. Aloha State Daily got a tour of the new space.

New Honolulu food hall is now open

Aloha Spirit

[{"type":"text","text":"What’s on the minds of Hawai‘i residents?"}]

Pacific Resource Partnership asked in its Winter 2025 Hawai‘i Perspectives survey and more than 900 residents across the Islands answered.

PRP is a nonprofit founded in 1987 that represents the Hawai‘i Regional Council of Carpenters, the largest construction union in the state with nearly 6,000 members, and more than 250 contractors.

This is the fifth iteration of the survey, which was conducted by Honolulu-based Anthology Research from July 1 to Aug. 10, 2025.

[{"type":"text","text":"Here’s what the survey found:"}]

Want to learn more about resident sentiments? You can download the 

Kinney says that one of the biggest surprises from the new survey is “how much residents in all four counties want our policymakers to act on creating more housing and do so quickly.”

“The theme of this survey is ‘hard calls’ because residents are willing to make tough decisions on policy issues and want our elected leaders to follow suit,” he told ASD.

Kinney notes that, for example, 55% of respondents say the height limits of buildings in certain areas should be increased to create more housing and 75% say the amount of time allowed for permitting and environmental reviews should be limited.

“Meanwhile, more than 7 out of 10 residents agree Hawai‘i should build more housing as quickly as possible,” he continued. “It’s clear our residents have moved beyond the question of whether we need to build more housing, but rather how we do it as fast and efficient as possible.”

But one of the biggest changes noted in this year’s survey compared to 2024 is that residents “feel more optimistic about the direction of our state,” Kinney says, noting that 36% of residents feel Hawai‘i is on the right track compared to 28% in 2024.

“This growing optimism could be the result of our policymakers taking decisive action on affordability, for example the historic state income tax cut passed by the state Legislature in 2025 and other legislation that helps make new homes more affordable.”

Oahu neighborhoods homes i Stock

<title>New survey gauges Hawai‘i residents' views on critical issues</title>

Hawai‘i Perspectives, a survey of more than 900 residents statewide, was commissioned by Pacific Resource Partnership — a nonprofit that represents the Hawai‘i Regional Council of Carpenters, the largest construction union in the state, and more than 250 contractors. It was conducted last summer by Anthology Research.

New survey gauges Hawai‘i residents' views on critical issues

Kaipu Keala

[{"type":"text","text":"Member of the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana"}]

<title>Kaipu Keala</title>

Hawaii History

“Laʻa, Maʻa, Paʻa; Sanctify, Sustain, Solidify,” is an ʻōlelo noʻeau from Aunty Alice Kuloloio of Maui that has been adopted as the ʻOhana’s 50th Anniversary slogan. It provides vision for their aloha ʻāina work.

Kaipu Keala

Latest from Kaipu Keala

Community Voices: The Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana celebrates 50 years of aloha ʻāina

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