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Daily Smile

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Smile 26 5 23

<title>Daily Smile: Saturday, May 23, 2026</title>

Let's throw a Corgi into the mix and compare and contrast...

Daily Smile: Saturday, May 23, 2026

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

Crime & Courts

The outgoing director of the Department of Law Enforcement has no intention to serve as deputy police chief for the time being.

Mike Lambert was one of three finalists under consideration for the role of chief of the Honolulu Police Department. But despite endorsements by Gov. Josh Green and the vast majority of the State of Hawai‘i Organization of Police Officers, the Honolulu Police Commission 

 to appoint David Lazar, formerly of the San Francisco Police Department, to the role.

The seven-person commission cast five votes for Lazar, and two for Lambert.

While Lambert told media Friday that he has made his peace with the commission’s decision, and still intends to rejoin HPD this year after leaving DLE, he said he doesn’t plan to serve as Lazar’s deputy for the foreseeable future, if Lazar were to offer the role.

“I think the deputy chief has to be in absolute alignment and be willing to defend the character … as well as the vision of the chief, and I’m just getting to know him,” Lambert said.

Lambert said he might reconsider taking the deputy role in a few years “if [he believes] in his vision and what he’s doing, but it’s not a position you should take unless you can look him in the eye and say that.”

One of the largest differences of opinion between Lambert and Lazar was their opinion on Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Lazar took a hardline stance against HPD ever collaborating with ICE, mirroring a non-cooperation policy held at SFPD, while Lambert said a police chief “can’t say never.”

Whether that difference of opinion played a major role in the commission’s decision, Lambert couldn’t speculate — he said “there were questions about [his] professional development and lack thereof.” However, he said Lazar will have a “steep climb” in winning the support of HPD and the community.

 in front of the Honolulu Police Department against Lazar’s hiring.

“We should be hiring from within and working with … the talent we have here,” Fevella said. “We hire people that’s retired to come here and get a job, and he’s going to be vested for a whole five years. And then he says he’s going to ‘help us.’ Help us, train people so we can hire no more outsiders.”

Fevella called the commission’s decision a “slap in the face … and a kick between the legs” of the Hawai‘i community.

Lambert said he believes many in the community are frustrated that their voices are not being heard. While he said he hopes HPD officers will give Lazar a chance, he added that many officers are concerned about policies at SFPD — such as the ICE policy or the elimination of cash bail — being echoed here.

“I do think he’s coming from a good place,” Lambert said, explaining that Lazar called him the day after the commission’s decision. “I think that he’s sincere and it’s just a matter of being able to deliver the things that the community wants.”

For the time being, Lambert will return to work as an HPD officer — starting over at the bottom of the ladder as a beat cop, he said.

While Lambert said he hopes to be allowed to test for a lieutenant rank when he rejoins, he added that he’s won HPD’s sergeant of the year, lieutenant of the year and manager of the year, but never HPD’s officer of the year.

[{"type":"text","text":"“So I’ll see if I can win that next year,” Lambert joked."}]

However, Lambert said he doesn’t think he’ll run for chief a third time, having been passed over four years ago and again this year.

“I put my family through this twice,” Lambert said. “Part of me feels very selfish for doing that.”

And, Lambert hinted that he has other job offers waiting in the wings. Once he finishes the five more years he needs to secure his retirement benefits, he said he “definitely [wants] to spread [his] wings and help the community in other ways.”

Lambert repeatedly thanked his family, Green and everyone who supported him through the selection process.

So far, Lambert’s last day at DLE and first day back at HPD have not been determined. He has recommended that Jared Redulla, Deputy Director at DLE, take his place upon his departure.

Lambert

<title>Lambert says no to deputy chief role for the time being</title>

Mike Lambert, who will return to HPD later this year, won't be incoming Chief David Lazar's deputy for the foreseeable future, nor will he run again for the top spot, he said Friday.

Lambert says no to deputy chief role for the time being

Hawai‘i residents should prepare for a stronger than average hurricane season, warn state and county officials.

An early outlook by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that the Eastern and Central Pacific Ocean could see anywhere between five to 13 tropical cyclones this hurricane season. NOAA meteorologist John Bravender said an average year sees around four or five cyclones.

The stronger storm season is due to a developing El Niño event, Bravender said. El Niño, part of a cyclically shifting global weather pattern, is marked by warmer waters in equatorial Pacific waters.

The second-most active Pacific hurricane season on record, in 2015, was caused by the last strong El Niño event. That year saw 26 named storms, the most since 1992.

This year, Bravender said, ocean temperatures are starting a bit cooler than in 2015, so meteorologists are not predicting quite so busy a storm season. However, he added, it is difficult to predict how intense an El Niño event will be this far in advance, so the number of cyclones generated this year will depend on how quickly or gradually ocean temperatures rise.

Bravender added that NOAA’s estimates only consider how many storms might be generated this year, not how powerful those storms may be or whether they strike Hawai‘i.

Nonetheless, state and county officials have urged residents to begin preparations for the hurricane season now. Quoting Sun Tzu, Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, director of the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency, said “Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small.”

Gov. Josh Green advised residents to have at least 14 days of non-perishable food and water on hand in case access to supplies is cut. Residents should make sure they have extra batteries, sufficient food for pets, and copies of important documents kept in safe places.

Bravender suggested that residents begin stockpiling food piecemeal in order to defray the cost.

Elton Ushio, administrator of the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, said households should discuss ahead of time whether their priority is to shelter in place or evacuate in the event of a severe storm.

Ushio said that a well-constructed home that’s up to code should be sufficient shelter in most storms. But residents of a home that isn’t up to standards, or that’s located in a flood zone or along a coast susceptible to storm surges, should seek more secure refuges, either among friends and family or at public shelters.

However, Ushio added that public shelters will be crowded and will not have many services available for users: residents will be responsible for their own food, and their pets will need to remain caged.

Furthermore, many shelters have not been designed to withstand hurricanes. HIEMA Administrator James Barros said the state is compiling a list of hurricane-safe shelters.

Following the severe Kona Low storms in March, Green said teams and high-water vehicles are being preemptively positioned around flood-sensitive areas.

“We’ve gotten adept at dealing with storms,” Green said, noting that the 2023 Lahaina wildfires were triggered by Hurricane Dora, a storm that never directly contacted the Islands, but whipped up winds to quickly spread the flames.

 from HIEMA and their respective county emergency management agencies.

 For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Bravender

<title>NOAA predicts strong hurricane season</title>

An early forecast of this year's hurricane season estimates between five and 13 tropical cyclones in the Eastern and Central Pacific, and Hawai‘i residents are advised to start preparing now.

NOAA predicts strong hurricane season

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Smile 26 5 21

<title>Daily Smile: Thursday, May 21, 2026</title>

Legend says they’re still looking for the ball...

Daily Smile: Thursday, May 21, 2026

Katie Helland Headshot

Katie Helland

Arts & Entertainment

Aloha Spirit

Ready to make plans for the long weekend? Some of the events coming to Oʻahu soon include 

 ceremonies, a benefit gala for Hawaiʻi Foodbank, and a car show in Hawaiʻi Kai.

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Want to help create the 38,000 lei placed on the graves of the service members laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific? Join one of these 

bring lei you made at home to one of the donation sites

. Hawaiʻi Foodbank is hosting its inaugural Nourish Gala where guests can enjoy a cocktail reception, multi-course dinner with curated tasting stations and live music from 

, and the Hoʻoheno Duo at ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach. The event supports the Hawaiʻi Foodbank. Individual tickets are available for $375. Tickets must be purchased by Thursday, May 21. 

Catch this special exhibit about Robert Cazimero. 

A special exhibit honoring the legendary musician, composer and Kumu Hula Robert Uluwehionāpuaikawēkiuokalani Cazimero has been extended through Saturday, May 30, at Gallery ‘Iolani, which is located on Windward Community College’s campus in Kāneʻohe. Learn more about the 

kumu hula of Hālau Na Kamalei o Lililehua

, which was the kāne overall winner for the Merrie Monarch Festival of 1976, the first year that men were allowed to compete, as previously reported by Honolulu Star-Advertiser. He was also part of The Brothers Cazimero, a 

more than two dozen Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards

, which performed decades of May Day is Lei Day concerts at Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell. The gallery is open from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. daily, except Sunday and Memorial Day. Free. 

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Head to the Waikīkī Community Center and join in this hands-on event where attendees can make and toss 

. Made of clay, rice bran, molasses and microorganisms, Genki Balls are said to digest sludge and leave water cleaner, although there is 

. Up to 28 participants can attend this event which runs from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Tickets cost $10 plus fees. 

Head to the Waikīkī Aquarium and support University of Hawaiʻi alumni owned businesses in a special market, starting at 9 a.m. Admission is $5 and includes access to the Waikīkī Aquarium. Want to start the day earlier? Arrive at 8 a.m. for a pilates sculpt workout led by Annie Chang, a current UH student, for $30, which include access to the aquarium, the class and a towel. 

Wear white and head to this yacht party, hosted by Atlantis Cruise. Drinks are available for purchase. Boarding starts at 9 p.m. The yacht returns at 1 a.m. Individual tickets start at $125. A pair of tickets can be purchased for $170, plus fees. 

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Ready to add some dinosaurs to your life? “T. rex” chronicles the story of three boys discovering a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex fossil in North Dakota in 2022. It will be playing at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Bishop Museum’s J. Watumull Planetarium. Admission is $5 per person and includes access to the planetarium’s lobby exhibit, “Wayfinders: He Waʻa He Moku, He Moku He Waʻa,” plus a seat in the theater. Tickets to the rest of the museum are an additional cost. 

The Honolulu Museum of Art will offer a guided tour of its Renaissance Collection. These tours start at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Gather in the front of the Central Courtyard for tours which are between 45 and 60 minutes. These tours are included in museum admission, which is $15 for kamaʻāina and free for youth who are 18 years old or younger. 

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The event starts at 8:30 a.m. and there will be an oli, a speech from Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, a presentation of wreaths, a firearm salute, a military aircraft flyover, and performances from the Royal Hawaiian Band and Sounds of Aloha Chorus, as well as 

. The ceremony also features taps. Parking is limited. Additional parking is available at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School starting at 7 a.m., and a courtesy shuttle will take attendees to the cemetery. Free. 

Join Gov. Josh Green, Maj. General Stephen Logan, and Lt. Col. John Alamodin for the Governor’s Memorial Day Ceremony at 1 p.m. at the Hawaiʻi State Veteran’s Cemetery in Kāneʻohe. There will be a musical prelude by the 

Spend Memorial Day at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, where you can visit the 

 (reservations recommended, although some standby admission is available) or the 

 submarine. Visitors can also book a tour to Ford Island, where they can visit the 

, where authentic WWII hangers hold a variety of aircraft and visitors can step into flight simulators. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial’s visitor center is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Cruise over to the Hawaiʻi Kai Towne Center and check out this showcase of classic cars in the parking lot in front of Costco. The event starts at 2 p.m. Free. 

. This Memorial Day ceremony brings thousands to the water’s edge to release floating lanterns and remember loved ones and fallen service members at Ala Moana Beach. The ceremony starts at 6:30 p.m. 

 are available on a first-come, first-served basis with pick up between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or as long as supplies last. Messages can also be added to 

Learn why these volunteers keep coming back, 

Planning to be outside this weekend? Send us your pictures of rainbows, sunsets and more for a chance to be featured in our Hawaiʻi Skies series. Include your name and where the picture was taken plus why the moment was special. 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i

<title>What to do on Oʻahu for Memorial Day weekend</title>

From sewing lei for service members to the Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaiʻi, there are lots of events happening on Oʻahu this weekend. Aloha State Daily rounded up some of the ceremonies and activities, so you can make plans.

What to do on Oʻahu for Memorial Day weekend

Higa headshot white shirt square

Sterling Higa

Last week, State Sen. Brenton Awa rose on the Senate floor. He clarified that the Senate doesn’t “condone violence.” Then he held up a letter of recognition for “Mister Ambassador of Aloha.” The commendation was intended for a shirtless man recorded beating a tourist on Maui. The tourist had been filmed earlier throwing a rock at a monk seal.

The clip of Awa’s remarks has been viewed 29.3 million times on his 

. In the chamber where laws are made, a sitting senator stood to commend a man for a beating.

The tourist was wrong. That part isn’t in dispute. Throwing a rock at a protected animal earns charges, and ought to. The question is why a senator commended the man who beat him.

Awa represents State Senate District 23, which includes Kāneʻohe and the rural areas of the North Shore, including Kahaluʻu through Lāʻie, Kahuku to Mokulēʻia. It is one of the most conservative and religious districts in the state, with a significant presence of Christians and Mormons. Though they differ on major theological issues, they share most moral commitments. Many of them read Scripture and try to live by it.

Paul tells the Roman church plainly: never avenge yourselves, for vengeance belongs to the Lord, and He will repay. He says this in Romans chapter 12. In the next chapter he describes the magistrate as the servant of God who carries the sword on God’s behalf. The magistrate is the appointed avenger of wrath against the wrongdoer. Awa sits in the office Paul describes. To commend a man for taking justice into his own hands is to undercut the office God established to do that work.

A reader may reply that the justice system fails locals, that private justice is what’s left when the courts won’t act. There are two answers. The first is that the system was working. The whole state was outraged. The tourist was being identified and pursued. The vigilante did not help. He committed a crime of his own, and gave the tourist a grievance to point to.

The second answer is older. Vigilante justice doesn’t end disorder. It feeds it. Shakespeare worked this out in Verona, and the Capulets and Montagues are not a model anyone wants for Hawaiʻi. Due process is the rope that pulls communities out of that pit.

The seal speech was not a stray moment. Awa brought a polygraph to the floor during the $35,000 paper bag scandal. He has made props a feature of his floor speeches. He posted a video walking viewers to Rep. Linda Ichiyama’s office after she killed his bill prohibiting foreign ownership of land, and she received death threats. His congressional campaign website celebrates his record of voting no more than any other legislator. The posture is consistent: media first, lawmaking second.

A rock thrown at a seal and the beating of a tourist got Awa to stand and speak. The everyday violence in Hawaiʻi — robberies, killings, home invasions — has not moved him the same way. Neither has abortion, though his Christian and Mormon constituents care about it as deeply as any voters in the state. Awa casts his no votes and counts them on his campaign website. But a ceremonial no vote does not save a life.

He has a platform few legislators command. He could use it to speak about the issues his district cares about. He has chosen to use it to glorify lawless violence.

Moral leadership in a minority caucus is possible. It starts with respect for the office, since God has established it. The slow work of building coalitions and passing bills must follow, since social media clips don’t affect statutes. Underneath all of this lies the harder discipline of applying Christian conviction even-handedly. It must name the sins of allies as readily as opponents, the populist right as readily as the progressive left. A lawmaker who held those things together would be doing something that all of Hawaiʻi has been waiting for.

On opening day this session, Awa quoted James: “Be quick to listen and slow to speak.” He should have taken his own advice. Later in that 

, he told his colleagues, “We can accomplish impossible feats just by showing aloha. In other words, the next time you’re feeling like throwing blows, throw aloha.”

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Awa upscaled

<title>'Mister ambassador of aloha'</title>

It's a bad look for the word "aloha" when it's used to commend a vigilante beat down, as state Sen. Brenton Awa did last week, says ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa.

'Mister ambassador of aloha'

Katie Headshot Large

Katie Chang is the Executive Director of the Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders. She can be reached at 

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<title>Katie Chang</title>

Katie Chang

Katie Chang, executive director of Center for Tomorrow's Leaders, talks about why she's bullish on Hawai‘i's future. She sees a thousand reasons each year — the number of student leaders in CTL's programs who are going to fight for their Hawai‘i.

Katie Chang

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