Rick Hamada
Aloha, it's a pleasure to meet you.
I'm Rick Hamada.
I was born in Chicago, Ill, raised in NW Indiana, lived and worked in California, traveled the world as entertainment cruise line staff which is what brought me to Hawai‘i over 35 years ago.
I am blessed to be associated with my first love dating back to childhood.
Radio and writing.
As a child growing up I found it remarkable that mom was in the newspaper business as section editor and a morning drive personality at our small town radio station. I was never at a loss for inspiration and I attribute so very much to my mom.
Fast forward.
Hawai‘i has blessed me to create a career and, most importantly, a family.
I recently celebrated 31 years at iHeart Radio Honolulu as a talk show host and serving as VP, Community Relations.
I was a MidWeek columnist for over 15 years, and I am so thankful to now share weekly thoughts with you at Aloha State Daily. As a a columnist for ASD, the views expressed are my own.
All pales in comparison with my two wonderfully adult children, Zachary and Zoe.
The ultimate entry on my life's resume is unequivocally being a dad. Thank you, Lord.
Oh, and I love golf, a good ribeye, a quaffable Cabernet and Lou Rawls (he could sing a phone book and sound great. And for those of you of a certain age, google "phone book" and you'll see what I mean).
I'm looking forward to spending some time together.
Mahalo and aloha.
Latest from Rick Hamada

Hamada: Remembering 9/11
It was about a quarter to 3 in the morning in Honolulu when the first plane hit the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. For many of us in the Islands, the first we heard of the attack was a strangely early morning phone call from a loved one who had seen the news. "Turn on the TV. We're at war." ASD columnist Rick Hamada describes getting such a call, then spending 30 hours on the air at KHVH as kama‘āina called in with their fears, tears and rage.
Rick HamadaSeptember 10, 2026

Hamada: A confession for Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month
When there's a month dedicated to a cause, we're suppose to talk about that cause, right? ASD opinion columnist Rick Hamada has frank thoughts about this particular month.
Rick HamadaSeptember 03, 2026

Hamada: The hands that help when disaster strikes
In the wake of Hurricane Lala, we saw professionals who went above the call and neighbors who stepped up to help neighbors. Let's take a moment to appreciate the best of the aloha spirit.
Rick HamadaAugust 24, 2026

Hamada: Lack of investment in infrastructure taking a toll
This state has never had a money problem, it's had a problem setting priorities to deliver the basics and we pay the price every time a storm strains the system.
Rick HamadaAugust 19, 2026

Hamada: Don't be numb to warnings
Impending disasters get the same amount of hype in advance, whether they come to pass or not. With Tropical Storm Lala approaching, ASD opinion columnist Rick Hamada says it's best to prepare for the worst rather than assume nothing will happen just because previous predictions fizzled.
Rick HamadaAugust 13, 2026

The races to watch
ASD opinion columnist Rick Hamada talks about the races he's most closely watching in the upcoming Primary Election. Is it going to be Case or Keohokalole? Tokuda or Awa? What about the LG's race? And he has questions for you about the elections and politics in Hawai‘i for further discussion.
Rick HamadaAugust 05, 2026

Hamada: Hot takes on bribery, Tommy Waters, Hāna Highway confrontation
With so much in the news, ASD opinion columnist weighs in on the state's bribery scandal, Tommy Waters' attempt at a third term and a recent ugly confrontation between locals and tourists in the Hāna Highway.
Rick HamadaJuly 29, 2026

Hamada: Thirty years of infamy for our business climate — when does that change?
Hawai‘i was just ranked worst in the nation for business. Again. Mainland and local observers have been pointing this out consistently since the 1990s, even, at times, as far back as the 1970s. Well, asks ASD opinion columnist Rick Hamada, who has been in charge all this time?
Rick HamadaJuly 23, 2026

Hamada: Airport carjacker skating on kidnapping charge
Lawrence and Rose Ching are stunned that the man who carjacked them at Honolulu International Airport — driving off with their teen daughter in the back seat — isn't getting charged with kidnapping. ASD opinion columnist Rick Hamada agrees and takes a close look at the definition of the crime.
Rick HamadaJuly 15, 2026

Hamada: Hawai‘i not to blame for losing Sony Open
We fret locally about what Hawai‘i might've done wrong to lose major golf tournaments, but ASD opinion columnist Rick Hamada says that changes within the golf industry itself made the loss inevitable.
Rick HamadaJuly 08, 2026

Hamada: Why I'm happily celebrating the Fourth of July
ASD opinion columnist Rick Hamada remembers firsthand the tumultuous year of 1968 — and how Americans nevertheless united to celebrate the Fourth of July. He's keeping that spirit alive this year, even if some people seem determined to sit the party out.
Rick HamadaJuly 01, 2026

Hamada: Let me be a warning to you
ASD columnist Rick Hamada gets personal with some health news, in hopes that you'll be inspired to take better care of yourself.
Rick HamadaJune 25, 2026