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Aloha Spirit

 party over three years ago and declined to show, according to the Office of the Governor.

 from the 2022 legislative session, Gov. Josh Green was asked “to establish a Hawaiʻi Commission on the United State Semiquincentennial.”  

The commission formed by the governor did not receive any government funding

 “to coordinate a statewide effort commemorating and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America,” per the executive order.

Leading the 19-member Hawai‘i America250 Commission is Peter Young, a member of the Hawaiʻi Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, along with lawmakers and other representatives.

The commission is responsible for soliciting donations to bring local events and activities to “communities across the Islands [that] will reflect on our shared past, celebrate our diverse heritage, and honor our veterans and ancestors through events grounded in local culture and the Spirit of Aloha,” its website notes.

To donate, volunteer and learn more, go to: 

Hawaiʻi opts out of Great American State Fair

Hawaiʻi has no official government representation at 

, a block party on the National Mall in Washington D.C., running now through July 10.

It features attractions like rodeos and a 110-foot Ferris wheel, with more than 150 exhibits for all 50 states plus U.S. territories, as well as "businesses, innovators and civic organizations," according to 

, the organizer of the fair and other semiquincentennial events.

The decision for the Hawai‘i America250 Commission, which includes Green as an honorary chair, to say, “No can” to participating in the fair appears to have grown more apparent as the travel commitment grew “from a few days to two weeks with 12-hour days,” 

Green told Aloha State Daily in a statement Friday, “The Hawai‘i America250 Commission is not operating a pavilion at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., which is 5,000 miles away. No funds were earmarked by the state, or by Congress.”

One Mililani resident wrote in to ASD after hearing Hawaiʻi would not be at the fair.

“Especially with what's been happening in Hawaiʻi, participation in this national event would have been a great opportunity to formally and informally educate and share the history and Aloha of our people; to garner support/supporters from outside our state for the causes of the Hawaiian people and the legacy of its past monarchs,” the reader wrote.

Another ASD reader from Honolulu wrote, "

Wouldn't this have been a great opportunity for the state's Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)? According to their annual budget, they expend [millions] of our taxpayers’ money annually on branding and marketing!"

At least 10 mostly Democratic-led states decided against sending official government delegations to the fair, which including Hawaiʻi are: Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington, according to 

“Most of the states that opted out are led by Democrats. But all cited financial considerations, saying they'd have to spend at least $100,000 (and in some cases up to half a million dollars) of their own money and preferred to prioritize celebrations at home,” 

, noting, organizers offered to help cover basic booth setup.

 that “the decision came down to resources”; Illinois sent representatives from the Peoria Riverfront Museum to run the state's booth instead; and Oregon Gov. Tina Koteck cited both cost and concerns that the event is "a more partisan affair than originally presented,” per the The New York Times; while Young of the Hawai‘i America250 Commission has shifted focus to local initiatives.

New Hampshire, which has a similar population size to the Aloha State at about 1.4 million, found a way to participate by having its Department of Natural and Cultural Resources staff an official booth showcasing “historic documents, a presentation and a video featuring state political figures reading the Declaration of Independence.” It is the only New England State with a presence from local government, per the 

 and photos over the weekend from the Great American State Fair, Alaska and Hawaiʻi both have empty booth displays boasting red, white and blue backdrops, though, Hawaiʻi’s included a couple of rocking chairs. 

Makes sense, since they chose to sit this one out.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Hawaii at Great American State Fair

<title>Hawaiʻi says ‘No can’ to Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C.</title>

Hawaiʻi government officials will not be present at the Great American State Fair, put on by Freedom 250 now through July 10, along with at least 10 mostly Democratic-led states citing cost, staffing and for some, political reasons. Gov. Josh Green says no funds were earmarked for the fair by the state or Congress and instead, has thrown support behind local celebrations.

Hawaiʻi says ‘No can’ to Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C.

Arrasmith Portrait

Perry Arrasmith

Government & Politics

The United States of America is turning 250 years old. So what? 

I don’t need to tell you that 1776 was a long time ago.

In 1776, the indigenous people of Hawai‘i were still divided across warring chiefdoms. The formal end of the wars of Hawaiian unification didn’t settle until 1810, when Kaumuali‘i (Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau’s King) pledged fealty to Kamehameha as the King of the entire Hawaiian Archipelago. 

Captain James Cook, the British captain who formally initiated contact between Native Hawaiians and the Western world, hadn’t arrived in the islands yet either. In fact, he didn’t even leave England until July 12, 1776, one week after the Declaration of Independence. If he knew about the colonies and their rebellion, I don’t think he cared to share news of America’s independence as he traveled across Polynesia. 

And so I return to the question. So what? America is turning 250 years old. Why should Hawai‘i’s residents care?

Hawai‘i, at least officially, does care to a degree. 

Hawai‘i has a state commission created to oversee Independence Day celebrations for America’s 250th birthday, known also as the 

 by Governor Josh Green through an executive order on December 15, 2023. It is largely organized by Peter Young, a former Hawai‘i County official and former Department of Land and Natural Resources chair under Republican Governor Linda Lingle.

Without government funding to support the state commission’s efforts, there was little in the way of supporting any state presence in D.C., Young explained in one recent 

Hawai‘i might not be alone, though. Hawai‘i, alongside 10 other states across the country, is not participating in the 

 in Washington D.C. Partisan discord is discoloring this year’s celebrations, which makes Independence Day a bit bitter. 

George Washington, who famously preached against partisanship in his 

, would be disappointed. Celebrating America’s 250th birthday should be non-partisan. So should one’s willingness to readily tout this country’s rich and nuanced history. 

Maybe that’s why it initially feels a little weird to celebrate Independence Day. But then I correct myself. It actually 

 be weird to celebrate something like Independence Day. 

If we have the luxury to think about this country’s problems, we’re frustrated with the United States every other day of the year. One day of pride won’t kill us. 

Our Independence Day is a reckoning with the United States of America’s progression from a collection of colonies to the wealthiest and most diverse republic in the history of the world. It’s a reckoning with the power of history and the true scope of change over time. 

Hawai‘i has historically shown a willingness to celebrate this country’s Independence Day. In the ’70s, efforts to celebrate America’s 200th anniversary (bicentennial) were much more expansive. Planning began in 1970 with the passage of 

 into law by Governor John A. Burns (celebrations were set to happen in 1976). 

 at the State Archive detail the extent of this extensive planning. 

In contrast, our celebrations this year seem to be very muted. That’s the feeling I get across Hawai‘i. Maybe I’ll see an America250 flag in someone’s yard in ‘Ewa or Kailua on O‘ahu, but that’s about the extent of what I see as of this writing.

Maybe this is just another Independence Day. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"The Scope of 250 Years"}]

Hawai‘i’s radically changed in the last 250 years. So has the United States of America. 

Celebrating America’s 250th birthday is not about the birthday itself. It’s about marking what America, as a country, means to its people one-quarter of a millennium after its founding. 

The question extends to the people of Hawai‘i, too. What does it mean to be an American as a resident of Hawai‘i in 2026? 

The majority of Hawai‘i’s residents are still U.S. citizens with U.S. passports. If they aren’t U.S. citizens, they may aspire to become U.S. citizens. 

Hawai‘i should take this Independence Day to really reflect on how it is a part of the United States. It’s not a partisan question of the past. It’s a practical matter of the future. 

250th i Stock 2278283010

<title>Hawai‘i at 250</title>

Hawai‘i's celebrations for the 250th anniversary of America's independence seem muted compared to those for the Bicentennial in 1976. That's a shame, argues ASD columnist Perry Arrasmith. Can't we set aside our complaints for even one day to celebrate?

Hawai‘i at 250

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

, always had a passion for baking. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she began baking more for family and friends.

“While Kaʻamilo Sweets Stand officially launched on June 10 this year, the dream started in 2020,” she says. “I love creating treats that bring people together, and sharing them with my community.”

Kaʻamilo Sweets Bake Stand opened earlier this summer and is currently open from 7 a.m. until sold out on Wednesdays and Fridays.

“Kaʻamilo Sweets is named after the street I grew up on, and where this dream first began,” Pilialoha says. “It represents home, ‘ohana and the place that inspired me to turn my passion into a business.”

The bake stand is located in ‘Aiea; customers can find the directions to find the business on its Instagram page (it’s located close to the Boston’s North End Pizza Bakery). The business operates on a first-come, first-served basis and usually posts what will be featured at the stand.

“Our banana bread is our signature item and top seller,” Pilialoha says. “I started perfecting the recipe in 2018. Our double chocolate brownies ($5) and chocolate chip cookies (two for $6) are also family favorites that have been enjoyed at many family pāʻinas before making their way onto our menu.”

During the time of our visit, the bake stand also featured chi chi dango ($7) butter mochi ($7) and bottled brown sugar cinnamon lattes ($7). The lattes are made with espresso, brown sugar, cinnamon and soy milk.

Customers can pay for the baked goods using exact cash or by scanning a QR code at the stand to pay using Venmo.

Stay tuned for updates by following the business’s 

“I’m a busy mom of six with a dream of opening my own bakery,” Pilialoha says. “We also offer catering for special events, and customers can reach us through Instagram.”

Currently open Wednesdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. until sold out

Kaamilo Sweets Stand owner 062626

<title>Kaʻamilo Sweets is a new bake stand in ‘Aiea</title>

Inspired by owner Tiana Pilialoha’s love for baking, the business is usually open on Wednesdays and Fridays, and sells treats like brownies, chocolate chip cookies and banana bread.

Kaʻamilo Sweets is a new bake stand in ‘Aiea

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

A controversial Hale‘iwa housing development is once again under consideration by the Honolulu City Council.

, the Council indefinitely postponed action on a proposal to build a 150-unit affordable housing project on a 7.5-acre parcel along the Joseph P. Leong Highway, after substantial public outcry about the project’s potential impact to the surrounding agricultural community.

On Thursday, that indefinite postponement ended, with the Council Committee on Zoning and Planning ultimately moving to forward the proposal to the full Council for final approval.

The proposal itself is a request for a boundary amendment that will reclassify the parcel — called the Hale‘iwa Quadrangle — from the Agricultural District to the Urban District, a change that will allow for the development of higher-density housing.

The project itself is the brainchild of a company called Hale‘iwa Backyards LLC, which has proposed to offer about 150 two-bedroom units, 30% of which would be offered at affordable rental rates, with the remaining 70% offered at market rental rates. The company’s most recent projections, made in 2025, would put the monthly rent for a unit available for people making up to 80% of the area median income at $2,500.

During the Council’s consideration of the project last year, the Honolulu Department of Housing and Land Management considered the possibility of the County acquiring the property directly as an alternative to the Hale‘iwa Backyards proposal. In February, DHLM concluded following a preliminary review that such an acquisition would not fit into the City and County’s current financial priorities, but supported the development of housing within the Quadrangle.

But hundreds of residents testified in opposition to the project Thursday, reiterating criticisms of the proposal they’ve had for years: that it will overwhelm traffic infrastructure, that it removes potential agricultural land from the state, that it will not “keep country country.”

“This project would increase Hale‘iwa’s population and place additional strain on our roads and infrastructure, worsening the very challenges we are seeking to address through our disaster planning in an emergency,” said Cheryl Matsumoto, a member of the Waialua Community Association’s Health and Disaster Preparedness Committee. “Limited evacuation capacity can have serious consequences.”

Other residents said that there is insufficient space in the area for the roads to be expanded to allow for more traffic.

Franz Kraintz, chief of the County Department of Planning and Permitting acknowledged that increasing the amount of traffic infrastructure in the area to prevent delays would require “massive amounts of money, massive amounts of construction” and would be self-defeating: “we don’t want to build more roads because it encourages more traffic,” he told the committee Thursday.

Kraintz said DPP’s preference is to promote “alternative modes of travel,” such as public transit or biking infrastructure. But, he added that the project “has the potential to add [traffic] volume,” but is “not an absolute.”

Some Council members were critical of the project. ‘Ewa Beach Councilwoman Andria Tupola noted that the Council has heard hundreds of testimonials in opposition to the project, since last year, and yet the project has not meaningfully changed.

“When you have thousands of people in the community talking to you and you’re listening to what they’re saying … what are we supposed to say to them?” Tupola said. “’We heard all 2,000 of your voices, but we decided on no changes?’”

A representative of the property owner, Ikaika Anderson, spoke briefly at Thursday’s meeting, but only to confirm — in answer to a question by Committee Chair Ester Kia‘āina —  that the property owner would not be willing to sell the parcel to the city.

The matter was forwarded to the full Council to once again discuss the proposal at third and final reading.

Haleiwamap

<title>Controversial Hale‘iwa housing project back on the table</title>

Despite opposition, the 150-unit Hale‘iwa housing project returned to a County Council committee this week.

Controversial Hale‘iwa housing project back on the table

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Real Estate

There's often talk about the affordability and availability of housing in Hawai‘i. 

While affordability challenges are real, local real estate experts say homeownership is possible.

 and Aloha State Daily recently caught up with Aaron Tangonan, president of the Honolulu Board of Realtors, to see what prospective homebuyers should know about the process. Here's what he had to say.

We hear a lot about housing affordability and availability. Realistically, how feasible is it to become a homeowner in Hawai‘i in 2026?

Affordability challenges are real, and we never want to minimize them. At the same time, one of the biggest challenges we see is that many local residents no longer believe homeownership is possible. Our concern is that many people become discouraged before they even begin exploring their options.

The reality is that local residents continue to buy homes every day. Nationally, first-time buyers made up 32% of all home buyers last year, up from 26% the year before, according to the National Association of Realtors.

While Hawaiʻi faces unique affordability challenges, we continue to see local residents finding pathways to homeownership.

For most, that journey begins with getting on the housing ladder by purchasing a starter home and building equity. Over time, the equity gained from that home can be used to help purchase your dream or forever home.

The keys to homeownership are education, financial preparedness, patience and working with professionals. For buyers today, affordability is about more than just the purchase price. Interest rates play an important role in determining monthly payments and purchasing power, which is why it's important to focus on personal needs, budget and long-term goals rather than any single market factor.

We’ve seen this firsthand through local families who recently became homeowners through [Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corp.]’s Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program. One buyer, a teacher, purchased a one-bedroom condominium in Makiki and shared that access to a lower interest rate helped make her monthly payment more manageable. Another local family purchased a three-bedroom townhome in Mililani Mauka and said the program helped make homeownership feel attainable. Their stories are reminders that while the path may look different for everyone, opportunities still exist for those who take the time to prepare and explore their options.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of working with a real estate agent and trying to go through the process without one?

As trusted advisers, Realtors leverage their industry knowledge and stay current on market conditions to help guide buyers through what is often one of the largest financial decisions of their lives. They can help buyers better understand the market, identify opportunities, connect with resources, navigate contracts and develop a strategy that aligns with their goals. 

 are also held to a strict Code of Ethics and have a duty to protect and promote their clients’ interests. 

According to the National Association of Realtors

, 88% of buyers purchased their homes through an agent, and 91% said they would use their agent again or recommend them to others.

While it is possible to purchase a home without representation, buyers who choose to do so may be responsible for navigating contracts, negotiations, deadlines and other aspects of the transaction on their own, including roadblocks along the way which are inevitable. Every buyer’s situation is different, but many first-time homebuyers find value in having an experienced professional by their side. We have also seen 

 go above and beyond to help clients achieve homeownership, whether that’s helping them navigate challenges, connecting them with resources or finding creative solutions to help them reach the finish line.

What are three things first-time homebuyers should know about the home-buying process?

What resources are available for first-time homebuyers, specifically? Are there programs that make the process easier or the goal more attainable?

There are a variety of resources available to help first-time homebuyers better understand the process and prepare for homeownership. Through the Honolulu Board of Realtors’ partnership with the Hawaiʻi HomeOwnership Center, the HOPE (Housing Opportunities are Possible for Everyone) 

 helps prospective buyers better understand budgeting, financing, mortgage terms and what it takes to prepare for homeownership. Since 2021, more than 850 individuals have participated in the program, and 70% have gone on to purchase a home or enter escrow within 6 to 18 months.

In terms of the current housing market, what kind of opportunities are available for first-time homebuyers in Hawai’i today?

Over the past year, nearly 2,200 properties sold for $500,000 or less, showing that buyers are still finding opportunities at more attainable price points. There are also nearly 1,200 active listings in this price range, particularly in the Metro region, Pearl City, and Central and Leeward O‘ahu.

The condominium market continues to serve as an important entry point into homeownership for many local buyers. According to our Local Market Update for May, year-to-date median sales prices remained below $500,000 in Downtown-Nuʻuanu, Kalihi-Palama, Makaha-Nānākuli, Makiki-Mōʻiliʻili, Moanalua-Salt Lake, Pearl City-ʻAiea, Wahiawā, Waikīkī, Waipahu and the Windward Coast.

Ultimately, the opportunities available will depend on a buyer’s goals, budget and flexibility. The important thing for buyers to know is that opportunities do exist, and taking the time to understand their options, explore different neighborhoods and work with trusted professionals can help them identify a path that aligns with their needs and financial circumstances. The key is getting on the housing ladder and building equity in that first home.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Is there anything else readers should know?"}]

I’d encourage anyone interested in homeownership to start the conversation now, even if they aren’t ready to buy tomorrow. The earlier you begin learning about the process, understanding your options and preparing financially, the more opportunities you’ll be able to pursue when the time is right.

Too often, people assume homeownership is out of reach without fully exploring what’s available to them. Every situation is different, but with the right preparation, guidance and patience, homeownership remains an achievable goal for many local residents.

For those who are working toward homeownership, it is important to understand the long-term value it can provide. Renting may make sense depending on a person’s goals and circumstances, whether that means living closer to work, remaining in a desired school district or renting a larger home than they may be able to purchase right away. However, paying rent is paying someone else’s mortgage, and building wealth for someone else. 

Historically, real estate has experienced stable long-term growth in value and served as a hedge against inflation. Homeownership can also help owners build savings and equity, creating value that may be realized later if the home is sold. It can also provide more predictability in monthly housing costs through a fixed-rate mortgage, give owners more freedom to make decisions about their living space and, depending on a household’s circumstances, may also come with certain tax advantages. For many local families, it can also create greater stability by allowing them to remain in one neighborhood over time, build lasting relationships within their community and create greater continuity for their children.

Oahu neighborhoods homes i Stock

<title>Looking to buy a home in Hawai‘i? Here's what you should know.</title>

Aloha State Daily talks with Aaron Tangonan, president of the Honolulu Board of Realtors, to learn more about the home-buying process, how feasible it is to become a homeowner, what opportunities are available and more.

Looking to buy a home in Hawai‘i? Here's what you should know.

Known for its hand-crafted xiao long bao, 

The business, which just opened by Shabuya in Ala Moana Center, has 14 locations in cities like Bellevue, Tacoma, San Francisco and more. The eatery offers authentic Taiwanese cuisine and soup dumplings, according to owner Brandon Ting.

“We started this restaurant’s first location in Bellevue, Washington,” he explains. “We brought the former executive chef of W Hotel Taipei from Taiwan to America; we created this menu together. We want to bring the most authentic, classic xiao long bao experience to Hawaiʻi; we are very excited to be on this island and to serve so many customers here.”

The Honolulu store opened for its friends and family event on Friday, and was soft opened over the weekend. The eatery can seat about 140 individuals.

Customers can make reservations for dine-in via 

“We encourage people to make reservations; we will occasionally accept walk-ins,” he says.

Most xiao long bao orders include six pieces. Each dumpling is folded by hand and steamed fresh to order, according to Ting. The wrappers are delicate, but designed to contain the filling and soup broth.

“The amount of soup inside is a very important standards that we value for our dumplings,” Ting says. “We always tell our customers not to bite them the regular way. If you do, the inside has a lot of soup, and you’ll squeeze it all out.”

Ting recommends that customers let the dumplings cool down, then “eat the entire dumpling in one bite” to enjoy the dumpling exterior and soup together. 

Ting explains that chef Peter Wang — former executive chef at W Hotel Taipei — helped establish the standards, recipes and techniques for Supreme Dumplings. Supreme Dumplings chef Norman Lu, the former head chef of Din Tai Fung’s original central kitchen, adds his expertise to the culinary team.

“Great xiao long bao is a game of millimeters and grams,” Lu states. “Each Supreme Dumplings xiao long bao weighs exactly 27 grams — 6 grams of wrapper, 11 grams of soup, and 10 grams of filling. Achieving that balance consistently requires tremendous discipline and craftsmanship.”

The Supreme pork xiao long bao ($13) is the eatery’s signature dish. Lu explains that choosing high-quality ingredients was essential.

“We carefully select a premium pork specifically chosen for its ideal fat ratio and fiber structure,” he states. “That’s what allows the filling to remain juicy without feeling greasy, while delivering a clean, natural pork flavor. We use premium ingredients throughout our kitchen, and even our seasonings are made from real ingredients, rather than additives." 

The Honolulu menu includes options like Szechuan spicy pork xiao long bao ($12), shrimp and pork xiao long bao ($14), black truffle and chicken xiao long bao ($19) and wagyu beef xiao long bao ($16). If you want a little bit of everything, go for the signature XLB assortment ($20), which includes spicy pork, chicken, wagyu, black truffle and crab fillings.

The menu also features Taiwanese favorites, including spicy pork wontons ($10) and Taiwanese chicken cold noodles ($13). Customer favorites include stir-fried string beans with garlic ($18), pork chop fried rice ($19), mini pan-fried pork dumplings ($15) and Supreme tan tan noodles ($15.50).

Customers can also look forward to a Hawaiʻi-exclusive dish that’s coming soon. The golden pineapple fried rice and a variety of Island-inspired cocktails will be added to the menu.

Desserts include sweet taro ($10.50), chocolate melt ($11) and matcha lava xiao long bao ($12). The latter features a matcha and white chocolate filling.

Supreme Dumplings Honolulu is currently open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Hours are subject to change.

“This is a place where people genuinely appreciate great food, family-style dining and experiences worth sharing,” Ting states. “We look forward to creating moments of joy for local residents and visitors alike.”

Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays

Supreme Dumplings wagyu dumplings

<title>Supreme Dumplings is now open in Ala Moana Center</title>

The business, which originated in Washington, specializes in handmade xiao long bao, or soup dumplings. Dumplings are folded by hand and are steamed fresh to order; customers can choose from fillings like pork, wagyu beef, truffle and chicken and more. Customers can currently make reservations via Yelp.

Supreme Dumplings is now open in Ala Moana Center

CEO Headshot Suzanne Young2022

Suzanne Young is the CEO of Honolulu Board of Realtors. Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, she leads one of the state's largest trade organizations, representing over 7,000 real estate agents and advocating for housing and community development.

<title>Suzanne Young</title>

Suzanne Young

As affordability challenges continue to shape the housing conversation, expanding access to education, resources and pathways to ownership remains critical for local residents — and the Realtors who represent them.

Suzanne Young

Latest from Suzanne Young

Community Voices: Why homeownership matters for Hawaiʻi's future

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