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Community Voices: Punahou student raises concerns about Palantir Technologies in Honolulu
Zane Dalgamouni, a 15-year-old student at Punahou, fears a future where his every move is watched and free speech is threatened. He concludes, "We do not have to accept a future dictated by unaccountable tech giants," including Palantir Technologies, a Miami-headquartered corporation that is hiring now in the Islands.
Zane DalgamouniAugust 10, 2026
Who's winning in the primary election?
Here's how the most hotly contested races stand as of Sunday.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 09, 2026
Maui County hosted free community event in Lahaina, three years since the wildfires
Three years after the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires, the Lahaina community gathered in remembrance during an all-day event Saturday put on by the county and its volunteers. This year, Kuhinia Maui featured live music, free activities, meals and more, held at Lahaina United Methodist Church near Front Street.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 09, 2026
Case, Tokuda, keep seats after blowout primary
Early results from the state primary elections indicate an all-but-assured victory for Hawai‘i's incumbent representatives.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 09, 2026
Button Up Cafe is now open in a bigger space
The Pearl City brunch spot — known for dishes like strawberry cheesecake stuffed French toast, corned beef hash loco moco and Korean braised short rib eggs Benedict — has been open in Pearl City Plaza since 2016. The biz just relocated to a larger space within the same plaza, and reopened today.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 09, 2026
Lahaina banyan tree to remain fenced off for two more years
The 153-year-old tree was damaged by the heat produced in the August 2023 wildfires but remained largely unburned.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 08, 2026
Lahaina harbor dredging project nearly half done
More than 8,300 cubic yards of material dredged from fire-damaged harbor
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 08, 2026
'The Queen’s Will' premieres in Honolulu
The world premiere of a new play, “The Queen’s Will,” is headed for Kumu Kahua Theatre. Playwright Sean T.C. O’Malley shares how more than 500 articles helped inspire the show, which takes the stage for the first time this month.
Katie HellandAugust 08, 2026
Three years after wildfires, here's what's changed at Maui Emergency Management Agency
Maui Emergency Management Agency Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett stepped into the role in January 2024, just months after wildfires devastated parts of the Valley Isle in August 2023.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 08, 2026
The breakthrough that Hawai‘i needs: Measuring what leaders do
It’s time for a change. Leadership is more than charisma or slogans; it requires choosing real problems and acting with enough integrity and reasonableness that the public can judge results fairly. ASD introduces a new data-driven opinion column to help readers understand what works in Hawai‘i, what doesn't, and how we stack up against other states.
Peter S. Adler & PhDAugust 08, 2026
Aisiah 'Scoob' Paogofie emerges as potential impact player for Hawai‘i football
Paogofie, a second year linebacker out of Campbell, has turned heads so far during preseason training camp for the Rainbow Warriors.
Christian ShimabukuAugust 07, 2026
We Heart Cake Co. has a new Honolulu store
The dessert shop — which used to be in Kaimukī — is now open in McCully. The biz is celebrating its grand opening on Saturday, Aug. 8, with free cake pops for the first 102 customers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 07, 2026
Specialty Okinawa soba pop-up coming to The Kāhala Hotel & Resort
Chef Eibun Nakamura, known for his specialty soba, is bringing his Okinawa soba to The Kāhala Hotel & Resort’s Plumeria Beach House. Soba will be available as part of the restaurant's seafood dinner buffet on Aug. 14 and 15, and as part of the a la carte dinner menu on Aug. 13 and 16.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 07, 2026
Compassion leads Regina DoDaro's approach to Hawaiʻi Island animal control
Regina DoDaro took the helm of the Hawaiʻi County's Animal Control and Protection Agency on Aug. 3.
Haley LehmanAugust 07, 2026
Lahaina, three years after the fires
It's been three years since wildfires destroyed much of Lahaina Town. Recovery is still underway but work to rebuild is progressing.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 07, 2026
Castle High School kicks off 75th anniversary with community event
Last week, the public high school in Kāneʻohe celebrated its 75th anniversary with an open house free to the public, complete with food trucks, vendors and live performances. This was the first event of a few planned for the school year, which will culminate in March. Aloha State Daily spoke with Principal Bernadette Tyrell, Ph.D., as well as teachers, alumni and students who helped put together this fundraiser.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosAugust 07, 2026
Hawai‘i soccer makes lei for Lahaina wildfire victims ahead of weekend Maui trip
The Rainbow Wahine will play an exhibition game against Seattle on the Valley Isle on Sunday, a trip in which both programs will also honor victims of the 2023 Lahaina wildfires.
Christian ShimabukuAugust 07, 2026
Honolulu DPP requires use of AI tool for residential project permit applications
The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting announced this week that applicants will be required to use an artificial intelligence tool to submit residential project permit applications. Julia Fink, executive vice president of AIA Honolulu, shared with ASD why the organization is advocating for this AI.
Haley LehmanAugust 07, 2026
Maui police lieutenant charged with corruption
Michael Vaitu‘ulala, a 17-year veteran of the Maui Police Department, allegedly took thousands of dollars in bribes to protect illegal cockfights, drug deals, and more.
Michael BrestovanskyAugust 07, 2026
Changing Kaka‘ako: The first on Kaka‘ako’s Automobile Row
Shiny, new high-rise condos are popping up all over Kaka‘ako, and it isn't the first time a trend changed the neighborhood. In the 1950s, the new kids on the blocks were car dealerships. The first of these, in 1958, was for Volkswagen.
DeSoto BrownAugust 07, 2026
Waikīkī resort opens entertainment center
Family bowling is possible in Waikīkī at this entertainment center, which opened in June. The 6,000-square-foot space also includes more than 60 arcade games.
Katie HellandAugust 07, 2026
Southwest launches nonstop flights between Hilo, Las Vegas
The service began Aug. 6.
Stephanie SalmonsAugust 07, 2026
Rigo has a new happy hour
The Spanish Italian restaurant on Kapahulu Avenue launched a happy hour for the first time. Happy hour is available daily from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; the eatery also has a lunch happy hour from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Enjoy discounted drinks and tapas, including seafood platters, fresh oysters, and Rigo’s popular jamon serrano.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 07, 2026
Naks Cafe offers gourmet takeout meals in Pearl City
The business, which is located next to the Don Quijote Pearl City Food Court, has been open for one year. Business owner Nathan Wu strives to provide the community with affordable, high-quality meals for takeout.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaAugust 06, 2026