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Letter to the Editor: Reader thanks ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa for ʻike
A reader from Lāʻie writes in to Aloha State Daily to thank Higa, who has opined on the stateʻs "increasingly steep slide into societal suicide."
Letters to the EditorJuly 30, 2026

Ward Centre closed; looming demolition will make way for new Ward Village towers
Although a timeline has not yet been finalized, sources say that demolition and redevelopment work at the site is expected to begin later this year.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 30, 2026

Hawai‘i football kicks off fall camp with key returns and losses
While Micah Alejado returned to the practice field, star receiver Pofele Ashlock will be sidelined for a chunk of fall camp, head coach Timmy Chang acknowledged on Wednesday.
Christian ShimabukuJuly 30, 2026

Inside Ballet Hawaiʻi’s ʻForces of Natureʻ
From a volcanic eruption to the four seasons, Ballet Hawaiʻi will put music to movement as part of the capstone performance of its summer intensive, which features students as well as soloists from across the country.
Katie HellandJuly 30, 2026

Mu‘u and mimosas afternoon tea is now every Saturday
Kaimana Beach Hotel’s afternoon tea is available weekly starting at 2 p.m. The experience costs $55 per person and guests can enjoy a variety of sweet and savory baked goods, along with live entertainment.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 29, 2026

Kapa‘a Quarry landfill plan spurs pushback
Plan to repeal landfill restrictions to build a landfill at the Kapa‘a Quarry already controversial
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 29, 2026

Kamitoku Ramen moves from Ward Centre to South Shore Market
The business — known for its beef bone broth ramen — just soft opened in the former space of Scratch Kitchen & Meatery. In addition to its popular ramen bowls, the biz also added new dishes — like wild oxtail soup and wagyu rib-eye katsu bowls — to its menu.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 29, 2026

Primary election coming Aug. 8
Voting in Hawaiʻi is no longer a single-day event; registered voters now have an extended window of time to vote.
July 29, 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

Secrets of the Scottish Rite Cathedral
ASD's ghost and history columnists themselves had a very strange experience giving a tour of Makiki's Scottish Rite Cathedral. The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry was welcomed into the Islands in 1874 by King David Kalākaua and John Owen Dominis, husband of Queen Lili‘uokalani. Its members have a long history of service to community, with an air of Masonic mystery.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiJuly 29, 2026

Pipikaula Corner: Fauci revealed as fear-mongering, fame-loving fraud
It's not getting much media attention, but the private diaries of Dr. Anthony Fauci have been published online by Sen. Rand Paul in advance of his hearings this week into Fauci and Covid-19. What they reveal across thousands of pages is man in love with the adulation he received, who privately knew that many of things he said publicly about the pandemic were wild exaggerations.
A. Kam NapierJuly 29, 2026

Preseason practices underway for Hawai‘i soccer team ahead of 2026 season
The 2026 season, which officially begins on Aug. 13 against Texas Tech, will be Michele Nagamine's 15th at the helm of the Rainbow Wahine.
Christian ShimabukuJuly 29, 2026

State airports administrator on paid leave following bribery indictment
Ford Fuchigami will appear in court Thursday along with Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 29, 2026

Kaua‘i renters facing eviction sue Hawaiian Homes Commission
The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands purchased a Kapa‘a apartment complex to help DHHL beneficiaries in 2024, but tenants who don't meet the department's blood quantum requirement have been served eviction notices, suit alleges.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 29, 2026

Pho Que Huong opens second location in Honolulu
The popular Vietnamese eatery — which opened its first location in Chinatown about nine years ago — just opened on Kapiʻolani Boulevard. To celebrate the restaurant’s opening, customers can enjoy 20% off their entire meal until July 30.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 29, 2026

Bon dance, 'Les Misérables,' and laughs: what to do on Oʻahu this weekend
Ready to plan your weekend? Aloha State Daily can help! From a Bon dance in Waipahu to a Comedy U and Consolidated Theatres collaboration in Kapolei, there are lots of events happening across Oʻahu this Friday, July 31, through Sunday, Aug. 2.
Katie HellandJuly 29, 2026

Tommy Waters term limits ruling: Why the Council Chair should step aside
A judge ruled Monday that Tommy Waters has already served his two terms — while voters were filling out ballots bearing his name. ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa on the difference between fighting for the people within the law and fighting the people with it.
Sterling HigaJuly 29, 2026

New eateries planned for Kamehameha Schools' Mō‘ili‘ili redevelopment
Eleven tenants for Waiānuenue at Kapa‘akea have so far been announced.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 28, 2026

Gyu-Kaku Japanese Barbecue is offering limited-time yakiniku specials
The eatery is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a special "Adventures in Niku" menu, which is available until Sunday, Sept. 6. Diners can take advantage of specials like 1.5 pounds of thinly sliced beef for $35.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJuly 28, 2026

Community Voices: The one-dollar solution
Under the state constitution, surpluses are supposed to be returned to Hawai‘i's taxpayers. Here are some of the games lawmakers and governors play so that the amount returned is always, somehow, just a dollar.
Tom YamachikaJuly 28, 2026

Here's the 'Best in Hawai’i Architecture' in 2026
AIA Honolulu's 68th annual Design Awards, which took place July 24, recognize excellence in architectural design.
Stephanie SalmonsJuly 28, 2026

Tommy Waters ineligible for reelection, court rules
Honolulu Council Chair to appeal court ruling that he has already served for two full consecutive terms.
Michael BrestovanskyJuly 28, 2026

Jayden Maiava makes one last stop home before the grind begins again
Maiava, along with USC running back Waymond Jordan, were in the Islands for a special event over the weekend.
Christian ShimabukuJuly 28, 2026

Oʻahu hālau wins top awards at Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition
An Oʻahu-based hālau took top honors at the Queen Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition, while one from Maui captured the Hawaiian Language Award. Check out the full list of winners.
Katie HellandJuly 28, 2026