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Kona low storms slow business on North Shore
Poke for the People has been giving away meals to community members impacted by the floods as well as the volunteers helping them rebuild. But this week, the eatery cut its hours in half due to a decrease in sales. In Haleʻiwa, spring break for Mainland schools doesn’t look quite the same as it has in prior years, according to the shop's owner.
Katie HellandApril 02, 2026

Johnson ‘Ohana Foundation, Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation donate to flood recovery
Musician Jack Johnson and wife Kim Johnson, who reside on Oʻahu’s North Shore, have teamed up with GoFundMe to give directly to ʻohana impacted by the recent Kona Low storms. The pair is pledging $500,000 in total, some of which is being dispersed to local nonprofits, and plan to host a fundraiser this Friday at the Kōkua Learning Farm in Haleʻiwa.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 02, 2026

Farm damage nears $70 million following Kona lows
The damage toll from March's storms continues to rise as lawmakers ponder solutions.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 02, 2026

Nori Bar Hawaiʻi opens Waikīkī location
The hand roll spot — whose original location is in Ward Village — just opened a second location on Kūhiō Avenue, in the former space of Ice Monster. This store is bigger than the Ward Village one, but features the same menu. Nori Bar Waikīkī will be open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaApril 02, 2026

Noods Ramen Bar is offering a BOGO ramen deal
The eatery’s Kaimukī and Hawaiʻi Kai stores are offering a buy-one-get-one-free ramen deal this Saturday, April 4, in honor of National Ramen Day. The BOGO offer is valid for dine-in only.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaApril 01, 2026

In the presence of the Queen
"The Spirit of Lili‘uokalani," the bronze statue of Hawai‘i's last ruling monarch, Queen Liliʻuokalani, is a physical manifestation of the Queen beside the Hawai‘i State Capitol. But people tell stories of encountering more spiritual manifestations of her presence as well.
Lopaka Kapanui and Tanya KapanuiApril 01, 2026

Loch Ness monster spotted in Ala Wai Canal
“It’s 42 degrees in Loch Ness,” says noted Isle cryptozoologist Sigmund Zack. “The question isn’t, ‘Why would Nessie swim 7,000 miles to vacation in Waikīkī?” it’s ‘Why wouldn’t he?”
A. Kam NapierApril 01, 2026

Hamada: Answers to bullying, good and bad
When growing up on the Mainland, ASD columnist Rick Hamada confronted boyhood bullies the old fashioned way. Here and now in the Islands, a local organization is doing great work solving the problem positively. Here's how you can help.
Rick HamadaApril 01, 2026

Five things to do on Oʻahu this weekend: Friday, April 3, through Sunday, April 5
Looking for plans for the long weekend? Aloha State Daily has rounded up some ideas of events for the entire ʻohana, including plans for Easter Sunday.
Katie HellandApril 01, 2026

Irrigation funding bill still alive following March floods
A bill providing funds to three state agencies for irrigation systems maintenance may be woefully insufficient as March storm damage mounts.
Michael BrestovanskyApril 01, 2026

What’s next for Otake Camp?
Some residents of Otake Camp are still in the dark. Farmers lost crops. Families lost homes. And everywhere, the mud prevails. They are seeking generators, lumber and funds to restart.
Katie HellandApril 01, 2026

Nonprofit provides paid, work-based learning to residents seeking careers in technology
Aloha State Daily caught up with Carlo Liquido, executive director of Pi’ikū, whose mission is to create opportunities for emerging tech talent. He shares his personal and professional background, as well as his vision for the organization’s future. Cohort participant Zelda Cole also describes her experience and how it prepared her for the workforce in Hawaiʻi.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosApril 01, 2026

Memories of Mariposa
Aloha State Daily talks with several customers and former staff members about their favorite memories of the iconic Ala Moana Center eatery, as they prepare to say “A hui hou” to Neiman Marcus and Mariposa.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMarch 31, 2026

Hawai‘i football and broadcast icon Larry Price remembered for impact on and off the field
Price passed away peacefully on Friday. He was 91.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 31, 2026

You can win free sandwiches for a month at E.A.R.L. Hawaiʻi
All three E.A.R.L. Hawaiʻi stores will be giving away bronze, silver and golden tickets (nine tickets total). Prizes include gift cards, goodie bags, and — if you get the golden ticket — a one-month sandwich pass that’s eligible for one sandwich per day for the month of April.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMarch 31, 2026

Hawai‘i women's basketball head coach Laura Beeman announces retirement
Beeman, who took over for the Rainbow Wahine in 2012, went 244-180 in 14 seasons with UH.
Christian ShimabukuMarch 31, 2026

Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines approaching the next milestone in their combination
Changes leading up to the launch of a shared passenger service system include the launch of a single app for both airlines.
Stephanie SalmonsMarch 31, 2026

Native Hawaiian author Malia Maunakea to release next book
The Colorado-based writer of intermediate school fiction is set to launch “The Shark Prince” on May 5. As part of the pre-order campaign, Penguin Publishing Group will donate up to 500 copies to Hawaiʻi Literacy, a local nonprofit that provides free reading and writing programs.
Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosMarch 31, 2026

CONGRESS WATCH: Airports and ICE
The ICE budget is still up in the air at Congress, while a slew of new airport bills passed the Senate unchallenged last week.
Michael BrestovanskyMarch 31, 2026

Largest Chick-fil-A in Hawai‘i to open April 2
The restaurant — located at Kapiʻolani Boulevard and Kalākaua Avenue — will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays for dine-in, takeout, catering and third-party delivery. Guests who show up dressed in cow print on opening day will receive a free entree or kid’s meal.
Kelli Shiroma BraiottaMarch 31, 2026

The budget that doesn't grow
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi did something remarkable early this month in releasing a city budget that came in $133 million under the previous year's budget. ASD columnist Sterling Higa looks at all four county budgets to see which counties are living within the means of their citizens.
Sterling HigaMarch 30, 2026

Community Voices: Where’s your second tax return?
If passed, HB2429 would require you to file not just one tax return but two — and one of them will be open to the public.
Tom YamachikaMarch 30, 2026

Pipikaula Corner: Who says “Honolulu wants an anti-ICE police chief?”
Advocacy journalism from Civil Beat last week asserts that the whole city wants the next HPD chief of police to be a political warrior. Does it? Seems the next chief has their work cut out for them on improving the basics. Here's data on how HPD performs at clearing crimes.
A. Kam NapierMarch 30, 2026

Community Voices: The first coconut grove planted on Maui in over 100 years
The idea for Uluniu o Kapuawailana emerged about two years ago when Collier crossed paths with Niu Now members Indrajit Gunasekara, Kekaula Hanohano and Jesse Mikasobe-Kealiinohomoku. Together, they envisioned a way to reconnect people with coconut as a cultural responsibility and a foundation of food sovereignty.
Annabelle Le JeuneMarch 30, 2026