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Kalihi author releases second book

Kalihi author releases second book

In her new book, “Who We Are Becoming Matters: Courage, Wisdom and Aloha in the Timeplace of Collapse,” Norma Wong explores the values of aloha, kuleana and more to encourage readers in times of chaos. She shares with Aloha State Daily how her Indigenous perspective and Zen practices shape her work, what she enjoys reading, what’s next and more.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 14, 2026

Egghead Café is offering Lunar New Year specials

Egghead Café is offering Lunar New Year specials

Starting Feb. 17, the business will be handing out lucky red envelopes to kamaʻāina who spend $25 or more. The envelopes will include coupons with prizes ranging from free entrees to discounts on the customers’ entire meal.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 13, 2026

UH testifies for increased NIL support

UH testifies for increased NIL support

On Wednesday, over a dozen combined UH athletes and coaches spoke in favor of House Bill 2384, aimed at increasing NIL funds for the school's athletics department.

Christian ShimabukuFebruary 13, 2026

Sakura Sushi & Hibachi has a new all-you-can-eat sushi menu

Sakura Sushi & Hibachi has a new all-you-can-eat sushi menu

The eatery, located in Ka Makana Aliʻi, now offers AYCE sushi during lunch and dinner on Mondays to Thursdays. The AYCE experience costs $28.95 per adult during lunch and $38.95 per adult during dinner.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 12, 2026

Inside the wardrobe of Cirque du Soleil’s ʻ ‘Auana’

Inside the wardrobe of Cirque du Soleil’s ʻ ‘Auana’

The first resident Cirque du Soleil show of Hawaiʻi, “ ʻAuana” includes more than 270 costume elements, such as clothing, shoes and accessories. Aloha State Daily spoke with Luana Ouverney, the production’s head of wardrobe, about what it takes to keep that many costume pieces looking fresh and vibrant.

Katie HellandFebruary 12, 2026

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue continues nationwide growth

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue continues nationwide growth

The chain opened 14 new locations 2025 and was recently ranked on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500.

Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 12, 2026

'AI psychosis' bills pass Senate, House committees

'AI psychosis' bills pass Senate, House committees

Proposed laws would require AI developers to enact protocols to reduce self-harm among users.

Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 12, 2026

Letter to the Editor: Mediation plays a major role

Letter to the Editor: Mediation plays a major role

A reader shares a past example when mediation worked for evictions during the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, renters unable to pay rent will have more resources to avoid eviction through the state's Pre-Eviction Mediation Filing Program.

Letters to the EditorFebruary 12, 2026

Hunt invests millions in new tech

Hunt invests millions in new tech

ʻOhana Military Communities has begun to roll out new platforms that aim to improve operations, benefiting both staff and service members and their families that reside at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Marine Corps Base Kāneʻohe, among various communities on O‘ahu and Kauaʻi. We spoke with Hunt’s leadership at the corporate and local levels to learn about its overall impact.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 12, 2026

The Incredible Shrinking Voter of Honolulu

The Incredible Shrinking Voter of Honolulu

The voting power of the average O‘ahu resident has declined over the past century, to where each of the nine city council members now represent more than 112,000 people across multiple neighborhoods. That's twice as many people as a Hawai‘i state senator represents. There are some efforts underway to change that.

Perry ArrasmithFebruary 12, 2026

Bakudan's Poke is now open in Kalihi

Bakudan's Poke is now open in Kalihi

The business, which used to be in Mapunapua, is known for its poke flavors and Bakubombs, which are cone sushi stuffed with a torched crab filling or poke. Bakudan's Poke has teamed up with Laʻakea Fish Company and operates out of the business’s store in Kalihi.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 12, 2026

Hawai‘i men's volleyball continues to take on the best amidst scheduling pivot

Hawai‘i men's volleyball continues to take on the best amidst scheduling pivot

The Rainbow Warriors will travel to No. 18 Stanford before taking on a longtime rival at the end of the month thanks to a new scheduling change.

Christian ShimabukuFebruary 11, 2026

There’s still time to enter the National Civics Bee Hawaiʻi

There’s still time to enter the National Civics Bee Hawaiʻi

Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi is hosting its second annual civics competition for intermediate students. To enter, students must first write an essay exploring a community issue of interest while offering a thoughtful solution. Last year, topics ranged from strengthening elderly care services to increasing access to swim education in the state, and more. The deadline to submit for 2026 has been extended to Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 11, 2026

Sean Yamaguchi isn't done living out his baseball dreams

Sean Yamaguchi isn't done living out his baseball dreams

Yamaguchi, the former Honolulu Little League star, is on the verge of starting his professional career, where he hopes to live out a goal of making the Major Leagues.

Christian ShimabukuFebruary 10, 2026

Community Voices: Idle Land and Natural Resources funds

Community Voices: Idle Land and Natural Resources funds

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has racked up some unencumbered balances from its State Parks Special Fund, the Special Land and Development Fund, the Turtle Bay Conservation Easement Special Fund, and more.

Tom YamachikaFebruary 10, 2026

Community Voices: The kind of playbook Hawaiʻi lawmakers need

Community Voices: The kind of playbook Hawaiʻi lawmakers need

State and county lawmakers have started taking small steps to lift some of the many regulations that have stifled homebuilding in Hawaiʻi, but bold action is needed to pare back decades of bad policy.

Keliʻi Akina & Ph.D.February 10, 2026

New Adult Happy Meals available in Honolulu

New Adult Happy Meals available in Honolulu

Located within the AC Hotel Honolulu, The Dotted Line’s new Adult Happy Meals are available from 1 to 6 p.m. Mondays to Fridays. They cost $25 and include an entrée of your choice, fries, a cocktail and candy bar.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 10, 2026

What to do on O’ahu this weekend: Lunar New Year celebrations, Valentine’s Day and more

What to do on O’ahu this weekend: Lunar New Year celebrations, Valentine’s Day and more

Ready for the long weekend? From reduced-cost entry to the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum to free performances by musicians of the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra, here are some of the events happening across O’ahu this weekend. Aloha State Daily also shares guides for Valentine’s Day and Lunar New Year.

Katie HellandFebruary 10, 2026

Coffee growers urge lawmakers to reinstate pest control subsidies

Coffee growers urge lawmakers to reinstate pest control subsidies

State program that reimbursed farmers for pesticides lapsed last year. Farmers want it back.

Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 10, 2026

Community Voices: Maintaining Hilo's Keaukaha Beach Park

Community Voices: Maintaining Hilo's Keaukaha Beach Park

A recent cleanup at Puhi Bay was initiated to utilize community resources and ʻike to support the park's transition into community-driven management. Discussions remain ongoing between Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Keaukaha Community Association, which helped organize the event called “People for Puhi,” along with the group, Kānewala.

Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi February 10, 2026

New sandwich shop opening in Kapolei

New sandwich shop opening in Kapolei

Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop is opening its new Kapolei location on Tuesday, Feb. 10. The business is known for its loaded hot and cold subs; bestsellers include Cap’s BLT, classic cheesesteak and The Bobbie.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 09, 2026

Hawai‘i Pacific University receives $10M grant

Hawai‘i Pacific University receives $10M grant

The grant will allow HPU to fully fund the tuition for health care professional students who commit to working and caring for patients in rural Hawai‘i for five years after graduating.

Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 06, 2026

What to know about Kimié Miner’s new music

What to know about Kimié Miner’s new music

Catch the Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning singer and songwriter as she performs some of her new music, including “Kuʻu Hawaiʻi” her first original mele Hawaiʻi, or song written entirely in ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi. The performance at ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach celebrates Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, or Hawaiian Language Month.

Katie HellandFebruary 06, 2026

Mid-Pacific's Isiah Kiner-Falefa to sign with Boston Red Sox

Mid-Pacific's Isiah Kiner-Falefa to sign with Boston Red Sox

Kiner-Falefa will play with his fifth MLB team in 2026.

Christian ShimabukuFebruary 06, 2026

Alan Wong’s Kāhala restaurant is opening March 25

Alan Wong’s Kāhala restaurant is opening March 25

Hoku’s at The Kāhala’s last dinner service is Feb. 20. Alan Wong’s Kāhala Hotel & Resort will open to the general public on April 8; guests who book The Kāhala Hotel & Resort’s Legacy of Aloha package can secure early access to experience the new restaurant.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 06, 2026

This Japanese-style hamburger steak spot now has curry

This Japanese-style hamburger steak spot now has curry

Located in Kaimukī, Marujuu Hawaiʻi opened last November with its sizzling hamburger steaks. The eatery just added new dishes to its menu — customers can look forward to curry lunch specials, and new meaty entrees like rib-eye steak and a meat lovers set.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 05, 2026

Tenants facing eviction can seek mediation under new state program

Tenants facing eviction can seek mediation under new state program

The Pre-Eviction Mediation Filing Program requires landlords to offer mediation before evicting a tenant for not paying rent

Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 05, 2026

HIE Heirlooms of Hawai‘i perpetuates tradition

HIE Heirlooms of Hawai‘i perpetuates tradition

Founded in 2023 by lifelong friends Meleana Estes and Noel Shaw, the brand offers a modern fine jewelry collection that aims to continue the tradition of Hawaiian heirloom jewelry — in particular, the inscribed gold Hawaiian bangle bracelet.

Stephanie SalmonsFebruary 04, 2026

Community Voices: Bringing hula to Kentucky

Community Voices: Bringing hula to Kentucky

As an alakaʻi of Kumu Kawika Keikialiʻi Alfiche, Kaila Chung has led Hui Kaululehua in Louisville since 2022.

Megan Ulu-Lani BoyantonFebruary 04, 2026

P. Denise La Costa announces 2026 Maui County mayoral run

P. Denise La Costa announces 2026 Maui County mayoral run

La Costa, a longtime Maui business owner and former Planning Commissioner, told Aloha State Daily she would focus on Lahaina’s recovery, housing supply and county government processes if elected mayor.

Daniel FarrFebruary 04, 2026

CONGRESS WATCH: House passes funding bill to end shutdown

CONGRESS WATCH: House passes funding bill to end shutdown

Congress has 10 days to agree on ICE reforms before temporary Department of Homeland Security funds run out.

Michael BrestovanskyFebruary 04, 2026

Love to eat poi? This contest could be for you

Love to eat poi? This contest could be for you

There’s still time to enter this Poi Eating Contest on the Big Isle put on by Hilo-based businesses So Juicy Hawai’i and Mokuwai Piko Poi. Entrepreneur Kwai-Chang Publico shares about his latest venture and some more context around the competition. "May the best poi pounder win," he said.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 04, 2026

Café Miro Kaimukī has a new a la carte menu

Café Miro Kaimukī has a new a la carte menu

The Kaimukī eatery recently changed its format to offer both, a prix fixe menu and an a la carte dining option. New a la carte dishes include a café burger, wagyu beef tartare, roasted garlic bone marrow and an indulgent soft serve dessert.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 03, 2026

Honolulu to pilot food scrap composting

Honolulu to pilot food scrap composting

A City waste characterization study conducted found organic material accounted for roughly 36% of all discarded waste with food waste alone making up about 20%.

Daniel FarrFebruary 03, 2026

604 Clubhouse has a new breakfast buffet

604 Clubhouse has a new breakfast buffet

The eatery, located at Leilehua Golf Course in Wahiawā, recently started a new Saturday breakfast buffet. The all-you-can-eat experience costs $60 per adult and includes a prime rib carving station, snow crab legs, an omelet station and more.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaFebruary 02, 2026

Chef from Honolulu competes in cooking show

Chef from Honolulu competes in cooking show

Watch Mililani High School grad Hunter Gentry on Fox’s newest season of “Next Level Chef," judged by celebrity chefs Richard Blais, Nyesha Arrington and Gordon Ramsay. Gentry shares with Aloha State Daily about the experience, his cooking journey and style, and favorite restaurants to eat at when visiting home.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosFebruary 02, 2026

Honolulu Bus, Handi-Van and Skyline fares set to increase

Honolulu Bus, Handi-Van and Skyline fares set to increase

City Council approves fare overhaul expected to generate $4 million for Oʻahu’s public transit system amid rising costs, despite opposition citing affordability concerns.

Daniel FarrJanuary 30, 2026

Nonprofit advocating for Hawaiʻi keiki appoints new leader

Nonprofit advocating for Hawaiʻi keiki appoints new leader

John-Paul Chaisson-Cárdenas, who joined Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network earlier this month as executive director, brings more than 20 years of leadership experience to the role. He spoke with Aloha State Daily about the organization’s 2026 legislative priorities and goals ahead, as well as how he approached preparing for this job by connecting with Native Hawaiians living in the diaspora.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 30, 2026

Green backs BAC reduction bills

Green backs BAC reduction bills

Two state bills would lower the threshold for drunk driving from .08 to .05.

Michael BrestovanskyJanuary 30, 2026

This is how much lava erupted during Kīlauea volcano's most recent fountaining episode

This is how much lava erupted during Kīlauea volcano's most recent fountaining episode

An estimated 14 million cubic yards, or 10.6 million cubic meters, of lava erupted during Kīlauea volcano’s most recent fountaining episode — but just how much is it? Aloha State Daily spoke with a geologist at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to find out. We also have some updates from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and tips for your next trip to the Big Island hot spot.

Stephanie SalmonsJanuary 29, 2026

Pizza Mamo updates its interior and menu

Pizza Mamo updates its interior and menu

Last October, the Chinatown eatery announced via social media that it was temporarily closing to “give its place a facelift.” The restaurant reopened around mid November with a refurbished bar area — and a few new dishes on the menu.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 29, 2026

New Aloha Stadium 'a manapua away' from key agreements

New Aloha Stadium 'a manapua away' from key agreements

In its first off-site meeting, the Aloha Stadium Authority shared continued optimism toward a March 2029 completion date.

Christian ShimabukuJanuary 29, 2026

Genki Sushi launched its new grand menu

Genki Sushi launched its new grand menu

The menu has 140 dishes and 40 brand-new options, including crispy rice with spicy tuna, aburi char siu bowl, clam chowder croquettes, Hokkaido scallops and more.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 29, 2026

Nonprofit works to restore watershed in Mākaha Valley

Nonprofit works to restore watershed in Mākaha Valley

Mohala I Ka Wai and its various partners including Ka’ala Farm, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply and state Department of Land and Natural Resources, among others, aim to provide a space for the community to participate in ʻāina restoration, while creating opportunities for sustainable food production in Waiʻanae. Longtime volunteer and resident William Aila Jr. shares about the group’s history and purpose in this place.

Kelsey Kukaua MedeirosJanuary 29, 2026

Sausage Fest Hawaiʻi offers gourmet Glizzys

Sausage Fest Hawaiʻi offers gourmet Glizzys

The food business — which can be found at events across Oʻahu — specializes in “Glizzys,” which is slang for hot dogs. These gourmet dogs feature toppings like bacon bits, kalua pig, lomi lomi salmon and more. Plus, the biz also now offers birria tacos.

Kelli Shiroma BraiottaJanuary 28, 2026

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