Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

MĀNOA — If hugs were a form of currency, Milan Zarkovic would've been the richest man in Hawai‘i on Thursday. 

The revered former University of Hawai‘i men's volleyball associate head coach, now in the same role with UCLA, returned to the Islands with his new team for the first time as part of the OUTRIGGER Invitational. 

Prior to the beginning of the tournament's first match, a 4 p.m. contest between the No. 1 Bruins and No. 14 Lewis, Zarkovic was the most active individual on the floor. Multiple fans walked down to say hi. There didn't seem to be a person in sight Zarkovic didn't recognize and vice versa, from Stan Sheriff Center employees to officials at the scorers table. 

"Hawai‘i is a big part of my heart," Zarkovic told Aloha State Daily following the match, a UCLA sweep as the Bruins improved to 17-0. "That's why I stayed so many years. These nice, wonderful players, the players that they have before, the friends. That is something that makes me feel special here."

Despite trading his aloha shirt for a UCLA polo, there was no love lost between Zarkovic and the place he had called home for a dozen years. 

"All I knew since I've been here was a volleyball program with Milan as the assistant coach," said Spectrum Sports analyst and local club volleyball coach James Anastassiades, who played for the 'Bows from 2016 to 2020, then served as a graduate assistant in 2021. "My favorite memory is just his personality. He's so unique in a coach's aspect that he really cares, and the chemistry he builds with everyone on the roster is huge. Just coming into practice every day, he's always cracking jokes, always making you feel good, and then obviously, the volleyball aspect, he's just so knowledgeable.

 has done a terrific job. I've got a lot of really good feedback from the guys. They say it's been terrific. But Milan, I'm happy for him. I think he's doing a great job at UCLA. Obviously, their record's really good, and I think he adds a lot of value to them. And he seems happy. So, it's a bittersweet feeling."

's staff in the fall of 2013, following his son, Sinisa, to the Islands. Sinisa Zarkovic was a standout outside hitter from 2013 to 2016, earning second team All-AVCA honors as a senior. 

Milan Zarkovic, a native of Serbia, also obtained American citizenship in August 2023. He was named the AVCA Assistant Coach of the Year that same year, which followed consecutive national championships in 2021 and 2022. Throughout his time in Mānoa, he endeared himself to the team, adding to the program's international flavor. He still doesn't understate how difficult it was to leave. 

"That was the one of the hardest moment in my life, because my family is here, my best friends are here. My son is married here," Zarkovic said. "It was a really hard decision."

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"No. 3 Hawai‘i 3, Mount Olive 0"}]

In Thursday's nightcap, host No. 3 Hawai‘i swept Mount Olive 25-18, 25-19, 25-17 behind a match-high 10 kills from 

. The Bulgaria native missed the previous 11 matches. 

"It feels nice to be back there in front of the fans," said Titriyski, who entered to a loud ovation in the beginning of the second set. "It makes me really happy and i'm thankful for that."

, UH Mānoa's campus will be closed. That also led to all athletic events scheduled to take place on Friday being called off on Thursday, which includes the second day of the OUTRIGGER Invitational. Hawai‘i will no longer play Lewis, while UCLA will not take on Mount Olive. 

Saturday's 7 p.m. showdown between No. 1 UCLA and No. 3 Hawai‘i, which was already determined a sellout over a week in advance, is still on, weather permitting. 

While UCLA and Mount Olive are set to leave following Saturday's action, there remains a possibility Lewis extends its trip in the Islands in order to play against Hawai‘i on Sunday. 

With campus closed, the Rainbow Warriors have been told they are not allowed to practice or receive treatment in the training room on Friday. The plan, as of Thursday night, is for the 'Bows to reconvene on Saturday ahead of their biggest match of the season thus far. 

"We don't get (Friday) to prepare," Wade said. "We show up on Saturday and do serve and pass to play the game like it was a regular kind of game day. It's kind of a forced complete day off."

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Saturday showdown"}]

UCLA will put its perfect season on the line when it enters a packed and spirited Stan Sheriff Center on Saturday night. It'll certainly be a familiar atmosphere to Zarkovic, who believes the matchup features the best the country has to offer. 

"That will be the two best teams in America by my criterions. That will be the battle here in front of these wonderful people," said Zarkovic, who acknowledged that playing in front of 10,000 fans will be new to most of UCLA's players. "They will have that opportunity, and I think that we will be also inspired. The spectators will not inspire only Hawai‘i. They will inspire both teams."

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Milan Zarkovic 031226

<title>Former Hawai‘i men's volleyball assistant coach Milan Zarkovic returns to Islands with…</title>

After 12 seasons on UH's staff, Zarkovic is in his first season as UCLA's associate head coach.

Former Hawai‘i men's volleyball assistant coach Milan Zarkovic returns to Islands with UCLA

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Food & Dining

, a unique dinner theatre experience, is now available in Honolulu. The experience is known for its creative fusion of immersive 3D projection technology and world-class gastronomy.

The dining experience is available in The Garden Room (private dining room) of Romer House Waikīkī’s signature restaurant, 855-ALOHA. The experience is available nightly, with two seatings at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. This experience is a permanent feature in The Garden Room; around 28 seats are available per seating.

[{"type":"text","text":"855-ALOHA is still open with its regular dinner menu."}]

Attendees can look forward to an engaging culinary journey with visual storytelling via a 3D show on their own plates. The tables are transformed into a screen between courses, and the little chef entertains with attempts to create culinary masterpieces.

The “small chef” was brought to life in 2015, using 3D mapping technology and artistic knowledge.

The five-course Le Petit Chef menu costs $169 per adult (optional $45 wine pairings and $40 cocktail pairings are available).

An a la carte beverage menu is also available. Choose from wines by the glass, along with curated Le Petit Chef cocktails ($18) like Nutty Old Fashioned, East Meets West and Papaya A La Playa. The latter features a vibrant combo of gin, Aperol, 

L'Aperitivo Nonino, papaya mint puree and lime juice.

The dining experience starts with housemade ricotta with Ho Farms heirloom tomato, chili crisp vinaigrette, shiso oil and bubu arare. The whipped ricotta, coupled with the bright acidity from the tomatoes, is a refreshing starter.

The second course features Island Bouillabaisse, which is inspired by the traditional fish stew. This version includes locally caught mahi mahi, shrimp, Manila clams, and tomato saffron broth. The tomato saffron broth is poured tableside. The flaky mahi mahi absorbs the rich broth, which is flavorful and slightly spicy.

Next comes lobster with miso, ginger, scallion, sesame, micro greens and charred lemon. The tender, succulent lobster is easily one of the highlights of this dining experience.

The main entrée features New York striploin with mushroom puree, ulu, carrot, broccolini, local micro greens and Bordelaise sauce.

Ulu creates the base of this course; it’s naturally gluten-free and hearty like a potato. The New York striploin is drizzled with a Bordelaise sauce and is served on a bed of mushroom puree. While the meat was flavorful, the sauces and accompaniments make this dish shine.

The meal concludes with coconut crème brulee with coconut caramel and candied macadamia nuts.

A Le Petit Chef vegetarian menu and specially crafted junior menu for younger guests are also available.

 online; minimum two people per booking (due to the dining experience’s technology, strollers cannot be accommodated).

Valet and off-site parking are available with complimentary validation (up to three hours).

Romer House Waikīkī – The Garden Room

romerhotels.com/romer-house-waikiki/le-petit-chef-honolulu

Le Petit Chef chef 031226

<title>Le Petit Chef dinner experience available in Honolulu</title>

This creative experience features a combination of 3D projection technology and culinary excellence. The dining experience is available nightly at Romer House Waikīkī.

Le Petit Chef dinner experience available in Honolulu

Square Mike Brestovansky Headshot RGZ3736 Large

Michael Brestovansky

Government & Politics

Lawmakers clashed over immigration enforcement bills during a floor session of the state House of Representatives Tuesday.

Dozens of bills were up for discussion at both chambers of the state Legislature Tuesday, in advance of the Legislature's crossover deadline later this week. While the House voted perfunctorily to vote through the vast majority of the proposed measures before it, representatives 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"ICE and Christian values"}]

The fiercest arguments at the House revolved around a handful of bills concerning immigration enforcement, which had originated in response to aggressive federal immigration crackdowns at the start of the year.

While there were several immigration-related bills on Tuesday’s agenda, it was 

 that caused the House to go into recess for half an hour while tempers cooled off.

The measure, if passed, would make certain public locations off-limits for state immigration enforcement. The bill states that state agents or contractors for the state cannot assists with immigration enforcement in a “protected community location” — defined as “any facility operated by the state or a county” — or in public spaces within 1,000 feet of those locations.

Hawai‘i Island Rep. David Tarnas said Tuesday that state standards regarding immigration need to be clarified at a time when federal policies on the matter are increasingly erratic and volatile.

“It seems that the federal policies have changed,” Tarnas said. “It used to be the federal policy in immigration enforcement that certain places were protected and they did not carry out immigration-related activities in those areas.”

Tarnas said that the bill ensures that places like schools, libraries, places of worship and shelters remain freely accessible to all residents while preserving the state’s compliance with federal law.

But Ho‘opili Rep. Elijah Pierick spoke against the bill, arguing that the 1,000-foot radius of protection around public facilities would include approximately 170,000 private residences statewide.

“That’s crazy,” Pierick said, before adding: “We’re basically saying to all the rapists and murderers, ‘hey guys, you guys have a place to escape and not get detained by law enforcement.’”

Waialua Rep. Sean Quinlan interrupted Pierick, saying he “strongly condemn[s] the characterization of immigrants as rapists and murderers,” and asking Pierick to “stick to the subject.”

‘Ewa Beach Rep. and Minority Floor Leader Diamond Garcia immediately called for a recess, ending the confrontation.

Half an hour later, when the House reconvened, Quinlan retracted his statement.

“I believe I was inarticulate a few minutes ago,” Quinlan said, withdrawing his complaint regarding Pierick’s comments.

But Pierick, not skipping a beat, continued: “This bill creates a safety net for murderers and rapists to escape the law and not receive justice.”

The debate didn’t end there. Tarnas chided Pierick for not studying the bill more thoroughly: the 1,000-foot radius of protection only applies to public spaces, he said, not private residences, and doesn’t impede law enforcement officers from executing judicial warrants.

“Members should read the bill so you know what the language is that we’re voting on,” Tarnas said, not quite addressing Pierick directly, but looking at him across the chamber. “Mischaracterizing the language in these bills does a disservice to everyone in this chamber.”

With lines drawn on both sides of the bill, other representatives offered their own two cents, largely in support of the measure. But Kapolei Rep. Kanani Souza, herself a Republican, clashed with Garcia over the measure, suggesting that allowing immigration enforcement within places of worship constitutes a violation of the separation of church and state.

Garcia quickly responded, stating that the bill has nothing to do with the separation of church and state. And when other representatives invoked the teachings of Jesus to urge for clemency toward illegal immigrants, Garcia shot back with his own Bible quote: “Jesus also says to render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s and to render unto God that which is God’s.”

“I would like to provide a rebuttal for what [Garcia] said, but honestly I don’t really understand the argument,” Souza replied.

With the thread thoroughly lost at this point, discussion finally moved away from HB 1870, which ultimately passed third reading Tuesday alongside several other hotly debated immigration-related bills.

, prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings except as necessary for police operations, but also creates a new felony offense: unauthorized civil immigration interrogation, arrest or detention. If a law enforcement officer “knowingly acts beyond the scope of [their] lawful authority” in detaining a person to determine their immigration status, that would be a Class C felony, carrying a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison.

Puna Rep. Greggor Ilagan said he wants police officers to be seen as friendly, positive influences on communities, “but when they’re roaming around the streets and not having any judicial warrant and just stirring up the community, [there] might be some problem with that.”

Pierick, conversely, said the measure will make officers vulnerable to retaliation by “an assassin or a fellow gang member.”

But despite some opposition, HB 1886 passed third reading as well. A similar measure, 

, also passed third reading in the Senate Tuesday.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Parking woes"}]

Only one bill failed to pass third reading at the House on Tuesday: 

, which saw 25 of the House’s 51 representatives vote against it — all other measures only saw, at most, a handful of votes in opposition.

The measure prohibits any county from requiring building developers to include a minimum number of parking spaces for housing units or smaller-scale commercial developments.

Lawmakers shot down the bill en masse, noting that, while the cost of including parking spaces in certain neighborhoods can be prohibitively expensive for developers — and therefore exacerbates the state’s lack of affordable housing — counties in Hawai‘i are not one-size-fits-all.

“My concern is with the unintended consequences that may arise when parking requirements are reduced too aggressively without considering the infrastructure realities of existing communities,” said. Mānoa Rep. Andrew Garrett.

Hāli‘imaile Rep. Kyle Yamashita opposed the bill — something he said he rarely does for any bill — because it attempts to “increase density … without master planning.”

But the bill was not without supporters. Wailua Rep. and chair of the House Housing Committee Luke Evslin said the state’s housing woes are “a crisis of our own making,” the result of “60 years of state and county policy adding regulation upon regulation which has made it so difficult to build a home in Hawai‘i.”

Evslin said many people — particularly the elderly or those with disabilities — may not drive, but the requirement for their home to have a parking space they don’t need drives up the cost of rent.

“The point of this bill is just to give people the option of whether to build a parking stall or not based on their own circumstances,” Evslin said. “Let the homeowner decide, in my opinion.”

[{"type":"text","text":"Nonetheless, the bill is dead."}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"“Two sides to every fish”"}]

One of the last bills to be discussed Tuesday was 

commercial aquarium fishing in Hawai‘i Island waters

Kailua-Kona Rep. Nicole Lowen gave a lengthy speech in support of the proposal, saying the bill will decide “what should Hawai‘i's reefs be used for and who should benefit from them”

“Scientists, cultural practitioners and community members continue to raise concerns about the ecological impacts of removing large numbers of herbivorous fish from our reefs,” Lowen said. “And at a time when climate change is already placing unprecedented pressure on coral reefs around the world, we should simply be asking whether it makes sense to remove millions of reef fish simply to be used as decoration.”

Lowen added that the positive economic value of reopening West Hawai‘i waters to commercial aquarium fishing will largely be felt outside the state, while the increased demand for rare fish will incentivize poaching and illegal harvesting.

Moloka‘i Rep. Mahina Poepoe gave her own lengthy speech in support of the bill, calling the reefs and the fish therein resources that belong to the people of Hawai‘i.

“The reef cannot survive alone,” Poepoe said. “They depend on entire living communities, thousands of organisms working together in balance. And reef fish are a big part of that.”

While Quinlan commented that there are “two sides to every fish,” only one lawmaker actually gave comments in opposition to the measure, although eight representatives ultimately voted against it without comment. ‘Ewa Beach Rep. David Alcos III opined that the measure will take away jobs from local fishermen at a time when fish of all sorts are in decline.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"But what about the Senate?"}]

The state Senate voted on March 6 and on Tuesday to pass well over 100 bills on third reading. Each session ended within an hour with little debate on the floor.

One bill did prompt some brief discussion on Tuesday, however. 

 to suspend a series of tax cuts previously planned over the next few years, sparked a brief exchange.

Mililani Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz gave remarks supporting the bill, largely echoing Green’s rationale: federal funding cuts have left the state with a budgetary shortfall that must be filled by tax dollars. At the same time, he said other provisions within the bill will ensure that working households still see tax relief.

Ko ‘Olina Sen. Samantha DeCorte spoke against the bill, saying the cost of living is too high for working families to be able to afford to wait for relief.

[{"type":"text","text":"Nonetheless, the bill passed third reading."}]

Tarn

<title>Scenes from the state capitol: Lawmakers bicker over ICE proposals</title>

While both chambers voted to pass scores of bills at third reading Tuesday, it was not without debate.

Scenes from the state capitol: Lawmakers bicker over ICE proposals

, located in Waikīkī, just launched a new late-night happy hour. The eatery is known for its authentic Japanese cooking, locally sourced ingredients and extensive sake selection.

, a Japan-based restaurant group that operates other Hawaiʻi restaurants, including 

The late-night happy hour menu at ZIGU is served from 9 to 11 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays. Its menu differs from the eatery’s daily happy hour menu, which is available from 4 to 6 p.m.

The late-night happy hour menu features a variety of discounted, shareable dishes that still feature regular portion sizes, though, there are no drink specials. 

The eatery started its late-night happy hour as a way to give back to its customers, according to district manager Kenny Shizawa.

“We can provide our food items at cheaper prices to our guests and regular customers,” he says. “An izakaya should be a place where people can always come to, but if it gets too pricey, there’s no chance.”

The mochiko fried chicken ($12.50) is a customer favorite. The golden pieces are delectably crispy on the outside and boast a juicy interior. They’re tasty in and of themselves, but the smoked mayo takes its flavor to the next level. The pickled radish is a nice, refreshing complement to the chicken’s savory flavor.

The local egg rolled omelet ($11) is another good starter. The soft, fluffy egg is served with grated white radish.

If you’re craving sushi, choose from the local fish ZIGU roll ($24), spicy tuna roll ($25.50) or spicy salmon roll. The ZIGU roll is topped with ‘ahi and amberjack, and is filled with kale, egg, cucumbers and mushrooms.

Meanwhile, the spicy tuna roll comprises an egg omelet and cucumber, and is topped with local tuna, spicy mayo and eel sauce.

The Hawaiian ‘ahi cutlet ($26.50) is one of the eatery’s signature dishes. It’s served with chopped kale, Japanese tartar and sesame dressing.

Donburi options include the beef sukiyaki bowl ($20), ‘ahi poke bowl ($24) and salmon poke bowl ($19.50). Of the three, the salmon poke is especially popular.

If you’re craving noodles, opt for soba; the eatery’s chilled or hot broth soba ($9.90 each) are a delicious deal

“Sun Noodle makes our soba,” Shizawa says. “The hot sukiyaki soba ($19.90) is popular too. The cold kale noodle ($18) — which is a vegan item — is also pretty popular.”

[{"type":"text","text":"Validated customer parking is available at Hyatt Centric Waikīkī Beach."}]

Late-night happy hour available from 9 to 11 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays

Validated customer parking available at Hyatt Centric Waikīkī Beach

ZIGU Kenny Shizawa 030526

<title>ZIGU launched a new late-night happy hour</title>

Located in Waikīkī, the Japanese izakaya’s new late-night menu is offered from 9 to 11 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays. Customers can enjoy discounted dishes like mochiko fried chicken, spicy tuna roll, hot sukiyaki soba and more.

ZIGU launched a new late-night happy hour

Girls’ Day, or Hinamatsuri, is coming up Tuesday, March 3.

Whether you’re looking for mochi or other limited-time treats, the following are sure to please the girls in your life:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"A Cake Life"}]

: These Sakura sugar cookies ($7) are available for a limited time. 

: Available for purchase and pick-up until March 3

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Choco le‘a"}]

: This dessert shop’s March specials include:

: Available for pre-order; treats will be in store starting Feb. 27 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Fujiya Hawaiʻi"}]

: Fujiya Hawaiʻi is offering a variety of treats for Girls’ Day. Choose from:

: Pick-ups and walk-ins available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 2; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 3

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Hokulani Bake Shop"}]

: The dessert shop will offer Sakura-shaped cookie and a four-pack of cupcakes ($23). Cupcake flavors include red velvet, vanilla buttercream, guava and chocolate buttercream; no substitutions on flavors are accepted.  

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Kulu Kulu"}]

: Eaton Square, 438 Hobron Lane Ste. 102, Honolulu

: This Girls’ Day strawberry shortcake ($44.50) is designed to serve four to six people. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"La Palme D’or"}]

: Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu

: The dessert shop is offering specialty cakes with seasonal decorations for Girl’s Day. Choose from strawberry shortcake (6-inch cake $58, 7-inch cake $70, 8-inch cake $90) and raspberry mousse cakes (7-inch cake $65). 

: This online business is offering a three-pack strawberry set ($8), Sakura sweet box ($15) and assorted sweet set ($3). All treats are available in dark or white chocolate or matcha flavors. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Yohei Sushi"}]

: 1111 Dillingham Blvd. No. 101, Honolulu

: The eatery is featuring a Girl’s Day special ($65). The special menu highlights sushi — featuring 12 pieces of seasonal fish — along with dishes inspired by pearls, peach blossoms and Nobori lanterns. 