“Alledged monk seal harasser arrested” and “The Clinton White House just bamboozled Hawai’i.”

Views expressed in this Hawaii news update are those of the reporters and correspondents.  Accessed on 16 May 2026, 1300 UTC.

Content and Source:  “Aloha State Daily.”

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Russ Roberts (https://hawaiinewsjournal.com).

SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2026

Pipikaula Corner: How the Clinton White House just bamboozled Hawai‘i The Legislature was jubilant as it passed SB2471 on May 8, seeking to overturn the effects of the Citizens United decision in Hawai‘i and get big money and outside influences out of our elections. The irony is, Mainland power players were pulling our strings the whole time. READ MORE

Green signs anti-corporate spending bill Senate Bill 2471, now Act 11, aims to limit corporate influence on Hawai‘i’s elections. READ MORE

Man arrested for attack on monk seal Igor Lytvynchuk, who reportedly said he is “rich enough to pay the fines” from allegedly attacking an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, faces up to $70,000 in fines and potential prison time. READ MORE

Strange Events at the Ke‘elikōlani Building It’s hard to imagine now, but this area of the Capitol District of Honolulu was once waterfront property, where King Kamehameha I and his Royal Court made their home. Now, state government department heads, rather than powerful kahuna, hold sway, but it’s possible the old energies linger, causing eerie experiences. READ MORE

‘Mister ambassador of aloha’ It’s a bad look for the word “aloha” when it’s used to commend a vigilante beat down, as state Sen. Brenton Awa did last week, says ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa. READ MORE

Kukane Street Stand is a new bake stand in Kāneʻohe The neighborhood bake stand offers a rotating selection of desserts and specialty lattes. Baked goods are available on a first-come, first-served basis; the bake stand is usually open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. READ MORE

First look at Sonic’s new Oʻahu location Sonic Kapolei, located at 5001 Kapolei Parkway, opens today. This is the brand’s first drive-in restaurant on the island and Hawaiʻi’s second Sonic location. Customers can look forward to Sonic’s signature burgers, drinks and a Hawaiʻi-exclusive menu item. READ MORE

Earning the right to teach Fame is not the same as mastery, says ASD opinion columnist Sterling Higa, as he contemplates the careers of Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama, stars of “Renovation Aloha.” The duo was in trouble again recently, this time for having run two illegal short-term rentals. READ MORE

Legendary coaches Pete Carroll and Mack Brown to lead teams in 2027 Polynesian Bowl The 2027 game will be the 10th edition of the high school all-star game, which is annually set in the Islands. READ MORE

Loan program launched for condominium associations Through the new program, loans can be used for deferred maintenance and repairs including installing, repairing or replacing fire sprinklers or other safety measures; repairing or replacing pipes or the roof, and other work that reduces insurance risk. READ MORE

Formby steps down as Honolulu managing director The City and County of Honolulu announced Monday that Formby, who became managing director in 2021, will leave his position on May 29, and will take up a new position as CEO of Pacific Marine and Supply Company. READ MORE

Jack Johnson, farmers markets and more: Your guide to the weekend Ready to make plans for Friday, Saturday and Sunday on Oʻahu? Whether you are looking for some live music or a farmers market, Aloha State Daily put together this list of ideas, which includes how to round up ingredients for banana pancakes … or listen to Jack Johnson sing about them. READ MORE

Reader Submissions: Send us your sky photos Kindly submit your high-resolution, horizontal Hawaiʻi Skies photo that you own and/or have the rights to general@alohastatedaily.com. Additional details here: READ MORE

Daily Smile: Saturday, May 16, 2026 My cat and my dog go through my new curtain differently… READ MORE

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