Latest news with #AlohaFriday
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Merrie Monarch boost Hilo businesses like Ola Brew
HONOLULU (KHON2) – It is Merrie Monarch, and to top it all off, Aloha Friday. The celebration brings community members together from all parts of the world to enjoy and participate in hula, while also supporting local vendors. Small businesses such as Big Island-based brewing company Ola Brewing saw a nice boost in support as a result of the Merrie Monarch festivities. The People's Pope is gone. What will the flock become? 'For us, it's really, really special because I think it's bringing people together. It's bringing all these different islands that are coming over here to experience Merrie Monarch and the incredible cultural festival that we have here,' said Ola Brewing President and Co-Founder Naehalani Breeland. For Breeland, the festivities serve as an opportunity for her to provide product to people on other islands who usually don't get to try her drinks and connect with other local organizations. 'People on other islands, they can't get everything that we have in the taproom, so to be able to share that with everybody is amazing. And then, in that collaborative spirit, being able to have pop-ups of a lot of these different artists and this whole mākeke in the back with Hulalei Designs, with Aunty Puamana Crabbe, with one of our local non-profits here, ʻĀina University, that works with keiki to get them grounded and rooted in ʻāina,' Breeland the increase in visitors, Ola Brewing is also able to promote a new drink they launched. 'Last night, we launched a beer, the Lehulehu lager, with Sig Zane for their 40th anniversary,' Breeland said. 'That was really incredible and hopefully we'll see more of those collaborations in the future, but it is really, really cool just to see the community come together.' Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Ola Brewing sees about two times more sales during the week of Merrie Monarch than usual, Breeland said. The extra profit benefits the business, as it is community funded and employee owned. 'So, we have over 42,000 shareholders that have invested into our business and what that means for us is a more circulated economy. What also circulates our economy here and what we are a part of is increasing the ag economy here,' Breeland said. 'So, sourcing as many local ingredients as we possibly can to add to our beverages, all the fruits that you see in our hard juices, all the fruits and botanicals that you see in our hard seltzers, those are all from here that we are really proud to share with our farmers. Since we opened, we have sourced over $4,000,000 from local farmers here, probably about 120 farmers so we are really proud of that, and we want to do more of that.' Click here for more information on Ola Brew. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Rep. Gene Ward passes away at 82
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Just a few weeks after sharing his retirement from the Hawaii State House of Representatives, state leaders announced the passing of former Rep. Gene Ward. State officials said Ward, who serviced Portlock, Hawaii Kai and Kalama Valley, passed peacefully on Friday, April 4 at the age of 82. Rep. Gene Ward retires from Hawaii State House of Representatives Rep. Ward retired from the State House of Representatives on March 31, citing ongoing health setbacks including anemia, sciatica and pneumonia. Rep. Diamond Garcia, (R) Portions of Varona Village, ʻEwa and Kapolei, Fernandez Village, described Rep. Ward as a mentor, servant-leader and pillar of integrity in Hawaii politics. 'His lifelong commitment to serving the people of Hawai'i—whether in the Legislature, the Peace Corps, or as a diplomat—has left a legacy that will long outlive his time with us,' Rep. Garcia was known for his deep love of Native Hawaiian people and had a passion of protecting their culture, rights and future. Officials emphasized that Rep. Ward lived a life full of purpose and love with a legacy that will live on forever. On this Aloha Friday, my father, Gene, peacefully passed away in the early morning. On behalfof my mother and I, we want to thank the community for the abundance of prayers and kindthoughts. My father did what he loved most, serving others, until the end. We will miss him, buthe will live forever in our hearts. Faredah and Johanna Ward Governor Josh Green M.D. has ordered the Hawaii state flag to be flown at half-staff at the state capitol and other state agencies from Friday, April 4 to sunset on Monday, April 7. In a statement, Gov. Green said Ward's passing is a 'profound loss for Hawaii,' describing him as a fighter in every sense, overcoming personal challenges with resilience and determination. Check out more news from around Hawaii 'Let us honor Representative Gene Ward by continuing the work he began: serving with compassion, leading with courage and always putting the people of Hawaii first.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
27-01-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
UCLA defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe recruits in Hawaii
The UCLA Bruins had dozens of questions entering the 2025 offseason, none more notable than if the Bruins would retain defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe. Ultimately, Malloe and the Bruins reached a deal, extending the 50-year-old defensive guru in late December. Less than a month later, Malloe is already hard at work as the Bruins begin their second season in the Big Ten. In a post on X, Malloe offered an enthusiastic update on his recruiting, returning to his home state of Hawaii. 'Happy Aloha Friday!! Always good for the soul to reconnect with da roots! Blessed to be from da 808 GOD's COUNTRY! IYKY. Much mahalo for all the Aloha spirit shared from coaches, players, and families. A hui hou, Malama pono. GYMR GOD BLESS!' Malloe's exciting update is a positive sign for the Bruins for several reasons. In addition to showing a passion for his job, Malloe's outspoken Hawaiian pride could play a pivotal role in recruiting. Hawaii has produced NFL products like quarterbacks Marcus Mariota and Tua Tua Tagovailoa, wide receiver Roman Wilson, and former UCLA kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn. With Malloe's help, the Bruins can begin to unlock a pipeline in the Aloha state and continue to build their roster for the future.
