COMMENTARY
HaWaii legislative reform - time is noW
no dog or cat eating JUst WHite egg roll in sPringfield, oHio trUmP’s figHt for a WHiter america OCTOBER 5, 2024
CANDID PERSPECTIVES
BOOK REVIEW
HaWaii gardens and Plants of HaWaii–HoW to groW tHem
HAWAII WORKERS CORNER Understanding domestic Workers
Publisher & Executive Editor
Social media just might be the missing ingredient that will finally bring Filipino cuisine to the next level and raise it to the stature it deserves.
Filipino food is everywhere on social media from Meta and Instagram to Tiktok. Besides in the Philippines, Filipino food bloggers and influencers are writing reviews on Filipino restaurants in London, Paris, Sydney, Toronto, Vancouver, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Las Vegas, Houston, Honolulu, and other cities where a Filipino community exists.
On YouTube, Filipino food recipes from the classic national dishes like pork or chicken adobo to regional specialties like chicken inasal and sinigang are available and receive loads of views and likes. It’s common for non-Filipinos to seek these and other recipes of Filipino dishes they enjoyed at a Filipino friend’s party or restaurant. Tiktok shorts of Filipino food are frequently shared and appear on news feeds.
Even food trends like the kamayan are catching on and emerging not just at Filipino restaurants but experimented at both Filipino and non-Filipino parties in the U.S. and elsewhere. Kamayan is a unique dining experience in which a variety of dishes are laid out on a long table atop banana leaves for a fun way of shared consumption. Invitees to a kamayan party will eat using their hands, an ancient way of eating that was practiced in the Philippines.
People have been posting Filipino silog breakfast – garlic rice, runny egg and various proteins from longganisa to tocino – that they make on a weekend. They’re posting Filipino food they get from restaurants in NYC and Seattle, food trucks in North Carolina and Virginia or food pop-ups in Los Angeles and Orange Country.
Ube, a purple yam originally from the Philippines that’s often boiled and then mashed with condensed milk, is all the buzz now. Posters are sharing ube ice cream, ube ensaymada, ube macaroons, ube halo-halo, ube croissants, ube made in traditional and creative non-traditional ways.
Ube has been a staple in Filipino-cuisine used in cakes and ice cream that only recently became a mainstream phenomenon in the U.S. Foodies say one of the first to introduce ube in the U.S. in 2016 was the Manila Social Club in New York that made ube doughnuts. Ube has become so popular that it’s used not only in Filipino bakeries and restaurants but incorporated in mainstream bakeries and coffeeshops. Still, it is recognized as a product from the Philippines which helps to promote not just ube but other Filipino food and ingredients.
Filipino restaurant owners are promoting their business on social media. In the past, it was common to just have a website. But Filipino restaurant owners are posting and sharing their specials, menu items, event promotions. It’s the kind of marketing that Filipino cuisine needed to make up for the lack of Filipino restaurants in the U.S. in the past decades.
As Filipino cuisine exposure increases, hopefully it will spur a demand wherein Filipino restauranteurs can meet that increased demand in the future.
Helping to promote Filipino cuisine in Hawaii has been the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu’s Filipino Food Week. This October 15-21, the Consulate is bringing FFW back for its 6th iteration. Participating restaurants and chefs in Hawaii will feature delicious culinary offerings of the “Ilonggo Cuisine” – this year’s theme.
Ilonggo cuisine comes from the Visayas region of the Philippines. This year’s FFW offering will be a unique expe-
One of our goals we have at the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is to promote the many aspects of Filipino culture from our language, religion, to history even food. Yes, we take pride in the rich diversity of Filipino cuisine. Filipino dishes has evolved from a blend of Spanish, Chinese, American and the native Malay flavors. There are regional cuisines in the Philippines with their own unique blends of foreign and indigenous influences.
One regional cuisine is the “Ilongo Cuisine” of the Visayas which will be this year’s theme for the 6th Filipino Food Week (FFW) to be held in Hawaii from October 15-21, reports associate editor Edwin Quinabo in this issue’s cover story. Once again, the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu is spearheading this event and partnering with restaurants throughout Hawaii. Chefs will prepare special menu items for this FFW that we think even our Filipino community will find to be unique because Ilongo cuisine is not as readily available here as other Philippines regional food. In the cover story find out what some of these Ilongo dishes are and this year’s participating restaurants. Show your ethnic pride and support this year’s FFW.
Election season is in the last stretch. In this issue we have several election-themed articles. HFC columnists Will Espero and Emil Guillermo write about former president Donald Trump’s outrageous claim that in Springfield, Ohio, Haitian immigrants are “stealing cats and dogs and eating them.” Espero writes that Ohio Governor Mike DeWine made it clear that Trump’s comment is false. Rather, this comment was meant to arouse anti-immigrant paranoia and sadly the Haitians there are now targets of bigotry. Guillermo writes, “Historically, in America, Filipinos were once heralded as dog-eaters. In the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis where our dog-eating was on display, it was considered the reason why Filipinos must be civilized by colonization.”
HFC columnist Atty. Emmanuel Tipon poses the question in his article, “Are Americans Better Off Today Than They Were Four Years Ago?” He examines the differences between Trump and Democratic nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris. In our commentary section, HFC contributor Gary Hooser contributes, “Hawaii Legislative Reform - Time Is Now.”
Also in this issue, HFC columnist Elpidio Estioko invites Hawaii’s Filipino community to participate in this year’s Asian American Tell Your Stories Contest 2024-2025. Entrants are asked to submit a video highlighting the theme, “My Gift to America!” Get the details on the contest requirements in his article.
In our Book Review section, HFC columnist Rose Cruz Churma reviews two books, “Hawaii Gardens” and “Plants of Hawaii–How to Grow Them” written by Fortunato Teho. In 1927, at the age of 19, he graduated from the University of Hawaii with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sugar technology—the first of Filipino ancestry to graduate from the university. HFC columnist Dr. Arcelita Imasa writes “Understanding Domestic Workers.” We hope you enjoy these articles and more.
Lastly, Happy Filipino American History Month. Remember, HFC can be accessed for free on our website. For your advertising needs, contact us at: filipinochronicle@gmail.com. Thank you for your support. Until the next issue, Aloha and Mabuhay!
Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D.
Publisher & Managing Editor
Chona A. Montesines-Sonido
Associate Editors
Edwin QuinaboDennis Galolo
Contributing Editor
Belinda Aquino, Ph.D.
Design
Junggoi Peralta
Photography
Tim Llena
Administrative Assistant
Lilia Capalad
Editorial & Production Assistant
Jim Bea Sampaga
Columnists
Carlota Hufana Ader
Rose Cruz Churma
Elpidio R. Estioko
Willie Espero
Perry Diaz
Emil Guillermo
Gary Hooser
Arcelita Imasa, M.D.
Seneca Moraleda-Puguan
J.P. Orias
Charlie Sonido, M.D.
Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq.
Contributing Writers
Clement Bautista
Edna Bautista, Ed.D.
Teresita Bernales, Ed.D.
Sheryll Bonilla, Esq.
Dr. Dylan Bothamley
Serafin Colmenares Jr., Ph.D.
Linda Dela Cruz
Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand
Amelia Jacang, M.D.
Caroline Julian
Max Levin
Raymond Ll. Liongson, Ph.D.
Federico Magdalena, Ph.D.
Matthew Mettias
Maita Millalos
Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D.
Renelaine Bontol-Pfister
Seneca Moraleda-Puguan
Mark Lester Ranchez
Jay Valdez, Psy.D.
Glenn Wakai
Amado Yoro
Philippine Correspondent:
Greg Garcia
Neighbor Island Correspondents:
Big Island (Hilo and Kona)
Grace LarsonDitas Udani
Kauai
Millicent Wellington
Maui
Christine Sabado
Big Island Distributors
Grace LarsonDitas Udani
Kauai Distributors
Amylou Aguinaldo
Nestor Aguinaldo
Maui Distributors
Cecille PirosRey Piros
Molokai Distributor
Maria Watanabe
Oahu Distributors
Yoshimasa Kaneko
Shalimar / Jonathan Pagulayan
Advertising / Marketing Director
Chona A. Montesines-Sonido
Account Executives
Carlota Hufana Ader
JP Orias
Last week world leaders spoke at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in which the overall tone was frustration and gloom – frustration over the UN’s inability to stop the ongoing wars and gloom over their expansion.
UN Secretary General António Guterres, criticized the absence of the “guardrails” and “red lines” that existed during the Cold War of the 20th century between the U.S. and then Soviet Union. Instead, in today’s modern cold war, we have more volatility not seen since the 1960s. We see international laws are broken with growing impunity. There is increasing uncertainty and global division.
President Joe Biden spoke in his last UNGA and one of his legacies would have to be the weakening of the United Nations and the principles of the U.N. Charter. His diplomatic cover of Israel’s war crimes with the U.S. veto power in the UN Security Council has stopped the UN from effectively doing anything to stop the war in Gaza.
While Biden sees himself as some expert statesman
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rience for even the local Hawaii Filipino community who mostly have their roots from the Ilocos and Tagalog regions of the Philippines.
Once again, we are encouraging our local Filipino community to come out and support FFW and the wonderful participating restaurants helping to promote our cuisine. Make it a date night out or friends’ reunion or family outing. It’s a weeklong event spread across various parts of Oahu and the neighbor islands so it will be convenient to choose one day in a week at a restaurant near your neighborhood.
Filipino cuisine plays a big part in the creation of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine. Filipino food is already popular at Hawaii household parties as fixtures like lum-
in foreign policy, the world since his taking office is more dangerous as he’s failed to broker peace in two wars that the U.S. in essence is engaged in by proxy. Without the U.S.’ constant stream in providing billions in weapons to Israel and Ukraine, these conflicts would not be able to continue. In the past, presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama had their way with Israel by making phone calls to the then Israeli prime ministers to stop aggression. This, while Biden, in complete contrast, behaves like a powerless child pleading for a ceasefire from Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It’s both odd and inauthentic for a superpower providing the weapons to Israel to be cowered and subservient to
pia and pancit are commonly served in a buffet line. But relative to the abundance of restaurants representing other ethnic groups in Hawaii, Filipino cuisine is still underrepresented.
Comparatively, Filipino restaurants are taking off in Las Vegas, Nevada and cities across California. We hope the same popularity will finally take root on the Hawaiian Islands. As one aspect of our culture, it’s a matter of ethnic and community pride that Filipino cuisine rise in stature locally. There are far more dishes than the popular lumpia, pancit and adobo that still can be discovered by our local community. It was a smart decision by the Philippine Consulate in Honolulu to choose Ilonggo Cuisine. For example,
ber when the U.S. promised Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev that NATO would not move “one inch eastward” in 1990. Since then, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland joined NATO in 1999; Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia in 2004; Albania and Croatia in 2009; and recently Finland in 2023; Sweden in 2024 –all countries closer to Russia.
a tiny ally. Americans should be asking themselves, why is this allowed?
The problem with Biden is his approach to foreign policy is outdated, one of unipolarity in which the U.S. must dominate in every region of the world. But that time, that ship has sailed as the world is now a multipolarity with the rise of the BRICS bloc to counter the U.S. and the West.
Biden’s hubris and arrogance led him to think that the U.S. could expand NATO to the front yard of Russia without pushback. It was a gross miscalculation that he cannot accept. Why is it so inconceivable that a nuclear superpower in Russia want some buffer via Ukraine between its borders and NATO? Remem-
chicken inasal (an Ilonggo dish), well-known in the Philippines and the mainland, could become an instant local favorite like lumpia, pancit and adobo if given the exposure.
We extend a big thank you to the Philippine Consulate in Honolulu for once again spearheading this popular community project. Filipino Food Week is the project of the Cultural and Economic Section of the Philippine Consulate General. FFW Hawaii is an adaptation of Filipino Restaurant Week (FRW) that started in New York in 2015, organized by the Philippine Consulate General in New York. We wish much success to the organizers and participants of this year’s FFW in Hawaii.
rea, Japan and now even the Philippines to bolster U.S. hegemony around China. It’s doubtful that China would be able to act with such bravado and impunity doing the same in the Western hemisphere, setting up Chinese bases in Mexico, Canada and Central America.
The situation became perilous for Russia when the U.S. had decided to arm the Ukraine government to fight against Russian separatists in the Donbas, Ukraine which should have been an internal affair for Ukrainians to settle on their own. But the U.S. intervened. Imagine if Russia decided to arm the government of Mexico and engage in a proxy war there, which is what the U.S. did in the Donbas prior to the Russian invasion. It was a blatant military provocation that required a response that Russia saw as an existential threat.
The U.S. would not permit such a reverse scenario in Mexico. The U.S.’ strategy of defense in the Monroe doctrine outlines this.
Biden is also dangerously arming Taiwan and threatening to interfere with shipping pathways that China uses to import vital energy and food. All the while, the U.S. is also operating hundreds of bases surrounding China. It’s helping to arm South Ko-
Lastly, Biden is sending billions in military arms to Israel that is acting like a blood thirsty colonial power in an age when colonialism is all but dead and despised, except in the case of Israel.
The world wants to and is ready to move on from U.S. dominance and global unipolarity, but Biden is stubbornly and aggressively holding on to it at great risk to everyone. Biden’s tenure has been one of U.S. primacy in a world in transition that demands greater cooperation and not wars or nuclear posturing.
In his speech before the UNGA, his rhetoric hasn’t changed on both wars as if the tens of thousands of deaths (about 150,000 total in both wars, very conservative estimate) and billions of dollars down the drain are not even worth a sigh of regret. What has come of these wars? Certainly not enhanced security for Americans, Ukrainians, Israelis, Russians nor Palestinians. What’s transpired is select multi-millionaires and billionaires have gotten a lot richer in what’s typical of wartime transactions. Biden’s days are numbered but it’s uncertain how these
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By Edwin Quinabo
The highly anticipated Filipino Food Week (FFW) returns for its 6th iteration on Oct 15-21 to coincide with Filipino American History Month. Restaurants across Hawaii will be serving up savory, delectable “Ilonggo Cuisine” of the Visayas region of the Philippines, which is a new culinary theme selected by FFW’s organizer, the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu.
Instead of a general offering of Filipino food, the specificity of highlighting Ilonggo cuisine will give Hawaii residents, and even the local Filipino community, a chance to experience dishes unfamiliar to their palettes in Illongo-inspired and traditional Ilonggo-dishes.
Acting Head of Post Pamela Durian-Bailon said, “This year, FFW takes us on a culinary journey to the Visayas region by focusing on Ilonggo cuisine. The Consulate chose this theme to tie in with the Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour held last July 21 to 30 where Bacolod, Iloilo was one of the featured destinations alongside Manila, Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon. Over 200 delegates from across the United States participated in the VIP Tour, with the largest contingent coming from Hawaii.”
Eighty five percent of Filipinos in Hawaii trace their origin from the Ilocos region of the Philippines and most Filipino restaurants in Hawaii serve nationally known Philippines dishes.
Immigrants from the Visayas region – who arrived in Hawaii along with Ilocanos in the pioneering years as sakadas – are pleased that their regional cuisine will be getting widespread exposure this upcoming FFW.
The Ilonggo or Hiligaynon ethnic group (mostly Western Visayas, and parts of southern Mindoro and some areas of Mindanao) make up 8.4 percent of the population in the Philippines. Their two main provinces are Iloilo (pop. 1,608,083) and Negros Occidental (pop. 1,821,206).
In the earliest years of sugar plan-
tation recruitment to Hawaii – 1916 through 1921, even before the shift to the Ilocos in the mid-1920s and after – Negros was a recruiting site. The Visayans’ presence in Hawaii runs long and deep in Hawaii.
Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand, Ewa, said “It’s been a while since I last participated [in FFW], and I’m thrilled to see that this year will highlight Iloilo. I’m eagerly looking at the details and location. The only downside is the traffic in Honolulu Downtown, but the promise of delicious Filipino cuisine always makes it worth the trip.”
Marylou Cadiz, Pearl City, whose husband is a cook in Waikiki and loves to cook Filipino food, said “I definitely will be bringing my husband to FFW so we can test out dishes for him to recreate. It’s so easy today to look for recipes on YouTube. But first, we want to find out this FFW what we like for him to replicate at home.”
The term Hiligaynon was derived from Yligueynes that translates to “people of the coast.” So, naturally, common meals of the Hiligaynon-Ilonggo have fish and other seafood as a main component and often cooked with green produce. Also, common meals are soups and meat in broth. Ilonggo cuisine is typically described to foodies as unique and flavorable, sweet and savory.
The Ilonggos have their own regional pancit called Pancit Molo, which has noodles in a wonton soup with dumplings filled with pork, chicken, and shrimp, as well as trimmings of green onions and garlic. A popular broth dish that also has noodles is La Paz Batchoy, composed of pork innards, liver, and heart in a broth with noodles and trimmings such as chicharon and garlic.
Arguably the most well-known Illongo dish is chicken Inasal (chicken grilled in special marinade). Cooks say the key is in the marinade which is composed of coconut vinegar, calamansi juice, annatto, and pepper. The
annatto oil gives the Inasal its bright orange color. The chicken is grilled and basted with the same marinade while grilling. Inasal is famous for its accompanying dipping sauce: sinamak vinegar and toyo-mansi with chili labuyo and sliced calamansi on the side.
Some of the main ingredients found in Ilonggo cuisine are chayote (an edible gourd from the cucurbit family), bulalo (beef and bone marrow stew), sinigang (sour soup flavored with tamarind), sinamak vinegar (spicy vinegar) and toyo-mansi (soy sauce).
To the Ilonggos, it’s not their food alone that makes their regional cuisine special, but the whole experience of welcome and presentation. Rafael “Tibong” Jardeleza, renowned Ilonggo Chef and Ilonggo Food and Culture Advocate, said “Food is the language of love for the Ilonggos and we have mastered the art of feeding our guests as a sign of welcoming them to our homes and in Iloilo.”
FL Treñas, who served as Project Executive Director of the Flavors of Iloilo project (a Philippine government project aimed at promoting Ilongo cuisine), said “Ilonggo food evokes emotions of days gone by, from when life was simpler than today’s more complex modern world. Love is evident in the food we serve, prepared with passion and ardor and served with pleasure and joy.”
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FFW participating restaurants (as of Oct 1) and FFW Special Menu
This year’s FFW restaurants and their menu items include: Balai Pata (short ribs Cansi with rice noodles and Bok choy), Basalt (Dinner for 2, $90, 1st course, Hamachi Kinilaw, 2nd course Ginaatang Kalabasa Nicoise Salad, 3rd course chicken Inasal with garlic fried rice), Chef Chai ($65 per person, dinner for two or more: frilled Talaba, frilled oyster with garlic butter and cheese, Pinirto na Bawang Pusit, squid, Pancit Molo, Chinese dumpling with pork), Joeys Kitchen (short ribs Cansi with rice noodles and Bok choy), Treats (Macapuno ice cream topped with Kulolo and rice crispies), Max’s Chicken (chicken Binakol), Merienda Maui (chicken Inasal and ube horchata), MW Restaurant ($42, crispy pork chicharron, garlic friend rice, onion and tomato salad), Obake (tbd), Olena by Chef Simon ($20, adobo pork bowl with white rice, pineapple coleslaw and Filipino lemonade), Roy’s Hawaii/Eating House 1849 (chicken Inasal, halo halo, ube-lieve in Paradise), Sama Sama (tbd), Shan-J Restaurant (chicken Inasa, chicken Tinuom, Ibos, Binakol, special batchoy, Pansit Molo, Valenciana), Skull & Crown Trading Co (tbd), Tante’s Island Cuisine (Arroz Valenciana with seafood medley, ube ice cream), Tiki’s Grill and Bar ($23, chicken Inasal, calamansi shoyu dipping sauce), Tiffany’s Maui (tbd), Tin Roof Maui (tbd).
Magnolia Ice Cream and Treats, and Merienda Maui on Oahu and Balai Pata, Tiffany’s and Tin Roof on Maui are newcomers to the FFW scene. Tante Urban, Joey Macadangdang and Nemia Aguirre are among the Filipino chefs and restaurateurs who’ve become regulars in FFW. Most establishments participating in FFW also have Filipino employees in their team, who come up with specials for the week.
Food establishments interested to take part in FFW may send an email to honolulupcg.cultural@dfa.gov.ph
Basalt restaurant in
Waikiki will be participating in FFW for its second time. Maelani Iokepa (Executive Chef) said, “We at Basalt love Filipino cuisine. A large number of our staff are extremely proud of their Filipino heritage, and they often show it by cooking their province’s cuisines for team members to share. It’s amazing to see the diversity and see how all the flavors tell a story of the history of a people.”
Basalt’s Mark Galacio, Line Cook, said “Filipinos have a long and rich history in Hawaii, and the culture has endured through generations in the islands. We are once again excited to represent our Filipino culture with our Hawaii ohana and the international community.”
Tante’s Island Cuisine is a restaurant in Kahului, Maui that offers a diverse menu that includes Hawaiian, Filipino, and American dishes. General Manager Donna Urban-Higuchi said, “We see this event as an opportunity to not only showcase the delicious food but also to celebrate the Filipino culture and its contributions to the culinary world. Filipino Food Week allows us to connect with our community, share stories, and create memorable dining experiences that go beyond just a meal. Filipino cuisine is known for its bold flavors, unique ingredients, and heartwarming dishes that tell stories of tradition and community. By participating in Filipino Food Week, we aim to honor these traditions and introduce our guests to the authentic tastes of the Philippines.”
Urban-Higuchi said the restaurant will honor the flavors Iloilo in the Philippines, “Our chefs at Tante’s Island Cuisine have crafted a special menu for Filipino Food Week in Hawaii. This menu features classic dishes, including Arroz Valenciana. Our unique creation, ‘Seafood Arroz Valenciana,’ showcases a delightful blend of traditional and innovative flavors.”
Maly San Luis of Max’s of Manila said their special menu dish item for FFW will be chicken Binakol, a classic
Filipino chicken soup made of coconut juice, coconut strips, lemongrass and assorted vegetables. She said they’re participating in FFW to share the flavorful cuisine of the Philippines with the people of Hawaii.
Merienda Maui, a food truck originally from Maui that relocated to Oahu in 2023, is owned by Danielle Soriano and Motley Adovas. Their FFW special will be the famous Ilonggo chicken Insasal. They say it will be served on a bed of annatto garlic rice and has the accoutrements of pickled vegetables, crispy onions, and a calamansi ponzu sauce.
“For us, Filipino cuisine deserves to be more widely recognized. It’s a true melting pot, drawing influences from various regions across the Philippines. Each dish can vary greatly depending on where in the country it’s from. There’s so much depth and variety beyond what is known worldwide, and we’re passionate about bringing that to the forefront,” said Soriano.
Adovas said, “We are participating in Filipino Food Week to proudly showcase our Filipino heritage through the dishes we offer from our food truck. Filipino cuisine is incredibly diverse, and we want to introduce it in a way that’s not only exciting but also innovative. By reimagining traditional dishes with a modern twist, we aim to offer a fresh, creative approach to Filipino food that surprises and delights our customers.”
Magnolia Ice Cream and Treats that’s known for their Filipino desserts and Halo-Halo will have special item Macapuno Ice Cream topped with Kulolo and rice crispies for FFW, said Ronald Quesada, Magnolia Treats Strategic Manager. He said, “Filipino food is a meaningful expression of our identity,” which along with a desire to celebrate Filipino cuisine with the Filipino-Hawaiian community is the reason why they are participating in this year’s FFW.
Besides restaurants in Hawaii, the Philippine Consulate General of Honolulu said American Samoa will be participating in FFW like
“We see this event as an opportunity to not only showcase the delicious food but also to celebrate the Filipino culture and its contributions to the culinary world. Filipino Food Week allows us to connect with our community, share stories, and create memorable dining experiences that go beyond just a meal. Filipino cuisine is known for its bold flavors, unique ingredients, and heartwarming dishes that tell stories of tradition and community. By participating in Filipino Food Week, we aim to honor these traditions and introduce our guests to the authentic tastes of the Philippines.”
– Donna Urban-Higuchi General Manager, Tante’s Island Cuisine
Shan-J restaurant. Romnick Carum, Head Chef of Shan-J said, “Filipino cuisine, it has been steadily gaining in popularity on the global culinary stage. This is the reason why Shan - J wants to participate in FFW, as well as to introduce our very own and unique cuisine.”
He adds, “The rich tapestry of Filipino dishes has been influenced through the years by both indigenous and foreign traditions, creating a rich and diverse culinary landscape. The food is commonly a blend of sweet, sour and salty savory flavors with a little kick of spice, and sometimes a sprinkling of bitterness. Here in American Samoa, the native Samoans are very familiar with Filipino food, and I can say they appreciate every dish that Shan -J serves.”
As in American Samoa, where it’s not expected that Filipino food is anchoring a presence, Filipino food establishments can now be found in the unlikeliest of places like North Carolina, El Paso, Singapore, Paris, to name a few.
Based on social media foodie reviewers and critics, Filipino cuisine is finally landing as “the next big thing” that the late chef Anthony Bourdain and TV food host Andrew Zimmern have talked about, specifically along the west coast U.S. from Seattle to Oregon, San
Francisco and the Bay area, down south to Los Angeles, Orange Country and San Diego, and out to the southwest in Las Vegas. New Filipino food establishments of all types – fine dining, momand-pop joints, buffets, lunch trucks, popups, groceries -- are opening up in all these cities, now pinoy-food havens.
One new restaurant is Kuya Lord that opened in June 2022, whose Filipino chef Lord Maynard Llera won the prestigious 2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef California. Located in the Los Angeles’ Melrose Hill neighborhood, Kuya Lord’s clientele attracts about 80% of guests who are non-Filipino, said chef Llera. The Philippines-born chef who immigrated to the U.S. at age 24 (he’s now 45), said he strives to educate non-Filipinos about its “culture through our food and to be familiar with Filipino flavors.”
In 2023, Tim Flores won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes alongside his partner Genie Kwon as owners of their Chicago-based Kasama Filipino restaurant, which also holds the esteemed culinary distinction of being a Michelin-starred restaurant.
There are other Filipino chefs who have won and been nominated for the James Beard Award, known to be the Oscars of the Food and Hospitality Industry.
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By Will Espero
All of us were taught not to lie when we were children.
This is a basic tenet or belief parents teach their children so they grow up to be truthful, believable individuals.
No one wants to be around someone who lies often or someone who likes to tell half-truths and spread false information. We don’t want this behavior or attitude in our homes, our workplace, or our social life.
Unfortunately, Donald Trump has a habit of not telling the truth and saying things he should not be saying.
A recent case in point is the comments and false statements about Haitians in Springfield, Ohio. Trump stated in his televised debate against Kamala Harris that Haitian immigrants are stealing people’s pets and eating them.
What a disgusting thought and lie.
There is zero evidence that Haitians are doing what Trump shamefully expressed on national television.
One would think that before a presidential can-
didate espouses such vial statements, he would check for their truth and accuracy. Not Donald Trump. This is par for the course for Trump, and it adds to the reasoning why he should never be elected again to lead our nation. His derogatory comments have no place in any public or private domain, and he has vilified a group of immigrants who are legally here and trying to be productive, participating residents of Springfield.
Sure, there are challenges to overcome with a large influx of new residents. But spreading lies about people is wrong and inappropriate for a presidential candidate and his running mate.
The Haitians were directed to Springfield to secure jobs and boost the economy after many residents had left the region. Sadly, they are now targets of bigots and others who believe Trump’s lies.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine made it clear that Trump’s and J.D. Vance’s comments and statements are false.
The governor noted the Haitians are working and helping in an economy that had lost thousands of residents and manufacturing jobs over the years.
Governor DeWine has praised the work ethic of
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The rise of highly skilled and celebrity-caliber chefs of Filipino ancestry bodes well for the future of Filipino cuisine gaining ground in the competitive world of ethnic food business. Bordain attributed the popularity of Japanese food in the U.S. to the professionalism of Japanese chefs. Filipino chefs are hoping they can do the same and elevate Filipino cuisine.
An example of enhanced quality Filipino food and services that welltrained and skilled Filipino chefs can present their artistry is in the setting of
the Haitians and has noted the importance of these individuals working in companies established in Ohio.
Local Springfield officials and the police have also stated that there are no credible reports or incidents of Haitians stealing cats and dogs and eating them.
Trump’s rhetoric and propaganda have no place in our political arena. His lies have placed the Springfield Haitian community in danger as neo-Nazi organizations and extreme rightwing individuals have descended upon Springfield.
Moreover, there have been bomb threats at government offices, medical centers, and schools in Springfield.
Republican J.D. Vance even tried to defend his comments stating he wanted to get the media’s attention to what’s happening in Springfield. Hogwash!
What a pathetic comment for a U.S. Senator and someone who wants to be vice president.
This shows he has no business being vice president of the United States of America if he is willing to tell lies and spread hurtful, dangerous rhetoric.
Would he do the same if he held the number two position in our nation?
Political campaigns can be tiring, stressful, and
sit-down and order Filipino restaurants. The common type of Filipino food establishments typically found in the U.S some 20 years ago were carinderias (also known as turo-turos) in which already prepared foods are set up in a buffet style for customers to order from. While less expensive and easy for quick take-outs, carinderias haven’t been able to raise the stature of Filipino food as some of today’s newer establishments.
While Filipino food is on the rise in western and eastern coastal U.S. cities,
brutal for candidates. They are exposing themselves to scrutiny and criticism, and they know their words will be reviewed and challenged by others.
With this stated, I wonder why Trump continues to say false facts and expose himself to ridicule and scorn. Is it because he doesn’t care and will say anything to win the presidency and stay out of prison? His future freedom is certainly at stake here.
Many television pundits, news organizations, journalists, and political watchdogs have written and spoken of Trump’s penchant for publicly not telling the truth. The evidence is present for all to see and hear.
But Donald Trump’s bad habit of lying should be a red flag for all undecideds and independents to question his capacity and temperament to be president of the United States a second time.
Trump’s loyal supporters are willing to look past his criminal convictions, weaknesses, flaws, indiscretions, and legal problems for various reasons.
However, the rest of us must not put our trust and faith in the hands of a controversial individual like Trump to lead our nation. His words, actions, and behavior are not worthy of a
it still has a long way to go to achieve “mainstream” status. According to a 2023 Pew Research analysis, 71% of Asian restaurants in the U.S. serve Chinese, Japanese or Thai food. Contrast that to Filipino and Indian food, that account for 1% and 7% of all Asian restaurants in the U.S., respectively – even though Indian and Filipino Americans account for nearly 40% of Asians in the U.S. combined.
Llera said his mission with Filipino fast-casual eatery is for Filipino food “to enter the American
man who would represent our country on the world stage.
Springfield’s Haitian population now lives with apprehension and fear caused by Trump and Vance. This is a sad commentary started by the Republican ticket and indicates a willingness to say anything to get elected.
Voters must reject the bully and his sidekick in November and bring truth and sanity back into the public discourse.
The turnout for the recent primary election was dismal in Hawaii, with just under 33 percent of eligible voters casting their votes. With mail-in ballots, this figure should be higher.
As the general election approaches, all voters should vote. It is easy and simple and can be done in your living room or dining room.
Don’t forget to sign your mail-in ballot. Some races might be close, and every vote does count and makes a difference, regardless of whom one supports.
WILL ESPERO retired from the Hawaii legislature after serving 19 years in the state House of Representatives and State Senate. He is currently a novelist, poet, and supporter of the arts. Lingering Thoughts provides a glimpse of his perspective on current events and issues
mainstream and be finally accepted by non-Filipinos like how they accept and crave for other Asian cuisines like Chinese, Japanese and Thai.”
This goal of promoting Filipino cuisine to grow through wider exposure speaks to the heart of why there is a need for a Filipino Food Week in the first place.
The Filipino Food Week is an adaptation of the Filipino Restaurant Week, which started in New York in 2015. It was introduced in Hawaii by then Consul General Gina Jamoralin in 2018. As one of the Con-
sulate’s major cultural and economic activities, FFW seeks to promote awareness and interest in Filipino cuisine. The weeklong event also encourages participating establishments to use authentic Philippine products and ingredients, further highlighting the Philippines’ rich culinary heritage.
Sponsors of FFW are Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc., East West Marketing, Inc., G.K. Skaggs, Kasama Small Batch Rum, Mama Sita’s, Maui Chili Chili Oil, SkyFlakes Crackers and Philippine Airlines.
By Atty. Emmanuel S. Tipon
ne who knows the enemy and knows himself will not be endangered in a hundred engagements.” Sun Tzu in The Art of War.
“Discussion and debate are not simply courses in a college curriculum. They are the essential tools of a democratic society.” Discussion and Debate, Ewbank and Auer, 2d ed. 1951, Appleton-Century-Crofts.
The first question in the Trump v Harris debate on September 10 by moderator David Muir was:
“Do you believe Americans are better off than they were four years ago?”
This would have been my answer: Heck, no.
We, rich and poor alike, are all worse off today than we were four years ago. The average inflation rate under Trump was 1.9% while under Biden it was 5.7% and hit 9.1%.
See https://www.investopedia.com/us-inflation-rate-by-president-8546447 and https:// www.snopes.com/factcheck/biden-worst-inflation-in-us-history/.
The price of eggs is double, so I cook only one egg for breakfast. I minimize using toilet paper which has tripled in price and is thinner. I have a bidet.
Most non-Filipinos in Hawaii don’t know what a bidet is. I asked a saleslady in a large hardware store: “Where can I find a bidet? (pronounced be-day)” “Biden is not here,” she replied.
The roads have become worse, especially in Hawaii, which is controlled by Democrats. They use asphalt that disintegrates eas-
ily especially when it rains. Gas prices have almost tripled. Mortgage rates have doubled. There are not enough homes to buy and their prices are exorbitant. The cost of raising a child is sky-high.
Millions of illegal aliens, many of whom are criminals or sick with contagious diseases or carrying dangerous drugs and guns, are allowed by the Biden-Harris administration.
Illegal aliens are transported to the destination they like at government expense. They are taking jobs from citizens. They kill people.
There are wars or threats of war around the world. Putin said that if NATO helps Ukraine fire long-range missiles at Russia there will be a war with NATO with the likelihood that Russia would use nuclear weapons.
There are reports that Iran which has nuclear capability is preparing to attack Israel. North Korea has nuclear weapons and has threatened South Korea.
China has encircled Taiwan with military drills using warships and fighter jets. Chinese warships are attacking Philippine naval vessels.
The enemies of the U.S. and its allies could simultaneously start World War III on election day while the Democrats are busy cheating Trump (all World Wars started when the U.S. President was a Democrat).
Going back to the debate, here are the transcripts of their answers.
Vice President Kamala Harris’s answer: So, I was raised as a middle-class kid. And I am actually the only person on this stage who has a plan that is about lifting up the middle class and working people of America. I believe in the ambition, the
aspirations, the dreams of the American people. And that is why I imagine and have actually a plan to build what I call an opportunity economy. Because here’s the thing.
We know that we have a shortage of homes and housing, and the cost of housing is too expensive for far too many people. We know that young families need support to raise their children. And I intend on extending a tax cut for those families of $6,000, which is the largest child tax credit that we have given in a long time. So that those young families can afford to buy a crib, buy a car seat, buy clothes for their children. My passion, one of them, is small businesses.
I was actually -- my mother raised my sister and me but there was a woman who helped raise us. We call her our second mother. She was a small business owner. I love our small businesses. My plan is to give a $50,000 tax deduction to start-up small businesses, knowing they are part of the backbone of America’s economy.
My opponent, on the other hand, his plan is to do what he has done before, which is to provide a tax cut for billionaires and big corporations, which will result in $5 trillion to America’s deficit. My opponent has a plan that I call the Trump sales tax, which would be a 20% tax on everyday goods that you rely on to get through the month.
Economists have said that Trump’s sales tax
would actually result for middle-class families in about $4,000 more a year because of his policies and his ideas about what should be the backs of middle-class people paying for tax cuts for billionaires.
Former President Donald Trump’s answer: First of all, I have no sales tax. That’s an incorrect statement. She knows that. We’re doing tariffs on other countries. Other countries are going to finally, after 75 years, pay us back for all that we’ve done for the world. And the tariff will be substantial in some cases. I took in billions and billions of dollars, as you know, from China. In fact, they never took the tariff off because it was so much money, they can’t. It would totally destroy everything that they’ve set out to do. They’ve taken in billions of dollars from China and other places. They’ve left the tariffs on. When I had it, I had tariffs and yet I had no inflation. Look, we’ve had a terrible economy because inflation has -- which is really known as a country buster. It breaks up countries.
We have inflation like very few people have ever seen before. Probably the worst in our nation’s history. We were at 21%. But that’s being generous because many things are 50, 60, 70, and 80% higher than they were just a few years ago. This has been a disaster for people, for the middle class, but for every class. On top of that, we have millions of people pouring into our country from prisons and jails, from mental institutions and insane asylums. And they’re coming in and they’re taking jobs that are occupied right now by African Americans and Hispanics and also unions. Unions are going to be affected very soon. And you see what’s happening.
You see what’s happening with towns throughout the United States. You look at Springfield, Ohio. You look at Aurora in Colorado. They are taking over the towns. They’re taking over buildings. They’re going in violently. These are the people that she and Biden let into our country. And they’re destroying our country. They’re dangerous. They’re at the highest level of criminality. And we have to get them out. We have to get them out fast. I created one of the greatest economies in the history of our country. I’ll do it again and even better.
Susmariosep. None of their answers was responsive to the simple question. The two candidates should have answered “Yes” or “No”. Then go on with their discourse. The moderator should have kept the debate on track by telling each of the candidates. “Is your answer yes or no?”
Harris said that she is a candidate for change. But if things are so good under Biden and Harris, what is there to change? Harris is a promising woman.
This does not mean full of hope. This means that she promises that she will do this and do that. But why did she and Biden not do what she is promising during the last three years?
This is reminiscent of an attractive young woman in the Philippines which has reputedly the most beautiful women. She holds your hands, then gently touches your inner thigh, asks you to buy her the latest iPhone, and to petition her as a fiancee, promising that she will take care of you, massage you, cook your meals, and make love with you as often as you like.
When you say “Wonderful, let’s go to my room,
(continue on page 10)
By NAPCA Staff
The flu season is here and COVID-19 cases are again rising. In this month’s column, we want to educate you regarding flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
If you have additional questions about Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, Social Security Retirement Benefit, Supplemental Security Income, or COVID/Flu vaccination, there are 3 ways you can reach us today:
Call: 1-800-336-2722
Email: askNAPCA@ napca.org
Mail: NAPCA Senior Assistance Center, 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101
Q: Are flu and COVID-19 still a serious
threat to public health?
A: Both flu and COVID-19 remain significant health threats, causing thousands of hospitalizations and deaths annually.
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), from October 1, 2023 through June 1, 2024, there were estimated to have been at least 35 million flu illnesses, 390,000 hospitalizations, and 24,000 deaths.
In that same period, approximately 44,000 deaths were attributed to COVID-19 in the US.
Q: Why do flu and COVID-19 vaccines need to be updated more frequently than other vaccines?
A: Flu and COVID-19 viruses change through a
process called mutation.
These mutations help the viruses avoid our natural immune responses and the protection provided by vaccines. By mutating, flu and COVID-19 viruses can move more easily from person to person and reproduce faster, ensuring their survival. Flu and COVID-19 viruses mutate frequently, and the vaccines have been updated accordingly. CDC is recommend-
ing that all Americans six months and older get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine in the fall, regardless of whether they’ve been vaccinated against the virus in the past.
Q: Why are older adults at higher risk for flu or COVID-19?
A: As people age, their immune systems tend to weaken, making it harder for their bodies
to fight off infections and diseases.
Many older adults have chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory issues that can exacerbate the effects of flu or COVID-19. Therefore, they are more likely to experience severe complications from the flu or COVID-19, and recovery from illnesses can be slower and more complicated in older adults due to the body’s reduced ability to repair and heal itself.
Many infectious disease experts stress the importance of vaccination for people who are over 65 or who have underlying health conditions. People close to them should also be vaccinated to protect their loved ones.
We should make the annual flu shot and annual COVID shot part of our health maintenance.
By Emil Guillermo
veryone knows Springfield, Ohio by now. You go down the road and take a left turn at 1965.
EOr maybe a right turn at 1924.
It’s a place where people are less concerned about any of us than about the dog and cat population.
Of course, the dogs and cats there are a lot safer than you think.
Dog eating usually perks the ears of Asian Americans, many of whom of a variety of ethnicities have been known to partake.
For some Filipinos, “pulutan” may as well be a breed of dog.
Historically, in America, Filipinos were once heralded as dog-eaters. In the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis where our dog-eating was on display, it was considered the reason why Filipinos must be civilized by colonization.
In 2024, eating dog and cat rap is still being used as a slur to “other” innocent Haitians, who J.D. Vance said come from “Haisia.” (A slip-up or a slur?)
Recently, the conservative-leaning Wall Street Journal definitively debunked the dog and cat slurs Trump/Vance is making about Springfield as outright lies.
WSJ verified that the Trump campaign knew the dog and cat rumors were lies on or before de-
bate night and Trump still spread the slurs to the 67 million who watched the debate.
Even Vance knew the truth before and after the debate, but continues to lie about cats and dogs to this day.
When the TrumpVance campaign is fueled by lies, the facts are irrelevant.
Said Vance on CNN: “If I have to create stories so that the American me-
dia actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that’s what I’m going to do.”
Sounds like the Hitler playbook rule written by Joseph Goebbels: “Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth.”
But the truth is this: No dogs and cats were harmed in this story ever. Only the credibility of politicians. That is, if you believe credibility is still important. (I hope you do.)
As I was calling around Springfield, Vivek Ramaswamy was preparing a town hall there, so he is literally an Asian in Springfield. One of the few.
What’s not really reported is that Springfield is
what America would look like without any of us. By “us,” I mean Asian Americans specifically.
But let’s include all of us. Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans.
Springfield is the America before the 1965 Immigration Act did away with racist quotas and allowed Asians to America.
Springfield is the America of 1924 and the immigration law that first established those racist quotas on Asians.
But here is Springfield today, population of 58,082, according to the latest U.S. Census data:
• American Indian: 0.1% Asian: 0.7%
• Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander: 0.1%
• African Ameri can: 17.4%
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By Elpidio R. Estioko
This year’s Asian American Tell Your Stories Contest 2024-2025 is on with a new theme: “My Gift to America!”
Participants can submit their video entries starting January 1, 2025, to March 2025. The awarding ceremony will be on May 1, 2025, according to cochairs Diana Ding, founder and CEO of Ding Ding TV and Silicon Valley Community Media, and Joel Wong, president of National Asian American United.
Hawaii residents of Asian American ancestry are highly encouraged to send in their entries. Last year’s contest had a total of 72 entries but sadly did not have any Hawaii entries. The farthest entry came
from Alaska who came to California to receive his award.
This year’s theme “My Gift to America!” is a continuation of last year’s theme of “All of Us Belong Here.”
Ding and Wong stated:
“Building on the tremendous success of last year’s contest (72 entries, a dynamic awards ceremony, and a significant impact on the Bay Area’s Asian American communities), we’re excited to embark on a new chapter. It celebrates the unique contributions Asian Americans make to the fabric of our nation.”
Contest rules remain largely unchanged, with minor adjustments based on last year’s experience. Please review the rules on our website: https://aastories.org/.
Video entries will be accepted from January to
March 2025 and the Awards Ceremony will be on May 1, 2025, at the HL Peninsula Restaurant, Ranch Drive, Milpitas, CA.
Congratulations to last year’s major winners: Tim (Jian) Zheng, 1st Place, Adult category; Sylvie Nguyen 1st place, youth category; Min Zhou, 2nd place, adult category; Samantha Quynh Huong Tran, 2nd place, Youth category; Jiayi Li, 3rd place, Adult category; and Abby Wu, 3rd place, youth category.
Other winners: Avalyn Wu, Judges’ Special Merit Award, Adult category; Cathy Chang, Judges’ Special Merit Award, Youth category; We Dance, Viewers’ Choice Award, Adult category; and Samantha Quynh Huong Tran, Judges Special Merit Award, Youth category.
For the Excellence
Awards, the following were the winners of the Adult Excellence Awards: Victor William Chen, Long Jin, Min Zhou, Ann Chang & Yue Chang, and Dr. Arthur L. Jue.
The Brotherhood Foundation Youth Excellence Awards went to: Ethan Guan, Kaihua Skyler Chong, William Chui, Lauryn Chew, and Sophia Cheng.
As to the Youth Ambassadors Winners (Awards presented by judge Elpidio R. Estioko, Hawaii Filipino Chronicle columnist), the winners were: Sophia Cheng, a high school senior at Pinewood School; Ethan Guan, president of the Harker School Film Club since 2019; and Michelle Ahl, a 10th grade student from Carlmont High School, and co-founder-president of the American Chinese Youth Performing Foundation (ACYPF).
Winner of the Legendary Story Teller award
(WHAT’S UP, ATTORNEY?: Are Americans ....from page 7) take a shower together and then go to bed.” She tells you: “When we get to Hawaii, it is more romantic there.”
Trump served as president for four years. Inflation was very low. Prices of goods were much lower than they are today. Mortgage rates were lower than now. Most illegal aliens were stopped at the border. There was peace throughout the world.
During the debate, he said: “I created one of the greatest economies in the history of our country. I’ll do it again and even better.”
Trump had shortcomings. But he had also longcomings.
As pointed out by Jack Heath: “Better the devil you know, than the devil you don’t.” It is often better to deal with someone you are familiar with, even if he is not the best, than to take a risk with an unknown person who could be worse.
was Gerrye Wong, a fourth generation Chinese American who has always been an avid story teller of Chinese-American history as an elementary school teacher for the Moreland San Jose School District (MSJSD). Most Valuable Player was awarded to Amy Zhao, Liyan Zhao, Chin Lin, and Alex Lin, for their exceptional contributions to the team for the Asian American stories.
The Asian American Tell Your Stories Contest will continue its mission to share stories with the world and work together to be a strong voice in our nation! Fellow Asian Americans from the island of Hawaii, let’s be part of this year’s advocacy – “My Gift to America!”
ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and a multi-awarded journalist here in the US. For feedbacks, comments… please email the author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com
To the Republicans: You must fight with the general you have, “warts and all.”
To the Democrats: Beware of overconfidence. It could be an “insidious enemy.” Remember the 2016 post-debate polls showing that Hillary Clinton beat Trump in the debate? Trump won the election.
SAMONTE TIPON was a Fulbright and Smith-Mundt scholar to Yale Law School where he obtained a Master of Laws degree specializing in Constitutional Law. He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines. He placed third in the 1955 bar examinations. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, New York, and the Philippines. He practices federal law, with emphasis on
immigration law and appellate federal criminal defense. He was the Dean and a Professor of Law of the College of Law, Northwestern University, Philippines. He has written law books and legal articles for the world’s most prestigious legal publisher and writes columns for newspapers. He wrote the annotations and case notes to the Immigration and Nationality Act published by The Lawyers Co-operative Publishing Co. and Bancroft Whitney Co. He wrote the best-seller “Winning by Knowing Your Election Laws.” Listen to The Tipon Report which he co-hosts with his son Attorney Emmanuel “Noel” Tipon. They talk about immigration law, criminal law, court-martial defense, politics, and current events. It is considered the most witty, interesting, and useful radio show in Hawaii. KNDI 1270 AM band every Thursday at 8:00 a.m. Atty. Tipon was born in Laoag City, Philippines. Cell Phone (808) 225-2645. E-Mail: filamlaw@ yahoo.com. Website: https:// www.tiponimmigrationguide. com.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not to be constructed as offering legal advice. Please consult an attorney for your individual situation. The author is not responsible for a reader’s reliance on the information contained here.
By Gary Hooser
The Hawai’i House of Representatives is at a tipping point. The message sent by Kim Coco Iwamoto’s win over House Speaker Scott is unavoidable.
The voting public is aware, disgusted, and no longer willing to look the other way.
The toxic culture that puts helping friends and punishing enemies ahead of implementing good public policy - must go.
The practice of individual legislators having the unilateral power to kill legislation – without a public hearing and a public vote – must stop.
House and Senate rules must be changed to require the passage or failure of legislative proposals be based on a public discussion, held during a public hearing, followed by a public vote.
What a concept.
Imagine if new laws could only be passed or killed after they have been reviewed and discussed in
a public hearing process, and a public vote taken by the legislative committee members.
Imagine further for a moment the public is allowed to testify in person at these hearings, that the public testimony is made available to the public when it’s submitted, and that proposed amendments to the legislation are disclosed publicly in writing before the vote.
Sounds like a basic democratic process that should be standard operating procedure.
But it’s not. Not in Hawai’i anyway.
Today, House and Senate rules allow certain individual legislators to kill legislative proposals without a public hearing, and without a public vote. Bills are often amended without making the amendment public before the vote and amended further in back-rooms after the vote is taken.
Some committees prohibit in-person public testimony, and contrary to the
State Constitution (Article III Section 12) meet in private to make a decision.
In addition to reforming House and Senate rules, campaign spending reform must also be at the top of the agenda.
Allowing incumbent legislators to bankroll the campaign accounts of their friends under the duplicitous guise of “buying two tickets to a fundraiser”must cease.
Hawai’i must follow the model of other states, cap the war chests, and prohibit candidates from using campaign funds for any purpose other than paying for their own legitimate and direct campaign expenses.
These reforms are not radical leftist pie-in-the-
sky overly complicated dreams.
Requiring candidates to spend money they raise during a campaign period only for campaign expenses directly related to the campaign during that campaign period - is not some punitive draconian rocket-science proposal.
In addition, Clean Election laws provide a base level of public funds to credible candidates who agree to strict spending limits.
Arizona, Connecticut, and Maine have already paved the way and offer qualified candidates basic public funding sufficient to run a successful campaign.
Clean Election programs allow candidates to run for election without the need to seek big money donors and remove a huge barrier to entry for new candidates.
The term-limit question should also be put before the voters. 12 years serving in the House or Senate is more than enough time to make a difference, and then to move on.
By Joe Kent
Maui County officials are considering proposals to allow or even encourage building more homes per lot, but the success of those efforts could wind up being watered down by outdated plumbing rules.
Back in March, I talked about the county’s onerous water-meter regulations with Maui entrepreneur Syd Smith, who owns Maliko Estate Coffee in Upcountry and is a member of the County Council’s Agriculture Working Group.
Speaking with me on the former “Hawaii Together” program on Think-
Tech Hawaii, Smith told me about the “dreaded Upcountry water meter list” and joked that, “Everybody knows you’re probably going to die before you ever get to the top.”
Some of my colleagues at the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii looked into her concerns about water-meter wait times and uncovered some interesting findings that have been outlined in Grassroot’s latest report, “How fixes to Maui’s water-fixture policy could ease its housing crisis.”
Essentially, Grassroot researchers Jonathan Helton and Aaron Lief found that Maui County’s wa-
ter-fixture concerns are two-fold: The county has not updated its water-fixture unit scores since 1995, and its fees and wait times associated with water meters and water-fixture units are among the highest in the state.
A water fixture is simply any appliance or build-
Yes. The message sent by the House-rocking vote on August 11, is unequivocal.
The time for meaningful reform is now.
It’s up to the House Majority to choose new leadership, and it’s up to us as voters to hold our district legislators accountable for the choices they make - and the Speaker they choose.
Will they support a reform agenda and back a House Speaker who shares that position?
Or will they support business as usual and a Speaker who seeks to preserve the system now in place?
I’m personally hopeful a new House Speaker backed by a new House majority, will step forward to lead in an open, collaborative, and ethical manner - and embrace the critical reforms needed.
We’ll know soon enough.
ing feature that uses water, such as sinks, toilets, showers, dishwashers, and washing machines. The county assigns each fixture a score, measured in water-fixture units, that is supposed to be based on how much water it is estimated to use.
The county also sets the maximum water-fixture unit score allowed per water meter, which it charges to install.
As an example of how outdated Maui County’s water-fixture unit calculations are, its county code gives every outdoor water faucet, called a hose bib, a score of 3 fixture units.
The Uniform Plumbing Code of the International Association of
Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, on the other hand, rates one hose bib at 2.5 fixture units, and each additional bib at 1 fixture unit.
That means Maui County’s water-fixture unit score for two hose bibs would be 6, whereas the UPC recommends only 3.5.
In addition, the UPC assigns dishwashers a lower score than toilets, but Maui County does the opposite.
As you can see, Maui County’s inflated water-fixture unit scores add up and can force homeowners down the costly and time-consuming path of purchasing more water-fixture units or even an additional water meter or a
By Rose Cruz Churma
Fortunato Teho’s Hawaii Gardens and Plants of Hawaii–How To Grow Them are two books that need to be reviewed together in celebration of October’s Filipino History Month.
Released in 2011, the first book was written by Fortunato Teho’s granddaughter Corrine Villa-Riese and her spouse, Ted Riese.
The second book was authored by Fortunato Teho himself, and its revised edition was published in 1992 and reissued four times, with the 4th printing in April 1997.
Fortunato Teho was the first immigrant of Filipino ancestry to become a naturalized American citizen in Hawaii and the first Filipino to graduate from the University of Hawai’i.
A horticulturist by training, he offered gardening advice via print media (books and newspapers), radio, and television. His book Plants Of Hawaii—How To Grow Them was a best seller and popular with the gardeners of Hawai’i.
Fortunato Teho was born in Manila in 1908 at the height of the cholera epidemic. His other siblings succumbed to the disease and as the surviv-
ing child, his mother carried her son to her parish church’s altar and prayed to the Virgin Mary to spare her child.
When he did survive, his mother named him Fortunato, her lucky son. As a young boy, he was bright and precocious. His parents wanted him to get educational opportunities not found in the Philippines, and relo cated to Hawai’i.
Fortunato and his mother arrived in Ho nolulu in 1911 and he attended grade school in Kapaa, Kauai where he skipped two grades. He was then offered a scholarship to Mid-Pacific Institute in Honolulu. In 1927, at the age of 19, he graduated from the University of Hawaii (UH) with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sugar technology—the first of Filipino ancestry to graduate from the university.
popular and common plants favored by Hawai’i gardeners.
The information contained in the book was first compiled in the early 1960s and a revised edition was published in 1992, with a fourth printing in 1997.
While rummaging through her grandfather’s papers, Teho’s granddaughter, Corrine, came upon documents that indicate Teho’s plan for a new gardening book.
The working title was “Making the Most of Your Hawaii Yard: How to Cultivate Food and Flowers in Your Living Space” with a section dedicated to plants for food and medicine.
November 1967 as a successful Filipino immigrant in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Filipinos in Hawaii.
After graduation, he was employed as an agriculturist at Kilauea Sugar Plantation Company until 1934. At the height of the Great Depression in 1934, the Teho family relocated to Manila but returned to the Territory of Hawaii within three months. After a brief stint as an insurance counselor, he worked in various sugar plantations until 1946.
His writing career started when he wrote an article for the Naalehu Storm. He also served as liaison agent on board the Maunawili that brought plantation workers from the Philippines to Hawai’i in 1946, and was named as Filipino Labor Coordinator by the Hawaii Sugar Planters Association (HSPA).
In May 1948, Teho became the first Filipino in Hawaii to become a natu-
ralized American citizen, and that same year, he was hired as a publicist by the UH’s College of Tropical Agriculture. Soon after, he started writing for the Honolulu Star Bulletin and Hawaii Advertiser on Filipino issues and agricultural topics.
By 1956, he created and produced the only agricultural radio program in Hawaii and two years later he broadcasted his program via television.
Prior to retiring from the UH in June 1973, he released his book Plants Of Hawaii—How To Grow Them in July 1971—an easy-to-use guide for the home gardener.
The book contained concise information on the propagation, culture and pest control of both ornamental and food plants common to gardens in Hawai’i.
In the book, 25 plants are featured, starting with anthuriums to ti and tree ferns—covering the most
Although the introduction that Teho planned for this book was nostalgic of the simpler times during the plantation days in rural Hawai’i, the proposed book was ahead of its times.
It called for a sustainable horticulture for Hawai’i, more than two decades when the word “sustainable” came into use. Teho proposed growing local food and expressed a yearning for subsistence yards that flourished in the plantation towns.
A sampler of his writings are included in his granddaughter’s book to give the contemporary reader an idea of what his proposed book may contain and was not edited or revised to reflect current trends, especially in the use of weed and pest control.
For the most part, Hawaii Gardens is an ode to Fortunato Teho who was loved and revered by his family and the public-atlarge.
Teho was profiled in
In September 1974 he was honored as Naturalized Citizen of the Year, and in March 1975, Mid-Pacific Institute named him Alumni Man of the Year and as UH’s distinguished graduate in May 1977—among his many awards. He continued to receive accolades even after he passed away in July 1986. During the 2006 Centennial Celebrations of the Filipino sakada’s arrival in Hawai’i, the story of Fortunato Teho as a young immigrant boy was featured in the Bishop Museum’s exhibit on the commemoration of 100 years of Filipinos in Hawai’i.
Old timers in Hawai’i who loved to garden may still be familiar with the name Fortunato Teho. His newspaper columns and his radio and television programs were followed closely by plant lovers throughout Hawai’i in the late 1940s until his death in 1986.
Unfortunately the younger generation may not be familiar with his contributions “to keep Hawai’i beautiful and productive.” May this article trigger interest in uncovering the contributions of other Filipino Americans who made Hawai’i a desirable place to call home.
ROSE CRUZ CHURMA established Kalamansi Books & Things three decades ago. It has evolved from a mail-order bookstore into an online advocacy with the intent of helping global Pinoys discover their heritage by promoting books of value from the Philippines and those written by Filipinos in the Diaspora. We can be reached at kalamansibooks@gmail.com.
By Seneca Moraleda-Puguan
The Philippine Senate and Congress committee hearings, once a formal and distant process, have now become intriguing and juicy spectacles, with the spotlight firmly fixed on former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, her sister Shiela, and their friend Cassandra Ong.
Their involvement in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) issue has dragged an array of other personalities into the fray, creating a web of intrigue.
Meanwhile, over at the budget hearing for the Office of the Vice President, another storm brews as Philippine VP Sara Duterte refuses to take an oath, dismissing the entire process as nothing more than a political attack disguised as legislative action.
As chaotic and stressful as it all is, I can’t help but feel entertained by the theatrics.
It’s like watching a
(Americans ....from page 3)
wars will escalate from now to the time he leaves office.
FIRST: Ukraine for a first time penetrated Russian territory occupying Kursk. Even more dramatic, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has been seeking permission from Biden to use long-range missiles to target deep inside Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin set a red line, saying any attack of long-range missiles into Russia on civilians would expand the war beyond Ukraine. He said it would mean Russia is in direct war with the U.S. and NATO and that a response would be missiles launched outside of Ukraine, suggesting at a European NATO country. It would be WW3. For the time being, Biden has
perfectly scripted Korean drama unfold before my eyes—complete with drama, humor, horror, and a touch of absurdity.
It’s all there, wrapped in the cloak of legislative duty.
Yet beneath this entertainment lies a deep frustration, one that I cannot ignore.
My heart aches and my blood boils as I witness the hypocrisy that permeates these hearings.
Seated among the panelists are individuals who have been accused—some even convicted—of misusing government funds.
And yet, they sit there, smug and confident, questioning others as if their hands are clean, their pasts forgotten.
Their interrogations are often laughable, sometimes bordering on nonsensical. The hypocrisy is so thick, it’s irritating and suffocating.
Yes, these individuals may have paid their
not given Zelensky a green light to use these weapons. Russia’s interpretation of a long-range missiles strike being a sign of a direct attack from the U.S. is a fair one because such an operation would mean using U.S. long-range missiles and using U.S. satellite technology (Ukraine and the UK do not have that ability) to pinpoint Russian targets and using American personnel to do it (only Americans have that technical knowledge to launch American long-range missiles). The very thought of escalation by way of long-range missiles targeting Russia is an existential threat to humanity and must not be permitted by Biden.
SECOND: Israel has expanded its war campaign beyond Gaza to the West Bank and Lebanon. Last week, Israel executed sev-
legal dues, been forgiven by the public, and even voted back into power. But it enrages me to see how easily the rich and powerful can evade true accountability and reemerge unscathed, often stronger than before.
It’s maddening to witness individuals who have shown themselves to be unworthy of public trust being given another chance to lead, as if their past transgressions never happened.
Pilipinas, why?
This is a brutal reminder of how much work remains to educate our electorate. The disparity between justice for the powerful and justice for the ordinary person is
eral bombings in Lebanon at civilian areas killing over 700 Lebanese in the span of only three days. And in one of those days, Israel launched a terrorist style attack on over 3,000 targets by planting explosives into pagers, sending a signal for them to explode not knowing or caring who would be around these devices. The U.S. has not condemned the pager attack.
Biden’s UNGA speech gave no indication of serious efforts to end these wars. Just saying he wants peace is empty words without a constructive, concrete plan to pivot from the status quo. Americans are paying hundreds of billions of dollars each year for our national security. But we are at the brink of WW3 and perhaps a nuclear war. This is a monumental failure in leadership by Biden.
We love the Philippines deeply, but it is painful beyond words to witness the flourishing of corruption, dishonesty, and injustice in our beloved homeland.
stark and heartbreaking.
For the average Filipino, a crime can ruin their future forever. But for those with wealth, influence, and a recognizable name, redemption seems all but guaranteed.
It’s a gut-wrenching reality that plays out again and again in our political arena.
What’s equally disheartening is the sense of entitlement and pride that some of our leaders exhibit.
When those in power evade accountability and refuse transparency, particularly in how they use the people’s taxes, what hope does our country have for the future?
My heart cries for you, mahal kong Pilipinas.
Despite all this, my husband and I have made a commitment to bless and love our nation, no matter the frustration and heartache it brings.
Politics is a topic I usually avoid because it divides more than it unites. But it’s something that must be discussed because its impact on our country’s future is undeniable.
I urge my fellow Filipinos to become better judges of character when choosing our leaders. I also hope for a revision of our constitution, barring convicted criminals from running for office ever again.
We need leaders who embody conviction, righteousness, and integrity— men and women who love the people they serve.
Having lived for nearly four decades and seeing little change, it’s easy to feel discouraged, but I refuse to lose hope.
If it can happen in Pasig under Mayor Vico Sotto’s leadership, it proves that change is possible.
All it takes is one person choosing integrity and excellence for a wave of transformation to follow.
By Dr. Arcelita Imasa
Can you explain to me who are the domestic workers?
– Reader
Dear Reader,
It is said that caregiving work is what makes other work possible. This is very true.
Everyone at some point in our lives, whether because we are ill, impaired, or frail, would need help from our families, friends, and many others for caregiving.
Without the caregiv-
ing services, it is difficult to navigate life. Those who do offer their help and energy for the caregiving can be paid or unpaid.
Family caregivers often are not paid, while many individuals provide care through care facilities designated by law as paid caregivers.
Here comes the domestic workers. Domestic workers are carers for someone whether a child or an elderly, serving as a companion for someone sick, house cleaners, those who do laundry or cooking, or any other domestic service.
In Hawaii, domestic workers are protected under the Hawaii Law Act 248 enacted in 2013, and
(CANDID PERSPECTIVES: No Dog ....from page 9)
• Hispanic: 4.9%
• White alone: 72.18%
• Can you imagine 0.7% Asian nation in 2024?
Add our 0.1% NHPIs and even at 0.8%, Asian Americans are practically invisible in Springfield.
So here are two truths: There are barely any Asians there, and there’s no dog and cat eaten in Springfield.
But guess what?
Springfield loves to eat Asian food.
On my internet search for the best Asian food in Springfield, there were at least ten eateries on the list.
Unfortunately, when I called to ask what the restaurant owners thought of the “Springfield story,” they all hung up on me. Typical Asian? When you’re 0.8%, you’d think they’d want to rock the boat a little bit.
The internet served up a place called Charlo’s Provisions and Eatery as
are guaranteed at least the state minimum wage and overtime pay after 40 hours of work in a week.
Domestic workers are also protected from discrimination on the job. The Hawaii Department of Labor has some good resources on its website about domestic work and domestic workers.
Domestic workers are found in facilities, already live with the client at the client’s home, or are sent to the client’s homes to do the domestic work via home health agencies.
In Oahu, for example, there are 14 large, registered home health agencies that employ domestic workers. But, domestic workers mainly are found working in long-term care
an “Asian” place, maybe because it has a popular egg roll.
Chad Druckenbroad, 42, picked up the phone and said because it’s an egg roll, it’s kind of Asian. But it’s filled with brisket and roasted poblano pimento cheese.
“They’re kind of Southern egg rolls,” he said.
But not Southern China. Just southern white.
Druckenbroad’s eatery is right in the city’s downtown. He lamented how the weekend of the Autumnal Equinox was supposed to be a cultural food fair for the city, with restaurants representing different parts of the world coming together.
But it was cancelled because of the fear of violence generated by the political lies. Instead, as he talked to me, the downtown was prepping for that town hall by Ramaswamy ready to capitalize on all the fear.
Druckenbroad said
facilities such as adult residential care homes, adult foster homes, and nursing homes. These three by the way differ from each other.
Unfortunately, domestic workers face a wide range of issues, many of which stem from the nature of their work being informal, often undervalued, and unregulated.
These issues include low wages, lack of legal protection or job security, workplace isolation, lack of health coverage, and many more.
These challenges have led to ongoing advocacies for domestic workers. The Internatinal Labor Organization calls to make domestic work a “decent work,” that society make
his restaurant has been affected by the bomb threats, “but nothing dramatic.” He said he still gets calls if they “serve dog and cat and stuff like that.”
“You know it’s illegal to serve that stuff in America,” he told me over the phone. “I serve pork chops and steaks. I do have catfish on the menu.”
He said the town is better than people think. He added he was disappointed the culture festival was cancelled. “Springfield’s a very welcoming community,” he said. “They’re just interviewing the wrong people.”
Sure, the town has a Neo-Nazi problem. But there’s plenty of normal folk like Druckenbroad who just want to live their lives and get along with everyone.
He said most people in town aren’t affected by the Haitians.
“They’re more worried about the price of groceries than they are
sure it gives domestic workers the value they’re worth and recognition for the work they bring, and to protect their rights as workers.
In Hawaii, domestic workers are predominantly Filipino migrants and women.
There are also efforts being done to organize domestic workers in Hawaii. More about this in our next column.
Sincerely, Hawaii Workers Center
Dr. ARCELITA IMASA is a practicing family physician and the secretary of the Hawaii Workers Center’s Executive Committee of the Board. She grew up in the Philippines before migrating to Hawaii with her family more than a decade ago.
about immigrants,” he said. He believes the Haitians have helped the community more than hurt it. He said he mostly sees Haitians when they come to his restaurant as DoorDash drivers to pick up takeout food.
Most of all of the 15,000 or so Haitians there (more than all the Asians in Springfield) are also there legally. They aren’t undocumented.
Druckenbroad just wishes Trump and Vance never started all the lies. But he doesn’t think it’s going to impact Springfield.
“If you drive around, there’s nothing but Trump signs everywhere,” he said.
I ask if Trump and Vance should just stop telling the lies.
“I mean, if they don’t have their facts straight, then yeah,” said the man with the best white egg rolls in town. “You don’t want to be out there spreading lies.”
Of course, that’s exactly what Trump/Vance are doing.
Still, will it change people’s votes? Or his? He had a hard time answering.
Call it good people stuck with bad leaders. Unable to do the right thing.
Or too ashamed to call it out in public.
Meanwhile, all of us in more diverse places like California, New York, and Hawaii may have to live with all their bad choices.
Trump is planning a visit there soon. Let’s hope he does the right thing. Not visit and stop telling lies.
But it will be hard. Trump loves what Springfield stands for, his image of an America and Americans of the past, the vast majority of whom are white.
EMIL GUILLERMO is a journalist and commentator. His talk show is on www.amok. com.
LET’S ZUMBA | Filipino Community Center | Every Monday starting January 8, 2024 at 6:15pm | FilCom Center, Consuelo Courtyard, 94-428 Mokuola Street, Waipahu | Need to unwind in movement and dance after a long workday? Join the community as we Zumba through the evening. Only $5 per class. Proceeds go to support these program-types for FilCom Center.
LEGACY OF LEADERS: HONORING
PAST, EMPOWERING FUTURE | Filipino Community Center Bayanihan Gala 2024 | October 12 from 5:30 pm to 9 pm | Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, 2490 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 | Attire: Formal/Filipiniana | For tickets, go to: https://givebutter.com/ c/2024BayanihanGala.
HONOLULU PRIDE PARADE & FESTIVAL | Hawaii LGBT Legacy | October 19, from 4pm to 10pm | Kalakaua Avenue and Waikiki Shell |
Celebrate Honolulu Pride with a sunset Parade down Kalakaua Avenue at 4pm and a night time Festival at Waikiki Shell starting 5pm. The event is free to all!
OHANA MED ICAL MISSION’ S MASQUERADE BALL | Saturday, October 26, 5:00-11:00pm | Tapa Ballroom, Hilton Hawaiian Village | A Charity Ball with Grand Parade of Masks, fabulous prizes, sumptuous foods and dancing. For details and reservations, please contact JP Orias at 808-518-8929
By Clarita Paner Skeggs
As I count my blessings, may I, in complete humility, tell about them to you, my friend?
I should start with the topmost blessing: that I am saved. I am a child of God. My second is that I have my beautiful beloved family in my life. They are undoubtedly precious, indeed, to me.
The following would be an enumeration of those still in my list of blessings.
First, I have a lovely health. Believe it or not, it’s a blessing I still can do physical work consid-
ering my advanced age. I can still engage in a full-time permanent job. They see me as someone who has not “acquired yet the mental infirmities of aging” because three schools offered me to continue teaching Senior High School Math and Sciences.
There are no chronic pains in my body. That’s a big blessing because I am one person whose threshold for pain is utterly low.
If that’s not enough, you should read this: One colossal and profound blessing I received is that the cancer that my Aus-
tralian medics have persistently and vigorously tried to beat so hard has not returned.
No metastasis has ever arisen so far, stretching for eleven years to this day! Despite my own bewilderment, I am humbled to state that: Yes! I am a genuine cancer survivor.
Another blessing that
I am grateful for is that I don’t need to work to provide for and sustain myself. My husband Andrew and I live a simple life and we are contented with it. I call that peace and contentment.
Last but not least, my biggest blessing is that God’s Holy Spirit is actively alive in me, my life, and my everyday reality. The Holy Spirit always guards my heart and all parts of my being so I can always return to walk on “that narrow path.”
There are many other things–big and small–that I believe are all entrusted to us by our good and gracious God.
I used the word “entrusted” to mean that
these blessings are not for me to brag about and be complacent about. But these blessings are to be cared for, guarded like precious gems, so I can make use of them to pass the love He wants to give to others.
In short, I need to be useful to God. I need to help through prayers so I can be a better instrument of God in joining you all in building His kingdom here.
CLARITA P ANER SKEGGS is a graduate of the University of the Philippines in Diliman and married to Andrew Skeggs. She is a former teacher in Australia and a former Asset Management Specialist in the Philippines. She is now a resident of New Zealand.
The Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) warns the public to be aware of new scam calls impersonating law enforcement officers.
These callers pretending to be officers would intimidate people with
false information about impending or nonexistent court cases to solicit payment in the form of bail or a civil fee in order to resolve the matter.
DLE ensures that law enforcement agencies will not call to solicit any
(OPEN FORUM: Old Plumbing ....from page 11)
larger one before theirs truly is at maximum capacity per industry standards.
To help ease Maui County’s housing crisis, the Grassroot report recommends transferring ownership and management of water meters to homeowners and updating or eliminating the county’s water-fixture-unit requirements altogether.
Regarding the latter suggestion, homeowners could
form of payment. They remind the public to not provide credit card or bank account information to anyone who calls claiming to be a law enforcement officer.
Scammers may present themselves as calling
work with licensed plumbers to determine a water meter’s capabilities, and would be motivated to ensure their water-fixture usage didn’t go over that limit.
I was encouraged to learn recently that Maui Department of Water Supply staff is aware of the new Grassroot report and plans to offer recommendations to the Maui County Council in a couple months.
from real DLE numbers to appear legitimate but these numbers are “spoofed” when they are in fact calling from another phone number, often outside of Hawaii. Scammer from outside Hawaii often mispronounces street address-
I am hoping they agree that even though Maui County’s water-fixture regulations are somewhat obscure, minor updates to those policies could make a major difference when it comes to spurring much-needed housing growth.
JOE KENT is the executive vice president of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.
es with Hawaiian names or reference government offices not found in Hawaii such as the District Attorney’s Office.
If you have received a call that you believe to be a scam, please contact DLW at (808) 585-1352.
