The Chainsmokers

The electronic dance music duo, The Chainsmokers, headlined the 2017 Dream Weekend Concert at Aloha Stadium. Today's photo was taken during the duo's finale.

Unfortunately, this year's concert was canceled because of the China Corona Virus pandemic.

Hawai‘i Bowl Presser

Coaches and players from the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors and the Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders meet with the media for the 2016 Hawai‘i Bowl, a few days before the Christmas Eve game. For the Rainbow Warriors, seated left to right: Linebacker Jahlani Tavai, Wide Receiver Marcus Kemp, and Head Coach Nick Rolovich.  For the Blue Raiders, seated right to left: Linebacker D.J. Sanders, Quarterback Brent Stockstill, and Head Coach Rick Stockstill. The Rainbow Warriors won the game 52-35.

Jahlani Tavai now plays for the Detroit Lions, Marcus Kemp now plays for the Kansas City Chiefs, and Nick Rolovich is now the head coach for the Washington State University Cougars.

With the China Corona Virus pandemic, this year's bowl game was canceled by ESPN Events and the Hawai‘i Bowl.

Wedding Cake

 

Today's photo of this wedding cake is from my cousin Jay's wedding. He married his high school sweetheart Tiffany, five years ago this week.

USS Arizona

Tomorrow, December 7th, is the 79th anniversary of the attack on the Pearl Harbor Naval Station by the Imperial Japanese Navy. One of the US Navy battleships that were sunk in the attack was the USS Arizona (BB-39). This model of the battleship seen above, was brought to Pearl Harbor from Arizona, in December 2011 for the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the attack.

Coaches

At media day of the 2018 Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) state football finals, Mililani Trojans Head Coach Rod York [left] and Saint Louis Crusaders Head Coach Cal Lee pose for a shot together as they wait their turns to be interviewed by the local sports reporters. The Trojans and the Crusaders faced off in the HHSAA's Open Division Championship during the Thanksgiving weekend, with the latter winning, 38-17.

Sadly, due to the China Corona Virus pandemic, the HHSAA is looking at moving this year's season over to next spring.

Strawberries & Blue Flame

At Ruth's Chris Steak House, their feature dessert for anyone celebrating a birthday, is their strawberries & chocolate, lit a flame with brandy.

Mark Dunkerley

Mark Dunkerley served as the president and chief executive officer of Hawaiian Airlines for over 17 years. He oversaw the growth of the airline from an inter-island and west coast airline, into a major airline in the Asia Pacific Rim.

This photo was taken after the airline unveiled its modified Pualani logo and livery at a ceremony at the Hawaiian Airlines Cargo Facility. In the background, is the Boeing 717-200 that was the first in the fleet to have the newer livery.

Hawaiian Airlines also celebrated its 91st anniversary on November 11th.

Pilot Wave

With Veteran's Day on Wednesday, we would like to honor of all the veterans who have served in our armed forces, thank you for your service!

A pilot from the District of Columbia Air National Guard's 121st Fighter Squadron gives me a wave from his F-16C Fighting Falcon pilot, as he taxies out to Runway 26L for departure. A detachment of four F-16s and a tanker, were returning to their base.

Streaky Clouds

Streaky clouds form over central O‘ahu in the late afternoon.

RareBirds

Our November Instagram collage features rare (and not-so-rare) airliners photographed at HNL, and the original photos were posted on the HNL RareBirds Instagram page.

Row 1: Amazon Prime Air 737-800F; FedEx 777-F; Regency Airlines 737-700; UPS Airlines 747-400F; Asia Pacific Airlines 757-200F; and Kamaka Air C208BF.

Row 2: Sun Country Airlines 737-800; China United Airlines 737-800; Westar 727-100; US Air Force C-17A; Antonov Airlines An-124-100; and former British Airways 737-400;

Row 3: Japan Airlines 767-300ER; Miami Air International 737-800; Embraer ERJ-190E2 demo jet; Cebu Pacific Air A320-200; Lucky Air 737-700; and DHL Airlines 767-300ERF;

Row 4: Kalitta Air 747-400F; Northern Air Cargo 737-300F; former Alaska Airlines 737-400C; Hawaiian Airlines 717-200; two Wamos Air 747-400s; and former Avianca A320-200.

Air Doxie

For the past Halloweens that we've had Emi, I've always wanted to make an aircraft wings costume for her. Timing wasn't here, as Halloween fell on the weekends, and I had to work those evenings. A few years, I had the chance to make her costume made of foam core board. I didn't have much time to do more with the decorating, but the fact that I made it, was enough for me. Emi was a trooper for wearing as we went around the Waikele Premium Outlets.

Centenarian

This week, Grandpa would have turned 108. Today's photo was taken during his 105th birthday celebration. Unfortunately, we lost him last year, but he led a good long life! 

Haiku Gardens

Haiku Gardens, located in Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu, is part of a condominium complex with a restaurant, Hale‘iwa Joe's,  that overlooks this pond and gazebo. The location is quite common for weddings and photo shoots.

Touchdown Reception?

A wide receiver from the Faith Lutheran Crusaders (Las Vegas, NV) reaches up to make a high-point catch for a touchdown, as a defensive back from the Kaimukī Bulldogs tries to make a play. Unfortunately, the receiver's left foot landed out of bounds, thus an incomplete pass.

This game was to have been played on Saturday, September 3, 2016, but was postponed to the next day, and moved to Aloha Stadium, because of Hurricane Lester. Fortunately, the storm turned north, and did not affect the islands.

Monochromes 2

Our Instagram collage for October features monochrome photos.

Row 1: miniature LED lanterns; highball glass; ice forming in a freezer; statue at the Pearlridge branch of First Hawaiian Bank; clouds; chain curtain.

Row 2: concrete, up close; clouds; back focus chart; escalator; old-fashioned ice tray; t-shirt on a mannequin.

Row 3: close-up of silverware; classic car; macramé; corpuscular rays; footprints on damp Geotech; tree.

Row 4: fisheye lens cloud shot; Emi; light fixture; guardrail baffles; Yuki; pine cones.

Cheerleaders

Cheerleaders of the Pearl City High School Chargers, work to get their crowd riled up, as the team's offense marches down the field.

Hamakua Marsh

Hamakua Marsh is part of the wetlands system in the Kailua region of O‘ahu, and is home to four native waterfowl: the Ae‘o (Hawaiian Stilt), the ‘Alae‘Ula (Hawaiian Moorhen), the ‘Alae Ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian Coot), and the Auku‘u (Black-crowned Night Heron).

Subdued Colors

Another of Adrianʻs senior portraits, this one with the background colors subdued to highlight her blue dress.

‘Ōhia Lehua

The ‘ōhia lehua flower is an endemic plant that is found on all Hawaiian Islands.

Emi Super 17

Our Instagram collage for this month celebrates our dog Emi's 17th birthday. She turns "Super 17" later in the month. Since the last collage we posted of her, Emi has overcome some serious challenges. In late 2017, she had a bout with Intravertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), that warranted crate rest for a month, anti-inflammatory medication, prayer, and acupuncture. The latter proved to be a Godsend, as it has been a essential to her recovery, and she still gets maintenance treatments to this day. Earlier this year, we discovered she has canine arthritis, and it reared its ugly head a few months ago. Again, with prayer, meds and acupuncture, she made a recovery. During this time of the China Corona Virus, the canine arthritis really flared up, to the point where she couldn't walk. With us being forced to stay at home, we could give Emi full attention. By the grace of God, Emi made a full recovery with prayer, meds, and acupuncture. Her walking is normal, and can scamper in short spurts. This little Miniature Dachshund is one feisty, determined, and stubborn little girl, with a voracious appetite, got her through all of her challenges.

Turn The Corner

A running back from the Kalani High School Falcons football team turns the corner in a run against the rival Kaimukī High School Bulldogs.

Normally, the high school football season in Hawai‘i begins in at the beginning of this month. However, with the Wuhan Corona Virus pandemic, the 2020 season has been pushed back to Spring 2021.

Aloha Ola Kūpono!

Pilots and flight attendants of Island Air pose on the steps of N681WP "Ola Kūpono", their first Bombardier Dash8-Q400NG, after it arrived on its delivery flight from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I was contracted by the airline to capture the arrival on video and photo. Airline employees waited on the ramp to greet "Ola Kūpono" as it arrived from McMinneville, OR.

Sadly, the airline ceased operations a couple of years ago.

Dove On The Wiper Blade

This dove took a seat on the windshield wiper blade of my car, while I was planespotting.

High Five

KITV Sports Director Brandi Higa and Japanese comedian Yuji Ayabe high five each other following the 2018 Pacific Rim Cup press conference at Aloha Stadium.

The Pacific Rim Cup is an annual soccer tournament that features two J-League teams against two Major League Soccer teams.

Brandi Higa has since moved on as a spokesperson for the City & County of Honolulu.

Sun Time

Emi and Yuki catch some morning sun on the lanai.

Hula Bowl Helmets

Our Instagram collage for August features football helmets from players that were selected to the 2020 Hula Bowl teams.

Row 1: Louisiana State Tigers; North Dakota State Bisons; Florida International Panthers; Idaho Vandals; California Lutheran Kingsmen; Oregon Ducks.

Row 2: Virginia Tech Hokies; Minnesota Golden Gophers; Boise State Broncos; Alabama-Birmingham Blazers; West Chester Golden Rams; Central Michigan Chippewas.

Row 3: Iowa State Cyclones; Prairie View A&M Panthers; Kansas State Wildcats; Monmouth Hawks; Pittsburgh Panthers; Texas Christian Horned Frogs;

Row 4: Duke Blue Devils; Colorado School of Mines Orediggers; Florida Gators; Oklahoma State Cowboys; Southern Illinois Salukis; Louisiana Tech Aggies.

Best Seat In The House

During a youth football tournament, the mother of one of the players, moved down from the shaded blue section to watch the game.

In this day and age of the Chinese Corona Virus and social distancing, this photo seems appropriate, though taking social distancing to the extreme.

Adrian At Makai Pier

One of Adrian's senior photos taken under the Makai Pier.

Moonrise

The full moon rises behind the trees and clouds.

Solar Impulse 2 Pilots

In July 2015, the Solar Impulse 2 landed at the Kalaeloa Airport after a five-day journey from Nagoya, Japan. Pilots Bertrand Picard (left) and André Borschberg are seen above celebrating the end of the flight segment.

Yuki Collage

Our July Instagram collage features our second Miniature Dachshund, Yuki, who we got in September 2015, and turns five this month. This collage features her from day we brought her home (top left) to sometime in 2018. 

Motorcade Practice

Officers from the Honolulu Police Department's Solo Bike Unit, practice for a VIP motorcade and roving roadblock along Lagoon Drive outside the Daniel K Inouye International Airport.

Wedding Shoot

A couple from Japan has their post-ceremony wedding photo shoot taken at Kaimana Beach.

Karsten Thot Bridge

The Karsten Thot Bridge is located in Wahiawā, crosses over Lake Wilson. It's one of the last standing steel through truss bridges on O‘ahu. Kamehameha Highway is the roadway that crosses the bridge, which was built in 1932, and renovated in the last few years.

Kapilina Umbrella

One of the thatch umbrellas, and vinyl chairs at Kapilina Lagoons.

Local Kine Grindz!

Our June Instagram collage features a "Diners, Drive-ins & Dives"-themed food pix from small local eateries. Yelp and restaurant links are included in the name of the eatery.

Row 1: Panko-crusted baked chicken plate from Kau Kau Grill; Swiss Steak plate from Taka's Box Lunch; Teriyaki burger & fries from H&T Burgers Pearlridge; Inamona Hamachi poke bowl from Tamura's; variety pack of malasadas from Pipeline Bakeshop; and Spicy Pork & sunny side eggs from Lee's Lunchwagon Waipio.

Row 2: Hamburger steak plate from Taka's Box Lunch; Chocolate dobash and Chantilly cupcakes from Kilani Bakery; ‘ahi bites from Nico's at Pier 38; Roast beef plate from Taka's Box Lunch; Smoke meat and eggs plate from J&Dz Lunchwagon; and Taka's Box Lunch bento.

Row 3: Lil' Smokies, Portuguese sausage and eggs from Lee's Lunchwagon; Chicken katsu plate from Tatsuo's; 2-choice poke bowl and a Deconstructed Sushi bowl (top) from Poke Stop; Snow puffies from Pa‘ala‘a Kai Bakery; Belly Bowl ramen from Lucky Belly; and the Loco Coco B&G breakfast from Jet's Local Fast Food.

Row 4: Malasadas from Leonard's Waikele; Bento J (grilled salmon, mochiko chicken and hot dog) from Lunch Box Kitchen of Hawaii; garlic chicken bento from Sugoi Bento & Catering; small Saimin and BBQ Cheeseburger Deluxe from Shige's Saimin Stand; garlic ‘ahi plate from Kau Kau Grill; and Oriental Wingdings plate from Taka's Box Lunch.

Mirror Image

Got this photo by using the display window of a store as a mirror.

Uncle Willie K

This past Monday, Hawaiian music legend Uncle Willie K passed away from his battle with lung cancer. Willie Kahaiali‘i was known for vocally venturing into opera, rock, and blues, besides playing Hawaiian music, as well as an excellent ‘ukulele and guitar player.

Today's photo was taken during his rehearsal with the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warrior Marching Band for his halftime performance of his hit song, "Kachi Kachi Makawao" on October 20, 2018 (Nevada Wolf Pack v Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors). Uncle Willie also had a stirring performance  of the Star-Spangled Banner and Hawai‘i Pono‘ī in the pregame festivities.

I had the privilege to produce the video for the 2016 ‘Ohana Cup Rugby Festival Concert, which Uncle Willie headlined. It was an amazing performance, as showed his vocal, guitar, and ‘ukulele virtuosity.

We send our condolences, thoughts, and prayers to Uncle Willie's ‘ohana. Heaven gained a great singer and musician.

Graduation Ceremony

This weekend would have launched the Class of 2020 commencement ceremonies for our local high schools. Six public high schools had their ceremonies booked at Aloha Stadium. Unfortunately, the Wuhan corona virus global pandemic took away all that. Many schools have taken the virtual route by doing their ceremonies online.

Pictured above, is a photo of Mililani High School's Class of 2018, during their ceremony rehearsal at Aloha Stadium.

TV Watching Emi

Like us humans, Emi fell asleep watching TV with a paw on the remote control.

Kalani Pe‘a

Multiple Grammy Award and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning Hawaiian music vocalist Kalani Pe‘a rehearses his halftime performance for his appearance at the 2018 SoFi Hawai‘i Bowl.

Flower Power

Our May Instagram collage features a variety of flower shots, especially with May 1st being "Lei Day" in Hawai‘i.

Kaimana

In the summer of 2017, Rocky the Hawaiian Monk Seal gave birth to a pup at Kaimana Beach in Waikīkī, and nursed her pup, given the name Kaimana, on the beach fronting one of the beachside condominiums. An area was cordoned off by NOAA to give Rocky and Kaimana a safe haven. Kaimana is seen on the beach, while Rocky was in the ocean. Hawaiian Monk Seals are an endangered species, and federally protected. After a few months, Rocky and Kaimana were transported to an undisclosed beach.

Tua Tagovailoa

This Thursday, Hawai‘i's Tua Tagovailoa is expected to be a top ten, first round draft pick in the 2020 National Football League Draft. Tua is seen above posing with one of the specially-made Riddell Revolution Speed 360 helmets made for the Polynesian Bowl, at the press conference for the inaugural Polynesian Bowl in 2017.

It was a privilege to watch Tua play his youth football games with the Ewa Beach Sabers of the Jr Prep Sports youth football league that were played at Aloha Stadium, as well as his high school games with the Saint Louis Crusaders. Even from those Ewa Beach Sabers days, our crew could see the football talent he possessed, that took him across the country to the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, and a CFB National Championship.

Tua, may you have a blessed professional career in the NFL!

Interview

When tickets for the Bruno Mars concerts went on sale in 2018 for his 24k Magic Tour, crowds lined up at Aloha Stadium for a chance to get tickets for one of the three shows he performed. Nikki Shenfield from KHON 2 News interviewed this one Bruno Mars fan as she waited in line.

Sepia Tone

One of Adrian's senior photos with a sepia tone treatment.

Monochrome Collage

Our April Instagram collage features black and white photography:

Row 1:  river rocks; reindeer decoration; Starbucks at 5:00A; agave plant; coffee beans; UPS QR code.

Row 2:  cracked glass; white rose; empty pistachio shells; scaffolding; Emi in the blanket; early morning sunlight through the bedroom window.

Row 3:  golf ball dimples; lamp; chairs for graduation; Hamakua Marsh; shadow selfie, Pāiwa Street underpass.

Row 4:  BNC cable connections, Symphony Tower under construction, table at Ward Warehouse; raindrops on railing; fake flower display; graduation rehearsal.

Sleepy Puppy

Yuki, at three-months-old, taking a nap while using her elephant toy as a pillow.

Slippers In The Snow

Seven years ago this month (has it been that long?!?), I was on a work trip in Minneapolis, Minnesota. One morning, after an overnight snowfall, I decided to put my ‘Olukai slippers on and take a photo of my feet and slippers in the snow. Yes, it was in the high 20s, but this is something people from Hawai‘i would do in the snow, and wasn't out for very long.

Duck On The Run

A running back from the 808 Ducks turns the corner to run up-field against the KapCity Hurricanes. Both teams are part of the Jr Prep Sports America youth league, and their spring season has begun.