Latest news with #Hawaii-based


USA Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Fisherman beside himself during rare encounter with ‘massive' orcas off Hawaii
A Hawaii-based fisherman has shared stunning footage of his brief encounter with two 'massive' orcas this week, along with an apology for cussing. Dalton Umayam's unmuted footage is not posted below because of his profane commentary, but those who wish to view the footage can click on this Instagram link. It shows both orcas alongside his boat off the Kona Coast. (Orca sightings off Hawaii are extremely rare.) Umayam's description: 'Sorry for the cussing. Adrenaline is pumping. [My] 16-foot boat feels so small next to these huge creatures.' ALSO: Florida waders unfazed as large shark attacks pelican just yards away (video) The footage was featured by local media outlets, which dubbed over Umayam's commentary. The Hawaii News Report version is posted below. Those who aren't offended by salty language might wish to compare both clips to determine which is more compelling.


Newsweek
4 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Army Sends HIMARS to Pacific to Boost Long-Range Fires
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States has strengthened its long-range fire capabilities in the Pacific theater as a Hawaii-based Army unit received the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). As part of the Army Transformation Initiative, which prioritizes long-range precision fires, the 25th Infantry Division—based at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii—is set to complete the replacement of howitzers with HIMARS launchers within weeks, the Pentagon announced. Why It Matters Amid China's rapid military buildup, the U.S. military has designated the Indo-Pacific as its "priority theater," deploying its most capable units across the region—including land-based missile systems capable of targeting the Chinese navy, now the world's largest by hull count. In alignment with the Pacific Ocean's vast maritime expanse, the U.S. Army is undergoing a transformation—divesting "outdated, redundant and inefficient" weapons—to enhance its lethality. The delivery of HIMARS launchers to the 25th Infantry Division coincides with the U.S. military's simultaneous participation in two large-scale Pacific war games: Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 in Australia and the Air Force's Department-Level Exercise series. What To Know Photos released by the 25th Infantry Division show that its first batch of HIMARS launchers was delivered by a C-5 transport aircraft to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Monday. High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers assigned to the United States Army 25th Infantry Division staged on the flight line after being unloaded from a C-5 transport aircraft at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in... High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers assigned to the United States Army 25th Infantry Division staged on the flight line after being unloaded from a C-5 transport aircraft at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii on July 14. More Spc. Taylor Gray/U.S. Army The Army infantry unit is scheduled to replace 14 howitzers with 16 HIMARS launchers. According to the Pentagon, this transformation in firepower will enhance the unit's long-range precision strike capability and bolster its warfighting readiness in the Indo-Pacific. The truck-mounted HIMARS—widely known for its use by Ukraine in its war against Russia—is capable of launching "versatile, accurate, precision-strike munitions" such as rockets and missiles with ranges from 9.3 to over 310 miles and can be rapidly deployed, according to manufacturer Lockheed Martin. In comparison, the 105 mm and 155 mm howitzers being phased out by the 25th Infantry Division—both classified as towed artillery systems—have maximum ranges of about 8.5 miles and almost 20 miles, respectively, according to defense outlet the War Zone. U.S. Army Major General Marcus Evans, the commander of the 25th Infantry Division, said the introduction of the HIMARS would extend the division's operational reach and enhance soldier protection by allowing troops to fire munitions and quickly relocate to safer positions. A total of 73 soldiers assigned to the 25th Infantry Division are transitioning from operating howitzers to HIMARS, according to the Pentagon. Of those, 27 have trained with the National Guard as part of their effort to learn how to operate the HIMARS on the battlefield. A HIMARS launcher firing a rocket during a joint military exercise between the United States and the Philippines in Laur, Nueva Ecija province, the Philippines, on August 9, 2024. A HIMARS launcher firing a rocket during a joint military exercise between the United States and the Philippines in Laur, Nueva Ecija province, the Philippines, on August 9, People Are Saying U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth wrote in a memo to senior Pentagon leadership in April: "To build a leaner, more lethal force, the Army must transform at an accelerated pace by divesting outdated, redundant, and inefficient programs, as well as restructuring headquarters and acquisition systems. Simultaneously, the Army must prioritize investments in accordance with the Administration's strategy, ensuring existing resources are prioritized to improve long-range precision fires, air and missile defense including through the Golden Dome for America, cyber, electronic warfare, and counter-space capabilities." U.S. Army Major General Marcus Evans, the commander of the 25th Infantry Division, said in a news release on Wednesday: "And so now soldiers, instead of working behind a cannon system and towed artillery, they will work with a weapon system that [not only] has increased survivability, but increased operational reach with the range that [HIMARS] have." What Happens Next It remains to be seen which U.S. military units based in the Pacific theater will be next to undergo a similar transformation to enhance their operational capabilities in the region.


Eater
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Eater
How to Spend a 24-Hour Staycation in Chinatown Las Vegas
Las Vegas's Chinatown rivals the Strip with its vibrant, around-the-clock dining scene. Centered along Spring Mountain Road just minutes west of the Strip, this neighborhood draws locals, industry workers, and food enthusiasts seeking diverse cuisines, most prominently from East Asia. Chinatown is packed with everything from casual noodle shops and street food stalls to upscale izakayas and innovative fusion spots. It's where many of Vegas's top chefs craft bold menus that may otherwise be too adventurous for Strip visitors, blending tradition with creativity without the crowds or high prices. During an action-packed one-day staycation, come hungry, starting with strong coffee, then venturing to decadent breakfast, afternoon dumplings, and late-night noodles. Spring Mountain Road delivers at almost every hour. With its accessibility, diversity, and unmistakable local energy, Chinatown is a must-visit destination to experience the true culinary heart of Las Vegas. Here's how to spend 24 hours drinking and dining through Las Vegas's Chinatown. 8 a.m. — Coffee at Gabi Coffee and Bakery Start your all-day food crawl with a caffeine fix at this locals' favorite Korean coffee shop. Hidden behind a heavy wooden door in an otherwise basic strip mall, Gabi Coffee opens into a cavernous, dreamlike ambience with antique furniture, tiered platforms for sitting on floor cushions at low tables, and a glass atrium that doubles as Gabi Cafe's bakery. Order colorful wedges of crepe cake dusted with powdered sugar, flaky chocolate croissants, and bacon potato quiche. Korean-style medium-roast coffee is aromatic and full-bodied with a lightly acidic flavor that works well in cappuccinos and lavender white mochas. Gabi Coffee and Bakery 9 a.m. — Breakfast at Guieb Cafe This Hawaii-based restaurant draws on Filipino flavors for bold, comforting breakfasts is a casual space adorned with surfer murals. The standout is a stack of purple pancakes slathered with creamy ube mascarpone and garnished with a purple orchid blossom. For those recovering from a late night, go for the prime rib loco moco: a juicy 10-ounce steak served over white rice, smothered in glossy, umami-heavy gravy, and finished with two fried eggs. If saving room for the rest of the food crawl, consider the oxtail soup — flavor-packed and herbaceous, it's loaded with tender meat and swirls of fresh cilantro. 12:30 p.m. — Lunch at Shanghai Taste Chef Jimmy Li of Shanghai Taste earned a James Beard Award nod for Best Chef: Southwest in 2023 — primarily for his delicately wrapped xiao long bao. The restaurant cranks out about 3,000 soup dumplings a day, each sporting savory broth and juicy pork suspended within tender, pleated satchels. The rest of the menu is like a love letter to Shanhainese street food — each dish deftly prepared and most under $15. Bean curd noodles in shrimp XO sauce have a rich chile flavor. Shanghai crispy shrimp is cooked with the shells on for extra crunch, and a beef stir fry is robust with bell peppers, onions, and oyster mushrooms in black pepper sauce. Mark down orders on paper menus and don't miss out on fried sheng jian bao, crispy scallion pancakes, and sticky-sweet pork ribs that fall off the bone. 3 p.m. — Happy Hour at Double Zero Pie and Pub One of the best pizzaiolos in Las Vegas is earning national attention at this Chinatown strip mall spot. Chef Michael Vakneen's dough starts with finely milled double-zero flour, fermented slowly with natural starters, then hand-stretched to preserve its structure. The result is a crust that's light, airy, and crisp, yet sturdy enough to carry bold toppings without turning soggy. Happy hour starts at 3 p.m. with snacks and drinks for $5 — but don't skip the full-sized pies. There's a white-sauce version with browned mushrooms and mozzarella that's earthy and creamy, or a sweet-savory standout topped with speck, fig jam, mozzarella, and candied pecans. Janna Karel 6 p.m. — Dinner at Sparrow and Wolf Chef Brian Howard cut his teeth in acclaimed kitchens like Comme Ça, Alizé, and Bouchon before opening Sparrow and Wolf, his genre-defying Chinatown flagship that blends fine-dining precision with fearless, globally inspired flavors. His seasonal tasting menus jump through the continents with ease, while a la carte options offer a more casual way to explore his boundary-pushing cooking. Standouts include Vietnamese bánh cuốn stuffed with savory duck and wrapped in black rice rolls, Spanish octopus over jet-black squid ink risotto, and honey-glazed pork secreto paired with sweet potato-banana purée. Howard's food is ambitious but unfussy — each dish layered with texture and contrast, without losing its soul. Let the kitchen lead with the tasting menu. Janna Karel 9 p.m. — Cocktails at the Golden Tiki The Golden Tiki is a 24-hour tropical escape, a celebration of maximalism, like Disneyland through an adults-only filter. If you survive the brutal parking lot, step through the dark passageway in the glow of animatronic birds, a twinkling Rainforest Cafe-style night sky, and a life-sized mermaid in glass that looks just real enough to call for a double-take. Bartender Adam Rains slings some of the best tiki drinks in town — classics like painkillers and banana batidas shine here. Plan in advance to reserve a table or just belly up to the bar. With drinks in hand, take a lap to admire the decor — dazzling waterfalls, head-scratching island artifacts, old-timey nudes tucked beneath glass table tops, and lewd wallpaper in the restrooms. The Golden Tiki 11 p.m. — Dessert at Ichiza Perched on the second floor of a shopping center, this izakaya is a Chinatown institution. The menu is scrawled on handwritten paper signs plastered onto every inch of wall space, offering a rotating lineup of specials, nigiri, and skewers that are available that week. But by 11 p.m., the mission is to order the honey toast. The cube of warm, buttery Japanese milk bread is crisped on the edges, filled with diced bites that are toasted to golden brown. It arrives piled high with scoops of vanilla ice cream and honey drizzle that melt into the cracks, glazing every bite with sticky-sweet cream and turning the whole thing into a gooey, golden mess. Wash it down with sparkling peach sake. A late-night bowl of pho at Pho Kim Long is a Las Vegas rite of passage. This Chinatown favorite may not serve the absolute best pho in town, but at 2 a.m., it's the one that matters most. Inside, the lights are bright, the tables are packed, and the crowd is a blur of off-shift chefs, bar hoppers, and industry regulars trickling in from the Strip for something hot and restorative. Start with crunchy chicken egg rolls for the table, then dive into a steaming bowl of beef pho — its deeply aromatic broth tangled with tender rice noodles, rare steak, and brisket. Dress it up with jalapeños, bean sprouts, and torn basil, then slurp it until bleary-eyed. The vibes in Pho Kim Long during the wee hours are like a sleepover party that's gone on too long — over-tired and buzzing, but mostly quietly content. Eater Vegas All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.


Business Wire
11-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Central Pacific Financial Corp. Announces Conference Call to Discuss Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results
HONOLULU--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Central Pacific Financial Corp. (NYSE: CPF), parent company of Central Pacific Bank, will release its second quarter 2025 earnings on July 25, 2025, before the open of the New York Stock Exchange. Management will review the results by conference call and live audio webcast beginning at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time (8:00 a.m. Hawaii Time) on July 25, 2025. Interested parties may listen to the conference by calling 1-800-715-9871 (conference ID: 6299769), or by listening to the webcast on the company's investor relations website at A replay of the call will be available through August 24, 2025 by dialing 1-800-770-2030 (conference ID: 6299769) and on the company's website. About Central Pacific Financial Corp. Central Pacific Financial Corp. is a Hawaii-based bank holding company with approximately $7.41 billion in assets as of March 31, 2025. Central Pacific Bank, its primary subsidiary, operates 27 branches and 55 ATMs in the State of Hawaii. For additional information, please visit the Company's website at: Equal Housing Lender Member FDIC NYSE Listed CPF

USA Today
26-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Hawaiian Airlines hit with 'cybersecurity' incident
A week after WestJet Airlines was hacked, Hawaiian Airlines reported being hit with a "cybersecurity event" Thursday that has affected some of its IT systems. A notice has been posted on the websites of both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines, which acquired the Hawaii-based carrier last year. "Our highest priority is the safety and security of our guests and employees," said the statement. "We have taken steps to safeguard our operations, and our flights are operating safely and as scheduled." Details on the systems impacted or if passenger data was compromised were not shared. The airline added it "engaged the appropriate authorities and experts to assist in our investigation and remediation efforts" as it continues working toward complete restoration. Any updates will be posted to its website. In a statement, the Federal Aviation Administration said it is in contact with the airline and monitoring the situation. "There has been no impact on safety, and the airline continues to operate safely," the agency added.