Square Kady Pascual Headshot RGZ5762

Kady Pascual

Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

Eating straight from the tree hits different.

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Chardonnay.Music

<title>🚧 Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Fruitful tree</title>

Today’s social media find comes from @Chardonnay.Music, with a tasty snack she found in her backyard.

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Fruitful tree

Eating straight from the tree hits different.  Make sure you follow @Chardonnay.Music on Instagram! For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter!

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

For Ryan Emmons, co-founder and CEO of Hilo-based Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages, the company was built upon his passions.

Emmons split his time as a child between the Islands, where his mother grew up and his extended family lived, and

California. He attended the University of Southern California, where he was part of a social entrepreneurship program within the Marshall School of Business.

"I was really involved in clean water nonprofits," he told Aloha State Daily. "Waiākea was founded on a lot of my personal passions and core values that are also, I think, reflective of a lot of values here in Hawai‘i."

[{"type":"text","text":"Waiākea got its start in Hilo in 2012."}]

The company draws its water from the Mauna Loa aquifer system. Water is filtered down about 13,000 feet from the volcano's summit through volcanic rock, which Emmon says "really enriches it with all these trace minerals. It makes it naturally alkaline." 

There are 70 people employed at state-of-the-art bottling facilities in Hilo and Kea‘au, he noted.

In addition to water in bottles of various sizes, sparkling water and boxed water, the company also offers a variety ready-to-drink canned coffees and bags of coffees.

Emmons says Waiākea was founded on a simple idea: the world doesn't need another beverage company or bottled water company.

"But really what it does need is a catalyst for change," Emmons says. "With that, it's really building a brand that reflects values regarding quality, but most importantly, stewardship and community and kind of bringing our community with us along the journey. And from a stewardship standpoint, we wanted to really move the needle in terms of environmental commitments and standards."

Waiākea was the first in Hawai‘i and the U.S. to use 100% post-consumer recycled packaging, which he says has the "lowest environmental footprint" of all packaging types.

"Over the last decade-plus, we've continued to iterate along the way," Emmons says. "Our most recent iteration of that is our OceanPlast line, but we've invested in 'no empty mile' transport management systems, because transport ... in most industries, that's a huge bulk of your environmental footprint, [and also] smokeless roasting for our coffee products."

[{"type":"text","text":"OceanPlast bottles are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic."}]

The company also has spent the last few years working to develop "carbon-negative algae-based inks" for its packaging.

And while all that's happening, the company's nonprofit foundation, the Kōkua Initiative, has partnered with more than 175 other nonprofits, community leaders and organizations to impact more than 550,000 people through ‘āina-based conservation projects and programs that aim to help vulnerable populations.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Company growth"}]

Emmons says the focus for growth has been Hawai‘i but the company has expanded into the Mainland over the last several years.

At the start, there was a small team in Hilo, but the company did a pilot in Los Angeles before scaling that through regional trade shows, he explained.

The focus at first was on the "natural channel," Emmons says, but "realized that we were limiting ourselves, and we really could tell the brand had legs. I think a big part of that was when people turn the bottle around and they actually saw everything that we were doing from the sustainability side to that local community impact."

You can now find Waiākea products at thousands of retail locations across the U.S. and there are now more than 90 people companywide.

[{"type":"text","text":"\"It's been a pretty gnarly journey.\""}]

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Business in Hawai‘i"}]

Emmons is frank when talking about the challenges of running a business in Hawai‘i: It's really hard, he said with a laugh.

"I think any business owner of any size is going to say that operating in Hawai‘i is hard and it feels like there needs to be more done to support local businesses, especially those that are producing and manufacturing things," he continued. "Obviously, I'm biased, but disproportionate amount of jobs are created by the local producers, farmers included. We have a really tourism-dependent import economy, so it just makes sense that we would support more local businesses that are producing things and create a little more self-reliance and resilience for a number of reasons."

Among the challenges, Emmons noted logistics and rising interisland shipping costs. By the end of the year, those interisland shipping rates are anticipated to be 50% higher than 2020. That also affects cost of living.

: The state Public Utilities Commission this summer approved a temporary 18.1% customer rate increase for Young Brothers that went into effect July 1).

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"text":"What's next?"}]

The company recently launched new latte items and bagged coffees that support Hawai‘i Island farms, and Emmon says he hopes to launch glass bottles later this year made with the highest percentage of recycled material in the industry.

"Typically, most glass bottles that you see out there are mostly virgin material, and if you are focused on cullet glass, then obviously that means you're supporting recycling infrastructure. We need more recycling infrastructure for glass. There's like none."

Waiākea is also a founding partner "in what hopefully will be Hawai‘i's first end-to-end recycling facility," Emmons says.

Additionally, Waiākea recently became a Certified B Corp. The B Impact Assessment, overseen by nonprofit 

, evaluates a company's operations in governance, workers, community, environment and customers. You can read 

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Ryan Emmons

<title>🚧 Ryan Emmons and the passion behind Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages</title>

The co-founder and CEO says the Hilo-based company was founded on a simple idea that the world doesn't need another beverage company or bottled water company, but rather a "catalyst for change."

Ryan Emmons and the passion behind Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages

Real Estate

A Waikīkī project more than five years in the making has hit a milestone.

Developers last week topped off Ka Haku, a Hilton Club, a new timeshare property under construction by Hilton Grand Vacations, an Orlando-based timeshare company.

Dozens celebrated the topping off Friday at the Honolulu Zoo, including leaders and from HGV and Nordic PCL, the project's contractor, among others.

A senior superintendent told the crowd gathered that getting to this point was a group effort.

"There's a lot of work that's been put into this project, and it does take the group to get to where we're at," they said. "The structure top-off is a major milestone. Let's celebrate it today. Let's enjoy ourselves today. But we still have a lot of work to do."

Located at the former King's Village site at 131 Ka‘iulani Ave., the timeshare offers 213 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites; a private arrival and departure lounge; state-of-the-art fitness center, pool and pool bar; and a Japanese-style bathhouse.

Tyler Middleton, senior director of development for Hilton Grand Vacations, told Aloha State Daily on Friday that construction on the project began in 2019, "and we were about a year into all of the underground work and then Covid hit."

"We made the decision to shut the project down," he continued. "We quickly became the most expensive parking lot in Waikīkī."

Middleton says the developer got approval to restart the project in spring 2023 and "remobilized" that fall. Ka Haku is expected to be finished and open in summer 2026.

The last of the concrete has been poured and the roof has been completed, but Middleton notes that the crane will remain on site for a few more months to lift some heavy equipment onto the rooftop and into the tower.

As for the work that remains, he told ASD, "It's just going to be all the interior work," including mechanical, plumbing and electrical, furniture, mill work, finishes, paint, wall coverings, tile, flooring and more, as well as the work in the public areas.

[{"type":"text","text":"There will be two retail spaces on the ground floor, Middleton says."}]

After nearly six years, Middleton says it "feels great" to reach this point.

"[At the] end of the day, Hilton Grand Vacations has had very little to do with it other than selecting a great team to build the project, and [we] couldn't be more proud of everyone that's had their hands, their fingerprints on this project and to get us where we are today."

HGV currently operates 13 resorts across four islands, including six on O‘ahu. Ka Haku — which HGV says is named in honor of Prince Albert Kamehameha — is the 14th Hilton Grand Vacation resort in the state and is the only Hilton Club in Hawai‘i. 

[{"type":"text","text":"Middleton says Hilton Club is the company's \"luxury brand.\""}]

[{"type":"text","text":"He declined to disclose the cost of the project."}]

When asked what the project means for the Waikīkī community, he said, "This is just a continued testament that Hilton Grand Vacations is 100% committed to Waikīkī, O‘ahu, the Hawaiian Islands."

According to Middleton, the project has generated more than 500 construction industry jobs during the build, and will support 150 to 175 full-time employees once it opens.

He said, too, that HGV also will make a $1 million contribution to support projects selected by the Honolulu City Council that will "benefit both residents and visitors here in Waikīkī." Additionally, HGV will make a donation to the Waikīkī Community center for every sale, approximately $10,000.

Ka haku hilton grand vacations

<title>🚧 Waikīkī timeshare hits major development milestone</title>

Developers last week topped off Ka Haku, a Hilton Club, a new timeshare property under construction by Hilton Grand Vacations.

Waikīkī timeshare hits major development milestone

Christian Shimabuku Headshot

Christian Shimabuku

Sports

As both and player and a coach, Dennis Thurman's football career has been one that those in the industry aspire to. 

elected to the College Football Hall of Fame

 after an All-American career at USC, played in the NFL for nine years and coached in it for 14, spending two years each as the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills. 

The latest stop in Thurman's coaching career, 35 years and counting, took him to Mānoa, where he has been the University of Hawai‘i's defensive coordinator since the 2024 season. 

Thurman led the Rainbow Warriors to a key turnaround in his first season. His unit gave up 26 points per game in 2024, compared to 32.23 in 2023. He also reduced UH's yards per game surrendered to 312 in 2024 compared to 419 in 2023. 

Aloha State Daily caught up with Thurman, 68, for a Q&A after a recent 

 for the University of Hawai‘i football team. 

 First of all, congratulations on getting elected to the College Football Hall of Fame. What was your reaction when you found out about that? 

 "I didn't really react. It's a great honor, but I've been out of college for 47 years, so it is what it is. I appreciate it, but that's long, long passed."

You earned a lot of praise last year for the work you did with the defense. How would you evaluate your first season with UH?

"Some good, some not so good, but that's to be expected. We had some some highs and we had some lows. Our lows appeared to be worse than our highs, and that's why we were 5-7. We didn't travel well defensively. Our goal is to be better all the way around, but we also have to play better on the road, and we know the opponent doesn't matter. It's about us doing what we're supposed to do, and if we run into a team that's just better than us, OK, they're just better than us. But there were some games last year where we didn't feel that way once the game was over, yet we were on the losing end. So, you know, some things that we're working on this spring to correct that."

 You must have enjoyed your time here if you decided to come back another season. 

 "I am enjoying being around these young people. I'm enjoying coaching college football. I mean, I've coached at the professional level for almost 20 years. And I've played nine years, so when you look at it, I spent 27 years of my life in the (professional ranks). I know what it's about. But I've also spent a number of years in college football. It's just these young people, they do something to you. I mean, their dreams are their dreams, and if you can help one or two of them fulfill a dream and have a better life, then you feel like there's a greater sense of accomplishment to that. So, I'm enjoying my time here with these young people, and we'll see what happens."

What have you seen out of your unit this spring, and what are you hoping to see leading into the season? 

 "We've improved. We've improved I believe, in our overall talent on defense. I believe that a year in the system has benefited us. We're ahead of where we were mentally at this time last year. We're starting to understand exactly what we're trying to accomplish on defense and with the calls that we're making, why we're making the calls. It's not just that we're making a call and there's no rhyme or reason to that and we're just calling it. No, there's a reason why we're calling this. And they're beginning to understand the reasoning, and therefore the overall philosophy of what we're trying to do, and they're beginning to understand it."

 What advice would you have for young coaches that are trying to carve out a career for themselves?

 "When you get an opportunity to walk into a building, you determine how long you stay in that building. The job that you are given, do the best that you can at that job. Don't be looking for your next job. 'OK, hey, I want to be there.' No. Do a great job with the job that you're there to do, and people will notice that. Be loyal. Be good in terms of, 'Hey, I'm a good team guy. I'm all about the team. It's not about me,' and just do a great job. And, you know, do what your boss tells you to do."

 Is there anyone that stands out to you from that perspective? 

 "For our coaching staff, (cornerbacks coach) PJ Minaya. He's doing a great job. He's one of my favorites, one of the guys that I work closest with, because we work together with the corners and the secondary, and I just think he's got a chance. I mean, his mindset, having been a quarterback. He can coach them from an offensive perspective and what the quarterback is looking for. Having played quarterback in high school myself, I understand exactly what he's doing, so now you can look at that and give them information that someone else may not be able to give them."

What do you make of (2024 UH MVP) Cam Stone's NFL potential as he goes through the pre-draft circuit?

: "The most important thing he's going to have is his pro day. Obviously, he played in (Hula Bowl on Jan. 11). I don't know how he did. I have not seen the tape, but it's all about how you handle yourself. Are you professional off the field as well as on? Are you going to study and put the time in to become a professional, learn the scheme, learn the system and be about your business and being accepted in the locker room by your peers? There's a lot that goes into it. A lot of people watch television. They think that the game is easy. Television does football and every other pro sport a disservice, because it slows it down. It makes people think that they can do it. It's not for everybody. It's like being on the freeway surrounded by cars and they're going 70 miles an hour and you're just standing there. OK, you're probably going to get run over. You got to understand what you're dealing with. It's much different when you're out there and how he can catch up to the speed of it, how quickly he can adjust to that. I think he'll be fine."

What's your favorite Hawai‘i related activity?

 "Just watching the palm trees sway back and forth and have a nice breeze and be able to sit and look out of my living room and see the skyline, and see the beauty of this place and just chill. I'm not running around at my age now. I don't run around. I just kind of stroll and stay low-key and just do my thing, which is a lot of nothing."

 Thanks a lot for your time, coach. Is there anything you'd like to add?

"No, I'm good. Thank you. I appreciate it." 

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Fruitful tree

Kady Pascual

Social Media Editor

More in Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Daddy Day Care

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Man’s best friend

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Morning kine action

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Start um young

Most read

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Fruitful tree

Authors

Kady Pascual

Social Media Editor

More in Hawaiʻi Scene on Social

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Daddy Day Care

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Man’s best friend

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Morning kine action

Hawai‘i Scene on Social: Start um young

Most read