Hawai‘i creative individuals are attracted to the historic Johnson house, with Brennen Cunningham finding inspiration in its enduring nature to elevate his craft.

The CLP Clock Tower at 147 Argyle Street in Hong Kong's Kowloon district, a grade one historic building, has been preserved since China Light and Power moved its headquarters in 2012. The tower, opened in 1940, stands as a testament to the area's architectural heritage, contrasting with the Bauhaus and streamline moderne styles of nearby Kadoorie Hill homes. Charles Lai, a PhD candidate at the University of Hong Kong, highlights the tower as a prime example of art deco architecture.

Brennen Cunningham, a woodworker and lamp maker, finds inspiration in the historic Johnson house in Mānoa Valley, Honolulu. The house, built in 1938 by architect Allen R. Johnson, embodies Japanese architectural simplicity and has influenced Cunningham's design practices. Cunningham's unique curved lamps, inspired by traditional boat-building techniques, have become the hallmark of his company, Good Lamp. The article highlights Cunningham's journey from carpentry in Maui to working in New York and San Francisco, and finally settling in Honolulu with his partner, Hannah May. The Johnson house, with its enduring craftsmanship and natural integration, serves as a muse for Cunningham's creative endeavors.

Following devastating fires in Maui, Hawaiʻi, chefs and the culinary community have rallied to provide support and nourishment to the victims. With over 115 people killed, hundreds missing, and more than 2,200 buildings destroyed, grassroots efforts have been crucial in the absence of immediate government response. Organizations like Chef Hui and Common Ground Collective, alongside local chefs and businesses, have prepared and distributed thousands of meals and produce boxes. Efforts include sourcing local food, maintaining quality, and ensuring sustainability through federal and state funding. The community's resilience and solidarity are evident as they work to feed those affected and support the local food industry amidst a drop in tourism.

Hāna Kū is a unique food festival in East Maui that brings together Hawai‘i chefs and the local community to celebrate and integrate traditional hunting, fishing, and farming practices. Organized by Ala Kukui, a Native Hawaiian-run retreat center, the festival fosters a deep connection between chefs and local hunter-gatherers. Chefs like Mark Noguchi, Isaac Bancaco, and others participate in conservation efforts, learn from the community, and cook using locally sourced ingredients. The event emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage, community engagement, and the perpetuation of traditional knowledge and subsistence practices.

Hawaiʻi's local food movement is gaining momentum with an increase in locally grown mushrooms, reducing reliance on imports and supporting self-sufficiency. Farmers like Fung Yang of Small Kine Farm and pioneers like Bob Stanga have led the way, with chefs such as Dave Caldiero and Ed Kenney of Mud Hen Water prioritizing local ingredients. The state's isolation and historical reliance on imported food are being challenged by a tripling of mushroom farms from 2012 to 2017 and a significant contribution to the local economy. The article highlights the challenges and successes of local mushroom farming, the commitment of chefs to source locally, and the broader trend of returning to indigenous crops alongside new additions like mushrooms.

The article by Viola Gaskell discusses the closure of Premium Sofa Club, a popular underground music venue in Hong Kong, due to unsustainable rent increases and the challenges faced by indie music venues in the city. The owner, Lucas Luraka, started the club out of frustration with the mainstream club scene and the lack of venues playing music he enjoyed. The article also touches on the plight of another indie venue, Hidden Agenda, which is shutting down after conflicts with authorities and the arrest of its owner and foreign musicians. The piece highlights the difficulties of running indie venues in Hong Kong's regulatory environment and the disparity in treatment between mainstream and underground clubs. Lucas Luraka expresses hope for the future of electronic music in Hong Kong but remains uncertain about finding a venue that matches his tastes, hinting at the possibility of opening another club.

A Kaneohe family is suing state education and health officials for failing to place their severely disabled son in intensive treatment. The lawsuit alleges violations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, claiming the Department of Education (DOE) and Department of Health (DOH) have neglected their responsibilities. The family's 17-year-old son, diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder, has been moved between various institutions without receiving proper education or care. Advocates argue for the need for more specialized treatment facilities in Hawaii to prevent such cases. The DOE and DOH are criticized for their handling of the situation, with calls for systemic improvements in services for disabled students.

Hawaii's legislative committees on education are set to address campus safety, transportation, career education, and early learning in the 2023 session. Key issues include preparedness for active shooter incidents, sexual violence on college campuses, expanding early learning funding, and facilitating out-of-state teacher hiring. Legislators support raising teacher pay and expanding career and technical education. Bills are also being proposed to make community college free, strengthen civic education, and improve school lunches with local produce. Transportation challenges in rural areas due to driver shortages are a priority, with some schools resorting to using vans. Conservative bills on controversial topics are expected to be introduced but are unlikely to pass. The education reporting is supported by Chamberlin Family Philanthropy.

Hawaii is set to expand access to preschool with significant funding and legislative support. Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke emphasizes the need for more funding to bolster the workforce, while Kerrie Urosevich advocates for higher wages for early childhood educators. The state aims to double or triple the workforce by 2032 to achieve universal pre-K. Efforts include the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact and the Hawaii Promise Program. The state is also considering partnerships with private providers to make preschool more accessible. The mixed delivery system is seen as crucial for meeting the state's educational needs.