News briefs for May 31: Outdoors Expo, improv auditions, assistance available, Chicky Tendies, L&L milestone and more

Hawaiʻi Outdoors Expo returns to Blaisdell in Honolulu

Get ready to explore the best of Hawai‘i’s outdoors with the return of the annual Hawai‘i Outdoors Expo on Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7, at Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall in Honolulu.

The premier event runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The one-stop destination for adventure enthusiasts of all kinds showcases the latest equipment, services and opportunities for outdoor activities such as biking, board riding, camping, hiking and hunting, as well as water sports including fishing and watercrafts.

This year’s expo features an IKBC-sanctioned Bully Mash Dog Show, highlighting bully dog breeds, and UCE Wrestling Exhibition during both days of the show. Add recreational sports, an “Outdoor Gear” Marketplace, live entertainment, prize giveaways and more, and you have a weekend full of fun and discovery. Tickets are just $10. Visit the Pacific Expos website for additional details.

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Office of Hawaiian Affairs assistance available for those impacted by kona lows

Native Hawaiian families on O‘ahu, Maui, Moloka‘i and Hawai‘i Island whose homes were impacted by the March 2026 kona low storms and flooding can now apply for direct financial assistance through the Office of Hawaiian Affairs March 2026 Kona Low General Disaster Assistance Program.

The program — administered by Hawaiian Council — provides up to $15,000 for eligible homeowners and as much as $7,500 for eligible renters whose primary homes sustained major damage or were destroyed during the storms. An initial needs assessment found 86% of respondents reported having no flood insurance, leaving many families responsible for the full cost of repairs and recovery.

Applicants are encouraged to gather documentation related to residency, occupancy and storm-related damage before applying. Click here to learn more about the assistance program — including eligibility requirements — and apply.

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ABOVE: Hawai‘i National Guard soldiers and airmen responded from March to May 2026 following the kona low storms and subsequent severe weather throughout Hawai‘i. (Video by Sgt. Donald Bond/U.S. Army National Guard)

Hawai‘i National Guard concludes support for kona low, severe weather recovery

Hawai‘i National Guard officially concluded civil support operations and relief efforts related to the two kona low storms in March and April’s severe weather that swept through the state. Remaining personnel providing localized support on O‘ahu have completed their missions and are returning to normal operations.

Hawai‘i National Guard personnel assisted a total of 138 individuals and three dogs. Air crews conducted search-and-rescue operations that aided 47 people and two dogs, while ground crews assisted 91 people and one dog. Service members also filled 4,420 sandbags and provided crucial debris removal assistance to 164 homes throughout impacted areas.

The National Guard now remains poised to support civil authorities and citizens of Hawai‘i during the upcoming hurricane and wildfire seasons.

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Aloha Theatre announces auditions for The HI Line improv group

Auditions for relaunch of Aloha Theatre’s in-house improvisation group The HI Line are scheduled for Sunday, June 7, and Tuesday, June 9, at the theatre in Kainaliu. The troupe returns this fall to the Aloha Theatre stage.

Aloha Theatre is excited to bring back improv comedy, and seeks a few strong improvisers to join the team. Auditions are at 6 p.m. both days. Auditioners should arrive early, be prepared to the best of their ability, bring a water bottle and closed-toed shoes, plus be ready to move.

Visit the Aloha Theatre website for additional information, with any questions or to sign up to audition. All auditions and callbacks will be conducted at the theatre.

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US Small Business Administration kona low relief still available

U.S. Small Business Administration reminds eligible businesses, private nonprofits and residents who were impacted by the March kona low storms that the deadline is quickly approaching to apply for assistance of up to $2 million for businesses and nonprofits and as much as $100,000 for personal property damages and up to another $500,000 for housing to offset physical damage caused by the severe weather, flooding, landslides and mudslides.

Those affected in Hawai‘i and Maui counties as well as City and County of Honolulu are eligible because of a federal disaster declaration issued following the storms. The deadline to apply is June 14; however, once that deadline passes, there is an additional 60-day grace period during which applications can still be accepted.

But don’t wait. Apply now at the U.S. Small Business Administration website. Applicants can also call toll-free 1-800-659-2955 or email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for additional information or with any questions.

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Minit Stop to introduces Chicky Tendies — new take on its famous friend chicken

Convenience store chain Minit Stop and its famous fried chicken have been fixtures of daily life for decades around Maui and the Big Island. Now, the community will have a delicious new way to enjoy that same iconic chicken with the upcoming Monday, June 1, introduction of Chicky Tendies.

This fun, cravable new form serves Minit Stop fried chicken as golden, hand-battered tenders alongside three new hand-crafted sauces, bringing the islands to every bite. Hurricane is a bold kick of Sriracha mayo and teri sauce. Tsunami features a smooth and savory blend of garlic mayo and teri sauce, and Tradewinds offers a more classic creamy sweet and tangy flavor.

Chicky Tendies are the next chapter in Minit Stop’s long story as a cornerstone of Hawai‘i’s local food culture. Stop by your nearest Minit Stop location beginning Monday to put them to the taste test.

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Hawai‘i State Federal Credit Union new savings account help build financial stability

Hawai‘i State Federal Credit Union understands many island residents are finding it increasingly difficult to set aside savings while the cost of living continues to flare throughout the state. So it launched a new high-yield savings account option designed to help its members build financial stability with time.

The Always Saving account rewards steady balance growth with tiered interest rates, offering annual percentage yields of up to 5% on as much as $5,000 and up to 3% on balances of more than $5,000 when monthly balance growth is achieved. It helps individuals and families work to build emergency savings, plan for future goals, save for important milestones or even everyday needs.

There is no set monthly contribution required, provided the account balance increases from the previous month, allowing the accountholder to establish their own savings goals at their own pace. Learn more about the new Always Saving account at the Hawai‘i State Federal Credit Union website.

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L&L Hawaiian Barbecue opens 100th California location

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue now officially has 100 locations in California, opening its newest store in Carlsbad. The milestone also cements California as the Hawai‘i-based restaurant chain’s largest U.S. market while reflecting continued demand for island-style plate lunches throughout that state.

L&L’s California growth is shaped by longtime operators and first-time franchisees who connect with the brand’s cultural foundation and operational model. Hawai‘i’s plate lunch continues to resonate with guests from major metropolitan areas to growing suburban communities who are seeking familiar, comforting meals rooted in island local food culture.

The Hawaiian barbecue chain now operates more than 235 locations worldwide, with additional California restaurants in development. Visit the L&L website for additional information about the restaurant’s continued expanding success.

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Kiʻi Kon Series celebrates visual arts with award-winning comic book artist Phil Jimenez

Award-winning comic book artist and writer Phil Jimenez was featured guest during the latest visual arts event as part of the ongoing Kiʻi Kon Series hosted by McCully-Mō‘ili‘ili Public Library in Honolulu.

Jimenez has long been recognized as a champion for diversity and representation in comic books. His work incudes richly detailed and acclaimed images for titles such as “Wonder Woman,” “The Invisibles” and “New X-Men,” combining dynamic storytelling with inclusive, character-driven themes resonating with readers of all ages.

The Kiʻi Kon Series celebrates the art of visual storytelling through comics and manga. The series started in September 2025 and is funded by Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i. Additional guest artist visits are planned in June. Patrons are encouraged to visit the Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i website for additional information about upcoming events.