Aloha State Daily

1 day ago | alohastatedaily.com | Katie Helland

Walt Disney Studios announced a live action “Lilo & Stitch 2” is in development on Thursday, June 26. The date is significant because Stitch, a blue alien whose wild antics make up most of the plot, is known as Experiment 626. Disney’s live action remake of “Lilo & Stitch,” which released about a month ago, on Friday, May 23, is approaching $1 billion in sales, according to boxofficemojo.com. As of today, the film had brought in $914,396,949 worldwide.

2 days ago | alohastatedaily.com | Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Whether you’re looking for dinner after a movie or concert — or simply got the late-night munchies — it can be difficult to think of a spot that’s still open (beyond the nearest drive-thru) when hunger strikes. Here are some spots across Oʻahu that are open past 10 p.m. — and some even open until the early morning hours:(Note: This is not an all-exhaustive list.

2 days ago | alohastatedaily.com | Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Located in Dukes Lane Market & Eatery in Waikīkī, Basalt Waikīkī is a hidden gem. The eatery has been open for about eight years — its anniversary is in July — but the restaurant just launched a completely new menu for the first time in years. Lance Kosaka — formerly at renowned eateries like Top of Waikīkī, 53 By the Sea, Merriman’s and, most recently, Mariposa — joined the Basalt Waikīkī team as executive chef this past April.

2 days ago | alohastatedaily.com | Katie Helland

Hawaiʻi Island-based singer and songwriter Kalaʻe Parish took home some of the most prestigious honors in Hawaiian music at this year's Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. The accolades included Album of the Year (“Where I’m Going”), Contemporary Album of the Year (“Where I’m Going”), Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year (Composer Award, “Kickinʻ Back”). He also took home a fifth award, which is shared with his wife, Kalena, for Christmas Album of the Year (“Kala‘e + Kalena + Kalikimaka”).

2 days ago | alohastatedaily.com | Michael Brestovansky

Certain state employees including teachers and wastewater workers may not become eligible for retirement benefits sooner after all. Gov. Josh Green made a last-minute addition to his intent to veto list on Tuesday, adding Senate Bill 935 to his list of 19 other bills he intends to overrule in part or in full. SB 935 is broadly related to retirement benefits for various state employees. One of its components would open the door for certain state employees to receive their benefits sooner.