June 20 news in brief: Celebrating chefs, cold brew and wine, ‘Hawaiian Soul’ and more

Schatz celebrates 2 Hawai‘i chefs on national competition show wins

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a Hawai‘i Democrat, celebrated a pair of wins for two Hawai‘i chefs who recently competed and won major national cooking competition shows.

Chef Rhoda Magbitang, a Hawai‘i Island resident and executive chef at CanoeHouse, was crowned winner of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” while Lee Anne Wong, a Maui resident and owner of Koko Head Cafe on O‘ahu — who is also a former “Top Chef” finalist — won Season 3 of Food Network’s “24 in 24: Last Chef Standing.”

“Both chefs displayed incredible skill and perseverance in their respective competitions and showcased what makes Hawai‘i’s food scene so special, with our unique blend of cultures and cuisines,” Schatz said in Senate floor comments. “We’re lucky to have Chefs Magbitang and Wong and so many outstanding chefs who make Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i. Congratulations on your wins; you’ve made Hawai‘i proud.”

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From cold brew to champagne: Alaska, Hawaiian roll out new summer drinks

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines unveiled a thoughtful, hand-selected beverage lineup designed to enhance every guest’s journey, just in time for summer travel.

Alaska expands its partnership with Stumptown Coffee, debuting Stumptown Copilot Cold Brew and offered exclusively aboard select domestic, complimentary to first class and premium class guests or for purchase by main cabin travelers. Meanwhile, a newly curated international business class wine program on international Alaska and Hawaiian flights is designed to complement the onboard dining experience.

Hawaiian Airlines also introduced Tide & Vine, a new main cabin wine offering inspired by the spirit of the Hawaiian Islands and ocean that surrounds them. Available onboard now, it includes a red blend, white blend and brut bubbles, each crafted to bring a sense of place to the inflight experience.

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Schatz: Hawai‘i to receive nearly $25 million for Native Hawaiian health care

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a Hawai‘i Democrat, announces Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems and Papa Ola Lōkahi, which coordinates health care programs and services for Native Hawaiians, will receive nearly $25 million in federal funding from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

This funding, provided through the Native Hawaiian Health Care Program, will help the healthcare centers provide health education, promotion, disease prevention and basic primary care services for thousands of people throughout Hawai‘i.

“These health centers are essential for keeping local families healthy,” said Schatz, member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, in a press release. “This federal funding will help these clinics all across the state keep their doors open and deliver the health care people rely on every single day.”

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Alaska Airlines promotes Tackett to president

Alaska Airlines announced the election of Chief Financial Officer Shane Tackett to president, expanding his leadership role.

Tackett will continue leading the organization’s finance, fleet management, investor relations, supply chain, internal audit and information technology functions while also adding the commercial organization to his portfolio of responsibilities.

His promotion builds on a career spanning more than 25 years at Alaska, where he had leadership roles throughout financial planning, labor relations, revenue management, e-commerce and strategy. Tackett’s new role is effective June 29.

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Schatz co-introduces bill to harden infrastrutcure against floods, extreme weather

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a Hawai‘i Democrat, joined Senate colleagues to co-introduce the Federal Flood Risk Management Act, legislation to ensure federally-funded infrastructure projects are built to withstand the impacts of flooding and other extreme weather.

“Extreme weather is becoming more frequent and more severe in Hawai‘i and across the country, and it’s taking a huge toll on our infrastructure,” said Schatz in a release. “Our bill will help ensure that federally-funded infrastructure is built to be more resilient to the impact of floods and other disasters.”

The Federal Flood Risk Management Act will ensure federal investments account for impacts of climate change in order to protect infrastructure, save taxpayer dollars, safeguard businesses from flood damage and keep communities safe.

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Cancer patients, caregivers invited to explore ‘Healing Through Art’ on O’ahu

“Healing Through Art,” a free public workshop July 18 at University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, welcomes cancer patients, survivors, thrivers, caregivers, family members and supporters to explore how creative expression can support healing, resilience and well-being throughout the cancer journey.

The workshop will feature practitioners representing a variety of cultural and artistic traditions and therapeutic approaches. Attendees will have hands-on opportunities to experience the benefits of haiku reflection and meditation, music, visual arts, lei making and crafting. Information about research supporting art therapy also will be presented.

It is scheduled for 9-11 a.m. at the Cancer Center, located at 701 Ilalo St. in Kaka‘ako, O’ahu and the latest in a quarterly series of patient empowerment programs presented by the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community. Participants can attend in-person or via Zoom. Click here for additional information and to register by July 11.

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National online repository includes University of Hawai‘i-West O‘ahu moving image archive

‘Ulu‘ulu: The Henry Ku‘ualoha Giugni Moving Image Archive of Hawai‘i at University of Hawai‘i-West O‘ahu was selected to be a featured contributor to “250 for the 250th,” an exhibit curated by Society of American Archivists to commemorate the 250th anniversary of founding of the United States.

The national online repository tells the story of the nation in documents. Sourced from institutions throughout the United States and internationally, the collection aims to highlight the full range of America’s documentary heritage and the role archives played in preserving and understanding its history.

‘Ulu‘ulu staff selected “Hawaiian Soul.” The 1987 film by filmmaker producer, director and editor Victoria Keith an co-produced by Naomi Sodetani features Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) discussing contemporary meanings of mana (spiritual power) and kuleana (responsibility), offering still today profound insights into the Hawaiian Renaissance, its unresolved issues and enduring legacy.

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37th Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival rooted in resilience and community

Hawaiʻi LGBT Legacy Foundation’s 37th Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival — bringing LGBTQIA+/MVPFAFF+ films, live performance, filmmaker conversations and community gatherings to Hawaiʻi Theatre Center — is scheduled July 10-12 on Oʻahu.

“Where Stories Take Root” draws from the meaning of kīpuka, a place where life remains and new growth begins after lava flow. This year’s festival — reflecting that spirit through stories of identity, belonging, chosen family, cultural memory, intergenerational connection and places where queer communities continue to grow — brings audiences into stories shaped by Hawaiʻi, the Pacific, Asia and continental U.S..

The 2026 festival continues its long-standing role as a gathering place for queer cinema, culture and community. It includes a free opening night red carpet event at Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Park, drag brunch hosted by Cocoa Chandelier and Marina Del Rey, scholarship program, live hula performance and closing night programming. Find the full lineup and additional information at the festival website.