Star-Advertiser photographers pick their photos of the year
1/12
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JAMM Aquino / jaquino@staradvertiser.com
A U.S. serviceman waited at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam for 55 flag-draped transfer cases from North Korea believed to be remains of service members lost during the Korean War. “I managed to grab this image while I was walking past this serviceman, as the White House handlers were shuffling us to a closer shooting spot for Vice President Mike Pence. As I walked by, I rattled off three frames, and miraculously, the second of the three was this — symmetry, waiting.” More at https://808ne.ws/2rZAsaL (Taken Aug. 1)
A U.S. serviceman waited at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam for 55 flag-draped transfer cases from North Korea believed to be remains of service members lost during the Korean War. “I managed to grab this image while I was walking past this serviceman, as the White House handlers were shuffling us to a closer shooting spot for Vice President Mike Pence. As I walked by, I rattled off three frames, and miraculously, the second of the three was this — symmetry, waiting.” More at https://808ne.ws/2rZAsaL (Taken Aug. 1)
2/12
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JAMM Aquino / jaquino@staradvertiser.com
A great white shark is silhouetted while swimming off Mexico’s Guadalupe Island. From August through December, divers and adventurers travel to this remote island and protected biosphere 250 miles southwest of San Diego to experience coming face to face with white sharks. “This shot was a dream come true in that I’d always wanted to dive with great white sharks, and I finally did it for my 40th birthday. I had always envisioned a shot of just shark, ocean and sun, all lined up to be a perfect pictorial, and on the final day of diving, all of the elements, including the right shark, lined up. Just grace, beauty and power of the ocean in one shot. (Taken Oct. 30)
A great white shark is silhouetted while swimming off Mexico’s Guadalupe Island. From August through December, divers and adventurers travel to this remote island and protected biosphere 250 miles southwest of San Diego to experience coming face to face with white sharks. “This shot was a dream come true in that I’d always wanted to dive with great white sharks, and I finally did it for my 40th birthday. I had always envisioned a shot of just shark, ocean and sun, all lined up to be a perfect pictorial, and on the final day of diving, all of the elements, including the right shark, lined up. Just grace, beauty and power of the ocean in one shot. (Taken Oct. 30)
3/12
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CRAIG T. KOJIMA / ckojima@staradvertiser.com
“I was rushing to photograph high surf at Waimea Bay when a surfer waved to me. I waved back and told him where I was from and he welcomed me to shoot from the backyard of the beach house behind him. It was a great place to shoot from and I got these six surfers catching this one wave.” (Taken Dec. 14)
“I was rushing to photograph high surf at Waimea Bay when a surfer waved to me. I waved back and told him where I was from and he welcomed me to shoot from the backyard of the beach house behind him. It was a great place to shoot from and I got these six surfers catching this one wave.” (Taken Dec. 14)
4/12
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CRAIG T. KOJIMA / ckojima@staradvertiser.com
“I took this photo during a peace march commemorating the 125th anniversary of the overthrow of Hawaiian monarchy. The marchers of all ages, came all the way from the Royal Mausoleum in Nuuanu. After the group gathered in front of the Iolani Palace, there was silence, crying and praying as the Hawaiian flag was once again raised and flown over its people.” Read more at https://808ne.ws/2Vg7UHg (Taken Jan. 17)
“I took this photo during a peace march commemorating the 125th anniversary of the overthrow of Hawaiian monarchy. The marchers of all ages, came all the way from the Royal Mausoleum in Nuuanu. After the group gathered in front of the Iolani Palace, there was silence, crying and praying as the Hawaiian flag was once again raised and flown over its people.” Read more at https://808ne.ws/2Vg7UHg (Taken Jan. 17)
5/12
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DENNIS ODA / DODA@staradvertiser.com
“A ‘mermaid’ was spotted swimming in the pool that sticks out of the condo Anaha Ward Village on Auahi Street. It’s actually Daria Roud who swims at various venues in her mermaid outfit. She and other mermaids have also been spotted off Ala Moana Beach. I was actually going to photograph Grant Carvalho at Merriman’s Honolulu restaurant at Ward Village. As I was going up the stairs to the entrance, I looked up and saw a mermaid swimming above me. I’ve seen swimmers suspended in this glass-enclosed swimming pool in bathing suits before, but a mermaid!?! There was no wind and the sunlight was hitting the water at just the right angle to create unusual patterns around her that made this picture unique. It pays to always look around and up and down to increase your chances of spotting something special. I don’t think this picture has ever been published.” (Taken July 19)
“A ‘mermaid’ was spotted swimming in the pool that sticks out of the condo Anaha Ward Village on Auahi Street. It’s actually Daria Roud who swims at various venues in her mermaid outfit. She and other mermaids have also been spotted off Ala Moana Beach. I was actually going to photograph Grant Carvalho at Merriman’s Honolulu restaurant at Ward Village. As I was going up the stairs to the entrance, I looked up and saw a mermaid swimming above me. I’ve seen swimmers suspended in this glass-enclosed swimming pool in bathing suits before, but a mermaid!?! There was no wind and the sunlight was hitting the water at just the right angle to create unusual patterns around her that made this picture unique. It pays to always look around and up and down to increase your chances of spotting something special. I don’t think this picture has ever been published.” (Taken July 19)
6/12
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DENNIS ODA / doda@staradvertiser.com
Hawaii island’s Highway 130 was blocked off due to the volcano eruptions in Leilani Estates that began on May 3. The lack of access meant businesses in the area were suffering. Uncle Robert’s Night Market and Hoolaulea featured music by local musicians, food and arts and crafts from many different vendors every Wednesday. When the road finally reopened, tourists and Big Islanders alike made their way to “Uncle’s” in Kalapana for a night of fun and dance. “This photo is one of my favorites I made during my trips covering the eruption (and there is no lava in it). It shows everyone having a good time. The reopening of Uncle’s helped everyone to take their mind off the eruption, at least for a few hours. It’s interesting to note that it was very dark when I made this picture so I did not actually see what the people’s expressions were when the flash went off. The flash lit up the scene, exposing this party scene.” Read more at https://808ne.ws/2BJQl9I(Taken July 4)
Hawaii island’s Highway 130 was blocked off due to the volcano eruptions in Leilani Estates that began on May 3. The lack of access meant businesses in the area were suffering. Uncle Robert’s Night Market and Hoolaulea featured music by local musicians, food and arts and crafts from many different vendors every Wednesday. When the road finally reopened, tourists and Big Islanders alike made their way to “Uncle’s” in Kalapana for a night of fun and dance. “This photo is one of my favorites I made during my trips covering the eruption (and there is no lava in it). It shows everyone having a good time. The reopening of Uncle’s helped everyone to take their mind off the eruption, at least for a few hours. It’s interesting to note that it was very dark when I made this picture so I did not actually see what the people’s expressions were when the flash went off. The flash lit up the scene, exposing this party scene.” Read more at https://808ne.ws/2BJQl9I(Taken July 4)
7/12
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / crussell@staradvertiser.com
Fissure 8 was lit against the plume of the Kapoho lava ocean-entry point. “The duality of this image is what strikes me the most, the fiery heat of fissure 8 against the cooling steam of lava entering the ocean, the darkness of night giving way to the light of day, the orange with its complementary blue, and the confliction of emotions while bearing witness to beauty amongst devastation.” More Kilauea coverage at https://808ne.ws/2LEd6k2 (Taken June 20)
Fissure 8 was lit against the plume of the Kapoho lava ocean-entry point. “The duality of this image is what strikes me the most, the fiery heat of fissure 8 against the cooling steam of lava entering the ocean, the darkness of night giving way to the light of day, the orange with its complementary blue, and the confliction of emotions while bearing witness to beauty amongst devastation.” More Kilauea coverage at https://808ne.ws/2LEd6k2 (Taken June 20)
8/12
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / crussell@staradvertiser.com
“While on assignment on the Big Island to cover the Kilauea volcanic eruption, I went to Pu’uhonua o Puna relief center to photograph a story on the local food aid operation. It was a quiet evening, with the exception of this group of children, so I followed them outside after they fetched their meals. The girls climbed aboard a trailer to sit for their dinner, then started joking and laughing. That’s when I snapped this image, a moment where despite the hardship of disaster, the joy of friendship prevailed. Montana Rowan, 11, from left, Chloe Rowan, 9, Mai’ilia-Ray Kahalepauole, 8, Kapua Freitas, 8, and Harlow Mendes, 7.” More Kilauea coverage at https://808ne.ws/2LEd6k2 (Taken June 18)
“While on assignment on the Big Island to cover the Kilauea volcanic eruption, I went to Pu’uhonua o Puna relief center to photograph a story on the local food aid operation. It was a quiet evening, with the exception of this group of children, so I followed them outside after they fetched their meals. The girls climbed aboard a trailer to sit for their dinner, then started joking and laughing. That’s when I snapped this image, a moment where despite the hardship of disaster, the joy of friendship prevailed. Montana Rowan, 11, from left, Chloe Rowan, 9, Mai’ilia-Ray Kahalepauole, 8, Kapua Freitas, 8, and Harlow Mendes, 7.” More Kilauea coverage at https://808ne.ws/2LEd6k2 (Taken June 18)
9/12
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GEORGE F. LEE / glee@staradvertiser.com
“This photo was taken at the end of my third day of coverage in Leilani Estates. The media, area residents and those who had sneaked in to Leilani Avenue were silhouetted by the fountaining lava at fissure 7. Adding to the ethereal quality of the experience was the dying light of twilight sky and the color of the clouds of outgassing from the surrounding lava field. A very magical moment.” Read more at https://808ne.ws/2QfdM00 (Taken May 24)
“This photo was taken at the end of my third day of coverage in Leilani Estates. The media, area residents and those who had sneaked in to Leilani Avenue were silhouetted by the fountaining lava at fissure 7. Adding to the ethereal quality of the experience was the dying light of twilight sky and the color of the clouds of outgassing from the surrounding lava field. A very magical moment.” Read more at https://808ne.ws/2QfdM00 (Taken May 24)
10/12
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GEORGE F. LEE / glee@staradvertiser.com
“My portrait of Mpho Moloi Ernst was result of a simple question. I asked if she was ready to have some fun. The aim was to have her show off the box braids of her hair of which she was obviously proud of. Taken in our newsroom photo studio, I had her repeatedly fling her head and hair back from a leaning-forward position. The action and the braids were frozen by the studio’s strobe units.” Read more at https://808ne.ws/2rZzsU3 (Taken on Nov. 15)
“My portrait of Mpho Moloi Ernst was result of a simple question. I asked if she was ready to have some fun. The aim was to have her show off the box braids of her hair of which she was obviously proud of. Taken in our newsroom photo studio, I had her repeatedly fling her head and hair back from a leaning-forward position. The action and the braids were frozen by the studio’s strobe units.” Read more at https://808ne.ws/2rZzsU3 (Taken on Nov. 15)
11/12
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BRUCE ASATO / basato@staradvertiser.com
“I was sent out to Waianae on a call of a man who barricaded himself in an apartment in the Waimaha-Sunflower housing complex following a high-speed chase and shots fired the night before. Police officers were already at the scene upon my arrival. During the tense situation, I captured some officers evacuating residents while shielding and guiding them to safety. (The suspect later surrendered and was taken into custody.)” Read more at https://808ne.ws/2TfTOEg (Taken Jan. 28)
“I was sent out to Waianae on a call of a man who barricaded himself in an apartment in the Waimaha-Sunflower housing complex following a high-speed chase and shots fired the night before. Police officers were already at the scene upon my arrival. During the tense situation, I captured some officers evacuating residents while shielding and guiding them to safety. (The suspect later surrendered and was taken into custody.)” Read more at https://808ne.ws/2TfTOEg (Taken Jan. 28)
12/12
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BRUCE ASATO / basato@staradvertiser.com
“We were sent out to Aina Haina in East Oahu following reports of massive flooding in the area and found many homes along Papai Street had suffered damage from the overflowing of the nearby Wailupe Stream. We were met with homeowners, their family and friends trying to clean up the damage — interiors with evidence that floodwaters had risen to a foot or more, furniture deemed unsalvageable piled up on the lawn or discarded in a dumpster. They were pressure washing or hosing off items that could be saved while other weary helpers took a break. The photo shows Shauny Tuohy walking on a carpet of mud several inches deep in the backyard of the home of her mother, Thalia Tuohy.” Read more at https://808ne.ws/2Al5Kh0 (Taken April 15)
“We were sent out to Aina Haina in East Oahu following reports of massive flooding in the area and found many homes along Papai Street had suffered damage from the overflowing of the nearby Wailupe Stream. We were met with homeowners, their family and friends trying to clean up the damage — interiors with evidence that floodwaters had risen to a foot or more, furniture deemed unsalvageable piled up on the lawn or discarded in a dumpster. They were pressure washing or hosing off items that could be saved while other weary helpers took a break. The photo shows Shauny Tuohy walking on a carpet of mud several inches deep in the backyard of the home of her mother, Thalia Tuohy.” Read more at https://808ne.ws/2Al5Kh0 (Taken April 15)
Second round wraps up at Lotte Championship
Honolulu City Council fails to override mayor’s veto on fireworks bill
Migrant caravan continues on its way to the U.S.-Mexico border
Susie Wiles selected as Trump’s White House chief of staff
Babysitter’s trial begins in infant’s drug overdose death
Lotte Championship tees off at Hoakalei Country Club
Mountain Fire burns more than 10K acres in California
Harris delivers concession speech in presidential election
Hawaii’s congressional delegation addresses voters
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Trump picks Susie Wiles as his White House chief of staff
Gov. Josh Green gives state workers bonus paid time off
Rep. Nadine Nakamura becomes Hawaii’s first female House speaker
Honolulu City Council rejects $1.5M settlement in fatal HPD shooting
Final Hawaii ballots trigger state House recount
More Photo Galleries
Second round wraps up at Lotte Championship
Honolulu City Council fails to override mayor’s veto on fireworks bill
Migrant caravan continues on its way to the U.S.-Mexico border
Susie Wiles selected as Trump’s White House chief of staff
Babysitter’s trial begins in infant’s drug overdose death
