Through their lens: 15 photos captured in 2021 by Honolulu Star-Advertiser photographers
As we wrap up a second year of navigating life with COVID-19, we are reminded that not all is defined by the coronavirus pandemic. These images from 2021, chosen by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s photography staff, reflect our community and its perseverance through the ups and downs of daily life and its challenges.
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM
Justin Ho demonstrated a flying kick during a workout session at Ala Moana Beach Park in October. Ho is a martial arts “tricking” enthusiast, which incorporates various martial arts, dance and gymnastic moves.2/15
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM
The sun sets under a blanket of clouds in Haleiwa on Thursday, March 11.3/15
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM
In June, I spotted a man who covered most of his face with his mask while taking a nap at a bus stop. Whether you wear a mask or not, there’s one thing we can all agree on, the COVID-19 pandemic is tiring.4/15
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CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM
After a March 9 storm, a missing person was reported at Waihona Stream in Pearl City. I arrived just before dusk and didn’t see any activity. After driving down the street, I noticed a fire truck turning toward a flooded roadway. Minutes later, Honolulu firefighter M. Souza was lowered from a tree overhanging a fast-moving stream. Wielding an aluminum pole like a canoe paddler, he leaned his back against the current, steadied himself, and began probing into dark crevices under a submerged roadbed.5/15
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JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
Since COVID-19 vaccinations became available, they have been a polarizing issue in our community and around the globe. During the first day of vaccinations for keiki aged 5 to 11 in November, it was nice to see a subtle moment of love and caring as 5-year-old Nora Di Rocco held the hand of her brother Mason, 7, while the vaccination took place. It served as a reminder to look at the bigger picture — love and care for each other.6/15
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GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM
Expressing fear for his unborn child, an area resident held up a bottle of water sampled from the tap, which he believed to contain fuel from a Red Hill fuel tank. The meeting, held by the Navy, was attended by about 100 people and was held in the dark at the Halsey Terrace Community Center in November.7/15
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JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
After nearly two years of shooting sports in empty venues, this energetic student section at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in November was a nice symbol of our progress as a community, as we try to get this pandemic behind us. It also was a sobering reminder to bring earplugs.8/15
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CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM
Reporter Rose Bernardo and I were on Ala Wai Boulevard covering a stand-off situation at a Waikiki condominium in March. As we walked around to try for a better angle to shoot photos and video, we spotted a SWAT team member with an inspection mirror observing the suspect. A few minutes later, using a paint gun and a loud explosive as a distraction, law enforcement officers entered the apartment and subdued the man.9/15
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GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM
A homeless individual endured heavy rains at Diamond Head Beach Park in March after beachgoers and surfers had left the area.10/15
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM
I have photographed many COVID-19 vaccination clinics and testing sites since the start of the pandemic. This photo stood out, showing the most dramatic reaction. With a mock grimace, Jerry Felicitas receives a booster shot from Dr. Glenn Young of Kaiser, at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu.11/15
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM
Saint Louis slotback Jaysen Peters-de Laura (1) jumps over Kamehameha defensive back Kyle Lee (12) during the second half of the Interscholatic League of Honolulu Championship game in November. A penalty was called by officials for the play but the Saint Louis Crusaders claimed a 35-21 victory to secure their sixth consecutive ILH crown. Due to coronavirus-related restrictions at Aloha Stadium, news photographers were only allowed to shoot from the press box which accounts for the unusual angle of this action image.12/15
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JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
A chicken and a mop bucket are swept away in floodwater on Haleiwa Road on Tuesday, March 9 in Haleiwa. While covering floods, I always look for a unique perspective and this poor chicken swimming through the floodwater in Haleiwa provided a lighthearted moment for a serious news story.13/15
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CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM
Infant Joyner Goodall is carried by his father, Devin Goodall, into the medical unit at the Hokulani Community Center in the Aliamanu Military Reservation for a checkup. Goodall said his son had not been feeling well. When I arrived at the community center, I was surprised at the large scale of assistance provided to the community, which included water pickup points, home water delivery, food trucks and lodging assistance. The gym was being used as a military command center in response to the Red Hill water contamination crisis.14/15
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JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
Honolulu police officers pay their respects at the Hibiscus Drive residence where a shooting and massive fire took place a year prior on Jan. 19, 2020. The events that took place at that site where a home once stood claimed the lives of four people, including Honolulu police officers Tiffany Enriquez and Kaulike Kalama.15/15
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JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
The super flower blood moon rises over the Makapuu Lighthouse on May 25 in east Honolulu. After many years chasing moons, I was finally able to line up this shot as I had envisioned for so long. It took a lot of planning, shifting, praying and preparation, but at the end of it all — it was all about having that little stroke of luck of being at the right place at the right time.
Kekahuna appears in court charged with 2nd degree attempted murder and assault
Hotel guests admire holiday sand sculptures at the Sheraton Waikiki
Powerful storm hits the U.S. Pacific Northwest and western Canada
Funeral of former One Direction singer Liam Payne held near London
Honolulu police officers recognized during promotion ceremony
Trump, Musk watch SpaceX launch Starship
Gazans scramble to receive food amid a hunger crisis
Conflict in the Middle East continues
World leaders attend the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro
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More Photo Galleries
Kekahuna appears in court charged with 2nd degree attempted murder and assault
Hotel guests admire holiday sand sculptures at the Sheraton Waikiki
Powerful storm hits the U.S. Pacific Northwest and western Canada
Funeral of former One Direction singer Liam Payne held near London
Honolulu police officers recognized during promotion ceremony
