#aloha poke

Mayor Michael Victorino answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.

Protesters rallied today against Aloha Poke Company after the company sent cease-and-desist orders to other restaurants with the words “Aloha” and “Poke” in their names. 

Native Hawaiians from across the nation will participate in a series of protests over the next week against what organizers are calling “aggressive efforts” by Aloha Poke Company “to assert ownership over the Native Hawaiian word ‘aloha.'”

The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement began exploring legal options against Chicago-based business Aloha Poke Co. after the mainland chain attempted to enforce a trademark on the name.

Lei’s Poke Stop co-owner Tasha Kahele said she was “offended” by the cease and desist letter that was received on May 17, 2018.  “We learned growing up that ‘aloha’ is to be lived (right), to be given, to be shared, and not restricted.  So I couldn’t wrap my brain around how that was happening…