Discussion

A furious public reaction has brought attention to Act 55, a law that bypasses many regulations for developing public lands. It’s vague, open-ended, and may vest too much power in the governor.

An examination of the differences between the two US Senate candidates. It is a rare election that will have national attention, and possibly tip the balance of power in the US for decades.

How they lost, and where they go from here.

With any luck, our county clerk will emerge to shed some light on our county’s embarrassing electoral episode.

“In 2008, Hawaii had the worst election-day voter turnout in the country. We should treat politicians the way most Americans treat their sports teams. No matter how much they suck, at least show up on game day.”

Examining the top two contenders for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District.

With the Aug. 11 primary election just around the corner, it’s time for Big Island residents to decide what they want from their county government: more, or less?

While Mazie Hirono may prove highly effective at bringing benefits to Hawaii, Ed Case’s independent voting record points to an ability to make bold, principled decisions.

“The council should cut our gaffe-prone mayor some slack, and vote to send Hilo’s trash to Pu`uanahulu.”

The estimated annual cost per job saved in the US sugar industry is $826,000, according to the US General Accounting Office.

Kanemitsu’s Bakery’s closure by the Hawaii Department of Health may be just the tip of the ice berg. But the warning signs are there for anyone who knows what to look for.

“As with the papaya industry, coffee growers may one day have to embrace GMO out of necessity.”

“Islanders treat political offices somewhat like wine cellars, with the older varietals gaining value over time, less likely to be emptied and replaced as the years go on.”

Oahu is already the strip-club capital of Hawaii, but what if we made Big Island the bachelorette party capital of the world? We do have plenty of unemployed, lonely men after all.

“Your friendly neighborhood fried chicken empire is indirectly responsible for more suffering on a daily basis than an entire year’s worth of cock fights.”

“While wagging an open palm toward the sky may demonstrate some serious shoulder stamina, it’s really not buying you our votes.”

“Japan’s economy has stalled since the 1990s. To really kick-start our tourism industry, the US will need to grant Chinese visitors a full visa waiver.”

“Occasionally a celebrity will speak up on behalf of the tuna, but convincing the public that a sushi-grade bluefin deserves the same respect as a bottlenose dolphin is a tough task.”

“Let’s introduce the ‘Bad Parenting Index,’ or ‘BPI’ for short. Using a few simple ratios, we can give a clearer picture of what educators are up against.”

“Hawaii’s civil union law was a milestone for gay rights in the aloha state, but it should never be the finish line.”