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Sometimes the story is not in the votes, but the non-votes — though they can be hard to interpret.
Examination of the balloting from the Nov. 6 general election shows that blank ballots were commonly cast in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs election. Did voters feel they didn’t know enough, or believe the race was for Native Hawaiians to decide? Blank ballots were in the 30-45 percent range. By contrast, only 14 percent were blank on the constitutional amendment question allowing a school tax, which the courts struck down. Most people still had an opinion on the moot proposal: 59.8 percent said no.
Hawaiian Air is late — on baggage fee increases
Checking luggage onto a Hawaiian Airlines flight just got a little more expensive. Following the lead of several other U.S. airlines that have bumped up fees this year, Hawaiian’s charge for checking first and second bags on Hawaii-mainland flights has increased by $5 to $30 and $40, respectively. Now in its ninth decade in the islands, Hawaii’s biggest airline last revised those fees six years ago.
On the bright side, Hawaiian Air still serves complimentary meals to passengers in all cabins on transpacific flights. Also, current baggage fees will stay put for its neighbor island travel.
