Opinion and analysis by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board. Get informed with columns and commentary, and submit a letter to the editor.
Emergency Services Department Director James Ireland’s prospects for a second four-year term were shaken earlier this year when critics, including a number of former EMS workers, charged that chronic understaffing and favoritism were dragging down morale and causing excess turnover. Read more
If I were a state legislator and knew a bill had support from three-quarters of the state, I would do anything to ensure it got to the chamber floor. Read more
Nine young birds of an endangered species called Sihek, also known as Guam kingfishers, have laid eggs on their new Pacific island home at Palmyra Atoll, making them the first wild eggs for the species in nearly 40 years. Read more
Does Hawaii need housing that’s affordable for people earning what the bulk of people in Hawaii earn? Yes, and it’s a matter of growing urgency that this housing is by and large unavailable, concerning to the state and Hawaii’s employers. Read more
As the state continues to push forward with mixed-income housing developments, I can’t help but wonder what unintended consequences may occur. Read more
Sunday’s article “Wall Street will regret helping the world burn” by Mark Gongloff identifies the key underlying reason why the world is doing far too little to address climate change (Star-Advertiser, Commentary, April 20). It’s all about the money. Read more
In the course of recent history and events, the trajectory of this country has undergone changes challenging its continued position as a bastion of hope for people. Read more
In April of 2024, after much organizing, Hawaii became the first state to pass a Gaza ceasefire resolution with overwhelming votes in the Senate and House. Read more
During Earth Month, we pause to reflect on the bountiful generosity of the Earth and the multitude of ways it sustains and nurtures us. Read more
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The chorus of praise for the legacy of the late Pope Francis came from all corners of the globe, including many voices who were non-Catholic and those who do not count themselves in any religion. Read more
Time is growing extremely short to push state bills through successful passage — and that’s concerning for supporters of Senate Bill 281, which would raise the penalty for torture, a frighteningly recurrent form of child abuse in Hawaii. Read more
It’s Earth Day, a time for reflection on how Hawaii is meeting its longstanding commitments to the environment, which is in increasingly fragile condition. Read more
A solid waste landfill should never be located above a precious drinking water aquifer that must be protected and made available for all future Oahu generations. Read more
Before the 2024 presidential election, AARP reached out to Donald Trump and Kamala Harris and asked them to address issues of concern to senior citizens. Read more
As a psychologist who has worked with individuals and families for the past 34 years, I have seen firsthand the emotional, financial and relational havoc gambling causes. Read more
In February, this paper ran a story about how the Maui Humane Society might have to close due to federal budget cuts (“Maui Humane Society loses 3 due to cuts in federal funding,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. Opens in a new tab25) Opens in a new tab. Read more
We know what happens when a president believes he stands above the law and has no need for ethical standards, when he reduces patriotism to partisanship and jingoism, and when he believes government is there to serve only him. Read more
We’re barely 11 weeks into 2025, and already seven cases of travel-related dengue have been confirmed in the islands — a worrisome reminder to keep yards free of standing water that can breed mosquitoes, lowering risk that the blood sucker-borne viral illness will take hold here and take precautions if visiting areas where the infection is widespread. Read more
OK, sports fans, here’s a pop quiz: Where’s the oldest active baseball field in America? Read more
Hawaii is slowly tightening the leash on firearm ownership. Multiple legislative bills moving through the state House and Senate this session take aim at low-hanging fruit, but are welcome nonetheless. Read more
It’s no secret that children in Hawaii foster care can experience truly terrible outcomes. Read more
