Opinion and analysis by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board. Get informed with columns and commentary, and submit a letter to the editor.
Albert “Ian” Schweitzer and Shawn Schweitzer, brothers wrongly accused and convicted of crimes related to the rape and murder of Dana Ireland in 1991, have filed a federal suit alleging that Hawaii County and its police department violated their civil rights with a conspiracy to “frame” them, and by refusing to acknowledge their innocence after the true killer was identified. Read more
The recurring debate over whether trespassing hikers must cover the cost of their rescue if they get into trouble has resurfaced in the state Legislature. Read more
There is no argument that quality K-12 education is a public necessity — investing in informed future generations boosts local economies and is of great import to society as a whole. Read more
The impacts of climate change are no longer a distant threat — they are here and we’re losing lives and the places we love. We’re not acting boldly enough as a state. Read more
I am so glad to see that Gov. Josh Green emphasized the same old talking points in his State of the State address. Read more
I wrote a letter to the editor a few years ago that interdiction will not work if the demand is there. It didn’t work during the Prohibition era and it’s not working for stemming the use of drugs. Read more
The 14th amendment of the U.S. Constitution specifies that “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” Read more
On Friday, every U.S. Senate Democrat voted against the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, a bill meant to ensure that babies born alive during attempted abortions receive life-saving treatment. Read more
The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is aware of the challenges and no doubt has plans to deal with any resulting contingency that may arise from them. Read more
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More bad news: not only is Hawaii the most expensive, the accounting shows that Hawaii’s cost of living is rising slightly. Read more
In Hawaii, the cost of paying for basic needs rose even faster than the national rate of inflation, according to ALICE studies — and that hurts families that are struggling financially the most. Read more
Hawaii’s future depends on our shared commitment to thrive as a community. Together, we can transform lives, break generational cycles and build a brighter, more equitable Hawaii. Read more
Hawaii has experienced an unprecedented rise in mental health challenges among our youth, a crisis that has been magnified by the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
Hawaiian Airlines is discontinuing its Premier Club Membership program, much to the dismay of many. Read more
The Laken Riley Act calls for the detention or deportation of any individual living in the country illegally who has committed a crime. Read more
Lawmakers and media outlets need to take a critical look at Hawaii’s fireworks issue. Read more
Kudos to Sen. Mazie Hirono for her fearless questioning of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Read more
Synopsis: Leonard Peltier is being allowed to return to his reservation after almost 50 years of incarceration for a crime that has never really been proven. Read more
There is no simple solution to solve today’s multi-faceted problems, but following the golden rule is a start. Read more
Many seniors depend on programs like 808 Kupuna Fit to maintain their health and fitness. Read more
Hawaii drivers and motorcyclists should put more emphasis on safety when hitting the road. Read more
