Island Air today, Superferries tomorrow?

It appears billionaire Larry Ellison is the secret suitor to buy Island Air, the turbopropo carrier that serves just 5 percent of the Hawaii passenger market, and though it is yet to be confirmed, that would make excellent sense.

Ellison, co-founder and CEO of Oracle Corp., bought 97 percent of Lanai island in June, and the 245-employee Island Air flies there from Oahu five times a day.

"You’re bringing people to your own resort properties," Colorado-based aviation consultant told the Star-Advertiser’s Dave Segal, referring to the hotels, golf courses and luxury home development there. "You never encourage people to buy an airline, but I think it makes sense."

So, if indeed Ellison is the likely Island Air buyer, with his own island and soon possibly his own air force, could he now be shopping around for his own navy?

Hawaii delegation in D.C. strikes first

The celebrating will actually begin tonight — even before President Barack Obama’s second inauguration — for some supporters from his birthplace who have a particular mission.

The Hawaii Presidential Center Inaugural Gala starts at 7 at the Hay-Adams Hotel, the first major fundraiser in the campaign to bring the presidential library — or some form of presidential center — to Honolulu, which is competing with Chicago for the honors.

The event’s sold out. Take that, Chicago. (Wonder if they’ve got anything going on this weekend?)