July is finally in the rearview mirror, and it’s time to “flASHback” on the month’s news that amused and confused:

>> The 2021 Legislature ended its prolonged session with Gov. David Ige vetoing 26 bills, lawmakers overturning six of the vetoes and both sides chest-thumping about their accomplishments. Which were basically undoing each other’s work.

>> Ige said he hasn’t decided whether he’ll require state workers to get vaccinated as a new COVID-19 variant surges. He’s afraid it would be too much of a shock to the citizenry if the government sets a good example.

>> Former Hawaii first lady and laundry executive Vicky Cayetano is considering a run for governor to bring our problems “fresh perspective.” The solution to what stinks in this state couldn’t be as simple as Febreze.

>> Former Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell also made it known that he wants to be governor, saying politics is “in my blood.” Politics and a six-figure public paycheck to supplement his bank job.

>> A third likely Democratic candidate is Lt. Gov. Josh Green, who said he won’t make a decision until after he finishes protecting us from COVID. I didn’t know grandstanding on TV provided protection from COVID.

>> The city’s projection of future ridership for Honolulu rail has dropped another 18%, but municipal leaders insisted the long-delayed system will still be useful. We always needed a $12.5 billion mobile homeless shelter.

>> Filmmaker Anthony Aalto said it’s worth giving him a chance to be a director of the city rail agency because the experts haven’t come through. And medical experts haven’t cured cancer, so we should give Woody Allen a shot.

>> After two retired cops Mayor Rick Blangiardi picked to serve on the Police Commission withdrew amid much controversy, he named former TV anchor and PR exec Ann Botticelli. It would seem so perfect … if he was still hiring at Hawaii News Now.

>> An 11-month-old puppy on Maui made a miraculous recovery after being run over by a car and shot in the head. The Hawaii Tourism Authority is hoping it will fare as well after its drive-by shooting by the Legislature.

>> The nonprofit TRIP reported that pavement on Hawaii’s interstate highways is by far the bumpiest in the nation, but the state said the group didn’t tell the whole story. They failed to mention we have the worst schools, bridges and airports, too.

>> A quarter of Hawaii beaches last year had at least one day in which they exceeded the fecal bacteria safety threshold for healthy swimming. With a bit more effort, we can defecate our way to keeping overflow tourists at home.

And the quote of the month … from City Council Chairman Tommy Waters on Jill Biden’s stopover from the Olympics: “The first lady was super charming … and gracious. I even got the first lady to do the shaka sign.” I thought she was just sticking out her pinkie while she held her nose.

Reach David Shapiro at volcanicash@gmail.com.