Celebrate Kuhio Day with a history lesson

Yes, Prince Kuhio Day is one of those uniquely Hawaiian holidays for state and city workers. Here’s a little history lesson to read on the man himself, not a very tall order in return for today off.

After Hawaii became a U.S. territory, the heir to the throne of the old kingdom wrote the first Hawaii statehood bill in 1919. He also won passage of the Hawaiian Homes Act, something Hawaiian homesteaders can celebrate, even those not on holiday.

This and King Kamehameha Day are the only two holidays in America that honor royalty.

There. Class dismissed, and enjoy the day off. Consolation prize for those headed to the office: There’s free street parking for all.

Hawaii loves Obama, gas prices and all

As gasoline prices climb, President Barack Obama’s approval ratings plummet, as nearly two-thirds of Americans say they disapprove of the way the president is handling the situation at the pumps, The Washington Post reported this month.

Except, of course, in Hawaii. While Hawaii coped last week with the highest state average gas price, at $4.49 a gallon, according to GasBuddy.com, Obama’s native state also led the states in approving his job performance, with a 56.1 percent rating, according to a recent Gallup poll.