Kia‘aina off on new adventure

Gov. Neil Abercrombie had it right this week when he said Esther Kia‘aina’s "personal and professional background on Capitol Hill, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands will make her the strong-est possible asset to the (U.S.) Interior secretary."

Kia‘aina is being nominated by President Barack Obama to be an assistant Interior secretary, which, pending U.S. Senate approval, would have her back in D.C. working on federal policy for Guam and other Pacific islands plus the U.S. Virgin Islands.

It looks to be a good fit, given Kia‘aina’s experience on both sides of the globe. Born on Guam, she has worked on The Hill for former U.S. Rep. Ed Case, former U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka and Guam congressional delegate Robert Underwood. She made a neophyte political bid last year, but that office went to now-U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.

Future bright for avocado farmers

Just in time for the Super Bowl, residents in all but 17 mainland states soon will be able to buy fresh Sharwil avocados from Hawaii.

Since 1992, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has made it extremely difficult to export the fruit, for fear of spreading fruit fly infestation. But new rules will make it viable again for isle farmers to resume significant shipments. Estimates are Ha-waii will produce nearly 400,000 pounds of Sharwils for export annually.

"It’s a great opportunity for us," said Tom Benton, president of the Hawaii Avocado Association. "I believe the market is gigantic out there."

That’s great news for the farmers and Hawaii’s economy. Kudos to all who helped make it happen.