Legacy endures in Plantation Village

Time seems to stand still at Hawaii’s Plantation Village. The Waipahu living-history museum is a favorite of school groups, providing Hawaii’s keiki a glimpse back in time to the era, circa 1850 to 1950, when sugar was king and waves of immigrants arrived in the islands to work the plantations. The village includes restored buildings and replicas of plantation structures, and allows visitors to experience the unique cultural sharing that sprang from plantation life.

The museum was established in large part thanks to former state Sen. Cal Kawamoto, who died this week. He was a tireless advocate for Waipahu, and the museum there is not the least of his legacy.

Brother, can you spare 49 cents?

It’s pretty hard not to complain about the prospect of a first-class stamp costing 49 cents, which is the rate just proposed by the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors. Wow, almost half a buck? Wasn’t it just yesterday that a stamp cost a dime? Well, no. That was in 1975.

The USPS needs to get approval for this 3-cent increase from the independent Postal Regulatory Commission, and the agency is making the case that the hike is a "last resort" option to stave off budgetary distress.

The commission might refer to its comparison of the U.S. stamp price to those elsewhere. In a list of 56 nations, America’s stamp was cheaper than those of 41 other countries and more expensive than those in 14 countries.

That should make us feel a little better. Or not. Better stock up on Forever Stamps.