Thanks, Tulsi, for saving us some money

Some voters in Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District could read Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation from the City Council as a diss against Republican candidate Kawika Crowley, who still officially stands between her and that coveted seat in the U.S. House.

But realists acknowledge that the outgoing Council member now has statewide name recognition, owing to her vigorous, high-profile primary campaign. That, and the dominance of the Dems in general puts victory mere inches away. Giving up the City Hall job seems a rational assessment of her odds, and of how wasteful a special election would be. Now the candidates to replace her at Honolulu Hale can get their names on the general election ballot.

Saving the taxpayers an estimated $150,000? Call that a parting gift.

Besides, she’s done us all another favor: The race for Council has just ticked up in entertainment value. Popcorn, anyone?

The facts of life, you gotta get ’em right

Just the facts, ma’am — er, sir. The latest State of Hawaii Data Book is out, and the person most deserving of thanks for this periodic bonanza of info about life in these islands is Robert Schmitt.

Those who remember the late state statistician describe him as someone with a stunning array of facts at hand or within easy reach. The hefty paperback he pioneered allowed everyone to feel like an expert, too, and now it takes only a few keystrokes to get it all online (hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/economic/databook).

The meaning of life may not be laid out there, but lots of other things are. Dig in.