Not every think tank thinks Hawaii no ka oi

"Lucky you live Hawaii" is a mantra that most of us in this beautiful state live by, but that opinion is all in how you look at things.

If you’re gauging Hawaii by measures such as "fiscal policy," "regulatory policy" and "personal freedom," then the islands don’t necessarily fare so well, at least as those categories are defined in the latest edition of the "Freedom in the 50 States." The report is issued by George Mason University’s Mercatus Center, which describes itself as "the world’s premier university source for market-oriented ideas."

It gave Hawaii the low ranking of 47, which is the same as it was in 2009 and 2011, so at least things here haven’t been getting any worse, according to the report.

Worse states are New Jersey, 48, California, 49, and New York, 50. As for the states having the most freedom overall, those are Tennessee, 3, South Dakota, 2, and North Dakota, 1.

But who’s walking around saying "Lucky you live North Dakota"?

Beware a bill with your name on it

Having legislation named after a real person appears to have pleased Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler in his effort to be protected from paparazzi at his recently purchased ocean-front house on Maui, but Japanese billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto is not likely to be flattered by the "Kawamoto Bill" being considered by the City Council.

What has been widely known as the Kawamoto Bill — not its official title — would allow the city to impose stiffer fines on homeowners — he comes to mind — who ignore notices to clear weeds, trash or other waste from their properties. Kawamoto already has paid $42,000 for violations on his 21 Kahala properties, to the angst of his neighbors.

Of course, Council members say the proposal was prompted by complaints throughout Oahu. The same cover might be said about the "Steven Tyler Bill" before the Legislature, which would delight all celebrities who deplore paparazzi.