Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Saturday, December 14, 2024 79° Today's Paper


EditorialOff the News

Off the News: More voters, more voting centers

Stay updated on Hawaii and national elections coverage
2024 Hawaii & National Election Coverage

One of the questions the state Office of Elections and other voting officials has to answer is this: Why did so many people in a vote-by-mail state show up at the few Voter Service Centers on Election Day instead?

The throngs at Honolulu Hale and Kapolei Hale kept everyone waiting until late Tuesday night for voting to finish and the first results to be released. It exposed a lot of people to coronavirus infection risk, too.

One pledge many would like to hear: More voting centers will be open next time.

Alan Wong’s goes dark

Alan Wong’s — the restaurant, with the apostrophe-S — is no more, but it’s heartening to hear that Alan Wong the chef is not leaving for good. Wong played a central role in the development of Pacific Rim cuisine and the elite dining-out scene.

Like so many aspects of island business — online meetings, telemedicine — dining establishments are having to reinvent themselves due to the pandemic. There’s reason to hope that restaurants like Wong’s will resurface in some new form, once the economy rebuilds.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.