David Shapiro: We can’t let frustration keep bringing out the worst in us
The news is full of stories about intense public frustration in the face of COVID-19, high inflation and unprecedented political divisions. Read more
David Shapiro
David Shapiro is a Honolulu Star-Advertiser columnist whose "Volcanic Ash" column appears every Sunday. Shapiro has covered Hawaii and national news for five decades as a reporter, editor and columnist for Honolulu daily newspapers.
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Latest Stories by David Shapiro
David Shapiro: Kai Kahele trips over his own hubris in late bid for governor
U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele has a catchy message in his run for governor: “Hawaii’s not for sale.” The question is whether he’s a credible messenger. Read more
David Shapiro: Kirk Caldwell sowed the seeds of doom in his bid for governor
Kirk Caldwell said the political unpopularity that led to his exit from the governor’s race was the result of “tough decisions” he made as Honolulu mayor on thorny issues such as COVID-19, homelessness and rail transit. Read more
David Shapiro: Ethics reform pledge was April Fools’ joke in Legislature
April’s foolery is done, and it’s time to “flASHback” on the month’s news that amused and confused: Read more
David Shapiro: Kai Kahele’s bizarre D.C. absence dims his political future
Hawaii’s freshman U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele is setting new speed records for breaking foundational campaign promises, and possibly blowing up his political career in the process. Read more
David Shapiro: Honolulu Police Commission hits snooze button on picking new chief
The Honolulu Police Commission has one primary responsibility by law: hiring and firing the police chief. Read more
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David Shapiro: The Ala Wai is one of many things much worth fighting for
It’s hard not to feel a good vibe from the Genki Ala Wai Project, which aims to cleanse our toxic canal that runs the length of Waikiki by seeding its muck with fermented mud balls that target the bad bacteria with healthy microbes. Read more
David Shapiro: Humor becomes its own punch line in our slap-happy times
I stopped accepting invitations to lecture college classes after it became trendy to boycott, picket and demand apologies from speakers whose contrary views might “trigger” delicate young minds with ideas that threaten their “safe space.” Read more
David Shapiro: When lawmakers confuse campaign funds with slush funds
There’s a popular fiddle tune at Texas dances called “Cotton- Eyed Joe” in which dancers periodically during the song shout, “BULLS—T!” Read more
David Shapiro: Coronavirus leaves community with emotional whiplash
There’s a restlessness in our state as we start to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic — or not. Read more
David Shapiro: Bob McDermott knows how to get to the bottom of things
It didn’t take long for GOP state Rep. Bob McDermott to turn his U.S. Senate campaign against incumbent Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz to his signature issue: anuses. Read more
David Shapiro: If Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation won’t accept needed oversight, freeze its funding
When the Legislature in 2017 approved its second bailout for the Honolulu rail fiasco — this one for $2.4 billion in excise tax and hotel tax revenues — it came with strings attached. Read more
David Shapiro: Hawaii politicos in shock: Quid pro quo is safe no more
It’s the last Sunday in February and time to “flASHback” on the month’s news that amused and confused: Read more
David Shapiro: To fix Hawaii’s corruption, start with legislative term limits
In its frenzy to show concern after the bribery scandal involving state Sen. J. Kalani English and Rep. Ty Cullen, the House named an advisory commission to suggest improvements to the state’s ethics, lobbying and campaign finance laws. Read more
David Shapiro: When Hawaii lawmakers trade in bullying, bribery is little surprise
Hawaii U.S. Attorney Clare Connors had quite the introduction after a month on the job, presiding over the announcement of a federal wire fraud and bribery case she inherited against former state Sen. J. Kalani English and state Rep. Ty Cullen. Read more
David Shapiro: With state’s stadium plan, biggest games aren’t on the field
State leaders talk about affordable housing, but each time there’s a chance to achieve it, their gaze turns to shiny distractions. Read more
David Shapiro: Legislature kicks off by chop-blocking University of Hawaii
It’s the last Sunday in January and time to “flASHback” on the month’s news that amused and confused: Read more
David Shapiro: Want to know the secret to marriage? A sense of humor
Every five or six years, my writing day falls on my wedding anniversary, and it doesn’t feel romantic to ruminate about my usual topics. Read more
David Shapiro: How did handcuffs become Honolulu’s new jewelry craze?
Video of former city Corporation Counsel Donna Leong being handcuffed and perp-walked into FBI offices to be served a federal conspiracy indictment epitomized a sorry period of city governance. Read more
David Shapiro: Lesson from WWII: Fix democracy with more democracy
Hawaii’s 1954 Democratic revolution has been well documented, marking the ouster of the ruling business oligarchy by returned nisei World War II veterans and others seeking a more equal society. Read more
David Shapiro: Wise quotables to help guide isle notables in the new year
January is a time for fresh starts, and we at Volcanic Ash observe a tradition of clearing the air each new year by offering public officials we may have offended the year before inspiring quotes from the world’s great minds to lift our leaders to bigger and better things in the year ahead. Read more
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