Kokua Line: Why does DMV take old license before mailing new one?
Question: When renewing a Hawaii driver’s license, why can’t we keep our old license while we’re waiting for the new plastic license in the mail, which takes weeks? Read more
Featured Columns
Opinions, guest essays and editorials from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Featuring Kokua Line, Rearview Mirror, David Shapiro, Richard Borreca and others.
Column: Gov. Green’s popularity provides shield for new fees
Josh Green ranks sixth nationally in governor approval ratings. Read more
Volcanic Ash: Hawaii firearms squabble challenges U.S. high court
There’s been hand-wringing from the political left about a constitutional crisis if Donald Trump ever refuses to comply with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling he doesn’t like. Read more
Rearview Mirror: Kimchi and Spam musubi among year’s tasty topics
This year in Rearview Mirror, we learned about a pilot who flew his plane under a Kauai bridge, we looked into the writing of the song “Mr. Sun Cho Lee,” by Bob Magoon and the Beamer brothers, and we learned about a buoy off Waikiki that was painted pink in protest. Read more
Kokua Line: Is UH warning foreign students about returning to U.S.?
Question: My son goes to USC, and he said foreign students who plan to go home for winter break are being told to be back on campus before President- elect Donald Trump takes office. Is UH telling its foreign students anything like this? Read more
Kokua Line: Why isn’t cellphone OK for online test to drive?
Question: To get a driver learner’s permit, you can take the written test online. But you can’t do it on a cell phone. Why? We do everything on our phones. The IRS even lets you file your taxes on your phone. Read more
Tech View: Buying a new computer? Here’s what to consider
The holiday season is prime time for the purchase of new computers. Gifts, prepping students for the next semester, or setting up businesses to hit the ground running in the new year — are all high on the list for many folks. Read more
Kokua Line: Why can homeless people dominate park’s pavilion?
Question: Is the pavilion at Old Stadium Park made available on a first-come, first-served basis? Is that why homeless people and their unleashed, constantly barking dogs are able to stay there throughout the day and night, day to day? Read more
Kokua Line: What’s the process to report food poisoning?
Question: What is the correct procedure to inform a restaurant about an apparent case of food poisoning? Should I call? Show up in person? I’d like to know whether anyone else had a problem. How do I report it? Read more
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with top news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!
By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser's and Google's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA.
Stephen Tsai: Be wary before you think about transferring
Times are hard on the boulevard, which means this year’s gifts will be unsolicited advice. Read more
Sjarif Goldstein: Honolulu Marathon brings back memories of friend who lost battle to cancer
The Honolulu Marathon means different things to different people. For some it’s the culmination of months of training, for others it’s a boost in income from the influx of tourists. To some it’s a traffic obstacle to plan around, and to others it’s an excuse to visit Hawaii once a year. Read more
Kokua Line: How can I cash ruined savings bond?
Fewer and fewer banks cash out savings bonds, even for their own customers. Read more
Column: Public needs legislative transparency
The usefulness and functionality of the Legislature’s website has earned national recognition and awards. Read more
Column: $80M for 2 paths for walkers, bikers? Bridge too far
Several new plans are being pushed forward that would add hundreds of millions of dollars in costs to encourage bike riding. Read more
Column: Navy must right Red Hill fuel-spill wrongs
The contamination of the land above the aquifer and of the aquifer itself from the Navy’s Red Hill fuel facility is an unprecedented threat. Read more
David Shapiro: High times at the Capitol as legal pot rises anew
With new House leadership following the election defeat of Speaker Scott Saiki and a slew of new members, hopes are high among cannabis advocates. Read more
Rearview Mirror: 2024 columns spotlighted Obama Sr., Dick Tracy tale
Every December, I review the previous 11 months and write a two-part series of things I learned during the year. Writing this column is a process of discovery for me that I thoroughly enjoy. Here are some highlights. Read more
Kokua Line: How do I get refund from Harris Jewelry?
Question: Did Harris Jewelry ever have stores in Hawaii? Read more
Facts of the Matter: Snowball Earth hypothesis: A planet frozen in time
Imagine the entire Earth locked in a deep freeze, covered in ice from the poles to the equator. This is the essence of the Snowball Earth hypothesis, a theory that suggests our planet may have been entirely or nearly entirely frozen over multiple times in its ancient past. It’s an idea that sounds like science fiction, but there is strong evidence to back it up. Read more
Kokua Line: Will Re-use Hawai‘i and HNL Tool Library reopen?
Question: Will the HNL Tool Library ever reopen? It closed when Re-use Hawai‘i closed in August. Read more
Kokua Line: Where are the Christmas parades?
Question: What is the schedule for Honolulu City Lights? We have guests coming in who might enjoy it. Also, where can we find information about other Christmas parades? Read more
Having trouble finding what you need? Try using our search feature.
Subscriber Favorites
ABC to pay $15M to Trump library to settle lawsuit
FBI: Most Northeast drone sightings are actually manned aircraft
Queen’s plans new hospital in Kailua-Kona with helipad, housing
N.Korean troops join Russian assaults in large numbers, Ukraine says
UH lands 2 special teams transfers
More Editors' Picks
Queen’s plans new hospital in Kailua-Kona with helipad, housing
The Navy to hold public meetings on draft EIS for Pacific training
Congressional delegation continues to support Maui survivors
City Council urges study of moving paramedics to HFD
Siblings help other families by creating cycle of kindness
