Opinion and analysis by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board. Get informed with columns and commentary, and submit a letter to the editor.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority will no longer be an independent agency, should Senate Bill 1571 become law: The bill removes executive authority from the HTA board, making it an advisory body, with purse strings controlled by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Read more
Traveling the world is still high on the list for youth, but it’s certainly not carefree these days. So Charlotte Pohl and Maria Lepere discovered recently on arrival in Honolulu when their plans to vacation “spontaneously” did not pass muster with immigration officials. Read more
April is Autism Acceptance Month — a time to celebrate, educate and advocate for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Read more
The less-pleasant facts of island life include this one: If you live in a coastal community with a single major access route, evacuating that home in times of emergency, or even making the daily commute, could be at least frustrating, if not an outright danger. Read more
That the East-West Center received already appropriated funds from the federal government and raised $500,000 from donors recently is partially good news. Read more
Since I blindly bought into an appointed state Board of Education, it has been one of Hawaii’s biggest obstacles. While other BOEs have met with tough intervention, I don’t see that happening here. Read more
A writer is trying to use the ever-growing national debt, as well as social services security, as justification for federal cuts (“Trump, Musk not afraid to fix Social Security,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, April Opens in a new tab16) Opens in a new tab. Read more
The principle of “no territorial acquisition by force” is a cornerstone of international law. When a state declares annexation on its own, the international community typically does not recognize the act. Read more
Congratulations to the University of Hawaii men’s volleyball team for winning the Big West championship. Read more
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When we talk about global trade, the conversation often feels far removed, focused on international power dynamics and high-level negotiations. Read more
Most of Honolulu’s parks are off-limits to dogs — a reasonable rule, so that dogs don’t “go” where people plank or picnic on the grounds. Read more
When it comes to sense of place and connection to the land, the people of Hawaii certainly maintain a deep bond. Read more
A nautical Pandora’s box has been flung agape. On April 17, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that will, among other fishery-related actions, lift commercial fishing restrictions within the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. Read more
I am at a loss at understanding the current commotion about measles. Children are contracting measles all over, even in Hawaii. Read more
Those who propose a lottery for Hawaii should realize that the poor and economically challenged will likely spend a disproportionate amount of their money on lotto tickets instead of food and other essentials. Read more
I agree 100% with the letter on nuclear energy being too risky for Hawaii (“Nuclear energy simply too risky for islands,” Star-Advertiser, April Opens in a new tab24) Opens in a new tab. Read more
Referring to a recent letter, the big problem with outfitting older buildings with sprinkler systems can easily be solved by converting existing dry standpipe systems (“Beneficial sprinkler law is breaking the bank,” Star- Advertiser, April Opens in a new tab17) Opens in a new tab. Read more
There has been a lot of reporting about people speeding in Hawaii. I decided to drive from Kaneohe on the H-3 freeway, then continue on to the Likelike Highway and back to Kaneohe, driving the speed limit. Read more
Gambling in Hawaii is a 50-50 choice. Read more
The Star-Advertiser’s April 14 article, “City fails to collect millions in rental fines,” lacks important context, including the nature of collections work, the evolution of short-term rental (STR) fines policy, and the lack of city Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) resources. Read more
A recent commentary indicating that online betting is already in play in Hawaii was the typical clever wording from high-paid gambling advocates hired by the predatory gambling industry. Read more
