Opinion and analysis by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board. Get informed with columns and commentary, and submit a letter to the editor.
The worst of the fears seemed to ebb over the weekend, as firefighters worked to contain 80% of the blaze on Haleakala Crater Road; on Saturday, the emergency advisory for residents was lifted. Read more
Sad to say, there’s nothing new about the level of political violence on the U.S. landscape. The public has become inured to bloody conflict, the latest fresh shock dealt as an attempted assassination at a campaign rally Saturday. Read more
President Joe Biden’s recent debate and interview debacles have had many concerned whether because of his age, he should consider retiring. Read more
It’s a long shot that an entertainment venue will retain its popularity for 50 years — but Waikiki’s Hula’s has stayed the course, earning its reputation as Honolulu’s legacy gay bar by making entertainment job one, with live music, DJs and drag shows throughout the week and a mission to serve up “Aloha for All.” Read more
The commentators saying that political violence has no place in America should talk to people like Rep. Jamie Raskin, who investigated Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election; he has endured constant death threats. Also talk to the prosecutors, judges and staff in Trump’s criminal trials for election interference. Read more
So much hatred, anger and divisiveness consumes our nation. Whether a supporter of Trump or Biden, there is no excuse for violence and it should never — and will never — be condoned. Read more
Fuel (vegetation) is the fire triangle element that can be managed. We have drought maps, but they don’t tell us about fuels. Red flag warnings consider vegetation moisture, but they are issued only under certain weather conditions. Read more
In lieu of spending money to hire a PR firm to sell the Honolulu rail, why not have a few weekends when the public can ride Skyline for free or at a reduced rate to experience the benefit. Read more
A recent letter is partly right (“Before voting, crucial to learn about Project 2025,” Star-Advertiser, July 12). Project 2025 was written by The Heritage Foundation. Read more
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Alec Baldwin “dodged a bullet” when his charge for involuntary manslaughter was dismissed. Read more
In early May, Gov. Josh Green signed a law giving counties the specific authority to regulate — and to phase out — short-term rentals (STRs) as part of their authority over zoning. Read more
You’d think the word would be out by now: It’s not OK to carry grenades — or items that look like grenades — in your luggage. Read more
It would be rare indeed these days to be a consumer still left unscathed by the malignant forces of data hackers. Read more
With another Maui fire, I am concerned that there have been no plans made for water or rain runoff catchments or reservoirs to be built instead of losing it to the ocean. Read more
If you want people to ride Skyline, then place restrooms in every station, position parking areas at every station and extend the route all the way to Ala Moana Center, the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and University of Hawaii at Manoa. Read more
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade — and Donald Trump and the Republicans’ support for this move — echo a dangerous precedent of leaving fundamental rights to the discretion of individual states. Read more
Our beaches are in dire need of our attention and care. The amount of trash and debris littering the sand and shoreline is not only an eyesore, but also harms marine life, contaminates our water and affects our local economy. Read more
Can we please stop claiming a second Donald Trump term would be the end of the world and our democracy? Yes, he lost in 2020. Yes, he says stupid things. Read more
It does seem to me that with every presidential election, people hope for someone with youthful vitality, honor and political, diplomatic and worldly savvy with which to meet the domestic and international challenges he or she will face. Read more
President Biden is the Democratic voters’ choice. The reason why the Republican Party is strong is because its members stick together even though they don’t care about what’s best for Americans. Read more
As of July 1, HMSA members have been burdened with a new authorization form for all lab tests. Read more
