The matter went before the high-powered state Public Utilities Commission, but really, it smacked of a grade-school squabble. And in the end, the teacher — er, PUC Chairman Randy Iwase — hit the right, strict tone: Don’t do it again, and play well with others.

Iwase’s reprimand was against Isaac Moriwake, a lawyer for the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, who state Consumer Advocate Dean Nishina said had been “hostile, aggressive, bullying” toward Marcey Chang, a chief engineer in Nishina’s agency. The “heated discussion” about energy storage issues occurred at an Oct. 11 informal meeting convened by HECO. Nishina had wanted the PUC to ban Moriwake from future industry meetings, and to create policies for behavior at meetings. Iwase rightly declined, but rebuked Moriwake, who has since apologized.

Santa’s back at Ala Moana, with new neighbors

The iconic “Big Santa” has returned to Ala Moana Center near his traditional perch overlooking the boulevard. Yes, what used to look overpowering in baby boomers’ memories now seems harder to spot by the big new condos next to him. Still, Big Santa has held up pretty well in his roughly half-century of life. It wouldn’t be Christmas without him.