In recent years, tuition at most of the largest private schools here has bumped upward. The 2018-19 school year is no different, with the average increase set at 4 percent. At Punahou School — the state’s largest independent campus — tuition is rising to $24,780. How does Hawaii compare with mainland states?

According to Private School Review, an online schools guide, the national average for private school tuition was $10,413 for 2017-18. Among states that have both elementary and high school campuses, Wisconsin had the least expensive average, $4,378. Connecticut topped the list, $24,835. Hawaii ranked No. 13, $11,875.

Candidates not at debates stir up tangent debate

Empty seats are not what the voters need to see at a candidate debate or forum.

For starters, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard should heed the advice she herself dished out as a Bernie Sanders supporter, when she dinged Hillary Clinton for backing away from debates. She now should make a point of showing up for debates, too. Meanwhile, Republican gubernatorial hopeful Ray L’Heureux didn’t even get an invite to a recent TV debate.

Voters are being asked to pick from a wide field in 2018. They need a fair introduction to the candidates.