Neighborhood boards reprieved

The Honolulu Charter Commission heard the voices of Oahu residents defending the function of neighborhood boards and last week spiked a proposal that the boards be dismantled.

The elected panels serve as sounding boards on issues of concern to specific communities. Such things often get lost in the crush of business at Honolulu Hale.

Critics pointed to the exceedingly low voter turnout, and they’re right about better engagement: The Neighborhood Commission could improve links with the electorate, perhaps via tech such as social media.

But throw out the bathwater — not the baby.

Albert Hee starts a new chapter

The time has come … to do some time.

After some delay due to concern about his access to health care, Albert Hee, the business- man sentenced to prison on tax charges, finally must begin his 46 months behind bars today.

Judge Susan Oki Mollway decided there was no justification for letting the process drag on any longer than it has.

Twenty-one years ago, the Hawaiian Homes Commission awarded Hee’s company, Waimana Enterprises, a nonbid license to provide phone and telecommunications service on homestead land. But, according to the prosecution, many personal expenses were classed as business deductions or part of a shareholder loan that was never intended to be repaid.

The fact that it’s culminating with Hee in prison at last brings some finality… assuming the story does end here.