Off the News

A ‘howzit' from the White House

Was it aimed at those still unconvinced by the long-form birth certificate? Who can say? But in any case, President Barack Obama has taken a few opportunities to remind people this week of his island roots.

There was Monday's shout-out ("Tell her howzit!") to a Punahou School classmate, the cousin of Medal of Honor recipient Anthony Kahoohanohano. And then on Tuesday, he underscored that he once attended the school — Noelani Elementary in Manoa — where Hawaii Teacher of the Year, Kristen Lum Brummel, works. "I went there in first grade," Obama said. "It's a wonderful school."

Maybe just saying "howzit" in public boosts local cred, all by itself.

‘Hawaii Five-0' rakes in the kala

While Hawaii continues to struggle with the economy, "Hawaii Five-0" is promised to sail into its second season as the next billion-dollar CBS franchise.

Leslie Moonves, left, the network's chief executive officer, said "Five-0" is on the same pedestal as "CSI," now in its 11th season, and the spinoff, "NCIS," in its eighth season. The presence and success of the series is a great vehicle for parading Hawaii's beauty throughout the world.