Off the News

State's top lawyer doesn't represent you

Who is the people's lawyer? In Hawaii, it's not the attorney general, whose spokesman declined, on the basis of attorney-client privilege, to provide the Star-Advertiser a copy of written advice to reapportionment commissioners on redrawing the state's legislative districts.

In 43 states the attorney general is elected by the people and the notion of keeping things secret from them on the basis of attorney-client privilege would be an oxymoron.

Hawaii is among only five states where the attorney general's client is the governor, who makes the appointment, and other state offices.

The other two are chosen by the supreme court or legislature.

A spectacular weekend for parading around

It's going to be a weekend for walking, but in high style rather than exercise togs.

For starters, at 9 a.m. tomorrow is the 95th annual Kamehameha Day Floral Parade downtown, with a theme celebrating the "wahine holo lio," the beautifully bedecked pa‘u riders who are so central to the Kamehameha Day tradition.

Then at 5-7 p.m. Sunday, it's the Pan-Pacific Matsuri Parade through Waikiki, with all manner of Asian spectacle, costumes and music.

After a big weekend dose of color and culture, we'll all be ready for workday routines on Monday.

Or not.