Fight compliments with compliments

Readers are buzzing over what appeared to them to be two big endorsements for Mufi Hannemann.

The Sunday newspaper ad included numerous people who have made well-publicized endorsements of the former mayor. But displayed most prominently were photos of two who have been officially neutral in the gubernatorial primary: the two Dans in the U.S. Senate. The ad included quotes by them of statements praising Hannemann, delivered in public venues.

Opponent Neil Abercrombie criticized the ad, saying it created the "false impression" the senators were endorsing Hannemann. A Hannemann spokeswoman said the quotes were accurate and both senators were aware of the ad.

Seems all Abercrombie needs to do now is dig up two public compliments Sens. Inouye and Akaka surely have paid him over the years and do his version of the quasi-endorsement. Or would it be dueling non-endorsements?

Mercifully, the primary election is on Saturday.

Affordable independence

In a shining example of entrepreneurial innovation, a mainland company is offering affordable rooftop photovoltaic systems to island homeowners.

SunRun, partnering with Hawaii-based RevoluSun and Sunetric, says it will install solar panels at no cost and sell the electricity back to homeowners for 20 years at a fixed rate that should be "lower than what you’re paying your utility today."

By eliminating the upfront cost of photovoltaic systems, SunRun’s plan could be the perfect option for homeowners who want to generate their own electricity — and an important part of the larger effort to reduce Hawaii’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.