Just when you thought life was back to normal

For many of us, the best part of the Nov. 2 election was Nov. 3 — the day the guns fell silent and the war ended. But for folks from Makaha to Ewa Beach, it was only a reprieve.

Now voters must choose a replacement for the District 1 seat on the Honolulu City Council of Todd Apo (pictured), and no fewer than 14 — yes, 14 — candidates will be fighting it out.

The deadline to register for the all-mail special election is Nov. 29. Voting concludes Dec. 29. Recovery begins immediately thereafter.

Bilingualism something we should talk about

In today’s global, multicultural world, speaking a second, or third, or even fourth, language is a valuable skill.

In Hawaii, which prides itself on being a worldly melting pot, this can be easier to achieve than in other, mainly homogenous towns. Thanks to Hawaii’s rich immigration history, a second language has been handed down in many households. The trick now is to perpetuate that legacy from generation to new generation. Keeping conversant via chats with obachan or popo will help a lot; so do language schools with weekend or after-school classes for the kids. In fact, we treasure such centers at Mun Lun School, now marking its 100th anniversary near Chinatown, for helping to keep bilingualism alive.

All together now: Ni hao ma?