The fun is just starting with Hirono-Lingle debates

And they’re off! The proverbial boxing gloves, that is, as U.S. Senate contenders Democrat Mazie Hirono and Republican Linda Lingle faced off Thursday in their first of five scheduled debates.

Televised snippets of their snipes at one another could be foreshadowing a lively debate series. After all, this was just the start, and things only get more intense as we approach election day, which will be Nov. 6.

Thursday’s event sponsored by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce wasn’t a live televised debate, but the other four will be: Oct. 8 with KHON and AARP Hawaii; Oct. 16 with KITV; Oct. 18 with PBS Hawaii; and Oct. 22 with the Star-Advertiser and Hawaii News Now.

You sure? You really, really sure?

Last week’s move by city attorneys to appeal the Hawaii Supreme Court’s ruling that stopped rail construction might have some hidden legal agenda behind it intended to strengthen the city’s hand in future litigation over the seriously challenged public works project, but at the moment, it’s a head-scratcher.

The court ruled unanimously that the state Historic Preservation Division violated its own rules when it allowed construction on the $5.26 billion rail line to proceed without conducting an archaeological survey of the entire 20-mile train route. It also said the special management area permit issued by the city was invalid. Case closed. Time to move on.

But now, the city’s legal staff is asking the court to reconsider. Really? Appealing to the high court to reverse its own unanimous ruling? Can’t wait to see how this turns out.