The ’60s will be with us for a long time

IBM doesn’t have quite the corporate profile it once did, but the IBM Building in Honolulu? That’s an icon that should stand forever.

And now it seems that the Ala Moana building, with its distinctive concrete grille, will be an enduring presence. At one point slated for demolition, it’s part of the latest redevelopment plan of its landlord, The Howard Hughes Corp.

Those who hated the thought of it being razed have a few people to thank for the preservation of the 1962 structure. First, its architect, Vladimir Ossipoff, who famously declared a "war on ugliness" in Honolulu, and is responsible for numerous memorable structures here. And second, Dean Sakamoto, curator of the 2008 "Hawaii Modern" exhibition celebrating Ossipoff’s works, who has advocated for preserving the boulevard building.
It may be 2013, but it’s 1960s chic that we treasure.

We like the idea of 2 classes of people — not!

It seems some celebrities would like to be free from the paparazzi in Hawaii and more than two-thirds of state senators are leaping onto their fan clubs. Sen. Kalani English says he doesn’t regard his "Steven Tyler Act" for the Aerosmith lead singer to be a violation of the right of hoi pollois well as other photogs to take pictures of whomever they choose in or near ocean waters.

The bill would open people to civil lawsuits if they invade the privacy of public figures by taking or selling photos or videos of them.

"These are my constituents as well," English says. "Public figures have a right to reasonable privacy."

Uh, but public figures in wide open public spaces? Don’t think so.