Poor Larry Ellison — his fortune is still only $41B

What’s that adage about the rich only get richer?

That’s mostly true with Forbes’ new ranking of the wealthiest Americans: All the billionaires in the Top 10 got richer, except for one who is merely holding even. At the top, where he’s been for the 20th straight year, is Microsoft mogul and philanthropist Bill Gates, with a $72 billion net worth. He’s also now the world’s richest person, having passed Mexico’s Carlos Slim in May.

The exception to the Top 10 got-richer club was Hawaii’s own Larry Ellison — the Oracle CEO now owns most of Lanai — who is at the same level as last year. But don’t feel too sorry for the guy; Forbes reports his fortune at $41 billion.

Take some time at museum to step back in time

This grand opening will be particularly grand.

The Bishop Museum’s new Pacific Hall proposes to tell the story of where Hawaiians came from, tracing the roots of Hawaii’s indigenous people to the far reaches of the Pacific, from Tahiti to Tonga and beyond.

The Hall, which opens on Saturday, offers a unique collection of artifacts and displays that tell the story of Pacific cultures and the great migrations of old; everything from wooden slit drums from Vanuatu to Micronesian navigator Mau Piailug’s model canoe, all artifacts made directly from natural materials.

It’s the kind of exhibit that makes one try to look past the skyscrapers, freeways and tract homes, and strain for a glimpse of what’s left of the Pacific islands as the original inhabitants might have seen them.

The grand opening is Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free.