At UH-Hilo, the Constitution is ‘expressive activity’

The tenure system was developed, in part, to provide protection for educators who may be teaching material out of the mainstream. Students may need some protection, too — and not for anything controversial.

At least, that’s the takeaway from the lawsuit two University of Hawaii at Hilo students filed in federal court, assuming the allegations hold up.

Merritt Burch and Anthony Vizzone of the Hilo chapter of Young Americans for Liberty alleged that the campus enforced a restriction limiting "expressive activity" when they were handing out copies of the U.S. Constitution and cards stating their organization’s mission.

The fact that the material was a founding document of the country makes it all the more ironic.

Lingle’s back in politics, backing Djou

Linda Lingle is back on Hawaii’s political scene, although not as a candidate. The former Republican governor is chairing Charles Djou’s campaign for Congress, as the GOP candidate seeks to win the 1st Congressional District seat representing urban Oahu.

Djou praised Lingle’s "unparalleled insight and knowledge of the issues facing our state and nation" and noted that she "understands the art of campaigning in Hawaii." Lingle was artful, getting elected first as Maui mayor and later twice as Hawaii governor in a state that favors Democrats. How much she can boost Djou’s campaign remains to be seen.