$100M is better found than lost

You know that happy feeling of serendipity that comes with finding a chunk of change under the seat cushion or money on the sidewalk?

Well, the Hawaii Tourism Authority must be feeling that a hundred-millionfold right now, thanks to $100 million more in May tourism spending than initially estimated. That on-paper "found money" basically means Hawaii’s visitor spending is trending upward, not downward, and that’s good news for the industry and state economy. The data adjustment was made after learning that a Maui contractor had used bad data from departing visitors.

The state Attorney General’s Office is looking into the matter, as it should. As with other key indicators such as tax revenues, accurate monthly tourism numbers are crucial to helping economists forecast the state’s overall fiscal health and budgetary give-and-take.

Going for soft sell in tough races

There are issues-discerning voters, and then there are those whose ballot selections depend on more personal criteria.

Lately, TV commercial watchers have seen folks crooning to "Oh, Donna," the 1958 hit, as images of Donna Mercado Kim flash by. Another congressional hopeful, K. Mark Takai, rounds up his kids for a political ad. Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui hopes riffing on his unusual name will boost name recognition and help his election.

All these soft commercials seem oriented around the question: Do I like these people?

Naturally, the hope is that viewers say yes — assuming they get to the polls. Tune in Aug. 9 to see who’s right.