Helm helped out in a beautiful way

Inaugurations tend to have a scripted quality, no matter how festive the event. The way that Gov. David Ige’s swearing-in ceremony went off script was lovely, a real treat for the live audience and anyone watching on TV.

Raiatea Helm, who had earlier sung the national anthem, stepped up to the microphone again to fill the 15-minute gap that resulted from the proceedings being ahead of schedule.

The state Constitution requires the governor to be sworn in right at noon, so Helm sang several Hawaiian songs in the meantime — providing a memorable grace note that infused the event with culture and class.

Represent your neighborhood

The elections are right around the corner — again. No, not the statewide primary or general — but Oahu’s neighborhood board elections, which will be held in spring 2015.

Candidates are being sought now through Feb. 20 (see http://www1.honolulu.gov/nco/2015electionfaq.htm).

Any Oahu resident at least 18 years old by Feb. 20 can vie to serve on his or her neighborhood board, which acts as a community advisory and sounding board that can help sway governmental policies and actions.

Neighborhood board voting will be April 23 to May 15. But to truly get involved, consider becoming a candidate.