Five Hawaii residents are using state channels to address the plight of foreign fishermen subjected to poor working conditions on longline vessels that dock in Honolulu. A loophole in federal law allows the undocumented fishermen to work without visas, but they are not allowed to step foot on shore.

The petitioners, including Kathryn Xian, executive director of the Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery, are seeking greater transparency through its petition filed with the state Board of Land and Natural Resources, asking the agency to amend requirements for obtaining a state longline fishing license. The petition seeks to require vessel owners or officers to provide a list of all foreign fishermen who work for them and are unable to leave the boat.

The foreign fishermen — though far from home — certainly have locals in their corner.

The presidential brawl of the decade

Here it comes, folks — the long-awaited, first presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

Monday afternoon is expected to be must-see TV all across America, with seasoned politician Clinton and celebrity businessman Trump facing off starting 9 p.m. EST, from Hofstra University in New York. Two more debates are set for Oct. 9 and Oct. 19.

The ratings should be YUGE.