Neighborhood boards can launch political careers

For those who’ve wondered whether they’re cut out for the wild world of Oahu politics, this is the launchpad for many now in public office: election to a neighborhood board.

The curious can bring questions to the Neighborhood Commission Office staff 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday in Kapolei Hale Conference Rooms A and B.

The up side: no campaign fundraising headaches. The down side: It’s unpaid, and the monthly meetings can run pretty long. But the closeup examination of grassroots concerns is at the core of public service. Future politicians may find out here they’ve got the right stuff.

At OHA, a new chairwoman and a new lawsuit

Peace in the valley at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees? Don’t hold your breath.

It’s true, the realignment, with Trustee Colette Machado taking over the board chair, settles some of the leadership upheaval of recent weeks.

But not all of it. Abigail Kawananakoa, the Campbell Estate heiress, has sued over the contract employing Kamana‘opono Crabbe, OHA’s CEO. The new chairwoman, as it happens, is a backer of Crabbe.

So the fight isn’t over, even if the bell has rung. Round Two is on.