How long can the University of Hawaii at Manoa go without a chancellor?

At least two years, according to UH President David Lassner, who wants the candidate search suspended during that time while he works to make Manoa “even greater than it is today.” A recent search concluded with the finalist turning down the job.

In the meantime, Lassner will continue to be both UH president and the interim Manoa chancellor, which raises the perennial question: Does UH-Manoa really need a chancellor? Lassner says yes, that the presidency and the chancellorship are two “distinct, large and difficult jobs.”

If that’s so, one must wonder how he can do both jobs for two more years — and what might be left undone as a result.

During immigration crackdown, 62 find safe haven

It’s always a moment of exquisite pride to be given the oath of allegiance that finally ushers an immigrant over the threshold into U.S. citizenship, as 62 people learned anew at a Wednesday ceremony.

But there had to be an intense feeling of relief this time, with federal crackdowns on undocumented residents and prospective arrivals at the borders. There are no deportation fears, the worry about the knock at the door. Aloha to all, and welcome to the U.S. — for good.