Tsutsui looks for bigger challenges

It seems like Maui is calling Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui home.

Tsutsui told the Star-Advertiser’s Sophie Cocke he is contemplating a 2018 run for Maui mayor, and could surrender his largely inert role as back-up quarterback to Gov. David Ige before his current term is completed. It’s no surprise. Ige seems to have little use for Tsutsui, who has not hid his dissatisfaction at being kept out the loop on major decisions and strategy sessions.

Certainly a Mayor Tsutsui would be much busier — and perhaps more difficult for Ige to ignore.

Sunscreen, a beach mat, and a restaurant

After decades of popping up like daisies on virtually every Waikiki street, then onto the neighbor islands, Guam and even Las Vegas, ABC Stores is jumping big-time into the restaurant and food business.

In a bold gamble, it will be opening by early summer the 13,000-square foot Duke’s Lane Market & Eatery in the heart of Waikiki, anchored by a restaurant called Basalt and featuring a variety of food and drink bars.

The locally owned chain operates 70-plus convenience stores geared to tourists — so it certainly seems to know its customers and their wants and needs.