Oahu’s median home price goes up, again

Like it or not, Honolulu can expect to hold onto its ranking as among the most expensive housing markets in the nation, according to recent data. Oahu’s median price (the point at which half the sales were for a higher price and half for a lower price) ticked up in April — to $790,000, from $760,000 in March. A list released a few months ago — compiled with data from the National Association of Realtors, the U.S. Census Bureau and NerdWallet surveys — ranked only California’s San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward as pricier places, with median home prices at $1.27 million and $920,000, respectively. It’s the high price, unfortunately, that we all pay for location.

Time for candidates to check their finances

State Rep. Kaniela Ing, a candidate for Congress, finds himself at odds with the state Campaign Spending Commission, which is reviewing his campaign finances. Ing vowed to clear up what may be reporting errors, asserting there was no “ill intent.” However this plays out, ultimately, it should set off alarm bells among other candidates this campaign season to be accurate and above reproach. There will be a lot of churn in the Legislature; watchdogs, and campaign rivals, will be watching.