Editorial: Hawaii’s Hirono takes on Kavanaugh

Judge Brett Kavanaugh, in his bid for a lifetime appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court, is in the hot seat this week, but the lights also shine brightly on the tables facing him. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, along with other members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, gets a fair amount of camera time, too.

Hirono’s not shrinking from the spotlight: She famously opted out of meeting with the conservative nominee and has resolved to query his position on sexual harassment, abortion and other issues.

We’ll see how that plays. Of course, she’s not risking much with her Democratic base.

Airline to give airports some polish

Pointing out that our airports display an “image of Hawaii,” United Airlines’ CEO, Oscar Munoz said upgrades “couldn’t be more needed” due to the effects of time. That sounds like a polite way of saying travelers are greeted by an appearance that’s far closer to shabby than chic.

United plans to invest $200 million in upgrades to Hawaii airports, and has noted support for creation of an independent Airport Authority as a means to ease the way for completion of much-needed infrastructure upgrades. With the airports getting more worn, and given that they are supported with fees paid by airlines, vendors and passengers (not state general fund money), creation of an authority seems increasingly sensible.