Even with the next session’s opening day still three months away, state Legislature observers say leadership shuffles are likely. Among the expected changes: State Sen. Karl Rhoads (D, Downtown-Nuuanu-Liliha) would take over as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and state Rep. Chris Lee (D, Kailua-Lanikai-Waimanalo) would become head of the House Judiciary Committee.

Those committees are among the most powerful at the state Capitol. The public should pay attention to any reorganizing of assignments as it’s important to know the lineup of legislative power players.

Any proposed change in committee leadership could become official after the general election.

Feds threaten to take money back — again

It seems Hawaii’s government agencies have to worry less about snagging federal money than keeping it. Long-delayed highways and rail projects have run into that issue.

The latest give-back threat has come from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD is pressing the city to lease the commercial space in the Chinatown Gateway Plaza building, units created with $7.9 million in Community Development Block Grant funds — or pay it back. Helpfully, HUD has suggested that given the soft leasing market, the city could create a storefront for its own walk-in services.

Sounds like a plan.