It’s the last Sunday in April and time to “flASHback” on the month’s news that amused and confused:

>> State legislators are pushing a state-run program called “Hawaii Saves” to help private-sector workers save for retirement. After falling $13 billion short in saving for its own retirees, the state wants to spread around the insolvency.

>> A bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Hawaii got further than ever before but ultimately bit the dust when lawmakers missed a key deadline. Negotiators got distracted by the munchies.

>> Legislators are promoting a complex new way of electing political candidates known as ranked-choice voting. The way it works is they keep counting your second, third and fourth choices until a Democrat wins.

>> The Legislature is working on mosquito control bills that could include genetic modification of the pests. I worry that if we genetically modify mosquitoes, we’ll get flying legislators.

>> A city salary commission panel recommended 3.5% pay raises for the mayor, City Council and department heads, less than the 4.25% sought by Mayor Kirk Caldwell. Taxpayers aren’t paying enough to subsidize his side gig at Territorial Savings?

>> Council Chairwoman Ann Kobayashi promised action on bills to regulate vacation rentals, saying, “We have to have something come out, and if it doesn’t work, we can always change the law.” Only a veteran lawmaker could make housing legislation sound like a constipation remedy.

>> Honolulu rail cars failed initial fire safety tests, portending more possible delays. With Oahu rail, nothing can contain the inferno of burning money.

>> The city rail agency is seeking public input on proposed Hawaiian names for 12 rail stations between Pearl Harbor and Ala Moana Center. The possibilities are endless: Auwe, Pilau, Kukae, Pupule, Lolo, Pilikia …

>> The Caldwell administration will hold a public meeting for its new pedestrian plan, aimed at creating “vibrant streetscapes.” I’m sure senior citizens will appreciate being run over crossing fancy streetscapes instead of plain old streets.

>> Neighborhood board voting has begun on Oahu, with more than 500 candidates running for seats on 36 boards. Winners will serve two-year terms; losers have to serve four years.

>> Leaders of the Hawaii GOP are trying to change the party’s sinking image locally by re-branding themselves as Kuhio Republicans. Ideologically, it’s Trumpism masked by the perfume of a lei.

>> Two Hawaii telescopes on Mauna Kea participated in taking the world’s first picture of a black hole. Astronomers calibrated their instruments by pointing them at Gov. David Ige’s leadership plan.

And the quote of the month … from Tommy Waters after winning the East Hawaii Council election against Trevor Ozawa: “I get along with everyone. I always tell people we can agree, we can disagree, we can agree to disagree, but let’s not be disagreeable.” Just don’t be disappointing.

Reach David Shapiro at volcanicash@gmail.com.