There was an extended period when it seemed the only thing being produced at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center was more bad news. Financial and personnel problems, primarily. And the threat to its essential National Cancer Institute designation was the real topper.

How a few years and several million dollars can change things: A renewed NCI designation is now in hand — not to mention a balanced budget.

The growth of a research center offering Hawaii patients access to new treatments was always a worthy investment. Nice that, so far, there are no further taxpayer burdens.

Debates offer unfiltered look at candidates

There’s nothing like hearing the candidates spar in a debate, to get voters more engaged in the electoral process. Position papers and websites are fine but limited — since they allow the candidates, unchallenged, to put their best face forward and to wax wise about their hopes and dreams.

This past Monday’s televised “super debate” on Hawaii News Now was one good opportunity to hear from the candidates in Hawaii’s three major races. Another chance to hear from the two main Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls — David Ige and Colleen Hanabusa — is coming up on July 16: a televised debate from 7 to 8 p.m. on KHON2, sponsored by AARP Hawaii. Tune in and learn; your vote will help decide the state’s direction for the next four years.