Many of us are watching with grave concern as hospitals in parts of the mainland struggle with severe surges in COVID-19 cases. Several of my colleagues in other states are wrestling with PPE (personal protective equipment) shortages and ethical decisions that I hope we never have to face here. Read more
Now is the time to innovate and to critically examine and reengineer our education systems to adapt to the modern world’s challenges — and to provide learning that will prepare students for the jobs of the future. Read more
Older islanders like me learned to surf at Waikiki as keiki and spent summers surfing Queens, Pops, Threes and Publics, sharing the waves with outrigger canoes awkwardly paddled by sunburned malihini and guided by our idols, the watermen of Kuhio Beach. Read more
The pandemic has Hawaii suffering without tourism. We’re facing a large budget deficit, high unemployment, and reliance on food distribution generosity. Given the few COVID-19 cases, Hawaii is on the lists of places to go as travel opens up. Read more
With huge statewide unemployment triggered by the COVID-19 visitor shutdown, Hawaii is searching for new industries — guided by the governor-appointed economic “navigator.” Read more
Hawaii, which once had the lowest unemployment rate nationwide, now has the highest, with nearly a quarter-million residents out of work during this pandemic. Read more
Across the county, young people are rising up and fighting for a variety of issues — racial and gender equality, climate justice and health equity, to name a few. Read more
In the coming months, more businesses will fail. This is not hyperbole, but a reality based on data. Read more
One policy clearly perpetuating systematic racism in Hawaii is the state’s oppressively low minimum wage. Read more
While we aggressively take care of COVID issues medically, we must prioritize mental health. Read more
A new community survey has found that more than half of Kauai households have at least one person with job loss due to the pandemic lockdown. Read more
In the lead-up to the 2016 election, American fault lines trembled. Now, with the death of George Floyd, deep fissures are exposed, and voices are once again clashing on ideas of race and privilege. Read more
As a federal law enforcement official and a black man, I believe that we all must have an open and honest dialogue with an eye towards answering some very tough questions. Read more
Love or hate it, vacation rental demand isn’t going away — and given what appears to be the way forward post-COVID, demand will become even greater. There’s an opportunity here. Read more
While COVID-19 has altered our course, the vacation rental industry is prepared to welcome travelers back safely and responsibly as we move toward our new normal. Read more
The sum of all these actions present clear indicators of Xi’s disdain for human rights, the rule of law and China’s commitments to international agreements. Read more
Hawaii’s transmission rate is extremely low presently, and this is the time to be thinking creatively about all the risks facing us. Read more
In every conversation we have about Hawaii’s economic recovery, child care and caregiving more broadly, must be central to the conversation. Economic recovery depends on these heroes. Read more
Now is the time to continue these partnerships to support those who will be impacted by this current economic downturn and health crisis. Read more
Our Legislature needs to make sure that we reopen tourism the right way, the safe way, the way that rebuilds our economy. Read more
This moment in time represents a unique opportunity to reshape and revitalize our collective future. Our legislative leaders need to step up, or step aside. Read more
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