Opinion and analysis by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board. Get informed with columns and commentary, and submit a letter to the editor.
This year, the Hawaii Legislature is considering Senate Bill 1028, a bill seeking to repeal court-ordered fines and fees issued against youth and their families in the Hawaii Family Court system. Read more
Hawaii-based businesses are feeling the effects of President Donald Trump’s efforts, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii reports — especially tariffs: 97% have been either “moderately” (27%) or “significantly” (70%) affected. Read more
The beauty of colleges is seen, quite literally, in a stroll through campuses: in the eclectic mix of students of varied colors and creeds, of varying intellectual and emotional abilities. Read more
While legal sports betting would be new to Hawaii, it’s already happening across the state — just through unregulated, illegal websites that lack consumer protections. Read more
Friday’s “Back in the day” segment features a photo from July 17, 1970, showing the newly created ground-coral beach at Fort DeRussy in Waikiki. Coral is a live creature. Read more
A fundamental element of free enterprise is pricing based on “what the market will bear.” Read more
The Hawaii Tourism Authority must go. First Mufi Hannemann is caught with his hand in the cookie jar for allegedly handing out freebies. Read more
David Shapiro’s column made some important points regarding the SAVE Act (“Ed Case finds a bumpy path as he charts a solo course,” Star-Advertiser, Volcanic Ash, April 20). Read more
Shamefully, the state House passed SCR 136, a wasteful measure that would squander taxpayer monies on studying nuclear power generation. Read more
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Emergency Services Department Director James Ireland’s prospects for a second four-year term were shaken earlier this year when critics, including a number of former EMS workers, charged that chronic understaffing and favoritism were dragging down morale and causing excess turnover. Read more
If I were a state legislator and knew a bill had support from three-quarters of the state, I would do anything to ensure it got to the chamber floor. Read more
Nine young birds of an endangered species called Sihek, also known as Guam kingfishers, have laid eggs on their new Pacific island home at Palmyra Atoll, making them the first wild eggs for the species in nearly 40 years. Read more
Does Hawaii need housing that’s affordable for people earning what the bulk of people in Hawaii earn? Yes, and it’s a matter of growing urgency that this housing is by and large unavailable, concerning to the state and Hawaii’s employers. Read more
As the state continues to push forward with mixed-income housing developments, I can’t help but wonder what unintended consequences may occur. Read more
Sunday’s article “Wall Street will regret helping the world burn” by Mark Gongloff identifies the key underlying reason why the world is doing far too little to address climate change (Star-Advertiser, Commentary, April 20). It’s all about the money. Read more
In the course of recent history and events, the trajectory of this country has undergone changes challenging its continued position as a bastion of hope for people. Read more
In April of 2024, after much organizing, Hawaii became the first state to pass a Gaza ceasefire resolution with overwhelming votes in the Senate and House. Read more
During Earth Month, we pause to reflect on the bountiful generosity of the Earth and the multitude of ways it sustains and nurtures us. Read more
The chorus of praise for the legacy of the late Pope Francis came from all corners of the globe, including many voices who were non-Catholic and those who do not count themselves in any religion. Read more
Time is growing extremely short to push state bills through successful passage — and that’s concerning for supporters of Senate Bill 281, which would raise the penalty for torture, a frighteningly recurrent form of child abuse in Hawaii. Read more
It’s Earth Day, a time for reflection on how Hawaii is meeting its longstanding commitments to the environment, which is in increasingly fragile condition. Read more
