Off the news: Taiwan president’s Hawaii visit provokes China
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s two-day stopover in Hawaii wasn’t a diplomatic visit, but it still, predictably, provoked China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory. Read more
Opinion and analysis by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board. Get informed with columns and commentary, and submit a letter to the editor.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s two-day stopover in Hawaii wasn’t a diplomatic visit, but it still, predictably, provoked China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory. Read more
The city is walking a tightrope as it prepares to reveal next week “three potential paths” for creating a new landfill on Oahu. Problem is, not one of the locations scouted since 2022 as an alternative is legally viable. Read more
Who did Hawaii’s U.S. Rep. Ed Case represent when he voted — twice in two weeks — in favor of H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act? It is already against the law for nonprofit organizations to aid terrorism, so a new law wasn’t necessary. Read more
The search for missing Maui woman Hannah Kobayashi, 30, is winding down, with authorities saying she’s been spotted heading into Mexico, independently and apparently “fine.” Read more
In the discussion over the empty-homes tax, I’ve seen very little coverage on how it would be enforced. Given the city’s record on enforcing illegal vacation rentals, I can’t imagine it will be effective or efficient. Read more
Your front-page article regarding expediting Japanese travel misses a major issue: Honolulu’s awkward shuttle ride from the plane to customs and dismal luggage facilities. Read more
It was encouraging to read Kaitlyn Duropan’s article, “Rail’s failures overburden residents” (Star-Advertiser, Raise Your Hand, Dec. 1). Read more
When I see solar panels, I think energy independence. Energy generated in Hawaii is in Hawaii’s control. Hawaii is already using energy from the sun, wind, water and geothermal sources. In the future, wave motion will also generate energy locally. Read more
I just wanted to extend my deepest appreciation for the Salvation Army’s 52nd annual Thanksgiving dinner. In addition to the amazing food and exceptional entertainment, the ambiance was magical — there was so much love in the air it brought many of us to tears. Read more
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The Star-Advertiser has thoughtfully published many commentaries about the post-election, which describe a divided America. Read more
These races don’t get much closer than this. After recounting, the state House District 39 contest ended with incumbent GOP Rep. Elijah Pierick edging out Democratic challenger Corey Rosenlee by just 11 votes. Read more
Waves up to 40 feet high hit the North Shore on Friday, leading lifeguards to rescue 15 and issue thousands of warnings. Three men were injured on the jagged rocks between Ke Iki Beach and Sharks Cove when they were hit by a massive set. Read more
As holiday traditions go, Giving Tuesday is a relative newcomer, but it has shown its staying power. It was launched in 2012 as a project of New York City’s 92nd Street Y but now is operating globally as an independent nonprofit (online at www.givingtuesday.org) that pursues “radical generosity.” Read more
Good news recently about funds for extending high speed broadband internet access on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands sites (“DHHL getting over $72M to boost internet connectivity,” Star-Advertiser, Nov. 13). Read more
A recent article discussed a high-rise rental apartment project, which will be located on a site that was once occupied by the Stadium Bowl-O-Drome. Read more
The latest article reporting the woes faced by the City and County of Honolulu to site a new landfill emphasizes two facts about the general unsustainability of our modern way of life: it is fundamentally unsafe for the environment and our own health; and we cannot afford it. Read more
Dina Brown’s voice on the empty-homes tax issue makes many valid points that should be closely considered and responded to by political advocates (“Empty homes tax raises many issues,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Dec. 1). Read more
As a University of Hawaii-Manoa alumni, I am expressing feelings of dismay, disappointment and frustration at the firing of Athletic Director Craig Angelos. Read more
Marc Thiessen in his recent column, “Trump is my president and he will soon be yours, too” (Star-Advertiser, Nov. 8), complained that he was “disgusted” by the leftists’ cry of “not my president.” Read more
A recent column on banning the provision of weapons to Israel claims to want a world free of violence (“Isle lawmakers must support ban of weapon sales to Israel,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Nov. 21). Read more
Honolulu has major housing problems, on two fronts: affordability and availability. Action is required in multiple ways to address these issues and make housing accessible to local residents — particularly young families and members of the workforce. Read more