Opinion and analysis by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser Editorial Board. Get informed with columns and commentary, and submit a letter to the editor.
Since 2002, the Aloha Medical Mission dental clinic has provided basic and emergency dental services for low-income residents of Hawaii without dental insurance — a particularly valuable service between 2009 and 2023, when dental care for adult Med-QUEST recipients was halted as a budget-cutting measure. Read more
Hawaii residents enjoy a geographic separation. It’s also attractive as an exotic lure to visitors. Read more
Confusion remains around Senate Bill 2922, a proposed measure that would allow Hawaiian Electric to securitize ratepayer funds for wildfire mitigation. Read more
It’s not top of mind for most folks, but it is good news from the Legislature that nearly $20 million has been set aside to combat invasive species. Read more
Sending a big mahalo to Sen. Mike Gabbard and the legislators for introducing and voting in favor of Senate Concurrent Resolution 101 supporting a plant-based lifestyle. Read more
Friday’s letter about green power was a reminder to me (“Be wary of total reliance on green energy sources,” Star-Advertiser, April 26). Read more
While the city and its 14-member Ocean Safety Task Force struggle with ideas for an independent department, it should be noted that there are glaring situational shortcomings that have been ignored for far too long. Read more
The recent Supreme Court hearings on Trump’s ridiculous claim of absolute immunity from criminal prosecution revealed a disturbing and dangerous side of the court’s majority. Read more
In regard to the pro-Palestine campus protests and occupations, right now there are too many to list and comment on. It’s past time for these “children” to learn a life lesson. Read more
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It’s reassuring that the Legislature found money in the budget to put $300 million aside for the state’s emergency “rainy day” fund, and to make a $135 million appropriation for the state employees’ retirement fund. Read more
The Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources has upped the fine for a yacht grounding in Honolua Bay that damaged 119 coral colonies and about 1,640 square meters of live rock. Read more
There’s a new deadline to register for the state’s One ‘Ohana Fund: now May 31, extended from April 30. Read more
It’s no surprise that people sometimes pander to those with power over doing what is right for institutions and the public. It is, however, disappointing and distasteful when those in the public eye attempt to cover up that behavior. Read more
As the founder of parrot sanctuaries and author of articles and a book on parrots, I believe I am qualified to speak to the proposal to use lethal means to reduce the state’s parakeet population. Read more
A month after the Hamas attack, the Israeli military had killed some 10,000 Palestinians. Today the toll is nearly 35,000 and millions displaced with nowhere to go. Read more
I noticed a lot of pro-Palestinian protests around the country but no protest against Hamas, who started the conflict by killing more than 1,000 Israelis and capturing about 250 hostages. Read more
Watching recent news coverage, I was entertained by folks who were “frustrated” and “inconvenienced” by the weather that caused power outages in Portlock and Hawaii Kai. Read more
Donald Trump is trying to play the role of a martyr by continuously claiming that he is the victim of a nefarious witch hunt. Read more
With the start of a civil trial this week, it’s not surprising that the saga about Red Hill fuel spills is getting more national attention. On Sunday the issue had a featured spot on CBS’ “60 Minutes.” Read more
When the YWCA abruptly announced termination of the Laniakea Health & Wellness program, it unleashed a passionate response from members who are deeply committed to the program and the historic Laniakea property, located on Richards Street, in the Capitol district. Read more
It’s been a quiet period for the historically high-energy debate over the future of Mauna Kea, especially the long-delayed bid to build the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) at the summit. Read more
