Category Archives: Uncategorized

Our economic house is on fire. Passing a handful of budget measures supporting shovel-ready construction projects is not enough. Borrowing money from the federal government to avoid public worker layoffs and pay cuts, while critically important, is still not enough. … Continue reading →

There is nothing quite like taking a long walk on the beach to put life in perspective. While it’s far too easy sometimes to wallow in our misfortune, the truth is that many, if not most of us who live … Continue reading →

Aloha Friends, Please email key legislators TODAY, and let them know using your own words’: “Putting off the many critical issues facing Hawaii until 2021 will not serve us well. Please, reconvene the 2020 legislative session and extend into a … Continue reading →

If sending flowers to mom is now considered an essential service, it would seem that it’s past time for the 2020 legislative session to likewise get back to doing “the people’s work”. God knows, there is plenty of work to … Continue reading →

It was interesting to watch the recent mash-up between the big dogs – Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Senate President Kauai Senator Ronald Kouchi, Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami, and Lt. Governor Josh Green. The Honolulu Mayor suggested last week that Kauai … Continue reading →

In March 2006, Nancy Arcayna wrote in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin that every time Hector Venegas hears the song “Hawaiian Lullaby” he is reminded of his daughter, Krista. “The song evolved from the situation of my daughter’s life … her life-threatening … Continue reading →

2020 vision and decisive action by our state legislature is needed now more than ever. Hawaii cannot afford to wait until 2021. The State House and Senate have each convened a “Special Committee on COVID-19”. Ostensibly the mission and goal of each … Continue reading →

“Essentially, economists say, there won’t be a fully functioning economy again until people are confident that they can go about their business without a high risk of catching the virus.” New York Times April 6, 2020. A high bar to … Continue reading →

Post-Pandemic Public Policy – The Conversation Starts Now Incoming travel has just about been eliminated. The hotels and airlines are shutting down, restaurants and many businesses have closed, and residents are staying home. At some point soon our broader community … Continue reading →

The below email and commentary came to me this morning. While it is somewhat long and academicaly dense in nature…my instincts tell me that it is important and worth sharing….so here it is (and I checked him out…this guy is … Continue reading →