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Hawaii is an endlessly fascinating place and this week’s news report reflected that, with everything from the limits on protest to the salaries of more than 14,000 state employees to the frank talk of GOP leaders. Here are 10 must-read stories from Civil Beat this week.

On Monday, I hope you’ll make sure to drop by to read the first in a three-part series of columns on energy and food security by Richard Ha, owner of Hamakua Springs Country Farms on the Big Island and chairman of the board of Kuokoa, which wants to buy Hawaiian Electric Industries and convert it to geothermal energy.

• Hawaii State Salaries 2012: Fewer Employees, Higher Costs
• Hawaii State Salaries 2012: Highest Paid Employees
• ‘What Does It Mean To Be Asian American?’
• Board Unfazed by Ed Department’s Reversal on Grad Requirements
• Scorecard on Honolulu Rail Opponents’ Claims
• Off The Beat: Whatever ‘Proficiency-Based Equivalent’ Means
• Topless Waikiki Protesters Cite First Amendment
• Local ‘Ag’ Strives to Meet Hawaii’s Energy Needs
• Off The Beat: Online Agendas a Good First Step, But More Should be Done
• GOP Hierarchy Demands Kaauwai’s Resignation