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This commentary won First Place in Civil Beat’s Emerging Writers Contest.

The idea was to encourage investment in sustainable systems. But while the program has jacked up our electric rates, it hasn’t resulted in a single loan.

Honolulu’s mayor faces a decision that will help define him for voters considering whether to re-elect him next year.

Bashing whole religions or races may be politically expedient, but the world is in desperate need of more reasoned approaches.

The state Supreme Court decision halting — for now — the $1.4 billion telescope offers an opportunity to untangle cultural arguments about Mauna Kea.

A law professor and Nai Aupuni delegate candidate explores the legality and impact of the decision to abandon the election and seat all 196 candidates.

Forget the guns. The Hawaii agency charged with protecting our natural resources failed us on the TMT permit and in its response to rapid ohia death.

Police oversight. Land-use rules. Ethics laws. A lot is on the table, but the board is mostly flying under the radar as it decides what will go on next year’s ballot.

Why legislate a system that envisions people being cared for by unpaid loved ones when insurance should often be covering professional assistance?

A sense of place is an important tradition that has powerful applications in the lives of our children, families and political leaders. Knowing it can help us meet the challenges of contemporary life.