John Pritchett: Maui Owie
Lawmakers have introduced lots of bills in response to the fires in August, including measures to provide housing and rebuild historic Lahaina. And hundreds of millions of dollars have already been diverted from projects like school construction and repair.
John Pritchett: Falling Star
The owner of Hawaii’s daily newspaper of record is putting it and other local print operations up for sale. Will another mainland publisher save the struggling publications?
John Pritchett: Showtime
The racketeering trial of former Honolulu business owner Michael J. Miske Jr. and a co-defendant has all eyes and ears on a U.S. courthouse downtown.
John Pritchett: Bare Minimum
Hawaii’s minimum wage grew from $12 an hour to $14 on Jan. 1, and it’s set to go to $18 four years from now. But at least 10 states and D.C. already pay more.
John Pritchett: Wipeout
From the Maui wildfires at home to wars and disasters abroad, a lot of terrible things happened this year. Here’s hoping for a brighter new year.
John Pritchett: Stocking Stuffer
The governor’s proposed spending plan addresses Maui’s recovery but does not shortchange housing, homelessness, mental health, working families or much else. Will the state have enough revenue to pay for all those goodies?
John Pritchett: Pecking Order
A U.S. senator from Hawaii supports federal legislation seeking to crack down on illegal dogfighting and cockfighting.
John Pritchett: The Polar Bear Express
Alaska Airlines announced last week it would buy Hawaiian Airlines in an all-cash $1.9 billion deal. The sale still needs to win federal approval which could take a year or more. But the proposal, which airline officials say would keep each company’s identity relatively intact, is being met favorably by many in Hawaii.
John Pritchett: Maui’s Stonewall
Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez had to issue subpoenas to several Maui County agencies that have resisted turning over records related to the state’s investigation into the Aug. 8 wildfires.
John Pritchett: Tidal Wave
More than 65 lawsuits have been filed in state court on Maui against Hawaiian Electric, Maui County, the state and a number of other defendants over the Maui wildfires. Legal experts say the current situation may well be unmanageable for the state’s judicial system.