
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.

John Pritchett: Kabuki Dance
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green and House Speaker Scott Saiki traveled to Japan this week to drum up some much-needed business back home.

John Pritchett: Boiling Point
President Joe Biden is dealing with a myriad of problems. Can he survive and be re-elected?

John Pritchett: Game Over
Hawaii has halted a $1.86 million modernization of its business registration system due to defects, the second scrapped computer upgrade this year.

John Pritchett: Stirring The Pot
Concerned about negative media reports, some on the rail authority board 鈥� including its chair, Colleen Hanabusa 鈥� want to spend more on public relations.

John Pritchett: Permit Me
Bribery, political influence, people skills and other factors help determine an application’s speed at the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting.

John Pritchett: Sticky Situation
The mayor of Maui County has told the EPA it can seal Lahaina鈥檚 toxic ash with a
soil stabilization product, even though some warn of its potential public health consequences.