The hidden cost of maintenance

On most weekdays I drop my wife off at work in downtown Honolulu. I tell people that I work at home but have a 90-minute commute. Both are true. I pick her up from work, too. Each afternoon there’s a local woman polishing a brass knob which opens an automatic door for people who need … Read More »

Hit the road, Jack (Herman)

Now we find out that the University of Hawaii athletics department was losing money the past few years. What a surprise. What? The department doesn’t want another independent audit of their financials? What a surprise. New Athletic Director Jim Donovan was required to apologize for the lack of transparency regarding the University’s athletic financial condition. … Read More »

Following the Yellow Brick Money Trail

I had to laugh when I read Malia Zimmerman’s article about following the money trail at Office of Hawaiian Affairs. A few years ago Hawaii Reporter wanted to know where OHA’s money went. After all, it is public money. Does the public not have a right to know how the money is spent? Apparently not. … Read More »

What? Insurance rates are going up again?

Uh oh. Insurance rates are about to go up again. Why? Because that’s what they do. In the age of computer efficiency and worldwide interconnected networking, large bureaucracies have figured out how to parlay technological efficiency into more profits. Make no mistake. HMSA, Hawaii’s leading HMO, is a bureaucracy. Despite legislation and seemingly altruistic motives, … Read More »

Memories of Hamakua Sugar

To say that Aloha Airlines is struggling is to say that beer is an acquired taste. Both take a little time to get used to, but too much of either leaves you feeling worse off. In a competitive inter island airline market, Aloha can’t seem to do anything but spend money. They’re losing it faster … Read More »

Mom and dad are criminals

Hawaii lawmakers are working on a bill to curb domestic violence. That’s a good thing, right? Not so fast. How do we define domestic violence? My mother and fathers spanked me. Sometimes it was deserved, sometimes not so much. Would mom and dad be criminals in Hawaii? House Bill 3379 covers domestic violence, and creates … Read More »