That means ramping up food production, setting up food stores and prioritizing biosecurity.

Short takes, outtakes, our takes and other stuff you should know about public information, government accountability and ethical leadership in Hawaii.

There are good reasons to support pre-K education without resorting to unsupported claims.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced last week the new Oʻahu landfill would be built in Wahiawā. That’s made Westside politicians and residents very happy. But concerns are being raised over potential problems for the island’s water supply.

Hawaiʻi is far from the only island nation that struggles to save the remnants of its heritage.

Despite all those sentimental songs, the islands are a beacon, not a magnet.

Conservatives will probably try to use federal funding to change local school policies.

A proposed tax up for a vote on Wednesday at the Honolulu City Council is also unfair and unreasonable.

We are all connected and the “silo thinking” of the government has held Hawaii back for far too long.

The Honolulu City Council is slated to vote on a new tax on homes that stand empty, a measure supporters say will force owners to rent the properties and help provide badly needed housing for local residents. But critics say it’s unfair to the property owner and will be hard to enforce anyway.