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

The Honolulu Police Commission recently discussed public concerns that holding its meetings behind tight security inside the police department might intimidate citizens who have a beef with a cop from showing up to complain. Commissioners opined people should not be scared and that moving the meeting would be inconvenient for the police chief and staff.

The Aloha State has played roles — sometimes big ones — in national campaigns since 1960.

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

Neighborhood board members are frustrated at restrictions on what they can talk about at their meetings.

Supporters of two proposed constitutional amendments are worried they will fail because of the requirement.

When you sit down to vote, check out the 70% of candidates in the general election who answered our questions on key issues.

The state’s Child Welfare Services has not explained its actions — or lack of action — in the case of a 3-year-old killed in June. Her grandmother says she warned the state that the girl and her siblings were being starved.

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

The dormant House Select Standards of Conduct Committee raises questions about whether self-policing really works or if an independent agency is needed.