Chasing Lava
Charging through five-foot swells, soaked by waves while clinging to the rail of a 34-foot boat, you realize that seeing lava flow into the ocean isn’t for wimps. “This is not your powder-puff boat ride,” says Capt. Shane Turpin. “It’s…
Government & Civics
Editor's Note: Rebuilding the Crystal Ball on Economic Forecasts
Think you have a tough job? Try being an economist. Every November, economists around the world issue their forecasts of the coming year. There is always a huge range of opinions: One American economist may suggest U.S. GDP will rise…
Editor's Note: Hawaii's Shield Law: Defend Your Right to Know
You are reading this magazine because you think my staff and I have worthwhile things to report. Thank you for your support and trust. The main way we do our job is simple: We listen to lots of people, read…
The State of Hawaii's Plan to Modernize its Medieval Tech Systems
Sonny Bhagowalia has a plan to fix the state’s archaic IT system in June 2011, Bhagowalia became the state of Hawaii’s first chief information officer and the point man in Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s ambitious plan to “reinvent government.” Bhagowalia and…
Tourism Carries "Sub-Par" Hawaii Economy
It’s simple, really: Everyone in Hawaii needs to give a hearty round of applause to tourism for lifting us out of the recession. Thank you for an estimated $13.9 billion in visitor spending during 2012 (that’s a record) from 7.8…
Military Drives Alternative Energy in Hawaii
The Pentagon is investing billions in alternative energy and conservation, and that’s good news for local companies it’s good news for hawaii’s economy and local aspirations when the state’s goals align with the American military’s goals. That’s because the U.S.…
Editor's Note: Eisenhower is a Political Model for Our Times
During his first term, Barack Obama invited historians to the White House so he could learn about Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and other American presidents. History teaches us valuable lessons and Obama looked for guidance from some of America’s greatest…
Ecotourism on Hawaii Island
Rob Pacheco walks up to what looks like an immense empty bathtub amid a desolate volcanic landscape dotted by ohia lehua and pukeawe trees. “This is my favorite place,” he says, pointing to the ancient Kaupulehu Crater, which descends hundreds…
