About half of the money spent by political action committees on neighbor island races went to Maui, where the future of short-term vacation rentals has dominated the political landscape.

Oʻahu voters seem apathetic. But competitive mayoral races on Kauaʻi and Maui, where candidates have spent big, are energizing voters.

We don’t know who is leading whom this primary. That might be a good thing.

“Hawaiʻi should look at proven strategies in Singapore that have reversed corruption.”

Challengers support term limits, investigations when legislators behave badly and better reporting on the financial impact of bills.

Climate change might not be a top priority for voters, but keeping quiet about it may backfire.

Future Progress has a history of supporting Democratic candidates, but has yet to disclose its donors.

Other political action committees are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on candidates, too, but their financial efforts fall far short of the Carpenters Union.

The decision follows a Circuit Court ruling stating the council chair could not seek a third term. But another legal challenge may be coming.

Kahi Pacarro has mounted an aggressive campaign against the low key Rep. Mark Hashem in the District 19 Democratic primary.