To the readers and supporters of Politics Hawaii with Stan Fichtman
As 2024 comes to a close and 2025 begins, the co-creators of the Politics Hawaii with Stan Fichtman blog want to extend a heartfelt mahalo to you, our readers. Your engagement in analyzing the political, social, and business zeitgeist of Hawaii has been invaluable.
Or of the world, through a Hawaii perspective.
PC: PHwSF
Since its inception in August 2019, this blog has attempted to focus on all of that. For 2024, the blog has evolved into a source of information on events that have happened in Hawaii, looking into those events to find the “story within the story.”
As this blog and its publisher and co-creators reflect on the year, statistics of what this blog did in 2024 show the overall growth of the publication with enhanced recognition of it. For starters, the blog posted 33 stories in 2024, or about three posts a month. The blog had one post in July and six posts in August (just to show actual variation).
In 2024, this blog covered the Alaska Airlines buyout of Hawaiian Airlines and the SMS Research shutdown six times each. This blog also had one correction and one post on leaving “X.”
PC: Creative Commons Images
Oh, yes, of course, this blog wrote about politics – 23 times to be exact – with a chunk of them being attached to the SMS shutdown. That story was interesting in that there was no reporting on it before Politics Hawaii got a tip about a Facebook post noting that it had shut down.
And thanks to friends of the blog, including Andrew Walden of Hawaii Free Press, details of the shutdown emerged, including obtaining photos of the now-empty offices on Bishop St. Further kokua came from department spokespeople who confirmed reports that contracts that were awarded to SMS were transferred to other research firms.
So Politics Hawaii thanks all who provided information and insight on the SMS shutdown matter.
Stories make up the blog, but recognition gives it credence, as it validates the effort and quality put into uncovering unique narratives. For example, an acknowledgment from the Society of Professional Journalists Hawaii Chapter would highlight the impact and credibility Politics Hawaii has gained within the local journalism community
PC: PHwSF
That recognition came this year with the Society of Professional Journalists Hawaii Chapter awarding Politics Hawaii first place in the “Best 1-Person Features Blog/1 Person Online Features Site for the 2023 publishing year. Needless to say the co-creators of the blog – Brandon Dela Cruz and Stan Fichtman – both were pleasantly surprised.
What surprised the creators more were the judges’ remarks, which praised the writer – Stan Fichtman – for his deep understanding of key issues and the professional quality of the blog’s content.
It is that type of acknowledgment that leads this blog to continue its quest in telling the story within the story, telling the tale of events that are and have been happening in Hawaii, and trying to provide another point of view on issues that may not be covered by other local media outlets.
As with the acknowledgment by others, this blog wants to recognize those who have been supporters and cheerleaders for this blog’s development. Two entities come to mind – Hawaii Free Press by Andrew Walden and All Hawaii News curated by Nancy Cook Lauer. Two reporters from other stations also have provided both mana’o and kokua to this blog – Howard Dicus at Hawaii News Now, and Sandy Harjo-Livingston, Digital Journalist and Reporter for KHON-2 News.
And to a fellow blogger, who has been doing this for a long time – Ian Lind – also for his support
A few other sites have allowed Politics Hawaii to post on their Facebook sites. Those sites are the Stolen Stuff Hawaii Off-Topic page, the Hawaii Politics Facebook site, and, once in a while, when talking about aviation matters, the AVHawaii Facebook page.
To them, a special mahalo nui loa for your kokua and unwavering support throughout the year.
As we step into 2025, Politics Hawaii with Stan Fichtman remains committed to diving deeper into the issues that shape our islands and exploring the untold stories that deserve attention. Whether it’s politics, social developments, or business trends, the mission will continue to provide a unique perspective on Hawaii’s ever-evolving narrative.
Finally to all our readers who have shared your insights, feedback, and encouragement – mahalo nui loa. We look forward to continuing this journey together, uncovering the ‘story within the story,’ and fostering meaningful dialogue in the year ahead.
Aloha and Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou!
Brandon Dela Cruz – Co Creator
Stan Fichtman – Co Creator, Publisher and Owner
Politics Hawaii
www.politicshawaii.com