Much like Charles Schulz, who retired shortly before passing, Gene closed his chapter in public service with quiet dignity, and then graduated from life in the same way.
While the clarification ultimately came from a different source than Murkowski’s original inquiry, it validates the power of persistent, quiet advocacy. Even amidst the high-volume churn of the current administration, voices are still being heard—and sometimes, even heeded.
Long-time readers of Politics Hawai‘i might remember a few guest pieces from Mark Lindquist — a familiar voice with a…
The real question, still looming, is what happens next year when the bills keep coming in, but there are no more vacant positions to shuffle around.
Profiles in Hawaii Leadership: How do our leaders handle the pressure? Governor Green, UH President Hensel, and Mayor Bissen have all faced major tests recently. Some navigated challenges with skill—others, not so much.
Did Zelenskyy, in the end, really need to confront Trump in front of the press?
The answer to this is Zelenskyy, sensing an opportunity to make his point, chose to address it directly in front of the press. This bold move wasn’t accidental—it was calculated. With U.S. leaders focused on their agendas, Zelenskyy had little choice but to raise his concerns in the most direct way possible. Though uncomfortable, the confrontation may, in the end, spark the much-needed conversation about the reliability of U.S. commitments and whether any ally can truly trust the U.S. to honor its word.
The executive order, in the view of this blogger, therefore, dismisses the United States’ long history and the bonds we share with South Africa. It opts for quick fixes of things that are not seen as true on the ground or in analysis by those watching it from far away.
While the formal campaign has yet to begin, Green’s record is already setting the stage for 2026. His methodical approach has, so far, positioned him as the dominant figure in the race—but politics is anything but predictable.
While the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico may seem like a symbolic gesture, it reflects a broader pattern of asserting dominance through acts of rebranding. The reversion of Denali to Mount McKinley, however, strikes closer to home for Native Hawaiians, as it underscores the painful legacies of U.S. expansionism.
President McKinley’s legacy in Hawai‘i is inseparable from the annexation of the islands during the Spanish-American War, a land grab that also included the Philippines and Cuba. For many Native Hawaiians, McKinley is not a figure of greatness but a symbol of stolen sovereignty—a leader who absorbed their homeland into the United States without consent, perpetuating the broader narrative of American imperialism
As Hawaii transitions out of the holiday season and into the new year, Politics Hawaii with Stan Fichtman was once again featured on KHON 2 News, sharing insights (or mana’o) on the key issues to watch in 2025.