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.
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.
But one thing is for sure, after all is said and done, “Hawaiian Airlines” as we know it now, is going to look much different to those who grew up flying them.
Ultimately, Kai Kahele’s political future hinges on how well he performs as OHA Chair. Time and action, though, will tell if this is the start of his political comeback.
Beyond a single ad or one organization, there’s a broader, ongoing effort to hold the administration accountable—a watchdog that will continue to keep a close eye on the White House. The conflicts that divide this country, from civil rights to indigenous, religious, and federal land issues, won’t simply disappear just because the political landscape shifts.
The 2024 General Election may have seemed like a typical, low-key local affair, but it delivered a few surprises that weren’t exactly on anyone’s radar before November 5.
The key question emerging from the shutdown of SMS is whether Hawaiʻi’s government and private entities are helping or harming local firms through their procurement rules and procedures when hiring local firms for consulting and other work. Additionally, it raises the issue of whether the “buy local” philosophy is genuinely supported by these rules.