Long-time readers of Politics Hawai‘i might remember a few guest pieces from Mark Lindquist — a familiar voice with a…
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
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.
As Election Day approaches, a new mindset emerges across the country—one of readiness overreaction. From Coos Bay to Washington D.C., voters are shifting their focus from fear of the unknown to strategic preparation for the future. Whichever candidate wins, this blogger saw Americans embracing resilience, getting ready to adapt and thrive in the next chapter of our nation’s story.
Senator Hirono, therefore, is providing a strategic reminder that fierce advocacy can attract resources back home, even if it clashes with the local preference for subtlety. Which, despite our wish that it was not, is a more effective way to get things done in Washington DC.
Hawaii’s low unemployment rate becomes a double-edged sword under the current funding formula. While it boasts low jobless numbers, this very metric cuts the state short on crucial training funds. The current system prioritizes quantity over quality, leaving residents stuck in low-wage jobs with limited upward mobility.