As I See It: Investigations

In a normal world certain things progress in an order dictated by science, law, logic or custom. If an unusual event occurs an investigation may be appropriate. Many investigations are purely scientific. Why was there a fire today? Some have both social and scientific significance. What caused the fire that burned down Lahaina? Some have social, scientific and legal significance. Who was responsible for the fire that burned down Lahaina? One expects an orderly progression from incident to question to answers.

Root Cause

There are a lot of situations that are newsworthy. Close to home, homelessness, or as some prefer to identify it, houselessness. In most American cities a conspicuous community of those without a fixed address has accumulated. Some, the less unfortunate, still have a vehicle they can lock and feel somewhat safe in, but not secure. They may have to relocate daily or even more frequently.

Are electric and self-driving cars really a good idea?

Politicians and pundits get excited about new technology they barely or don’t even understand. Too often their pronouncements are based on, or taken literally from press releases. I’m not against new technology, but someone has to cool off the hype before we corner ourselves based on belief that exceeds possibility.

Agtech, Aquatech offer huge opportunities for Hawaii

Most people in Hawaii understand we need to diversify our economy to include more than tourism income and military spending. We also understand the need to grow more of our own food, rather than depend on imports and, ideally, export high-value food products as well. Not incidentally, one factor contributing to the wildfires that ravaged Lahaina and damaged Kula and other places in our islands is that so much land now lies fallow, uncared for and unirrigated, covered in wild grasses that are fuel for wildfires. This needs to change.

Cinco de Mayo is not what you think

All the bars in Kona and parties across the whole country celebrated Cinco de Mayo last week. Many had no idea why they were partying. Ask almost anyone at a Cinco de Mayo party what they are celebrating and they will raise up their beer mug and shout, “It’s Mexico’s Independence day, their 4th of July!” Sorry, but Cinco de Mayo is not their Independence day, it’s all about a battle called the Battle of Puebla.