Measles outbreaks linked to unvaccinated children on the mainland have many in Hawai‘i questioning whether our vaccination requirements are strong enough to prevent an outbreak here. Although several vaccinations are required to attend public schools, parents who believe the shots are dangerous or unnecessary can seek exemptions for religious and medical reasons.

There’s a pitched war of words over a plan to downsize troops at two U.S. Army bases on Oahu, Schofield Barracks and Fort Shafter. The Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i is leading the charge for those opposed to the cuts, citing an enormous impact to Hawai‘i’s economy in both revenues and in military/civilian jobs.