President

Five months ago, the Star-Bulletin endorsed Barack Obama for the presidency of the United States. Since then, the Illinois senator, who was born in the islands, has demonstrated more fully his distinctive attributes to lead. His skillful campaign - run with cool discipline, imagination, intelligence and inspiration - shows he will be able to pilot a nation battered by a storm of trouble. His call for Americans to be their “;brother's keeper,”; their “;sister's keeper,”; summons a spirit of unity all but lost through years of divisive politics.

Obama's election will be a historic moment for this country, testimony to a people's powerful desire to move forward despite uncertainty and disillusion, to be a better nation, to be better citizens of the world.

Congress

U.S. Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Mazie Hirono deserve to remain in the House, where they have represented Hawaii well. Abercrombie has gained influence through his nine-term seniority, serving as chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee and playing a lead role on other issues. A single-term congresswoman, Hirono is a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which will be asked to play a key role in federal funding of Oahu's rail transit system.

Honolulu mayor

Mayor Mufi Hannemann is completing his first term with considerable success and should be elected to a second term. Hannemann's most impressive achievement is the progress toward building a rail transit system, which could be jeopardized if he doesn't remain in the city's driver seat. Meanwhile, he can be expected to continue moving the city forward in more mundane but important areas, such as upgrading the city's long- neglected sewage system.

'Yes' on City Charter amendments

The Star-Bulletin recommends voting:

» “;Yes”; on rail transit. Voters should give final approval to a rail system between Kapolei and Ala Moana, reflecting their sentiment in recent opinion polls. The cost estimate of $3.9 billion - up from the previous estimate of $3.7 billion because of inflation - is a reminder that the cost of such a necessary system will rise more if the long-debated issue is delayed even further.

» “;Yes”; to specify state circuit court jurisdiction over impeachment proceedings against county officials.

» “;Yes”; to give the city prosecuting attorney authority to develop and execute programs related to crime.

» “;Yes”; to authorize the city Ethics Commission to fine appointed officials and nonbargaining employees who have “;significant discretionary or fiscal power”; for ethics violations.

State Constitutional amendments

The Star-Bulletin recommends voting:

» “;No”; on a state Constitutional Convention. Every 10 years, voters are asked whether to authorize a Con Con, but no such need exists. The Con Con is favored by those who are dissatisfied with state legislators' rejection of the changes they seek. Voters maintain the option of voting candidates out of office rather than taking a detour around the system of representative democracy.

» “;Yes”; to lower to 25 the age for eligibility to run for governor and lieutenant governor.

Board of Education:

The Star-Bulletin's choices are:

At large

» Lei Ahu Isa, an incumbent whose individuality and skills as an educator the board needs, has shown resolve in standing up for her ideas and views.

» Garrett Toguchi, also a board veteran, has a holistic approach that recognizes how health, family and other social conditions play major roles in a student's success.

» Janis Akuna, a long-time school and community volunteer, will bring her experience as a financial adviser to the board.

Kauai

» Maggie Cox, a retired principal who has served a term on the board, understands the intricacies of the school system and advocates enthusiastically for public education.

Hawaii

» Herbert Watanabe's two decades on the board and knowledge of the needs of rural schools provide a steadying influence on the panel.

Honolulu

» Carol Mon Lee, a retired associate dean at the Richardson School of Law and a former teacher, will bring a range of perspectives on education.