In a state where local pride reigns, could there be any bigger local story in 2008 than the election of Hawai'i-born Punahou graduate Barack Obama to the nation's highest office? Obama's historic campaign, and his three visits here in recent months, focused global attention on the Aloha State, whose voters had become accustomed to being marginalized in presidential elections.

Stricter requirements for convicted sex offenders are among nine new laws that go into effect on the first day of 2009. More information about convicted sex offenders will appear online and in the actual databases of the state's sex offender registry starting tomorrow. And it will be harder for those required to register to escape penalty for failing to do so.