Hawaii’s search for a new chief justice, a Honolulu City Councilman’s troubles and difficulties in restricting fireworks on Oahu:

• Gov. Linda Lingle is asking for public input on who should replace the retiring Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald Moon. Though the betting is on current associate justice Mark Recktenwald, five other respected jurists are also on the selection list for a new “CJ.”

• Councilman Rod Tam, a candidate for Honolulu mayor, has reached a settlement agreement with the Honolulu Ethics Commission to pay $13,700 in restitution and fines for improperly billing the city for meals. The payments will be made monthly over three years — with no interest charged.

• Speaking of the [Honolulu City Council]], members are already taking advantage of a new law that permits Hawaii’s four counties to regulate their own fireworks use. Problem is, in this election year the Council is split on approving a total ban (except for commercial displays on holidays).

• Hello, sailor: If you are noticing an influx of naval personnel on Oahu this week, it’s because ships from 14 PacRim countries have begun a month of maritime military exercises. Held every other year, the exercise is hosted by the Honolulu-based U.S. Pacific Fleet.

• And speaking of the Pacific, Japan’s All Nippon Airways will launch service to five destinations — including Honolulu — beginning Oct. 31 from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. It’s a boon to Hawaii tourism, given that Japan is the state’s third-largest market for visitors.

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