The economy. It’s the subject of major news coverage nationwide, and a major factor in the presidential race. Fueled by the sub-prime mortgage fiasco, the housing market has taken a serious hit. Homeowners are watching their homes fall into foreclosure, and businesses tied to the industry are in deep trouble, leaving the federal government scrambling for solutions. Drops in the interest rates, government-issued checks for taxpayers designed to boost consumer spending and confidence have yet to turn the economic tide.

What does all this mean for Hawaii? What can local consumers expect?

With us today (March 25) on the Hot Seat will be Paul Brewbaker, chief economist and senior vice president for Bank of Hawaii. Paul is often tapped by the media for his insight into our economy — and now it's your turn. He'll take your questions on live Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m.

Just a reminder of our Hot Seat ground rules: Please keep your questions concise and on point to allow us to get to as many folks as possible. And let’s keep it civil — no personal attacks please.

Got questions? Hit the comment button below, and let’s chat.

Perhaps the biggest national story right now is the ailing economy. Fueled by the sub-prime mortgage fiasco, the housing market has taken a serious hit. Homeowners are watching their homes fall into foreclosure, and businesses tied to the industry are in deep trouble, leaving the federal government scrambling for solutions. Drops in the interest rates, government-issued checks for taxpayers designed to boost consumer spending and confidence have yet to turn the economic tide.

What does all this mean for Hawaii? What can local consumers expect?

Joining us Tuesday on the Hot Seat will be Paul Brewbaker, chief economist and senior vice president for Bank of Hawaii. Paul is often tapped by the media for his insight into our economy, and now it's your turn. He'll take your questions on the economy live Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m.

To join the conversation, watch for the NEW posting that will go up at noon Tuesday opening the chat, and post your questions there.

If you can't make the live session, you can send your questions in advance to me at jmbelding@honoluluadvertiser.com and I'll try to post them for you in between the live postings, as time permits.

See you Tuesday, with economist Paul Brewbaker.

So once again the City Council wants to switch gears on transit. The Council last night voted to reconsider an earlier decision and an expert panel’s recommendations for a steel-on-steel system. They cited noise concerns.

Joining us live for the next hour to take your questions on transit and more is Honolulu City Councilman Nestor Garcia, chairman of the Council's Transportation and Public Works Committee. Councilman Garcia will answer your questions live here, from noon to 1 p.m.

Just a reminder of our Hot Seat ground rules: Please keep your questions concise and on point to allow us to get to as many folks as possible. And let’s keep it civil — no personal attacks please.

Got questions? Hit the comment button below, and let’s chat.

When it comes to issues such as the city's multi-billion-dollar transit system there's no shortage of opinion out there. And nothing sets commuters off more than a discussion of pot-hole-plagued streets. And what about those chronic sewer fee hikes to pay for years of neglect of our aging sewer system?

Get those questions ready. Joining us live Thursday (March 20) will be Honolulu City Councilman Nestor Garcia, chairman of the Council's Transportation and Public Works Committee. Councilman Garcia will answer your questions live here, from noon to 1 p.m.

To join the conversation, wait for the NEW posting opening the session that will go up at noon and post your questions for Councilman Garcia live during that hour.

If you can't join us live you can e-mail your questions in advance to me at jmbelding@honoluluadvertiser.com and I'll try to get them posted in between the live questions, as time permits.

See you Thursday, from noon to 1 p.m., with City Councilman Nestor Garcia, on The Hot Seat.

Attempts to deal with Hawaii's overcrowded prisons have produced some solutions that are far from ideal: We continue to ship inmates to the Mainland, and are considering housing more inmates in "tent prisons".

And while the strong military presence in Hawaii has been great for our economy, it has also raised concerns about how to balance that presence with the need to protect our environment.

Joining us live for the next hour, from 1-2 p.m., to answer your questions on these issues and more will be Rep. Cindy Evans, chairwoman for the House Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee.

Just a reminder of our Hot Seat ground rules: Please keep your questions concise and on point to allow us to get to as many folks as possible. And let’s keep it civil — no personal attacks please.

Got questions? Hit the comment button below, and let’s chat.