A fee increase is on the table for an unlimited entry pass to our three fee-charging national parks: Hawaii Volcanoes, Haleakala and Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park. The proposed increase from $30 to $50 for the annual Tri-Park Pass would take effect in May.

Less than thrilled to fork over $20 more? It might help to know that parks retain 80 percent of monies collected. At Volcanoes, for example, the fee money has funded recent wheelchair-accessibility upgrades at Mauna Loa Lookout, and a new summit eruption viewing area at Jaggar Museum. The public may submit comments about the proposal through March 2.

Best guacamole comes from local avocados

Super Bowl in Hawaii means big, potluck parties with distinct melting-pot flavors. There was surely one element in the Sunday spread that is almost a universal: guacamole.

Hawaii enjoys an enviable backyard avocado bounty grown from tested local cultivars of good quality. Note that a 5-pound, 3.6-ounce isle fruit, found in Kealakekua in December, holds the Guinness weight record.

Still, imports fill two-thirds of the demand, so the tropical fruit growers industry is working to up the production.

Meanwhile, if you have a tree, please do share with your less fortunate neighbor.