The city is suing to block a proposed constitutional amendment that would authorize a new surtax on property that would fund education. The ballot question makes it unclear what kind of “investment property” would be subject to the tax. The city might have complained in any case, since it collects property taxes. But it seems lawmakers invited the challenge by letting a vague phrase go. The Senate had specified more plainly that “residential investment property” was targeted, but because there was no conference committee, the only version that could pass was the House draft, which left the “residential” adjective out. Expect this to be just the start of a contentious fight over the proposed amendment.

Leave dolphins alone; they need their rest

By night, Hawaiian spinner dolphins cruise for food in offshore waters. In the morning, they head to near-shore bays, primarily to rest while avoiding predators. Avoiding pesky humans eager for a chance to interact is another matter. In a recent harassment case, three swimmers agreed to pay fines after federal officers caught them attempting to hang out with dolphins off an Oahu beach. The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits any attempt to harass, hunt, capture or kill a marine mammal. Kudos to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for now proposing regulation that would bar anyone from swimming with the species or approaching within 50 yards.