The Kilauea eruption delivered a horrendous year to Hawaii island, and Hurricane Lane merely compounded the pain.

And, said state Rep. Sylvia Luke, the cost of recovery is compounding, too. Lawmakers postponed a Friday meeting with county officials on a relief package, pending the county’s completion of a more detailed spending plan.

The bill is going up, said the House finance chairwoman. Initial estimates of $500-$600 million are climbing closer to $800 million. Most of it is anticipated to come from federal funds, but these days Uncle Sam is not Santa Claus, either.

A better tool to fight rat lungworm disease

The count of cases of rat lungworm disease is expected to climb in Hawaii and other tropics areas in coming years, as average temperatures rise. So, it’s encouraging that a group commissioned by Gov. David Ige has created guidelines for earlier diagnosis and prevention of the parasite-based illness.

Last year saw 18 confirmed cases statewide, most of them on Hawaii island. Within weeks, nonspecific symptoms — fleeting pain, tingling and numbness in the limbs, headaches and weakness — can give way to neurological problems resulting in long-term disability. Doctors are now being advised to follow specific guidelines pertaining to treatment.