The New York Times takes shave ice and its many variations around the globe upscale in a multimedia feature headlined "Putting the Fresh in Refreshment."

Hawaiian shave ice, Mexican raspados, Korean bingsu, Louisianan snoballs, Taiwanese bao bing, Indian golas, Puerto Rican piraguas, Cuban granizados, and frio-frio from the Dominican Republic all rate a mention.

Bottom line: They’re all better than snow cones.

Help shape Kakaako Makai’s future

If you don’t participate, you don’t earn the right to gripe.

So here’s a chance to participate.

The topic is the future of Kakaako Makai, that 36.5-acre parcel of mostly vacant state land next to Kewalo Basin in Kakaako.

The Hawaii Community Development Authority is hosting a public workshop from 4 to 8 p.m. tonight at the Hawaii Convention Center, an opportunity for the public to help draft a master plan for the property, which has seen several failed plans over the years.

Light turnout at a February meeting has HCDA officials calling for more public input; guiding principles for the area include expanding shoreline parks and a promenade, preserving open view planes and adding cultural facilities, some restaurants and small shops.

This is prime space in Honolulu’s heart; have a say in how it might be used.