Violent video games not fare for keiki

Video games are fantasy, but the graphics are so realistic these days. If the game is also violent, that realism worries more than impresses parents.

There’s no firm data showing that blasting a virtual enemy into a mass of blood and gore does permanent damage to the keiki, but parents figure, why take chances? Restricting the sale of violent games to adults is the aim of a California statute now under court challenge; attorneys general from 10 states, including Hawaii, expressed support for the law.

Many parents appreciate the attempt, even if most realize a law can’t keep their kids from using someone else’s gear to play. To think otherwise is fantasy, too.

Iolani Palace no ka oi

Honolulu has stunning attractions unrelated to sun, sand and surf, and one of the loveliest gems is Iolani Palace. So it was good to hear ticket revenue topped the $100,000 mark for the first time.

Still we wonder about the timing. Could it be that in a recession, visitors enjoy royal encounters, even if they’re ghosts of our past? Or — and maybe more likely — could sales have benefited from the publicity surrounding the movie "Kaiulani?" The revenue bodes well for preserving this treasure so, for whatever reason they come, e komo mai.