Advertising on the sand at the beach? Really?

Compared to the visual blaring of political campaign signs, this form of advertising seems downright civilized.

A large round rubber stamp that imprints an advertising message on the sand is being promoted by Earthstamp Inc. in Hawaii. It’s simple, clean and is easily wiped away. What could be wrong with that? Well, the beaches are public spaces, for one; commercial activities are regulated, as they should be. But there’s also the very notion that advertising can follow you anywhere and everywhere. Even these days, when commercialization is nearly ubiquitous, this seems over the top.

On the other hand, there’s the Pali Lookout

When the state decided to start charging fees for some popular visitor attractions — as a way to pay for their upkeep — skeptics complained that the plan would alienate tourists and keep away locals.

Not so on the Nuuanu Pali State Wayside, which has brought in more than three times the estimated revenues from parking fees from March through May.

That gives us hope that the fee system will prove a relatively painless way to keep the venerable lookout in tip-top shape — unlike Hanauma Bay, which has endured broken and worn facilities despite the city collecting $5 each from tourists.