Lava-threatened homes not a tourist attraction

Hawaii County Civil Defense has asked that Federal Aviation Administration officials set a no-fly zone over homes in Kalapana that are threatened by the latest lava flow.

Of course, the FAA should give its approval, to fend off any further buzzing of homes by sightseers on commercial helicopter tours.

It’s regrettable that this precaution is apparently necessary. There’s something decidedly creepy about homes burning down being treated as a tourism lure. Show some aloha, people.

For UH fans, there are alternatives to PPV

Having to pay almost $500 to view University of Hawaii football, volleyball and basketball games on TV this year can be a terrible prospect if you’re not hooked up to Oceanic Cable service, you’re a cheapskate, you’re just plain poor, or you care about only one of the three sports, like, let’s say, football.

In the case of football, the alternatives are listening to the games live on the radio, which actually can be pretty satisfying. Or, one could watch the games for free, but on delay (except for three games this year, which will not be replayed on delay). And there’s always the sports bars.

The other option is one UH boosters don’t want to hear—just saying "auwe," and giving up on the whole thing.