Mosquitoes on the march

Recent wet weather around some parts of the island have left pools of standing water — a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. If irritation from the blood-thirsty pests alone isn’t enough to spur a drying frenzy, consider these two words: dengue fever.

There have been two confirmed and three suspected cases of dengue fever recently. Four cases involved Pearl City people; the fifth and most recent was in the Makiki-Kapiolani-Kaimuki area.

Do your bit to help contain this infectious disease and prevent an outbreak: Don’t give those pesky viral transmitters a prime environment to breed and bleed.

Seeking water from a dry well

From the Hope Springs Eternal file, there’s this: Amid all the talk of declining revenues, budgetary cuts and new taxes, there are still 117 organizations seeking grants-in-aid from the state Legislature.

A little quick work with a calculator produces a total of around $85 million being sought. It will be interesting to see at the end of the session which of these will be the last man (or men) standing.