Score a point for UH medical research

Medical research is a long, almost painfully meticulous process in which rewards come only to those who bring both drive and patience to the task. So let’s not miss the opportunity to congratulate Dr. Michele Carbone and his team at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center for their part in a remarkable discovery of a genetic link in mesothelioma and melanoma of the eye.

UH can celebrate because the discovery potentially could yield gene therapies and drugs worth millions of dollars. But most important, this should enable earlier detection and avoidance of environmental risks for those vulnerable to the disease, and a longer life with their loved ones.

Donkeys from Hawaii getting free trip to California

It’s not easy deciding what to do with the wild animals in Hawaii that are causing problems for humans. But regarding the state’s wild donkeys, it appears we have somewhat of a happy ending — at least for now.

The Humane Society of the United States is sending to California sanctuaries 120 of them that have become pests in Waikoloa Village on Hawaii island. They were among several hundred that were driven by drought down the mountain to the resort area. Of those, about 200 have been adopted by various Hawaii residents; the 120 will be loaded Sept. 16 onto a chartered "equine" flight to the mainland. A team of volunteer veterinarians has been working to castrate many of the male donkeys, which along with the rescue flight is costing the society about $75,000.

The animal-welfare group organized a similar effort in the 1980s for burros in the Grand Canyon, and deserves praise — and maybe some private donations — for its work to save animals and relieve stress on the environment, including us humans.