Somehow, noise will find a way to mark New Year

So, everyone’s asking: How did Oahu’s first New Year’s go since the big fireworks clamp-down?

Most people will agree that greeting 2012 was a much, much quieter ritual than what Honolulu witnessed a year ago.

Of course, it will be hard to know for certain about the effects of the fireworks restrictions until 2013. That’s because, according to the reigning theory, a lot of households tapped their stored hoard from last year to give everything from newly illegal novelties to the long-illicit aerial pyrotechnics one last hurrah. Next year we’ll really see if contraband items get in somehow.

But somewhere in Moanalua, one reveler figured a blast from a 16-wheeler truck would substitute. People will always find a new noisemaker.

Don’t forget Cayetano’s dogs

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano hasn’t decided for certain whether to toss his hat into the mayoral ring, but the very notion of it conjures some pretty colorful imagery.

For one, a lot of voters might start seeing red if the mayor is so focused on defeating the rail project, as Cayetano seems inclined to do. Even if you agree with his position, there are lots of other things to juggle in municipal management.

And here’s an amusing, less political thought: The late Mayor Frank Fasi and his dog Gino made quite the affectionate pair in Honolulu Hale. But that was a single canine. Cayetano and his wife these days have had the care of 10 dogs. Is the staff at City Hall ready for that? Seems doubtful.