Discrepancy in sonar data more than mere blip

While it’s good that the Navy has produced updated research on how its use of sonar and explosives affects dolphins and whales here and in California, the difference between the old analysis and the new is pretty startling.

The old studies covered training and testing that were being planned from 2009 through next year, and they estimated the service could unintentionally injure or kill about 100 marine mammals.

Now an environmental impact statement covering those exercises planned for 2014 and 2018 estimates it might cause hearing loss to 1,600 animals and potentially cause 200 marine mammal deaths.

The actual collateral damage would be less because of steps taken to reduce the risk, according to officials. Still, next time any expert makes projections of this sort, people can justifiably wonder: What might further research show?

‘Complete Streets’ give good lay of land

Don’t faint, but your friendly local politician did the right thing last week.

The City Council on Wednesday passed a bill establishing that the "Complete Streets" policy will guide the planning of city roadways. And that should mean the planners make more provisions for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as motorists, as a matter of course.

Considering Honolulu’s abysmal statistics for road safety, that’s an improvement everyone should welcome. And it should mesh nicely with the state’s matching "Complete Streets" policy.

Kudos to the Council — and a safe week to all.