Extra lanes seem to be working

The verdict — albeit a tentative one — is in: The added lanes in the most congested corridor of the H-1 appear to be helping quite a bit.

Weekend traffic in the notorious Pali-to-Punahou stretch has been noticeably better, and the changes are passing a major test this week: the resumption of classes at the University of Hawaii, always a highway-clogging event.

But just as UH students will face a lot of tests in the semester ahead, so will Lunalilo Freeway.

And there are more changes to try out in about a month or so.

A good start, to be sure, but getting an "A" is anything but a slam-dunk.

Meanwhile, for those drivers of wide loads who are feeling squeezed, it looks like many are figuring out a solution without the benefit of a new law: Keep to the right.

And to regular car drivers, stay cool — and stay to the left. Easy.

WAC football fun while it lasted

The University of Hawaii exited the Western Athletic Conference as the football lights were about to be turned off.

The Warriors joined Boise State, Nevada and Fresno State in jumping to the Mountain West Conference, and Boise State will be leaping quickly to the Big East.

The new Mountain West will look much like the old WAC, except the Mountain West teams will be earning $1 million apiece in this year’s season.

The WAC will try to survive, but without football, the only revenue-producing sport in most programs across the country.

Not likely, but good luck.