Troubling delays in bringing Christie to trial

Whatever anyone thinks of Roger Christie’s argument that drug laws inhibit the free practice of religion by the church he runs, the way his case is playing out is disturbing. The Hawaii island marijuana advocate has been held in federal detention for more than 21⁄2 years. Due to various complexities of the case, including changes in his own legal representation, it’s hard to know who’s at fault for all the delays.

But even an overextended law-and-order system is supposed to do its work as quickly as possible. Justice delayed is justice denied, as they say.

Parks director must warm up to challenge

When it comes to the problem of broken water heaters at city pools, it’ll be sink or swim time for incoming city Parks Director Toni Robinson.

Back in November 2011, city officials stated that "money is now available to install new water heaters" — with completion eyed for the coming February — but here it is, more than a year later, and heaters are still broken. Where did the money go and why aren’t fixes made?

If Robinson can find the answers — as well as the funds — and restore warm showers, the department will be hailed by pool swimmers across Oahu: from Kailua, to Salt Lake, to Manoa. It may already have a head start in Manoa, where philanthropist Abigail Kawana­nakoa has pledged the $30,000 needed to repair or replace the showers’ water heater. Way to dive right in, Ms. Kawana­nakoa.