Hawaii Kai debates food vs. good view

It’s easy to see why Hawaii Kai misses its Foodland. After the Koko Marina grocery store closed in 2011, the neighborhood was left with only Safeway and members-only Costco. Even so, about 200 residents expressed firm opposition Thursday to a new shopping center on preservation-zoned land in front of the Hawaii Kai Marina.

That’s easy to see why, too. The unobstructed view of the mountains from Kalanianaole Highway provides a refreshing visual break from the houses and strip malls that line the mauka side of the road.

Given that the land is zoned for preservation, the community’s wishes should be given extra weight by land-owner, Kamehameha Schools. Perhaps Hawaii Kai doesn’t want another shopping center. Just another Foodland.

Time to get mad about basketball

March Madness has begun its 67 games over three months on four network channels with no overlap coverage, making what is regarded as the biggest post-season moneymaker in sports.

The television brought in more than $1 billion for last year’s basketball tournament.

That’s not counting the money changing hands in the workplace, without figuring the loss in worker productivity. Ah well, many companies in gambling-free Hawaii view the activity as a good office exercise.