Helping homeless starts with housing

Scattered-site "Housing First" is the approach of Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration in placing the homeless into traditional housing — apartments instead of shelters — anticipating a cost of $35 million.

The concept has been put into action in more than 40 cities by Pathways to Housing since its model was originated in 1992 to address homelessness among people with psychiatric disabilities, according to Pathways Housing First, headquartered in New York.

Pamela Witty-Oakland, Caldwell’s community services director, says funds could become available from the sale of the city’s affordable housing stock to a private developer. We eagerly await details of this worthwhile action plan, due out by May 1.

Who knew Honolulu Airport was so romantic?

Of all the places that conjure romantic images of Hawaii, the Honolulu Airport just doesn’t quite rise to the occasion. However one characterizes the ’70s-style decor, the Wiki Wiki shuttles, the overall hurry-up-and-wait vibe, "a place to make a hot connection" isn’t the phrase that comes to mind.

So it came as some surprise that it ranks No. 4 on a national list of meet-up joints, a roster compiled by MeetAtTheAirport.com. At the niche dating site, members log in and make connections and, should their flight paths coincide, there can be love.

The airport’s open-air garden is one of the listed charms of the place. Jet-setters can go there for layover sunbathing, or whatever.

Maybe all these delayed flights we’ve been having lately have an up side, after all.