Hawaii byways chopped liver?

It’s time for the Aloha State to work up a real snit fit about the National Scenic Byways program.

The federal program, which provides funds for helping preserve select roadways, has designated byways in all states except Hawaii, Nebraska, Rhode Island and Texas.

Forget those other states: What about us?

Taking up the gauntlet is the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board, applying for the designation of the Ka Iwi Coast. Best of luck to the board, and kudos for singing the praises of a truly exceptional coastal road in its neck of the woods. Hollywood certainly doesn’t need convincing: How many times has this stretch of Kalanianaole Highway turned up in a "Five-0" or some big-screen feature?

Battery-swap firm runs out of gas

An Israeli-based company that sold its Hawaii electric vehicle charging network in March has gone entirely belly up, after just one automaker agreed to build cars compatible with its battery-swapping technology.

The idea was that customers could buy cars and Better Place would own the batteries, which it could quickly replace over distances so the car owner could drive away in minutes.

However, the only car agreeable was Renault’s Fluence EV, a family sedan too big for some drivers and two small for others.

Better Place’s system in Hawaii was more conventional, with a network of 77 charging kiosks — and that was purchased recently by Portland, Ore.-based OpConnect.

That should allow the "green" option of electric vehicles to continue humming along here.