Should we be surprised by this statistic?

Hawaii’s rising homeless population is bucking the national trend, according to a federal report.

A U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development analysis says the number of homeless people in Hawaii is up 8.6 percent since 2010, while the homeless population for the United States overall — pegged at about 610,000 people — was down 4 percent. The study looked at 3,000 cities and counties across the country.

Given that homelessness is falling nationwide, Hawaii should model its efforts on places making headway.

High school football season almost pau

As another high school football season barrels to a close with today’s First Hawaiian Bank State Football Championships, we give a big shout-out to all involved throughout the season.

At Aloha Stadium, it’ll be the Kaiser Cougars vs. the Kauai Red Raiders for the Division II title at 4 p.m.; then the Punahou Buffanblu vs. the Mililani Trojans at 7 p.m. for the Division I title. But years from now, win or lose, the specialness of prep sports in the high school experience will resonate: the charged pep rallies, the glaring stadium lights, the connective school spirit.

Kudos to the players, coaches and staff, families and fans for all their dedication.