Maybe subpoenas will help fix Hawaii State Hospital

If subpoenas are what it takes to find solutions to problems at the Hawaii State Hospital, then subpoena away.

Staffers working at the Kaneohe facility for the mentally ill have come forward with serious concerns, ranging from unsafe working conditions to nepotism by some higher-ups. The fact-finding pace lurched forward last week, when it was announced at a state Senate investigative hearing that five top-level state health administrators would be subpoenaed to testify at a March 27 hearing. Another round of subpoenas is expected later.

Let’s hope that all this will: 1) afford solid protection against retaliation for staffers who disclose legitimate concerns; and 2) actually provide fixes to dysfunctions at the hospital.

Public anger rouses a passive City Council

It seems the City Council’s Zoning Committee has exacted some concessions to increase open-space and landscaping requirements for a variance allowing a Waikiki tower to exceed height limits.

But this is no cause for big celebrations. Think about how much public outcry was needed on the overcrowding of Kuhio Avenue to secure even this modicum of developer largesse.

The decision serves as a reminder that there’s no rest for the weary residents: The push for smart urban growth takes nearly relentless effort. So, back to work, citizens! Put away the hats and horns.