Voter registration deadline looms

Remember the dramatic lesson from the primary election: Every vote counts.

The heated showdown in Puna between Brian Schatz and Colleen Hanabusa in the Democratic race for U.S. Senate highlighted just how valuable each vote is. So if you’ve yet to register for the general election, Monday is your last chance.

For more information, see http://hawaii.gov/elections/voters/registration.htm.

Another reminder: Registering to vote is the crucial first step in a two-part process; the second is to actually turn out and vote. The election is Nov. 4, but walk-in absentee voting starts Oct. 21.

DLNR needs to fill the gap at beach

The city and state are working toward the obvious solution at Fort DeRussy Beach, where homeless people are taking up residence because the state land is beyond the jurisdiction of city police.

Plans are underway to transfer jurisdiction to the city, as occurred years ago for other beaches and parks inWaikiki. In the meantime, though, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources must step up with its own enforcement of no-camping rules.