All I’m asking is for a little respect

Wednesday’s news that the Hawaii Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the state’s Marriage Equality Act recalled the emotional marathon legislative hearings of fall 2013.

The fever pitch of the most belligerent naysayers revealed an intolerance rarely seen in our Aloha State.

Today, more than a year later, many same-sex couples have chosen to exercise their legal right to marry — and life’s gone on.

So here’s a sentiment worth seconding, by Deputy Attorney General Deirdre Marie-IhA: "We hope that the United States Supreme Court will recognize, as our Supreme Court did, that those who oppose marriage equality are ‘harmed not at all when others are given the liberty to choose their own life partners and are shown the respect that comes with formal marriage.’"

Patsy Mink park should be the test

The creation of a special fund for the upkeep of one well-used Oahu park has predictably inspired a City Council bill that would do the same for another.

But the Council should wait and see how things work out for Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park, popularly known as CORP, before approving a similar setup at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Park.

Expenses for the Waipio park far exceed the user fees now generated there. Since user fees would be a key source of revenue for any exclusive fund created, it seems likely that park regulars would see their fees rise.

Even well-intended plans carry unintended consequences.