It’s refreshing to see Hawaii lead the way on an important public-health initiative that more cities and states are likely to adopt in the coming years. Raising the legal age to buy tobacco products to 21 makes sense from a public health standpoint, because research proves that if young people avoid smoking until that age, they are very unlikely to ever pick up the deadly, addictive and expensive habit.

Including e-cigarettes was essential, as they have become the nicotine-delivery system of choice for a growing segment of young users. We applaud Gov. David Ige for signing this bill, oriented toward Hawaii’s future.

Kauai police experiment with body cameras

Lately, so much has happened nationally, and locally, to throw a big, bright spotlight on police conduct in the apprehension of suspects. Impromptu cell-phone and surveillence video footage have revealed some disturbing images showing questionable use of force or judgment.

So, it’ll be intriguing to see what comes of the Kauai Police Department’s purchase of 105 body cameras. Hopefully, knowing that "Big Brother" is recording will cut down on overreach, on both sides of the law.