Can feds put a dent in dengue?

The good news: It can’t be hard to lure a few Georgians to Hawaii.

The not-so-good news: The fact that those visitors are coming from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta ratchets up concern about the dengue fever outbreak on Hawaii island.

The federal health team is expected here next week to help assess the outbreak, review local efforts at containing the spread and advise on the best way forward.

As of Wednesday afternoon, there were 101 confirmed cases on Hawaii island, up eight from the previous day.

Because the virus is spread via infected mosquitoes, spraying in areas of reported incidence as well as clearing standing water clearing have occurred. But the worries rise with the numbers.

Let’s hope the feds can help.

Some things go up and stay up

The explanation from Matson Inc. seems straightforward enough: The cost of shipping for most of its customers will go up by about 5 percent, effective Jan. 3, because operational costs have gone up, and due to capital expenditures on two new ships, to the tune of $418 million.

In recent years such investments have totaled nearly $1 billion, company executives said.

And yes, it amounts to only pennies more on most consumer goods.

Still, it’s frustrating. After a year of startling declines in fuel prices — one of the big cost centers in shipping budgets — you would have thought we’d be in for a rate decrease.

Better think again.