Congress asked to go island style

U.S. Rep. Mark Takai’s request that “Aloha Friday” attire be allowed on the floor of Congress has a certain charm — but likely faces an uphill climb to win the favor of Speaker Paul Ryan.

Would Texas reps be wanting to wear their hats and Western ties, for example? Other regions have their fashion statements, too, and there’s something nice about a measure of formality in the Capitol.

Besides, aloha wear isn’t even as common here in the islands than it once was. Has anyone done a muumuu count lately? Perhaps Takai should advocate for a revival of the tradition at home, first.

Energy supplier not all just hot air

Often, good ideas just take a little time to make it down the pipeline — the gas pipeline, to be more precise and literal.

Hawaii Gas is seeking renewable-gas suppliers and has put out a request for proposals to buy raw biogas and bio-methane, natural resources available from municipal wastewater treatment centers and landfills.

The plan is to buy, then blend, the renewable gas with the synthetic natural gas and liquefied natural gas the company already uses.

Hawaii Gas’ move drew praise from the governor and others — it aligns toward the state’s ambitious goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2045, after all — although one observer noted that it was simply taking action on a renewable-sources commitment made several years ago. Still, talk is all around and can be cheap — so it’s heartening to see actual steps in the right direction.