The proposal to span Kauai’s Hanakapiai Stream with an aluminum bridge gives one pause, just as hikers pause at the streamside to plan their hops across on the natural stepstones. Crossing Hawaii streams can be precarious, especially after a heavy rain and, well, it rains a lot on the Garden Isle. A bridge is worth considering on this popular trail.

The public, fortunately, can weigh in on the draft environmental assessment on the bridge (see bit.ly/2dZP5Tm). As much as possible, nature should be left alone, and aluminum is not so natural, even if it’s painted brown. It might be a solution in this case, but if relied on too often, it would be a bridge too far.

Get thee to a gym, Kaiser says

If you’ve ever wanted to join a gym to get into shape, Kaiser Permanente members, here’s a good opportunity. Kaiser, the state’s largest health maintenance organization, is offering its members free membership to a gym if they meet certain health and fitness goals.

As an incentive to get active, its Fit Rewards program launching Jan. 1 will reimburse members up to $200 to join or renew annual membership at participating gyms if they exercise there at least 45 days for 30 minutes per day, by the end of 2017. And, the gyms say they’ll cap membership at $200. So win-win, right — or should that be lose-lose, as in weight?

For info, see kp.org/fitrewards or call 1-877-750-2746.