One of the downsides of population growth: Honolulu increasingly is classed among “larger cities,” which can make it look bad in certain comparisons.

For example: The best large cities for football fans. Wallet Hub, the personal finance site, delivered the pre-Super Bowl bad news that Honolulu ranked fifth from the bottom, No. 42 of 46, on the list. Of the 244 cities overall, we’re at 177. Not that much better.

Honolulu was dinged most painfully for “performance of college football teams” and “college football fan engagement.” Also: “college football stadium capacity.”

A beautiful new court in a beautiful place

The Pupukea Beach Park basketball court always offered a unique amenity for those shooting hoops: a spectacular shoreline vista.

Regardless of the view, the poor condition of the surface on both basketball and volleyball courts forced their closure five years ago. It took a public-private partnership with the community to raise the $142,300 needed for repairs. Skateboarders, students and other residents pitched in.

Whether or not they are victorious on the courts, they’re all winners.