Saving the grace of Ka Iwi scenery

For some 40 years developers have wanted to cash in on a piece of the iconically scenic Ka Iwi Coast, which wraps around Oahu’s eastern shore. The community has protested at each step, but it wasn’t until this week that it could breathe a sigh of relief.

Acquisitions and conservation easements, in a partnership that includes the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Trust for Public Land, have secured the area in perpetuity. The campaign involved city funds and private donations, too.

That’s what it takes to keep from paving paradise. But this was surely worth it.

A fond aloha to the master of insults

The late comic icon, Don Rickles, was no stranger to Hawaii. He stayed at the Kahala Hotel & Resort, enough to be part of its celebrity photo wall display.

But perhaps the closest to a recent performance here was in 2011. The comedian was the voice of Mr. Potato Head, one of the characters in the animated “Toy Story” series. That included the cartoon short “Hawaiian Vacation,” in which the toys stage an island holiday for Barbie and Ken in the little kid’s room.

His brand of insults aside, he was known as a nice guy. Aloha, Mr. Rickles or Potato Head, whichever you fancy.