Interior secretary gets a tough message

Kudos to 86 U.S. House Democrats for pointing out the pointlessness of an ongoing review of more than two dozen federally protected areas — including Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument — with the aim of rescinding or resizing for “traditional uses,” such as logging and mining, oil and gas exploration, and fishing.

In a letter sent to U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, the House members asserted: “While stewardship of America’s national monuments is your solemn responsibility, the continued existence of those national monuments is ours.”

Monuments are designated by U.S. presidents, but the power to significantly change them lies with Congress, the letter said. Further, it rightly chided Zinke to instead focus on preservation by addressing unmet maintenance needs, wildfire and drought issues and other concerns.

Post pictures of your lunch for science

One can hardly go to an eatery anymore without seeing people whip out their cell phones and take a picture of their meal. Soon those folks may be doing so in the name of science. Really.

The University of Hawaii Cancer Center is recruiting subjects of Asian ancestry to take part in a study analyzing dietary habits leading to abdominal fat. Participants track their eating, snapping a photo of what they consume; a special app identifies the food. Volunteers have until Wednesday to sign up: Call 237-3901 or email lifestyle@cc.hawaii.edu.