Despite simmering tensions in the East China and South China seas, China is invited to again return to next summer’s biennial Rim of the Pacific exercises off Hawaii. In a show of military aloha, invites are extended to each of the 26 nations that took part in last year’s event.

A year ago, before RIMPAC kicked off, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson said: “These (exercises) are the sorts of things that bring us all together in sort of positive, constructive ways.” The at-sea “interoperability” drills range from diving and submarine rescue to anti-piracy.

Good news for Searider media program

Waianae, which often has a long wait for community ugrades, can be excited about this one. The $10.7 million expansion of the facilities serving Waianae High School’s long-established Searider Productions media program will elevate the center into a real community asset.

The program started small, with 85 students in hot classrooms. It’s tripled in enrollment, and the added classroom space will accommodate 100 more students. Check it out: www.seariderproductions.com.