A fee for fireworks? Seems reasonable

Sure, some local folks like the Friday night fireworks at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. So do Hilton’s paying guests. And it’s a great way to promote the hotel. But the show requires blocking off a portion of public beach for safety reasons. Should Hilton pay the standard $500 per event — $26,000 annually — for the privilege?

No, representatives of the $12 billion hotel company told the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. OK, how about a big discount — $200 per event, or $10,400 annually? Still too much. After all, the show “contributes to the community.”

Yes, it does. So does paying an appropriate fee for use of public land. The board settled on the $200. Given that Hilton spends $446,000 a year, before fees, on the fireworks show, the state’s charge should be manageable.

Let’s hire a zookeeper we can keep

What a difference a half percentage-point makes.

That’s the share of annual real property taxes that, by City Charter amendment, is being set aside for a fund that, it is hoped, will help win back the accreditation for the troubled Honolulu Zoo.

Perhaps that newfound financial stability has persuaded reputable zoo directors to seek the top job. Let’s hope they are among the 10 finalists for the position, chosen from a field of 47 applicants.

This was a post that was filled and vacated five times in seven years, remember. May the best contender win — and succeed at a tough job.