Kalaeloa cleanup could cost a little, or a lot

The most disconcerting thing about the Navy’s proposed plan for reducing exposure to some toxic waste at Kalaeloa may be the cost range of the mitigation options.

The “preferred alternative” would cost $1.2 million basically to add cover material and deter erosion, while at the high end, it’s a $42 million option. That’s for disposal of soil and debris down to 10 feet.

Considering that there are polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and asbestos involved, it would be smart to get public comment in by the Thursday deadline: Email denise.emsley@navy.mil; information: 471-7300.

App extends DLNR’s enforcement reach

Radio station KSSK has its “posse” of involved listeners, and we know how valuable those community eyes and ears are to help tag scofflaws. So it makes perfect sense for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to launch a new app that makes it easier for folks to use smartphones to report violations such as illegal hunting and fishing.

The DLNRTip app, available for free via the Google Play Store and iTunes, should help with natural resources management. After all, there’s a lot of ground — and water — to cover for an agency that receives 300-400 tips monthly on its phone tip line, with 90 enforcement officers spread across the state. Let’s hope more tips bring more enforcement.