Sure, their beachfront office space is the envy of workers wedged into cubicles, stuck indoors on sunshiny days. But Oahu’s on-duty lifeguards do not go to the shoreline for fun and relaxation. Last year they rescued some 3,110 people from potential drowning incidents.

Last week, a city proclamation was issued that marks the 100th anniversary of lifeguards on Oahu — first hired by the Territory of Hawaii in May 1917. We’re fortunate to have their ocean safety skill sets at the ready, particularly on days such as July 4 when thousands of “floatilla” partygoers bobbed in waters off Waikiki, resulting in at least 30 alcohol-related injuries. The Legislature’s decision to pull a policy that shielded county lifeguards from civil liability on state beaches, starting last month, was misguided. Here’s hoping protection is restored.

A new boss for Honolulu’s rail transit project

There’s a new man in town — Andrew Robbins. Get used to the name; you’ll be seeing a lot of it. Robbins is the new permanent executive director of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, in charge of the city’s infamous rail transit project. He replaces Dan Grabauskas, who himself was replaced by the current interim executive director, Krishniah Murthy.

We wish Robbins the best of luck wrangling the more than $8 billion (and counting) project into submission.