A safe zone could use a PV system

The appalling amount of damage to Kakaako Waterfront Park from homeless encampments underscores the reliance those without shelter have on electricity for certain comforts of life. A small refrigerator and two air conditioner units were among the items retrieved.

To power those appliances, the campers had tapped into power lines. There were leaking water pipes, as well. Now that there’s a push to create a “safe zone” campsite in lieu of housing, some provision for electricity will be essential. Perhaps a small photovoltaic installation will prove a bargain.

Precious Niihau shell lei recovered

It’s heartening that three months after rare (and pricey) Niihau shell lei and other items were stolen from a Maui shop, police have recovered one dozen lei. The search continues for 13 lei, ranging in price from from $400 to $3,400. According to the Ni‘ihau Cultural Heritage Foundation, the celebrated lei has flourished as a “fine folk art” since the days of royal rulers because of the island’s abundance of shells — and scarcity of flowers, due to arid climate. Hawaii law prohibits jewelry from being labeled “Niihau” if it’s not made mostly with shells from that island.