Big store chains hang on in Hawaii

In the embattled retail landscape of brick-and-mortar stores being shuttered, Hawaii has been hit now and then.

In last week’s round of announced closures of Kmart, Sears and Macy’s, Hawaii dodged the bullet. But remember, Kmarts did close just last year in Halawa and Kahului, following earlier shutdowns at Waikele Center and Nimitz Highway. It retains stores in Kapolei, on Kauai and on Hawaii island. The flagship Sears store, meanwhile, exited Ala Moana Center in 2013, but did just reopen a showroom for appliances at the shopping mall; it also has stores at Pearlridge and Windward Mall, and in Hilo and Kahului.

Let’s hope there’s enough activity — by locals and tourists alike — to sustain these classic chains for as long as possible.

Mariota, Titans hope for another miracle

We’re still abuzz. With his Tennessee Titans trailing by 18 points in the third quarter, Marcus Mariota tossed the football; it was batted by a Kansas City defender but Mariota was able to swiftly snag it out of the air then dive in for a touchdown. That 6-yard pass from Mariota to Mariota helped spur his team on to a 22-21 win. Come Saturday, though, the son of Hawaii will need such miracle plays, with the Titans going up against the heavily favored New England. Kickoff is at 3:15 p.m. Hawaii time.