A homecoming is something to celebrate — and that’s no less true for returning natives other than human beings. At Gunstock Ranch near Laie, 600,000 seedlings, most of them the native milo, are moving in.

The Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative, a nonprofit funded by federal grants and donations, is spearheading the work, with the support of Hawaii Reserves Inc., the property manager.

Native plants have adapted to the environment, and are likely to thrive. Kudos to the Initiative, and good luck to the milo.

Getting more assertive with the homeless

It’s been tough for the public to feel too secure, long-term, about future use of Kakaako Waterfront Park, given the problem with enforcing closure hours and the vandalism damage that ultimately shut the park down. Homeless encampments that have been rousted from there and other parks have a tendency to spring up again.

Still, it was good to see the state move assertively, with security guards giving notice against pitching tents right from the start of the park’s reopening on Monday.

And it was good to see people enjoying their park. Let’s hope officials remain watchful and ready to help with social services. They will have to be: The next day, tents started showing up down the street.