Among the quickest ways of dealing with some 700 homeless people on Oahu who are “new arrivals” from out of state: one-way airfare back to family or friends. So it’s not surprising that state lawmakers are eyeing a seemingly tidy measure that would tap hotel-room tax to support a repatriation program run by the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association.

What could go wrong? For one thing, House Bill 2012 targets the homeless in tourist and resort areas, which could prompt people who had been swept away from these sites to return and set up encampments. For another: What’s to stop them from coming back to Hawaii?

Developers, be careful what you promise

The ball’s now back in developer Haseko’s court.

Circuit Judge Karen Nakasone on Monday ordered the developer of Ocean Pointe and Hoakalei Resort in Ewa to pay homeowners $20 million for its 2011 decision to change the main-feature marina into a lagoon due to cost and time concerns. Nakasone’s ruling — which came over two years after another judge had nullified a $27 million jury award in the case affecting some 3,000 homeowners — reduced the monetary damages but found that Haseko and its affiliates misled homebuyers.

Disappointed Haseko officials vow to appeal. Whichever side ultimately prevails, though, this case shows the seriousness of adhering to representations made when marketing and selling.