Important to maintain quality, even in building boom

It’s interesting to contemplate what’s behind the spate of workmanship problems, and ensuing litigation, in Hawaii’s construction boom. As quoted in a Monday story, some observers have concluded it’s just because there’s so much building going on that the number of disputes rise proportionally, too.

Others believe it’s a sign of a workforce under strain: The really experienced builders are booked up so that those with less experience, and more likely to make errors, are on some of the jobs. Sounds like another limitation of an island community. So both theories could be correct.

Once more around block for ride-hailing at airport

The state Department of Transportation’s move to extend a pilot program that allows ride-hailing companies to make pickups at Honolulu’s airport seems reasonable. After all, much has changed in transportation and technology spheres since DOT last amended its airport services rules in 2002. For starters, that was seven years and a decade, respectively, before Uber and Lyft launched in San Francisco.

Since the airport pilot program started in December, the companies have totaled more than 50,000 pickups. The extension will include a public comment period. Expect traditional taxi firms to comment loudly.