Hikers need warnings about dangerous trails

The days when Hawaii kamaaina basically had the secret trails to themselves are gone. Social media leave very few secrets, as evidenced by foot traffic and all-too-frequent mishaps on once-secluded trails.

There’s every way imaginable, from Twitter to smartphone apps, that tech-savvy visitors find out about them now. One popular free app, AllTrails, has scant information about safety risks. They’re more focused on locating and rating the hike.

Perhaps the state should get out warnings through these apps, or create its own. Or an old-fashioned trailhead sign, that can work, too.

Lighting up the night for $46.6M

Things are going to be looking brighter this week — and whether or not you like it will depend on your point of view. The city is starting to install new energy-saving LED streetlights.

Some are concerned the illumination will disrupt birds at night, and even some humans may find them too bright as well. Two years of installation will cost $46.6 million, but the intent is that over time, energy efficiency will make it worthwhile.

Let’s hope so — although the city’s record of things penciling out in that way is, shall we say, a bit dim.