Sure, we’re accustomed to the story of a stray candidate failing to mind his or her campaign-finance p’s and q’s.

But when dozens of them mess up — more than 80, including non-rookies such as the sitting governor and House speaker — that tells you something: The laws may have become unwieldy.

What’s noteworthy is that a bill to clarify things has not won many friends at the Legislature. Perhaps its advocates should try again in January.

There’s nothing like hitting a bunch of politicos with fines to convince them that the Campaign Spending Commission means to enforce the law, even a confusing one.

Bus fares could go up — after the election

Hawaii’s culture of concern for the elderly and disabled ranks among the things kamaaina love about this place, but it can make raising revenue for services a delicate bargain.

The Honolulu City Council quickly shut down a proposal for a significant (214 percent) boost in the $35 charge for annual senior bus passes; the bill aimed to make other fare hikes, too.

Those opposed said a more gradual increase would be more palatable — closer to what the Rate Commission proposed. Perhaps that would win over a key vote or two, from current Council members as well as whoever wins the two contested Council seats in November’s election.