To be sure, the Navy SEALs and other special-ops forces do dangerous, mission-critical work on behalf of the American people — many times under cover of darkness, literally and figuratively. So it’s with a bit of irony that we note that even the military’s plan to increase SEALs and special-ops training here is subject to an environmental assessment report. The public document does not disclose top-secret info on operations, of course, but even so, seeing the mentions of tactical equipment, vehicles and general operations involved are interesting.

The proposed tripling of training here, to about 330 events yearly, will expand from Oahu and Hawaii island to Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Lanai; thus, the necessary environmental assessment — see 808ne.ws/2Thue2z.

Competition challenges Kokua Market

If it’s any consolation — though it’s probably not — Kokua Market near the university at least can know it’s not alone among food co-operatives that are struggling to survive. The Cooperative Grocer Network has been tracking the national trends, and the days when the co-op was the principal place for local or organic food are long gone. Big-box stores and supermarkets have a lot of that now — plus other things shoppers want.

A co-op still offers a sense of community, they say, while adding that some co-ops are branching out. Look for this niche to try delis and other extras in its survival strategy.