Oahu residents have become so accustomed to whopping cost figures where rail is concerned that the $13.2 million claims payment for Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. seems like pocket change. Sadly, of course, it is not.

The company, a contractor on the first-half segment ending at Aloha Stadium, has settled up, and this enables the project to move on to the next phases. So that’s progress.

Also: The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board has approved the recovery plan, long awaited by the federal overseers. Given that the voters didn’t approve the charter amendment loosening HART’s quorum requirements, that’s another win.

First Thanksgiving, then holiday lights

A Norfolk pine — chopped to a height of 50 feet — is now in place in front of Honolulu Hale, and strings of shining holiday lights are turning up on trees dotting Frank F. Fasi Civic Center Grounds, signaling that prep is well underway for the 34th annual City Lights event. In the interest of celebrating one holiday at a time, we’re thankful that the tree-lighting ceremony, along with the electric light parade and holiday concert, is slated for Dec. 1 — well over a week after Thanksgiving.

The theme will be the same as last year’s, featuring the Honolulu Zoo, with handmade ornaments of animals. New this year: an opening-night block party featuring more than a dozen food booths.