Editorial: Making a profit from Hawaii’s good name

So many consumers clamor for the cachet of Hawaii goods — and merchandisers certainly know this. There’s a lucrative market for all things Hawaii, but it can also draw controversy. “Hawaiian”-branded potato chips produced in Washington state. Aloha Poke Co. in Chicago taking out federal trademarks on “Aloha Poke” and telling others to rebrand. “Kona” coffees and beer that have prompted lawsuits over ingredients and sourcing.

The latest legal action is over those “Hawaiian”-labeled chips, a class-action suit filed by consumers who claim they wouldn’t have bought the products or would’ve paid a lot less, if they’d known the chips were made on the mainland using mainland ingredients. Frivolous, or food for thought? We’ll see.

A helping hand for California utility

Crews representing the Hawaiian Electric Industries utilities on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island are lending their kokua to Pacific Gas & Electric, struggling to restore service following the devastating losses from the Camp Fire in northern California. That gesture one day may be repaid. Hurricane season 2018 is just about over — it officially ends Friday — and though there was damage to parts of the state, Hawaii essentially dodged a bullet this year. We may not be so lucky in 2019, weatherwise.

In any case, being good neighbors is good karma.