Coral is more than just a pretty reef

Priceless in beauty, Hawaii’s coral reefs are tagged at a $835 million value for service as a shield against flooding, according to a just-released study. Acting as submerged breakwaters, reefs dissipate all but about 3 percent of incoming wave energy. However, effectiveness requires good health; and in 2015, according to The Nature Conservancy, an estimated 50% of live coral cover on Maui, and up to 90% of some West Hawaii reefs, were lost to bleaching. Reef restoration and maintenance should figure prominently — along with current staples of seawalls and other structures — in the lineup for addressing U.S. coastal hazards.

Time to get underway on Kealoha trial

Third time’s the charm, the saying goes — but the Hawaii public wants the second go-around to suffice.

Jury selection for the conspiracy and obstruction trial of Louis and Katherine Kealoha — the retired police chief and his wife, the former deputy city prosecutor — will begin next week, after a new jury pool of some 430 is screened.

Previously, about 480 prospective jurors had been summoned but were released in March due to Katherine Kealoha’s medical care. With that issue dealt with, hopefully, let’s get on with it.