New opportunity to rent in Waikiki

Construction will soon be underway for Lilia Waikiki, the first long-term, rentals-only apartment tower to be built makai of the Ala Wai Canal in more than two decades. With a mix of 364 market rentals and 91 affordable units, it could step up the live-work-play vibe in a neighborhood dominated by short-term lodging.

It’s unlikely, though, that Lilia will be within financial reach for a large portion of the area’s service- sector workers. Affordable units will be reserved for residents earning up to 80% of Honolulu’s median household income, which works out to incomes of $67,500 for singles, $77,150 for a couple and $96,400 for a family of four.

Go online to track coral reefs

Intensifying heat of ocean water has led to bleaching of the coral so critical to the health of Hawaii’s marine environment. Arizona State University, the state Division of Aquatic Resources and NOAA have launched a website, www.hawaiicoral.org, as a virtual tracker.

Combatting the effects of climate change on Hawaii’s ailing coral reefs will require more powerful changes than anyone could muster now. But expanding public awareness can’t hurt, and the internet is certainly an asset for that.