It’s encouraging that Congress has moved forward with a bipartisan $900 billion coronavirus relief bill — and that President-elect Joe Biden views it as a “down payment” on a subsequent relief funding effort that needs to take shape in late January.

Hawaii is expecting a $1.7 billion slice, which includes money for an array of needs, ranging from unemployment and housing assistance to forgivable loans to small businesses and nonprofits. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said in a news release: “While it’s not enough, and we still have more work to do, this will provide help immediately.” For those struggling the most, the assistance cannot arrive too soon.

Kilauea makes its 2020 statement

Kilauea’s weekend lava show at Halemaumau Crater was not exactly a surprise. Scientists monitoring the volcano had been detecting hints of a revival, following the extended 2018 eruption.

Still, after all the other tumult of 2020, including the pandemic and its fallout, some early New Year’s fireworks from Kilauea seems to fit right in.

Puna residents can feel grateful for the calm now, though they know not to exhale quite yet.