Off the News: Canoe paddling competition returns

This month’s move to Tier 4 — nearing the least-restrictive tier in Honolulu Hale’s framework for pandemic recovery — prompted a welcome return of more organized sporting events, including a 17-team paddling competition in Maunalua Bay hosted on Saturday by Na ‘Ohana o Na Hui Wa‘a canoe racing association.

Previously, due to coronavirus-related concerns, crew members trained in pods, with each new member paddling in a one-person canoe for two weeks as a health precaution. A series of conditioning regatta-style races, 5-12 miles in length, will continue on various Saturdays in Oahu waters through October; see www.huiwaa.com.

More scrutiny on HART officials

When the city went to the Legislature for tourist-tax financing of its rail project, officials undoubtedly knew lawmakers would be scrutinizing things more closely.

That’s why few were surprised when Senate Minority Leader Kurt Fevella called for federal and state probes of rail spending and hiring conflicts and irregularities at the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation.

Taxpayers likely agree. At this point, rail officials need to be put on notice that they’re being watched very closely.