Off the News: Get hurricane kits ready, just in case

Felicia’s Category 4 churning late last week in Eastern Pacific waters serves as a reminder that hurricane season is underway. Our region’s forecast predicts two to five cyclones before the six-month season ends in November. Last year, Hurricane Douglas passed north of Oahu on the last weekend in July, sparing the isles of a potential heavy impact.

Your just-in-case emergency kit should include a 14-day supply of nonperishable food and water, plus medicine. Also, to help prevent high-wind and heavy-rain damage at your residence, clear debris and clutter from yards and drainage ways. More hurricane prep tips are at https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/.

Maybe right on Target in Kaneohe

Target is in the news on the Windward side again, but this time the community seems likely to roll out the welcome mat.

It’s nearing a decade since conflict flared over the store that ultimately opened in Kailua. Area residents who preferred the old, local vibe had recoiled against big-box retail.

None of that is coming, so far, from the Kaneohe neighbors over a possible store in the empty Sears space at Windward Mall. Of course, Kailua might have had a different take if there had been a pandemic, and economic troubles, back then.