It’s taken more than 20 years, but Hawaii avocados are once again being shipped to the mainland. And although the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved shipment of Sharwil avocados to 32 states in 2013, the first sample shipment of 1,000 was sent to Minnesota just last month.

Avocados were banned in 1992 after a fruit fly species was discovered in an outbound shipment. Unless they went through a fumigation process — which affected the taste — they could not be shipped.

Agricultural specialists are hopeful the first shipments will encourage more growers to focus on Sharwils. The shipping season for Sharwils is Nov. 1 to March 31.

At least they add to the housing stock

One has to wonder who might plunk down $36 million for a “grand penthouse” in Kakaako. But that’s the asking price at Waiea condominium tower, which is expected to be completed by year’s end. A smaller grand penthouse is selling for a mere $35 million.

If the grand penthouse units sell for their list prices, it would break the record for a condominium in Hawaii, set in 2014 when one sold for $10 million.

As for the $1 million gap between Waiea’s penthouses, the $36 million penthouse is 10,000 square feet on the 36th floor; the $35 million unit is 8,500 square feet on the 35th floor.