Hawaii’s police officers scoring significant pay raises through binding arbitration last week has a ring of deja vu.

Back in 2013, arbitration between the State of Hawaii Police Officers Union (SHOPO) and the counties brought the police force pay raises adding up to nearly 17 percent over four years. Negotiations this time brought more of the same. When various bonuses, allowances and compensations are folded in, officers will see pay increases of between 14 percent to 17 percent over the next four years. And just like last time, Honolulu Hale is again wondering whether the counties can afford such a deal.

Yellow rescue tubes pop up on Oahu beaches

If you see a yellow rescue tube mounted on an Oahu beach, take note. It could save a life. Chances are the flotation device was provided by the Rescue Tube Foundation on Kauai, along with Eric Kvick of the Hawaii Kai Lions Club, who are leading a grass-roots effort to install the tubes on beaches where lifeguards may be scarce.

The flotation device can be brought to victims by a strong swimmer, or if possible, thrown to them. It’s important to know the proper way to use the rescue tube; step-by-step instructions can be seen in a helpful video at rescuetubefoundation.org. The most crucial step is the first one: Call 911.