There are at least 1 million privately owned firearms in Hawaii, according to conservative estimates. With a statewide population of roughly 1.4 million, that’s enough weaponry for a gun at every residential intersection. After a two-year slide, the tally of firearms registered in 2016 shot up to 53,400 — the second-highest level ever.

Some say more people are getting involved in shooting competitions and gun clubs. Others point to personal protection concerns. Both may be right since nearly half of last year’s registrations were for rifles and shotguns while the rest were for handguns. In any case, the Second Amendment right to bear arms is proving to be increasingly popular in the islands. Between 2000 and 2016, registrations statewide bumped up by nearly 400 percent.

Consumer advocate weighs in on shipping rates

Give the state Division of Consumer Advocacy a hand. The agency is charged with protecting and representing consumer interests in utility and transportation issues, and an example of why it’s needed came last week.

The state Public Utilities Commission on Thursday approved a 0.12 percent increase in Young Brothers Ltd.’s interisland shipping rates, instead of the 4.36 percent increase the firm had requested in April 2016. That request had been challenged by the consumer advocate, who said rates should actually drop by 5.9 percent, citing Young Brothers’ vague financial data and concern that additional revenue might be going to support its mainland parent. Thursday’s PUC-approved increase reflects a settlement between the two sides. Holding the line isn’t easy.