Students at public and private schools across the islands — and on the mainland — taking the lead in prepping for an important lesson in peaceful assembly and free expression are doing us proud.

They plan to take part in what’s now being called a 17-minute national school walkout on March 14, starting at 10 a.m., in solidarity for the 17 victims of the recent Florida high school shooting. Hawaii’s Department of Education is rightly advising schools to consider creating a designated walk-out area, and encouraging students to use the time to share ideas for improving campus safety, security and culture.

Time for ride-hailing drivers to learn the law

In a video recorded by an Uber and Lyft driver and posted on Facebook last week, several ride-hailing drivers flunked a random city inspection at a staging area near Honolulu’s airport. In response to being told that vehicles were not properly marked or lacked mandatory certificates, drivers said they were unaware of all of the half-dozen or so city requirements.

Education should precede enforcement, of course. But a year has passed since Mayor Kirk Caldwell allowed a bill placing stricter regulations on ride-hailing companies to become law and requirements were set for the sake of public safety. It’s time to clamp down. An inspector can issue a violation fine of up to $1,000.