Housing development produces food, too

Depending on how it finally takes shape, the Ho‘opili project in Ewa could be the first Hawaii example of what’s being called "development-supported agriculture" nationally.

The 200 acres of the 1,500-acre community that will be set aside for commercial farms will be producing food under its own brand. Established farm company Ho Farms is the first to sign up to farm; its veggies will be sold under the "Grown in Ho‘opili" label in local stores.

The idea of a DSA community is that farms, not golf courses, become its marquee amenity. We’ll see if Old MacDonald really settles in at Ho‘opili, but looking at the site plan, the farm areas look more like fringe than centerpiece.

Obamacare’s young adults say they’re healthier

The promise of Obamacare has always been that it would pay off in better health for more Americans. Now there’s evidence that has occurred, at least among young adults the law allows to stay on their parents’ insurance plans until they turn 26.

A study out of Harvard University found that people ages 19 to 25 reported excellent physical and mental health at greater rates than they had before the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act took effect. Expanded coverage for young adults is one of the most popular elements of Obamacare, even among Republicans who would otherwise like to scrap the law.