Without further ado — let’s get underway, as scheduled, with the trial of Katherine and Louis Kealoha and three former police officers.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard L. Puglisi has denied a request by Katherine Kealoha’s court-appointed attorney, Cynthia Kagiwada, to postpone the March trial. Kagiwada tried to cite concerns that the partial government shutdown could hamper payment to her, as well as the ability to find people to work on the case, including expert witnesses.

Puglisi’s ruling means the trial should start March 18 with jury selection. The defendants are charged with conspiring to frame Katherine Kealoha’s uncle with stealing the Kealohas’ mailbox and lying to federal investigators about it to cover their actions. A speedy trial should help dispel lingering clouds.

A warning about high blood pressure

If anyone ever doubts the physical toll that high blood pressure takes, the medical emergency experienced by former Gov. Ben Cayetano provides the proof. The ambulance rush to Straub Medical Center also must have taken a toll on his wife, Vicky, who said she had lost a brother to the same ailment: aortic dissection, fatal if not caught right away. More than two-thirds of those with this disorder have high blood pressure.

Both Cayetanos are breathing easier now that the governor has moved out of intensive care. Many others are sending their wishes for a speedy recovery.