These days, maintaining any edge in the increasingly competitive coffee market is critical. Coffee is grown in more than 50 countries, according to the National Coffee Association, but Kona remains the Hawaii standout, even though it’s grown elsewhere here.

That’s why three Kona farmers are suing big retailers in federal court, alleging that they are packaging cheaper coffee as Kona beans. Best wishes to the plaintiffs for taking on titans such as Walmart, Amazon, Costco, Safeway and Kroger. The state has to protect its brand where it can.

They would’ve gone if waves were big

The “Eddie” is a no-go as the big wave invitational contest’s December-February holding period has now lapsed. Still, after a 2017-18 hiatus, fans were thrilled to see the return of even the holding period’s opening ceremony. A total of 28 surfers got invites to the event, staged just nine times since its inception in 1984. It gets underway only when Waimea Bay waves roll in at consistent heights of 20 feet.

Here’s hoping that the new roster of sponsors will stoke the Eddie Aikau-inspired tradition. Also, inspiring: The 2018-19 lineup — for the first time — included a woman surfer, Keala Kennelly.