Just say no to Kealoha fund request

The whole federal public-corruption probe of Louis and Katherine Kealoha — former police chief and deputy prosecutor, respectively — has been painful to watch. It shouldn’t be any more painful on the pockets of the taxpayers.

And yet the former chief is asking the Honolulu Police Commission for clearance to use taxpayer funds to pay for the lawyers representing him in two criminal cases. He already has been denied those city funds in a related civil case. It’s hard to see the distinction from this request. Enough.

Soils contain hazards, so be careful

While bans have long been in place for lead-based paint, arsenic-based herbicides and termite control involving chlordane, contaminant remnants linger in dirt edging older buildings. A recent assessment of potential health hazards in soils at nearly two dozen Hawaii island public schools found elevated levels at 18, but rated risks tied to their presence as low. (The hazard is linked to ingestion.) A state mitigation and education effort is now underway. Among the sensible takeaways: Wash your hands after playing or working outside; avoid tracking soil indoors; and cover dirt patches near suspect buildings with dense foliage.