This week, California lawmakers approved a statewide cap that limits annual rent increases to 5% after inflation and creates new barriers to eviction. The measure, affecting an estimated 8 million residents of rental homes and apartments, was pushed by tenants’ groups and some business community leaders. It went unopposed by the state’s largest landlords’ group — signaling that inventory of affordable housing is painfully insufficient.

Like California, Hawaii ranks among states with the highest housing prices and most daunting homelessness problems. Our state lawmakers should consider the same tactic.

Navatek II: from innovation to scrap

A little respect, please, for the Navatek II, which was once touted for experimental ship design.

To cite one aspect noted by Maritime Reporter and Engineering News, she and her older sibling, Navatek I, were designed and built by Navatek Ships Ltd., a subsidiary of Pacific Marine. The larger, older ship was steel and aluminum; Navatek II was all aluminum.

And now the state must recoup costs for demolition of the derelict hulk at Ala Wai. Those 44 tons of scrap aluminum don’t command all that much.