Why not buses with wi-fi?

The new surveillance cameras that will start undergoing formal tests in city buses on Tuesday are coming largely with the largesse of federal dollars. The entire $1 million tab comprises some $820,000 in Federal Transit Administration money — a lot of municipalities are getting these grants — and $205,000 in city funds.

They’re supposed to be used for after-the-fact reviews of particular incidents or events (government-speak for a crime or security threat). So we’re being told we’re on candid camera, but Big Brother’s not watching unless he has to. Some may take comfort in knowing they may not have to sit straight or keep their hair combed at all times.

Meantime, we notice that LM Telecommunications, the consultant hired for planning, design and project management, also lists wireless networking among its talents. Wi-fi on buses? Could Uncle Sam pony up more bucks for such a thing here? Now that would be totally cool.

How else to explain losses?

An anonymous letter accusing unnamed University of Hawaii football players of point-shaving might have been just the explanation that frustrated Warrior fans were seeking to explain the team’s dismal collapse. Except for one thing: the letter had followed two victories, bringing the team’s record to five wins and three losses, and before three straight losses that virtually killed the team’s post-season opportunities.

The letter suggesting a player’s criminal scheme to affect bets against a point spread is virtually impossible to prove — and indeed, Honolulu police concluded the letter’s accusations cannot be verified. Head football coach Greg McMackin could only smile — perhaps with relief? — when told that police would not be opening a criminal case based on the flimsy innuendo.