South Shore goes crazy for sorta gigantic surf

It’s been a rare treat for Honolulu city dwellers: awesome waves on the south shore, just minutes from work or home. Granted, the 10- to 15-foot waves weren’t as epic as what North Shore denizens are used to — but for the south and west coasts, they were huge. Almost like a Baby Pipeline. Kinda. Sorta.

Even from a distance, though, the flying boards and tumbling surfers were serious reminders of the ocean’s power — not to mention the 150 rescues and 700 warnings issued from Sandy Beach to the Leeward Coast. And all that, just as of 2 p.m. Tuesday.

The high surf warning for south shores of all islands has since been downgraded to an advisory through 6 p.m. today — and though waves are easing, they still were expected at up to 8 feet. Crazy!

Testifying in HSTA dispute like a long day in class

The drama with the teachers union continues, with state Board of Education member Jim Williams. He spent three hours testifying before the Hawaii Labor Relations Board on Tuesday in what seems to be nearly endless proceedings over the battle royal between the state administration and the Hawaii State Teachers Association.

Williams covered territory encompassing his memory of key union-management negotiations, his understanding of his BOE role and of collective bargaining in general.

Gosh, he was only the first of scores of witnesses. Add up all that time, and that probably equals a chunk of the classroom time lost in Furlough Fridays.