The airfare is low, but watch out

More competition in flying people between Hawaii and other places is almost always good news for consumers, but the buyer still must beware.

The recent entrance of Allegiant Air into the Hawaii marketplace is an example, with direct flights from Honolulu to Las Vegas and Fresno set to start in June. And then yesterday Alaska Airlines added two more Hawaii-bound destinations, San Jose and Oakland.

Allegiant is famous as a low-fare contender, but be careful not to swoon at the price that pops up during an initial online search. There can be lots of add-ons. Allegiant is only the second carrier (after Spirit Airlines) to start charging between $10 and $35 for carry-on bags on its flights, in addition to the now-conventional fees for checked luggage.

Maybe the Hawaii-bound travelers can bring a bathing suit, and then buy what they need over here. Good for local businesses, right?

Reaching out to veterans with PTSD

Army Sgt. Daniel McCarley is hopeful now that he will receive needed help for post-traumatic stress after going AWOL following rejection twice for a Warrior Transition Unit that would help.

McCarley reported back to Schofield Barracks after staying with friends, camping and going to the beach to find some peace. His family says the Army has indicated it was send him to a civilian inpatient treatment center on the mainland for up to six weeks. Hopes are high now that he — as well as other veterans struggling with war-induced injuries — continue to get the help and support they need.