Who knows what Fido’s been up to

Kauai’s lack of mongooses makes the island a haven for the ground-nesting seabirds that have been decimated on the other main Hawaiian islands. But dogs and cats are a major threat, as state wildlife officials pointed out this week. They’re appealing to pet owners to help protect the birds along coastal paths on Kauai’s south shore, where a large colony of native wedge-tailed shearwaters was killed in two attacks this summer.

The uaua kani, also known as matori, are particularly vulnerable at this time of year, either sitting on eggs or raising new chicks. While it might mean a change in routine for some folks, it’s not too much to ask to keep cats close to home and dogs on leashes.

Let’s give the seabirds a fighting chance.

Lava impressive; vog not so much

Some business people on Hawaii island are lamenting that Kilauea Volcano’s Puu Oo cone has been producing less flowing lava lately.

That’s because less lava has meant fewer tourists, including those stopping to eat in area restaurants and those taking the boat tours that let them see the lava entering the ocean.

But while Mother Nature might be letting down those well-meaning business people, we’re hoping the respite has an upside: that less lava will translate to fewer toxic fumes, aka vog.

Especially on Kona- wind days, vog is awful — just ask anyone with breathing problems or burning eyes. Farmers say it hurts their crops.

Maybe we can’t truly be born free, but it’s nice to be able to breathe free.