Camping goes online — and into your wallet

Sometimes, it seems that nothing in Hawaii is simple.

A move by the city to start charging for camping permits at its 17 Oahu campgrounds is reasonable. The nominal fee comes out to about $10 a day, and that campground upkeep is essential and costs money.

But implementation of the June 2011 law got delayed because the city’s new online camp permit reservation system lacked the crucial fee-collection capability; plus, camping rules needed to be changed before fees could be charged. Now, with camping fees finally set to start March 1, there’s worry that homeless campers currently abiding by permits will be priced out of spots and iced out without online access.

The bottom line, though, is that city campgrounds are meant for all to enjoy, not as long-term dwelling sites. Tough as this situation might be, it’s as simple as that.

Hawaii is lucky for Alaska Airlines

Lucky we live Hawaii, we always say. Pretty soon that may change to, "Lucky we fly to and from Hawaii."

As the airline industry continues to contract, it seems Hawaii travelers have an expanding menu of choices. Take Alaska Airlines. After only five years in this market, the carrier has 26 daily flights here, making the 50th State Alaska’s second-biggest market, behind California.

This observation comes amid recent news of the US Airways-American Airlines merger, which some worry could push fares up for destinations without rival carriers.

Of course, there’s the as-yet unsubstantiated fear of a potential linkage between Hawaiian Air and Alaska Air. Dare we hope that the islands will have more competition and lower fares?