Good times ahead for snails on Maui

It’s tough to occupy a spot farther down the food chain. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking to add three tree snails and 35 plants, all found within the islands of Maui County, to the federal endangered species list.

The effect of the proposed changes includes designation of more than 271,000 acres as critical habitat for the protection of the species. The ones who have to worry about this the most would be anyone dealing with a project on federal land or with federal funds.

Private landowners are less on the hook, at least where plants are concerned. They must seek approval or assistance when planning an action that can affect one of the animals on the list, but not if the endangered species is a plant.

It’s not often that being a tree snail has any clear advantages, but at least in this case the critters get more respect in federal law.

Challenges mount for homeless czar

Let’s hope Colin Kippen likes puzzles, and is good at solving them. The state’s new homeless czar is going to need every skill he possesses to tackle the conundrum that is Hawaii’s homeless problem.

As the state’s point person dealing with this very visible issue, Kippen faces high expectations as he directs an interagency homelessness council that will unveil a strategic plan next month.

The job had been vacant for almost half a year, after the abrupt resignation of Marc Alexander. So it’s good to see this new appointment, though it remains to be seen whether Kippen, former executive director of the National Indian Education Association, can make a difference. We hope so.