Good times ahead for city rentals?

Dare we be hopeful that the privatizing of city-owned affordable rental projects is going to play out as planned?

A lot more needs to happen before members of Faith Action for Community Equity, among other housing advocates, will feel they can exhale. The selection of Hono-lulu Affordable Housing Partners LLC to buy and manage the 12 properties is a start, but FACE is listening for the purchase price and other details, due out next month, and for the discussion before the final City Council approval.

But it’s at least a good sign, said FACE board member Bob Nakata, that there’s been lots of conversation already. Tenants have had a chance to ask questions, and keeping them in the loop has always been one of the goals.

And the prospect of the company spending $37 million in renovations has a positive ring to it, of course.

Judges judge Maui to be OK

Federal appellate judges in the West are not about to end their occasional conferences on Maui because of complaints by a couple of Republican senators.

Alex Kozinski, the chief judge of the 9th U.S. Court of Appeals, has made it plain that Maui’s room rates are actually competitive and travel costs are more convenient than holding the conference in Anchorage, Alaska; Sun Valley, Idaho; or various California destinations.

With due respect to the senators: Hawaii works hard at being a top destination for work as well as play — so don’t hate us because we’re beautiful.