‘Carmageddon’ has bright side

The state Department of Transportation has kindly informed us that "carmageddon" is about to present itself, in the form of overnight H-1 freeway closures that will start later this month and last for up to a whole year. (Or should we say, "A WHOLE YEAR!")

Not that we’re complaining. The $42 million worth of roadwork along the several miles of freeway between Ward Avenue and Middle Street is badly needed, and has to be done sometime.

The DOT might also learn some valuable lessons about how to make traffic on the streets parallel to the freeway run more smoothly during the hours when the roadwork is occurring (typically 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.), which it could continue to apply even after the freeway work is done.

For most drivers, of course, the best option might be to just stay home while all the roadwork is going on, especially considering the hours. After all, there’s no place like home.

Governor thinks this issue special

The date is set, the target is in sight and the clock is ticking.

The Legislature will convene on Oct. 28 for a five-day session to consider a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in Hawaii. Gov. Neil Abercrombie seems confident the bill will prevail.

Even so, it’s worth reading the bill for yourself. It deals with the consequences of legalization, including what happens to civil unions and how religious organizations would be affected.

Read it here.