Veterans get some helping hands

It seems fitting, somehow, that space is being carved out at the former Barbers Point Naval Air Station as housing for American military veterans.

The U.S. Veterans Initiative (U.S. VETS), the nonprofit providing comprehensive services, already has a presence in the renamed Kalaeloa district, and now the outreach is expanding.

A California developer has just announced plans for 50 new studio apartments for Hawaii’s veterans; this will add to the transitional housing inventory located at the U.S. VETS-operated Hale Uhiwai Nalu apartments.

Another good sign: Hawaiian Electric Co. has pledged to hire vets in a pact with Hawaii Hires Heroes, a community coalition.

Even in a sunny paradise, some rain must fall

Things certainly look sunny here, according to Hospitality Advisors LLC.

That company issued a report showing occupancy growth, especially in Oahu hotels where the rate went up by 4 percent. That put Oahu at the top of the list of competing island sun destinations, and the other three major islands were in the top 10, too.

Seems strange to get this news, on the heels of mountain snowfall and weather wet enough for ducks just about everywhere in the state.