Good Friday good for free parking

It’s Good Friday, the once (and still) religious holiday commemorating the death of Jesus Christ. But because it’s associated with Easter, which has its secular side, that makes it OK as a state holiday. Say, what?

It’s true. U.S. District Judge Alan Kay in 1987 ruled that Easter has at least in part reverted to being a spring holiday. Just as Christmas has its unchurched Santa, elves and candy canes, Easter has become populated with unholy but fluffy bunnies, baby chicks and chocolate eggs.

That decision was upheld on appeal, and the nation’s high court, when asked to hear the case, said no, thanks.

But there’s nothing really secular about the day itself — Good Friday — is there? On the contrary, it creates a three-day weekend for those lucky enough to get the day off. That makes it a blessed event, indeed. Enjoy your free street parking, everybody.

Walmart comes to the rescue

Does downtown Honolulu need a Walmart?

We’re going to find out.

The megaretailer appears to be finalizing its takeover of the Macy’s building on Fort Street Mall, which raises some interesting questions. Will a downtown Walmart hurt the many small businesses in the area, or help them by attracting new business? Will people brave the downtown traffic to shop there?

A bigger question might be whether the new store will provide the same services as the suburban ones, including 24-hour shopping, plenty of free parking and easy access to clean restrooms.

For downtown denizens (including a considerable homeless population), that sounds too good to be true.