How to deal with homeless, maybe

Is it a crime to be homeless?

Well, no. But it can seem that way, as cities like Honolulu crack down on people who sleep on sidewalks and camp in public spaces.

Tom Ammiano, a California assemblyman, concerned about this "criminalization of the poor," believes he has an answer to this ongoing problem: the "Homeless Person’s Bill of Rights and Fairness Act."

It would ensure under California law that the homeless have the right to access public property, possess personal property, use public restrooms, have clean water and get legal counsel. It also would establish 24-hour "hygiene centers."

The League of California Cities understandably fears such a law would cost too much and hinder local governments from keeping their streets safe and sanitary.

Ammiano may have the right intentions. But the right solution? That’s harder to see.

Get a job, increase traffic congestion

It was welcome news that traffic congestion in Honolulu dropped to second place nationally in 2012, compared with the previous year — until it was explained why.

INRIX Inc., which monitors such things, theorized that the 10-hour drop in time stuck in traffic here last year — from 60 in 2011 to 50 — was probably due to so many people being out of work.

But with the economy in recovery now, that likely will reverse.

In fact, INRIX said, it’s likely to get much worse, thanks to both the recovery and long-overdue roadwork involving lane closures and detours.

Sometimes, it seems, you just can’t win.