Yay! We spent so little to get own money back

Seems strange to hear of a government operation yielding a great return on investment, as if it was one of those rare stock finds we all fantasize about.

And yet, that is what seemingly happened with the work by state prosecutors who have recouped payments siphoned off in Medicaid fraud — 12 times as much as what the state paid to prosecute the cases.

Of course, it’s not encouraging that all this defrauding goes on in the first place. Yes, the law struck gold, but it makes us wonder how much gold was left behind in them thar hills.

Even old ships forced to postpone retirement

A Pearl Harbor-based cruiser is among four Navy vessels that had been scheduled for being taken out of action soon but have been given a reprieve.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, says that’s "good news for Hawaii and for the Navy." It means 400 or so crew members will remain aboard the USS Port Royal, benefitting Hawaii’s economy, instead of the warship being destined for retirement next March, Hanabusa pointed out.

The 567-foot Port Royal was commissioned in 1994 but underwent repairs and faced a shaky future when it ran aground off Honolulu three years ago. But it’s encouraging to see there life in the Port Royal yet.