Tribute to Inouye comes at a cost

The best news about the center being planned in honor of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye may not be the airy, spacious look of it, although the artist’s renderings are attractive.

It’s the relaxation of the construction timetable originally proposed that’s the most encouraging. The University of Hawaii has yielded to the wishes of the family and organizers, who wanted more time for planning — and communicating about those plans to the public.

But it would seem they’d also need time for fundraising. The last $25 million estimate is daunting enough, and costs only go up from initial quotes, not down.

The design includes "innovation zones" and "civic engagement areas," terms that come with the territory in planning circles these days. They have a more impressive sound than "classroom" and "auditoriums." More expensive, too.

Find those who assaulted Cox

Honolulu police welcome the public’s help as they investigate the beating of environmental activist Carroll Cox, who was attacked Tuesday as he looked into alleged toxic dumping and unauthorized land use at a parcel overseen by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands in Kalaeloa.

HPD is seeking two suspects, and encourages anyone who witnessed the assault or has other pertinent information to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300.

Cox is recovering from a head wound that required nine staples to repair, as well as other injuries. The dogged community advocate vows to continue his work undeterred.