State Supreme Court makes the right call

When Geoffrey Woodall was trying to pass through a Kona Airport security screening in March 2010, he was stopped and arrested because of the medicine he was carrying.

The state Supreme Court ruled on Woodall’s side last Friday, pointing out that his medicine — a small amount of cannabis — was permissible because he had a valid Hawaii medical-marijuana certificate, allowing him to transport a small amount for that proper use.

The incident still needs clarity, because one state law allows transportation of medical marijuana while another prohibits transporting it through a place open to the public. The high court, in a 4-1 decision, ruled that the conflict must be interpreted in Woodall’s favor. Obviously, clarification is needed to honor the law in Hawaii and other states that have recognized medical marijuana.

Marketing Chinatown not as easy as it sounds

Lately there’s been discussion about the lack of promotion of Chinatown as a destination for visitors interested in exploring Honolulu’s cultural diversity.

There’s nothing wrong with building bridges between tourists and whatever they’d like to tour, of course. What gets a little tricky is knowing how to present the tour details, and to whom.

How much do you warn folks that the place has its bargains and its particular charms but also is a bit funky, and not always in a good way?

The more urban traveler knows this and rolls with it — even enjoys seeing where Honolulu’s rough edges are not smoothed off. But the risk is inviting folks to a party they won’t appreciate.

The visitor industry might like getting some marketing tips on this point. The vendors themselves are probably too busy making a living to channel their inner Madison Avenue.