Mortgage debt is high, but we pay it off

At first glance, the news that Hawaii homeowners were carrying the third-highest mortgage debt in the nation during the first quarter of this year seemed pretty bad.

But then, Hawaii home prices are among the highest in the nation to begin with, so what would one expect? A so-called jumbo loan on the mainland is almost business as usual around here, and since Hawaii borrowers tend to be good about honoring debts, lenders are willing to help them out.

In fact, news of the high mortgage load in Hawaii was accompanied by word that Hawaii’s mortgage delinquency rate during the same period actually fell compared to the same period a year earlier by almost a full percentage point — from 4.98 percent to 4 percent. Feel better now?

Hang on to those shiny metal balloons

‘Tis the season for metallic balloons.

Those shiny silver balloons bearing congratulatory messages are proliferating like cicadas at graduation ceremonies across the islands.

So it’s also the season for the Hawaiian Electric Co. to issue a plea to keep the balloons tethered and away from power lines. Not only can the balloons cause a power outage, but HECO workers face risks in removing them. HECO suggests that you tie a heavy weight to each balloon; make sure the non-metallic string or ribbon is secured tightly at the sealing point; and keep that weight on until you’ve deflated the balloon.

These balloons aren’t biodegradable, so releasing them creates an environmental hazard as well. Besides, it’s not nice to litter. So hang on to those balloons. And to all those graduates out there, congratulations!