Rainy day run kept Aloha Run racers cool

Rain might not deter the postman from his rounds, but the Presidents Day drizzle seems to have dampened some enthusiasm for the Great Aloha Run. Too bad, too: Not only was this the 30th anniversary run, the word from the course was that the rain actually kept things cool and fairly pleasant.

The precipitation was light enough that most fun-seeking racers came with very little protection other than the occasional drugstore poncho, not to mention the usual assortment of wacky costumes.

Still, judging by the posted race results, 16,238 people crossed the finish line this time. The 2013 event clocked in 18,222. Happy 30th, anyway, GAR. More birthday cake for the never-say-die crowd.

Gender an issue on Board of Regents

It’s dismaying to see only one woman among the 10 finalists nominated for regular, five-year terms on the University of Hawaii’s Board of Regents. There are only three women on the 15-member board now, even though more than half of UH students are female.

More must be done to recruit qualified women to serve in this important role. The silver lining: All three finalists for the student seat are young women, guaranteeing a female perspective for that two-year term.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie will choose from among the finalists for the total of four seats; the current board members’ terms expire on June 30.