Police on the front lines with pedestrians

It’s not the typical undercover assignment, but let’s hope it is a lifesaving one: Honolulu police will be posing as everyday pedestrians as part of a safety campaign intended to reduce traffic deaths on Oahu. Officers will be at intersections and crosswalks across Oahu warning violators and issuing citations, for infractions such as walking against the light.

Last year, 25 pedestrians were killed and 14 were critically injured in traffic collisions on Oahu, and already this year three pedestrians have been killed. Motorists, of course, have a major role, too: Be alert for pedestrians and stop so they can cross safely.

A macadamia-nut-candy empire grows

How about that good-news-bad-news story about the newest example of corporate consolidation, in the macadamia-nut candy world?

It’s always disheartening to hear that Hawaii is becoming a more monopolistic economy, gradually, and now Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corp. has been bought by Hawaiian Host. Less competition? There goes the budget for omiyage gifts for aunties, uncles and friends.

There’s been change afoot in this arena for some time. Mauna Loa’s arrangement to buy nuts from a major grower just ended. Now both brands will be marketed by the same company.

The good news? Hawaiian Host, based locally, has bought Mauna Loa from Hershey’s and is bringing it home to Hawaii for the first time in 15 years. So that’s good.