Don’t let fireworks debate explode again

Despite all the important issues Oahu faces, the City Council just can’t seem to move on from fireworks. The ban on sparklers, fountains and other novelties that took effect in 2012 is working, and the Council should keep it in effect.

Critics who want to reverse the ban see an opportunity with the revival of Bill 5, but we hope that is short-lived. Aficionados who claim a cultural right to celebrate New Year’s with pyrotechnics are ignoring the fact that firecrackers are not banned — they can keep burning those. Oahu residents who give no thought to their urban neighbors’ respiratory distress should not hold sway in upending a fair compromise.

Whee! Wie finally brings it home

Many folks, even non-golfers, were glued to the TV Sunday morning watching the finals of the U.S. Women’s Open — and boy, were they treated to a grand finale.

Emerging victorious, finally, in a major LPGA tourney was Hawaii’s own Michelle Wie. And true to Wie form, it was accomplished with equal parts captivating grace and high drama.

Though Wie’s been in the national spotlight for a decade-plus, remember, she’s just 24. There’s still a lot a great golf to come — and that’s good for her, the LPGA and the fans. For now, we toast Ms. Wie, the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open champion.