Public policy guided by the gods?

If anyone plans on diverting the flow of lava heading toward homes in Puna, they’re going to have to divert the force of tradition and Hawaiian spirituality first.

Repeated proposals for diversions got shouted down this week at meetings involving the worried residents. Pele, the goddess of fire, will have her way, they said.

Others also said that diversions haven’t been very effective against past lava flows, and that the most rational response is to pack up and protect what you can.

Just about everybody can be persuaded by history. If it never worked before, it probably won’t work now.

Go Rainbow Warriors, Rainbow Wahine!

Last Saturday, die-hard University of Hawaii sports fans were pleased when the Wahine volleyball game started at 8:30 p.m., allowing for attendance first at the UH football opener at 4:30 p.m.

Unfortunately, despite an exciting game against the University of Washington, the Rainbow Warriors fell 17-16, then the Wahine got swept by Arizona State.

This Saturday, the time lineup has switched but the UH two-fer remains: The Wahine play at noon against St. John’s at the Stan Sheriff Center, then the UH football Warriors take the Aloha Stadium field against Oregon State at 4:30 p.m.

So much to cheer for — especially for better outcomes this time around.