In an effort to deter vandalism, security cameras are now rolling above the entrance to a restroom area in Ala Moana Regional Park.

The $1,600 price tag for video footage is a small price to pay when weighed against that for vandalism. The city has spent more than $100,000 in the past year addressing the problem, much of it involving park toilets. In one case, a toilet near the park’s Magic Island was smashed to pieces less than one week after a six-week restroom renovation had wrapped up.

If the cameras are effective, the city is eyeing a plan to expand the security program to Oahu’s 213 other comfort stations.

Making city government a little smaller

It is good to see government showing willingness to shrink itself. Here’s a case in point: A City Council panel has passed a resolution to study the consolidation of the city’s ocean safety oversight under either the Emergency Services Department’s Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division or the Honolulu Fire Department.

This is worth a look — especially after the passage of several City Charter amendments that seem likely to grow government, instead.