No doubt having a Coast Guard cutter in one’s very own back yard for 27 years brings a high level of comfort and security. So Hawaii County, understandably, is feeling daunted by Saturday’s departure of the cutter Kiska, which has left Hilo Harbor for good and is en route to its new Guam home port.

While not the same as having the Kiska so close at hand for search-and-rescue response, Hawaii island should take some comfort in knowing that three new bigger, fast-response cutters will be arriving at Oahu’s Sand Island over the next two to three years to replace the Coast Guard’s aging fleet, including the Kiska. Let’s hope that adjusting to the new normal will be, well, smooth sailing.

Residents still in limbo from Marco Polo fire

Two months after the seven-alarm fire at the Marco Polo high-rise on Kapiolani Boulevard, access to nearly 60 units remains restricted.

Here’s hoping the housing limbo ends soon for residents now waiting for an asbestos cleanup. While Honolulu Fire Department’s on-scene investigation wrapped up weeks ago, insurer-related forensic investigations are still underway. More than 80 of 568 units were damaged by flames, leaving 30 destroyed. Another 130 sustained water damage. The total damage estimate exceeds $100 million.