HECO promises to “shed some light on the situation.” The lights immediately go out. My new cartoon on the utility that can’t keep the power on but can always find a way to raise your rates.

The Honolulu City Council is slated to vote on a new tax on homes that stand empty, a measure supporters say will force owners to rent the properties and help provide badly needed housing for local residents. Critics complain it’s unfair to the property owner.