There's no question that some of the places Honolulu liquor inspectors are asked to visit can be scary, perhaps even dangerous places.

But the proposal from Liquor Commission administrator Wallace Weatherwax that inspectors be allowed to carry firearms is absurd.

Surely cooler heads will prevail at City Hall and put this idea where it belongs: in the reject box.

In fact, it would be fair to argue that any level of dangerous conditions in the bars, clubs and venues where inspectors work is related to the commission's inability to enforce its own rules and regulations.

At least eight former investigators have been found guilty of bribery, extortion and related charges involving their relationships with bar owners and workers.

Other investigations and inquiries have questioned the leadership of the commission and the activities of at least some of the inspectors.

Clean up the Liquor Commission first. Demand that inspectors do the job they are being paid to do. If dangerous conditions are encountered, call in the police, who are trained and equipped to deal with such situations.

But guns for liquor inspectors?

Come on.