• Albatross update
• On marriage
• BOE’s student
Albatross update
I was happy to read (GINews Feb 26) that Angelei Star of Anahola is a loyal fan of the Laysan albatrosses; they also have a very large and loving following here in Princeville.
I am sorry to hear you missed seeing a few of the ten albatrosses that are currently “residing” in the Pepelani Loop area — but the adults do go feeding and return at various different times. There are currently four non-reproducing adults, two sets of parent/mating birds, and two chicks.
The bird that usually nests in the area that is now under development is safely nesting outside the work area. This particular bird was relocated to this safe spot almost as soon as it arrived back on island. Later a mate joined this bird.
Since the nesting areas are not mowed the two parent birds and their chick are often difficult to see, and now that the chicks have hatched, the parents often leave to feed themselves and to gather food for the chicks. The other four non-reproducing birds can be seen moving all about Pepelani Loop; they are very interactive and are usually quite visible. Please rest assured all the albatrosses are safe.
Angelei, please know the Princeville at Hanalei Community Association, its members, and owners of these two properties are very aware of these beautiful birds. We have made certain that the developers are in contact with the Department of Wildlife regarding the birds’ safety. Both owners have assured the community and the Department of Wildlife that should any albatross nest on their parcel they will do everything in their power to protect them and the Department of Wildlife makes regular visits to check in on the chicks and other birds. Best regards and happy albatross watching.
Marc Pomerleau
Princeville
On marriage
Make no mistake about it, our present form of government is under attack from rightwing fundamentalist who desire to turn our country into a bible-based theocracy by fusing Christianity with politics (letters, Ramon Garza, Feb 25 and Jim McGuire, Feb 28).
While spewing alleged high-minded ideals, they coveniently feign ignorance of the source book that instructs the following regarding marriage:
Non-virgins must be put to death if they marry;
Marriages are forever, therefore divorces are not to be allowed;
It is acceptable to maintain many wives and concubines;
Marriages between Christians and non-Christians are not permitted; and
In reality, true Christians are instructed not to marry.
The simple fact of the matter is that Garza and McGuire, and others of their ilk, applaud Bush’s end-around court appointments because those appointments substantiate their religious viewpoints, yet decry any judge who interprets the Constitution to be the expanding and inclusive body of law that it has become. If Garza’s and McGuire’s arguments are to be followed to their logical conclusion, then none of the civil rights victories that have been won over the last 228 years would stand: only white, property-owning males would have any say in our government whatsoever.
Rightwing fundamentalists believe that they’ve found an issue in same-sex marriage, however, the American public won’t be fooled by their transparency. The issues are about lost jobs, failed foreign and domestic policies, reckless spending, at-risk social programs and warmongering that those same rightwing fundamentalists have thrust down our throats under the guise of a faux-president.
Martin Rice
Kapa‘a
BOE’s student
In these critical days of Hawaii’s educational system, various reform efforts have been proposed to the legislature, in hopes to better the education of our children. Numerous education stakeholders have courageously vocalized their beliefs on how the Department of Education should be managed. Throughout the commentary crossfire in the media and State Government regarding local district boards, only one component remains idle. The students. No longer will we remain silent, and let the decisions be made for us.
I believe that local district boards is not the answer to raising student achievement and improving our public education system. However, we must not be ignorant to the many issues that face our schools. We need to empower our principals, our schools, our education leaders to make ethical decisions for the benefit of students. The Hawaii public school system is nearly congruent to the Houston Independent School District. As I attended a CARE meeting in 2003, my question was how will local district boards increase student achievement? As of today, my question continues to go unanswered. Will these local district boards come to our schools and tutor students to ensure we increase our test scores? Will they come and micromanage our principals? Or is it just another “runaway remedy” similar to that of school vouchers?
Bryce H.P. Mendez
Student Member Hawaii State Board of Education
