Kokua Line
By June Watanabe
Friday, September 25, 1998
Kokua Line
When did the city change its learner's permit for driving? My son went to get his permit and it's now like a regular drivers license, with a photo. Plastic driving permit
to cut production costsThe city Department of Finance began issuing the plastic instructional, or learner's, permit, on Sept. 1, said Assistant Licensing Administrator David Mau.
The idea was, over the long haul, to save money by eliminating the dual system of printing and producing the cards, he said.
Also, because of the recent change in the law extending the length of a permit from 90 to 180 days, it was felt the old paper learner's permit wouldn't be durable, Mau said.
The cost remains the same -- $5.
On registration day at Niu Valley Intermediate, my son was expected to pay an "optional" fee of $25 to support school activities not normally covered by the Department of Education. During the second week, he brought home 20 fund-raising tickets to sell for $5 each.
While I don't mind expending time and energy as a school volunteer, I do mind having to hustle another $100.
This is an especially difficult period to expect family, friends and neighbors to fork up money for pizza and cinnamon bread, which they may not necessarily need or enjoy. Although the students may be given the impression that selling the tickets is optional, I'm sure there may be some uncomfortable or embarrassed kids when the leftover tickets are collected. What gives?
"We are no different than other schools, private or public, or other community organizations who need help every year to provide our students with the best possible learning experience," said Eric Heu, principal of Niu Valley Middle School.
No one is required to pay the $25 annual membership fee, he said. However, it does help the Friends of Niu Valley parent group in providing for operating expenses, such as a monthly newsletter, supplies, parent meetings and other school-related events, Heu said.
As for the fund-raiser, he pointed out that all elementary, middle and high schools normally hold fund-raisers every year to support co-curricular activities not covered by the DOE budget to schools.
"Our fund-raiser has always been and will always be voluntary for students and parents to participate in," Heu said. "There is no contest or competition other than rewarding the best sellers for a job well done."
He said the company the school is working with has offered an incentive to boost sales, but no pressure is placed on anyone to sell. "In fact, tickets are kept in separate student envelopes and are never exposed to other students," Heu said.
In the future, he encouraged parents to call him, the Friends of Niu Valley and/or the Parent Community Network facilitator to share any concerns.
To the woman driving an older model black two-door sports car, who cut in front of me about 1 p.m. Aug. 1 at the Vineyard Boulevard off-ramp, causing me to slam on the brakes. I almost ran into the fence before I could stop. The road has lines painted where you should not have crossed, but you continued on your way like nothing happened. -- No name Auwe
To the person who found my wallet at the State Farm Fair and turned it in to lost-and-found. You did not leave your name so I could not thank you in person. May God richly bless you in return. -- Grateful Grandmother Mahalo
To the people who got rid of junk tossed over the side of Wilhelmina Rise. -- No name Mahalo
Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686,
fax 525-6711, or write to P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802.
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