Education board
contenders offer their views

Twelve in a race for six seats discuss school
priorities, the marriage vote and other issues
in a forum to air on 'Olelo

By Mary Adamski
Star-Bulletin

Only 30 people attended a public meeting that gave Board of Education candidates a shot at distinguishing themselves in a field of 12 seeking six seats, but other voters will have three chances to watch the reruns.

"It helped immensely to be able to put a face with a name," said Jean Rolles, an Outrigger Hotels executive, after the forum last night.

"The people leading the education system are the most important ones we have to choose. It's very difficult to find out anything about Board of Education candidates."

Victoria Lewis, a counselor in a public high school, got to ask one question from the list she brought to the session sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and Hawaii Business Roundtable. She sought feedback on a proposal that there should be a counselor for every 300 students in the system. Lewis said there's now one for 500 students or more.

The five incumbent candidates stressed board successes and changes, and frustration with budget cuts.

"As the elected board, we have to take a stronger stand in dealing with the Legislature to get monies," said Keith Sakata. Board Chairwoman Karen Knudsen said, "We should celebrate the positive things that are going on in public education."

Newcomers underlined their expertise and the system's shortcomings. Alan Matsuda, an investment adviser, noted that most of the board members are "career government people. People from the private sector, business experience, have a lot to offer."

Insurance executive Mike Victorino said students need to be prepared for the technological industries expected to grow here. "We shouldn't have to bring in experts, we should educate our kids to be the experts."

Moanalua High School Principal Jacqueline Heupel called for a comprehensive master plan for education: "What isn't working, throw it out."

Marilee Lyons said "No more studying what should be done, it's time to get in there and do it."

Incumbent John Michael Compton said: "Vote for those who are doing it."

Audience members sought opinions on library system autonomy and budgeting, continuation of one statewide board rather than decentralized district boards -- most said yes -- and limiting board terms -- an equal split of ayes and nays.

"Libraries are worth more than the few million dollars we allocate for them," said Marilyn Harris, describing the new library building at Princeville on Kauai, empty because there is no money allocated for books or librarians. "Empty, it's just a building."

Incumbent Francis McMillen said: "The Legislature doesn't realize that in times of economic distress, people use the libraries more. It's in good times they can afford to go to bookstores."

Incumbent Winston Sakurai said the priorities include keeping libraries open more hours and ensuring that small rural branches aren't closed because of budget constraints.

Only one question brought some visible consternation on stage, and it was a spillover from another ballot issue, a constitutional change concerning same-gender marriage. Mike Gabbard of the Alliance for Traditional Marriage Hawaii demanded a yes or no answer to his question: "Do you think homosexuality is a normal variant of sexual behavior and therefore to be taught in schools on the same basis as heterosexuality?"

There weren't any "yes" answers. Amid the chorus of "nos" were reservations from five candidates who agreed with Shannon Ajifu: "It's too complex for a yes or no."

Lance Collins said, "Human sexuality, except for hygiene, should not be taught in schools."

The forum will be shown at 3 p.m. tomorrow on the 'Olelo public access cable channel 54, and again at 5 p.m. Saturday and 7:30 a.m. Oct. 29.