Waianae’s class of
2000 will graduate
in Waianae

Officials had wanted to stage
the ceremony at Aloha Stadium,
where security would be better

By Harold Morse
Star-Bulletin

Waianae High School's year 2000 graduating class will go through commencement at the school, not at Aloha Stadium.

JoAnn Kumasaka, Waianae principal, told more than 250 who showed up at last night's school/community-based management meeting that graduation will get "one more shot here at Waianae."

But she asked the community to make sure it's a "totally drug-free event" and a "safe, dignified graduation."

Kumasaka and others told many of the same people Monday that drinking and rash behavior got so out of hand last time that they feared a riot with people getting hurt.

For safety reasons, administrators wanted graduation at Aloha Stadium next spring.

But a groundswell developed to keep graduation in Waianae, with numerous community pledges at Monday night's meeting to guarantee its safety.

"If you truly are going to work with us, we would like to see you as active members of our PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association)," Kumasaka said last night. "I'm going to ask that you support us in every way from now on. Do I have your support?"

The school cafeteria rocked with applause and affirmative response.

Army Sgt. Maj. David Escalante said he can bring perhaps 40 unofficial Schofield volunteers in civilian clothes to help with parking and other nonsecurity tasks.

Eva Galariada-Rosa of Lokahia a Lanakila o Waianae (Stand Together in Unity for Waianae) was happy.

She said Mililani High PTSA is providing 20 volunteers to help out.

"I just have to say we did it. We showed what a community does when it works together."

Ocie Kuhaulua, chairwoman of the newly formed graduation security committee, said some handymen volunteers and materials are needed for building a fence and other necessities.

She asked volunteers to leave names, addresses and telephone numbers on signup sheets for committees that include setting up, seating and cleanup; security; traffic control (including parking); fund-raising; and ushering.

Volunteers also were asked to put suggestions in writing.

Any who want to help may page Theresa Quel at 252-6221.