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Cayetano plans to
boost computers
in education

By Richard Borreca
Star-Bulletin

Gov. Ben Cayetano hopes next year to unveil a $21 million computer-education program for Hawaii's public schools that will lower the pupil-per-computer ratio from as high as 16-to-1, to at least as low as 6-to-1.

Cayetano talked about the proposed new effort after ceremonies to mark the signing of a new-high-technology bill that gives tax breaks and financial incentives for technology firms to maintain or start companies in Hawaii.

"We must invest in technological capital and provide the base for people to come to Hawaii," Cayetano said yesterday at the Manoa Innovation Center, near the University of Hawaii.

The center is home to nearly 30 high-tech firms dealing in a diverse array of fields from deep-sea mapping to international computer-marketing software.

Speaking at the gathering, Paul LeMahieu, superintendent of education, said increased computer education would dovetail with his plans to "raise student expectations and performance requirements."

But Cayetano's proposal, which he cautioned is still under review, would provide new or refurbished computers to more Hawaii schoolchildren.

The program also would include computer education training for teachers.

Cayetano said that although he has had numerous differences with the Legislature on other issues "there is tremendous support" for his computer-education plan.

"Everybody is on board," Cayetano said.

Hawaii is listed among the 10 worst states in student access to computers, according to a national report published recently month in Newsweek magazine. Just a third of Hawaii's schools are at or better than the national average of 5.7 students per computer, the report said.

Last year, Hawaii's public schools spent $1.8 million for technology, with each school receiving about $9 per student.

At the Innovation Center yesterday, however, government officials stressed the positive about Hawaii's small, but growing stake in high-tech ventures.

One Internet innovator to be featured was Walter Roth, son of Hawaii Bar Association president on UH law school professor Randy Roth. Walter Roth is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Madison and has just started an Internet firm aimed at college students called HotU.com.

Roth declined to say what his firm will do when it is unveiled later this year, but others said Roth has already hired 27 employees and has secured financial backers for the new start-up.

Another firm that is based in San Francisco but is moving to Hawaii is 4Charity.com, which will provide businesses and individuals with an easier way to donate to the charity of their choice.

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