[ TEACHER STRIKE ]
Each county has a different approach to day-care issues in the event of a strike. Here is how other counties are handling potential problems. Options for families
on neighbor islandsStar-Bulletin staff
KAUAI
On Kauai, Mayor Maryanne Kusaka, a retired teacher, is taking a "hands-off" approach to the possibility of a strike. Her office said she has not directed the County Parks and Recreation Division to prepare any special programs.Kauai YMCA Director Tom Tannery said the Y has no facilities for day care. He predicted the situation for most parents would be much akin to summer vacation.
"Most people have extended families and there will be somebody available," Tannery said.
Mary Nakamura, who runs the Kapaa Boys & Girls Cub, will provide some programs for the 400 kids with memberships -- if she stays open. Her facility is on school property.
MAUI
Maui County officials are turning many parks into drop-in sites for schoolchildren from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays.County Parks Director Floyd Miyazono said parents will be required to sign a form when they bring their children in or take them out of a facility.
Miyazono said the county does not plan to charge a fee, but parents should know that the drop-in sites will not have organized activities.
The facilities being considered as drop-in sites include the War Memorial Gym and Paukukalo Hawaiian Homes field in Central Maui, Eddie Tam Gym in Makawao, Kalama Park and the Kihei Community Center in South Maui, Kaunakakai Gym and Mitchell Pauole Center on Molokai, the Lahaina Recreation Center and Lahaina Civic Center gym in West Maui, and the Lanai Gym.
County spokeswoman Karlynn Kawahara said monitors may be hired at various facilities, and the county plans to put more lifeguards on the beaches and at swimming pools.
YMCA officials are offering a drop-in day camp from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. The daily charge is $10 for members and $20 for nonmembers.
Registration is limited to the first 60 children.
BIG ISLAND
Thirteen Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation gymnasiums and meeting halls will remain open, but four others located at schools will be closed.To be closed are Andrews Gym at Waiakea Waena School, Shipman Gym at Keaau Middle School, Naalehu School Gym and Thelma Parker Gym at Waimea School.
All four Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council preschool programs at public schools will remain open by agreement with the HSTA allowing preschool teachers and other staff to cross picket lines.
In addition, the following Big Island locations will provide day care in case of a teachers strike:
>> Waiakea Settlement (Hilo) YMCA, 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., $10 membership fee, $15 per day (lunch, $5 additional), 935-3721.
>> Waiakea Settlement YMCA, Pahoa branch -- a shuttle service to the Hilo facility will be provided, 965-1406.
>> Waimea Family YMCA, day care plans in preparation, call 885-7420.
>> Kona Family YMCA, due to its small facility, no day care on site, but a daily camp program is planned, 329-9622.
>> Hawaii Island (Hilo) YWCA, 7 a.m.-5 p.m., $25 membership, $20 per day (lunch, $2.25 additional), 935-7141.
>> Hawaii Island YWCA, Hamakua branch, the normal after-school program for grades 6-12 will continue, 2-6 p.m. daily, except Wednesday 1-5 p.m.
>> HSTA Web site
>> State Web site