AN intergovernmental project called Operation Weed & Seed has been highly successful in putting new life into American neighborhoods troubled by poverty and crime. Its latest target is Waipahu, where authorities have begun what we hope will be the eradication of a troublesome "weed," the crime of cockfighting. Raids on cockfights
should continueThe issue: Police have begun
raiding cockfights in an effort
to revitalize Waipahu.The cruel battle to the death between gamecocks is a blight on Waipahu and other areas where it is allowed. Gambling is an integral part of the activity, firearms are common because of the large amounts of money at stake, and illicit drugs invariably are involved. The cockfights have been shown to promote tolerance of animal cruelty and enthusiasm for violence among young children at the events.
Police have conducted two raids on Waipahu's Pahu Street in the past two months as part of Weed & Seed, a federally inspired effort of law enforcement and social services at different levels of government, and of businesses and residents. Those involved in the rooster fights can be charged with conspiracy to commit cruelty to animals, although police made no arrests and confiscated no gaffs, the sharp metal spurs attached to roosters' legs as weapons. Police have warned rooster owners about the illegality of the activity.
Mike Benicta, a Waipahu resident who observed the more recent police raid, predicted that cockfighting will continue regardless of the Weed & Seed project. "Ever since I was 7, my grandpa would take me to chicken fights," he told the Star-Bulletin. "People are going to find a way to set up chicken fights."
Benicta's seemingly reasoned assessment of the inevitability of cockfighting feeds the misconception in Hawaii that the inhumane sport is an ingrained and worthwhile extension of the culture of the Philippines that should be accepted in Hawaii. At various times over past centuries, cockfighting has been popular in Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe and, yes, the United States.
Aficionados of cockfighting proudly point to a tradition that stretches back to days when Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln were reputed to be among its followers, and a British presence that is said to have caught the interest of Winston Churchill. However, like other cultural depravities, such as slavery and polygamy, cockfighting has been abandoned as civilization has advanced.
Cockfighting has been illegal in Britain since 1849. Beginning with Massachusetts in 1836, it has become a violation of the law in 47 states -- all but Oklahoma, Louisiana and New Mexico. Cockfighting is illegal in Hawaii, and the law must be enforced regardless of claims that this cruel sport should be treated as a sacred birthright of any ethnic group.
Raising the price of lunches for students at public schools won't win educational officials any applause and certainly isn't welcome news to parents. The new price seems justified, given the costs to the providers. No food fights in
school cafeteriaThe issue: The price for lunch
in public schools will be
increased to $1 next month.The increase from 75 cents to $1 in July will affect about 60 percent of the 150,000 children who buy midday meals.
Students from low-income families who receive lunch either free or at reduced cost won't have to pay more and the 35-cent charge for breakfast also won't change. That's good because for some of these children what they eat in school may be the only food they have all day.
Studies have shown that a full stomach puts children in the mood to learn. They can't concentrate when hungry and when their energy levels are low from lack of food.
Some parents will feel the pinch of the increase, especially those who have several children in school. But the costs of the school lunches, which are subsidized by the federal government, are much lower than a less-healthy meal from a fast-food shop. Even the grocery bill to make five day's worth of plain cheese-and-lettuce sandwiches would exceed the $5 total weekly lunch price.
The money the Department of Education charges goes to preparing the food and lunch prices have not gone up since 1993.
The increase seems reasonable. For $1, children get a nourishing, hot meal and a carton of milk with no effort from busy moms and dads and no worries about forgetting the brown bag on the kitchen table.
Said parent Miki Crisp, whose two daughters attend public school, "It's a good deal."
Published by Oahu Publications Inc., a subsidiary of Black Press.Don Kendall, President
John Flanagan, publisher and editor in chief 529-4748; jflanagan@starbulletin.com
Frank Bridgewater, managing editor 529-4791; fbridgewater@starbulletin.com
Michael Rovner, assistant managing editor 529-4768; mrovner@starbulletin.com
Lucy Young-Oda, assistant managing editor 529-4762; lyoungoda@starbulletin.com The Honolulu Star-Bulletin (USPS 249460) is published daily by
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