Hamamoto didn't merit early renewal
As a father of a co-valedictorian student (Kalaheo High, Class of 2002) and a current (ranked No. 3) Kalaheo High senior, I am concerned for our public education system.I am distressed to read of the state Board of Education's endorsement and early renewal of Superintendent Pat Hama-moto's contract. Its "stay the course" mentality in issuing a four-year renewal of Hamamoto's contract in view of yearly poor "report cards" for our education system amazes me. We could have a top-notch public education system and not a system to be embarrassed by. Some people instead seek private education as a remedy. I can see why.
My personal confidence in what the school board members do is at an all-time low because of this contract renewal. Why on Earth did they reward someone who brings bad news repeatedly to a broken system?
Kaneohe
Fox gave its side of Demo convention
This summer's conventions will help us decide the most important election of our era. So why did "fair and balanced" Fox News show so much less of the Democratic convention than its cable peers?Instead of letting us hear the Democrats' vision for America, Fox News continually interrupted the speeches to give more air time to their pundits.
Serious news outlets give their viewers every opportunity to decide for themselves, especially when it comes to how they'll vote. Fox News seems intent on only giving us one side of the story.
Kaneohe
Fox put convention on the back burner
This paper noted with concern how little coverage the TV networks are giving to this year's political conventions. Fortunately, all the cable news channels offer more complete coverage, right?Actually, a study from watch group Media Matters for America finds Fox News covered the Democratic convention far less than CNN or MSNBC. We'll have to see whether Fox treats the Republican convention similarly. Either way, those of us seeking complete and unbiased coverage of the election will have to change the channel on Fox.
Kaneohe
Local performers took aloha to China
I am honored to say that I was among the performers that recently traveled to Shanghai for "The Hawaii Experience at Xintiandi." Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Willie K, Amy Hanaiali'i and Na Leo Pilimehana were not able to attend the trip. I was disappointed that significant individuals were overlooked in the Aug. 3 Star-Bulletin article.Two young gentlemen, Tazra Vegas and Les Harris of the group Kalaeloa, did an exceptionally great job promoting Hawaii through the sharing of their musical talents. Along with Kalaeloa, our current Miss Hawaii, Olena Rubin, also deserves some recognition. The aloha spirit these individuals displayed was heartfelt and impressive. These three young artists along with our slack-key genius, Makana, put an entire evening length concert together with very limited time. A show that undoubtedly will be lingering in the hearts of China for many moons!
It is so inspirational to see that we have such young artists that are willing and able to give all they have, not only as an extension of their souls, but for their home land and for the benefit of their people. Let these young artists be a testament that the aloha spirit truly lives on through the generations.
Kailua
Obama is as American as they come
Barack Obama -- Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Illinois, son of a man from Kenya and mother from Kansas who was born and grew up in Hawaii -- is the quintessential American of the United States of America.
Honolulu
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