Furloughs hurt language school

Thank goodness the powers that be have worked something out to end Furlough Fridays. There has been a great deal of concern about the public school population. At Anuenue School, the Department of Education's K-12 Hawaiian immersion school on Oahu, the impact has been doubly harmful. Trying to teach Hawaiian and English in less time has had compounded, hurtful effects on student learning.

As your editorials have stated, the whole system needs to be improved. However, in the improvement process, do not forget the legal, economic and other rights and benefits of the Hawaiian Language Immersion Program. In other words, “;Do not throw the baby out with the bath water.”;

Military appreciates community's support

On behalf of the 25th Infantry Division, I want to thank the Hawaii community for all the terrific support throughout Military Appreciation Month.

As the first state to expand Armed Forces Day and honor service members throughout May, Hawaii garners a special bond with its military and veterans.

The various events this past month, particularly the Welcome Home Parade in Waikiki on May 22 and the numerous events on Memorial Day to honor our fallen soldiers, clearly displayed that bond.

Since 2004, our division has seen routine 12-15 month deployments that have induced sacrifices, great and small, from our soldiers, families and local communities. Some units are deployed now, some will deploy this summer and others later in the year. For some, it is their third or fourth deployment in five years. This is why your support is so invaluable. I can't fully express how much a little “;aloha”; from home inspires a soldier after a day's long patrol.

Every day since my return to Hawaii, I'm reminded of our remarkable relationship with the Hawaii community and the incredible support we receive.

Mahalo and Tropic Lightning!

Education provides advantage for success

At Roosevelt High School, I am a senior who's graduating this year.

What is the relationship between democracy and education and our right to that education? It goes back to the 1700s for America's schools. It used to be only for the wealthy and religious students, until Horace Mann stepped up and helped promote the right to education for everyone.

Education is important because to be a successful person, you must know how to read and write and understand mathematics. You must attain social skills to make better decisions. Imagine if so many didn't have the right to an education; we also wouldn't have the advantage to be a successful person.

Ron Lee a class act and always will be

Ron Lee has resigned as an assistant coach with University of Hawaii football. This is a big loss. He is a legend in Hawaii football coaching history and has developed many outstanding players and teams. He is respected and admired for his coaching ability, sincerity and character. June Jones thought very highly of him and depended on him for his team's successes. He is and always will be a class act.