Mahalo for helping our students
They say it takes a village to raise a child and I would like to take this time to thank our community members for their support in making our first Kealakehe Elementary Science Showcase a huge success. Students in Kona do not have opportunities for the hands-on learning that excites and awakens scientific discovery.
As a teacher, I am so grateful to the consortium of scientists and teachers from Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, Imiloa Astronomy Center, West Hawaii Astronomy Club, Institute for Astronomy, One Earth Message/Galaxy Garden, Tom Chun, Hawaii Ant Lab, University of Hawaii at Hilo Visualization Lab and the Office of Mauna Kea Management for their generosity and time. I also would like to thank Walmart for making a donation for my students’ science fair displays and to the students at West Hawaii Explorations Academy for coming to “judge” our displays.
We want to thank our “village.” Our students have benefited greatly from your participation and involvement.
Patricia Uehara
Kealakekua
TMT would be good for island, residents
I am writing to support the building of the TMT.
Many letters have been submitted by those opposing it. However, I submit that there are many of us who live here who also love this land with equal fervor.
We want what is best for our beautiful home also. That means creating a place that provides a top education and jobs so that our children can make this their home. We have a very unique opportunity on this island to be a leader in the future of science exploration. Every electronic device we use is a result of science exploration. This is a clean industry. The result will benefit all residents on this island. The industry will attract businesses and people who can invest their time, money and expertise in developing and protecting this island.
One example is our high cost of importing energy through dirty fossil fuels. The monies will provide for better education for all of our kids, better medical services for all, better roads, bike trails, construction trades, performing arts lessons and monies to invest in agriculture and self-substaining living.
We cannot expect to provide these expensive services when all we are known for is beaches and destination weddings. We can be so much more so our children can stay home.
Joyce O’Connor
Waimea