From the Forum

Readers of the Star-Advertiser’s online edition can respond to stories posted there. The following are some of those. Instead of names, pseudonyms are generally used online. They have been removed.

"Principals offered $10K merit bonus,"Star-Advertiser, May 14:

» How does the state Department of Education handle principals who get consistently low ratings? I don’t think they get pay cuts or are fired. Does the DOE just put up with them and continue to pay their salary until they leave or retire?

» OK, we will have an evaluation system for the teachers. Check. We will have an evaluation system for the principals. Check. Now, what about the complex area superintendents?

» With bonuses for all, of course.

» So now the state has money? They are paying it with federal funds. Why don’t they bring back the $3,000 incentive for hard-to-staff schools instead? Now they are going to make the teachers work harder so they can get a bonus.

» How about saving the taxpayer some money? If the principals don’t achieve high ratings, they get a $10,000 salary reduction.

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"Hawaiian monk seal births spur plea for peace and quiet,"Star-Advertiser, May 15:

» Peace and quiet on Kauai beaches? Not likely. This article only encourages more knuckleheads to go search out the seals and gawk at them.

» Should put a camera up to make sure no one disturbs them.

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"Bottled-water firm to pay $2M fine,"Star-Advertiser, May 15:

» So they made a mistake. They fixed it right away when it was discovered. No one was hurt and the state fined them $2 million? Who says Hawaii is unfriendly to businesses?

» The company erred by letting the water to still contain a little sea water to provide minerals. Although not harmful, this was seen as a violation and worth a $2 million fine. What a windfall for the state. It is almost stealing from Peter to pay Paul. Nevertheless, the rules were in place. The person for the company made an error by doing something he thought would improve the product, and was both right and wrong at the same time. Very confusing.

» Just another money grab by the bloated state bureaucracy. Koyo can well afford it, selling its bottled water for five bucks a pop overseas. And who hasn’t gotten a mouthful of sea water when in the ocean? No harm, no foul.

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"Williams, Scioscia share mutual respect,"Star-Advertiser, May 16:

» We are very proud of this Waipahu High School graduate (Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jerome Williams).

» Good luck, brah.

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"More public school grads opt for college," Star-Advertiser, May 16:

» It’s good to hear that so many high school students are opting to enroll in college. Now the question is: Out of that percentage enrolling, how many will complete a four-year degree? Enrolling is one part of the equation; finishing is the ultimate goal. And what does the future hold for those who complete college with a degree? The mainland, of course. The availability of high-paying jobs in this business-unfriendly state are severely limited, with a cost of living that is prohibitive for a young college graduate. Brain drain at its finest.

» The downside to the increase in college enrollment nationwide is skyrocketing tuition increases, strain on campus facilities and, finally, fewer jobs out there for all these new college graduates.

» Let’s hope that these students and parents take personal responsibility in choosing majors that actually equate to jobs upon graduation. If a student wants to be a math teacher, but there are only 10 openings a year on Hawaii island, that student should either pick another major or expect to have to go to the mainland to seek their fortunes. In these economic times, liberal arts, geography, political science, Hawaiian studies, women’s studies, etc. are all bogus compared with a degree in computer science, nursing or mechanical repair.

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"Employers up, applicants down at job fair,"Star-Advertiser, May 17:

» As an unemployed person, I went to this job fair. I am an older person who is educated and has 20-plus years of working experience. I was horribly disappointed and I’ll never waste my time attending another one of these events for a few reasons. One, the booths represented lots of solid companies, but few listed openings. Two, a whole aisle for the military and possible enlistees. And, three, most of the company’s representatives simply tell you to apply online. So why spend $3 for something that I already knew, such as searching and applying for a job online? Gov. Neil Abercrombie had a whole lot of government assistance booths there, too. If Abercrombie really wanted to get people back to work and companies really needed qualified candidates, they’d make these events free. Oh, did I mention the $6 event parking fee?

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"Seal motion, prosecutors ask," Star-Advertiser, May 18:

» How can the defense or prosecution possibly keep the McDonald’s video tape from the public? Was the Rodney King tape suppressed? It is what it is, and fair-minded jurors can come to their own conclusions regarding the tape.

» The last thing this case needs is less transparency. Here’s hoping the prosecutor’s request is denied.

» What does the prosection want to hide?