Ewa Makai Middle School: It’s really cool

Cheers to the spanking-new Ewa Makai Middle School, which on Tuesday welcomed students with a blast of air conditioning to classrooms loaded with iPads, electronic SmartBoards and other gear.

It’s also the first to be built, mainland-style, as one building enclosed to meet "green" standards, rather than a complex of structures with energy-wasting, open-air walkways.

These kids had been dealing with overcrowded classrooms, so they more than deserve these new digs from their "parents" at the Department of Education — especially if their test scores improve as a result.

Of course, the other keiki in our statewide school system will be clamoring for iPads next. Wonder what Mom and Dad will say?

Hawaii still no ka oi as Obama vacation ends

Malia and Sasha Obama missed two days of classes at Sidwell Friends School due to their father’s postponement of the family’s return to the nation’s capital. As the Obama clan and friends visited Honolulu Zoo on their final day in Hawaii, Reuters news agency reporter Jeff Mason shouted, "Ready to go home yet, Mr. President?"

President Barack Obama did not answer as he nearly tripped over the son of a friend while turning to wave at the reporters.

However, one of the children answered with an emphatic shout: "No!"

Alas, all Hawaii vacations have to come to an end.