Reformed charter schools launch new era

The launching of the reformed system for overseeing Hawaii public charter schools was something to celebrate.

One element in the recent reform law is clearer lines of authority in governance; at the center of that is the new Hawaii Public Charter School commission, which met for the first time Thursday.

The National Association of Charter School Authorizers, which provided funds for a study preceding the reforms, remains on the scene: NACSA will be hired to help with the transition.

There are sure to be bumps on the way. But for all its growing pains and mishaps, the still-fledgling network has at least demonstrated a rare willingness and capacity to reinvent itself.

A beautiful transformation for WCC campus

When Windward Community College opens its brand-new Library Learning Commons Aug. 29, it will be only the latest element in the decade-long transformation of the Kaneohe campus.

The 69,000-square-foot center pulls together academic support services now scattered among five buildings, and in a place with as much rain as this, students appreciate being saved the wet walk.

Primarily it replaces Hale Manaleo, which was designed for its original purpose as a hospital ward. Don’t forget, WCC took over the former home of the Hawaii State Hospital, not ordinarily a cheery spot for study.

Now, a building two years in the making is done, fronted with large windows that overlook the increasingly picturesque campus. Town-side dwellers who haven’t seen the place in years should consider a visit.