Off the News

Profile of typical unwed mother is changing

At first blush, it was disturbing to read that almost half of all new babies are being born to unwed mothers.

But times are changing, it seems. Star-Advertiser writer Susan Essoyan noted Monday that about 4 out of 10 births now are born outside of marriages, versus about 1 out of 10 in 1970. Yet our social fabric does not seem to be coming apart. Indeed, births to unwed teens — clearly not a desirable situation — have declined significantly, from 21 percent of the total 10 years go to just 14 percent now.

Most of the women giving birth out of wedlock these days are older and more financially capable, and often have committed partners.

But the trend has not been without its glitches. The upswing in unmarried women giving birth also has translated to more parents going to court to establish legal paternity or resolve custody disputes. Mediation could help, one judge suggests. Of course, so could a commitment to marriage.

Chickens in the yard are a pain in the neck

Complaints about noise from chickens have tripled on Oahu in the past six years, and residents are angry.

Punchbowl resident Kelly Kim says her neighbor’s roosters crow all day and she is "really frustrated." Animal Haven Inc. owner Frank DeGiacomo, who deals with chicken complaints for the city, says about half of the 400 calls he gets every month are from Aiea, Kaneohe and Kalihi. He says about 60 percent of complaints are unresolved and referred to police.

Residents can hear all too loudly that the system isn’t working.