How ’bout them Rainbow Warriors, eh?

The University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors lost their first game of the season Thursday, but it was against nationally ranked USC (No. 24), and they put up a pretty good fight, ending 30-13.

Nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, there was a lot to be happy about. Solid defense kept the USC score surprisingly low, and though the offense took a while to get going, it did finally score a touchdown — thank goodness!

Next up: Oregon State Beavers, also at Aloha Stadium. Go ‘Bows/Warriors!

Court comes up with a special ruling

From our "It only seems fair" file comes this week’s ruling by a federal appeals court, entitling special education students to free public education until age 22.

Hawaii was using leeway under the federal Disabilities Education Act, which says disabled children can go to public schools until they’re 22 but allows states to lower the age limit to match whatever provision is made for general education students. Hawaii lowered the special-education cutoff to age 20.

Unfortunately for the state Department of Education, general education students have the means, through the Community Schools for Adults, to get their diploma up to the higher age limit. So the court said: No dice.

The state’s argument had been that the community schools don’t constitute a "free public education," only "tuition-free opportunities … to earn a diploma."

Well, that’s one way to spin it.

But the court didn’t buy it, ruling for fair student treatment. So back in the file it goes.