Early childhood enrichment crucial

Nearly three-fourths of the children affected by the elimination of junior kindergarten at Hawaii’s public schools next fall won’t qualify for financial subsidies to attend private preschools — about 3,750 kids.

The state Department of Human Services is seeking additional funding from the Legislature to be able to help more needy families, since all youngsters benefit from an enriched learning environment in their early years; language acquisition before age 3 is crucial.

Whether it comes at home with the parents or grandparents; in the care of a loving babysitter; or in a preschool with other children, the value of such enrichment is rarely in dispute. The issue is how to pay for it.

Former UH president at it again

From the file labeled "We Are Shocked — SHOCKED!" comes the news that Evan Dobelle, former University of Hawaii president, has been placed on administrative leave after allegations he used Westfield State University credit cards to charge personal expenses.

After all, it was Dobelle, now Westfield’s president, who resigned his UH post in 2004 in the face of similar allegations of overspending and underperforming.

The Massachusetts university probe was launched by the state’s attorney general, Martha Coakley, the one-time U.S. Senate candidate.

What a colorful career Mr. Dobelle has had. And, um, is it over yet?