Involved parents key to tots’ success

A recent ad from the Gov. Neil Abercrombie campaign reminds me of the quote, "Lies, damned lies and statistics."

Using the data regarding students who attend preschool versus those who do not is a great example of using statistics that do not apply. There is no way to infer that because the students who have attended preschool have done better than those who have not, means that the other students would have done better had they attended preschool. The premise excludes too many factors that contribute to a student’s success.

First and foremost is the fact that parents’ involvement in the education process plays a major role. Parents must take the responsibility to ensure that their children fulfill their responsibility to the state and society by doing assignments, giving their best effort and attending school with a goal of being a better person and a contributing member of society.

Only when those responsibilities are properly focused can other factors begin to influence the results.

Rick Conroy
Kaimuki

KCC newspaper is worth keeping alive

We are currently celebrating the 50th birthday of community colleges and Hawaii’s best high school newspapers and journalists. These are newsworthy.

Yet the Kapiolani Community College student newspaper, Kapi‘o News, is printing its last issue soon.

Is not news and journalism essential for nurturing that community and the greater community?

In years past, KCC encouraged and supported Kapi‘o News and several student magazines with student fees and occasional gifts, including from the family of Buck Buchwach.

Kapi‘o won national journalism awards. I hope the KCC administration will support and improve the Kapi‘o News.

Stanford Au
Aina Haina

U.S. government serves citizens well

David Shapiro’s column blasting Obamacare lays into government as if it were evil, the way the Tea Party does ("Obamacare fiasco bursting with officials’ incompetence," Star-Advertiser, Volcanic Ash, April 20).

He blasts Obamacare because it had a bad start. This overlooks the law’s amazing recovery and its long-term benefits to society. He then blows the bungled start way out of proportion to inappropriately conclude that government "does big projects poorly and then runs from accountability."

In so doing, Shapiro ignores the hundreds of ways our federal government provides outstanding services every day to every U.S. citizen. With all its warts, our country is blessed with the most efficient and finest civil service in the history of the world. Instead of denigrating our government, we need to appreciate its value and competence.

Jay Henderson
Ala Moana

Backsliding seen on Disabilities Act

Several decades ago, the Americans With Disabilities Act was passed with great fanfare. At last, consideration was being given to those of us with disabilities. Handicap parking became mandatory, and a local office was opened. What has happened?

It appears that only token compliance is now being given by both governmental and commercial activities.

The Medicare office downtown has only a few handicap parking spaces close to the building entrance, and stairs to climb. Is this reasonable for a governmental agency that deals with the elderly, many, if not most, who have disabilities?

We recently had to tell our dentist that we may have to go elsewhere because of the lack of handicap parking. The Ala Moana Center has a medical high-rise. There are only about five or six handicap parking spaces on one parking level, and one on another parking level with access to the elevators. Other handicap parking is located outside the medical building and parking structure.

Who’s minding the store to ensure compliance with the law?

Rudolph Yap
Kaneohe

Mini-homes would help, not harsh rules

State officials are eliminating all uncertified feeding options islandwide for the hungry to force them through the few shelters in Honolulu, including the Institute for Human Services.

IHS now refuses entry unless one registers and has a photo taken, and will not allow backpacks inside. Few homeless can handle these requirements and will suffer further, greatly exacerbating the problems while IHS gets tax dollars every year, and yet will not even allow anyone safe haven for one night without paying a $90-per-month fee up front.

This is why we have a huge problem after politicians ignored it for decades. Unacceptable! An independent investigation is needed, not Housing First, which will do little but waste multi-millions. That money and focus is needed for an intelligent shipping container mini-home community that can elevate many lives.

Ronald Whitfield
Honolulu

Educate kids at home about drugs

I agree 100 percent with Chuck Cohen ("Overreaction to pot ruining kids’ futures," Star- Advertiser, March 16).

I am not a promoter of any substance abuse, legal or illegal, mainly because of the health consequences down the road.

Kids mirror the parents or succumb to peer pressure.How many parents provide cigarettes, beer or alcohol for their kids, telling them it is OK if they smoke or drink at home? How about the parents or family friends sharing marijuana with them?

Slapping the wrist of the kids, along with the stigma of making it a public affair, is demeaning and does not solve the problem.

The problem starts or ends at home.

Paul "Pappy" Lowe
Moiliili