College still worth the time and cost

College administrators in Hawaii blame the rising economy for falling enrollment, saying that some potential students are opting for the workforce instead.

Enrollment declined at all seven of the state’s community colleges this year, and at the University of Hawaii-Manoa and UH-Hilo.

UH-West Oahu is an exception, with enrollment up 12.7 percent.

It’s great that there are more jobs available for young adults, but that does not discount the lifetime value of a college education. Studies still show that college graduates earn more money and live longer, healthier and happier lives than those who don’t. The gap is a matter of degrees.

UH-West Oahu problem not cool

Speaking of UH-West Oahu and degrees, just what went wrong with the air conditioning?

The Leeward Oahu campus opened a mere two years ago, but its AC system broke Monday morning, leaving all of its five buildings in sweltering conditions. Students and faculty endured hot and humid conditions — it is the Ewa Plain — for at least two days before temporary fixes were installed Wednesday.

Thanks to a temporary chiller and portable air conditioners, the students and staff have some relief as equipment parts are awaited from the East Coast; repairs are expected to be done next week.

Still, with enrollment rising at UH-WO, questions must be asked about the integrity of its facilities. It is far too soon for this young campus to be experiencing the kinds of building and maintenance problems befalling its older UH-Manoa sibling.