In today’s global marketplace, which interconnects people as never before, it makes sense to be bi- or even multilingual. Any language or cultural skills that students attain could be hugely beneficial once they venture out into the competitive real world.

So it’s laudable that more than three dozen public school graduates have earned the state’s first seal of biliteracy medals, signifying that they have mastered “high proficiency” in either of Hawaii’s two official languages — English or Hawaiian — as well as one other language.

Two years ago, Hawaii become one among 27 states and D.C. to adopt this biliteracy seal program. Given our “melting pot” heritage, it seems that many, many more students would be able to earn the seal, if they so desire.

Healthier watersheds can helps areas downstream

They are nowhere near the Ala Wai Canal, but they working to clean it up nonetheless. A dedicated volunteer crew is clearing albizia trees and other damaging invasive species from stream banks in the Ala Wai watershed near Paradise Park in Manoa. By stabilizing the watershed with well-rooted native plants and man-made defenses, less sediment and rubbish will wash down into the canal.

It’s a good start. Let’s hope this work succeeds, and can be replicated in other parts of the island where runoff damages coastal areas.