Three things were top of mind this week; just three…
Last month, I termed out after eight-yeas as a Stadium Authority member. The planned new Aloha Stadium and entire NASED (New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District) project is further along today than at any time during my tenure on the Authority; we look forward to a UH/Kansas football game scheduled in Hālawa for August, 2028. But that can only happen if we continue to see the political will and can-do attitude shown of late (but not earlier) for this vital project to actually move ahead. It’s not just about a stadium; it is a area’s revitalization into a district with housing, retail, and much more. May it smoothly move ahead…
While on Maui late last month for an amazing family wedding, I saw housing construction underway in many areas between the Kahului airport and Kapalua. We read often of what’s not working and the many frustrations (understood) on Maui, but there is activity and a growing sense that things are moving forward in many areas while concerns and trauma remain, and will exist for years to come. In the meantime, the resilient residents of Maui who make a living directly or indirectly based on visitor counts could surely be helped by seeing more kama`aina stay-cations this summer. Standing on high on Maui’s west side and gazing at Molokai and Lanai amid tranquil waters remains breathtaking, poignant and perhaps even reassuring. Check ‘em out…
As we ponder what fate our country (and perhaps democracy) holds in the upcoming national election, I’m reminded of that constant adage that “the keiki are our future”. Of course they are. So now might be a great time to revisit what we are teaching our keiki to help better prepare them in an oft times confusing world. I know there are standard scholastic requirements and such that need to be met, but looking ahead (or behind), perhaps we can find a better way to weave generic critical thinking, morals, ethics, the concept of empathy, and even some basic economic principles into the courseload.
Some of this is already in play via social studies, and Hawaii schools do require some civics training, but t now would be a good time to remind people about why voting matters, how citizens make a difference in communities and such. Again, critical thinking, sans agendas. If not now, then when?
Think about it…