THE HONOLULU ADVERTISER TEEN EDITORIAL BOARD

MARCELA GAMBOA

Government needs to address dire lack of affordable housing

I see them all the time, at parks, beaches and bus stops with their huge bags and grocery carts.

There are more than 3,000 homeless people living on O'ahu alone, and these numbers don't seem to be decreasing. There are also huge amounts of people living in poverty and who are on the verge of becoming homeless. The lack of affordable housing has become a major issue for these people.

I know of a family of nine that had applied for and were accepted for Section 8 rental assistance. Today — a year and two months later— they are still waiting for assistance. They are still on the A list (first priority), but they have not been awarded the assistance yet. They have been told they may receive notice of the funds being available tomorrow, or next year, maybe even five years from now. Families like these are faced with the possibility of becoming homeless.

As I see more and more apartment buildings being made with rents that often run about $4,000 a month per apartment, I wonder if the government is aware of how many people in Hawai'i are in desperate need of affordable housing.

How is it possible to have a sustainable life without a home? How is it possible to have a sustainable Hawai'i if there are growing amounts of people without a place to live?

The sooner the government deals with the problem at hand, the more sustainable Hawai'i will become.

Marcela Gamboa | Kalani High School, Grade 11

MEGAN KAKIMOTO

We can have sustainability if we strive for excellence and accept responsibility

The sustainability of Hawai'i's future largely relates to how we, as Hawai'i's citizens, not only take care of ourselves, but also how we take care of our entire state. If we can't depend on each other to care about our community now, how will we be able to count on each other in the future?

From damaged school facilities, to dirty public restrooms, to the amount of trash that we consume daily, it seems as though our Islands have forgotten what makes us unique from everywhere else in the world. Hawai'i is famous for our beautiful, majestic scenery and loving, friendly people. But as the 2050 Task Force assembles, it is as if none of these qualities pertain to us anymore.

The solution to this issue appears to be quite simple: striving for excellence and accepting personal responsibility in every aspect of our lives. If every single person in the Islands strived for excellence, we wouldn't have abandoned store walls covered with derogatory sayings, or disgustingly filthy public restrooms. If we would just step back for a moment and think about what we are about to do, whether it's wasting water while we shower or tagging an empty building, we wouldn't have so much to worry about in 50 years.

It's a very idealistic concept, but just consider it for a moment. What if it actually worked? Striving for excellence and personal responsibility. Such a simple concept, so let's try it.

Megan Kakimoto | Kamehameha Schools,, Grade 9

CHRISTIANNE LIONGSON

Development in West and Central O'ahu must be put on hold to fix traffic first

With only four lanes struggling to accommodate thousands of daily commuters driving in and out of 'Ewa Beach — and even more housing to be constructed— 'Ewa Beach has truly put the carriage before the horse. Or in this case, the housing before the roadways.

Little work has been done to widen the roads. Meanwhile, new homes continue to sprout like mushrooms, and the number of vehicles has continued to increase. This has resulted in choked roads, especially during the rush hours of early mornings and late afternoons.

To deal with the problem, thousands of disgruntled commuters struggle to find alternative routes to easily get in and out of 'Ewa Beach. What used to be a comfortable 10-minute drive from 'Ewa Beach to the freeway has turned into a horrendous half-hour drive.

However, this problem is not exclusive to 'Ewa Beach. When so much of O'ahu's housing is situated in West and Central O'ahu, and so many jobs are held in town, many students and workers face snail's-pace traffic to and from town. Not only does it dampen the mood of residents, but it also poses as a danger: If a disaster, such as a tsunami, occurs, how can a huge mass of residents flee to safety? This is a tragedy waiting to happen.

Overdevelopment in West and Central O'ahu is a major contributor to this problem. Housing development needs to be put on hold until the traffic situation is addressed. Meanwhile, a system of mass transit has to be established.

Christianne Liongson | Maryknoll School, Grade 12

PAIGE TAKEYA

Student curriculum needs more than tinkering; it needs solid consistency

Creating capable future leaders is key to a sustainable Hawai'i.
To do that, educators at all levels must proactively collaborate to create a single, viable curriculum for students today.

Many of the things learned in elementary and middle school do not prepare students for high school and beyond. The skills and knowledge taught in one level may often be neglected in the next; curriculum and lessons become radically different.

It is essential that a single umbrella curriculum cover all years of schooling. This can ensure that no year of school is wasted, that each year is spent learning something that will be expanded on and developed in future lessons, rather than introducing new concepts and setting aside the old.

Students today are suffering because of this inconsistency. Many have trouble writing coherent essays, struggle to understand what they read, and even have difficulty measuring with a ruler correctly. We encounter three completely different styles of math education throughout elementary, middle and high school. Without the opportunity to establish and refine basic skills, students cannot be expected to master the abilities they will need to succeed as adults.

It is true that the schools have begun taking steps to change this — there have been meetings between district schools, and there have been new decrees switching social studies course order around — but we need to stop dancing around the issue and start moving on it.

The world of 2050 will be vastly different from the one we have today. We need to ensure now that we have a group of ready minds to run it.

Paige Takeya | Mililani High School, Grade 12

MAKANA EYRE

Lower dependency on imported foods by supporting local produce

Sustainability is very important, maybe one of the most important aspects of a well-run society.

When one thinks of sustainability, he or she might jump to thoughts such as mass transit or poverty. While these are problems that must be seriously considered, self-sustainability is a concept that must come first.

As we progress through time, and human beings move further and further away from nature and our roots, the problem of dependency arises. There are many manifestations of this dependency in Hawai'i, but most important is the dependency on foreign and Mainland food imports. This dependency leaves us vulnerable in times of natural disasters, worker strikes, and, perhaps most relevant to today's current events, terrorism.

There are various ways to address the need for self-sustainability, but the concept that will make the difference is the idea of creating a society where the people are sustained by local produce. This would require somewhat of a break from the old paradigm, and a more open-minded approach. In order to do this in Hawai'i, some sort of push against foreign or imported produce would have to be made.

In any case, the concept of self-sustainability is one that we need to seriously consider; it is only a matter of time before something unexpected happens and we find ourselves on our own.

Makana Eyre | Waldorf School Grade 12

YUKI BAILEY

Landfills are filling up; recycling may be costly, but benefits are worth it

As a resident of Hawai'i, I believe strongly in promoting public awareness about recycling. Hawai'i's landfills are filling up, and the benefits of recycling are numerous. About three cubic yards of landfill space are saved for every ton of paper recovered from recycling.

Recycling programs may be expensive, but the benefits are worth it. We all have a social responsibility to our environment. I want to take care of the environment because I am helping my future. I would rather pay the price for recycling now than pay an even bigger price in the future.

Recycling is easy, but its convenience is hampered by the lack of recycling bins located next to regular trash bins. Often at schools, there are no recycling bins placed next to the trash bins. When students finish their lunches, and they go to throw out their trash, they frequently put their bottles, or other recyclable materials, into the trash bins. It is an inconvenience to go searching all over campus for a recycling bin. If a recycling bin were placed next to the trash bin, I am certain that students would recycle.

When I walk to Waikiki, I see many fast-food takeout places that most definitely should have recycling bins but do not have them. Countless places in Hawai'i need recycling bins.

The benefits of recycling are innumerable, and the public needs to be more aware of this simple act. By enhancing its convenience, public participation in recycling can be increased, helping propel Hawai'i toward its goal of being more sustainable.

Yuki Bailey | Punahou School, Grade 11

CAITLIN MORI

Youth must be taught to mind environment, and campuses should go green

Sustainability, any aspect of preserving the quality of life, encompasses everything from reducing traffic to increasing agriculture. Hawai'i is known throughout the world for its natural beauty; thus, the environment must be protected.

The youth of today are the future of Hawai'i. Efforts to maintain our surroundings must start now, with teaching students to be environmentally aware citizens.

Campuses should "go green," making buildings environmentally healthy. Schools can follow the example of Punahou's Case Middle School complex, which was recognized by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for its buildings, lockers and classroom furniture being entirely made of recycled materials. Little money is spent on motion-activated air conditioning and lighting, and the buildings are configured to take full advantage of wind and sun.

Energy-efficient solar panels should be mounted on every school building; waterless latrines and motion-sensitive faucets should be installed in bathrooms to cut water consumption.

Waste must be reduced. Schools can take advantage of modern technology to become "paperless," placing information and documents on Web sites and having students submit work via the Internet. Consumables, such as soda cans, papers or cardboard boxes, should be recycled or reused.

Environmental education must be taught in every classroom. Students must recognize the harmful effects of gas emissions, pollution and littering in Hawai'i. They have to be encouraged to do what is necessary to protect the environment for their futures.

Caitlin Mori | Sacred Hearts Academy, Grade 10

NATALIE KING

Sensible array of alternative transportation systems is needed to unsnarl our island

Hawai'i residents deserve better than having to wake up at 4 a.m. to sit through traffic during their morning commute, then return to that same headache after work. While Honolulu's bus system is much better than those of other densely populated urban areas, residents need alternative transportation options that alleviate traffic and get people where they need to go.

The debut of TheBoat is a smart step in a more promising direction. Integrated with the existing services of TheBus, a ferry system offers another option for residents of Leeward O'ahu, while maintaining the services that so many people already depend on.

O'ahu would also benefit from a light-rail system (not just a light rail) with well-planned stops that get people where they need to be. Though residents clearly desire a solution for the state's ever-growing traffic problem, they will not give up their personal vehicles if alternative transportation does not reach all places of interest.

Aside from vehicular transportation, Hawai'i would also benefit from more sidewalks and bicycle lanes. From younger people who are not yet able to drive, to older people wishing to walk to their destination, direct pathways would provide better access to their desired destinations. More sidewalks and bicycle lanes would also be safer, getting pedestrians off the blind spots on the streets and onto protected paths.

This is such a beautiful place to call home. Hawai'i must get its act together quickly so that its residents have more time to enjoy the Islands, rather than gripe about traffic. A sensible array of alternative transportation options would stir curiosity and interest among residents, take cars off the road and get people where they need to be.

Natalie King | Moanalua High School, Grade 12

MICHAEL MONIS JR.

Let's work together as family to rid our paradise of graffiti

We live in a beautiful place called paradise. Let's maintain that image by keeping Hawai'i graffiti-free for all to enjoy now and for generations to come. Keeping Hawai'i graffiti-free increases the value of our 'aina.

In order to keep the Hawai'i beautiful, we need to keep it clean. How? We can all sacrifice some of our time by volunteering to paint over the graffiti. Teenagers, why don't you sacrifice a few Saturdays at the mall, the movies and the beach and donate money to the state or help repaint buildings with graffiti?

We can have schools from each district all over the state paint over the graffiti, and the winners of this competition can get a monetary prize that goes toward the school. The school that paints the most defaced areas with the most volunteers will win a monetary prize. Monetary prizes should come from the state budget. This way we're working together as an 'ohana to keep our paradise nice and clean.

Now, I know some of you teenagers are saying, "No way, I'm not going to give up my Saturdays and do work!"

Don't think of it as work, think of it as a way to benefit our future. Think about it: We can also help our future generations.

So stop for a moment and think: Do we really want our kids living in an ugly place?

Michael Monis Jr. | Damien Memorial School, Grade 10

FRANK GENCO

Enough complaining about tourism; it’s our lifeblood

It kills me every time I see a bumper sticker or overhear a conversation about how tourism is ruining Hawai'i. God forbid we share the land a little and actually make a profit off of a sunset, or a walk on the beach. Hawai'i is sustainable because of tourism. If it weren't for those tourists walking up and down Waikiki, we wouldn't have much in the likes of business.

Hawai'i is, has been, and most likely will always be a state completely dependent on tourism. Nearly every business on this island can somehow be traced back to tourism.

If I decide to come back to Hawai'i after college, I want to see our economy flourishing around what it has been good at for years. I want to see hundreds of people employed and able to bring home a steady paycheck for their family. The fact that they can buy more and do more means that more of Hawai'i will become part of that upper-middle class, and we will ultimately see a decrease in lower living conditions. Better living conditions could lead to less crime, less drug problems and ultimately a cleaner, more efficient Hawai'i.

So the next time you see a tourist walking around in their "flip-flops," thank them. Thank them for the money they are pouring into our system and for giving thousands of people jobs so that they, too, may be able to take their own vacation.

Frank Genco | 'Iolani School, Grade 12

CHELSIE BERNADES

It’s hard to focus on college when affordable housing is going extinct

Hawai'i is supposed to be all about paradise. It's hard to find paradise with prices going up. Gas prices, college tuitions and grocery prices all seem to be increasing. But the biggest increase in prices that affect Hawai'i residents the most is the price of homes.

Being a senior, all I have on my mind is college. A vast amount of money goes into that. But what about life after college? With prices for homes increasing about 90 percent, ranging about $329,000 to $590,000, the only option for my generation and generations to come is starting a life on the Mainland, where homes are cheaper.

While those who were born and raised in Hawai'i find life easier on the Mainland, Mainlanders don't find it difficult to make a living here in Hawai'i.

The rise of home prices not only forces Hawai'i citizens to move off the island, but also forces them to live on the one thing Hawai'i is known for, the beaches.

Living on the Leeward side of the island, I hear people talk not about the beauty of island country life, but the many tents that serve as homes on the beach.

If the cost of homes decreased to a reasonable price, Hawai'i residents could raise a family in the place they love and we would no longer go to the beach and feel as if we are intruding on someone's home. And then I could concentrate on more important things, like college and my future.

Chelsie Bernades | Wai'anae High School, Grade 12

JAELS MAUHILI-KANEAKUA

Let's all do our part to keep roadways clear for the future

Previous attempts at sustainability have seemed to fail. But now, we have another chance to take a shot at it. Can Hawai'i be sustainable? What needs to happen for this to take place? How has Hawai'i changed from the past?

Consider the increasing number of vehicles on Hawai'i's roadways. With many people having maybe three vehicles per household, or getting secondhand cars for the kids, the traffic has increased dramatically.

Sure, it's not illegal to have more than one car per household, but have you ever thought that maybe you are the cause of the problem? We should all ask ourselves what we can do to help reduce traffic islandwide. I feel that this problem is a result of our own actions.

Trying to keep Hawai'i sustainable for our youth, for our future generations, depends on whether or not we take action to solve this problem. I will catch the bus, walk, and carpool to help minimize the traffic on our roads. What are you going to do?

Jaels Mauhili-Kaneakua | Saint Louis School, Grade 11