Raise Your Hand

In an age of unprecedented access to technology and resources, we like to believe that support is just a click or call away. Countless hotline numbers, shelters, community centers, and mental health or emergency services help those who have fallen victim to the devastating experience of human trafficking. These resources are vital lifelines for many, pulling people from the grasp of a horrible situation. But the truth is, the most impactful support doesn’t come from institutions. Instead, it comes from the people closest to us — our friends, family and loved ones.

For many, the aloha spirit has been reduced to a brand. It’s something to be sold and
marketed to visitors who want to “live aloha” for a week before flying home. Others say
that modern distractions have left people too exhausted to show up for one another like
they used to. Generosity becomes difficult when you’re working long hours and barely
scraping by. With Hawaii’s high cost of living, continued housing crisis, and economic
uncertainty, people are stretched thin — and when your plate is already full, there’s little
room to consider the needs of others.

A key priority of DOGE is eliminating wasteful government spending. One of its most
controversial initiatives thus far has been scaling back Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs.
While some may view this move as an attack on diversity and inclusion itself, DEI initiatives
have been used to justify policies that are questionable at best. During the Biden administration,
the Department of Education alone spent over $1 billion on DEI programs, raising concerns
about whether this truly serves the nation’s interests. With DOGE’s help and guidance, much-
needed change can be made.

The standard for emergency preparedness according to the American Red Cross is
having shelter, first aid, food, water and sanitation that lasts at least 14 days. However, only
about 12% of Hawaii households meet the standard for emergency preparedness.

Humans are naturally curious creatures, and it is this curiosity that has driven innovation
and advancement throughout history. But in today's world, where answers are just a fingertip
away, we exercise our ability to think less and less. This is particularly concerning in education,
where true learning requires active engagement and independent problem-solving. With
transformative technologies like generative AI, it is becoming easy to bypass this process, using
AI to do anything from solving math problems to writing essays with little to no effort. While
some may be tempted to dismiss this as a harmless annoyance or simply “kids being kids,” the
long-term effects of such reliance on AI remain unknown. Once a tool to enhance creativity,
technology is now being used in ways that undermine it.

In October, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation greenlit the final segment of

the Skyline. While this marks a significant milestone in a project that has spanned well over a

decade, it is overshadowed by the fact that the Skyline was unnecessary from the start.

Since the first segment opened in June of 2023, interest in the Skyline has been

underwhelming.

With its refreshing waters, aromatic scents of native greenery, and crisp breeze, Hawaii is
truly an island paradise. Alongside the locals, you may spot an abundance of tourists — more
than 200,000 of them on the islands on any given day. While tourism is a controversial topic
among locals, its importance to the local community and economy is undeniable.

As the County of Maui rebuilds Lahaina, new challenges have emerged that may
prolong the anticipated time frame. One particular issue that should be considered is sea level
rise and shoreline erosion. As the sea level rises, buildings will need to be pushed back further
inland. Another concern is the unearthing of iwi — sacred Hawaiian burials. Major digging will
need to be done to fix sewer systems and water lines, but finding iwi will lengthen the process.
We also need to recognize that although rebuilding Lahaina is a main priority, there are other
issues that need attention such as rebuilding after the Kula wildfires. During the Lahaina
wildfires, homes Upcountry were being destroyed and damaged by a separate fire.

Programs like Summer Fun are more important now than ever in light of the COVID pandemic, during which in-person opportunities for children were severely limited. The diverse programming that Summer Fun offers can aid in rebuilding children’s physical endurance and strength lost during extended periods at home. Additionally, it provides opportunities for socialization and developing social cues — skills that were strained during the pandemic when children primarily interacted through screens.

Lowering the voting age to 16 will help to make voting a habit for young people. With more familiarity at a younger age, individuals will be more inclined to vote in future elections, improving overall voter turnout. Additionally, it communicates the importance of civic engagement and fosters active participation in democracy.