Legislators must scrutinize laws that impact children

Recently visiting Washington, talking with my elderly aunties outside the Lynden Dutch Bakery, three pre-teens rode their bikes toward us. Stopping briefly, the boys conversed quickly then headed our way. Two of them sped by but one stopped in front of me with an outstretched arm saying, “High five!” Slapping our palms, I followed with a fist bump and retracted my hand, opening up my fingers like fireworks, saying “Boom!” We all smiled as he informed us his friends had dared him to do it. Sure enough, the other two were looking our way to see our reaction. The youngster caught up to his friends, and they continued on to their next adventure.

Commenting to my family, I thought it would be good for politicians to see these kinds of things. Maybe if they saw these mischievous boys making dares to high five old ladies, they would think twice about enacting laws of explicit sexual education at an early age and gender confusion indoctrination. This innocent encounter was a perfect example of what is going on in the minds of children.

Despite the promoting of woke culture and gender propaganda, which robs childhood innocence, some kids are still able to thrive with awe, wonder and wholesome fun.

Some legislators are realizing the negative impacts targeted at children. Senator Brian Schatz recently wrote about “new legislation that would help protect children from the harmful impacts of social media.” It will be inadequate unless family, school and community make a concerted effort to protect and nurture children with Godly influences.

The boys’ antics were contagious. While having this conversation, a man rode by on his bike. As he passed by, I jokingly said, “He probably wants to high five me, too.” Turning his head to look at us, we all had a good laugh.

We concluded there is hope for the future. My aunties call things like this “A God wink!”

MICHELE LINCOLN, Lahaina

Busy waterfront restrooms are in good shape

Thanks to everyone that helped in repairing the waterfront restrooms which on 4-24-23 made the Lahaina Banyan Tree 150-year commemoration along with the large cruise ship visitors/vacationers a memorable experience at the Lahaina Banyan Tree and Boat Harbor.

I’m happy to report that on April 24, both the women’s and men’s restrooms have been repaired and are in good operating condition. I understand that these restrooms are under extreme heavy use, serving the locals, vacationers, cruise ship visitors and the homeless, creating constant maintenance and repair issues.

While I revisited the restroom on 5-12-23 (still looking good), I noticed a security guard in the area. I was thinking maybe we could have security personnel checking on the restroom conditions by adding to their job descriptions. With security personnel checking and communicating on the restrooms and waterfront conditions, this would help keep these very important restrooms clean and operational for everyone.

Thanks to everyone: Lahaina News and to the 2,500 Maui County employees who service our community and help keep the Lahaina Harbor waterfront restrooms in good operating condition.

LEON & BARBARA PEARCE, Vacationers/Condo Owners, Campbell, California

Substance use disorders are common in the Veteran Community

Memorial Day brings millions of American families together to honor the memory of the men and women who lost their lives in the U.S. military. It can be a somber time for many families and those veterans who made it home.

It may also be a challenging time for all veterans battling addiction, mental illness or who struggle with suicidal ideation.

In Hawaii are over 100,000 veterans, most of whom are wartime vets. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 3.9 million U.S. veterans have a substance use disorder or mental illness.

Unfortunately, substance use disorders significantly increase suicidality among veterans ages 18 and older. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are also common among veterans ages 18 to 49.

There is no simple answer to why so many veterans become addicted to drugs or alcohol. Yet, there are numerous causative factors.

For many veterans who make it home, they may struggle to adjust to civilian life. It’s common to experience financial hardships and difficulty finding employment or accessing benefits. Transitioning back to a civilian lifestyle is not easy.

Other veterans experience mental and emotional health concerns. This can also include dealing with physical injury or chronic pain. Opioid addiction or dependence is a common problem. Untreated trauma impacts every aspect of life, which can lead to drug or alcohol use as a method of coping.

Additionally, veterans face barriers when accessing treatment. This can include cost or gaps in health insurance coverage. Stigma regarding addiction and mental health is still rampant. Communities deal with inadequate funding for veterans’ support. Those vets living in rural areas often have limited access to treatment.

Fortunately, families can utilize local, state and federal resources. Outside of the VA-Facility locator with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, other support options include:

The Office of Veterans Services Hawaii provides various benefits and services;

AMVETS Hawaii Service Foundation Corp. is a nonprofit organization supporting veterans;

Helpful hotlines include the Veteran Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255) and the Lifeline for Vets (1-888-777-4443);

SAMHSA has a treatment facility locator with substance use treatment programs listed specifically for veterans;

Families and communities play a significant role in helping and supporting veterans. Family members can help by speaking to a loved one openly and honestly about their substance use. Express concern but refrain from casting judgment. Help them find treatment. Be patient and show compassion for what they are going through.

It takes communities coming together to provide that support and advocate for programs that help veterans. Too many men and women who served this country are struggling in silence. It’s time we extend our hands and offer help.

VERONICA RAUSSIN, Community Outreach Coordinator, Addicted.org

Lahaina Intermediate School thanks foundation

During Spring Break 2023, while the majority of students and teachers took a break from academics, the Lahaina Intermediate School Student Television Network (STN) team was hard at work at the STN National Convention in Long Beach, California.

The Lahaina Intermediate team of students competed against over 2,500 middle and high school students from across the country under the Student Television Network (STN) program, which was founded by teachers in 1999 to support scholastic broadcasting and provide a collegiate network of learning for students and teachers.

LIS sponsor Lori-Ann Koyama has been involved with STN for the past four years, encouraging her students to take risks, think outside the box and create videos with a given theme. Students were tasked to film, edit and produce videos within a strict six- to eight-hour deadline.

The Lahaina Intermediate team was among 202 students and 56 teachers from Hawaii, representing over 16 Hawaii schools. The reward for the LIS team this year is knowing that all team members rose to meet all media goals and submissions under the strict criteria. The team rose to the competitive atmosphere and was acknowledged as accomplishing the theme of the event, which was “Fearless.”

Integrated in the convention were hands-on workshops where students were able to attend sessions to further increase their knowledge. When the students were not filming, editing or producing, they were attending workshops. In order to fund their “Fearless” journey to the STN conference, Ms. Koyama reached out to the Lahaina Complex Education Foundation for support; the organization promptly responded to Ms. Koyama’s grant request and helped fund convention entry fees, materials and snacks for the students.

On behalf of Ms. Koyama and her students, the Lahaina Intermediate STN group extends a huge mahalo to the Lahaina Complex Education Foundation for making their dreams of attending the event, and paving the way to even more possibilities of success for the students and the LIS STN team in the future.

LAHAINA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL STN TEAM