More answers, please
More answers, please
It is satisfying to learn that the Highway 130 project between Keaau and Pahoa is stopped because the contractor’s “permit expired.”
Darn good reason. Apparently, the permit used was only for phase one of the project.
I have a couple of questions. Which contractor? Why did they not have a permit? Why did the Department of Transportation stop the project and not advise the contractor that the permit had expired?
This bungle will delay the project 10 weeks. How can obtaining a permit for a project in progress take 10 weeks? Will the contractor be penalized for this delay?
And, finally, how many other “phases” will require more permits?
Perhaps the Tribune-Herald could dig a bit for us?
Peter Easterling
Pahoa
Gratitude for teachers
Who’s your favorite teacher? I know mine: Mrs. Aki Oda.
Mrs. Oda was my fifth-grade teacher at Waiakeawaena Elementary School. I remember her as tall, slim, fashionably dressed, with artsy jewelry. She exuded cool factor, to me. I adored her, and I think I was one of her favorites.
My “bestie,” on the other hand, gave her stink eye and had to put her head down on the desk … more than once. Yep, it sucks to give stink eye and get caught.
My most memorable experience with Mrs. Oda was exploring ceramics. Although brief, my encounter with clay was so much fun and revealed some simple life lessons. I enjoyed pinch pots, rolling coils and was fascinated with glazing. She made it look so easy, with beautiful finished pieces. It wasn’t easy, but I learned a few things.
Pinch pots: Sometimes they turn out ugly. No big deal. If you’re unhappy with the way it turns out, stop, squash it and start again. There is no limit to the amount of times to pause or to restart. Can you relate?
Glazing: Not what it seems. I used a color that turned out to be puke pink and was devastated. Next, I chose a royal blue and nearly lost it when I saw this horrid blue-gray instead.
Mrs. Oda encouraged me to finish and told me it was going to be lovely. She was right, and it turned out to be richer and more beautiful in color than I could’ve imagined. The point? We must finish the job to see the final product.
Mrs. Oda, you are so appreciated!
If there’s a teacher who has made you feel special, or impacted you in a crazy-positive way, reach out and let him/her/them know it!
In the spirit of Teacher Appreciation Week, please let our educators know how much we value and appreciate their commitment to our kids and our entire community well-being!
Andrea Furuli
Hilo