http://www.thehawaiiindependent.com/local/Kaimuki News • Culture • Community English news@thehawaiiindependent.com Copyright 2011 The Hawaii Independent Corporation Thursday, February 9 2012 9:05 AM /story/letter-social-studies-education-in-hawaii-is-important-isnt-it /story/letter-social-studies-education-in-hawaii-is-important-isnt-it The following is an open letter to Hawaii’s Board of Education, which will be voting on a proposal to cut one of the four required Social Studies credits for Hawaii’s high school students. Dear Hawaii Board of Education (BOE) members, Social Studies is important. The Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) has recognized, and should continue to recognize, the need for informed young people who can contribute to and compete in a global society. The four years of Social Studies coursework currently required for graduation are necessary to fulfill the mission and vision of the DOE and BOE and to develop critical thinkers and thoughtful citizens. The fourth year of Social Studies electives classes currently required for graduation is necessary to provide Hawaii’s students with a rigorous curriculum and produce responsible, knowledgeable, career, and college ready graduates. It is our position that the reasons put forth for reducing the required social studies credits from four to three have no merit.  First, reducing the number of social studies credits from four to three will result in a less rigorous program of study. Second, if the number of required social studies credits is reduced from four to three, Hawaii’s high school graduates will be less prepared for college and careers.  Third, the current graduation requirements, which require six elective credits, provide more than enough flexibility and opportunity for students to pursue their career interests in high school.  Finally, reducing the number of required social studies credits from four to three will reduce, rather than increase the number of courses students have to choose from, and severely limit the ability of students to take the social studies electives. Please consider these arguments and vote to maintain the current graduation requirements for social studies. Sincerely, Amy Perruso Supporter of Strong Social Studies Education in Hawaii Related Story: Aloha POSSE fights to preserve social studies credit News Culture Community Monday, August 8 2011 9:56 PM /story/energy-curriculum-underway-in-oahu-classrooms /story/energy-curriculum-underway-in-oahu-classrooms HONOLULU—Middle school science teachers at six Oahu public schools are set to bring lessons on sustainable energy into their 6th and 8th grade classrooms this fall. To get ready for the curriculum, teachers attended the Sustainable Schools: Educators’ Energy Exchange workshop in July to learn innovative teaching practices and gain tools to facilitate the study of renewable energy with Hawaii students. The workshop was the culmination of a partnership between the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE), Hawaiian Electric Company, Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women in Technology, and Punahou School. “Science and the related fields of technology, engineering, and math are pathways to solving many energy issues that challenge Hawaii,” said Kathryn Matayoshi, DOE Superintendent. “Through the workshop, science educators will broaden their understanding of renewable energy and bring a fresh approach to teaching energy-related studies in the classroom.” Nine teachers from Ewa Makai Middle School, Jarrett Middle School, Lunalilo Elementary, Nanakuli High and Intermediate, Palolo Elementary, and Washington Middle School took part in the inaugural workshop held at Punahou School’s Omidyar K-1 Neighborhood. Each teacher received the Island Energy Inquiry (IEI) curriculum, based on lesson plans and alternative energy resources developed by the MEDB’s Women in Technology Project, and a supply kit containing materials to create and build wind turbines in class and a 5-volt solar panel for small solar experiments. “Inquiry-based learning leads to a deeper understanding of the content, said Gentry Hirohata, a 7th grade science teacher at Punahou School and IEI co-instructor with Pam Kohara, Resource Teacher for Kaimuki, McKinley, and Roosevelt schools complex. “To show the students that science goes beyond the classroom, the lesson starts with asking the essential question on how this study impacts a real energy issue, for example, how does wind energy impact energy sustainability in Hawaii?” In November, the teachers will reconvene to share their resources and lessons learned during the semester to improve future workshops. For more information on the IEI curriculum, visit www.islandenergyinquiry.org. News Culture Community Thursday, August 4 2011 3:58 AM /story/13-sewer-projects-underway-in-july-expect-traffic /story/13-sewer-projects-underway-in-july-expect-traffic HONOLULU—Approximately 122 projects are underway focused on Oahu’s wastewater treatment plants, pump stations and collection system. These projects are part of $533 million of ongoing wastewater projects, including planning, designing, construction, project management and equipment project phases. The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services has 13 sewer projects in July that may impact roadways and traffic on Oahu. The projects include: Airport Sewer Rehabilitation/Reconstruction Phase 1 -– Rehabilitate/reconstruct defective sewer line and manholes in the vicinity of the Honolulu International Airport between Lagoon Drive and the Kamehameha Wastewater Pump Station. Ala Moana Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation –- Sewer rehabilitation work along Ala Moana Boulevard from Keawe Street and Ward Avenue. Beachwalk Wastewater Pump Station to Ala Moana Park Sewer Phase 1, Force Main System -– Installation of a new sewer line along Ala Moana Boulevard (between Atkinson Drive and Ala Wai Canal), and along Ala Wai Boulevard (between Kalakaua Avenue to the dead end of Ala Wai Boulevard). Houghtailing Street Area Sewer Rehabilitation -– Sewer rehabilitation work in Kamehameha Heights area on various streets within the area bordered by North School Street, Kokea Street, Kamalii Street, Aulii Street, Ilima Drive, Makanani Drive, and Kapalama Drive. Kahanu Street, School Street, and Umi Street -– Spot repairs along Dillingham Boulevard, between McNeill Street and Kalihi Street and along Kalihi Street between Dillingham and North King Street. Installation of new sewer lines along Kahanu Street, Puuhale Road, Stanley Street, Wilcox Lane, Umi Street, King Street, and Haunapo Lane between Kalihi Street. Sewer rehabilitation work along School Street between Liliha Street and the School Street (Ewa Bound) off ramp.  Kalakaua Avenue Sewer Rehabilitation –- Open-cut trench digging replacing 1,500 lineal feet of 6- and 8-inch sewer pipe along Kalakaua Avenue between Philip Street and Kapiolani Boulevard. Kalanianaole Highway Sewer System Improvements -– Sewer rehabilitation work along Kalanianaole Highway between Wailupe Beach Park to Kawaikui Beach Park and between Halemaumau Street and Paiko Drive. Rose Street and Kamehameha IV Road, Richard Lane and Linapuni Street Sewer Rehabilitation—Installation of new gravity sewer lines on Rose Street, Kamehameha IV Road, Richard Lane, and Linapuni Street. Saint Louis Heights Sewer Rehabilitation -– Sewer rehabilitation work on various streets with the area bordered by Bertram Street, Kaminaka Drive, Saint Louis Drive, and Dole Street. Sewer Manhole and Pipe Rehabilitation at Various Locations Phase 2 -– Sewer rehabilitation work along Nimitz Highway between Pacific Street, and Sumner Street. Waimalu Sewer Rehabilitation/Reconstruction Phase I/II -– Installation of a gravity sewer line along Olepe Loop, Hekaha, Lokwai, Lii-Ipo, Pahemo, and Kanuku streets. Waipahu Street/Plantation Village Sewer Reconstruction -– Installation of gravity sewer line within Plantation Village. Wilhelmina Rise Sewer Rehabilitation -– Sewer rehabilitation work in Wilhelmina Rise area on various streets within the area bordered by Paula Drive, Lurline Drive, Wilhelmina Rise, Keanu Street, and Claudine Street. News Culture Community Thursday, June 30 2011 9:36 PM /story/education-now /story/education-now News Culture Community Tuesday, May 3 2011 8:53 PM /story/studio-bijoux-takes-the-atelier-tradition-to-kaimuki /story/studio-bijoux-takes-the-atelier-tradition-to-kaimuki KAIMUKI—When jeweler Kihwa Kwon Gosline moved to Honolulu after studying jewelry-making for three years in Japan, she immediately looked around for a studio where she could practice her trade. Unfortunately, she found few options.  “In Japan, people really love to do things with their hands,” she remarked. “I guess having a space to make my jewelry was something I had taken for granted.” Determined to continue her art, the graduate of the prestigious Hiko Mizuno College of Jewelry in Tokyo, Japan opened on her own. She and husband William Gosline transformed a second level studio space on 12th Avenue into a designer atelier in just over a month, complete with all the tools needed to make the most advanced types of jewelry. And so on March 12, a new addition to Kaimuki’s burgeoning arts scene opened its doors. In keeping with the atelier tradition, Studio Bijoux is a place to make your own jewelry, using specialized equipment that is hard to find in Honolulu and with Kihwa as a mentor. The emphasis is on metal work. Resin work, lost wax technique, repoussé, and wrapping are some of the techniques taught in her classes and workshops.  The concepts behind Gosline’s studio include self-discovery, upcycling, and hands-on education, therefore resonating with the neighborhood’s do-it-yourself vibe. The commitment level is flexible, with thematic hour-and-a-half workshops on Wednesday nights to which participants can bring their own materials or use what’s provided. Similarly, the experience can be as casual or rigorous as one desires. A special Mothers’ Day workshop is in the works, where participants can choose to honor their mother with a one-of-a-kind creation or update an existing heirloom.  Wanting initially to only teach adults, Gosline hadn’t thought about classes for children until her stepson was left one afternoon at the studio and produced two pieces of jewelry in a remarkably short period of time. That piqued her interest. “These days, people want their children to have the opportunity to do everything, so why not make jewelry,” she said. “Artistic process helps kids to learn to value diversity and respect each others’ creativity.” Likewise, William Gosline got animated when discussing the educational vision he has for the studio. He feels strongly that education will have to change in the 21st century.  “Rote education won’t work in the age of Google,” where information is readily at the students’ fingertips, he explained. Instead, he believes that the focus should be on problem solving, setting and achieving goals, and creative thinking. As I write this, I’m looking at my hands typing, and at the ring given to me by my grandmother just before she passed away. The ring has been one of my most cherished jewelry pieces for the past 15 years, and reminds me of the way certain objects are imbued with meaning, providing connections with the past. I was lucky that my ring fit and that it reflects my taste. All too often, however, these treasures sit idle in jewelry boxes because they don’t suit their new owners. Now, with a little vision and Gosline’s guidance, your heirloom can be transformed into a stunning and wearable piece of art. To find out more about the studio, visit their website at www.studiobijouxhawaii.com. Classes for children are offered every weekday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Adult classes run from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day and focus on a different technique. There will also be open studio offered to advanced level artisans from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every day of the week except Monday. Classes cost $35; open studio time can be purchased in blocks of 15, 30, and unlimited hours per month. News Culture Community Tuesday, April 19 2011 6:39 PM /story/slack-key-master-stephen-inglis-at-wards-rafters-saturday /story/slack-key-master-stephen-inglis-at-wards-rafters-saturday Singer/songwriter Stephen Inglis, whose Slackin’ On Dylan album has won the 2011 Hawaii Music Award for Folk Album of the Year, will perform at Ward’s Rafters on Saturday, April 16 at a solo concert that will bring a blend of traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar and the artist’s own folk and kihoalu compositions to the intimate residential Kaimuki venue. It’s safe to assume that some of his deft interpretations of Dylan will also be shared. Inglis is recently back from Austin, Texas, where he performed at the Red Gorilla Music Festival. He will perform for Lei Day, May 1 at the California Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Inglis has played regularly with other slack key luminaries such as Dennis Kamakahi and Makana. For more information, visit www.stepheninglis.com. Stephen Inglis Saturday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m. Ward’s Rafters 3810 Maunaloa Avenue News Culture Community Thursday, April 14 2011 9:59 PM /story/peculiar-tides-at-kahala-beach-park /story/peculiar-tides-at-kahala-beach-park By noon on Friday, March 11, just nine hours since the first tsunami waves caused by Japan’s 8.9 quake reached Hawaii, people were back on the beach to assess the aftermath and enjoy the pleasant day’s weather. Tourists snapped photos and waded in the shoreline of Kahala Beach Park, known for its calm shallow waters and threat of strong currents. A few hundred feat out, fishermen were taking advantage of the extremely shallow water in their search for octopus. Others sat along the beach taking in the sight of the exposed reef while reading a book. Clearly visible on the shoreline were chunks of beach that had been taken back into the sea and trails of debris darting across the sand. While the Tsunami Warning had been downgraded, the trickling surges and re-surging of the tides brought an eerie calm to the quiet beach.   News Culture Community Saturday, March 12 2011 12:58 AM /story/3-11-bhf-the-diamond-head-theatre-extends-the-king-and-i-to-april-17 /story/3-11-bhf-the-diamond-head-theatre-extends-the-king-and-i-to-april-17 Due to the enthusiastic response about the Diamond Head Theatre’s upcoming production of The King and I, show dates have been extended through April 17. The show will open on March 25 and will feature NYC guest artist Paolo Montalban.  In The King and I, it is 1862 in Siam when English widow, Anna Leonowens, and her young son arrive at the Royal Palace in Bangkok. The King of Siam has summoned Anna to serve as tutor to his many children and wives. After a rocky start, Anna and the King grow to understand each other in a truly unique love story.  Favorite songs include: “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Getting to Know You,” “Hello Young Lovers,” “Something Wonderful,” and “Shall We Dance.” Tickets start at $12. Call (808) 733-0274 or visit News Culture Community Thursday, March 10 2011 11:34 PM /story/3-9-bhf-palolo-neighborhood-board-to-present-community-recognition-awards /story/3-9-bhf-palolo-neighborhood-board-to-present-community-recognition-awards The Palolo Neighborhood Board will meet at Wednesday, March 9 from 7:00 p.m. at the Palolo Elementary School Cafeteria, 2106 10th Ave. Included on the agenda are community recognition awards to Sharon Young-Nakaue, Byron Canah, and the Kaimuki High School Football Team. For the complete agenda, click here For last month’s minutes, click here News Culture Community Wednesday, March 9 2011 10:28 PM /story/3-1-bhf-join-the-movement-to-save-the-queen-theater /story/3-1-bhf-join-the-movement-to-save-the-queen-theater Friends of Queen Theater is a community-based campaign to build support for their vision of a venue for live theater, films, concerts, and events. Meet the board at Coffee Talk this Tuesday, March 1 at 5:00 p.m. and learn how you can help them restore this grand theater to greatness. News Culture Community Wednesday, March 2 2011 1:21 AM /story/board-of-education-votes-7-0-to-close-liliuokalani-elementary /story/board-of-education-votes-7-0-to-close-liliuokalani-elementary News Culture Community Friday, February 25 2011 8:42 AM /story/first-hawaii-baby-born-into-landmark-national-childrens-study-hails-from-ka /story/first-hawaii-baby-born-into-landmark-national-childrens-study-hails-from-ka KAIMUKI—Kaimuki’s Miwa Takashima Martin, born at Queen’s Medical Center on February 10, 2011, is making history as a pioneer of science. She is the first Hawaii baby to embark upon a 21-year journey that may help us learn more than we’ve ever known about how the environment affects children’s health and development through the National Children’s Study. Miwa and her parents, Chris Martin and Kazue Takashima, are among the first local families to enroll in the National Children’s Study, the largest long-term observational study of children’s health ever done in the United States. It will track 100,000 randomly selected American children from before birth until age 21, of which 1000 will come from 12 Oahu neighborhoods. “We’re bursting with excitement. Now we have our first birth,” said Dr. Lynnae Sauvage, principal investigator at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Study Center of the National Children’s Study, which is headquartered at the John A. Burns School of Medicine. “Miwa may not be able to speak yet, but she already has a lot to say that may improve the lives of millions of children,” Sauvage said. “Our team interviewed the couple today to gather some information, and we’ll be following up with periodic interviews as we follow Miwa’s growth until she turns 21. The family just last week learned about the study when a member of the UH Manoa field research team, Rachel Reyes-Huynh, knocked on the front door of their home as part of a door-to-door survey currently underway on Oahu. The research team is looking for women who are or are planning to be pregnant to join the observational Study, which will examine how the environment influences children’s health, development, and quality of life from pre-birth to age 21. The UH Manoa Study Center’s team is part of a national corps of researchers that will use different recruitment strategies to cover a total of 105 U.S. locations, stretching from California to Maine. In recent weeks, Study researchers in California, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Ohio also began launching similar recruitment efforts. The recruitment on Oahu will be expanding even more, as the Hawaii team of 10 field researchers expects to triple in size over the next few weeks. The 12 Oahu neighborhoods included in the study are Kaimuki, Makiki, Salt Lake, Kalihi, Ewa, Waipahu, Mililani, Schofield Barracks, Waianae, Hauula, Kailua, and an area near Honolulu International Airport. “Although we have some information on the environment’s impact on adults, there are significant differences between children and adults,” Sauvage said. “Children’s bodies are still growing and changing and take in more air, food, and water for their weight. Therefore, they may be more likely to be affected by their environment.” “Even if you are not planning to become pregnant right now, learn about the study in case your plans change. You also may know someone who is eligible to join that you could refer to the study,” she adds.   Joining the Study involves providing information through periodic appointments or interviews with study team members before and during a woman’s pregnancy, and as the child grows up. The study is strictly observational, and no medicines or treatments are involved. To learn more about the National Children’s Study, visit HawaiiNationalChildrensStudy.gov, e-mail ncsuhm@hawaii.edu, or call (808) 692-1920. News Culture Community Thursday, February 24 2011 7:21 PM /story/2-24-bhf-paolo-montalban-to-take-the-stage-at-diamond-head-theatres-spring /story/2-24-bhf-paolo-montalban-to-take-the-stage-at-diamond-head-theatres-spring KAIMUKI—Diamond Head Theatre (DHT) welcomes guest artist Paolo Montalban to the stage in their upcoming musical, The King and I. Montalban is best known as the Prince in the ABC/Disney movie musical Cinderella and as Kung Lao in the TNT series Mortal Kombat. Other supporting and featured roles include Just Wright, The Great Raid, American Adobo, Law & Order SVU, One Life To Live, and The Adjustment Bureau which opens in theaters this March.  In addition to film and television, Montalban has an extensive theater background including Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional credits. He appeared in the 1996 Broadway revival of The King and I, and will grace the stage as The King of Siam in DHT’s spring production. The King and I opens at DHT on March 25 and runs through April 10. For more information, visit the DHT website here. News Culture Community Thursday, February 24 2011 7:16 PM /story/2-23-bhf-one-more-chance-to-fight-to-save-queen-liliuokalani-elementary-sch /story/2-23-bhf-one-more-chance-to-fight-to-save-queen-liliuokalani-elementary-sch KAIMUKI—Due to the overwhelming response at last week’s Board of Education (BOE) Committee meeting regarding the closure of Queen Liliuokalani Elementary School, where there was not enough time to hear the verbal testimony of everyone in the crowd, there will be a continuation of the meeting on Thursday, February 24, at 3:00 p.m. in the Queen Liliuokalani Building, Room 404, located at 1319 Miller Street (across from Queen’s Medical Center).  Verbal testimony is limited to three minutes.  Alternatively, the public may also submit written testimony to the BOE on-line here News Culture Community Thursday, February 24 2011 7:00 PM /story/2-19-bhf-kaimuki-librarys-big-book-sale-is-back /story/2-19-bhf-kaimuki-librarys-big-book-sale-is-back The Friends of Kaimuki Library will host a book sale at Kaimuki Public Library on Saturday, February 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the lower parking lot. Get an astounding selection of books for a buck and benefit the library at the same time! Browse a large selection of CDs, DVDs, LPs, videos, and audiobooks as well. Come early for the best selection. Proceeds from the book sale will benefit the Library. Admission is free. For more information please call the library during business hours at (808) 733-8423. News Culture Community Saturday, February 19 2011 6:32 PM /story/2-17-bhf-waialae-kahala-neighborhood-board-to-discuss-parking-issues-at-thu /story/2-17-bhf-waialae-kahala-neighborhood-board-to-discuss-parking-issues-at-thu The Waialae-Kahala Neighborhood Board will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 17 at Kahala Community Park, located at 4495 Pahoa Avenue. Pattie Dunn will discuss parking issues at Hoaloha Kai Montessori School> For the complete agenda, click here. News Culture Community Friday, February 18 2011 12:14 AM /story/2-16-bhf-kaimuki-neighborhood-board-to-meet-wednesday-and-discuss-repairs-t /story/2-16-bhf-kaimuki-neighborhood-board-to-meet-wednesday-and-discuss-repairs-t KAIMUKI—The Kaimuki Neighborhood Board will meet on Wednesday, February 16 from 7:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Liliuokalani Elementary School Cafeteria, located at 3633 Waialae Ave. On the agenda is a discussion on work underway on the H-1 Freeway that will affect traffic passing through the Kaimuki area. The first phase of the work, a concrete pavement preservation dowel retrofit, began on February 12. One east-bound lane will be closed. On the later west-bound phase of the project, two lanes will be closed. For the complete agenda, click here. News Culture Community Wednesday, February 16 2011 2:26 AM /story/2-15-bhf-kaimuki-high-school-performing-arts-center-to-perform-pirates-of-p /story/2-15-bhf-kaimuki-high-school-performing-arts-center-to-perform-pirates-of-p KAIMUKI—To celebrate its 24th year, the Kaimuki High School Performing Arts Center will be performing The Pirates of Penzance, the popular comic operetta written by Gilbert and Sullivan. It will feature a rollicking band of pirates led by their swashbuckling Pirate King, a shrewd but stuffy Major General with a bevy of beautiful daughters, a pair of young lovers wrenched apart by misunderstanding and a misguided sense of duty, a police force reminiscent of the Keystone Cops, and a happy ending (of course). The enthusiastic and talented actors represent various public schools from Hawaii including Kaimuki, Aiea, and Kalani High Schools and Washington, Dole, and Kaimuki Middle Schools. Also represented are students from Myron Thompson Academy and Hokulani, Lehua, and Kahala Elementary Schools. The Pirates of Penzance will be performed on February 18, 19, 25 and 26; March 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m.; and February 27 and March 6 at 3:00 p.m. With ID, elementary and high school students, military, and seniors citizens over 65 are $6. Adult tickets are $12. Box office opens 30 minutes before each performance for ticket sales. Tickets are also on sale at Harry’s Music Store and online at News Culture Community Wednesday, February 16 2011 1:20 AM /story/the-fight-to-save-queen-liliuokalani-school-continues-with-fresh-ammunition /story/the-fight-to-save-queen-liliuokalani-school-continues-with-fresh-ammunition KAIMUKI—On January 31, State Department of Education (DOE) Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi submitted to the Board of Education (BOE) her recommendation to close 99 year-old Queen Liliuokalani School (QLS), effective June 30, 2011. She stated two primary reasons for her recommendation: 1) to save money (at least $530,000 according to DOE findings in their consolidation study) and 2) subsidies for small schools are being reduced over time, meaning that “it will be increasingly difficult for students to receive the same level of educational opportunities that are available at neighboring schools.” Friends of QLS (parents, staff, and community members) are opposed to the closure and have sent a letter to Speaker Calvin Say and Rep. Barbara Marumoto asking for their help in approaching the State Attorney General and requesting his opinion as to the legitimacy of the consolidation study and its findings.   According to Jan Bullock and fellow Friends of QLS, the DOE has also repeatedly disregarded the Hawaii Administrative Rules governing how the DOE must act when closing a school. Specifically, it has failed to meet its own stated deadlines and violated the integrity of the closure process. The Friends of QLS’s hope is that the Attorney General will find the numerous violations just cause for suspending the DOE’s recommendation to close QLS. They question the DOE’s credibility, let alone what message it is sending to its students about fairness and following procedures, when it fails to meet its own standards. Meanwhile, the Board’s Committee on Administrative Services plans to address the Superintendent’s recommendation at a meeting scheduled for Monday, February 14 at 3:00 p.m. in the Queen Liliuokalani Building, located at 1390 Miller Street, Room 404. Public testimonies and petitions will be heard.  The next step will be for the entire Board of Education to vote, before which the public should have one more chance to speak. The date of the vote is not yet set but will most likely not occur until March or April. The members of the Board have the final say and there is no appeals process in place.  Complicating this story line are House Resolution 34 and House Concurrent Resolution 39 being proposed by Kaimuki area representatives Barbara Marumoto and Calvin Say. These proposals urge the BOE to defer decision making on the closure of QLS until the new members of the BOE are appointed by the Governor and seated. For details on the February 14 meeting and the complete agenda, click here To provide testimony to the Board, e-mail boe_hawaii@notes.k12.hi.us, include your first and last name and city, and address the email to the Committee on Administrative Services. Related Story: Verbatim: Queen Liliuokalani School supporters condemn DOE, BOE handling of proceedings News Culture Community Saturday, February 12 2011 9:50 PM /story/not-much-to-hate-about-i-hate-hamlet /story/not-much-to-hate-about-i-hate-hamlet KAIMUKI—I Hate Hamlet is a welcome change of pace from Diamond Head Theatre’s roster of musicals, a comedy that reveals the depth and breadth of our local talent. Although it may be an unfamiliar title—the play dates to 1991 and its initial Broadway run was marked by scandal—the playwright, Paul Rudnick was the genius behind Jeffrey, Addams Family Values, and The Stepford Wives. Although frequent references are made to the Shakespeare masterpiece from which it takes its title, the play is more about coming of age in show business, both its challenges and its absurdities. You need not have paid close attention to Hamlet in your high school English class to enjoy the jokes. The plot is fairly straightforward. A TV actor named Andrew Rally moves to New York in an effort to revitalize his career after his hit series has been canceled and he’s relegated to co-starring with hand puppets in a snack food commercials. Miraculously, he lands the role of Hamlet in Central Park’s famous annual Shakespeare event. Andrew fears that the prestigious role is out of his league and is threatening to quit, but both his girlfriend, an aspiring thespian herself, and his chain-smoking agent insist he see it through.  Andrew’s wacky New York real estate agent, played by the delightful Ann Brandman, informs the actor that his new apartment belonged to legendary actor John Barrymore and insists that this is a sign that he is destined for greatness. She then hatches the crazy plan of holding a seance to summon Barrymore’s spirit, so that Andrew can learn from the best. Of course, there is no sign of Barrymore’s ghost and it is assumed the seance failed. Only later, when he finds himself alone and desperately frustrated, shouting “I hate Hamlet!” does Barrymore’s spirit arrive. It turns out Barrymore’s ghost will not rest until Andrew steps up to the tragic role of Hamlet, which was one of Barrymore’s greatest acting triumphs. In the ensuing entertaining scenes, we learn about Barrymore’s notorious escapades with women and booze, as well as the trials he faced as an actor.  Paul Mitri executes the role brilliantly with perfect comedic timing, a cultivated arrogance, and frequent swigs of champagne. (In its final week, the role will be played by Rob Duval, who also directs the play.) Everything in New York, from his creaky brownstone apartment to his transition into theatrical work, proves to be a radical departure from Andrew’s previous life in L.A. His situation is further complicated by the fact that his girlfriend is a 29-year-old virgin who is holding out for the perfect man (who may or may not be Andrew). Lacey Perrine Chu simply nails the role of the passionately prudish Deidre.  When Andrew’s L.A. producer friend, Gary (played by the hilarious Walt Gaines), arrives in town to pitch his next idea for a hit, he is forced to make a choice between taking the easy road to fame and fortune or to challenge himself as an artist. Reb Beau Allen shines in his portrayal of the angst-ridden, sexually frustrated, and insecure protagonist but the character he plays apparently is never able to perfect his performance of Hamlet. What makes the play a success is the richness of the characters, the quality of the acting, and the consistently great comic delivery. There are also fun plot twists, such as when we learn that Andrew’s agent, Lillian, played by the talented Lisa Konove, had been one of Barrymore’s sexual conquests; their slow dance scene is the most serious moment of the play and also one of the best. I Hate Hamlet has an absurd premise, to be sure, but it is a witty commentary on the enduring role of theater and the classical art of acting in the face of television’s dominance.  On the whole, this is high quality theater. Even the production, with its beautiful sets depicting Andrew’s brownstone and the special effects announcing the arrival of Barrymore’s ghost, is first rate. And with tickets at DHT starting at just $12, it is also one of the best bargains in town. Diamond Head Theatre is located at 520 Makapuu Avenue. The show runs through February 13. For more information call (808) 733-0274 or visit www.diamondheadtheatre.com. News Culture Community Saturday, February 12 2011 2:48 AM