Training Boys To Be Men At Mililani High School

Kidani’s Korner…Sen. Michelle Kidani

Little Fire Ant Update

Earlier this year, we had a huge turnout for a town hall meeting to let residents know about the fire ant infestation on several residential properties in Mililani Mauka. The state Department of Agriculture has worked with residents to treat the infestations, and at last check the program for control and eradication was on schedule. But it’s really important to keep tabs on this little pest with a big bite. You’re invited to attend another town hall session at 7 p.m. Oct. 13, hosted by my colleague Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz and me at Mililani Mauka Elementary School cafeteria.

We’re gathering folks together from the state departments of Agriculture and Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii Ant Lab and Hawaii Invasive Species Council, along with city and county agencies.

Coaching Boys into Men

We’ve all heard the stories over the last few weeks about incidents and allegations of domestic violence involving high-profile professional athletes. The charges and counter-charges in the media have created heightened awareness of this serious issue that is often swept under the rug or kept behind closed doors.

Instilling the values of respect for all people and the horrible consequences of violent behavior are the goals of programs in our schools — notably the “Character Counts” curriculum adopted by all Mililani schools. And now, we are so pleased to note that Mililani High School (MHS) is implementing the “Coaching Boys into Men” program for boys on athletic teams.

Athletic director Glenn Nitta has endorsed this program developed by the National High School Athletic Association. The goal is to reduce teen dating abuse, teach boys about respect for girls and women, and to focus on why violence never equals strength.

Boy athletes also are advised about ways they can play an important role in modeling respectful behavior for other guys.

Program executive director Ed Flores stopped by my office at the Capitol last month to officially present a banner to MHS principal Fred Murphy, so the school can proudly proclaim that it is participating in “Coaching Boys into Men.” Ed is a Mililani resident, and I am pleased to help him champion this important program.

AP Scholars recognized

Congratulations also are in order for academic success at MHS. College Board has announced that Mililani High School has been recognized for having more AP achievements than at any other public school in the state. The board says 81 Trojans earned recognition as AP Scholars, Scholars with Honor and Scholars with Distinction. Mililani’s two top AP scholars, among nearly 500 students from public high schools statewide, are Viola Mocz and Ganesh Prasa Rapolu. The AP program awards college credit for work in high school. That’s a great head start for future academic success. Great work by students, and by the teachers!

Call state Sen. Kidani at the State Capitol, Room 228, at 586-7100, or email her at SenKidani@Capitol.Hawaii .gov.