Waimea Public Library, one of the smallest libraries on Kaua’i, received four brand new computers from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation during April’s National Library Week. Waimea Public Library Branch manager Susan C. Remoaldo presented their success story to
Waimea Public Library, one of the smallest libraries on Kaua’i, received four brand new computers from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation during April’s National Library Week.
Waimea Public Library Branch manager Susan C. Remoaldo presented their success story to the Hawai’i Board of Education, who met at the Lihue Public Library Thursday afternoon.
“Library patrons have been amazed, thrilled and grateful upon seeing and using this new equipment, which is in constant use throughout the day” by members of the community — students, neighborhood employees, visitors and parents with their children, Remoaldo said.
The community library may have changed its name years ago, but it still serves as a gathering place and information center for West Kaua’i residents, Remoaldo commented. And thanks to the Gates Foundation’s donation of computers, Waimea Public Library is better able to meet the needs of library patrons.
Donna Umetsu, of Mokihana Aquatics, asked the Board for consideration regarding a steep increase of rents charged by Kaua’i High School, where the non-profit swim club conducts practices for swim meets and “Learn-to-Swim” lessons.
The rent in 1999, when the club started operations at KHS, was $1,200 per year. In Aug. 2001 rent increased to $15,000. Though this nearly $10,000 less than the school’s actual operating costs, Umetsu maintains “it’s far beyond what a group like ours can manage.”
The board agreed to refer the issue to the support services committee, which controls business, facilities and personnel issues.
After a closed meeting earlier this week, the Board rejected a repayment proposal and came up with a shorter repayment schedule for the Pahoa-based Waters of Life New Century charter school. The school carries a spending deficit to the state for $171,020 after the 2000-2001 school year.
Water of Life chairwoman Laurie Saarinen and director Truitt White maintained that the Board broke their contract with the school in writing a new repayment schedule by not consulting with Water of Life’s local school board.
“This sends a really bad precedent – other charter schools have their books in order,” said Karen Knudsen, second vice chairwoman.
The next general business meeting of the full Board of Education will be held in Honolulu June 20. The next meeting of the board on Kaua’i will not be held until Nov. 7.
