Program for kids with disabilities closing down ADVERTISING Program for kids with disabilities closing down HONOLULU (AP) — An Oahu after-school and summer program for youths with disabilities is shutting down at the end of the month because of a
Program for kids with disabilities closing down
HONOLULU (AP) — An Oahu after-school and summer program for youths with disabilities is shutting down at the end of the month because of a lack of funds, leaving families scrambling to find alternatives.
Easter Seals Hawaii President and CEO Ron Brandvold said the organization has 11 students attending its daily youth program. But that number can grow to between 50 and 70 for day camps during spring and summer vacation.
The Youth Enrichment Services program offers youths ages 6-22 an opportunity to participate in art, music and computer programs. It will shut down March 31 after 20 years of operation.
“The bottom line is there were not enough sustained funds for it,” Brandvold said.
He said Easter Seals now will focus its efforts on early intervention and adult services.
Parents were notified Feb. 20 about the program’s closure.
The city and county of Honolulu gave Easter Seals a $187,000 grant in 2014. The grant will lapse at the end of the month.
Golfers criticize mayor’s plan to shut down course
WAILUKU, Maui (AP) — Golfers are criticizing a plan by Maui County’s mayor to shut down an 87-year-old municipal golf course.
During his state of the county address Thursday, Mayor Alan Arakawa proposed closing the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course, saying it is losing nearly $3 million a year.
“The mayor has to come out here and look at what’s going on before making a remark like that because I don’t think anybody wants this place shut down,” said Leslie Hondo of Wailuku on Friday.
The golf course is one of the most affordable places to play on the island.
Residents pay only $13 for 18 holes on weekdays and $18 on weekends. Seniors pay $8 and $12, and students pay $2 and $3, respectively. The mayor said the course only earned $1 million last year, but it spent $4 million.
Golf course pro shop starter Windy Ige said many players say they’d be happy to pay more as long as it keeps Waiehu open.
Parks and Recreation Director Kaala Buenconsejo said after the mayor’s address that the idea isn’t to shut down the golf course, but “being fiscally responsible and finding more solutions for the revenue loss.”
