Letters for Monday, July 20, 2020

Computer illiterate at a disadvantage

This is really discerning, unfair, not good, and very discriminating.

Everything you want to do nowadays must be done “ONLINE.” Really? Why? What’s wrong with the ways we used to do them before? Response: things, time changes, and advancements could be some of the reasons for the “Online” thing.

What about people like me, or those like me who do not know how to use a computer? Answer, learn or go to school, or ask a family member. Better yet, ask your grandchildren. Have people realized that people our age can easily and are susceptible to forget, and that or retentions aren’t probably that great? Have they ever thought that sometimes asking a family could be an imposition, too busy now, maybe later?

To name a couple of things. You want to register your car at the DMV, you must do it online. You want to see the USS Arizona, you must make reservations online. You want to sign up for unemployment benefits, you must do it online. Everything nowadays is done online. Went to Kaua‘i Community College and had to write an essay, and that, too, had to be online. Couldn’t just pen it in.

Come on people, have pity on us. Be sensible and reasonable. Think of ways to help us, especially me, who really don’t know how to use a computer.

Again, at this point, I don’t feel too good about everything must be done online.

Ray Domingo, Lihu‘e

Teacher terrified about plan to reopen schools

We are scheduled to see students in person in three weeks. I am terrified. In the news yesterday, 7/13, a single person was responsible for at least 44 new infections on O‘ahu. There is a great risk when opening schools, that COVID-19 will spread like wildfire.

Some districts have a fully-thought-out plan to phase into face-to-face.

Phase 1) Virtual setting until a threshold of COVID-19 cases is met (minimum 30 days);

Phase 2) Hybrid setting until a higher threshold of cases met (minimum 30 days);

Phace 3) Return to full classes.

Kids returning to school affects the entire community. There are other people at the school. Teachers, custodians, support staff, administration. The economy can’t recover if we keep spreading the virus. We love your children. We want them to be safe. We can’t do that if we don’t feel safe ourselves.

Jen Lum, Pearl City High School

Enjoys newspaper’s local columns

During this time of COVID-19 news it is nice to read something informative that is unrelated to the worries around us.

Terry Lilley’s column presents information about the amazing life that flourishes in the ocean. After reading his column on Sunday I went online to visit his website. I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful videos. Thank you, Terry. The other column that I enjoy is “Island History” by Hank Soboleski. This column provides a local-history narrative. I have learned much from reading about the events that have influenced the island. Thank you, Hank.

Holly Harris, Lihu‘e
Source: The Garden Island