Kudos to three Hawaii schools for being among 349 honorees named as 2018 National Blue Ribbon Schools, based on their overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

Kalihi Uka Elementary School, Mililani Uka Elementary School and Pauoa Elementary School will soon be proudly displaying the “Blue Ribbon Schools” flag on their campuses, a symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. The three are now among 60 Hawaii schools that have received the Blue Ribbon honor since the program began in 1982.

It’s might be worth noting that no Hawaii middle or high school prevailed this year; let’s hope it’s not an indication of how well, or not, the upper grades are faring.

Rising ocean could reach a mile inland

A study published last week in the Nature journal, Scientific Reports, indicates that Hawaii should brace for sea level rise within the next century that reaches beyond shorelines to some low-elevation areas a mile or two inland.

The potential impact of an 3.2-foot rise in sea level on Oahu could include the loss of nearly 18 miles of major roads edging the island and some 3,800 structures, including Waikiki hotels. One of the study’s authors, Charles “Chip” Fletcher, a University of Hawaii professor of geology, has been issuing warnings about threats tied to climate change for many years. Time to listen up, and devise a waterproofing plan.