UH is happy to have you as an associate

The University of Hawaii, apparently sooner than many other institutions across the country, is learning the wisdom of "giving credit where credit is due."

According to the publication Inside Higher Ed, four-year colleges nationally are trying to improve their graduation rates by awarding two-year associate degrees to students transferring from community colleges, once they’ve completed the credits required.

Students who transfer and then drop out without earning any credential count against the college’s graduation rate, it seems — and graduation rates are considered by students and others making college choices.

Hawaii "may be the furthest ahead in statewide coordination," according to the report.

Also: An associate degree can boost chances for re-admission should students want to earn a bachelor’s later, and they earn more than those with only a diploma or who drop out without any degree.

The beach is ranked, but not the people

"Dr. Beach" includes three Hawaii beaches among his top 10 U.S. beaches, but he warns about the Great Unwashed at No. 7 Waimanalo Bay Beach Park.

"I take off points for all the homeless," says Dr. Beach, aka professor Stephen P. Leatherman of Florida International University. "You kind of have to watch your valuables in your car, just like a lot of places. That is a concern."

Water-wise, Dr. Beach says Waimanalo Bay is "a safe beach because big waves and dangerous currents are rare and lifeguards are present. Hawaiians who live on Oahu frequent this beach." Obviously, those who frequent the beach have no problem about those who share the shore.