Focus on Windward Oahu

Windward School District's Aug. 20 'Be Pono, Be in School' sign-waving effort against absenteeism and tardiness inspired dozens of Kahaluu Elementary students (plus Mickey and Minnie Mouse and the non-cat Hello Kitty) to share their message with early morning traffic on campus — as did children and adults at 21other public schools from the North Shore to Waimanalo. District social workers say there's been 'a downward trend' in chronic absenteeism since the Be Pono campaign launched last year. Photo by Melanie Afualo.