Posted on: Tuesday, August 26, 2003

EDITORIAL
Multimedia effort puts Leeward on map

All too often, Wai'anae is characterized as O'ahu's poor stepchild. And for good reason when you consider the relatively high unemployment and lack of investment along the Leeward Coast. But perpetually treating the region as a victim is looking at the glass as half-empty.

That's why it was so great to read Advertiser education writer Jennifer Hiller's article yesterday about Searider Productions, an award-winning multimedia program at Wai'anae High School that sprang from humble roots and is now clearly enjoying the fruits of youthful creativity and hard labor.

Not only have Searider's student productions been aired on CNN, but companies and organizations ranging from the Ko Olina Resort & Marina to the Hawai'i State Teachers Association and American Healthways have hired students to produce public service announcements and promotional videos.

The profits earned go toward scholarships, conferences and freelance stipends for the students. And in October, the program will move to a new $1.4 million building.

We pay a lot of lip service here in Hawai'i to investing in our own community rather than paying slick Mainland companies to produce what local talent could provide. Well, Searider Productions is doing it, and so can other schools.