California's example applies to Hawai`i

In California, 50 years of teaching non-English speaking students in their own language has come to a close.

About one-quarter of California's 5.6 million school children are non-native English speakers.

At he heart of the decision, though, were the few students who were unable to successfully adapt to the all-English immersion schools.

This gives credence to the effectiveness of Hawaiian immersion schools.

If the only guarantee to learning English is through immersion, especially in cases where parents continue to speak their native language, Hawaiian language classes have more ammunition to back up the reasons for their own existence.

Regardless of the sovereignty movement's outcome, immersion schools will have an increasing influence on Hawaii's future.

If Hawai`i wishes to expand interest in Native Hawaiian affairs, a corresponding rise in the funds provided to teach the Hawaiian language must be allocated.

This will help preserve Hawaii's heritage, as well as allow for its continued existence.