The following editorial was originally published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Sunday, September 5, 2021 as part of the "Raise Your Hand" column in the Insights section.
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With its refreshing waters, aromatic scents of native greenery, and crisp breeze, Hawaii is
truly an island paradise. Alongside the locals, you may spot an abundance of tourists — more
than 200,000 of them on the islands on any given day. While tourism is a controversial topic
among locals, its importance to the local community and economy is undeniable.
Programs like Summer Fun are more important now than ever in light of the COVID pandemic, during which in-person opportunities for children were severely limited. The diverse programming that Summer Fun offers can aid in rebuilding children’s physical endurance and strength lost during extended periods at home. Additionally, it provides opportunities for socialization and developing social cues — skills that were strained during the pandemic when children primarily interacted through screens.