Hawaii’s public schools open new academic year amid virus concerns

Timothy Hurley at The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports excitement pierced the air at Ewa Makai Middle School early last week as the sixth grade class, all 450 of them, gathered in the school’s open-air amphitheater. Larisa Gadach, sixth grade vice principal, was on the mic, whipping up the crowd. “So remember the most important thing : Always keep your masks on, ” she told the youngsters. “Always wash your hands ; make sure they are clean. And always remember about social distancing. If you remember those things, this year is going to be awesome, that I can promise you.” Welcome…