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Angry Letter

94-1008 Palaiki St.

Waipahu, HI, 96797

Nov 25, 2012

Kapolei Hale

1000 Uluohia St

Kapolei, HI 96707

Dear City and County of Honolulu: Department of Planning & Permitting,

My Grandparents have been adding on to their house, as they’ve been wanting to put it on the market. Recently, they built a cement patio that required a building permit. The application forms were easily accessible through the online website, as was filling the forms out. (Which we greatly appreciate)

But, we had some problems in physically turning in the applications for approval. Last month, we visited the Kapolei branch in hopes of quickly submitting our forms. We were pleased to have an office nearby as we were planning on doing several other construction projects. When we arrived at the DPP, however, we were surprised to see an extremely long line. There was more than one attendant, which helped move the line along, but not by much. I understand that it might be too costly to hire more attendants, and that’s why I think you should invest in other methods. Many other places offer online document submission services that are very quick and efficient. Law abiding citizens should not have to wait in line for 3 hours just to submit an application form.

Luckily, our attendant was very helpful and friendly and did her best accommodate us. She was very understanding, and apologized for the wait. If waiting this long was occasional, we would have been fine with it, but this occurred consistently in the weeks that came.

I have no problems with applying for building permits, I just believe that it should be much, much easier.

Sincerely,

Dustin Palea

Teen Alcohol Abuse

            There are many health concerns in America, one of which is Teen Alcohol Abuse. Teen alcohol abuse is a serious problem, that isn’t dealt with as severely as it should be. When consumed by minors, alcohol may have concentrated effects. Although teens drink alcohol blatantly, they may not realize the risks involved.

            When a teen consumes alcohol, their frontal lobe cortex becomes impaired, meaning they can’t make the right decisions. Studies show that intoxicated teens are more likely to engage in unprotected sex than sober teens. This one bad decision may result in a teen pregnancy. Also, teens involved in automobile crashes, homicides, and suicides; alcohol was the leading factor in all three. There’s a saying “One bad decision may lead to the next”, and that’s just the case because teens who drink alcohol are more prone to smoking marijuana, using inhalants, and/or carrying a weapon. These bad decisions will affect them for the rest of their lives.

            Aside from numerous studies showing the negative effects of alcohol, it still isn’t considered a major problem in the U.S. In fact, its only ranked #8 on a top 10 child health concerns of the U.S. survey, almost last. With immediate danger, and instant health risks, it needs to be listed as more important than #8. Though there are many efforts at alcohol abuse awareness, more can, and needs to be done.

            In addition to bad decision making, physical consequences occur. Over consumption of alcohol may result in high blood pressure, and ultimately permanently damage the heart. But the heart isn’t the only muscle that will be affected, the brain will also be targeted. Alcohol damages the brain transmissions of nerve impulses, and destroys brain cells, which slows brain function. Such brain function involves the ability to learn, keep focused (it causes delirium), and keep steady muscle movements.

            The previously listed facts are all of the more reason to increase awareness of teen alcohol abuse. The negative effects it causes a teen will be with them for the rest of their lives. Although teens drink alcohol blatantly, they may not realize the risks involved. Teen alcohol abuse presents both immediate and long lasting consequences, that should be stopped, if not prevented.

College Essay Draft

What are your career goals and how do you expect your education at The Art Institute of Portland to help you attain them? In what ways will you commit to your education in order to be successful?

My career goals are modeled around expressing myself through media, especially film.  I strive to be a film director, where I can bring my vision to life, either alone, or working for sometype of firm/company. With a film degree from the Art Institutes, I will be better prepared and actually have a standing chance in this competitive field.

Being commited is everything, directors "live, eat and sleep film". And so will I as a student. My school, will be my life. I am very willing to work on projects as long as necessary to see them through. Long, late hours are not at all an obstacle for me (not only because I'm used to them, but) because of my love for film. Work isn't work if you truly enjoy what your doing. If your not going to be fully dedicated, might as well give up, becauseh even great directors can't land a gig. As for me, I'll have dedication, education, and passion on my side, an unstoppable force when combined.

Vocabulary Brainy Pix

Word Choice Graphic

Freshly baked macaroons rest in a plain takeout box only obstructed by intricate pink letterings. Gooey chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla filling seep out. Their rainbows colors in contrast with the white parchment paper lining.

College Research

ART INSTITUTES ESSAY QUESTION

What are your career goals and how do you expect your education at The Art Institute of Portland to help you attain them? In what ways will you commit to your education in order to be successful?

USC

http://www.usc.edu/

NYU

http://www.nyu.edu/

UCLA

http://www.ucla.edu/

COA Poster: Draft

Coming of Age (draft)

Coming of Age

It was the year 2000 and I was at the tender age of 3. Although I was so young, I still remember it very vividly. 

Constant raging arguments, a blur of words to my young ears as I innocently misinterpret every slur. Looking at them both, I generously ask "Do you want a piece of candy?", but in return I get a unison "NO!". Hurt, I quickly leave them and retreat to my room. After what seemed to be an eternity, my mom beckoned me back. "Mommy and Daddy need to tell you something" she says. "What?" I briefly ask " Mommy and Daddy can't be with each other anymore, we both still love you very mu..." That was it, my hearing blurred due to shock, my vision to tears. I thought when a man and woman marry eachother they stay together forever, but apparently I was about to learn differently. This is the story of my parents devorce. This is the story of my early coming of age. This is the story of my life.

The divorce of parents is gonna be hard on any kid. I guess you could say it has it's ups and downs, or positives and negatives, but I'm just trying to focus on the good things here. This life changing experience has taught me to be responsible, strong, and appreciative.

Responsible - In the beginning my parents did everything for me. I switched homes every week, so my mom would help me on hers, and my dad on his. But as I got older, I started adding on to my responsibilities list. (I'm mostly talking about homework) To be honest, I sucked at "being responsible", I did the typical forget my book at home thing that all kids do. But what sucked was, if I left it at my moms, but was at my dads, I'd be screwed because I'd have to wait till I go back, or make my mom go out of her way and drop it off. Around 3rd grade, I noticed that it was really jamming me up. This led me to a "step-up-in-game" as I call it. After I stepped up my game (became more responsible), my grades instantly started improving.

Strong - Not to sound like a little cry baby or anything, but I used to cry every day. Either for my mom, or for my dad, basically whoever I wasn't with. By this time, I had sort of a small hope that they'd get back together. But after the weeks went by, I came to a realization that they weren't. So, I just sucked it up, which made me a stronger individual. (Along with just sucking it, I also began to switch every 2 weeks so that I wasn't moving as often)

Appreciative - As with everyone, you trick yourself into feeling bad for, yourself. I wanted to stop this, and so I began to reflect. Of course, I wondered if it was my fault, or of I did anything that may have aggravated their situation. But in the end, the "coming of age" has taught me to just accept what I have. And from doing that, was able to appreciate it, and actually start feeling lucky and blessed.

The divorce of my parents may have initially seemed like a bad thing, but might have actually been good. These events helped build my character and shape the person I am today. Only now am I able to see that, through the coming of age.

New Blog Layout...

Hey guys!!! Check out my new blog layout, it's pretty cool. It might take a long time forr the picture to load though...

* NEW Background Picture
* NEW Template
* NEW Organization

Mini Essay

      The tourists should be at fault due to their foolish actions, obliviousness to the warning signs, and their lack of common sense. When tourists are out of their "environment", they tend to act out in silly and foolish ways. Such an incident happened to 18-year-old Daniel Dick of Sylmar, Calif. In this situation, Daniel was killed when he allegedly "Straddled the explosive water spout" at Halona Blowhole. He was lifted 3-5 in the air where he was then dropped head first on to a rocky crevice, causing him to die. Other accidents like this should also be blamed on the tourists because of their ignorance of signs. For example, David Potts of San Anselmo, Calif., was seen dancing around a blowhole when a wave swept him from behind, knocking him into the hole. A sign stating "Blowhole: Park and Walk at your own risk" was posted on the rock at Nakele Point parking lot, surely hinting at the dangers ahead. Despite signs David proceeded... Foolish actions, and the ignoring of danger signs must show the lack of common sense, another reason tourists should be at fault for their injuries. Superintendent of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Cindy Orlando, and staff devote much time and energy ensuring visitors fully understand the dangers involved. Agreeing that: "It would be nice to assume that common sense would prevail, but that's not always the case and we have to be aware that our visitors are not in their regular environment an that they need to be made aware of the potential dangers". Surely these visitors are liable for their injuries and deaths, they need to limit foolish actions, take notice of warning signs, and use more common sense overall.

GLO Portfolio

Hey mom, I made this GLO portfolio to reflect on my work this past year. After I finish presenting it to you please answer this question as a comment below. "What did you learn about your child's achievements and experiences in MeneMAC this past year?"

www.wix.com/dkpalea/glo-portfolio