The divide between where you went to school - public or private - has also spilled into the political realm. Back in the days of Governor Cayetano administration, it was mentioned now and then that this was a governor that rose up through the ranks of the public school system. While it wasn't said explicitly, it was figuratively put out there, in my opinion, to knock a peg down for those pol's who were from the private school realm. There was a lot of "Farrington Pride" in the fact that the school, in its alma mater, had a sitting governor. 

Fast forward to present day and the symbolism that a public school kid could rise the ranks and not need to be part of the chosen set that goes to Punahou is even more evident. Governor David Ige is a Pearl City HS grad. And he makes sure through implicit and explicit messaging that you know that he is a product of the public schools, who is now Governor. 

So, yes, Mr. Oppegaard, it is a lot deeper than the local adage of "eh, whea you go school"