nce 1 i s s
de st u nt
Vol. 84, Issue 2
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September 19, 2008
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oic
Imua ‘Iolani
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Honolulu, Hawaii
Good morning, Invisible Children seen in ‘Go’ Brandon Kumabe
Vietnam!
Mr. Tate Brown finds a new friend.
Amelia Linsky | Imua ‘Iolani
Freeman travelers explore abroad By Cristin Lim After almost 20 hours of flying, 18 ‘Iolani students and their chaperones arrived on June 12 at the Saigon Airport inVietnam. This unique 15-day trip to Vietnam was sponsored by the Freeman Foundation, all expenses paid. The application for this opportunity, open to entering junior and senior ‘Iolani high school students, involved writing an essay stating why the student wished to attend and an interview with Mr. Tate Brown, Dean of Students. Freeman trips usually occur every two to three years, with past trips taking ‘Iolani students to both China and Japan. The Freeman Foundation was created by Houghton Freeman, who sought to bridge gaps and strength bonds between Asian countries and the United States. In 2002, the foundation gave ‘Iolani a generous grant. This money went towards funding the Freeman Scholars Program, which awards financial aid to Asian immigrants who wish to attend ‘Iolani School. The Foundation also sponsors study abroad programs in Asian countries for ‘Iolani students. These study abroad opportuni-
ties have been ongoing and allow ‘Iolani students the chance to visit foreign countries they have never visited before. The trip covered four cities: Saigon, Da Nang, Hoi An and Hanoi. The agenda, crammed with tours to museums, schools, and rural villages, gave the students a literally unique taste of Vietnam. They sampled all kinds of Vietnamese foods, and even participated in cooking classes. One of the most memorable events was a hike up Marble Mountain. The trek also afforded many picturesque views of the countryside and ancient temples. Some of the more surprising aspects of the trip were the aggressive salespeople and the need for brushing teeth with bottled water. Some of the students felt that playing the ‘rich American tourist’ made them feel guilty and unappreciative. “I don’t want to sound cliché, but I’m so grateful that I got to see such a unique place,” senior Amelia Linsky said. “It made me appreciate Vietnamese culture, but it made me appreciate my own culture even more.” For more photos, see p. 3
Murdered family members, disease, and scarcity of water are not things usually found at ‘Iolani. However, during Meeting Period on Tuesday, these atrocities were the main topic of an awareness presentation about the current conditions in northern Uganda. The presentation featured speakers from the nonprofit group Invisible Children and a film called “Go,” a documentary about student participants who traveled to Uganda through a program called Schools for Schools. Activists at Invisible Children started Schools for Schools to help redevelop schools in northern Uganda that have been devastated by two decades of a brutal war. “The government evicts people and forces them to move into the middle of nowhere,” said Desiree Watkins, one of the speakers and roadies for Invisible Children. Citizens have been murdered, their children kidnapped and forced to fight in rebel armies. Schools for Schools invites students from high schools around the country to do one of three things to help. They can raise money through traditional fundraising methods, collect books or come up with a creative idea or video to help raise money. The schools that contribute the most will be eligible for a trip to Uganda. Nineteen of the top stu-
Courtney Ochi | Imua ‘Iolani
Timmy Harris and Desiree Watkins sold t-shirts to raise funds for Invisible Children. dent contributors will then receive expenses-paid trips to travel to northern Uganda to experience the conditions firsthand. Heading Schools for Schools for ‘Iolani is Project H.O.P.E., a result of last year’s positive reaction to the Bake Sale for northern Ugandan children. The $6,000 raised went to a school in Uganda that had been adopted by Kalani High School’s Project H.O.P.E. “It sparked so much interest that we wanted to adopt our own school,” said Mrs. Frith, one of the three advisers of the club. Ms. Kehlii Ohlokai and Mr. Kam Monaco are the two other advisers. Invisible Children visited last
year to talk to the eight and ninth graders. This awareness assembly was a way of informing upperclassmen who had not heard of Schools for Schools or other Invisible Children programs. Desiree Watkins urges students to get involved. “I didn’t get involved in high school,” she said. “I look back and definitely regret not doing anything.” Watkins has lobbied for a bill that would have Congress give aid to help Ugandans in displacement camps. “It doesn’t really matter what you do as long as you’re doing something,” Watkins said.
Inside: Cordelia Xie goes to the Olympics! Corrections for the August 30, 2008 issue of Imua ‘Iolani:
“Molting ‘Io bird statue takes flight”: The ‘Io bird statue was constructed out of ‘Iolani’s old IBM mainframe that was destined to be thrown away at the time. “High hopes for Castle construction:”: There was major renovation to the exterior of Castle in the ‘90s to enlarge the business office and bookstore and reconfigure the second floor. The Castle family did not give ‘Iolani School a monetary grant in 1973. They gave the school agricultural land that was eventually sold. Thanks to Mr. David Masunaga for the clarification.
Editorials
Page 2
California, here we come! By Emily Saka
With over 200 ‘Iolani seniors beginning the college application process this fall, it’s nearly impossible to walk through campus and not sense the mounting anxiety. Seniors are currently in the process of polishing up their college lists and no two lists are bound to be the same. The colleges we’re focusing on are as diverse as we are, each of them reflecting the many personalities, interests, and characteristics that our senior class represents. But at the same time, just as there have been for many years past, there are definite trends in our colleges of choice. The biggest trend? California. I’m definitely not about to criticize this trend, since I’m planning to apply to some California schools myself. It’s a big state, so why shouldn’t I find a couple places that fit my criteria? The problem that I will address, however, is the fact that some are looking at California for the wrong reason: it’s just like home. There are some people who are openly critical of this mindset. They’ll tell you to save the airfare and just stay here if you’re so attached to Hawaii. Honestly, I
pretty much think the same thing. Why spend the big bucks to go to a place that’s just like where you’re at? But most importantly, California isn’t like home, so you’ll just wind up being disappointed
Illustration by Jackie McMillan anyway. As a friend kindly pointed out to me, “Uhh hello…there are actual Victoria’s Secret stores in California.” (For some of us, this in itself is obviously an enormous difference.) What I’m proposing to those of you in this mindset is quite opposite from canceling those flight reservations. Instead, look at college with a different pair of eyes and embrace the fact that you’re
living somewhere new. Just because you may find as many Asians walking around an Irvine strip mall as you do walking to class at ‘Iolani doesn’t mean you’ll forget you aren’t at home.
You’ll still notice that there’s a larger Caucasian population and that there are influences from other cultures that will take the place of the ones we have at home, but it’s doubtful that the guy who merges in front of you on the interstate will flash a shaka out the window. And just because you won’t be suffering through snowstorms like your college friends in the east doesn’t mean you won’t miss clear skies and those soothing
trade winds. After all, there’s nothing like our fresh Hawaiian air and pure drinking water. I’m offering this advice because Hawaii is definitely one of a kind. If the whole time you’re away, you’re just looking for things that are just like home, you’ll have a rather depressing four years. If you embrace the fact that you can drive for more than two hours without hitting ocean, you’ve got a shot at making a memorable experience. If you can appreciate the frozen chili your parents send to satisfy your Zippy’s cravings, and the fact that your roommate will more than likely ask you at least once, “Oh cool, where’d you get those flip flops?” you’re leaving home for the right reasons. That’s not to say, however, that it’s not okay to join your school’s Hawaii Club or thoroughly appreciate those rare moments when you find some decent sushi. No matter where we end up, we’ll all cling to those threads that connect us to home and one another. Just make sure that no matter where you go, even if it’s a sixhour plane ride to California, you know what you’re getting into. After all, there truly is no place like home.
Procrastination: the inevitable flaw? By Ayesha Cooray What does every ‘Iolani student (including the famous Sun Yat-sen) have in common? Sometime during their academic careers here, they have procrastinated. Whether chronically or just once, procrastination is something every ‘Iolani student has or will fall victim to. Most teachers at ‘Iolani will firmly attest that procrastination is one of the worst homework habits a student can have. Dr. Peter Webb said, “Even if you do get a good grade, it’s not the best that you can do and you know that.” US history teacher Mr. Russel Motter said, “It causes a lot of unnecessary stress in a student’s life.” Yet every student I interviewed at senior benches has procrastinated, is procrastinating, and will continue to procrastinate. So why? Why procrastinate when you know it’s a bad habit and you won’t produce your best work?
The answer is simple. After being on the go from early in the morning, who wouldn’t be exhausted? We resolve ourselves to get whatever’s due tomorrow done and to just relax and go to sleep. We deserve it, despite the fact that that paper, the one that’s due next week, has still not been started. On top of everything is the pressure you put on yourself to enjoy your time in high school. These years are the “golden” years and above everything, we’re supposed to come away from ‘Iolani not only with mad skills as a writers, mathematicians, scientists, and historians, but also with smiles on our faces and gung-ho attitudes. What college wouldn’t want to tap that? Which explains why on the weekends, primarily Friday and Saturday, most kids are out with friends, watching TV, Facebooking, and participating in various other “time-wasting” activities. But the weekend isn’t just fun and games. With the weekend comes a new set of responsibilities: you have to catch up on all the chores you couldn’t do during the week, you have to walk your dog, you have to go to Costco with your
mom and pick out snacks for the upcoming week. So at 5:00 Sunday evening, you’re sitting in front of your planner stunned. You have to do all the assignments due tomorrow, plus didn’t you say you’d work on that essay? At this point, procrastination is inevitable. By getting into a system of “I’ll do it later,” you’ve sealed your fate. What needs to be understood is that procrastination isn’t always a bad thing. It’s merely part of the system of balance we’ve created to deal with conflicting priorities (excelling at academics versus maintaining sanity). Either way, procrastination doesn’t cause students problems as much as their ability to procrastinate does. There’s no problem with procrastinating as long as you procrastinate smart. Don’t procrastinate studying for tests, especially for math and science. If you don’t know it the night before, there’s a slim chance you’ll know it for the test. The night before an essay is due, don’t try to keep writing past one in the morning. Instead, why not write your thesis, figure out your evidence
and have basic idea of how to analyze it, go to sleep, wake up early the next morning, and power through the thing? That way, you get some sleep and you get a chance to reexamine what you’ve written while exhausted the night before. It may not be the best essay you’ve ever written, but it’s the best you’ve done under the circumstances. Always remember that as Mr. Motter said of his own procrastinating days as a student, “Success varies with each assignment.” There will be days when despite your efforts, you just can’t complete your assignments. On those days, there is technically no excuse. You failed to get in an assignment and you must face the consequences. On days like that, you just have to remember your mistakes and perfect your technique. Understanding your own ability to work under pressure is the most important key to procrastination while knowing what counts as late well enough to toe the line comes second. After all, an Imua article turned in the minute before deadline is still technically early.
Imua ‘Iolani Imua ‘Iolani is
published by the students of ‘Iolani School, 563 Kamoku St., Honolulu, HI 96826. Established 1923, printed at Hawai’i Hochi. Imua ‘Iolani accepts advertising on a space available basis. Rates are $100 for 1/2 page, $60 for 1/4 page, and $35 for 1/8 page ads. Please e-mail iolaniimua@gmail.com for more information. Include “advertising” in the subject line. Deadline for the next issue is Oct. 5. Editor-in-Chief: Katrina Karl Design Editor: Marissa Sakoda Copy Editors: Annie Rian Lianne Chung Photo Editor: Asha Allen Courtney Ochi Features Editors: Amelia Linsky Emily Saka Opinion Editors: Emily Shimkus Tiana Bohner Sports Editors: Bianca Bystrom Kelia Cowan Arts & Entertainment Editors: Akari Hatanaka Kaela Shiigi Lighter Side Editor: Stephen Stack Lower School Editors: Kyle Kim Andrew Zhou Middle School Editor: Madison Obata Adviser: Mrs. Karin Swanson Imua ‘Iolani is distributed free of charge to students of ‘Iolani School. Mail subscriptions are $15 per year. Imua ‘Iolani can also be viewed online at www. iolani.org under the “Student Activities” menu. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service. The opinions herein expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration, faculty, staff of ‘Iolani School or Imua ‘Iolani.
Features
September 19, 2008
Page 3
Junior mugged in Ala Moana area
By Andrew Zhou and Kyle Kim
Volunteering at the Olympic Games By Cordelia Xie
As soon as I stepped off the plane, I could feel the Olympic atmosphere. An enormous poster loomed in front of me saying, “Qingdao Welcomes You.” Qingdao was hosting the Sailing Games, and the streets were decorated with posters, billboards, and flags. Even the local newspapers covered the US Basketball Dream Team and Michael Phelps. This summer, I volunteered at the Olympics Multilingual Call
Center while my family and I returned to Qingdao, China to visit our relatives. 108 volunteers from all over the world, with eight languages among them, gathered together. The age of these volunteers also varied drastically. I was the youngest at 14 years old. At the call center, I received calls from foreign visitors to Qingdao to aid them in English, Chinese, and Japanese. At first, the new environment made me nervous, but time flew by. The other volunteers treated
me warmly. We ate lunch together and chatted during free time. We were also surprised when the mayor of Qingdao visited our call center. The Multilingual Call Center kept some of the art I drew depicting the Olympics for later use. The director of the call center, Mrs. Lu, informed me that the Multilingual Call Center was so successful that it will be preserved. I look forward to continuing my volunteer work there every summer.
While walking home from school last weekend on September 4, a junior was mugged. Walking down an alleyway less than 100 meters from his house on Keeaumoku Street, he noticed two bicyclists approaching him. He moved to the side of the street to let them pass, but one of the cyclists stopped in front of him, blocking his way. The mugger asked him for a dollar. The junior responded that he didn’t have any although he had 40 dollars he was saving for a special dinner with someone, his school ID, and also numerous gift cards. The mugger then asked him if he could search him. The junior declined, but he was pushed against the wall. The junior then tried to retaliate by pushing back the mugger, but the second perpetrator came in from behind, and withdrew a switchblade from his
pocket. “Stop fooling around! I have a knife and I’m going to stab you!” he threatened. The cornered junior threw his wallet in the opposite direction, forcing the first mugger to walk away from him. The second mugger demanded his iPod as well, so he tossed it and ran, saving his $65 headphones. The junior then fled towards his home saying, “Have a good day” to the muggers. They replied with a hesitant “You too, cuz.” Ways to avoid getting mugged: 1. Don’t show off muggable items like iPod earphones, flashy cell phones, or massive wallets. 2. Be prepared for everything! If you’re walking in a dangerous neighborhood, stay alert. 3. Walk in a well-lit area. 4. Don’t walk by yourself. 5. Keep valuable items close to you and unseen by possible perpetrators. 6. Yell for help.
Need the scoop? Read the ‘Iolani Pepeiao for the latest buzz
By Madison Obata
Most students seem to be texting more than actually talking on their cell phone. Cara Kagawa’s ‘13 craziest text message reads, “How many pimples do you have on your nose?” The answer to that question is one. *** Chris Brown, a famous singer favored by many students, was nominated for an MTV Video Music Awards for best dancing in a video for “Forever.” *** As the ‘Iolani football teams get fired up in the season, so does the UH football team. They won their first home game, against Weber State. The score was 36-17. ***
Ninth grader Saphyre Rezentes ’12 is following in the footsteps of Kodi Look ‘08. She’s the only girl on the intermediate football team. More girls should participate in the boy sports. Although I don’t think it goes the other way around *** The ice caps are already melting (thanks for the warning, Al Gore) But it is never to late to go green *** Homecoming is just around the corner. You should participate in your classes’ cheerfest and/ or lip sync committee. Mr. Chuck Nakoa, the class of 2013’s class adviser, really inspired the eighth grade class. ***
Another tradition is the “Burning of the I,” the exclusive rite of the sons and daughters of ‘Iolani. Meanwhile the nieces and nephews will be roasting marshmallows on the sidelines *** Props to Nellie who works at the Weinberg snack bar after school for the sweetest service… Have anything you would want to include in this column? Please email iolani.3.dot.column@ gmail.com. Please insert your full name and the year you graduate. (Pepeiao is the Hawaiian word for ear.)
Snapshots from Vietnam: 2008 Freeman Trip
‘Iolani’s 2008 Freeman trip participants embarked on a whirlwind tour of Vietnam this past summer. Students took pictures, like the ones below, to document the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Boats along the Mekong river. Photo by Amelia Linsky | Imua ‘Iolani
House are stacked on top of one another in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. The clogged streets are full of bicyclists and lined with hanging laundry. Photo by Amelia Linsky | Imua ‘Iolani
Sports
Page 4
Imua ‘Iolani
Tomahawk design axed - again
By Bianca Bystrom Recently, the football team went back in time with new helmets. They displayed the school name with a tomahawk behind it. Players wore the helmets with the logo during the Father Bray game and the first two regular games of the season. But on Sept.10 the tomahawk was removed. Because the tomahawk is a native American cultural symbol, using it on a team uniform might offend someone. “It came to my attention yesterday,” Headmaster Dr. Val
Iwashita said on Sept. 10. He said that the tomahawk was not intended to offend anyone. “I looked at it as an axe,” said football Coach Wendell Look. “It was not intended to symbolize anything Indian.” Originally the school mascot was a native American warrior. Usually the drum major of the marching band would wear the native American headdress, according to school yearbooks. 1981was the last time a drum major was pictured wearing one. In 1984 “Red” was officially dropped from “Red Raiders,” but the use of the name Red Raiders in Imua ‘Iolani didn’t end until around 1988. Meanwhile, school buttons and ribbons pro-
duced for homecoming games depicted images like a caricatured Indian chopping a Punahou player’s head in half. Ironically, ‘Iolani may not have planned on having an Indian mascot when choosing a name. According to the book The Ol’ Man by former ‘Iolani teacher Don Johnson, the school placed “Red” in front of “Raider” because Father Bray used to seek out football players from Kahuku High School’s team, whose team color was red. Johnson seemed unconvinced that the story is true. A tomahawk is a native American axe or hatchet. Although Hawaii High School Athletic Assosciation has no ban on mascots, colleges have taken a stand against
teams using native American imagery. According to ESPN.com, NCAA Executive Committee Chairman Walter Harrison said nicknames or mascots deemed “hostile or abusive” would not be allowed by teams on uniforms or other clothing at any NCAA tournament after Feb. 1, 2006. “Not sure when we cut off our braids,” retired Assistant Headmaster Mr. Charles Proctor said in an e-mail. “The why is easy: we became convinced that it was no longer cool to do the Indian thing.” Meanwhile, Coach Look is not fazed by the logo removal. “There are things more important in life,
school, than this decal,” he said. The Raiders were unhindered by the lack of tomahawk in their Sept. 12 game against Word of Life. ‘Iolani won 35-0. Many thanks to archivist Mrs. Romy Panko for her assistance in researching this article.
Photos by Kelia Cowan | Imua Iolani
Upcoming sporting events
Friday, 9/19/08 3:45 p.m. - Bowling Boys’ JV and Varsity Location: Ft. Shafter Mid-Pac v. `Iolani
4 p.m. - Tennis - Girls’ JV Location: `Iolani `Iolani v. Mid-Pac 5 p.m. - Football - Varsity Location: Aloha Stadium Pac 5 v. `Iolani 5 p.m. - Water Polo Boys’ Varsity Div II Location: `Iolani `Iolani v. Pac 5 6 p.m. - Water Polo Boys’ Varsity Div I Location: `Iolani `Iolani v. Pac 5 Saturday, 9/20/08
9 a.m.- `Iolani Invitational Cross Country Meet Location: Wheeler Air Field
9 a.m. - Kayaking Location: Ala Wai 10 a.m. - Water Polo Boys’ Intermediate Location: Punahou Punahou v. `Iolani 10 a.m. - Football - Intermediate Location: `Iolani `Iolani v. Pac 5 10 a.m. - Volleyball Girls’ Intermediate Red Location: Sacred Hearts Academy Word of Life Academy v. `Iolani 11:30 a.m. - Volleyball Girls’ Intermediate Black Location: Hawaii Baptist Academy Hawaii Baptist Academy v. `Iolani
Above: The tomahawk on a varsity helmet before its removal earlier this month. Left: During the 1980’s, students promoted Homecoming with ribbons and pins.
Saphyre shines on football field By Bianca Bystrom and Kelia Cowan This year, intermediate football has 98 boys and one girl, Saphyre Rezentes ‘12. “I like to play football. My family is a football family. Our way of bonding is football. “So when everyone said I should play football, I decided, ‘What the heck?’ and went for it,” Rezentes said on her decision to play football this year. This isn’t the first year that a girl decided to play football. Last year, Kodi Look ‘08 kicked for the varsity football team. Unlike Look, Rezentes plays quarterback and defensive back for the team. “It’s awesome because everybody thought that football was just for guys. And then she showed up. She ran over a guy from Punahou a couple of weeks ago. She’s pretty good,” said Tahiari’i Caldwell ‘13. The male football players have kept an open mind about having a girl play on the team. “Women should be entitled to play whatever they want to play,” freshman Luke Griswold said. “My advice would be to never be afraid of trying something new because you can do whatever you want. You just gotta put your heart into it,” said Rezentes.
Kelia Cowan | Imua Iolani
Saphyre Rezentes ‘12, a quarterback and defensive back for the intermediate football team, throws a ball effortlessly during practice.
September 19, 2008
Lighter Side
Page 5
More than just a pretty face By Katrina Karl I like stealing ideas from other publications to use in Imua. Instead of taking them from other student newspapers this month, I thought I’d steal
from one of my current heroes Graydon Carter and the “Vanities” section of Vanity Fair. Here, my dear friend and copyeditor Annie Rian ’09 provides facial expressions for descriptions I penned.
Above: You are a middle-aged housewife embarking on your only diversion for your Lifetime Network-filled existence, presenting the bundt cake you creatively baked in a Jell-O mold at your biweekly romance novel book club meeting. OR: You are Joan Cusack.
Below: You’re an Eastern European back-waxer taking out your simultaneous bitterness and nostalgia over your glorious Soviet homeland on a manscaping customer.
Above: You are a guy on a wilderness “mancation” with your bros, about to hack into the 5493rd piece of unnecessary firewood for the evening.
Above: You are a lecherous woodshop teacher instructing your students (in the less attractive class period) on the appropriate birdhouse sawing technique.
Photos courtesy of Katrina Karl
Left: You are a saucy cougar hitting on the ball boy in your cougar tennis class at the country club, oh so daringly as your husband is RIGHT BEHIND YOU about to fetch you for a luncheon gala inside.
(This one’s for you, Mr. Bickel) Above: You’re an ‘Iolani student taking 9 APs who knows nothing about reproduction (except the plant kind) reading the timeless William Manchester classic A World Lit Only By Fire on a sultry summer day (in June, of course).
What’s the booze on drinking? By Amelia Linsky
About 100 college presidents want to lower the drinking age from 21 to 18. They say that lowering the age would also lower binge drinking on campus. Mothers Against Drunk Driving believes that a change in the law would result in more fatal car crashes. The group accused colleges of “waving the white flag.” The college presidents replied, “Stop wining already.” In a press release, MADD said, “With less stringent rules, those students will indulge more in whiskey behavior.” The college presidents countered, “Constantly trying to en-
force the law leaves us very dis-spirited.” MADD retorted, “That’s your fault if those juvenile deliquids don’t listen to anything you say.” “There are plenty of young people out there who will drink too much at night without thinking about the mourning after,” said the college presidents. MADD has yet to respond. We assume the group is still attempting to think of the cleverest way to continue its epic pun war. Meanwhile, the true solution has yet to be fully aerated, but it’s quite foxy. In order to drive, people who are under 18 need to run the goblet of bureaucratic measures, all aimed at scaring them into
becoming safer drivers. Never mind that anyone who gets into a two-ton metal vehicle and makes it go faster than my Internet connection—especially after having taken Physics—is probably insane already. A similar system should be implemented for would-be drinkers. 1. You turn 15 and a half! Now you get to take a multiple-choice quiz on acceptable blood-alcohol levels. A short answer will request that you list all the construction-based slang terminology for “drunk” you can think of, like “plastered,” “wasted,” “smashed,” “floored,” “jacked,” “hammered,” and “tore up from the floor up.” 2. You sign up for 30 hours
of in-classroom instruction. A licensed educator will show you videos of cross-eyed mumblers, lecture on the health benefits of wine, and unveil new politically correct vocabulary such as “soberly challenged.” 3. Next step: 4 hours of supervised drinking. You and your instructor will visit various venues where you are likely to encounter alcohol, such as bars, restaurants, and Communion. 4. If you plan on getting your provisional license before you turn 18, you must log at least 20 hours of drinking with an adult licensee, to be submitted to your instructor for his or her signature. 5. Finally, take a 50-question multiple-choice test. If you pass,
you’ll get your provisional drinking license! 6. After six months of safe drinking, reapply and receive your full license. Then you’ll get free-run of alcohol indulgence. 7. Just as with a driver’s license, all adults must apply if they wish to pursue the drinking lifestyle. Also, party hosts would be held liable for not checking their guests’ licenses before pouring. Whether or not you agree with lowering the age limit, remember that no matter how old you are, you should never drink beyond the pint of no return. Alcoholism is an ale-ment. And MADD wants to make sure you never use alcohol to crash diet.
Page 6
Arts & Entertainment
Imua ‘Iolani
Would you buy a used car from this kid? Local indie film’s success may bring it Oscar consideration
By Iris Kuo Another great film is on its way to the islands -- but not the type you’d normally expect. “Chief,” a short fiction film, was shot in various Oahu settings. Its producer, Dana Hankins, is a resident of the islands. Hankins, an experienced filmmaker, has been producer of many other films including “Picture Bride” and “Bird on a Wire.” For many years she was a mainstream producer in Hollywood. But when Hankins moved here fifteen years ago, settled down, and had twin daughters, her perspective changed. She wanted smaller projects about the island where she lived; it wasn’t about the money, but instead about creating something that “breathed the people and spirit of Hawaii,” she said. “Chief” premiered at Sundance Film Festival in Utah earlier this year. Since its completion, the 21-minute movie has won an award at the Los Angeles International Festival, a Certificate of Excellence from the British Academy of Film and Television, and is currently qualifying to be a nominee in the Oscars. And guess what? One of the minor roles in the film is played by none other than sophomore Trent Nakamura. Director Brett Wagner asked Nakamura to play the part of the used car salesman from whom the chief buys his cab. During the film, there’s a voiceover in which the chief says talks about how he bought his car from a 10-year-old who made him pay cash. The camera then flashes to a scene of Nakamura fanning
himself with a wad of cash. “That scene always receives a big laugh at the festivals,” Hankins said. “It’s the face combined with the acting and the voiceover.” Nakamura recalled evidence of the film’s low budget. In that scene, the wad of cash shows twenties at both ends. But the bills in between were fives and ones, Nakamura said. “Chief” was Trent’s first short film, but he’s done some commercials for Oceanic Cable and Long’s Drugs. Also, Trent has experience in the school musicals. Last year, he played the Tin Man in the school production “The Wiz.” According to him though, films and commercials are rather different from musicals, because when you’re on stage, you only get one shot at the performance, but with the camera you can do takes over and over again until the scene is the way the director wants it. Trent is “super excited” about how far “Chief” has come. “I didn’t know how successful it’d be when we were shooting it,” he said. “But I’m thrilled it got this far and I hope that it wins an Oscar. “I’ve learned that whenever an opportunity comes, whether it’s a big part or a small part, you should take it, because you don’t know how big it will become,” said Trent. Look for Trent when “Chief” screens at the Honolulu International Film Festival next month.The festival runs from Oct. Photo courtesy of chief-movie.com | Imua Iolani 9 to 19 with most of the screenings at Dole Cannery. Trent Nakamura is featured in the Oscar nomiHankins said “Chief” will also be released on iTunes nated movie “Chief”. soon.
Teachers showcase their acting talents in ‘Inventing Van Gogh’ By Kaela Shiigi
by spirits of people related to Van Gogh as well as that of the artist himself. History teacher Mr. Motter plays the art dealer and Paul Gaugin, another artist and one of the ghosts. “It was a challenge but fun,” he said of playing two roles. Drama teacher Mr. Duval, who plays the spirit of van Gogh, had to dye his hair red and grow out his beard to play the part. “It was fun to change my appearance,” he said. Playing Van Gough was a unique experience for him because it involved extensive research of the artist to play the part just right. It also challenged him to dig into his insane side to depict
Van Gogh’s mental breakdowns. According to the two teachers, the play had more meaning to it than simply art Most ‘Iolani students just know Mr. and famous artists. However, both teachRobert Duval and Mr. Russell Motter as ers had completely different views on the teachers, but both transform into comunderlying themes of the plot. pletely different people the minute they Mr. Motter thinks that, the play poses step onto the stage. Both teachers were many questions about art, relationships, key actors in the play “Inventing Van and life. As a teacher, one of the questions Gogh” by Steven Dietz, which played he found especially interesting was about from August 29-30 and September 5-7at teachers’ responsibilities to students and the Kawananakoa Backstage Theater. conversely, students’ responsibilities to Set in 1880, the play tells the story of teachers. an art dealer who commissions a painting Mr. Duval disagrees, and thinks that of Van Gogh’s mysterious final self-porthe play is about the concept of time, postrait. While painting, the artist is visited ing the questions of whether there’s more to it than what we perceive. In the play his character says, “There isn’t enough time to finish one’s work so it continues on to other worlds.” Mr. Duval and Mr. Motter had a great experience working together and had many compliments for each other. Mr. Motter said this of his co-actor and colleague:“It was really an honor to work with Mr. Duval.” He feels that ‘Iolani is truly lucky to have Mr. Duval as a drama teacher. Mr. Duval described Mr. Motter as very professional and as someone in whom he has great trust. He would also like to express his gratitude to everyone from the ‘Iolani community who Photo courtesy of Ms. Cathy Lee Chong | Imua Iolani went to see the play. Students Jackie Mosteller ‘10, Claire Mosteller ‘10, Karli Wade ‘09, and Carolyn McGinnis ‘09 greet Mr. Robert Duval and Mr. Russell Motter after a wonderful performance.
Jazz isn’t only for girls By Akari Hatanaka and Jana Dagdagan Every Dance Showcase, there is an array of different dances. Boys only present hula, but girls do hula as well as jazz and ballet. This year, senior Chaz Silva has taken on the challenge of jazz and ballet. “I like to dance, and it’s very exciting [that I can take jazz and ballet.] I’ve only started them this past year, but I mostly dance hip-hop.” Silva never knew that the school had a boys’ class for types of dance other than hula. “I always assumed there was only hula, because there were no boys in [Dance 1-4]. Sophomores Justin Higa and Reo Saito, both of whom have been taking dance since fourth grade at ‘Iolani, were not aware that dance instruction for boys extended beyond hula. “I probably wouldn’t do it anyway,” Higa said, “but none of the teachers have ever said anything about dancing anything other than hula.” However, Mr. Wayne DeMello, Performing Arts Department head, said that there has always been a class for boys who want to take jazz or ballet. “It’s just that nobody has ever wanted to do it,” he said. In the 2008-2009 Course Catalog for Dance 1-4, it is written that the courses are open to “students” or “dancers,” while Dance 1, 2 and 3K are clearly listed as “open to boys.” “Boys are definitely allowed to take Dance 1-4,” said Dr. Deborah Hall, ‘Iolani registrar and Director of Studies. “If it says students, then it doesn’t matter if you’re purple, or green. As long as you are a student of this school, then you are allowed to take the course.”
September 19, 2008
Imua moves forward
Features
A day for discovery
Page 7
Seventh graders overrun campus and learn together
By Katherine Lum Linsky
and Amelia
Imua ‘Iolani has gone Internet. This year, readers can visit the new website that will feature not only written articles but also videos, podcasts, photo essays, blogs, ‘Iolani sports coverage and breaking news. Brandon Kumabe ‘09, Online Editor, is excited about the “Mailbag” feature where, he says, students can contribute their thoughts on articles and have them published on the site, with a response from the writer to follow. “It’s open new forms of communication and bring the school newspaper up to date with cutting edge technology,” Kumabe said. An online version will bring a new media component to students, allowing them to see videos and interact with the news. Watch for more information soon!
Bianca Bystrom | Imua Iolani Discover ‘Iolani Day rolled across campus Sept. 12, as students bonded, beautified, and explored the school.
Op-Ed: Global with heart By Julia Tanaka
While the U.S. enjoys hot baths and running water every day, some countries don’t even have copper wiring – a global example of how life isn’t fair. But did you ever consider that another looming threat could be used to our advantage? Another adage: “Actions are louder than words.” In order to equalize the consequences of global warming, we have to stop creating global warming. In the short-term, it would be effective to implement the cap-and-trade system – in which after a cutoff for carbon emissions is established, countries that come in above carbon emission quota are required to buy “carbon credits” (permission to pollute) from countries that have made an effort to go green and have come in below quota. This would force More Developed Countries (MDCs), such as the United States to invest in Less Developed Countries (LDCs) like Kenya, as the U.S. will always come in above quota and LDCs will always come in below. When combined with a localized carbon tax on cities that produce higher than average carbon emissions (sorry, NYC), this will be a plan that will effectively cut down on America ’s carbon output. “Why do we have to share?” some of you may whine. Note the “global” in global warming – it’s an international issue. It’s like spilling milk. It won’t just spill on the table where the glass slipped, but will drip onto the chair and cover every surface in animal produce and if you don’t clean up fast maybe it’ll even splash on the carpet. If you drive your SUV from the Amber Waves of Grain to the Moon, not only
will you suffer, but so will a little kid in South East Asia. Cap-and-trade systems will reroute a lot of redundant money to countries that actually need it. In the meantime, America has to go green. The only reason the Kyoto Protocol is regarded as something of a failure is because the emitter of roughly 25 percent of the world’s carbon waste refused to sign, because it “wasn’t fair” that countries like China and India were allowed to carry on polluting as per usual due to “economic growth.” Uh. Good morning. China has already banned plastic bags. And where are we, exactly? America just keeps on baggin’. Going green won’t just be some sort of heartwarming, philanthropic deed designed merely to please others whilst draining our coffers. Don’t worry. We still get something out of it. Hasn’t unemployment been the woe of Washington D.C for years? Why not create thousands of new jobs in energy plants by going green? Generating green energy sources is admittedly more labor-intensive than regular electricity – but in the context of this day and age, this can only be beneficial. These jobs can boost America’s dropping economy. Giving people jobs will equalize the money flow so that “green collars” can get some greenbacks too. The long-term solution: the entire world goes green, following TheBeautiful’s beautiful example. Idealistic? Yes. Attainable? Most definitely. America-- it’s time to stop crying over spilled milk. Pick up the dishcloth. Let’s get to work. Julia Tanaka is a tenth-grade student at Seisen International School in Tokyo. She wrote this editorial for Ms. Sarah Bess’ summer school course “Controversy.”
Op-Ed: Save the species By Sophia Yuen-Sing
Here’s a riddle; what is a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes? What is in danger due to the activity of humans? What is something that currently stands a high risk of being lost forever? You probably think the answer to this riddle is our Earth, the home to roughly 6 billion citizens and still the numbers are growing rapidly. Well, this planet is full of different colors, shapes, and sizes, and yes it is very much in peril. However, Earth is not the answer to my riddle. The answer is something you may not acknowledge every day -- unless you are part of the World Wildlife Fund, or the Wildlife Conservation Society. Yes, the answer to this suspicious and mysterious riddle I have teased you with is… the increasing number of ENDANGERED SPECIES. An endangered species is any plant or animal species whose capability to exist and reproduce is jeopardized by human activity. Sometimes humans do not want to believe in any mistakes they have made. They feel as if they are not to blame. Some humans feel as if they are completely not responsible for the cause of endangered species. We are losing species at a thousand times the natural rate. Who else can we blame for this? Animals do not rely on electricity for entertainment or for food. They do not waste food and water, and create loads of trash. These creatures do not drive, destroy forests, or create pollution, (except for the flagellants of some farm animals which add carbon to the air) so how can it be their fault? Mankind is a complex species. Our brain is this powerful tool which has
evolved over time. We are always thinking of improvements to everyday life. We’ve used our minds to create gadgets that will change our lifestyle. Humans want to accomplish everything they possibly can, but whether we would like to hear it or not, humans are the only ones causing the threat of our being, our species, and our planet. These creations that have been produced are brilliant yet destructive. Human beings have made this world wonderful but terrible, and it is time for us to help this world. When will people care? It seems as if people are only willing to make a difference because they have suddenly become part of the picture. They have suddenly become in danger so now it is hundreds of times more important. Let’s face it, an issue like endangered species-as significant as it is- does not appeal to the public. The majority of citizens probably have nothing against animals; they just feel no priority towards protecting them. When the nation’s food chain becomes highly affected due to loss of species, that’s when we will genuinely be concerned. However, we should take a stand now, and not wait until we are put in catastrophic harm. It is time for change. Mankind needs to take a stand and devote their time to something other then themselves. We are a part of Earth and a part of nature, so we should have some respect for the world around us. If global warming is false and it is just a natural state of being for the world, then why should we contribute more? We can make a difference for ourselves and for generations to come. Sophia Yuen-Sing ‘12 wrote this article for Ms. Sarah Bess’ summer school class, “Controversy.”
Page 8
Lower and Middle School
Imua ‘Iolani
New year, Next stop: Retinal scans? new Castle Lower schoolers buy lunch for the price of a fingerprint By Andrew Zhou Digital fingerprint scanners may look too advanced for practical use. In the case of ‘Iolani’s cafeterias, however, these devices have found their way into the everyday routines of lower schoolers at lunch. The procedure for these machines are pretty simple: a child’s parent first deposits money into an account. At lunch, a child scans his or her fingerprint and the account is charged, much like a credit card. Sound easy? For many lower schoolers, though, it isn’t. Mr. Kevin Wada, the head of cafeteria service for Sodexho, mans the lunch line. “There are more than a couple things” holding up the lunchline, Mr. Wada said. “Some kids aren’t confident enough to scan their fingerprints correctly, plus the scanners don’t always pick up the fingerprints.” “There are plusses though,” he explained. “Fourth, fifth, and sixth-graders got through the system pretty well so it avoided a lot of problems like crumpled cash. And it got rid of meal tickets, which were a hassle to teachers as
By Madison Obata
Mrs. Karin Swanson | Imua ‘Iolani
Mr. Kevin Wada rings up fourth-grader Jonah Sen’s lunch. The fingerprint scanner circumvents problems like lost lunch tickets or misplaced cash. well as parents.” But Sodexho is having a tougher time using the system with the lower grades. Three months ago, every lower school student had gotten their fingers scanned, but as soon as school started, a
problem emerged. Many of the first-graders had grown so fast that their fingers “outgrew” their fingerprints! Sixth-grader Dream Shinsato says that the fingerprint scanners work only some of the time, and
that they’re “more of a bother than a help.” However, Mr. Wada and the rest of the cafeteria remain hopeful that “the upper school will catch on with it soon too.”
Kyle Kim and Andrew Zhou | Imua ‘Iolani
The first day of school brings wonder and smiles. Left, Cole Motooka of 1-Makai concentrates as he writes. Above, Andy Nakamura finds the right color. Below, Mia Watanabe.
After a restful summer vacation, some of you have probably noticed a pretty major change to our campus: a fresh new face at the Iolani Upper School has been welcoming students and faculty to the 2008-2009 school year. The front entry to the Castle Building on Convention Drive was renovated over the summer to give the structure a better look. New metal trellises arch over the heads of students walking up the new stairs to the new seventh and eighth grade lockers, which were added as part of the renovation. The lockers, located on the left as you face Castle, rest beneath the building’s newly extended and remodeled roof. The ‘Iolani website describes the Castle trellises as “modern architecture reminiscent of musical scale,” a description that reflects much of the activity happening inside. Castle is home to various musicians and singers, as well as practice rooms and classrooms for students taking electives such as band, orchestra, and chorus. As innovative as the Castle renovation seems, it’s not over yet: more changes are on the way, maybe even including growing vines on the new trellises to give Castle a more inviting appearance. Even though the renovations are not fully completed, seventh and eighth-graders have already found new hangouts on the new lanai that was built for the locker area. “I think the new Castle Building is really nice,” said Kristina Shigaki ’13. “I really like how there are four flights of stairs, and I think the rooftops above the stairs will look really nice with vines growing on them.” Not only does the Castle building’s new look fit the new year, it also helps connect students. Cara Kagawa ’13 explains, “I like it because I think it allows the seventh and eighth grade students a place to socialize, whether it is before school or after. The open space brings students together. The scenery outside is warm and welcoming for new students.” Most students can’t wait until the vines grow out; and some are getting a little impatient. The new Castle building does have its disadvantages, however. Annika Streng ’13, had this to say about the new design: “I don’t like the stairs. And it’ll look nicer when the vines grow in… but that could take forever!” Although there may be some glitches in the design of the new Castle building, we all must agree that it looks very inviting. The school year has just started and we can look forward to this fresh new face to grow even more beautiful in the near future.