October 28, 2016

October 2016 | Volume 92, Issue II | Honolulu, Hawai‘i | A Voice for Students Since 1923

Viewing The Ala Wai Through A Scientific Eye

By Isabella Chang ’18

cross plating, which consists of growing the bacteria on two different types of agar and observing its color. Wang and Fala were able to isolate Vibrio vulnificus from the other types of bacteria and amplify the DNA. They then sent their samples to Laragen, a genetic sequencing lab in Culver City, CA. Along the way, the team encountered some setbacks. “We made a plate of 100 samples that were all supposed to be Vibrio vulnificus and they got contaminated in the mail,” said Wang.

This happened twice, but a successful third trial yielded interesting results: the levels of the pathogenic type of Vibrio vulnificus are highest by the boat harbor, as one gets closer to the mouth of the canal. What Wang and Fala found eerily coincides with the death Oliver Johnson, a 34 year old who died of a flesh-eating disease in 2006, several days after falling into the Ala Wai Boat Harbor with cuts on his legs.

When asked about the safety of Ala Wai conditions for kayakers and paddlers, Fala shared some advice; “If you are sick, I would stay out because when you have a weakened immune system, it’s easier to catch things,” he said.

“And, of course, never go in with any open wounds.”

Matt Fala ’17 (foreground) and Jason Wang ’18 investigate flesh-eating bacteria in the Ala Wai Canal.

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he Ala Wai Canal has been ‘Iolani’s neighbor since the school relocated to its Kamoku Street location in 1953. The school’s proximity to Waikiki’s largest waterway has its perks and its downfalls. Sure, every couple of years, after a heavy rain, the canal floods the campus and, on certain days, its thick chocolate depths look (and smell) foreboding. Still, many appreciate the opportunities it provides. ‘Iolani kayakers and paddlers are just a five-minute walk from their halau and cross country runners enjoy a scenic route around it, free of stop lights and crosswalks. However, the Ala Wai isn’t just a convenient body of water for ‘Iolani’s sports; it is also a hotspot for scientific discovery.

Investigating Flesh Eating Bacteria

This past summer, Jason Wang ’18 and Matthew Fala ’17 investigated flesh-eating bacteria, or Vibrio vulnificus in the Ala Wai under the direction of Dr. Yvonne Chan, John Kay Teaching Chair in Research Science.

“We first went out on a boat and collected water samples from the surface and the bottom of the canal in multiple locations,” said Wang. Next, the team had a three-hour window to run the water through a filter and place the bacteria onto agar dishes and into an incubator.

They processed the bacteria in a sterile room located in the Sullivan Center’s Wet Lab, using a technique called

Zooming in on Microorganisms

The past summer also provided Brennan Hee ’17 an opportunity to study the variability and species abundance of phytoplankton and zooplankton in the Ala Wai. Hee applied in April for the Jack Kay Summer Fellowship which gave him and his mentor, biology teacher Mrs. Holly Church, $1,000 to purchase equipment. Hee harvested his samples by dragging a plankton net through the canal and investigating its contents.

“It’s mostly just silt but there’s also a large number of plankton,” said Hee. “So with the zooplankton, you can actually see them swimming with the naked eye. It’s weird; they look like little moving dots, like soup.”

For each day’s sample, Hee recorded the number and abundance of each species and calculated the percentages

Trump: Third Time’s the Charm?

By Sean Callahan ’18

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o many, Donald Trump’s meteoric rise in the political world seems an inexplicable phenomenon. Political heavyweights predict his downfall, only to see his numbers reach new heights. His bombastic comments and his boorish demeanor combine to form a candidate unlike any before-- or at least that is what you may have heard.

In reality, American political history contains a plethora of figures bearing remarkable similarities to Trump. In fact, due to socioeconomic trends, it should come as no surprise to see a character like Trump winning over large swathes of support throughout the United States.

In 1964 and 1968, George Wallace campaigned twice for the presidency.

Many aspects of his campaign mirror those of Trump’s current drive. Wallace gained notoriety for his harsh stance on civil rights, which included shouting “Segregation now! Segregation tomorrow!

Segregation Cartoon by Kylie Murayama ’17

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forever!” during his inaugural address as Governor of Alabama, and physically placing himself in a doorway to prevent African-American students from enrolling at the University of Alabama. By yelling things such as “If any demonstrator ever lays down in front of my car, it’ll be the last car he’ll ever lay down in front of,” or addressing the one thousand “little pinkos” who were protesting him outside, Wallace stirred up support through racism and strength. Wallace’s rhetoric, much like Trump’s, became a major selling point in his campaign. His supporters rallied around his purported toughness and became infatuated with his temperament.

During the 1964 presidential campaign, Republican candidate and hardline conservative Barry Goldwater also faced criticisms about his ability to unite the Republican Party. His policies were deemed too polarizing, and when the general election came about, the challenge of uniting the party proved too much. His policies divided the Republican party and led to the largest landslide defeat in a presidential election in United States history. However, hHis opponent Lyndon Johnson garnered over 61% of the popular vote and exposed the danger of having a divided party.

While the rise of these two unusual candidates and Trump may seem unconnected, these figures gained traction due to conservative backlash after a period of profound social transformation. In the cases of Wallace and Goldwater, the main social change was the civil rights movement.

of the species that made up the entire sample. Using a microscope-iPhone adapter created in the Fab Lab, he was also able to take detailed pictures of the creatures. Hee’s data concluded that the population of phytoplankton and zooplankton in the Ala Wai varies extremely by species types and from day to day.

As the base of the food chain, these microscopic animals are important because they have a direct correlation to the health of Ala Wai. “If there are a lot of pollutants, because pollutants are nutrients like fertilizer, the abundance of phytoplankton will increase,” Hee said. The larger zooplankton feed on the smaller phytoplankton but when the phytoplankton greatly outnumber the zooplankton, the ecosystem is thrown out of equilibrium. Eventually, a great number of unconsumed phytoplankton die off and begin to decay, depleting the water of its oxygen. “In these anoxic conditions, nothing but bacteria can grow,” Hee said. “That’s when you find your Vibrio and other dangerous types of bacteria.”

Make The Ala Wai Awesome During the September IUCN World Conservation Congress, University of Hawai’i President David Lassner announced the Make the Ala Wai Awesome Student Design Challenge.

“We are seeking ideas from the brightest young minds around the world to help us envision an inspiring, large-scale, systems-thinking approach towards comprehensive ecosystem restoration of the Ala Wai watershed,” Lassner said. The contest is international, open to all ages, and winners will receive $10,000 in prizes. For more information, go to http://www.hawaii.edu/news

Na Wai Ekolu: Three Waters

On October 4, 38 teachers from 19 different schools all located within the Makiki, Manoa and Palolo stream region met at ‘Iolani School to discuss ways to improve the condition of the Ala Wai watershed. Teachers watched a presentation on the scientific workings of a watershed and observed the stark comparison between a pristine watershed system in Kahana and Honolulu’s urbanized, polluted watershed. Efforts are underway to improve and educate the community about the problem and to brainstorm goals for the future health of the Ala Wai Canal.

African Americans gained enhanced social standing, rights, and opportunity from this event. This extremely progressive change faced significant resistance from many southern conservatives, and their displeasure manifested itself in the next presidential election. A current similar situation can explain Trump’s considerable popularity. While not immediately apparent, America is in the midst of an exceptional period of progressive change.

LGBT rights and gun control have been thrust to the forefront of America’s social and political landscape. A surge in racial diversity throughout society, including America’s first ever African American president demonstrates the change America has undergone in recent years. Now, like the conservatives of the 1960s, some of today’s citizens who do not agree with this modification of society are seeking to elect a candidate who has the appearance of strength and gives them confidence that said change will be limited, if not reversed. Trump’s coarse nature and his promise to “Make America Great Again” assure his supporters that they are getting a tough leader who will raise them up above others.

While it may be evident why Trump is such an attractive candidate, it remains to be seen how he will perform in the general election. While it is true that past candidates who shared comparable features with Trump have never captured the presidency, America just had its first African American president, and Hillary Clinton just became the first female nominee for a major American party. However the election in November turns out, it will be a historic referendum which will determine the course of America and the world for at least the next four years.

10/24/16 9:09 AM

Does Music Help or Hinder Studying?

By Jasmine Kung ’19

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hen walking into the Upper School library, you’re apt to see many students plugged into music while studying. Today’s teens find it hard to resist listening to music while studying, and ‘Iolani students are no exception.

Nate Yonamine ’20 said he listens to music because he “believes it aids studying in certain times.”

Kathryn Lau ’19 agreed. “If you repeat the same song over while studying and replay the song before your test, it really does help you remember what you studied previously,” she said.

Listening to music while studying has long been debated by many. Some believe that music aids concentration, while others claim that it is a mere distraction.

“Words engage the language area in your brain, competing with your work. Instrumental music is more complimentary...Whereas music with lyrics can be distracting.”

-Dr. Jeffrey Stern, PhD The human brain is divided into two hemispheres. The right brain is more creativity based and is stimulated when listening to music. The left brain is wired more for academics and language. Many believe that music has the ability to quiet your right brain while your left brain focuses on academics. However, is this really true?

“There are individual differences,” said Dr. Jeffrey Stern, PhD, ‘Iolani’s Director of Social and Emotional Health.“It can be helpful in some situations. We do know from research that, for the most part, students are good reporters of the impact of music on them. ” Rumors also surround the thinking that certain genres

of music help concentration and focus.

Students listen to many different types when studying. Cole Mijo ’19 listens to “upbeat songs like ‘Whole Heart’ by Griffin,” while Yonamine listens to “alternative or rock while doing math or science, and classical while doing history or English.”

When asked about which genre of music is best for studying, choral director, Mr. John Alexander, said, “It really depends on the person. If you need something to calm you down, then something with a slower tempo.

If you need a jolt of energy to boost your alertness, then something with a faster tempo.”

Dr. Stern adds that music with lyrics is least effective.

“Words engage the language area in your brain, competing with your work.” He adds, “Instrumental music, like classical and jazz, is more complimentary.

Whereas music with lyrics, complicated chord progressions and unpredictability, like changing time signatures, can be distracting.”

In the end, it is each student’s preference. “If it’s not stealing [the students’] focus, and they prefer it, that’s

Drawing by Kyra Tan ’19

fine,” Mr. Alexander shared. “If they find that it’s drawing focus away from their studying, I would say steer clear.”

“It’s important to make evidence-based decisions,” said Dr. Stern. “It’s one thing to think that it helps you and that you should be making your decisions based upon what your gut tells you, as well as being honest and mature with yourself, and asking ‘Does it really help me?’ ’’ Does music help concentration, or does it hinder it? It all boils down to your choice.

Teaching Students to “Mālama the Earth”

By Joseph Pang ’21

in local service projects for the school and island community, and has taken them on excursions to the He`eia Fishpond, Kanehunamoku Voyaging Academy, and Ulupo Heiau.

“Place-based learning is a global phenomenon in which people need to understand where they came from before they understand the rest of the world,” said Knoetgen.

“Whenever we engage in a beach clean-up, plant native trees in reforestation activities, visit a fishpond, or any form of community-based service, we are learning more about the place in which we live.”

According to Knoetgen, place-based Hokule`a crew members exchange makana, oil, and other gifts during one of education is also called “service learning,” many stops of Leg 21of the Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage. From left: Maya “experiential education,” Saffrey of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and Jessie “Little Doe” Baird gather with friends. Photo coutesy of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. “community-based education,” “education for sustainability,” and “environmental education.” hy is it important to immerse students in opportuKnoetgen’s teaching of place-based education doesn’t nities and experiences to learn about the cultural stop with the local community. She is a passionate adheritage, history, and even literature that is unique to their vocate of Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage’s (Mālama homeland? Understanding one’s cultural heritage helps Honua WWV) mission to teach kids how to “mālama hopeople connect to others with similar backgrounds and nua,” or to “care for the earth, or to care for your place.” provides them with a “sense of place.” It links to tradi“The mission of the voyage is to learn from communitions that might otherwise be lost. A lack of understandties around the world about how they take care of their ing could have negative effects on a culture, as seen with places – through sustaining the environment and sustainthe Wampanoag language in southeastern Massachusetts. ing indigenous cultures,” said Knoetgen. “I had many With no one to continually perpetuate the language, the place-based learning experiences while traveling with Wampanoag language faced extinction. Later, however, the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage as a volunteer a woman named Jessie “Little Doe” Baird revived the educator.” language by comparing a Bible written in Wampanoag Last year, Knoetgen took a sabbatical to participate in and a Bible written in English. the Mālama Honua WWW and went on the 21st Leg of `Iolani English teacher Michelle Knoetgen is working the Worldwide Voyage. She recalls a memorable trip to hard to perpetuate the state’s cultural heritage and to the Center for Science and Leadership on Hurricane Ispromote student learning that is “rooted in what is local”– land, a small, island twelve miles off the coast of Maine.

Hawaii’s unique literature, history, ecology, culture, “While we were there, we interacted with students who economy, and art. Using an educational philosophy called taught us about their marine ecosystem and work they place-based education, Knoetgen incorporates Hawaiian had conducted in their Field Research Station,” she said. and Pacific Island texts into her “Literature of the Ocean” “We shared the story of Hōkūle’a with them, and two of course, an elective for juniors and seniors, involves them our navigators led a celestial navigation and astronomy

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`Iolani teacher Michelle Knoetgen trims a sail during Leg 21 of the Worldwide Voyage. Photo coutesy of Polynesian Voyaging Society.

lesson outside at night when all of the stars came out.”

Mālama Honua WWV’s vision for the future is to teach people to “mālama honua” and to help them remember from where they came. When the Hōkūle’a crew goes on these “legs” of the voyage, they teach people to be more sustainable so that future generations will still have a beautiful Earth to properly enjoy.

To “mālama honua” is for all to do their part in taking care of the Earth. Together, we can make a difference.

10/24/16 10:19 AM

MessAGING With Love, Part 2

Club of the Month

Entrepreneurship Club

By Eve Huddleston ’19

narian’s life, a picture, and a short biography of the special kupuna.

“We had a lot of help along the way from all kinds of people, including one of the executives at Edward Enterprises,” said Kirk Uejio ’98. Firth and Hamai met with the Edward Enterprises executive to organize the printing of the cards; they also met with ‘Iolani alumnus Eldon Ching to coordinate selling the cards at The “MessAGING With Love” cards created by Kacie Frith ‘22 Paperie in Kahala Mall. and Taylor Hamai ‘14. Photo by Eve Huddleston ‘19 The cards are sold in hand-wrapped sets of 10 -- two cards for each centenarian and his past summer, Kacie Frith ’22, and Taylor two thank-you notes. They are availHamai ’14, interviewed four centenarians to create able at the Lower and Upper School the second round of “MessAGING with Love,” a project Main offices, the Sullivan Center’s in which Frith and Hamai made greeting cards based on 4th floor offices, and the Paperie. the life and characteristics of each centenarian. CenteAll proceeds go to Project Dana, a narians are individuals who have lived over 100 years. local non-profit organization that aims Taylor Hamai ’14 had created the original project in her to care for the elderly of Hawaii by senior year, as part of her One Mile Project class. She providing services such as transportainterviewed centenarians and, with help of Taylor Wong tion to medical appointments, grocery ‘08 and Kirk Uejio ’98, created the cards.

Kacie Frith ’22 stepped in this past summer to continue shopping, religious services, home visits, and home safety assessments. the legacy of “MessAGING with Love.” Taylor Hamai “Project Dana has been a great part’14 helped her along the way, starting with interviews of ner of the One Mile Class and they the centenarians. were a natural connection for this “Each interview was about one hour,” said Frith. “I project,” said Uejio. was only nervous for the first interview, but Taylor really Frith hopes “MessAGING with helped to coach me through all of them, and gave me lots Love,” will spread awareness to the of tips on how to host a good interview.” island community about the imporThe first interview featured the grandmother of Mrs. Raquel Leong, who works in the admissions office. Other tance of our kupuna.

“I’m so grateful that I was able to interviewees included acquaintances of Frith and Hamai do this,” said Frith. “The centenarians and an ‘Iolani alumnus, who works at the Plaza Assisted taught me such simple lessons that Living in Waikiki. are really very important in one’s life.

Frith’s cards exemplify the character of each centenarThey were all just so positive, and I ian, such as their favorite colors, words of wisdom, and definitely want to be like them when I what they want to leave as their legacy. Each card also become a kupuna.” includes a handwritten quote from each centenarian, a design that represents something important in the cente-

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By Camille McMillian ’21

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ill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, is the richest man in the world. Steve Jobs created the iPhone that you are probably holding in your hand right now. So what do they have in common? Gates and Jobs made their money by being entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship is important because it encourages social change, as well as adds to national income.

If you are interested in learning how to create your own business, then the Entrepreneurship Club may be for you. The club is comprised of members who gather once a month to share elevator pitches, to talk about entrepreneurs, but most importantly, to discuss how they can change in the world.

“We call our ideas an elevator pitch,” says Economics & Entrepreneur instructor Kimi Frith ’92. “You have one elevator ride to discuss your idea to an investor. You know it’s fine to create crazy ideas!”

Frith works with “Operation R.A.D,” a club in which kids raise awareness for the Darfur genocide, and is associated with Sunglasses initiative for Tomorrow’s Eyes (SIFTE), a recently launched business to help people with visual disabilities. She partners with Trevor Benn ’92, Chris Shimabukuro ‘85 and Robert Dawson, who help to run the club and are involved with business competitions as well as with entrepreneurs.

“We want to build a club where kids can be creative,” said Frith. “Students here have so many privileges that I didn’t have when I was young. I want to see ‘Iolani students give back. I also want to see them take risks, develop creative thinking, and have fun!”

Back: Mr.Chris Shimabukuro, Mrs. Kimi Frith, Mr. Robert Dawson Middle: Andrew Dawson ‘21,Conner Koga ‘22 , Josiah Morita ‘22, Kyung Ju Lee ‘20 Front: Maxon Miyashiro ‘20, Keli Santos ‘19, Sachi Sawamura ‘19 Photo by Camille McMillian ‘21

Humans of ‘Iolani Share Their Scary Experiences

By Alisha Churma ’19

Megan Leong ’22 n my last year of Lower School, our whole grade went to Camp Mokulei’a. At night, we shared campfire stories. One was about the cabin I was in.

It was about how a girl was zip lining, then fell through the roof of the cabin and died, and her ghost still haunts it.

I was sitting by my friends, and while listening to the story, I slowly inched closer to them. Just thinking about a ghost haunting my cabin frightened me. The way the storyteller was reading to us was creepy, too. By the end of the campfire, I was really scared to walk back to the cabins alone, so I stayed with the crowd and stayed awake in my bunk bed for a while.

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Mr. Michael Among o understand this story, one must understand the family `aumakua. In Hawaiian culture, an `aumakua is considered a family guardian or an omen and is often manifested in animal form like a shark, dolphin or turtle. My family `aumakua is the pueo, a Hawaiian owl.” - Mr.Among In 2008, the ‘Iolani Raiders was one of three ILH teams in the state volleyball tournament. Our first three matches, which we won, were held on the Kamehameha-Maui campus. We would face Punahou in the final, but at King Kekaulike High School.

After beating Kamehameha-Kapalama in the semi-finals, I had planned to take the team to the King K gym to inspire them. I was driving the lead van as we drove out of the KS-Maui campus, around 9:00 PM. The name of the main street there was Aapueo Way. Aapueo translates as “the call of the owl.” As I made my way over, something caught my eye up in the sky. A majestic pueo fluttered above the street light, paused to seemingly make eye contact with me, and then disappeared into the darkness.

The next night, we beat the undefeated Buff ‘n Blu in the championship match.

I couldn’t help but feel that, besides Brad Lawson’s 28 kills, the pueo had at least a little to do with it.

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Kyra Tan ’19 nce when I was about to enter my room, I heard this extremely loud breathing sound coming from the inside. It sounded like really heavy, violent panting or hissing that might have been coming from something EXTREMELY large. I tried to tell myself that the thought of anything supernatural or an out-of-the- ordinary being was absurd. But that’s what every person who dies first in a horror or sci-fi movie thinks.

I convinced my dad to open the door instead.

As the door swung open, it revealed two large, green eyes the size of dinner plates accompanied by a set of jagged ivory teeth. Sorry, no, not really. The door swung open to reveal nothing... except my digital alarm clock on top of my dresser that had apparently gone hay-wire and switched into “ocean” mode on the highest volume. Somehow I mistook the relaxing and healing lull of waves crashing on a beach for a monster’s heavy breathing…

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10/24/16 10:15 AM

Enjoying the Little Things in Life in Our Town

By Sara Hui ’18 & Alec Tam ’20

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talented cast of ‘Iolani Upper School students will bring alive the ageless classic Our Town during a four-day run, from November 2-5 in Seto Hall. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play transports us to a small, fictional town called Grover’s Corner between 1901-1913 and provides a realistic look at moments in life through the everyday lives of its citizens.

“Everyone can relate to growing up, falling in love, and dealing with death,” said Performing Arts Director Robert Duval of the play’s universal themes. “When one character relives a day in her life, we realize how often we forget to appreciate people and things in our lives.”

Thornton Wilder’s timeless three-act play explores daily life, marriage, and death in a quaint American town. Alisa Boland ’17 (Emily Webb), Ian Severino ’17 (George Gibbs), and Elizabeth Stacey ’17 (narrator), along with twenty-two other members of the cast, will have you laughing, crying, and appreciating the “little things in life.”

Boland and Dane Nakama ‘17 (Mr. Webb) all agree that the last act, which refers to life and death, is the most moving part of the play. The cast hopes to teach an important lesson about how life should be lived because eventually everyone dies. Dane Nakama ‘17 says, “Death

Our Town Poster courtesy Julia Lim ’19

is always moving, but if I’m completely honest, I find the quiet moments in the play to be particularly beautiful.

The play itself is about life, and the parts that teaches us about how to truly live are what moved me the most.”

BEHIND THE SCENES

WITH IDP MEMBER ANDREW EVANS ’17

“Everyone can relate to growing up,

falling in love, and dealing with death.”

- Mr. Robert Duval Director of Our Town Duval says casting students as characters is like a puzzle. “The play requires some students to play characters who are older, so I look for maturity,” said Duval.

“There is a narrator, so I need someone who displays the self confidence to lead the audience through the story.”

Hurry and buy your tickets for Our Town, if you haven’t already, and drop by Seto Hall for an emotional roller coaster!

CAST

Stage Manager...............................Liz Stacy ’17 Emily Webb.............................Alisa Boland ’17 Young Emily.............................Chloe Evans ’19 Mr. Webb...............................Dane Nakama ’17 Mrs. Webb.........................Nicole Sundberg ’19 Wally Webb................................Nick Hailer ’20 Dr. Gibbs.................................Brandon Yim ’19 Mrs. Gibbs..................Morgan Hi’ilei Serna ’17 Rebecca Gibbs...................Tierra Nakamura ’21 Mrs. Soames.....................Alyssa Sakamaki ’17 Simon Stimson.................Eaven McMurray ’18 Howie Newsome.............Hannah Yonamine ’19 Joe Crowell........................Kylie Murayama ’17 Si Crowell.........................Sydnee Kokubun ’18 Professor Willard...................Mara Morioka ’18 Constable Warren..................Julia Kennedy ’20 Sam Craig.................................Camryn Yee ’18 Joe Stoddard.......................Paris Yamamoto ’18 Ensemble..................................Hailey Akau ’20 Kristina Benesh ’17 Erica Cheung ’18 Daniela Kroning ’17 Katelin Miller ’17 Kela Villalobos ’18 Sydney Weaver ’21

Q: What made you volunteer with the costume department instead of being a regular cast member?

A: I was in the show my first year, but then in 9th grade, I wanted to be backstage. I chose the costume department because it seemed more fun and interesting.

Q: What happens in the costume department?

A: For all the shows there is a costumer, and the costumer will come in and do all the measurements for the cast.

There is a giant costume closet where the costumer finds costumes for the cast, or someone will make a special outfit for the cast member. About a week before the show, everyone in the department will go in and organize all the costumes and make sure all the cast members know what they will be wearing.

Q: What other duties does the costume department staff have?

A: If buttons fall off or costumes get stained, the costume crew is there to fix those. The main thing, other than ironing, is quick changing from one costume to another in a short amount of time. We go into the wings and help cast members change into different costumes.

Q: What keeps you in ‘Iolani Dramatic Players (IDP)?

A: I could’ve left, but I don’t want to leave. It’s an interesting group of people and an interesting experience. It’s one thing to be in theater and be on the stage, but to work backstage is a whole different experience. You get to be backstage and just chill in the dressing room. It gets a little hectic because sometimes I have to be in rehearsal from 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.. The whole energy of it all really keeps me going, and the connection you have with your friends in the cast and crew is really something you can’t experience anywhere else.

Rocking Out at 85 Decibels

By Landon Kushimi ’18

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ighty five decibels is the loudest sound a human can hear without suffering from any permanent ear damage. It also happens to be the name of ‘Iolani junior Daniel Ferrer’s band. Ferrer’s reasons for joining a band were quite simple. “My passion is music . . . that, and I lack any athletic skill,” he said.

The band consists of Ferrer on the rhythm guitar and keyboard, and three juniors from Punahou: Kalliyan

From left to right, Kalliyan Davis, Tevita Hifo, Jake Chouljan, Daniel Ferrer ’18. Members of 85 Decibels pose for a picture.

Photo courtesy Kalliyan Davis

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Davis on the lead guitar and vocals; Tevita Hifo on the bass; and drummer Jake Chouljan. The band was founded

by Davis in August of 2015, but Davis and Ferrer knew each other long before then.

“Kalliyan and I have been playing together in other bands since 2011,” said Ferrer. “In another band with Kalliyan, we got invited to play in places like Texas for the Vans Warped Tour, Whisky a Go Go in Hollywood, and Maui for Fleetwood Mac.” Although the band has started to branch out into alternative rock, Ferrer still describes the band’s style as centered around what he calls “your parents’ music,” or otherwise known as classic rock from the ’70s and ’80s. Citing bands such as Journey, The Beatles, and Metallica among others that have influenced 85 Decibels, Ferrer says that the band decided to go in a more classic direction because “in a society where there’s a lot of rap and music that isn’t necessarily played on ‘instruments,’ it’s good to take a step back and listen to how music was originally played and sung.”

Currently, 85 Decibels meets once a week for a twohour rehearsal and plays three to six gigs a month, usually at Crossroads at Hawaiian Brian’s. They also play for volunteers at charity events, or for anyone who is willing to hire them for a party. Ferrer acknowledged that the

CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone Number: (808)256-2159

Email: eightyfivedb@gmail.com Facebook: 85 Decibels Instagram: @85.decibels YouTube: 85 decibels band will probably last until his senior year, as attending college will most likely force members to move away, but that won’t stop him from continuing to play music.

“I would definitely join another band in college, or maybe even make my own if there aren’t any bands recruiting,” said Ferrer.

He advises other aspiring musicians to simply “play what makes you happy, whether it be classical piano or heavy metal drums, and feel free to get together with friends to just jam.”

10/24/16 10:20 AM

Boys Breaking Barriers

By Nagem Uiagalelei ’19

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ach week during the fall, hundreds of fans look forward to watching the upcoming high school football games. Although all of the physical contact and action happens on the field, what occurs on the sidelines is just as action-packed and entertaining. Clad in bright school colors and wildly waving pom poms, the team’s cheerleaders are the ones who fire up the crowd. Most high school cheer squads consist of a strong roster of females, but the `Iolani cheer team has been lucky enough to have four guys join this year. Roger Louis-Charles ’21 and Kawai Wagner ’21 are new to the intermediate team, while Shane Robertson ’18 and Jay Park ’18 are members of our junior varsity and varsity teams, respectively.

Although some may not consider cheerleading to be a sport, it requires a great amount of strength, coordination, flexibility, stamina and commitment to achieve success in serious competitive cheer. Team members play specific roles in order to complete a routine. Some serve as flyers, or the people who are tossed into the air to perform stunts. Members who are bases help lift and toss the flyers in the air to execute moves. Backspots stand with two bases to their left and

“The girls made it so easy to adjust to

being on the team because they’re such nice and supportive people.”

- Roger Louis-Charles ‘21 right to support Wagner, the sole flyer on the team. Park, Robertson, and Louis-Charles serve as backspots, ensuring flyers maintain their balance.

Junior varsity cheerleader Kylie Carpenter ’19, like the

By Tiana Hannemann ’18

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The guys pose for a photo after a successful cheer competition.

From left to right: Roger Louis-Charles ‘21, Kawai Wagner ‘21, Shane Robertson ‘18, Jay Park ‘18.

rest of the girls, finds the addition of male teammates a great benefit to the program. The guys prove themselves to be beneficial and a major asset to the cheer program.

“I love having the guys on the team,” said Carpenter.

“They’re so helpful and really strong.” Other girls on the team seem to work well with the guys, and rely on their help for major stunts.

Cheerleading can be tough, but it is not always about the competition. Making new friends seems to be one of the best parts of joining cheer. “The girls made it so easy to adjust to being on the team because they’re such nice and supportive people,” says Louis-Charles. Robertson added, “the girls were really encouraging and helped me to develop my skills.”

Between practice, football games, and competitions the team spends the majority of their time together. These male cheerleaders are leading the way to breaking the stereotype that cheerleading is only for girls. They are hopeful that more will join them and be able to experience all that cheer has to offer.

At the Heart of ‘Iolani Athletics

By Jake Kaneda ’18

W

ith injuries being a fear to deter people from playing sports, ‘Iolani’s athletic trainers work to change that. Their work is often done behind the scenes, on the sidelines, and sometimes even unnoticed.

These dedicated athletic trainers are at every single game, match, and meet. At the helm of this group is Mr. Charley Gima, who has been a part of the ‘Iolani athletic training staff for 33 years. Along with Mr. Charley Gima is also Ms. Louise Inafuku who is also a full time athletic trainer at ‘Iolani. Although some may think that athletic trainers only take care of injuries when they occur, they do much more than that. Athletic trainers are always the first to arrive and last to leave the training room on a daily basis. They work hard to treat and rehabilitate athletes in order to get them back to peak form. These

Ms. Louise Inafuku

Athletic trainer career: Certified as an athletic trainer since 2002; 2003-2009 part time (‘Iolani); 2010-present (‘Iolani).

Most common injuries treated: Depending on which sport, but mainly ankle sprains.

Most used equipment in your opinion: White tape and Biofreeze.

Who do you see most often in the athletic training room?

“Mainly athletes, but also former students, faculty, staff, and students in after-school programs.”

How often do people come into the athletic training room?

“People come in daily with injuries.”

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N A M A S T E

Yoga: Bringing Balance to your life

unsung heroes keep ‘Iolani’s teams healthy by doing some of the hardest work and never seek attention for it.

The ‘Iolani athletic training staff also have multiple part-time athletic trainers who come in throughout the week, and also on weekends for games. These staff members not only are responsible for taking care of athletes, but also care for the athletic training equipment as well. For football games on the road, equipment such as Gatorade jugs, crutches, and stretchers packed and loaded onto a truck. It is then transported to the school ‘Iolani is playing at.

These are some tasks that the athletic trainers must complete every week for football. Not to mention the rest of the sports throughout the year. These people are the ones keeping the boat afloat for ‘Iolani athletics.

Mr. Charley Gima

Athletic trainer career: 1979 start at UH Manoa; 1984-present (‘Iolani).

Most common injuries treated: Ankle sprains, muscle strains, shin splints, tendinitis injuries, knee sprains.

Most used equipment in your opinion: Gameready and Vectra Stim machine.

Who do you see most often in the athletic training room?

“Athletes, students, administrators, faculty, and staff.”

How often do people come into the athletic training room?

“Throughout the day, people come and also utilize the exercise/rehab room.”

oga seems to be all the rage lately with its practice gaining popularity among all age levels. As it is common today to see many people carrying colorful mats and walking in trendy yoga pants, one might think yoga is a relatively new practice. Actually, yogis have been embracing the practice since its development by the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India over 5,000 years ago.

How did yoga reach the United States? In the 1890s, Hindu monk Swami Vivekananda spread his Hinduism philosophy, and captured Westerners’ attention. Then, in the 20th century, Hatha yoga – yoga flow focusing on breath, meditation, and posture – reached new heights when Hinduism became popular among young Americans. Later, in the 1980s, its reported health benefits turned yoga into a true workout.

Yoga can bring a healthy balance to both students and teachers.

Yoga...

1. brings students into the present moment 2. eases anxiety and tension 3. enhances focus, concentration, comprehension and memory 4. improves listening skills 5. improves posture 6. lowers blood pressure and betters circulation 7. improves sleep 8. maintains nervous system 9. prevents cartilage and joint breakdown 10. protects spine 11. enhances motor skills and balance

“

Just an hour after school each day helps clear my mind, and it gives me a mental break before starting my homework for the night.

- Ella Miller ’18

“

“

Yoga helps me to stay present by making me feel connected to where I am, whom I am with, and what’s going on around me.

- Ms. Yuki Basso

“

10/24/16 10:21 AM

Last-Minute Halloween Costume Guide

By Alisha Churma ’19

W

ith Halloween just around the corner, you may be one of many who might be stuck for ideas on a costume. Perhaps you cannot afford to buy a costume on such a short notice, or you just want a unique costume. If that sounds like you, don’t worry because Imua has your back! Here are some quick, easy and budget-friendly ideas.

There’s sure to be one that’s good for you.

If you and a friend need a quick costume: First, find a black and white shirt for each of you to wear. On the white shirt, use masking tape, a pen, or adhesive letters to write the letter “S.” On the black, use white masking tape to write “P.” Then walk around together as salt and pepper!

S

If you are running short on time: Buy a pack of basic “Hello, My Name Is” name tags and write different names on all of them.

Simply stick the tags all over your shirt, making you an identity thief!

If you are willing to take a trip to the grocery store: Take a plain shirt and write the word “life” on it using masking tape, a pen, or adhesive letters. To finish it off, carry around a bag of lemons all day. When “life gives you lemons,” use them as a costume!

P

Looking for an interactive option? Wear a neutral-colored shirt, preferably brown or beige, and carry around Post-It-notes, pens and some tape. Have your friends stick a message somewhere on your shirt. By the end of the day, you will be looking like a full bulletin board.

If you find yourself desperate for a costume on the night before Halloween, try this. Write “Error 404: Costume Not Found” on a plain white shirt! It really doesn’t get any simpler than that.

Proconsul Corner: Spooky Stories and Surprises B

OO! It’s October, and we, the Proconsuls, cannot wait to delight you with some very spooooooky surprises! Feel like you’re too old to go trick or treating?

Wrong! No worries because Spirit Big has got your back.

Get ready, because this year we are bringing Halloween to you. Throughout the week before Halloween, you will have the chance to trick or treat from classroom to classroom and learn more about the faculty and staff of ‘Iolani! Now’s your chance to learn more about some of the new teachers or reconnect with some former favorites, all while getting candy. It’s a win-win situation. And now, a scary story to put everyone in the spirit of being spooked.

Timmy was just your average ‘Iolani student. He loved watching Stranger Things and American Horror Story on Netflix. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, scared him.

That all changed once he reached the Upper School…..

“WHAT? I thought every homeroom was long homeroom.” “What’s this basic schedule thing?” “Where are you guys going?” “I thought we all go to the same class!”

The first day of school had already shaken Timmy to his core. He went through the motions, trying to make it to each of his classes in the five minutes of a passing period. He realized very quickly the severity of the Castle

stairway traffic. Every class only added to his so called “one hour” of homework. It was a hard day. The only thing that kept Timmy going was the promise of the weekend. He was so excited to have a relaxing weekend that he started to relax early. “Tomorrow is the weekend, I don’t have to do my homework today.” He ate lunch without studying, watched videos during study hall, and when he got home, he went to sleep early without a care in the world. It was the perfect day.

“Timmy, Timmy, Timmy, get up you’re late.”

“Mom, why are you waking me up so early?!”

“What do you mean why? You have to get to school!”

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AMY NAKAMURA

ONLINE EDITOR WINSTON WEI

MANAGING EDITORS SEAN CALLAHAN SARA HUI

SPORTS EDITOR TIANA HANNEMANN

PHOTOGRAPHY & GRAPHICS EDITOR REID UEKI

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LOWER SCHOOL EDITOR EVE HUDDLESTON

STAFF ISABELLA CHANG ALISHA CHURMA JAYSON GUO LOUI IKEI JAKE KANEDA JASMINE KUNG LANDON KUSHIMI CAMILLE MCMILLIAN KANALU MONACO

It was then that Timmy realized the whole week was a dream, and he had to go through the entire week again.

Proconsuls Joshua Chun ‘17, Koa Among ’17, and Dane Nakama ‘17

JOSEPH PANG ALEC TAM NAGEM UIAGALELEI ADAM ZUCKERNICK

ADVISORS MRS. LAURIE CHANG MS. JENNA TAMASHIRO

CONTRIBUTING WRITER JAKE STEINER CARTOONIST KYLIE MURAYAMA KYRA TAN

10/24/16 10:22 AM