June 26, 2017 by Ka Leo O Hawai‘i

KA LEO

ISSUE.03 VOLUME.112 MON, JUNE 26 - SUN, JULY 09, 2017 WEBSITE / KALEO.ORG TWITTER + INSTAGRAM / KALEOOHAWAII FACEBOOK.COM / KALEOOHAWAII

PG. 06-07

[COVER PHOTO] KRYSTA STOVALL / KA LEO O HAWAI‘I [COVER DESIGN] AMY LOWE / KA LEO O HAWAI‘I

MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2017

KA LEO O HAWAI‘I: THE VOICE OF HAWAI‘I

ADVERTISING

advertising2@kaleo.org

Julius Rigius Advertising Manager

KA LEO O HAWAI‘I: THE VOICE OF HAWAI‘I Kevin Harrison Interim News Editor

MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2017

NEWS

news@kaleo.org @kaleoohawaii

 MEET THE STAFF

KA LEO

UH researchers get $1 million to track coral disease

EDITOR IN CHIEF Spencer Oshita MANAGING EDITOR Wesley Babcock BUSINESS EDITOR Jarin Moriguchi CHIEF COPY EDITOR Ana Bitter INTERIM DEPUTY CHIEF COPY EDITOR Wesley Babcock DESIGN EDITOR Lauren Tabor DEPUTY DESIGN EDITOR Amy Lowe INTERIM ISSUES EDITOR Spencer Oshita

VLAD KARPINSKIY / FLICKR 

Fake text. Please ask for a photo caption if one was not included.

NEWS EDITOR Kevin Harrison INTERIM FEATURES EDITOR

KEVIN HARRISON NEWS EDITOR

Researchers at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) have been awarded over $1 million from NASA to track coral reef disease in the Pacific, according to a press release. The $1.026 million grant will be used to develop forecasting models for coral reef disease in Hawai‘i, U.S.-affiliated Pacific islands like the Virgin Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. The international team of scientists will be headed by HIMB researcher Megan Donahue and a postdoctoral fellow at HIMB, Jamie Caldwell. HIMB is based out of UH Mānoa’s School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology. The four-year project will use field work, experiments, satellite

data and previously collected data to predict an expected outbreak of coral reef disease up to six months before it could happen. Some of the previous data that the study will be using is from 2004 and was collected from academic institutions, state and national government agencies in Hawai‘ i, Australia, Guam and American Samoa. Currently, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides a coral disease outbreak risk assessment for only one coral disease. This new grant money is meant to support the expansion of NOAA’s model to include multiple coral diseases and regions. “Coral reefs support over 500 million people worldwide through coastline protection, livelihoods and food security; they are an incredibly biodiverse and important ecological

system,” Caldwell said in the release. Other scientists working on the project include three from NOAA and two from James Cook University in Australia. “Importantly, survey observations from (new regions) can feed back into the development process to further improve the tools,” said Mark Eakin, one of the NOAA researchers working on the project, in the release. In the release, Caldwell called these forecasting models “decision support tools,” which will help people pinpoint areas of concern and highlight how environmental factors increase a coral reef’s susceptibility to disease. One such environmental factor may be fertilizer runoff from farmlands and golf courses. The model that this grant is fund-

ing will ideally update automatically as data on sea surface temperature comes in, along with data on other factors that affect coral health like rainfall and water quality. The model will then alert relevant agencies of potential outbreaks. If an outbreak occurs while the team is creating the model, affected sites will be surveyed to understand coral stress responses throughout the course of the outbreak. “Ultimately we want to predict pre-visible signs of stress so we can target management efforts to reduce stressors before a disease arises,” Caldwell said. On June 26, 2017, the research team will hold a workshop for those who will “most likely” use the models when they are complete. This workshop is to ensure the team is creating a model that is “useful.”

Wealth disparities within Hawai‘ i’s elderly population A new report cites gender and racial factors among the causes KEVIN HARRISON NEWS EDITOR

A new report out of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work says that older women in Hawai‘i are more likely to live in poverty than older men, according to a press release. As stated in the report, 9.1 percent of older women in the state live in poverty, compared to 5.8 percent of older men living under the same conditions. Unmarried older women are also over three times more likely (13 percent) to be poor than married older women (4.1 percent). The study deﬁnes “older” as anyone over the age of 65. The data used to calculate earnings and income is from 2014. “Many of the economic challenges that older women experience stem from inequities that women face

percent of older women and 29 percent of older men receive their annual income from Social Security. However, these women receive $12,000 from Social Security, whereas men receive $15,158. Overall, as of 2014, an older woman’s average annual income 9.1 percent of older women in the state live in is $26,684, if one factors in assets, poverty, compared to 5.8 percent of older men pension and retirement plans, earnliving under the same conditions. ings and Social Security. An older % man’s annual income, calculated using the same metrics, is $43,440. The report ends with a set of polto lay the foundation for economic namese, has the highest poverty icy recommendations that include ensuring that everyone in Hawai‘i security in retirement, especially for rate of 19.3 percent. On a national level, 31.7 percent has access to affordable healthcare the many older single women living without a spouse,” said Colette of women and 43.6 percent of men and “fully enforcing” legislation that Browne, a professor at the school of age 65 and older have pension or holds businesses accountable for resolving gender and racial disparsocial work and one of the authors retirement plans. The study also found that the ities in pay, hiring and promotion. of the report, in the release. It was also recommended that The report also says that pen- median income of older women in sion rates are highest among older Hawai‘ i is $18,253 and the median Hawai‘i policymakers be educated on the importance of paid sick and Japanese women (42.2 percent) and income for older men is $28,975. In terms of Social Security, 39.4 family leave. lowest among their Filipino peers earlier in life, including a persistent wage gap, the high cost of childcare and a shortage of affordable housing. This builds up over the course of a lifetime and limits women’s ability

9.1

(24 percent). However, Filipino women have the lowest poverty rate at 6.4 percent. The category “Other Asian,” which includes Koreans and Viet-

Jarin Moriguchi OPINIONS EDITOR Angelina Spence INTERIM SPORTS EDITOR Katie Almeida COMICS EDITOR Khari Saffo WEB EDITOR Algeo Rosario SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Jasmine Yi EXECUTIVE VIDEO PRODUCER Agatha Danglapin ASSOCIATE VIDEO PRODUCER Chavonnie Ramos PHOTOS EDITOR Krysta Stovall MARKETING DIRECTOR Julius Rigius

 ADMINISTRATION Ka Leo O Hawai‘i is the campus newspaper of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. It is published by the Student Media Board biweekly except on holidays and during exam periods. Circulation is 10,000 during the academic year and 5,000 during summer sessions. Ka Leo is funded by student fees and advertising. Its editorial content reﬂects only the views of its writers, reporters, columnists and editors, who are solely responsible for its content. No material that appears in Ka Leo may be reprinted or republished in any medium without permission. The ﬁrst newsstand copy is free; for additional copies, please visit Ka Leo. The Student Media Board, a student organization chartered by the University of Hawai‘i Board of Regents, publishes Ka Leo O Hawai‘i. Issues or concerns can be reported to the board via uhsmb@hawaii.edu. ©2017 Student Media Board

 LET’S HAVE A CHAT

KA LEO O HAWAI‘I UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I AT MĀNOA 2445 CAMPUS RD., HEMENWAY HALL 107 HONOLULU, HAWAI‘I 96822

NEWSROOM (808) 956-7043 ADVERTISING (808) 956-7043 FACSIMILE (808) 956-9962

KALEO@KALEO.ORG WWW.KALEO.ORG @KALEOOHAWAII

MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2017

KA LEO O HAWAI‘I: THE VOICE OF HAWAI‘I

SPORTS

sports@kaleo.org @kaleosports

Katie Almeida Interim Sports Editor

Local girl in the pros From Kamehameha to the Portland Thorns

HMLARSON / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS 

Meleana Shim is a midfielder who has played for the Portland Thorns for five years. KATIE ALMEIDA INTERIM SPORTS EDITOR

Meleana Shim was born and raised in Mānoa and has achieved a professional career in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) as a member of the Portland Thorns. Shim started her soccer career as a child and went on to play for Kamehameha, leading the team to three ILH championships and one state championship. “My sister is ten years older than me and she was playing high school soccer at Punahou,” Shim said. “I would go to her games and I thought it was so cool. She had a soccer ball and I would kick it around the house. (My parents) signed me up for an AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) team and I fell in love immediately. I think I was four or ﬁve and it was love from the beginning.” Shim was also part of the Ho‘okalakupua club team, and active in training camps that allowed access to people who would inspire her to further her soccer career, including two-time Olympic gold medalist Aly Wagner. “I was fortunate enough to have some mentors on the national team when I was a young girl,” Shim said. “They came out to Hawai‘i and trained me for a camp. Aly Wagner was the most important mentor for me. She played at Santa Clara and was on the national team while she played there. I wanted to follow in her footsteps. I didn’t know, logistically, how that would work out. It’s not a lifetime career. I have to eventually transition out of it when my body can’t handle it anymore. But ultimately, I can’t do this at any other point in my life, so I’m making the most out of it while I can.” Another accomplishment for Shim was representing the United States as part of the national U-23 team. While playing for the full national team is something that Shim says is on every player’s mind,

competing with players representing nations all over the world is an opportunity the NWSL provides her. “What’s very important to me is balance,” Shim said. “At that level, it’s a full-time commitment as far as travel and intensity goes. I take care of my body and mind, but it’s nice to have some space. Even just coming home for a little bit. You don’t have that luxury as much with the national team. But, I really love training with those players. I’m satisﬁed playing at the top level.”

home. Especially the fan base. I’ve never played anywhere else, except Japan for a brief stint, but there’s no other team I’d want to play for in the U.S.” The Portland Thorns are known for having the largest and loudest crowd in the NWSL, an accomplishment Shim says helps the team’s performance. “It’s unreal, it’s such a cool experience,” Shim said. “It can also be difﬁcult, to be honest, because other teams come into our place and it’s

While I have goals for myself … I try not to measure where I am based on those markers because there are so many things that are out of my control. After witnessing several other women’s professional soccer leagues fall, all of which Shim had been a part of, there is comfort in the NWSL, which has sustained itself for five years and continues to expand. “It’s been so different every year,” Shim said. “It’s been incredible to be a part of it from the beginning because I’ve seen it grow. Not just our team, but the league as a whole, with adding teams and expanding and getting more players competing and getting more people to know about it. I think people weren’t taking it seriously at first because we’ve had previous leagues fold, but it’s a huge deal that we’re in our fifth year and knowing there was a potential, sustainable women’s league for future generations. Hopefully we keep building and it sticks around and it’s eventually what the MSL (men’s soccer league) is.” Since the beginning of the NWSL, Shim has played for the Portland Thorns. “It’s like my second home,” Shim said. “I feel really comfortable there, my support system is there, I love my teammates. It feels like

the one of two times they’ll get to play in front of that crowd but we get that every home match. We’re comfortable, which is nice, but it’s a factor when we play away and we have to bring up our level a little bit because we don’t have that environment that’s built in. You have to get yourself a little bit more hyped. While at home, there’s no way you cannot have energy in that stadium.” But, with the NWSL having such a long offseason due to the current number of teams, Shim recognizes that other opportunities may arise, such as playing internationally again as she had in Japan. “It’s nice to come home in the offseason and have that ﬂexibility, especially since we go 7-8 months without being able to go anywhere,” Shim said. “I think it’s a great option for a lot of players and I won’t discount how much that can grow someone’s games. One of my close friends, Alex (Morgan), just went to France. I totally support that and I think that was a great move for her and the best thing she could’ve done for her career. I think if everything lines up and that’s what presents itself, I deﬁnitely won’t

shy away from it.” While the NWSL is the most popular women’s league in the U.S., work still needs to be done to ensure its future. “We ideally want our league to be closer to what the men’s schedule is like,” Shim said. “It’s hard to have such a long off-season. It’s good, because we have the opportunity to go play overseas, but it’s also a long time to be without your team. That’s one thing that other leagues in the world have that we are working towards.” Another way the NWSL is fighting to be like the men’s league is by lessening the pay discrepancy between teams. “I’m really glad I got re-signed and the minimum salary went up, which means we’re all getting treated a little bit better,” Shim said. “That’s a huge deal for us. Even though in the grand scheme of things, it’s a small increment, it’s still something. That speaks to our league growing and that more people are paying attention.” While Portland may be Meleana’s second home now, she misses Hawai‘ i and the support from her family and friends. “It’s kind of funny; they’ll text me throughout the whole game,” Shim said. “I’ll get back to the locker room after a game and have a thread of like 100 messages going back and forth between all of my family members. I love that they’re passionate about it and that they still follow even when they can’t be there for every game. It’ll be a lot better now that they can watch on TV and there is really good quality on our livestreams. It’s really cute, they’ll send me selfies in their jerseys and have watch parties.” The Portland Thorns currently have a 4-2-3 record in this NWSL season and stand at fourth in the league with a few matches left to play. Shim has her own mindset in order to perform best in games and get her team to the NWSL finals. “I perform the best when I’m free and enjoying the game,” Shim said.

“While I have goals for myself … I try not to measure where I am based on those markers because there are so many things that are out of my control. That’s been a lesson that I’ve had to learn the hard way. I’m so determined and competitive and persistent within competition and I hold myself to a very high standard, which is incredible and has helped me get to where I am, but it also can be really destructive if that’s all you have. So I try to keep perspective and show up everyday with my best attitude and ready to learn and contribute to the team.” You can support this local girl and the Portland Thorns against Kansas City on Wednesday, June 28 at 4 p.m. HST. Livestreams can be found at youtube.com/NWSLsoccer and the match will be broadcast on Go90.

FACTOID

CROPBOT / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

MELEANA SHIM HEIGHT: 5’4 HOMETOWN: Honolulu, Hawai‘i GRADUATED FROM: Santa Clara University PLAYED FOR ● Ho‘okalakupua ● Kamehameha Warriors ● Santa Clara Broncos ● Iga Kunochi FC ● Portland Thorns

MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2017

KA LEO O HAWAI‘I: THE VOICE OF HAWAI‘I Jarin Moriguchi Interim Features Editor

FEATURES

features@kaleo.org @kaleofeatures

THE BYTE

“Smule Sing!” Karaoke on your phone

JUSTIN HO STAFF WRITER

“Smule Sing!” is an app that allows users to sing with pop stars, create their own song arrangements and collaborate with other users through duets. From singing with Ed Sheeran to making unique song arrangements, this app has features that will fulﬁll many a karaoke lover’s dreams. GAMEPLAY

To start singing, users can either accept an invitation from another player or create their own arrangement for others to join in. When beginning, the user can choose to look through genres such as pop, R&B or hip hop, or search for a speciﬁc song using the search bar. Once a song is found, the user can choose to sing it as a solo or a duet. With a duet, the app instructs the player to sing only the lines that are highlighted in blue or orange. From there, vocal effects can be chosen and added in the editing portion, and the song is saved when completed.

The main problem with the gameplay is that the karaoke does not occur in real time. Rather, the user records their own vocals, which are then combined with another user’s to complete the track. Though there is the option to sing solo, the app’s most noteworthy feature is the duet, which allows people from around the world to connect through their favorite songs. Sometimes the app gives the user the option to sing with pop stars through the use of the “Sing with the Artist” feature. This feature allows you to sing with artists like Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran and Jessie J through FaceTime. Though their parts are pre-recorded, the experience is surprisingly realistic. INTERFACE AND SONG CHOICES

The interface for “Smule Sing!” feels professional and is not overrun with ads. The developers also made it easy to navigate between the app’s different features. For example, the feed is where one can look at friends’ activity and users can easily click away to the listen-

SOURCE: SMULE.COM 

Some artists in the “Sing with the Artist” feature encourage you while you are singing.

Every recording that the user completes is saved and kept in the profile’s channel.

ing section of the app, where the most popular collaborations are posted. From there, new and trending songs can be found in the Song-

RATING

SOCIAL ASPECTS

“Smule Sing!” incorporates features from other social media platforms to make it easy to inter-

“Smule Sing!” incorporates features from other social media platforms to make it easy to interact with other players. book. Nothing about the interface is confusing, and the app uses bold colors and texts that are clear and easy to read. Regarding song choices, one thing that is lacking is the number of arrangements for less popular songs – though there is the option to create a unique arrangement through the app’s Songbook. Even then, there is no guarantee that someone will be willing to join the track for a duet. Songs that are popular in the Hot 100 are also popular in “Sing!,” and artists like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande tend to generate the most interactions between players.

act with other players and even become friends. After singing a duet with someone, the app gives the option to follow the person and become friends with them. From there, one can upvote and comment on their tracks. Though “Sing!” is free to download, a VIP pass is needed to create your own duets and invite others to join in. But the app’s other features, such as listening to other users’ creations and joining invitations to sing, are free. “Smule Sing!” is available on Android, iOS and tvOS.

Ka Leo O Hawai‘i

MORE INFO

COST Free

GENRE Mvusic

DEVELOPER Smule, Inc.

SIZE 55.4 MB

MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2017

KA LEO O HAWAI‘I: THE VOICE OF HAWAI‘I

PHOTOS

photos@kaleo.org

Krysta Stovall Photos Editor

photos@kaleo.org

MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2017

PHOTOS

PHOTOS & CAPTIONS: KRYSTA STOVALL / PHOTOS EDITOR INTRODUCTION: JARIN MORIGUCHI / BUSINESS EDITOR

COVER STORY

Mālama Honua The sisters return

Hōkūle‘a and Hikianalia concluded the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage at ‘Aina Moana (Magic Island) on June 17, 2017. The two wa‘as sailed a collective 60,000 nautical miles, spreading their messages of unity, sustainability, cultural ingenuity and the balance of ancient knowledge and modern science. “In my lifetime, we’re always going to sail. We will do nothing tied to the dock,” said Pwo navigator and President of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, Nainoa Thompson, in a press conference. He highlighted the ongoing mission of Hōkūle‘a that will continue to move forward, carrying the spirit of aloha and inspiring walks of life across the world.

 Nainoa Thompson greets the cheering crowds

from the deck of the Hōkūle’a as he and the crew return from sea. Their Lei Ka’apuni Honua voyage is now the longest in written history without the use of modern technology.



 Cheers and Aloha Spirit fill the air

as O‘ahu welcomes home the Hōkūle’a from her three-year voyage.  Visitors young and old

gathered together to welcome the Hōkūle’a.

Crowds gather along the  water’s edge as the Nāmāhoe sails closer to shore.

 Hawai‘ i man honors the arrival of the

Hikianalia to Hawai‘ i.

 Hōkūle’a captains greet the

representatives of O’ahu as part of the traditional greeting ceremony.

MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2017

KA LEO O HAWAI‘I: THE VOICE OF HAWAI‘I

OPINIONS

opinions@kaleo.org @kaleoopinions

Angelina Spence Opinions Editor

PRIDE IS NOT YOUR PARTY How to be a straight ally during pride month

ILLUSTRATION BY LAUREN TABOR / KA LEO O HAWAI‘I 

Barack Obama was one of two U.S. presidents to acknowledge Pride month MARLEY AIU STAFF WRITER

June is Pride month in the United States, a month dedicated to the celebration and remembrance of the LGBTQ+ community. In cities across the country, streets are lined with rainbow ﬂags in anticipation of upcoming Pride events. While people of all ages, races, sexualitites and genders are welcome to participate in the celebration of Pride month, there is a ﬁne line as to where allies should stand. Allies are a necessary part of queer existence, as they play an important role in advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. However, this does not make them a part of the community itself. ARE YOU AN ALLY?

If you do not identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer but support those who do, you are an ally. To be an ally is not to be part of the community. Many might argue that there is an ally community of its own. Colleges across the country, such as the University of Oregon, have queer ally groups. As a supporter of something or someone, you are no more than just that. In the same way that you might support your local farmer’s market, understanding the farming process, purchasing the goods and exchanging conversation with the farmer every Sunday still does not make you a farmer – you are simply a supporter, an ally. GET TO KNOW A MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY

The ﬁrst step to understanding your role as an ally is to know where you stand. Though your best friend

might be gay, your mother transgender or your sister bisexual, you are still straight and/or cisgender (cisgender means to identify with the gender you were assigned at birth). No amount of afﬁliation will ever put you in a position of understanding exactly what it is like to be queer.

preference, the word ‘queer’ is one that should not be shied away from. The Pride magazine explains why the word ‘queer’ does not need to be avoided and how its use is, in fact, encouraged. However, there are members of the community who take offense to

No amount of afﬁliation will ever put you in a position of understanding exactly what it is like to be queer. Familiarity with one person in the queer community might acquaint you with the experiences of that speciﬁc person. But being queer is as complicated as identifying with any other human label: experiences are unique to each individual and can vary depending on who you talk to. Work to understand your source and where they are coming from. The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs reports 60 percent of hate crimes committed in 2015 were directed toward people of color. This means that being a white member of the queer community and being a person of color in the queer community are vastly different experiences. FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE TERMS

For many years the term ‘queer’ was a demeaning slur for members of the LGBTQ+ community, but it has since been reclaimed. In recent years, the word ‘queer’ has become a refreshing, concise and inclusive term used to describe the LGBTQ+ community. While everyone has a label of

being called queer as the word still carries a derogatory connotation. It is by no means offensive to ask how a person identiﬁes and what their label(s) are, as long as it is done with respect. While ‘queer’ is an umbrella term, there are many speciﬁc labels that go beyond the letters LBGTQ. As for LGBTQ, the letters stand for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning. Sometimes, there is an ‘A’ added at the end, which can stand for asexual or agender. In most cases, LGBTQA is followed by a plus sign, a way of indicating that it is inclusive of any other label one might use to identify as, such as pansexual or nonbinary. KNOW THE BASICS

A common confusion is the difference between sexuality and gender. Sexuality, as deﬁned by the Human Rights Campaign, is “an inherent or immutable enduring emotional, romantic or sexual attraction to other people.” It is the way in which a person is attracted to another person, whether it be sexual, emotional or physical attraction.

The Human Rights Campaign defines gender as “one’s innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither – how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves.” Gender fluctuates in accordance to each individual’s perception of gender, which may or may not align with their biological sex. Examples of different gender labels are feminine, masculine and nonbinary. Another common misunderstanding is that sex and gender are interchangeable. Gender is a self-identified representation of the way in which a person presents themself to the world whereas sex is based on the hormonal and physical makeup of a person. As Medical News Today puts it, ‘sex’ tends to relate to biological differences” whereas “gender roles are adhered to as an (often subliminal) response to family interactions, the media, peers and education.” Sex and gender are not the same. COME CELEBRATE!

While Pride parades and festivals welcome allies and LGBTQ+ members alike, they are not parties for straight and/or cis allies to use as an excuse for reckless drinking and a stage for which to display skimpy, colorful outﬁts. Pride is a place of celebration, yes, but it also carries with it a heavy history that demands the respect and understanding of those who choose to partake in the fun. The queer community invites allies to join in the festivities, to donate where money is needed and to embrace the lives of those who have fought and are ﬁghting for a better and equal existence. Pride

is not a straight-ally party, but it is the place for celebration. Ka Leo O Hawai‘i

MORE INFO

ON CAMPUS RESOURCES: LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, AND INTERSEX (LGBTI) STUDENT SERVICES ADVOCATES FOR LGBTQ+ STUDENTS AT UH MĀNOA LOCATION: QLCSS 211 SERVICES INCLUDE: Crisis response related to hate crimes, harassment and other specialized needs. _ The Safe Zone Training Program that raises awareness to LGBTI issues on campus and sharpens skills of allies to help end harassment. _ LGBTI and Ally Coﬀee Hour, a weekly drop-in support group held in QLCSS 211 _ Educational programs and events, including National Coming Out Day in October, an annual UH system-wide LGBTI conference and the Rainbow Extravaganza. (Source: manoa.hawaii.edu/ lgbt/programs.html)

KA LEO O HAWAI‘I: THE VOICE OF HAWAI‘I Angelina Spence Opinions Editor

MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2017

OPINIONS

opinions@kaleo.org @kaleoopinions

MATTHEW HURST / FLICKR 

Millenials are the generation born between 1980 and 2004.

Millennials are killing everything, and that’s good! Voicing the benefits of the death of certain industries TĀLIS ZOMMERS INTERN

Many have blamed the millennial generation for destroying the economy by “killing” certain products and industries like golf, cereal and even department stores. However, what many people do not understand is that the situation is more complicated than millennials supposedly causing commercial damage. Millennials’ choice not to buy certain things is actually good for the economy. Capitalism is centered around supply and demand, constantly forcing companies to innovate. Since millennials are not able to afford the same luxuries that their parents could at their age, including name-brand food, cars, topnotch appliances and even houses, many high-end, expensive industries are dying out. Some of the companies that have not kept up are trying to blame millennials rather than working to adapt to the new market – which is not how a company survives in a capitalist country.

WHICH INDUSTRIES ARE “DYING”?

There are a few industries whose decline millennials are said to be responsible for. Taking obscure examples such as millennials killing dinner, marriage and vacations out of the picture, here are a few major things that millennials are supposedly “killing.” In their 2016 report on golf participation, the National Golf Foundation found 24.1 million Americans play golf, compared to 30.6 million in 2003. The declining golf industry is sometimes blamed on millennials, who do not pick up the game as much as their Boomer parents. In the mid-1990s around 9 million Americans age 18 to 34 participated in golf. That ﬁgure is now down to 6 million. Many retail stores hold millennials responsible for their decline, as fewer millennials purchase their goods at physical stores, and instead buy online. These stores include Sears, Macy’s and other department stores. Millenials, which encompass the 18 to 34 age range, make 54 percent of their purchases online, according to UPS and Comscores 2016 report. The New York Times used a sur-

vey by Mintel to say that millennials are too lazy to eat cereal in the morning anymore. The Mintel survey found that 40 percent of millenials surveyed said cereal was an “inconvenient breakfas choice because they had to clean up after eating it.” WHY CAN’T MILLENNIALS INVEST IN THESE PRODUCTS?

While the indolence of millennials is the common reason given for

reported on the work habits of Americans. Millenials more than any other age group were deemed ‘work martyrs.’ Time off deﬁned a work martyr as a person who refrains from taking time off and feel guilty if they do so. 43 percent of millenials fell into the ‘work martyr’ category, compared to 29 percent of the entire work force. With their limited amount of time, millenials will pursue more conve-

With different outlooks on work and money, than their Boomer parents, millenials are steering towards convenience. why these industries appear to be dying, there are actual, legitimate reasons as to why these industries are on their way out. With different outlooks on work and money, than their Boomer parents, millenials are steering towards convenience. For golf, time and money prevent millenials from taking up the sport. As millenials spend more time at work, their chances of playing golf plummet. In their 2017 report, Time Off

nient approaches to ﬁtness. They instead go with cycling, running or other high-intensity sports in order to look better. Golf should not feel bad; there are plenty of sports, including hockey, NASCAR and boxing, that have declined in popularity compared to past years. Certain retail companies, such as Barnes and Noble, have noticed that millennials have less money to spend and, as a result, need to accommodate them by enhanc-

ing online sales. While department stores still have use, such as to physically store certain products or to provide physical interaction, their decline is solely based on companies not wanting to modernize. Finally, the case of cereal continues the idea of keeping a better body. More millennials believe that cereal provides a sugar rush as opposed to actual energy, so while they might eat it as a snack every so often, it is hardly a breakfast food that ﬁts with the millennial diet. It is essentially a wake-up call for cereal companies to make a healthier product, or risk losing money. In short, even if millennials are killing everything that Americans hold dear, that is simply the way capitalism works. The millennial generation is just trying to lead the healthiest lifestyle it can, with a limited budget.

What do you think? Let us know @KaLeoOpinions

MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2017

KA LEO O HAWAI‘I: THE VOICE OF HAWAI‘I

OPINIONS

opinions@kaleo.org @kaleoopinions

Angelina Spence Interim Opinions Editor

DYLAN DEANGELO / KA LEO O HAWAI‘I 

A 2016 report by the Governors Highways Safety Association revealed an 11 percent increase of pedestrians killed in traffic.

Mobile device ban on crosswalks a reasonable precaution Pedestrian safety over fatality CHANEL DIAS STAFF WRITER

Owning a smartphone can be convenient, until it becomes too distracting – especially when crossing the street. The state of Hawai‘i is pushing to legalize Bill 6, which would make it

tronic devices,” said Brandon Elefante, the state council member who introduced the bill, to KHON2. “We don’t certainly want it to lead to a casualty or a severe injury with people crossing the street.” To enact such a bill into law would be a way to greater ensure pedestrians their safety, by keeping

We believe that pedestrian safety and trafﬁc safety, in general, is a shared responsibility and requires a collaborative effort. – MAJOR KERRY INOUYE HPD TRAFFIC DIVISION

illegal for people to use their smartphones while using a crosswalk. “As technology has advanced in the last decade, we see that more and more people are not paying attention to their surroundings, and looking at their mobile elec-

their eyes on the crosswalk rather than their phone screens. A DISTURBING TREND

Preventing pedestrian-related accidents is a rational goal. With an average of 24 pedestrian deaths per year

recorded in Hawai‘i between 2008 and 2012, preventing fatalities is also a concern. According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, pedestrian deaths nationwide in 2016 reached its highest in over two decades at nearly 6,000 deaths. Pedestrian deaths are also rising more rapidly than motorist deaths according to the report. Maureen Vogel, spokesperson for the National Safety Council, commented on the role of distracted walking in pedestrian accidents. “We have noticed over the years increases in the numbers of injuries related to distracted walking – pedestrians being distracted by cellphones and then injuring themselves because of these distractions,” Vogel said to National Public Radio. In their 2016 report, “Effect of Electronic Device Use on Pedestrain Safety: A Literature Review,” The National Highway Trafﬁc Safety Administration (NHTSA) also looked

into the hazard of distracted walking.. “In 2012, more than 1,500 pedestrians nationwide were treated in emergency rooms as a result of being injured while walking and engaged in cellphone conversations, which was more than twice the number reported in 2005,” the NHTSA’s analysis found. Should Bill 6 be enacted, the possibility of decreasing fatality rates would be a welcome reality. A REASONABLE PUNISHMENT

Once put into law, Bill 6 will impose a fine of $15 to $100 for the first offense if pedestrians are caught using a mobile device while in a crosswalk. For a second offense, the fine may increase to up to $200. If the perpetrator is caught breaking the law a third time within the same year, a fine of up to $500 could be filed against them. “I think the first offense should be more of a warning,” said Ariana Kepilino, a full-time Hawaiian studies student at Windward Community Col-

lege. “Just to let the people know that this is no game the law is playing.” Inouye also stated that forensic analysis will be used, should there be a lack of witnesses present at serious accidents or crime scenes. THE BIGGER ISSUES

The banning of mobile usage while crossing the street is one of many solutions to keep pedestrians safe. “I think it’s even more dangerous on crosswalks without stop signs or trafﬁc light[s],” Kepilino said. “If the state could ﬁx that as well, it would be a relief.” With the state of Hawai‘i ranked as number one for danger to senior pedestrians, it is the duty of both pedestrians and drivers to be responsible on the road at all times. Laws are only one way of keeping pedestrians safe. But being alert while behind the wheel or crossing a street can make all the difference. Ka Leo O Hawai‘i

KA LEO O HAWAI‘I: THE VOICE OF HAWAI‘I Khari Saﬀo Comics Editor

MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2017

COMICS

comics@kaleo.org

COMICS

YOU‛RE

YOU‛RE REALLY

MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2017

KA LEO O HAWAI‘I: THE VOICE OF HAWAI‘I

ADVERTISING

advertising2@kaleo.org

Julius Rigius Advertising Manager