April 4, 2013
Ke Alaka i Volume 102: Issue 12
THE LEADER
Prehistoric romance 9 Dino-mite Winter ball wows
Seniors of Significance 10 2013 graduate features
Saying aloha once more 16 PCC reopens renovated Hawaiian Village
Ke Alaka i
Photo of the Week
April 4, 2013 • Volume 102: Issue 12 Editor-in-chief
Advisor
M a r i ssa E l d e r
L e e A n n L amb e r t
Head Photographer
Art Director
M ei Y i n
Mic h ae l Gulde n
COPY EDITORs
VIDEO PRODUCTION
Martin Milius Jef f M c L e o d M a kenz i e H e a d
A J Eddy A llie Gardin e r
PHOTOGRAPHERs
ART & GRAPHICS
M a t t M cD o n a l d E m i ly Wa d d e l l Kyoko H a s e gawa
Be c c a H aw s Ste ph an ie T s e Make n z ie H e ad
MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISTS Lisa Tuttle, Jeff McLeod, Sydney Odell, Clover Cheng, Stephany France, Dylan-Sage Wilcox, Alec Barney, Ethan Toledo, Robinia Tan, Jennifer Herrera, Matt Bledsoe, Martin Milius, Tucker Grimshaw, Hailey Gardiner, Austin Meldrum.
INTERNS M ei Y i n M a V i s Ta g u ba
AD MANAGER Matth ew Ble ds o e
Hundreds of children search Gunstock Ranch for 6,000 hidden eggs on Saturday, March 30. Families celebrate the 25th annual Gunstock Ranch Egg Hunt. Photo by Mei Yin
Table of Contents [page 9]
CONTACT
Pre-hist or ic Ball at PCC
E-mail: ke a l a k a i @ by u h .e du Ad Information: ke a l a k aiads @ gmail.c o m Phone: ( 8 0 8 ) 6 7 5 - 3 6 9 4 Fax: ( 8 0 8 ) 6 7 5 - 3 4 9 1 Office: C a m p u s , A l o h a C e n te r 134
NEWS CENTER Box 1920 BYUH Laie, HI 96762
Publisher P r in t Se r vic e s
E d i t or i a l , p h o to s u bmis s io n s & dis tr ibut i on i n qu i r i e s : ke a l a k ai@ byuh .e du. To sub sc r i be to th e R S S FEED o r to view a d d i t i o n a l a r ti cl e s , go to ke alak ai.byuh . ed u.
ON THE COVER
Senior speaker Karen Jasmin Iwamoto, a TESOL major, will address her peers at the April 2013 commencement ceremony. She plans on opening her own English instructional center. Photo by Mei Yin
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[page 10] Senior Features
[page 16] PCC Open House
[page 19] First woman to pray in General Conf erence
Share with us your photo of the week and we may feature it in our next issue. e-mail us at kealakai@byuh.edu
CALENDAR
APRIL
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BYUHSA Closing Social goes from 9-12 p.m. in the Little Circle. Bring your dancing shoes.
APRIL
Piano Majors Recital will take place from 7:30-9 p.m. in the McKay Building Auditorium. Free Admission and plenty of free parking. Please no food or drink allowed. Children under the age of 8 are discouraged from attending.
APRIL
Live sessions of General Conference from Salt Lake City. First session starts at 6 a.m. and second session starts at 10 a.m. Live sessions continue on Sunday, April 7 at 6 and 8 a.m. Saturday Priesthood evening session will be live at 2 p.m. and shown again Sunday at 6 p.m. All sessions will be shown in the BYUH Stake Center.
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the week in
QUOTES
“What we love determines what we seek. What we seek determines what we think and do. What we think and do determines who we are — and who we will become.” - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
“I hope you will go out today looking for opportunities to do as He did and to love as He loves. I can promise you the peace that you felt as a child will come to you often and it will linger with you. The promise is true that He made to His disciples: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:... not as the world giveth, give I unto you.”
-President Henry B. Eyring
NOTE WORTHY news headlines
Waimea Canyon in Kauai has been preserved as a park. One of the Hawaii senators would like to add more parks to Hawaii. Photo courtesy of Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Bill seeks to expand Hawaii’s National Parks U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz introduced a bill that seeks to expand Hawaii’s national parks, preserving the state’s special places while bringing in more tourism dollars. Hawaii has seven national parks, but Schatz wants to add more. The Pacific Islands Parks Act of 2013, the first bill to be introduced by the senator. He was sworn in last December as the late Democratic Sen. Daniel Inouye’s successor and directed the National Park Service to complete studies of three designated sites in Hawaii. The bill would also allow for studies on Midway Atoll, the Northern Mariana Islands and Palau. Schatz said Hawaii has great resources in its unique mountains, forests, volcanoes, trails and wildlife. “Visitors from all over the world travel to Hawaii to experience not only the natural beauty, but also the cultural and historical significance of our national parks, which has resulted in a significant contribution to our state’s growing economy,” he said in a statement. Schatz said more national parks mean more money for Hawaii, adding in 2011 the
state’s seven national parks generated $259 million in spending. He said stakeholders, including community groups, would work closely with the National Park Service on a process to evaluate good candidates for national park status. He also said communities would be able to contribute in the decision-making process and added that each of the islands has great assets to offer. National parks in the U.S. contribute a total of $725.5 billion each year to the national economy and provide 6.1 million jobs. They are a wise investment for Hawaii as well, said Lea Hong, state director for the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, citing figures from the Outdoor Industry Association She said more national parks will prove to be “a big shot in the arm” for the Hawaii economy. Lily Durose, a senior studying EXS from California, said, “People come to Hawaii for its natural beauty. I can see how [the bill] can benefit the economy, drawing more tourists to the islands.” - T UCKE R GRIMSHAW
April 4, 2013
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Egg Hunt at Gunstock Ranch Community celebrates Easter
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-2-1 and the kids were off and running at the 25th annual Gunstock Ranch Egg Hunt. Hundreds of kids and family members gathered to enjoy the free holiday festivities on Saturday, March 30. Greg Smith, the owner of Gunstock Ranch, said in an announcement over the PA system at the event, “My mom and Dad started it, the first one was just a dozen kids. We get donations by cackle fresh. They donated 3,000 eggs, and then we purchased 3,000 fake eggs. On Friday, we had volunteers help stuff and dye eggs.” No child left empty handed; kids were lugging around big collections of the eggs they found. Children also enjoyed pony rides and a petting zoo. “It’s our one big day to give back to the community. We are probably the only Easter egg hunt that has mounted the Easter bunny on a horse,” said Smith with a laugh. “All the volunteers hide the eggs. We are just
trying to make memories at Gunstock Ranch. Some of the people here have been doing this for 25 years. They were coming when they were kids and now they are bringing their kids to do the same thing,” added Smith. Smith gave credit to the volunteers, many of whom were from BYU-Hawaii. These volunteers spent morning and afternoon helping to make the event a success. The BYUH Service Center helped supply 23 student volunteers, who offered a total of 72 hours of service in hiding the eggs and leading the horse rides for the children. For their time and service, Gunstock awarded the volunteers with free Horseback rides. Jordan Berardy, a BYUH alumnus and BYUH Service Center intern and supervisor from Honolulu, said, “The Service Center seeks to be the most aware organization. We identify and meet then needs of the university and the community. We can help them. We can provide volunteers. We con-
tacted Gunstock and offered to supply them with volunteers. Our function is to be aware of the community.” Toby Redd, a business major from Washington and the manager assistant for the Service Center, said, “We want to bridge the gap between the university and the community. So we look for service projects to complete our mission. We want to serve and make the community better.” Bree Hannamen, a BYUH alumnus and community member, attended the egg hunt for the first time this year. She said, “I was impressed, it was very well organized. All the kids had big smiles on their faces.” Ashanti Bruce, a freshman studying business from Boise, Idaho, said, “It was so much fun watching the kids having a blast. All the kids had huge buckets of eggs. The petting zoo was cool. It was a great way to spend Easter in a family setting.”
-Lisa Tuttle
The Easter Bunny rides around Gunstock Ranch as the kids search for eggs. photos by Mei Yin
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Rugby Returns Laie Lions beats Stanford University
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he Laie Lions Rugby team won against Stanford University by 49-7 on Thursday, March 28. The team is comprised mostly of BYU-Hawaii students who play against other teams in Hawaii. Inga Tukuafu, a junior studying supply chain operation from Tonga, said, “We have a future here at BYUH. We have a lot of talent we are ready to unleash. It was also a good opportunity for boys in the islands to spread the gospel. It was a game Stanford wasn’t expecting to loose, but we played fair and square to deserve the win. I think Polynesia is different now than before. We proved today we could hold our temper.” A large crowd of students, and community members gathered to cheer on the Laie Lions at Kahuku High School. The team members gave a show to their fans as their experiences and teamwork helped them defeat Stanford. Vai Leka Liu, a junior studying EXS from San Francisco, Calif., said, “I think it was a great experience for the locals and the students to see the talents we have. Stanford had a good show. They played really well and they were well coached. Our team was also well coached. They are a young team, so it was a good learning experience for them. Hopefully, BYUH saw our talents.” Expressing his hope for this game to serve as a motivation to bring back the Rugby team at BYUH, Junior Tauihalangingie, a junior studying social work from Oakland, Calif., said, “It was a good opportunity to play against collegiate programs. It was a good showcase of what BYUH has to offer. It shows that Polynesians are good for other things than just dancing at the Polynesian Cultural Center.” The Laie Lions are now in the playoffs. Their hopes are high after coming off the big Stanford win.
have a future here at BYUH, “We we have a lot of talent we are ready to unleash. ” -Inga Tukuafu
-L isa T uttle
The Laie community rugby team, the Laie Lions, dominated in its match against Stanford University and is now in the playoffs. Photos by AP.
April 4, 2013
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1000 Shillings Building hope for impoverished women
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YU-Hawaii students gathered to learn how to support impoverished women in Uganda and Nepal with “1000 Shillings,” a profit organization co-created by BYUH alumnus Alexis Young, in the McKay Foyer on March 30. “1000 Shillings” became the name of the company based on the amount of money the average woman in the Namatala slum lives on per day – approximately 1,000 Ugandan Shillings, or $0.40. It costs 2,000 Shillings to buy a can of soda in Africa. 1000 Shillings’ goal is to empower impoverished women artisans around the world by giving their products an international market, a platform for the women to tell their stories, and seed capital for the women who want to start their own businesses. Anthony Noble, a political science senior from Washington as well as the “One” president, said he would like to see what other humanitarian organizations do to help people all over the world. He said, “I served a mission in Africa and I expect to hear to learn a lot from 1000 Shillings.” The host, Seth Young, is a peacebuilding junior from Arizona. His sister, Alexis Young, is one of the company’s cofounders. He said, “Raising awareness is my full purpose, and to help my sister and the women in Africa and Nepal by spreading the word about ‘1000 Shillings.’” Young showed videos with testimonies from the women in Africa and Nepal who “1000 Shillings” is currently helping them to generate income and become independent. A Ugandan woman named Esther was formerly a farmer who used to earn 500 Shillings or $0.20 a day. “1000 Shillings” taught her how to make jewelry and sell it overseas. She appreciated 1000 Shillings, saying in the video, “Now I can eat breakfast with my family. Thank you.” A Nepali woman, Saili, also gave thanks to 1000 Shillings. Saili was a victim of Ke Alaka‘i
An organization started by a BYU-Hawaii alumnae helps women in Uganda and Nepal begin their own businesses like making and selling jewelry. Photos by Kyoko Hasegawa
sex trafficking. She was sold as a sex worker when she was 16, but is now in a recovery home at age 21. She learned how to sew scarves and make jewelry to sell and provide for her son. Showing guests the jewelry and other products made by these women of 1000 Shillings, Young invited guests to handle the products after the event. “Think of the stories of each product,” Young said and picked up a necklace. “It is a worthy cost to help these women and their families. It is about supporting women and building peace. Peace is harder to achieve if people’s basic needs are not achieved.” Seeley Dopp, a peacebuilding junior from Idaho, said, “There are so many nonprofit organizations for Africa, but not for the U.S. We have sex trafficking here too. Maybe we can learn from “1000 Shillings” to do something to help the women in need,” she said. More information about 1000 Shillings can be found at www.1000shillings.com. - C lo v er C hen g
NSSWO
North Shore Symphonic Wind Orchestra ‘We make music’
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eople gathered from around the community to hear the classical sounds of the North Shore Symphonic Wind Orchestra on Saturday, March 30, in the McKay Auditorium. “I thought it went extremely well,” said Ben Hoff, a senior in musical composition from Colorado. “Carmina Burana for the NSSWO portion is a really difficult piece, and I was really impressed that everyone was able to pull it together.” The crowd was scattered in seats around the auditorium, with a good turnout considering students’ busy schedules. “It’s hard to get people to come to concerts because of finals,” said Hoff. “Everyone is studying really hard to prepare for the end of the semester, graduation, and things like that, but there was a fair amount of people there. I was impressed.” At 7:30 p.m., the lights dimmed, the doors closed, and the crowd hushed as the first group, the Saxidentals, winners of “BYUH Got Talent,” began its performance. “We did a ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ medley, a ‘Les Miserables’ medley, and one of the pieces that I wrote,” said Hoff. “It was really fun to be able to hear that in a concert setting.” Also making up the first half of the night was Daniel Edwards, who did solo performances on the marimba as well as the steel drum. “It’s pretty rare,” said Edwards, a senior in percussion performance from Utah. “There aren’t that many solo pieces written for steel drum right now. But as it’s becoming more popular throughout the world, there are more solos being written for steel drum.” After a short intermission, the rest of the night was given to NSSWO for their two pieces. The first was the Prelude and Fugue in Bb, a Bach piece, followed by a performance of thirteen movements of Carmina Burana, composed by Carl Orff. The orchestra performed for about a half-hour straight before the final note faded and the audience clapped and cheered for the ensemble. The orchestra’s page on the BYUH website says, NSSWO “Is a college-community venture comprising current BYUH students and interested community members. The ensemble includes woodwinds, brasses, and percussion, and will rehearse and perform a high-quality band repertoire from a variety of musical genres.” The NSSWO was founded in 2009 and has been giving performances for the community and students ever since. For more information on NSSWO and its upcoming performances, visit its Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/NSSWO. -E tha n T o le d o
Top: The North Shore Symphonic Wind Orchestra takes a bow at a concert on March 30. Top middle: BYUH faculty member David Kammerer greets Ernest Taniguchi, the director of the NSSWO. Middle: The Saxidentals also performed. Bottom: Percussionist Daniel Edwards was another of the performers. Photos by Kyoko Hasegawa April 4, 2013
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CAMPUS
COMMENT
‘I pity the fool’ Campus Comment on April Fools Brianna Garrido, a freshman in ICS and peacebuilding from Wahiawa, said, “In 2nd grade, my teacher convinced our class that the President removed summer break from our school and managed to drag it out for 45 minutes. We just sat there being so depressed thinking we would never have another break.”
Shaquille Byrnes, a sophomore in history from New Zealand, said, “Once I put a hose through the window in the shower and turned it on full blast, while my dad was in there showering. It was super cold too since it was in the middle of the winter.”
Preston Squire, a junior in ICS and peacebuilding from Utah, said, “This year I got pranked by a friend who put a ‘for sale’ sign on my scooter for dirt cheap, like $250, along with my phone number. I got a bunch of calls from people calling to buy it.”
-SYDN E Y ODE LL
Ammon Styles, a sophomore in IT from Washington, said, “One year my friend and I, TP’ed the missionaries’ apartment. They laughed it off as a joke, but they also made us come and clean it up afterwards.”
Daniel McKendrick, a senior in business management from California, said, “My friend said that he was transferring to BYU-Provo, which was really good because it’s something totally believable and outside of the norm, but it was just a prank. It even got 150 likes.”
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Winter Ball
Dinner and dancing at the PCC
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tudents donned animal print gowns and ties and traveled back to a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth at the BYUH 2013 “Prehistoric Romance” themed Winter Ball. The dinner dance was held Friday, March 29 in the Gateway restaurant at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Paul Bacera, a sophomore majoring in business from California said the ball was “so rad. BYUH is such a great school.” The PCC opened its doors to students at 9 p.m., starting the evening with dinner accompanied by live music by BYUH Got Talent champions, the Saxidentals and second-place winners Dan Edwards and Dallin Coburn. Students dined on food provided by the Gateway restaurant, sitting at tables spread across the sides of the room. Casey Nixon, a freshman majoring in business from Colorado, as a part of BYUHSA special events, helped plan and put on the ball. Nixon worked on providing the music for the event, hiring the deejay and providing the student entertainment. “It went a lot better than I thought it would,” said Nixon. “Lots of people showed up and I think everybody had a good time.” A second wave of attendees arrived after dinner to enjoy the musical mixing talents of DJ Fehi, who provided a variety of music. Andrew McGrevy, a junior majoring in EXS from Tahiti, noted the music was the highlight of his evening. “There was a great variety of songs,” said McGrevy, “Not only
dance and pop, but also slow songs which allowed couples to dance and the single people to go and pick up those who were sitting down.” When not hitting the dance floor, students were encouraged to visit a chocolate fountain and a photobooth outside, where they could dress up in pre-historic garb and pose for memorable photos.
Couples and dates weren’t the only people in attendance. For students like Yoonji Lee, a sophomore studying political science from South Korea, the ball provided a great atmosphere for good friends to enjoy one another’s company. “I enjoyed dancing with my best friends,” said Lee. “If I didn’t have such great friends, I wouldn’t have come by myself.” - Hailey Gar diner
Top: Matt Lotomau and Ezra Stevenson stop and pose for a photo at the winter ball. Above: Couples enjoy each’s company at the prehistoric themed dance. Photos by Emily Waddel
April 4, 2013
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Always as a Team
Support amidst the struggles
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orree and Terryn Soelberg, known for their competitive play on the soccer field, have gone through almost every step of their lives side by side. The set of twins, graduating seniors from Bakersfield, Calif. in exercise sport science, are similar, yet to those that know them well, they are very different. Their competitive spirit, and passion for the gospel makes these two twins, one of a kind. Their genuine friendship started young. “Friendship had always been there,” said Torree. “In about the 6th grade we started to realize that we were becoming good friends.” Terryn shared, “When we were in class people would ask ‘who’s your best friend?’ I had a lot of friends, but I realized that I do everything with Torree, that would be considered a best friend.” Torree continued, “We did everything together; bike rides, basketball in the front yard after school, and lots of summers in the pool in our backyard. It gets really hot in Bakersfield. We spent a lot of time in that pool.” They have always played on the same team, winning scoring titles, state championships, and both learned at a young age what it took to be a true teammate and leader while never letting their love fail. One of the qualities of being a best friend is being supportive through trials, and nothing is more devastating to an athlete than potential crippling injuries. Torre shared, “I was first to hurt my knee. I tore my ACL, MCL and meniscus when I was 13. I didn’t really understand what happened when I got injured. From what people were telling me I thought that I would never be able to play soccer again, but I remember Terryn being there, telling me ‘it was going to be okay.’” Terryn said of the experience, “I remember them taking Torre back for sur-
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gery. They would only let the parents back to that part of the hospital. I remember her being very nervous and her blood pressure was really high. The doctors were getting really nervous and were asking her what they could do to calm her down and Torree asked if they could go get Terryn. I was in the waiting room and a doctor came out and asked if anyone there had a twin sister that was in surgery. They let me back and I was able to sit with her. Even though I was really nervous I was able to help calm her down and let her know that she could do this. After surgery the doctor came to us and said everything went great, and counseled me, ‘now don’t you go do the same thing’ and two weeks later I tore the ACL in my knee.” Their father Kurt Soelberg shared how touching it was to see his daughters care for each other at such a young age, “Exactly two weeks after Torree’s surgery, Terryn went under the knife. Now it was Torree’s turn to care for her sister, even though she just had surgery and was still on crutches herself. She took over the care of her sister, filling her every need, just like Terryn had done for her two weeks prior. Little did we know that this would be the first of many times that they would care for each other post surgery.” They were both on crutches, fully equipped with knee braces and supported each other through physical therapy. “It was actually really embarrassing,” Terryn said. “Our mom would take us both on errands and we didn’t want to go together because we didn’t want to be twins on crutches” Over the next several years there would be 13 knee surgeries between the two of them. This made each return to the soccer field remarkable, as they continued to lead their teams in scoring as captains. Sadly, they
Above: Torree and Terryn Soelberg pose together in front of Laie Temple. Photo by Matt Bledsoe. Right: Childhood photos of twins in school, sports and friendship. Photos courtesy of the Soelbergs.
almost never got to play with each other due to their injuries being so sporadic. During Terryn’s recovery, she would cheer Torree on from the sideline, never feeling jealous or envious, only wanting he sister to excel. “Torree always made me feel involved, even though I wasn’t part of the team. She would come to me on the side line and ask what she could do better.” Going through so many of the same trials and struggles made them even closer. Torree shared, “I knew exactly what would hurt her, and what wouldn’t, so we knew how to care for each other. Our older sister would try to help sometimes and we would have to sometimes stop her saying, ‘no don’t do that!’ I knew personally what hurt when recovering, and so did she.” Torree continued, “There were a lot of hard times going through all those knee injuries. We would ask ourselves ‘why me?’ Why am I hurt again? Why cant we just play soccer?’ We had to teach ourselves how to walk three different times, and we leaned on each other for strength. The first time we were hurt was together, but each time after that one of us would care for the other.” Terryn said, “We would lean on each other for our testimonies also. We would send each other texts with a scripture that would uplift us and help us, that would teach us that this suffering is temporary.” She
said that it was great to have someone their to be strong and say, “‘We will get through this together, you are not alone.’” They chose BYU–Hawaii because “We were the only members of the church on our team in our other college,” Terryn said, “and we wanted to be at a church school. We had offers to go to bigger universities, but we wanted to be around people that had the same beliefs as us.” Their senior year here as members of the BYUH soccer team marked the last time they might be teammates on a competitive team. Graduation signals a new stage in life where a career and future family responsibilities will not keep them as close as they always have been. “We have come to understand that its time to go our separate ways, to pursue our own dreams, but we are going to stay close. We have set rules on how far away we will live from each other.” Terryn said while laughing. “I know with out a doubt that I would not be who I am today without her.” Torree shared her feelings, “I think Heavenly Father wanted us to have each other to lean on so that we wouldn’t lose our way, and strengthen each other as well.” Torree and Terryn Soelberg define what it means to be best friends, being sisters was just convenient. - M ATThew BLE DSOE
April 4, 2013
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Hannah ‘Abi’gail Brammer
Favorite Candy: Skittles Favorite Novel(s): ‘East of Eden’, ‘The Godfather’, etc. Favorite place on the Island: The drive from Dole Plantation to Haleiwa Favorite Movie: ‘The Lord of the Rings Trilogy’
Hannah Abigail Brammer is heading to Spain after graduation to teach English. Photo by Mei Yin
Grammar girl graduates with honors
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ince transferring to BYU-Hawaii in 2011, Hannah Abigail Brammer, an English major from New York, who goes by Abi, has been actively engaged in bettering the lives of those around her as well as her own, and making a profound impact in the process. “Abi is easily the most caring person I’ve ever met. She genuinely is interested in others and their well being,” said Rachel Romney, a senior graduating in IDS from Arizona, and good friend and roommate of Brammer’s. Kylie Moe, a senior graduating in secondary education from Utah, and a fellow friend and roommate supported Romney’s observation and said, “Abi Brammer is the most genuine and selfless friend that I’ve ever known. She gives up a lot of her time to make things easier for her friends.” Brammer has been involved with many things on campus, including English Circle Society, concert choir, Sigma tau delta, and much more. She came to BYUH in fall 2011, where she transferred from LDS Business College. She chose English because, as she said, “I think I always wanted to do it. And
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I’ve always loved reading since I was a kid, but I never knew it could be something I could study and better myself in.” She described the instance where she knew what she wanted to study. “We were reading ‘East of Eden’ in my sophomore year, and there was this one part where it paralleled between the Bible,” she said. She added, the novel was “made so apparent. And when I drew that parallel, I was like ‘Oh my Gosh! This is rocking my world.’ And so, I realized I could do this forever.” Dr. Petersen, English Department Chair, who worked with her on original research, said, “Her desire to learn is refreshing.” Brammer said, she can use her degree as a stepping stool to law school or graduate school. Next fall she is planning on teaching English in Spain and wants to hopefully end up living in Seattle. At BYUH, she presided as a copresident of the English Circle Society with fellow senior Amanda Vela. Brammer said, “This campus celebrates a lot of culture and I think there is a culture in Literature that needs to be celebrated as well.” Brammer and Vela had to rebuild the society after it fell
apart last year. “It was really gratifying,” she said to take on the challenge. Brammer also became president of Sigma tau delta in fall 2012, which is a national English Honors society. Membership is determined by GPA. “We try to tack on Sigma tau delta because it has so few members on to English Circle Society.” Brammer explained her favorite aspect of BYUH, “Definitely that it’s small. I know some people have some major digs about that, like ‘oh it’s too small’, and yes it can be too small sometimes. I think that because it’s small it creates a tighter community and I just didn’t feel like being one of 50,000. I’ve formed friendships with my teachers that I could have never have done at a bigger school.” She has been committed to more than six hours a week to concert choir since Fall 2011. She said, “I Love it. I think it has changed my life out here.” Brammer is excited to graduate on April 13. “I am graduating with my Bachelors at 20, which is good.” - T ucker Grimshaw
Musical maiden leaves on a high note
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anae Wilkey is a general music major with an emphasis in vocals, and has played trumpet for 10 years. She was born and raised in Rexburg, Idaho, but came to BYU-Hawaii to pursue an independent life and receive a Bachelor’s degree. Wilkey has had a love for music ever since she was young. Her father, who used to sing to her and her siblings often, ignited her passion. At times he’d pull out his guitar and serenade the family with, “Grandma’s Feather Bed” and other fun songs. He would even sing his children lullabies as they fell asleep. “I think what really started it was that my dad was so passionate about it. He has a quiet passion for music that was apparent to us kids. We always had music playing in the house. One of my fondest memories is of him singing to me. He loved to sing and I wanted to find out why,” Wilkey explained. Wilkey fell in love with her father’s voice and decided she wanted to be able to sing with him someday. Upon her request, he taught her how to listen to harmonies and how to aurally pick out different instruments in a piece of music. Her parents enrolled her in the Tavaci program, a singing performance group for children, at the age of four, in which she participated in for eight years. At the beginning of sixth grade, Wilkey decided to start playing the trumpet. There were no female trumpet players in her middle school and she had never heard of any, so she selected it to be different. She continued to play and perform throughout middle and high school, finding that she loved the sound and feel of the brass instrument. “When I play trumpet I feel a joy that is very hard to describe unless you’ve experienced it yourself,” she said. “I express
my feelings through music, so when I play trumpet, I’m expressing myself. The same goes for when I am singing. There is just a joy in creating sound that you don’t normally hear, especially when it’s with or for other people.” Wilkey has performed in many different choirs and ensembles throughout her schooling career. She is currently a member of the BYU-Hawaii Brass Ensemble, and has also participated in the Chamber Orchestra, North Shore Symphonic Wind Orchestra, and Concert Choir, all offered at BYUH. After graduating in April, Wilkey plans to enroll in a massage school, which she hopes will propel her into music therapy. She is also considering obtaining a second degree in a science such as geology or biology. She wishes to pursue art in its various forms, including drawing, painting, and writing. However, her ultimate goal is to help people through music. “Music touches people in a way that words never can. I feel like music speaks to the soul and words speak to the mind. I just really like bringing people joy… and music does that,” Wilkey shared. Wilkey will be giving a senior vocal recital entitled, “Becoming Me,” next Friday, April 12, at 4:30 p.m. in the Aloha Center Ballroom, as a part of her requirements for graduation. She plans to share her many musical abilities by including her skills on the trumpet during the performance. Admission is free and all are invited to attend. - Stepha n y Fra n ce
Janae Wilkey
Favorite Candy: Almond Joy Favorite Novel: ‘Lord of the Rings’ Favorite place on the Island: The Temple Favorite Movie: ‘The Lord of the Rings’ April 4,by 2013 Janae Wilkey was inspired her dad 13to sing. Photo by Kyoko Hasegawa
Elder Richard J. Maynes Graduation speakers are selected a year in advance
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lder Richard J. Maynes, a member of the Presidency of the Seventy will address graduates at the BYU-Hawaii Commencement ceremony on April 13. Maynes, who has visited once before in November of 2009, has known about this assignment for quite some time. Michael Johanson, Director of Communications and Marketing said, “Speakers selected for graduation at CES institutions are done a year in advance.” The assignment given to Elder Maynes is part of his calling as a member of the Seventy. He was born in Berkeley, California, on
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October 29, 1950 and married Nancy Jane Purrington in 1974. They have four children and nine grandchildren. According to an article on Maynes from LDS.org, “Elder Maynes was named a member of the Presidency of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on January 20, 2012. He was sustained a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy on March 31, 2001, and served in the Second Quorum of the Seventy beginning in April 1997.” “Elder Maynes has served as the Executive Director of the Family History Department since 2008. He previously served as an Assistant Executive Director of both the Priesthood Department and the Missionary Department. He has also served as president of the Philippines and South America West Areas,” says the LDS.org article. His LDS biography explains, “His numerous years of Church service also include full-time missionary in the Uruguay and Paraguay Mission and president of the Mexico Monterrey Mission (1989-1992).” Before being called to the Seventy, “Elder Maynes formerly owned and was CEO of a company specializing in factory automation. He received a bachelor of science degree from Brigham Young University-Provo in business management and an MBA from Thunderbird: School of Global Management.” - T ucker Grimshaw
Karen Jasmin Iwamoto Senior speaker plans to open English Language Center
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aren Jasmin Iwamoto, a native of Quezon City, Philippines, majoring in TESOL, was chosen to be the student speaker at the BYU-Hawaii Commencement on April 13. Iwamoto’s strong perseverance and dedication to her studies has helped her attain her goals as a college student. As a Summa Cum Laude graduate, Iwamoto is humbled and honored to share her thoughts with her fellow students, their families, and spectators on graduation day. When she found out she would be the speaker for this coming commencement, she said, “I was literally dumbfounded. I felt overwhelmed by the task. In my mind, I wondered what I could possibly share to other students that they don’t already know. [But] I am honored to be able to share my thoughts with everyone and I hope that they will learn something from it.” Iwamoto is the youngest among three siblings. She served her mission in the California Riverside Mission from Sept. 2009 to March 2011. She works as the lead tutor for EIL students in the Online Department at BYUH. Metaphorically, Iwamoto said she is a mullet. “My friend and I were talking about this, and we both agreed that I’m a mullet. ‘Business in the front, party at the back,’” she said. She enjoys everything life can offer, but she makes sure she puts forth her best effort in every situation. “I love to laugh and I love having fun. However, I do know my limits and I stick to my priorities. I get things done and I put my best effort in everything I do. I just love life. It makes me smile,” she said. Venturing out of college life and into the real world can be hard and demanding. But to Iwamoto, seeking for opportunities and not giving up can help students reach their lives’ desires. “Do not limit yourself. Push yourself to achieve whatever your mind can
Student graduation speaker, Karen Iwamoto, shows her real self with her smile. Photo by Mei Yin
imagine. Know what you want and do everything you can to get it. Be smart and strategic,” she said. Explaining how blessed she is to be a BYUH student, she said, “Being a BYUH student is empowering. We are in a place where we can be anything we want to be. You can get involved in any kind of service or leadership activities. It’s indeed a training ground for our future. Resources are made available to us here and it’s up to us to make the most out of it.” After graduation, Iwamoto will do her internship in Thailand teaching English for two and a half months before going home to attend a graduate school. One of her life goals is to own an English Language Center. “Since the Philippines is open to a lot of students from Asia who want to learn English, I am eager to be involved in the field and offer English courses that will prepare students to be in the international arena,” she said. Besides planning to have a teaching career, Iwamoto’s main goal in the future is to be a mother and a wife. “While other people see themselves in the work field, I envision myself at home taking care of my children and preparing delicious meals for my husband,” she said with a laugh. Expressing her gratitude for her alma mater, she said, “I feel that keeping my promise of going home to the Philippines is the best way I could express my gratitude for all the experiences I’ve had [at BYUH]. I have received the training I needed and now it’s time for me to give back and make a difference in my home country. -ma . vis taguba
April 4, 2013
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PCC kicks off 50th year with IMAX and Hawaiian Village Re-opening VIP guests take a tour of the newest additions to the Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center ushered in
50 years of existence by unveiling the new Hawaiian Journey IMAX Theater as well as opening ceremonies for the newly renovated Hawaiian Village on Friday, March 29, to a host of community members, special guests and other VIP. “We couldn’t have been happier with the reaction from those who experienced Hawaiian Journey for the first time,” said President and CEO of the Polynesian Cultural Center Alfred Grace. “The Hawaiian Village was also a wonderful experience. To me, it’s so appropriate that our 50th anniversary kicks off with the opening of the Hawaiian Village – the host village, the village that belongs to the people of this land.” A reception was held before guests were allowed into the showing of Hawaiian Journey, an IMAX presentation that highlights gorgeous scenic views around the Hawaiian Islands. Upon entering the theater, guests are led through a dark tunnel recreation of a lava tube until they arrive to the entrance into the new 14-minute cinematic experience. “This new experience will take guests on a journey unlike anything offered in the Hawaiian Islands. Majestic mountains, roaring waterfalls, lush forests and imposing volcanoes – many only accessible by air – are all brought to life through astounding cinematography and customized special effects that tantalize the viewers’ senses,” says PCC’s website. Replacing the previous Hukilau Theater feature, the state-of-the-art 4D theater, which is equipped with 250 special-effect seats, incorporates seat movement and water spritzers that synchronize with the film. The special seats also have their own speakers
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Above: The new Hawaiian Village opening kicked off with dancing, presentations of the new “Hawaiian Journey” film, and canoe rides. Photos by Mei Yin
built in the headrest for sound clarity. However, the theater can seat up to 450 people. PCC is in the process of translating the film into nine other languages including Hawaiian. Michelle Ball, who is one of the cast members for Hawaiian Journey, said, “I definitely think the IMAX Theater is such an experience within of itself. It just really brings it all to life. I feel really privileged to be a part of this.” Ball’s father, Craig Hosking, a helicopter pilot, took the aerial shots of the island’s scenery. Ball sat at the top of a waterfall on the island of Kaua‘i as her father flew over her, filming. Actor and entertainer Al Harrington, who did the narration for the film, made an appearance along with others who helped create the new media experience. The film was also a hit with the kupuna (elders). Gladys Pualoa, a longtime kupuna of Laie, said, “[The Theater] was absolutely grand.” “Hawaiian Journey is a part of our five-year revitalization plan that began in 2011 and includes the Hawaii Village, which also opened this evening, the introduction of Go Native! Hands-on activities, the renovation of the Gateway restaurant in 2012 and the market place expansion is currently under way,” Grace said in PCC’s 50th anniversary blog. The open house festivities continued in the Hawaiian Village with a ceremonial presentation, which honored the kupuna and those who had established the center, as well as homage to the center’s host culture. “I’m reminded of a saying, that we’ve all warmed ourselves by fires that we did not kindle, and drunk for wells that we did not dig,” President Grace said, addressing guests in the Hawaiian Village at the start of the performances. “Much of which we are blessed with today is the work and the effort of those who have gone before us.” Each village presented a gift toward the occasion, which featured a dance of each island from the islands of Aotearoa, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, and Tonga. Members of the
Above: Dancers from the Aotearoa Village present their dances to PCC patrons. Photo by Mei Yin
Aotearoa Village preformed a haka before presenting a maripi, a traditional maori weapon. The Tahitian Village presented a small toere, a Tahitian drum. Tonga and Fiji offered tapa mats and Samoa gave a large wooden bowl. Hawaiian Village workers and spectators alike were well pleased with the effort and respect the neighboring islands put into the opening. “It was a wonderful cultural celebration that brings back the beauty of Hawaii to the Polynesian Cultural Center,” said Craig Freebairn, an electrical contractor with Nalu Electrical Contractors. Freebairn had a hand in the electrical wiring for the new gift shop, the Ulu Store and the Hawaiian Village. “I was so grateful to see that the other islands decided to participate in our grand opening,” said John Ako, a junior majoring in music from Lahina, Maui, who works in the Hawaiian Village. “I was very well pleased with the turn out that each village had. I was grateful that they actually turned out in full force and that they gave from their different cultures.” “This has been a time where we are able to come together with other cultures, to pay recognition to celebrate the opening of the Hawaiian Village,” Hawaiian culture expert, Cy Bridges said. Among the other guests who came to see the ceremonies was Hawaiian culture practitioner and Hawaiian burial preserver, Leimoana WongKalu. “I’m really impressed not just by the conceptual view, but by our other cousins – how they so warmly honored our presence to reaffirm our connections with the other islands,” Wong-Kalu said. “I hope that as renovations continue that each island will be modeled after their own elements. It’s more than having the hut. It’s what’s inside,” she added.
The newly renovated village is modeled after the traditional ahupua‘a system that showcases two vital elements to Hawaiian culture. It begins with thatched huts from the mountains, traveling into lo‘i, or taro patches, until it reaches a loko i‘a, or fishpond by the lagoon, that represents the sea. “The Hawaiian culture is just so amazing, so rich, and it is all based on families and the love of nature and music,” Ball said. “I think that is something that is instilled within the people today and it is such a beautiful thing to be shared.” After the ceremonies were completed, a reception of beef stew and a concert with local band, Mana‘o Company, concluded the day’s festivity. Although the essential kick off for these new additions to the center have been completed, there is still much more work that needs to be done. The Hale Aloha luau area is getting a facelift and the Samoan Village is expected to be renovated and done by the end of this year. President Grace is optimistic for the center’s next transition and development period. “What has made the center successful in the first 50 years is exactly what will make it successful in the next 50 years, and that’s the people,” President Grace said. “It’s really the people that make the Polynesian Cultural Center special. The culture in many ways is like an onion, and we just cut through only a couple outer layers – there are many more layers of the culture that we can present. Our challenge going forward will be trying to discover those extra layers and bringing them forth in a manner that will please everyone.”
- Dylan-Sage Wilcox
Above: Tuarii “Andre” Tauraa expresses the passion of Tahiti in a performance at PCC. Photos by Mei Yin April 4, 2013
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BYUH Women’s Organization University policy changes affect scholarships
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ecent changes have left the BYU-Hawaii Women’s Organization searching for ways to continue its luncheon tradition and purpose. Female community members and BYUH staff and students attended the monthly women’s luncheon on March 28 to discuss policy and changes in scholarship distribution. For the past 50 years, the women’s organization has gathered together to socialize and help educate women on various topics through monthly luncheons, as well as deciding on recipients of ita book awards to help students pay for school textbooks. According to Louis Colton, group photographer and committee member, money for the awards come from bake sales put on by the women’s organization. Due to new food safety restrictions, these baked goods must now be prepared by a licensed kitchen. The group’s future is at risk, as it lacks funds to rent a licensed kitchen. This also puts the group’s annual monthly luncheon at risk, since these meals must be cooked in a professional kitchen unless they are given as “donations.” The women’s organization is now looking for donations to provide lunches at its monthly meetings, as well as women to serve in leadership positions in various capacities from the future organization president to food coordinators. “Because of the way BYUH has changed the way they are doing scholarships, we can no longer have authority over the dispensation of our funds,” said Vice President over food Cindy Colton, “whereas before we used to base our scholarships off of a variety of factors including financial need, GPA, work status, or married/parental status.” Jensen has served on the committee that determines book award recipients for the past three years. In the past, around 13 awards in the amount of $250 would be given to students depending on the funds available. “I have been amazed at where these students have come from and the trials they have had to face,” she said, “and we wanted to give so much more, but we didn’t have enough funds.” Rosa Maria Hurst, the current president of the Women’s Organization is concerned about how these changes will affect the organization’s legacy. “We passed out surveys to know how we can best adapt to these changes to keep the organization going,” she said, “which asked the women to rate the importance of various activities and where they would like our funds to go.” Colton said she enjoys going to these activities and advocates the organization’s continuation. “I love coming to both socialize and be of service. I believe there is a time and season for everything in life, and this is my time to be here and a part of this,” she said. The organization’s April luncheon will center on literacy and encouraging children to read. For more information on how to get involved with the Women’s Organization or to make a donation, contact Rosa Maria Hurst at: hurstroasmaria@gmail.com. Ke Alaka‘i
-S y d n ey Od ell
Women May Pray At General Conference
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his April, General Conference may see the first-ever prayer given by a woman in the LDS Church’s history, though women have previously given prayers in Relief Society and Young Women’s meetings. In a letter writing campaign entitled “Let Women Pray,” women of the church wrote to leaders asking for this male precedence to change and for the accommodation of women’s equal place within these meetings. The church’s official spokesman will neither confirm nor deny that these changes may take place in the April 2013 conference, according to Deseret News. “Decisions on speakers and prayers at general conference were made late last year,” said Scott Trotter, spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Customarily, details of the conference programs are not announced until general conference.” In addition Elder L. Tom Perry, leader of the Quorum for the Twelve Apostles, has spoken out saying, “While we make assignments and plan ahead for our meetings, there is always the option in the church for the presiding authority to make changes as led by the Spirit. We rely on heaven’s guidance in our meetings. General conference is no different. That’s why we do not typically publish a program in advance.” Barbara Ariza, a senior in ICS and Communications from Chile, said she was shocked to find out that women had never prayed before. “If I had known, I definitely would have been one of the women writing letters to have this changed,” she said. “When I hear things like this, I have to ask why this has been the rule. What do men have that women don’t that has potentially been the reason for them not praying, or if there even is a reason? Asking these hard questions, I would expect back a reasonable and well thought out answer, because I think that we are all equal even if we do not always have the same tasks in the church,” she added. According to Deseret News, “In the earliest days of LDS general conference, prayers were usually offered by the general authorities of the church, and occasionally by local priesthood leaders. Later the tradition turned to returned presidents of LDS missions and visiting stake presidents — all male priesthood leaders. More recently general conference prayers have been offered by members of the church’s
expanding Quorums of the Seventy.” While none have specifically spoken out against women praying in church, women are nonetheless missing from this encompassing circle of invocators. Columnist, founder, and editor-in-chief of The Mormon Women Project Neylan McBlaine said, “that our church leadership is not only aware of, but proactively addressing the concerns of women church-wide.” Aaron Stebbing, a junior in ICS and Communications from California, said he was not surprised to hear women had never prayed in general conference before. “I first noticed it when I was about 15 or 16 years old, and I thought it was silly that women had never prayed before since we are all equal,” he said. “There’s no reason that this shouldn’t change, and I think this is a great move forward for the church to be more inclusive.” - Syd n ey Od ell
Women could pray for the first time during this year’s General Conference. Photo from lds.org April 4, 2013
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Mormon refuses to ‘stomp on Jesus’ Florida Atlantic University student suspended
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Florida Atlantic University student was suspended from a class for refusing to participate in a classroom demonstration that required the class to stomp on a piece of paper with the name ‘Jesus’ written on it. Intercultural Communications professor, Dr. Deandre Poole of FAU instructed his class to write the name Jesus in capital letters on a piece of paper and then proceed to place it on the floor and stomp on it as part of a classroom activity. Ryan Rotela is a junior who attends FAU and also a Mormon who found the activity to be offensive and therefore refused to take part in it. “I picked up the paper from the floor and put it right back on the table. I’m not going to be sitting in a class having my religious rights desecrated. Anytime you stomp on something it shows that you believe that something has no value. So if you were to stomp on the word Jesus, it says that the word has no value,” Rotela told CBS News in an interview on March 26. Rotela was so disturbed by the activity that he reported it to the teacher’s supervisor, Associate Dean Rozalia Williams. Rotela said he tried express his feelings, “I said to the professor, ‘With all due respect to your authority as a professor, I do not believe what you told us to do was appropriate. I believe it was unprofessional and I was deeply offended by what you told me to do.’” Poole showed no sign of regret and Williams was unsympathetic, Rotela said. Poole accused Rotela of violating the student code of conduct and suspended him from the class stating through a letter, “In the interim, you may not attend class or contact any of the students involved in this matter – verbally or electronically – or by any other means.” “I’m being punished,” Rotela told CBS News, “and like I said, I’m still waiting for an apology from somebody.” 20
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A LDS student at Florida Atlantic University would not participate in a class exercise where the instructor wanted them to step on the name of Jesus. Photo by Becca Haws
Samantha Som, a sophomore majoring in ICS and peacebuilding from Boston, said, “My first reaction was, ‘What is going through the professor’s mind?’ We’ve seen the reaction of the guy and the community, but I would like to know more about the activity the teacher was conducting. What was the purpose? Since I’ve joined the ICS program, I’ve learned that there are always two sides to every story.” Initially the university issued a statement reading, “Faculty and students at academic institutions pursue knowledge and engage in open discourse. While at times the topics discussed may be sensitive, a university environment is a venue for such dialogue and debate.” The apology didn’t come until March 26, one day after CBS News reported on the issue. FAU then released a statement on its website regarding the incident that reads, “Based on the offensive nature of the exercise, we will not use it again and have issued an apology to the community. It was insensitive and unacceptable. We continue to apologize to all the people who were of-
fended and deeply regret this situation has occurred.” It also stated, “No students will be disciplined in any way related to this exercise, either inside or outside the classroom.” Three days later, on March 29, FAU issued another message, “FAU instructor Deandre Poole, Ph.D., has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately for safety reasons. As a result of the reaction to a recent exercise in Dr. Poole’s intercultural communications class, the instructor’s personal safety has been compromised.” Sister Lee, an advisor in the Honor Code office, said, “Good for that young man to stand up. He stood for what he truly believed. I’m not surprised at anything anymore, to be honest. This is a day and age where we will have a lot of opportunities to stand up for what we believe and it takes a lot of courage to do it. Hopefully our students have that courage.” -Step ha ny Fra nce