Ke alaka'i- February by Ke Alaka'i News

F E B R UA RY 2 0 1 8 · Vo l u m e 1 1 9 : I s s u e 2

THE LEADER

VALENTINES DAY ISSUE!

Pa g e 1 6 W h a t t o d o duri ng a m i ss i l e threat

Page 30 Ne w building m anagem ent explains c o ns truc tio n

Page 48 BYUH ’s 2018 bac hel o rs and bac helo re tt es

FEBRUARY 2018 • VOLUME 119 • ISSUE 2

ADVISOR Le e A n n Lam ber t MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISTS Denali Loflin

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kev i n Brown COPY EDITORS Savanna Bachelder

Gosuke Kawano

Brooklyn Redd

Hannah Jones

Antoniette Yee

Emmalee Smith Jessica Gonzalez Leon Helam Lau

VIDEOGRAPHERS Kel sy Si m m ons Cour t ney Bow Ni el sen

Zeek Cheng

Kenny Vi l ayvong

Tomsom Cheang

ART & GRAPHICS

Adam Brace Ally Pack

M cKenna Locken Brooklynn Redd

PHOTOGRAPHERS

ART DIRECTOR

A lvin V i ncent Dy

Lor i n Vi l ayvong

Ky le Gab Bat ac A dam Case

NEW S CE N T ER BOX 1920 BYUH LAIE, HI 96762 PRINTER P r int Ser vi ces

MANAGING EDITOR Josh M ason

CONTACT

Email: keal akai @by u h. edu Ad Information: keal akai ads@gmai l . com Phone: (80 8 ) 6 7 5 -3 6 9 4 Fax: (8 0 8 ) 6 7 5 -3 4 9 1

Editorial, photo submissions & distribution inquiries: ke a l a k a i @ by u h . e d u . To s u b s c r i b e t o t h e R S S F E E D

ON THE COVER: BYU-Hawaii students celebrate Valentine’s Day in different ways. Read the stories on Pages 42 to 50.

o r t o v i e w a d d i t i o n a l a r t i c l e s , go t o ke a l a k a i . by u h . e d u

ABO UT US

The Ke Alaka‘i began publishing the same year the university, then called Church College of Hawaii, opened. It has continued printing for more than 60 years. The name means “the leader” in Hawaiian. It began as a monthly newsletter, evolved into a weekly newspaper, then a weekly magazine, and is now a monthly news magazine with a website and a social media presence. Today a staff of about 25 students works to provide information for BYU-Hawaii’s campus ohana and Laie’s community.

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PH OTO SUBMISSIO N Vietnam. Photo by McKenna Locken

Share your photo with us and we may feature it in our next issue. E-mail us your high-resolution photo with a caption at kealakai@byuh.edu

F O L LO W U S AR O U ND THE WE B

KEA LA KA I.B YUH .EDU Instagram: @KEALAKAINEWS Snapchat: @KEALAKAINEWS Facebook: KE ALAKA‘I YouTube: KE ALAKA‘I NEWS

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FEBRUARY 2018 • VOLUME 119 • ISSUE 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Day in the life of graphic design major Anuhea Chen

Recipe: Chocolate Lava Cake, perfect for Valentine’s Day (single or not)

COMMUNITY

Polynesian Football Hall of Fame honors five players during fifth anniversary

Campus Security director says to get and stay inside during missile threat

False missile threat turns beautiful Hawaiian Saturday into statewide panic

Laie Palms Cinemas owner bought theater to give community something fun to do

Friends and family of star Keala Settle buy out theater to watch “Greatest Showman”

PCC hosts 28th annual Moanikeala Hula Festival to honor Aunty Sally, share culture

CAMPUS LIFE

Loophole in Samoan law allows foreigners to take land from natives who lease to them

New construction projects “exude light” according to vice president

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Dr. Jim Lee chosen to give annual McKay Lecture on Feb. 13

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LIFESTYLE

Campus Comment: What was your most memorable Valentine’s Day?

C A L E N D A R

Gallup poll shows 61 percent of Mormons approve of Trump, more than any other group

TUESDAY McKay Lecture by Dr. Jim Lee in place of devotional at CAC from 11 a.m. to noon.

The weight of stress is lifted when there’s balance, according to students and faculty

Editor: Trusting in Heavenly Father required in order to find a spouse

MONDAY President’s Day. No classes.

TUESDAY Devotional with Elder David A. Bednar in CAC at 11 a.m.

Valentine’s Day advice for both couples and singles

Students who have experienced rejection share how to cope with it

MARCH

Presenting BYU-Hawaii’s eligible bachelors & bachelorettes of 2018!

Where are the last year’s bachelors & bachelorettes now?

THURSDAY Donuts with the Dean in HGB 273 at 11 a.m.

FEATURE

The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre - seven people gunned down during gang fight

United Nations posts video of Kiribati alumni’s project to save country

THURSDAY Women’s Luncheon in the Ballroom at 11:30 a.m.

FRIDAY Winter Dance at CAC 150 starting at 7 p.m.

Vietnamese student joins church at the same time as her family back home FEB RUARY 2018

Anuhea Chen

Graphic design major B Y D E N AL I LO F L I N Anuhea Chen holds a design she made of her home state and has an Instagram page called anuheachendesign where others can follow her to see more of her artwork. Photo by Lorin Vilayvong.

Anuhea Chen, a junior majoring in graphic design from California, said her favorite part in her major is being able to struggle through ideas “but eventually, create and turn those ideas to projects and share them with others.”

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What is graphic design? “I like to describe graphic design as art. It’s a way to solve creative problems.You can design posters, logos, websites and stuff like that.”

What made you decide this major? Chen said she really wanted to study art. She shared how she was nervous at first because she was better in drawing and photography, “but when I started learning Illustrator and InDesign, I realized there are so many things I can do. “I love the sharing aspect. I want to share my work and design with friends and family and have other people share it with their family and friends as well,” she added.

what do you want to do with it? “It would be awesome to start designing T-shirts or posters for a company and gain experience to learn insider ideas for a company. Eventually I would want to be able to start my own company.”

Describe a typical day According to Chen, graphic design classes take a lot of time. She said, “It requires paying really close attention to detail. I have just recently appreciated expectations professors have for my work. It challenges me to do better and work to improve my skills. I work on projects, sketch design, concepts, and drafts.” Chen shared the steps she has to go through to get a project done. “I have to finish formatting, send it to the printer, pick up the prints, buy props, and photograph them.”

What jobs are available in Graphic Design? “People do packaging design, branding, marketing design, web design, and publication design. A lot of people also do motion graphics, photography, and videography.”

What advice do you have for someone interested in graphic design? “Be willing to work hard and stick to it.You don’t have to be the most creative person. Just be able to execute creative ideas and do creative problem solving. Anyone can do it. It’s okay not to be the best and not knowing your exact style of design. It will help widen your knowledge, learn more, and allow you to enhance it.”

Pros “I love the challenge. It’s not as easy as people think.You can be creative, but you also have to challenge yourself. It helps you grow creatively and visually.” Chen said it’s hard not to compare yourself to other people. “Instead of comparing yourself, just use them to help you improve. You will meet really cool people. Not to mention, the professors are really awesome.”

cons “Sitting in front of the screen or working on the same project for a long time can be really difficult. It takes a lot of time. It can also be hard to work with a group on one project.You need to learn how to compromise two different creative styles and turn it into something you both like.”

FEB RUARY 2018

Scan this QR code to see our video of this recipie!

Gooey chocolate lava cake can be made for a Valentine’s treat for yourself or your favorite someone. Photo by Kenny Vilayvong

Chocolate Lava Cake

A delicious treat to share with a loved one on Valentine’s Day or enjoy yourself B Y H E L AM L AU

Ingredients

Instructions

1/4 cup flour 1/5 cup sugar 4 Eggs 1 cup dark Chocolate 1 cup butter 1/2 tsp. vanilla

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Recipe is inspired by Ree Drummond’s Chocolate Lava Cake recipe on Food Network http://www.foodnetwork. com/recipes/chocolate-lavacakes-2312421

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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Farenheit. Microwave the butter and chocolate in a bowl until melted. Whisk until the chocolate completely melts. Stir in the sugar and mix well. Whisk the eggs and add vanilla. Mix in the flour. Divide the mixture among the oven safe cup you decide to use. Make sure the cup is sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake until the center is soft and the sides are firm. This will take about 13 minutes. Let it cool off for about a minute before eating. While it is still warm, place on a plate and serve with your favorite ice cream.

community

in this section Previous NFL and college football players were recognized at Football Hall of Fame at the PCC

Laie Palms Cinema gives locals something fun to do for the weekends

Public Safety director says get and stay inside during actual missile threat

Keala Settle’s family and friends buy out theater to watch “Greatest Showman”

Students describe what they did during the missile threat false alarm

Annual hula festival at PCC held in honor of Sally Moanikeala Wood Nalui

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Professionals represent

Pol y n e s i an c u lt u re o n a n d o ff t h e f i e l d Previous NFL and college football players attend PCC special event to represent their ancestry and express gratitude to supporters B Y E M M AL E E S M I T H AN D B RO O K LYN RE D D

Left: Polynesian Cultural Center warriors represented six Polynesian islands at the Polynesian Football event. Top: Inductee Kimo von Oelhoffen talks during the event. Center right: Inductees and other Polynesian NFL and college players signed posters for those in attendance. Bottom right: Vai Sikahema introduces the inductees. Each inductee gave a short speech of gratitude to their friends, family members and sponsors. Photo by Alvin Dy 10

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Scan this QR code to see our video of this story!

he fifth anniversary of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame (PFHF) honored and received five professional Polynesian football players, who represented the class of 2018 at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) on Jan. 20. Ma’ake Kemoeatu, Bob Apisa, Manu Tuiasosopo, Kimo von Oelhoffen, and the late Herman “Buddy” Pi’ikei Clarke were inducted this year, with pro and college football players Juju Smith and Hercules Mataafa represented as well. Buddy Clarke’s son Herman Pi’ikei Clarke was invited to accept the honor on behalf of his father. “The Polynesian Cultural Center is honored to be the home of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame,” said Alfred Grace, the president and CEO of the PCC. “These are not just talented players, but also wonderful, caring citizens who, through their passion and commitment to the sport and community, set an outstanding example for our Polynesian youth to emulate.” The event started as PCC performers blew into a pu, a triton conch shell, followed by an ancient-style hula dance called the hula kahiko. As the dancers performed, six Polynesians stood in the back dressed as warriors representing the six island villages at the PCC: Samoa, Hawaii, Tahiti, Tonga, Aotearoa (New Zealand), and Fiji. The event was conducted by NBC News Anchor Vai Sikahema, the first Tongan to ever play for the National Football League. He said this was the fifth year of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame taking place in the PCC.

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Sikahema introduced Grace who gave a brief introduction of the event. In regards to those who were being inducted this year, he said, “I just want you to know that literally tens if not hundreds of thousands of people will pass through this Polynesian Football Hall of Fame this year alone. Many of them will be young Polynesian boys who learning of you and your legacy you have given them will be nurtured, cultivated, and they will be committed to pursue their goals with passion and commitment. They will see as they read about you the boy that they are now and the man that they can become.” The hall of fame is a memorial with displays of several Polynesian pro-football players with pictures, plaques and descriptions of their achievements. Sikahema explained the importance of having a place to honor the players. “I was fixated at looking over across the field staring at Manu because I couldn’t believe I was on the same field as this man. That’s the legacy left behind when we grow up watching these men. If we don’t remember, if we don’t honor them, and if we don’t have their plaques here for kids to come through and remember them, then they will be forgotten through time, and we don’t want that to happen.” After a brief introduction of each player, a press conference took place allowing audience members to ask questions. Hercules Mataafa, the Polynesian college football player of the year and representative for Washington State University, responded to a

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question about how his family influenced his life. He responded, “My family was very supportive of me when I was in Kamehameha High School. … They don’t always get a lot of recognition, but they were able to fund me to go to camps and while I got recruited. … Without my family, I wouldn’t be here today.” JuJu Smith-Schuster, the Polynesian pro-football player of the year and representative of the Pittsburgh Steelers, said, “My last name is Schuster, That’s from my step-father. I took his name as soon as I could change it when I was 18 years old. “He was there since I was 4 years old. I really don’t know much about the black side of me, so for me this means a lot.” He explained his family helped keep him humble, and to this day they’ve continued helping him. He said he wouldn’t be here without them. McKenzie Milton, a Hawaiian local who attended Mililani High School and quarterback for the University of Central Florida Knights, expressed his gratitude to the Hawaiian islands and especially the town of Mililani. He said, “Just getting texts and phone calls after games when people got up at 7 a.m. to watch the game and stuff like that is unbelievable. “I know anybody from the islands that represents the culture carries it on their shoulders with pride, and I do the same. I’m just very grateful to be here today with these great men–Juju and Hercules.

Event organizers said the inductees and nationally recognized football players inspire youth in the community to work hard and achieve goals. Photo by Alvin Dy

They’re doing their thing and it’s unbelievable. I’m just very blessed to be here.” Mahake Kemoeatu said, “Kahuku has always been a sanctuary for us Polynesians to come to from overseas. … It was a blessing to be here and play for Kahuku High School.” After the event, the audience and football players gathered inside the Hawaiian Theater to hear from the 2018 inductees. Each inductee individually expressed their gratitude towards friends, family, and sponsors, each being introduced with a short film of their playing careers and the narrator explained what made each player unique from the others. In the video introducing Kemoeatu, the narrator said, “Mahake is so tough he makes Ray Lewis blush. … His story, so deeply personal, he’ll make a grown man cry.” It further explained how in 2014, he donated his kidney to his brother Chris, who was also a former NFL player. Kemoeatu accepted his award in a traditional Tongan way as he took off his shoes, sat on a woven lauhala mat, and expressed his gratitude. After a moment of silence, he said, “I want to first thank God for being there and being part of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame. I want to thank King Kamehameha for the land he has conquered. I want to thank the Polynesian Cultural Center for making this possible.” As his voice started to crack, he continued, “Please allow me to take off my shoes and get on my knees and sit on the floor and pay my

respects to my elders, my ancestors, to my mom and my dad. Please give me a chance to pay my respects to you all, because without you I would not be here. Thank you Polynesian Cultural Center for making an investment in our children. Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, you have planted the seed for our children to continue the tradition and keeping the culture alive.” Looking at all the players, von Oelhoffen said, “I see pride. I see culture. I see strength.” He continued, “I was fortunate to grow up in Molokai, Hawaii. I was surrounded by compassion my whole life.” He said growing up with the people there is what made up his heart. “My path came from the people, and I can’t thank them enough.” Apisa said, “I know that I owe this to my people of Hawaii. Thank you so much for the honor. I’m grateful. Thank you so much for being there for me.” Herman Clark said he was thankful for all of the recognition for his dad nearly 30 years after his passing. He told a story about his dad in college when his dad swam for the college team but wasn’t part of the team. He said one time the coach came up to him for a competition and said, “‘Clark, my lead man is sick. I need you to replace him.’” Herman said, “Now you know this would never ever happen today, but in the magical time of the 1950s, all things were possible.”

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The inductees, pictured in the jerseys of the teams they represented, were honored for their Polynesian representation in the NFL. Photo by Alvin Dy Continued from Page 13

When the presentation ended and each player gave a short speech, audience members were invited to participate in a signing event. Each player, including the two players of the year, signed a poster with their signature next to each of their faces. The entire event ended with each one of the players and their families participating in the canoe show performed daily at the PCC. The players sat in two large canoes, waving to audience members as Lehi Falepapalangi, the official spokesperson for the PCC, introduced each member. TH E IN D U CT E E S

According to a press release from the PFHF, Buddy Clark was of Hawaiian ancestry and chairman of the Aloha Stadium Authority. He brought his team from the NFL Pro Bowl to Hawaii. Buddy died in 1989. According to Sikahema, Kemoeatu graduated from Kahuku High School and played on the Super Bowl XLVII champion team the Baltimore Ravens, and also with the Washington Redskins, and the Carolina Panthers. Manu Tuiasosopo is of Samoan ancestry. He won and played for the San Francisco 49ers during the Super Bowl XIX. He also was a team member of the Seattle Seahawks. Tuiasosopo thanked his supporters and five children, who he described as being successful athletes.

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Kimo von Oelhoffen of Hawaiian ancestry, played for the winning team during the Super Bowl XL, the Pittsburg Steelers. According to the PFHOF, “von Oelhoffen’s NFL career also included stints with the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and Philadelphia Eagles.” Contributor inductee, Bob Apisa of Samoan ancestry, was described as an “All-American and two-time national championship team member of the Michigan State Spartans. His achievements in the game helped pave the way for future Polynesian players.” The 2017 Polynesian Pro-Football Player of the Year JuJu SmithSchuster, of Samoan ancestry, is currently a receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to PFHOF, “Smith-Schuster helped lead the team to a 13-3 record in 2017 regular season play. He is the youngest player in NFL history to amass 1,000-plus all-purpose yards in a single season and set a franchise record for most receiving yards by a rookie player.” The 2017 Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Hercules Mataafa, of Samoan ancestry, was “a junior at Washington State University in 2017 and named Associated Press Pac-12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He was also included on the Walter Camp, Sports Illustrated, TheAthletic.com, Football Writers Association of America, and Associated Press All-American teams.” The Hall of Fame building is located in the PCC’s Guest Orientation Center near the Hukilau Marketplace. It is open to the public during regular PCC hours and is free. .

Kimo von Oelhoffen and others tour the Hall of Fame. Photo by Alvin Dy

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General Bruce Oliveira, a member of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, discusses the missle threat to Hawaii at a forum on Jan. 19 in the McKay Auditorium. BYUH Security Chief Earl “Torch” Morris says it is best to shelter in place in the event of a nuclear blast. Photo by Alvin Vincent Dy

Things to do during a missile threat The director of BYUH Public Safety urges people to take shelter and protect themselves from possible radiation or broken windows by covering with a blanket B Y AN TO N I E TTE YE E

et inside. Stay inside. Stay tuned. These are the three things to keep in mind when an actual ballistic missile threat occurs, according to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. Earl “Torch” Morris, the director of the Department of Public Safety at BYU-Hawaii, said in the event of a ballistic missile threat, “The least of our problems are the broken

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windows. We’re 25 miles away from Honolulu, and the topography in Laie with the mountains would make it difficult to have a strong impact.” Morris said students should shelter in place once the ballistic missile attack is initiated. “If you’re on campus and in your dormitory, stay. “When we say shelter in place and you’re expecting a nuclear blast, pull the blanket off of

your bed, lie flat on the ground and cover yourself. That is the safest thing to do when you’re in an area with a lot of windows. “If the windows blow up, that’s when you hurry and get up. Take your blanket and find a way to secure and seal off where the nuclear debris is coming from,” he added. If you’re in a classroom or at the Cannon Activties Center, Morris said, “Stay there and

Scan this QR code to see our 5 part video of this story!

What to keep in mind when an actual ballistic missle threat occurs : 1. Get Inside 2.Stay Inside 3.Stay Tuned and watch out because we’re going to give directions on where to go and what to do.” He said the campus emergency alert system will send out instructions. “If you don’t have a phone or our system has blown out, you need to shelter in place and stay for at least 24 hours. That’s why we’re encouraging students to have a 24-hour kit. “It does not need to be elaborate. But you need to have extra water, ramen noodles, granola bars or any medication that you will need.” Morris gave a list of the procedures to apply during an actual ballistic missile threat: 1. Do not look directly at the light. 2. Seek immediate shelter to protect yourself from possible debris. 3. Seek shelter that is enclosed, preferably in a location protected with layers of concrete or brick. If possible, use tape, clothing, or other materials to seal off the areas where air from the outside may enter. 4. Do not go outside even if it is to locate missing family members or animals. 5. Stay indoors for at least 24 hours.

6. Shower, if possible, with soap and water, but do not use conditioner because it takes the role of being a binder for radioactive particles. Blow your nose and wipe your eyelids. 7. Once protected inside the building, remove as many particles of radiation as possible specifically from your clothes and hair by taking off the outer layer of your clothes and putting them a plastic bag if possible.If you can’t take a shower, use a wipe or a clean wet towel to wipe off your skin. 8. Listen to the radio or television if they are operational. 9. Radiation is not able to be seen or smelled so trust the information from experts before exposing yourself to outside air. 10. Fallout radiation loses its intensity fairly rapidly. In time, you will be able to leave your place of refuge. Radioactivity poses the greatest threat within the first two weeks, by which it has declined to about 1 percent of its radiation level. Morris also advised students and faculty to stay informed and take precautionary efforts

Note: When the threat warning occurs,

BYUH students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to shelter in the location where they are, unless they are not in a secured location. Due to the short amount of time available from the time of warning to the potential impact, moving to the Stake Center or CAC may not be feasible, says officials.

by signing up for the university alert system by following these steps: 1. Go to my.byuh.edu and click on “Peoplesoft Student” under the “Faculty & Staff ” column. 2. Enter your login info. 3. Click the drop down arrow for “Self Service,” then the drop down arrow for “Campus Personal Information,” and click on “Phone Numbers.” 4. Input or update your phone number so it’s registered in the system. •

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This Is

Not a Drill

A typical Hawaiian Saturday morning turns chaotic in the wake of a nuclear false alarm B Y H AN N AH J O N E S

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tudents streamed from their hales and houses in search of cover while car horns could be heard honking around Laie after the Hawaii emergency alert system sent out a mistake message at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13 that read: “BALLISITIC MISSILE THREAT INBOUND TO HAWAII. SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.” Hannah Williamson, a freshman from Minnesota studying education, was on the bus on her way to go hiking when she got the notification. “My stomach dropped, but I felt pretty calm. First thing I did was close my eyes and say a quick prayer,” Williamson said. Since Williamson was riding the bus when she received the news, she explained, “We stopped the bus, got off, and decided to find shelter.” After her and her friends stopped to offer a prayer, she said, “A lady gave us a ride back to campus.” Once Williamson got back on campus, she felt calm “because the grounds here are set apart.” As she headed with her friends to the HGB, she called her dad to give him the news. “My dad said, ‘I had a feeling to tell you not to go on the hike, but I didn’t because I figured you knew what you were doing.’” Williamson explained the panic of the event to those who didn’t understand the stress. She said, “It was only 40 minutes, but it was 40 minutes where everyone thought they were going to die.” Kinsey Brown, a senior from California majoring in biomedicine, was at work at Kualoa Ranch and described her experience as traumatic. “I was in the middle of what we call a briefing tour. I was right in front of the ticket office at the ranch, and I kept hearing everyone’s emergency alerts going off. And I remember looking in the sky thinking, ‘That’s weird? It’s really sunny today. There can’t be a flash flood.’” While Brown was initially unaware of the situation at hand, she quickly found out. “A lady ran up to me and she grabbed my arm and she was crying and shaking me and said, ‘There’s a missile coming to Hawaii. We need to find shelter.’ That’s when I got the alert on my phone.” Brown’s stomach dropped, and she felt confused. She said, “I didn’t really get a moment to process, ‘Is this real or not?’ because I was the worker. They just assumed that I knew what was going on, and so I tried to remain super calm.” Struggling to keep a calm demeanor, Brown said, “I remember seeing my boss’s face and she was just like, ‘What the heck?’” Other visitors who were not guests at Kualoa Ranch were guided to bunkers on the ranch. Brown recalled, “We got all of the buses, all of the ATV’s and got them up there. “We had 300 people at the ranch that morning, and we have 300 workers, and we were able to get everyone up to the bunker in 10 minutes. It was really crazy because we’ve never had a drill before.” Though managing to stay calm, panic rushed over Brown as she was finally able to get ahold of her mom. Brown explained, “She started

Left: An electronic sign telling the public there is no threat. Right: Vern Miyagi, HEMA Administrator, left, and Hawaii Gov. David Ige, answer questions about the threat error. Photos by AP

panicking, so that’s when I finally began to freak out because at this point when I finally got ahold of my mom, I was already on a bus.” Brown seemed not to be the only one feeling waves of fear. She explained, “There’s different gates on the property, but they had opened them up to locals too. “John Morgan, the owner of Kulaoa Ranch, said that people were climbing over the fence to try and get on the property. They were trying to get to the bunkers.” Looking back on her experience, Brown said, “It was crazy because it was such a beautiful day, but it was so quiet. There were no cars going on Kam Highway.” Not everyone had such a fearful experience, but Brown said she felt the severity of the event. She explained, “I was mad going to church the next day because people were just joking about it. People said, ‘Oh I just like went back to sleep,’ and like, ‘I didn’t even care.’ We have to act even if it’s fake or not because if it’s not, were all going to regret it.” Brown reflected, “It was emotionally draining. It’s definitely something I don’t want to go through again. My workplace has even offered a therapist to talk to people.” For Jon Keith, a former student from California, being on the mainland and worrying about his friends in his “second home” was also a terrifying experience. Having attended BYUH for a semester until he received a mission call, he said he feels a connection to the people here. Keith heard about the threat through social media and reasoned, “It sounded like something we would expect. I thought, ‘This is crazy but also predictable.’ When I heard it was fake, I thought that was a ridiculous mistake to make.”

While the missile threat was fake, Keith mentioned, “It was a good drill because we have never been put in a situation like this and now we have to think about it and take action. “I think people now realize that this is a reality. It’s something we have to expect with all the political conflicts.” Hoping that citizens will take action and prepare, Keith continued, “Maybe people will start thinking of hiding from a bombing.” While Keith worried for his friends in Hawaii, he wants action to be taken. He stated, “You’re on an island and there’s not much you can do in that situation other than say your prayers and wait to see what happens.” Like Brown, some Hawaii residents are wondering and worried about what protection is offered. In response to these worries, General Bruce Oliveira, a member of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HEMA), gave a presentation on Jan. 19 about how to prepare in the event of a ballistic missile attack. Oliveira shared his own experience from the false warning. “I had just finished a swim on Saturday morning. Usually I go out a little bit later, but I was early. I was on my way home and I got that message. I was about two minutes away from home. “At that point, I wanted to call [HEMA], but I knew they were just dealing with so much going on. I didn’t want to get involved in that. I just wanted their focus to be on what needed to get done.” Shedding light on what action to take, Oliveira said, “The right thing to do at that point is just seek shelter. Get in there and wait for official notification. The right thing to do is to seek cover until you get official word.You need to wait for official word to come out.” •

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‘Quaint’ theater keeps community safe, says local owner Laie Palms Cinemas continues filling the community needs after being closed by large corporation and reopened by a Laie community member B Y J O R DAN CO RTE Z

he main reason local people wanted a theater in Laie is they do Community members even tried to stop the closing of the theater not want their kids driving down Kamehameha Highway on a by picketing around the shopping center while holding signs saying, Friday or Saturday night. It is a very dangerous road,” said Don “Keep our kids off the streets” and “We need our theater.” Nielsen, the owner of Laie Palms Cinema. Scott Wallace, president of Hollywood Theaters, told the Star-Bul A few years before he arrived to Hawaii in 2008, Nielsen said letin that closing Laie Cinemas was purely an economic decision. Wallace multiple high school students were killed in a head on collision while said, “Two-screen theaters are economically obsolete. … It’s too bad driving back from a movie in Temple Valley. By having a movie theater those protesters didn’t ever show up at the movie theater.” here in Laie, local community members are provided with a much safer Nielsen said his background in banking and working for experience compared to driving more than 30 minutes to the next closcorporations helps him understand why the theater in Laie was closed in est theater. 2008. Lauren Judd, a young Laie community member, said, “It definitely “I use to work for big corporations, and I know just how much is hard to find things to do in Hawaii at night. During the day, it’s great money they extract from the small businesses that they own. The only with the beach, hiking and activities, but at night it really dies down. one I have to pay is me and my few employees. That’s why I did it. I was Movies are pretty popular during that time.” not worried that it failed before.” According to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Laie Cinemas opened in When Nielsen reopened the theatre in July of 2009, he was the Laie Shopping Center dating back to the late 1970s and was owned shocked at the overwhelming support from the community. “I was wonby multiple corporations. In 2008, that theater shut down, leaving dering if it was going to be successful, but the day that we opened, there residents upset and worried. was a line from the theatre door all the way past Taco Bell.

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The Laie Palms Cinemas was reopened by a local man who said he wanted youth to have a safe enviroment and place to go to during the weekends. Photo by Alvin Dy

“People had been waiting there for hours and hours and hours. We opened the door and it was just like pandemonium. They just came rolling in and it was craziness. “The first person through the door was my patriarch, Patriarch Hanneman. He came up to me, put a lei around my neck, put his hands on my shoulders and said, ‘You will be successful.’” Nielsen said he decided to reopen the theater after moving from California in August 2008 for his wife Alicen to finish school at BYU-Hawaii at age 53. This was shortly after they had sent their youngest son on a mission. Nielsen spent 30 years in the banking industry before retiring and coming to the island. “When we got here, I had my yellow lab, just he and I,” said Nielsen. “We just goofed off while she went to school.” After the initial vacation, Nielsen began talking to community members and formed an interest in bringing the theater back to life. After nine months of market research and negotiating, he decided to go for it. In the first six months of opening the theater doors, Nielsen had made back the money on his original investment.

“Some people complain that we are not like the mall. We do not have the big recliner seats or the big menu. My attitude is a little different. I like the family place. When you come to the theater, you’ll probably know 20-30 percent of the people there. “It’s a good crowd. Local people are great. I get a lot of pressure to be like the big companies, but I don’t pay a lot of attention to that. If people want that, they will go somewhere else.” The current employees of the theater include the Nielsens, their daughter, and three BYUH college students. Nielsen has no plans on moving away from the small, quaint feel the movie theater has. He still enjoys owning the theater not just because of the movies, but also because of the people. “I like seeing people in the community and most people are in a good mood when here. They are going to watch a movie and eat popcorn. They bring their kids and they are happy. That is why I do it.” McKay Orr, a local community member, said, “It doesn’t have the big comfy seats, but I know the people who work there, and it’s fun. It’s cheap, convenient and a really good theater for little Laie.” •

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A Laie local sings in ‘The Greatest Showman’ Community buys out Laie Palms Cinemas to honor Keala Settle B Y JE SSI CA L E O N

Above left: Keala Settle, aka the Bearded Lady, above right, who grew up in Laie and is in “The Greatest Showman,” is pictured at the 17th Annual Movies for Grownups Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on Monday, Feb. 5 in Beverly Hills, Calif. Photos by AP and the Greatest Showman Facebook 22

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amily, friends, and classmates of Broadway star Keala Settle, who played Lettie Lutzon aka the Bearded Lady in “The Greatest Showman,” honored her major film role by renting out both movie screens at Laie Palms Cinemas for an exclusive screening on Jan. 9. Laie local Kaniela Kalama, a good friend of Settle, came up with the idea of the event and even dressed up as Hugh Jackman’s character P.T. Barnum. He said, “She grew up in Laie and we love her.” He explained the purpose of buying out the theater screens was to allow people to sing, dance, and be loud while watching the movie. Kalama said almost everyone who attended the event had already watched the movie multiple times. “These guys know the dance moves from all the songs. We want to sing and dance, so we reserved the whole theater to do that and not get in anybody’s way and make anyone mad,” he said with a big smile and some laughter.

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As soon as the movie started, the audience sang and clapped in unison. There were people dancing in the aisle and in front of the screen. From adults to kids, everyone sang the songs and performed the dance moves. Kira Tai Hook, a 10-year-old in the audience, said she loves the movie and it was her third time watching it. She said she listens to the music every single day. Tai Hook sang all the songs during the entire movie. She said, “My favorite part was when they were singing ‘Rewrite the Stars.’” Her favorite characters are Settle’s and Zendaya’s. Alicen Nielsen, co-owner of the Laie Palms Cinemas Theater, said, “We love doing this whenever we get a new movie. This is fun. This theater is the place where the community meets, enjoys a great movie and a have great time.” SETTLE ’S L E GACY

Kalama shared how Keala Settle was a big motive for him to start singing. “I liked singing, but I wasn’t a good singer, and she made me sing with her in our senior talent show. She

used to yell at me that I wouldn’t sing loud enough.” He said Settle gave him the confidence to start singing. “Now, I love singing. She was the one who pushed me.” From there, Kalama said he kept singing and was part of a church group called Musical Truth with Settle. Kalani Shelford, another good friend of Settle who helped set up the event, dressed up as Settle’s character. She said this was the second time they rented the entire movie theater. Shelford said, “We started at Ko’olau Theaters, then we heard that the movie was coming to Laie. So we wanted to go ahead and support her again. We are just so proud of her and what she’s done.” Shelford said everyone who attended the event were somehow close to Settle and acknowledged her success. “We knew her since she was a little girl. To see her progress and where she is now feels like a great achievement and accomplishment not just for her, but also for her family.” Shelford said the Settle family are all great singers and shared how Settle’s dad was one of Keala’s greatest supporter. Jolene Kanahele, an administrative assistant in BYUH’s Education Department, also helped make the movie event happen. She shared her earliest memories with Keala. “The first time I saw her sing was when I got back from my mission in 1988 at a PCC Talent Show.” Settle, then a junior in high school, sang a Whitney Houston song. Kanahele said ever since that moment, Settle continued on singing and her talent even took her to Broadway. Kanahele said, “Any show she’s in, no matter what part she plays, she steals the show. That’s just who she is. She doesn’t mean to. She does it naturally.” Serena Tuliloa, who wore a pink wig and dressed up as Zendaya’s character Anne Wheeler, went to Kahuku High School with Settle. She aid they were both part of the BYUH Showcase, a musical group in the ‘90s. Tuliloa said, “I was really lucky and fortunate to be around such talented people like her. It’s neat to see someone from our hometown succeed in her dreams with such passion she has for music and singing. I think it’s

so important for our youth and our kids to see that they can succeed and follow the same steps as her.” Tuliloa described the film as inspiring. She said, “It has such great messages for families and the youth. … I’m excited to be here with family and friends and to recognize Keala and her big success, and celebrate the concept of loving and accepting everyone. “She brings the character to life. She brings the song to life. I don’t know if anyone could have done it as she did,” Tuliloa continued. In the movie, Settle sings “This is Me,” which won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. Tuliloa said, “Everyone can relate to that song somehow because we all want to belong and be accepted. I love the message and hope that we can care for each other and accept our differences. It’s okay to be different.” Clint Mariteragi, a member of the community and bishop of the Hale La’a YSA ward, shared, “I do remember her from high school. She is older than me, and she used to sing all the time.” In regards to the movie, Mariteragi added, “I thought the movie was good.” He explained how in today’s society it is very rare to watch a movie in which “we don’t really cringe at anything. It was just a really good family oriented movie.” He said it was such an exceptional experience to see someone who had grown up in Laie to be in the big screen. “It was a trip. We were all excited. … Congratulations to Keala on a job well done and ... [representing] not only herself, but also her family and community.” More words of encouragement were shared by Settle’s friends. Shelford said, “We only wish her the best and I know it’s just a start, and it’s going to continue to grow.” Kanahele shared, “She worked her way up. She worked hard, so we are very proud of her.” Tuliloa said, “We are so excited to celebrate her success and her Golden Globe award on ‘This is Me.’” Kalama added, “We love Keala. We are so proud of her and we are hoping that she’ll come and visit us one of these days.” •

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Top: Ellen Gay Dela Rosa, middle, worked at PCC for 43 years before retiring in 2016. Her aunt was Aunty Sally, whom the festival honors. Hula groups or halaus came from as far away as Japan. Photos by Kyle Gab Batac 24

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PCC hula festival honors kupuna and Hawaiian culture Dance, music and activities bring the spirit of the islands to patrons and performers B Y ADAM B RACE

he Polynesian Cultural Center hosted its annual Moanikeala Hula Festival on Saturday, Feb 3. The hula festival, held in honor of Sally Moanikeala Wood Nalui, or Aunty Sally, is held every year as a remembrance of Hawaiian culture and the art of hula. For more than 25 years, four of Aunty Sally’s kumu hula, or hula masters, have hosted the festival in her honor. Aunty Sally taught several generations both kahiko, ancient, and auana, modern, styles of hula during her years at the center. Her work led to a renaissance of Hawaiian culture, where men and women both participate in hula dancing, says PCC information. From the beginning, the hula festival has held cultural value for the PCC. Pomaika’I Krueger, a native Hawaiian, the cultural specialist for the village of Hawaii and unofficial coordinator of the event explained its significance. “It gives PCC a cultural grounding to stand on because this is one way that PCC is able to return, to give back to the community in a cultural way. In this way, it is actually hosting a cultural event so people are able to gather and enjoy. People aren’t coming here to spend money for entertainment but rather for its cultural value.” Krueger, serving as the cultural specialist for the past two years, explained what the hula festival meant for him. “The hula festival for me is the way for us to: One, honor and remember our ancestors and the past because they are the foundation that we stand on. Second, it is the way for us to celebrate Hawaiian culture. “This is one way we can perpetuate or celebrate Hawaiian culture without having to translate it. We can just do it.” On a personal basis, he commented, “I enjoy the festival because I enjoy hula and all things Hawaiian. I think most of the people here feel the same.” Each performance had something unique. Halaus, or groups, ranged anywhere from one person to large groups. Ages ranged from young children to kupuna. Even locations varied between performances. While there were primarily local halaus, some came all the way from Japan to participate and showcase their love for the Hawaiian culture. Live music, performed by various groups of PCC workers, students, and musicians was

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Dancers ranged in age from children to kupunas at the annual PCC hula festival. Photos By Kyle Gab Batac Continued from Page 25

played for each dance. Grammy nominee Josh Tatofi made an appearance and sang for one of the dances. Makana Arce, a junior from Hawaii studying vocal performance, played and sang for multiple performances. He shared his feelings on performing. “An important thing about the hula is the song doesn’t really come alive unless there is a dancer who shows what the words mean. I enjoyed watching the dances bring to life the words that I was singing.” Being a Hawaii local, he shared why the hula is important to the Hawaiian culture. “The hula is important because it helps us to preserve the stories of our people. It connects us to our kupuna, our ancestors. It’s something that makes Hawaii, Hawaii.” Arce also commented on how important the event is to the PCC experience. “I never 26

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knew who Aunty Sally was and I don’t really dance hula myself, but I know without her the PCC wouldn’t be something that it is today. She has created this lineage of other hula dancers and teachers that still teach at the center today.” As the day continued, crowds filled the benches of the viewing area. Smiles and laughs were shared by performers and watchers alike. Although rain was in the forecast, the sun came out to shine and butterflies flew around. Hulas dedicated to loved ones and family were performed. The event was open to all who wanted to come participate in the festivities. Taylor McElhaney, a freshman from California studying elementary education, was invited by a friend who works at the Hawaiian village. While watching the festival, a clear favorite

caught her eye, and brought her back to her own childhood. “I loved the little girls. They brought their little dolls and danced with them and it was the cutest thing on the planet. Some of the girls were still learning. It brought me back to my days when I was little.” As she watched the performances, she said she appreciated the Hawaiian culture that brought it all together. “It makes me really appreciate the time that I have here [at BYUHawaii] and all the people who I meet and all of the cultural backgrounds.” Besides the hula performances, there were other attractions close by that day. According to Krueger, there was a craft fair, quilting, hula lessons, upena net throwing, poi making and special food plates were made for the festival as well. •

campus life

in this section Professor says Samoan law has loophole that lets foreigners strip natives of land

Dr. Jim Lee to give presentation on integrity at McKay Lecture

New construction plans include cafe, hale courtyard, and math and science building

Campus Comment: What was your most memorable Valentines Day?

FEB R UARY 2018

CA M P US LIF E

Samoa:

Leasing out the culture Political lecturer says government loopholes allow foreign investors to strip natives of their land B Y K E VI N B RO W N

Dr. Iati Iati educates and advocates for the customary land rights in Samoa. Photo by Adam Case

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uring his recent visit to BYU-Hawaii, Dr. Iati Iati of New Zealand’s University of Otago presented on issues with land ownership several Samoan families face with property their family has owned for generations. If not recognized and reversed, he said the nation of Samoa could end up as another Waikiki–plagued with hotels and urban development. More than 200 faculty, students, and community members, primarily of Samoan descent, made their way to the McKay Auditorium on Jan. 25 to hear him speak. Iati talked about customary land, a type of land governed according to old Samoan traditions prior to colonization. The founding fathers of Samoa put such an emphasis on protecting customary lands that no other laws would supersede the protection. “The government never intended for customary lands to be bought or sold. If there’s so much protection for these lands and alienation isn’t allowed, then what has escaped the government? Leasing!” He gave a scenario where if someone’s land in Samoa was registered fraudulently under another person’s name and they decided to lease it to a foreign investor, that foreign investor then has what’s called indefeasibility. “The government will not turn back the transaction. Once they do something with that title, they effectively exclude the real owner during the lease.” Iati added, “The extended family holds at least one title. The title holder becomes what we call a matai, or a leader of the family. Every title in Samoa is attached to some estate or some customary land.” Families in Samoa may fall victim to leasing their lands to foreign investors, said Iati. “What happens is that they think, ‘Oh, I am going to get so much money when the lease runs out, and I will acquire a hotel and all of this real estate.’ But what they don’t know is that they will be required to buy those properties from the investors when the lease runs out.” Iati said it’s a million-dollar trap where families then can’t afford to buy the developments on their properties, so it remains in the hands of the foreign investors. Mamoe Sanerivi, the senior manager of Financial Aid and Scholarship who is also

Samoan, stated, “They think the government might say something where they think it is correct, but on the other hand they do not realize they can lose their land too. “The government argues that only when you sell is when you lose your land, but leasing says otherwise.” Iati talked about the current system in place that allows this to happen, the Torrens System. “It originated from Australia and it has been adopted by a lot of Pacific Island nations.” It gives more protection for the purchaser because the purchaser “isn’t concerned” with whose name is officially on the title. “If it says

There are two things a Samoan will die for: His wife and his land. Dr. Iati Iati ‘Joe,’ then they say, ‘Well, Joe is the true owner. I’m going to deal with Joe. I’ll take a lease with Joe.’ If the courts find out that Joe is not the true owner, they will say, ‘Joe, you are not the true owner, but we are going to make that transaction stand.’” Rowena Reid, who teaches Samoan on campus, said her friend heard about the land disputes and moved back to Samoa to support her friends and family. “She was there for five months trying to protest,” Reid said. “This whole thing is kind of disheartening when you think about Samoans over all. They are not educated by Western standards, but they are very knowledgeable about culture. The fact that it’s almost too late for them to do anything about it, it’s disappointing.” Iati said the system in place before the Torrens System, the Deeds System, provided

excellent protection for the title owner based on market instruments, but that system was replaced with the passing of the Lands and Titles Registration Act (LTRA) in 2008. He said that system also had its flaws. After playing a video showing Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaeapa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi talking about the Deeds System in Samoan, Iati summarized his words: “If someone came along with a superior title over yours and deposited a bigger instrument, then they were considered the official title holders.” Iati said he started to do research on the issue when the system changed. “If you are familiar with other nations under the Torrens System, you will see the effects it has on those nations, especially those with indigenous peoples with land rights, like Samoa.” One of the effects on Samoa is monetary bribery from foreign companies, according to Reid. “The money is always an enticement for poor countries, but you start to lose your land and your freedom.” Speaking on the change in dynamics of Samoa, Reid said, “They’ve got the Japanese. They own the hotels. The Chinese run the businesses. They are slowly overtaking Samoa. And now with the [Torrens System], it’s almost too late for them.” Despite the amnesty offered foreign investors, Sanerivi said more people are catching on to what is happening around them, and he credited people like Iati for that awareness. “I like what people like him are doing. He is educating our people with things they do not understand. Samoa values exposure. They like to see someone with a bright future trying to educate our people on what is going on.” Reid commented, “I think it’s all about education. I think the more people like this who branch out to people and tell them what is going on, the better. The whole thing is so complicated, and the average Samoan can’t understand all of these laws.” Iati concluded his presentation by stating Samoans across the world possess the will to fight, as they strive to keep their culture and their customary lands. He said jokingly, “There are two things a Samoan will die for: His wife and his land.” •

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NEW CA FE TERIA

NE W S CIENCE A ND MAT H BUIL DING

NEW H A L E CO URTYA R D

Photo Courtesy of Eric Conrad 30

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Exuding light” through new construction

Building management officials explain plans for the new facilities on BYUH campus B Y PATRI CK CAM PB E L L

ead Architect James Brown and Vice President of Operations Eric Conrad said they are working to fulfill President John Tanner’s direction for BYU-Hawaii’s buildings and facilities to “exude light” through new construction projects for new facilities. Tanner said in an Aug. 4, 2015 devotional, “May we learn in the light, may we come to love light, and may the light of God radiate always from our lives...” The facilities include the new courtyard by the hales, and in the planning and approval processs, a new science and math building, which would replace the General Classroom Building, and a new cafeteria. “We’ve got a ton of different construction going on on-campus,” said Conrad. “The other thing I’m supposed to help with is facilities management because the church is investing a ton of money into construction. They want to make sure we maintain it well.” Brown said, “We are trying to create a better educational environment for students, not just build a bunch of places to warehouse people.” For the last couple years, the university’s construction efforts have been focused on updating the school’s infrastructure so it’s capable of supporting the new facilities and expanded campus, according to Brown. “Now we’re doing new stuff. It’s going to be very modern and different.” One of Conrad’s goals is for the campus facilities to be on the same level as the other church schools.

“It shouldn’t matter where you go: BYU, BYUI or here. The bathrooms should be just as clean and maintained the same way. The air conditioning the same way. I’m just here to ensure that happens,” said Conrad. He said it’s much more challenging to maintain the facilities here on the North Shore because of the salty air from the ocean. “The conditions here in Hawaii are really corrosive, which isn’t good on any building. Metal and infrastructure pieces in buildings deteriorate a lot faster here than in the mainland.” Conrad said when he first started working here, they went to look at a piece of exterior equipment on the roof of the Heber J. Grant Building. The piece, which he said on the mainland would last 40 years, had completely rusted through in less than four years. Brown explained in Hawaii they have to treat the interiors the same as exteriors because none of the hales and faculty housing use air conditioning, which means more expensive projects. Brown said the students should recognize that spending money on facilities is an investment for them. “All the [using of] resources, tithing funds, are done so the students can have an awesome experience no different than you could have at one of the other institutions.” Brown said the goal is to have the “same level of facilities [and] same level of education, but be in a much more awesome place.” Brown oversees the designing of all the buildings and wanted students to know they Continues on Page 32

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From right to left: Project Manager Kirk Tyler, Head Architect James Brown and VP of Operations Eric Conrad. Photo by Lorin Vilayvong Continued from Page 31

put hundreds of hours into deciding the designs and functionality of buildings. Both Conrad and Brown said students should be prepared to see a lot of changes.. “It may take us 10-to-15 years to get to where the university needs to be,” said Brown. “It’s been 40 years since they’ve done [this] much construction.” NEW BU I L D I N G S

The new hale courtyard and cafeteria are being built as gathering areas to improve student’s campus life experience, said Brown. “The intent is to change the dynamic,” said Brown. “It’s so the students have a place they can really thrive in.” Brown explained the school’s goal to eventually expand to 3,200 students with 95 percent living on campus. Brown said he and his team are focusing on creating buildings that are both functional and modern but also welcoming to students, especially those from Oceania and the PacificRim. “There’s a quote by Winston Churchill, ‘We shape our buildings. Thereafter, they shape us.’ And so the reality is we design them and then we have to live in them. The decisions we

make in the design mandates that we respond to them in the way that they’re built.” According to Brown, the new cafeteria will contain themes of Oceania and Polynesia including a long house design, heavy timber beam trusses, and full of natural light. “The hope is that we can create a system there where not only will it be a good place to eat, but also it will be a place where people want to be, and it will become really the new sort of main living space for the campus,” said Brown. “There’s an opportunity for it to really become kind of the living room and dining room of campus. People will be there more frequently since more people will be living on campus.” Cafeteria student manager, Jealila Amataga, a junior from Samoa majoring in exercise science, said, “Usually we can only host [a little more than] 300 people. The school has more than 300 students so it’s a hassle if everyone comes in at the same time. Plus it’s open to the community too, so it would definitely help Food Services to have a new building.” The cafeteria will be two-stories with access to an outdoor eating court. The design also includes a lot of glass. “It will be a place to do people watching, to integrate stuff,” explained

Brown. “That space has the greatest ability to modify the way life is on campus.” Another project to modify student life on campus is the new hale courtyard. Brown envisions it as a central gathering point for students. There will be a “40-foot-high tensile structure that will be illuminated from beneath. It will be like a gigantic lantern at night with a big grass field in front of it for people to come back from PCC or to be done with work at the end of the day and gather in the center of campus; something that’s never existed before.” Paula Putong, a junior from the Philippines majoring in accounting, agreed. “There’s really not a central place on campus where everyone goes,” she said. Brown emphasized his team is trying to incorporate themes of Polynesia without turning the campus into a “Polynesian Disneyland.” Brown wants the new buildings to fit in with current buildings but said, “We aren’t trying to build buildings in the 1950s anymore.” He continued, “We aren’t trying to mimic the old architecture, but we aren’t going to turn our back on it.” One example of the slight changes is the incorporation of more stone into the building Continues on page 34

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“[There will be a] 40-foot-high tensile structure that will be illuminated from beneath. It will be like a gigantic lantern at night with a big grass field in front of it for people to come back from PCC or to be done with work at the end of the day and gather in the center of campus, something that’s never existed before,” said Head Architect James Brown. He also mentioned this structure was inspired by the sails of a Polynesian canoe.

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aesthetics. Another is the use of double pitched roofs, common in Oceania and Asia, according to Brown. Brown said his team is constantly coming up with new ideas to integrate the culture and the mission of the school into their buildings. “Some of our ideas don’t work,” said Brown. “Others work fabulously well. We’re on a continuous quest to integrate things the best we can. There are certain modern building elements we have to try and accommodate, and we work around those.” Conrad added, “We want to increase capacity, and so it was a good time to look at the buildings and add square footage where we can.” Brown said with expansion comes some growing pains, and he asked students to not only be patient, but also be grateful for the construction of new facilities. “We have a lot of things that are going on right now around campus and I wish that people will be a little patient with us as that happens because there is a vision in it. It’s been approved by the President’s Council, and it’s going to change the way the campus works and looks and operates but it takes time to get there.” Conrad said, “If you’re constructing, that hopefully means there is some kind of progress and you’re bettering the buildings. If you like the current building great, but I really think you’re going to like the brand new [ones] a lot better.” Amataga said, “I feel like new buildings can be a big improvement. It can provide a good environment to learn. I’m not saying that we don’t have a good environment right now, but I’m pretty sure it can enhance the learning capability of the students.” NEW MA N AGE M E N T

Both Conrad and Brown said they were hired to fill newly created positions to oversee the expanding and upgrading of the BYUH campus. Conrad said he was hired to oversee that the new facilities were managed properly and to create consistent standards of building management. “I was asked to come here to give some leadership in the construction and facilities management areas and ensure some con-

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Tyler and Brown looking over plans for campus construction projects. Photo by Lorin Vilayvong

sistent practices in how we manage projects. How we manage custodial and grounds, so it’s consistent with the other universities and other church properties.” According to Conrad, he has been overseeing the simplification of current facilities management practices. “It’s simplicity and consistency,” said Conrad. He recounted being brought a three-page instructional guide outlining a single custodial process. “I said, ‘This is too complicated. I can’t figure it out. I’m not smart enough. Let’s make it simple. We have to figure out the process and get it on one page,’ and I think everyone appreciates that.” Brown added, “Right now we don’t have standard color schemes. We don’t have standard furnishing that we buy. We don’t have standard plumbing. We don’t have standard specifications. We don’t have a lot of things that would normally be involved with an institutional client that we’ve never had before, so we’re trying to create those things.” Conrad said his goal is for the school to have perfect maintenance. “The gospel and church is a gospel of order,” said Conrad. “You can build a building that looks really, really nice, and it can be dysfunctional.” Conrad, who has had more than 20 years of experience in the facilities management field, said he has learned “not to sweat the small stuff. There is stuff to get stressed about, but

your family and your relationships at work are most important.” Conrad hopes his employees can have a healthy work-life balance, recounting the passing away of his first wife and not spending as much time with her as he felt he should have. “The week before my wife passed, I was coaching soccer and working extra hours. When she passed, I was so upset because I thought, ‘All she wanted to do was watch a movie last week, and I was just too busy and you can’t do anything about it now.’ And so those memories and times are really important.” “So it’s helping me and my employees to have that work life balance,” continued Conrad. “If you go to work happy, you’re going to go home happy. If you come to work sad, then you’re going to be sad at work or upset, and then other people at work are upset and it’s just a vicious cycle.” If everyone can have a purpose at work, then Conrad believes it will be a better experience for the Facilities Management employees and for their families. To improve the work environment and his department’s efficiency, Conrad said he began holding consistent staff meetings every month and weekly one-on-ones with his managers. “They have an opportunity to tell me about their organization and their needs, and I can hear them and help them.” •

McKay Lecture to focus on integrity and technology Dr. Jim Lee was chosen as this year’s representative speaker after being nominated by his fellow faculty members B Y H E L AM L AU

his year’s McKay Lecture will be given by Dr. Jim Lee, whose presentation is titled “Integrity: The Key to Trust (in Business and in Life).” He summarized, “I am going to talk about the advancement in technology in my lifetime and the opportunities that those have provided us both good and bad.” Lee, the dean of the College of Business, Computing, and Government, will present at the CAC on Feb. 12. Two feelings came to Lee upon hearing he was selected: “Humble that the faculty would nominate me, and it is a special honor to speak in the McKay Lecture. The second thought was there was a lot of work.”

Chiung Chen, the Faculty Advisory Committee (FAC) chairperson, explained the speaker is selected by nomination of fellow faculty members. “We sent out announcements asking faculty to nominate someone who is a good teacher, scholar, and has made contribution to the university. Afterwards, the FAC council selects one from the list of nomination.” Lee recalled with a laugh, “I recognized how much work goes in preparing a devotional back in 2012. I told my wife this was a great experience. Doing it for one time is okay. I asked myself, ‘Are you ready to go through that level of work again?’” He joked, “I said yes to speak but over the past year, I was thinking maybe I should have not.” Speaking of how he came up with the topic, he said, “Integrity is a part of it. I teach a lot about technology and how and why it is used. There are lots of wonderful things as a result of technology. However, you can use it in a negative way. For us, it is our personal integrity. What do we do when we are presented with opportunity to use technology in a negative way? Do we embrace and pursue it? Or we choose to remain our personal integrity, despite if is for business, church, or family reasons.

“You can find anything you are looking for in the internet. There are things we should never download to our personal devices, but it is a choice. The greatest thing Heavenly Father has given us is agency. We made wrong choices for sure, but hopefully we learn from it and make improvements.” The McKay Lecture has been held yearly in February since 1963 with a goal of recognizing a BYUH professor for their outstanding performance as a teacher and a scholar, said Chen. It “encourages scholar exchange and sharing of knowledge in respective fields. Students can know what their professors are doing in addition to teaching. We are also engaging in scholarly work.” She said, “The McKay Lecture is more scholarly - different from a normal devotional. The main point is to share knowledge of the world in the field we are working in. Meanwhile, we incorporate spirituality in it to help us to be a good scholar. The speaker has one year to prepare. At this year’s lecture, we will announce the next year’s speaker.” John Bell, vice president of Academics, said, “I think students would have the same benefit from the McKay Lecture as they attend devotional. It is still gospel-oriented. I strongly encourage students to attend it. Just come at the same time as usual devotional.”•

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Campus Comment:

What was your most memorable Valentine ‘ s Day? B Y D E N AL I LO F L I N / P H OTO S B Y ALV I N DY

Jacob McGee, senior biomedicine major from California, said, “I bought a bunch of roses and arranged them in a heart shape at the end of a bike path. As I did, I noticed a hobo walking nearby. As the girl and I walked down the path, I noticed the roses weren’t there anymore. That’s when I realized the hobo stole the roses. I explained to this girl about my plan, but I made it really cheesy and asked her out anyway.” 36

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Kennedy Anderton, freshman biomedicine major from Idaho, said, “A boy came up to me and asked me to get up on stage with him. When I did, he whipped out a guitar and said he wrote a song for me. He sang me his love song and then continued to tell me he was in love with me. I wasn’t really sure how to react, so I just stood still with a straight face. I actually ended up dating him, so it all worked out I guess.”

Brooke Critchfield, freshman English major from Utah, said, “In sixth grade, a boy who liked me gave me chocolates and a teddy bear for Valentine’s Day. On the bus home after school, I sat by a different boy I liked. We threw the chocolates out the window. Although I had an irrational fear that there was a camera in the teddy bear, I covered it up. After that I never talked to him again.”

Morgyn Carroll, freshman accounting major from California, said, “Valentine’s Day fell on our three-month anniversary. My boyfriend at the time took me to a really nice Mexican restaurant. I ordered a burrito, but it ended up being massive. I kept choking on it. The waiter even came up with another fork and knife to make sure I was okay.”

Isabella Dearaujo, senior art major from California, said, “In high school, I was friends with this guy who liked me more than I liked him I guess. On Valentine’s Day, he decorated my entire room with Valentine memes and hearts. When I got there, he was hiding in my closet, and he jumped out to surprise me. It scared me so bad that I fell and sprained my wrist.”

lifestyle

in this section Poll shows 61 percent of Mormons approve of Trump, the highest of any religious group

The Art of Handling Rejection: Advice from those who have experienced it

The weight of stress: Finding balance among school, work, church, and fun

BYU-Hawaii’s 2018 bachelors and bachelorettes

Editor: Being single is a time to trust God in finding a spouse

The current status of last year’s bachelors and bachelorettes

Did you know about the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1929?

Valentine’s Day advice for all relationship statuses, single or married

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Mormons and Trump Poll shows 61 percent of members approve of the president B Y S AVAN N A B ACH E L D E R

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ccording to a recent Gallup poll, 61 percent of Mormons approve of President Trump’s job, an approval number higher than any other religious demographic and his national approval rating of 39 percent. BYU-Hawaii students and religion faculty attributed these results to the LDS tendency to vote Republican, Trump’s views on religion, and Mormon culture. “If that many Mormons approve of him, I don’t think they know what he’s doing,” said McKayla Caress, a senior from Nevada studying political science. “I think it’s too easy to follow into the party of the Republicans because many Mormons are. They stick by that rather than really digging deep into what his policies are, how he’s treating people, and how he presents himself. “They are too scared to go outside of that ideology that they think they’re in, because they’re Mormon, because they have to. It really stinks that people get stuck in that and not look outside the box and think, ‘What is right for me, for the people I live with, and for my country?’ I think they get lost in parties instead of ideology.” Dr. Keith Lane, an associate professor of Religion, said, “The support for Trump among Mormons as revealed in the last poll was, to many, puzzling and perhaps disappointing, though not entirely unexpected because a large majority of Latter-day Saints tend to be strongly Republican. It should also be noted, however, that some of the strongest opposition to President Trump from those of his own party have come from two prominent public figures who are LDS: Mitt Romney and Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona. Rulon Olmstead, an alumnus from Utah who graduated in math and is a self-described Trump supporter, cited Trump’s party affiliation and treatment of the prophet as reasons for LDS approval. “[Trump] is very big on freedom of religion. He acknowledged and said nice things about President Monson when he passed. Other than that, it is probably simply that he ran as a Republican. “I don’t necessarily think that Republicans are the best representation of Mormons, but if there are two options, it does seem that Mormons lean right. The church doesn’t endorse any candidates, and as individuals I hope Mormons choose the best candidate and not just vote straight Republican. More so, I wish we could lose the Republican stigma and have more Mormons be seen as Independents. “It would be fun to see Mormon favor of Trump in Utah versus say California. Maybe Mormons feel like they have to like Trump. I hope they don’t feel that way, but there is lots to like about Trump. In my wards, we almost never talked about politics in church or at church activities.” According to Gallup News, the survey results reflect how various religious communities view Republican leaders in general

rather than Trump specifically. The same trend is shown during previous Republican administrations, with Mormons favoring Republican leaders. In reverse, Mormons were among the demographics least likely to approve of Democratic leaders. Dr. Marcus Martins, chair of the BYUH Religion Department, used Doctrine and Covenants 98:6-7, 9-10 to share his thoughts: “‘I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land; And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of evil. “‘Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn. Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.’” Martins concluded, “Therefore, in whatever nation we live, if we live under a democratic regime, as long as we make personal choices as citizens in harmony with these two divine commands, we and our fellow-citizens will enjoy the benefits that come from the influence of wise and inspiring political leaders.” Gallup says its “results are based on more than 122,000 interviews conducted as part of Gallup Daily tracking in 2017, with sample sizes ranging from 60,411 Protestants to 893 Muslims.” • TO L EA R N MO R E

References and other Information on Mormons and politics: http://www.newsweek.com/mormons-donald-trump-approvalreligion-781134 Mormon’s typically approve of conservative leaders http://www.nytimes.com/20 06/06/04/washington/04believers.html Reverse trend: http://news.gallup.com/poll/172442/muslims-approvingobama-mormons-least.aspx?g _source=link_newsv9&g _ campaign=item_225380&g _medium=copy

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The Weight of Stress: Finding balance BYUH ohana say putting god first, trusting God, and prioritizing decrease stress

B Y DAN I A. CASTRO

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Prioritization and counsel focusing on spiritual he beginning of a new semester places more than matters have helped him develop more self-discipline, just books in backpacks. A new semester brings Sproat added. “If you don’t prioritize, you could miss out additional responsibilities. BYUH students and on something important.You can minimize your stress by faculty share their thoughts on how someone can prepare to getting the most important things done first. Putting God carry the stress of newly ushered responsibilities that come first is going to give you the opportunity to live with peace from school, church, work and social life. in your mind that everything is going to be fine.” Kaha’akea Sproat, a senior from the Big Island study Laiken Tomie, a senior from ing music, recommended people Canada studying accounting, related change their perspective on how a saying she heard during final exams stress affects them. “You can use last semester: “Diamonds are made stress to help yourself grow. Stress from pressure.” She added, “I like to helps us to grow because we can think that stress tests us and urges us look back at that stress and see to grow and become our best.” what it was and appreciate it for Tomie said she glows from what it helped us become.” optimism as she confronts new Sister Karma Whiting, a challenges and is comforted by the senior missionary from Arizona and lifestyle at BYUH. “I try to stay posistaff member at the Center for Acative when handling stress and I do demic Success, said she challenges my best to remember the blessings I students to take stress head on. have in my life. I feel capable of find“There’s usually a couple of reasons ing balance. I think stress is different why you’re stressed as a student. So at BYUH for that reason. I know if once we pinpoint what it is, then I strive to prioritize the teachings you can figure a way to handle that of the gospel, it will help me realize stress.You can run all day if you like what truly matters.” running, but if there is still a big Whiting wants students who problem in your life, you’ll still be - Laiken Tomie are struggling with the weight of stressed.” new obligations to come visit the Whiting also gave insight on Center for Academic Success. “If how to handle burdens people have you’re a stressed student and decide no control over. “Let it go....You let to come to the academic center, we God handle that, and He will. We know that Jesus Christ will handle that for us. When we can’t would have a prayer, then we would talk to you and ask you why you are stressed. control it, we’re not supposed to. That’s something that I’ve “You can have balanced life.You can schedule your learned also. It’s okay to give up control.” time, and if you will be where you’re supposed to be when Taking time to organize has helped Sproat manage his you’re supposed to be there, it makes life a whole lot stress. “Usually when I get put in [stressful] situations, I try to take myself out of them,” he said. “Do something else for a easier.”• bit. Step out and make sure that everything that I need to do are put order and come back into it.”

Diamonds are made from pressure... stress tests us and urges us to grow and become our best.

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Singled out for

being single Trusting in Heavenly Father is required through your journey of finding an eternal companion or not B Y K E V I N B RO W N

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n a church system designed to match up singles in every aspect of their church experience through YSA wards and activities, many members of the church find only despair and short-comings during their dating process. They are reminded of their marital status during sacrament meeting talks, in Sunday School lessons, during Relief Society and in meetings with their ecclesiastical leaders. However, the hardest hits may be taken from outside the walls of meetinghouses during holidays, weekends and during weddings of their friends and siblings. In the back of their heads, they feel their time is ticking closer to possibly not finding their eternal companion, and closer to having their choices narrowed by having to attend older single branches. It’s of epidemic concern within members our church body. The pressure to get married is so intense that singles within the church suffer from heartache and depression as their journey to find love takes longer than those around them. They desire for families of their own, but haven’t found the “one.” Out of reasons beyond their control, singles are also talked about by other members of the church as they mingle amongst themselves: “Why isn’t he or she married yet? What is wrong with them that would keep them from getting a spouse?” This type of ridicule is synonymous of when a priesthood holder of age doesn’t serve a mission or comes home early from his service. During a commencement ceremony I attended at BYU-Idaho in 2015, instead of expounding on the academic success of the graduates, the conductor began speaking of statistical information on the number of graduating students that were able to get married, and those who were not able to get married. For many of those graduates, including my sister, they were once again notified of their singleness. They were reminded yet again they live single in a church pushing marriage and children to the greatest extent. For members of the church who have followed a normal Mormon trajectory by getting married in the temple and then divorced, the emotions they feel are probably ones of regression. Single members are very aware of God’s plan. They spend countless hours reviewing scriptures, conference talks and their patriarchal blessings. They know the decree the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles announced in 1995: “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” This proclamation states, “Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”

The brethren of the church, inspired by Heavenly Father, tell us here that happiness is founded upon faith, love, and work. However, there are things in life that drag us away from that vision. A major drive of unhappiness and loss of confidence in our lives appears to come from the large social media presence of the new generation, according to psychcologytoday.com, especially when couples post photos of themselves. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, then serving as a counselor in the First Presidency, said in his October 2011 General Conference discourse, “We spend so much time and energy comparing ourselves to othersusually comparing our weakness to their strengths. This drives us to create expectations for ourselves that are impossible to meet. “As a result, we never celebrate our good efforts because they seem to be less than what someone else does.” For this reason, social media can have a negative effect on your ability to find a soulmate. In this same conference address, Elder Uchtdorf spoke of a woman who all of her life had desired to find the “golden ticket” of what she thought happiness would be. He said the ticket for her was marriage. “It was the one thing in all the world for which she most desperately yearned. But it never happened. And, as the years went on, she became more and more withdrawn, bitter, and even angry. She could not understand why God would not grant her this righteous desire,” he said. Like many of God’s children in the same situation, Elder Uchtdorf said we fall short of noticing all the “sweetness of the everyday moments” around us. He said, “The lesson here is that if we spend our days waiting for fabulous roses, we could miss the beauty and wonder of the tiny forget-me-nots that are all around us.” The current void in happiness provided by a soulmate can be replaced by personal passion. Find a love for a favorite hobby where you can find satisfaction in the progress of skills obtained, or a love of creating memories to be cherished forever with friends and family members through wholesome activities or travel experiences. Find a love for enjoying God’s wonderful creations and relish in the fact that you get to be a part of it. Remember that you are one of his wonderful creations.You are known personally by Heavenly Father, and your life is unique among his billions of children.Your path in life is also unique. Most importantly, what happens in life, or doesn’t happen in life, always comes with a purpose. Heavenly Father has given us complete control of our happiness, no matter what our circumstances. He is beyond mindful of our desires and struggles in life, and we, at the least, must have trust in Him to get us to where we are destined to be. In that process, we must however learn to be happy with where we are at. Everything is by design, created by the divine. •

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Grassli Cauilan and Francis Dela Cruz play billiards in The Hub. Photo by Alvin Dy

Valentine’s Day Advice Good food and conversation make for good dates, students say, while good friends and family members can help get single people through Valentine’s Day B Y: H AN N AH JO N E S

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Left: Married couple Anthea Kwan Wang and Sean Wang like to go to the movies Right: Grassli Cauilan and Frances Dela Cruz watch a tennis match together. Photo by Alvin Dy

egardless if you’re single or taken, BYU-Hawaii students shared their favorite Valentine’s Day date ideas and advice for getting through the holiday single. Kylee Haynes, a freshman from Idaho majoring in elementary education, said a good date is “a picnic on the beach at sunset.” Haynes explained, “It’s romantic and it’s thoughtful and you can get to know someone because you have lots of time to talk and learn about each other.” According to Haynes, this date is appropriate for all stages of a relationship. She said, “I’d appreciate it as a first date, but also if I was in a long-term relationship.” Haynes recalled the best date she’d ever been on. She said, “It was on my birthday and my boyfriend surprised me with a picnic. We hiked up this waterfall and then had the picnic and it was really thoughtful of him because he packed all my favorite foods.” An ice cream date is always a good goto date idea, she added. “It’s simple. I mean, they’re good as an actual date, but I feel like it would be more fun to have a big date and then ice cream after.” She noted that not everyone goes on a date for Valentine’s Day and provided advice to help get through the holiday alone. “If you’re single and you can’t find anyone to go out with, go with some friends and pretend they’re your dates.”

Haynes provided a few other date suggestions: “A hike would be fun, or a nice dinner, a barbecue on the beach. Basically anything with food.” Lasater Kinikini, a junior from Utah majoring in psychology, shared his ideal Valentine’s Day date. “Long walks on the beach staring at the stars.” He then laughed and said, “Just kidding.” His actual ideal date involves “food and a movie, anything with food. Most important thing is good food and then any activity.” Comparing a good date to a bad one, Kinikini remembered his worst date. “We went to Temple Square. What makes it the worst is that I tried to hold her hand and she didn’t want to. Then I just took her home because I didn’t want to be with her anymore.” After laughing it off, he remembered, “This was like our fourth date.” Kinikini addressed those who don’t have a special someone to celebrate with on Valentine’s Day. “It’s a good time to just love yourself, you know.You’re a team. There’s a lot of other people who are lonely on Valentine’s. Just get together and go on a man date or get the girls together and go on a girl’s date.” For this year, he said he is “grieving at the moment. I just got out of a relationship, so I’m probably not going to do anything. I’m going to find a bunch of other lonely people, go watch a movie and go get food.”

Although experiencing loneliness at the moment, Kinikini’s favorite part about Valentine’s Day is the courage people have. He shared, “I like the thought that there’s people all over the world going out of their comfort zone to be a little courageous and ask that person that they like out on a date or do something special for that someone. It’s them taking the leap, the leap of faith.” Trella Schlutsmeyer, a freshman from California majoring in art, advised that a good Valentine’s date for Hawaii residents is hiking. She said, “I feel like when you’re hiking it’s easier to talk then when you’re watching a movie or bowling.” For Schlutsmeyer, knowing she can talk with the person is a necessity. “Otherwise, I don’t want to hang out with them. I need to feel comfortable and safe.” Schlutsmeyer recalled her past few Valentine’s Days. She said, “I typically have a ‘Galentine’s Day’ and hang out with friends. I was just talking to my family and I told my brother that he could be my valentine. “If you’re single, I think thinking of other people you love and celebrating your friends and family helps, she said. For her first Valentine’s Day in college, she wants “to hang out with my friends. A girl’s night out.” •

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The Art of

Handling Rejection

Don’t take things personally, don’t judge others, love yourself and stay positive, say students B Y DAN I A. CASTRO

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omantic rejection is not a reflection of oneself or their worth, but instead is a chance to grow personally and find someone more compatible, according to those who have had their hearts broken. For Hans Nieto, a sophomore from Ecuador studying business management, rejection hits hard because “it’s a situation where there’s someone who you want but can’t have.” It’s also difficult because you’re expressing your personal feelings to the person, he said, but they don’t share those feelings for you. “Once, I really liked this girl and she rejected me. I was so sour. It was like I was stabbed in the heart - many times. I held on to those feelings for a long time.You can’t do that. It is natural, and with time those feelings of disappointment will go away, but you need to be conscious of how you’re letting yourself feel.” Corbin Maciel, a freshman from Oregon studying English, reflected on a moment when he publicly asked a girl on a date but she said no. Seemingly embarrassed, he said, “I got through the situation with as much dignity as I could. It took me a couple of weeks to find the courage to ask a girl out [again].” The remedy that helped Maciel overcome his rejection was his sense of humor. “I laugh about what happened and look back at it from a humorous perspective. It’s okay if I’m not the smoothest talking person in the world, but I’m working on it, trying my best. It wasn’t the end of the world.” Some students experience a less confrontational type of rejection: disappearance. Saba Ramirez, a sophomore from Ecuador studying communications, shared, “I just wanted truth. He was gone, and he didn’t communicate with me anymore. Sometimes it can be hard to express yourself and what you’re feeling to someone else when this happens.” Ramirez added, “Especially if you’re opening yourself to someone from a different culture.” Strength and self-love is what Ramirez found from contemplating her past. “You must learn to love yourself. It’s something

you [should] do every day. By learning to love yourself, you can learn to love others again. Sometimes you’ll find yourself pushing a relationship that you know is not going to work. I did. Some things you have to let go.” Leilani Auna, the director of BYUH Counseling and Disability Services and licensed clinical social worker, warned of consequences that come from handling rejection incorrectly. “People bottle up their feelings and they start thinking negative thoughts,” she said. “This can lead to emotional distress: anxiety, negative self-talk, low self-esteem, almost to the point of depression. “We’re happy sometimes and sad sometimes. It’s normal.” The abnormality, she said, is when someone is sad all the time and “can’t eat, can’t sleep, can’t function properly.” Auna instructed students to be open-minded about the reason refusal happens. “There may be a lot of reasons why that person is rejecting you. They have to work. They are shy. They can’t do it at this time. … It is not necessarily because they don’t like you or there is something wrong with you. Don’t judge because you don’t know what’s going on.” For a relationship to be successful, both people must want to to be in it, Nieto emphasized. “A successful relationship is a team effort. Don’t forget that the other person has their agency too. We must recognize that you can like someone and think that they are the best person in the world, but if they don’t have those feelings for you, if there is no chemistry or a natural attraction, it doesn’t work.” Ramirez said, “Avoid saying negative things about others.” She said she hopes students can maintain the loving and judgmentfree atmosphere that should exist at BYUH, as well as be careful and not believe things that aren’t true. Maintaining personal progress is advice shared by all those who were interviewed. Maciel shared, “Find something productive you can do with your time–reading a book, playing a sport, giving service. If you want to know what you can do, ask Heavenly Father in earnest prayer, and He will help you discover how you can improve and help you let it all go.”

Ramirez said she learned to adapt and to roll with the punches. “Life happens, and you have to be prepared for rejection. If someone has rejected you, maybe that person can’t see your worth, but someone will come and they will know that you are worth so much. They will value you. Just be you. Don’t pretend to be another person. Someone will show up one day and love you for who you are.” Nieto wished to support those who have fallen due to rejection. “Rejection is an important part of success. If you let rejection make you think you’re a failure, you’ll turn into one. Don’t do that. Take rejection as a chance to learn.” Expounding on that idea, Nieto also shared that “rejection can be helpful. It gives you an opportunity to put your cards on the table and analyze yourself, as long as you do it appropriately. It’s important, so when you move on you can be ready for the next opportunity that comes along. I have faith that things will work out.” Auna continued, “The things that don’t work out can be blessings in disguise.” The best foundation to build upon is Christ, Auna added. “We have to have good selfesteem, good self-confidence. The best example of this is Jesus Christ. No matter all the people who were talking stink about him, the lies, or saying negative things about him. He saw the bigger picture. He knew who He was. He was the Son of God. He knew his purpose when he came on this earth. He felt all the rejection you feel, all the sadness you have felt.” Nieto ended with a statement that happiness isn’t only found in relationships, but also in personal growth. “I’ve learned to not let myself think I’m not good enough. If that special person doesn’t have those same feelings for you, it doesn’t make you any less than what you are. If you can realize how much you are worth, you won’t need to place your happiness or hopes on that one person. “I’m happy with who I am and the achievements I’ve been blessed to have,” he said. I’m also grateful for the things that didn’t work out. They have made me who I am. I’m happy.” •

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Bachelors

The Bachelors and Bachelorettes of 2018 stand by Keara jingai Yao and her fiancée. (far right). a

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bachelorette from 2017. Photos by Adam Case.

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Sophmore

Freshman

ww Out-going ww Talkative ww Interested in the beach ww Enjoys hip-hop ww Has good sense of fashion

ww Open to meeting different kinds of people ww Strong in the Gospel ww Passionate about life ww Smiley ww Kind

ww Poor hygiene ww Too quiet ww Not able to take care of themselves

ww Emotionally immature

ww I won first place in ww I have 5 sisters and 2 a musical theater brothers competition in California ww I served in the Miconesia ww I enjoy learning Guam Mission new things ww I have been to 14 countries ww I enjoy basketball, surfing ww I want to have my own library one day ,and playing the ukulele ww He said the ideal date would be simple and he would want to get to know her along with eating food.

ww Doing something active, such as hiking, going to the beach, running, and walking

Eli za be th Sn ow

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Me ye r

Me ye r Kr ist in a

Sa no At su sh i Japan

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Italy

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Sophmore

Sophomore

Sophmore

Freshman

ww Spiritual ww Modest ww Appearance doesn’t matter as much ww “Everyone has weaknesses... I see a girl’s potential as long as she has the desire to be a better person.” ww I am 22 ww I served in the Japan Kobe Mission ww I’m optimistic ww I enjoy basketball and playing the piano ww He said his ideal date is to be able to get to know each other and be comfortable with her.

ww Good sense of humor ww Sweet and gentle ww Confident ww Easy to talk to ww Strong testimony

ww Outgoing ww Easy to talk to ww Honest ww Respectful ww Testimony

ww Bad hygiene ww Bad table manners ww Too cocky

ww Cocky ww Sassy ww High maintenance ww Lies a lot

ww I know how to give massages ww I like to bake ww I like to draw landscapes and portraits ww when her and her date went hiking to Chinaman’s hat and watched the sunset and had dinner in Waikiki.

ww I am 20 ww I like the beach, watching movies, drawing ww I’m out-going, but shy and quiet at first ww He said it was a group date and they were able to talk a lot and did something active like ice-skating.

ww Good Sense of humor ww Kind ww Strong testimony ww Willing to live outside

ww Rude ww Prideful

ww I know how to cook ww I enjoy traveling ww I took belly dancing classes for three years

ww To watch the sunset on the beach

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A few of the Original Bachelors and Bachelorettes of 2017

Where are they now? Bachelorette Keara Jingqi Yao and Bachelors Chris Chandroo, Edmund Michael, and Kimball Heaton share how their relationship status had changed since they appeared in last year’s Ke Alaka‘i February 2017 issue and other plans they have after they graduate.

KEARA JINGQI YAO A sophomore from China majoring in hospitality management Yao said she got engaged to Elijah Kupono Foster on Jan. 7. She shared her story explaining how “last summer break, he [Foster] went on a date with my friend, but she thought I was the type of girl who would fit him more, and she gave my Facebook to him. “When I started working at the Aloha Center front desk, he came to ask if I am a friend of hers. After I answered him, he left but added me on Facebook. Since then, we started talking and dated and have come to this point.”

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CHRIS CHANDROO A senior from California majoring in exercise and sports science

EDMUND MICHAEL A senior from Papua New Guinea majoring in Political science

KIMBALL HEATON A junior from Utah majoring in business management

Since being in the Ke Alaka’i February issue of last year, Chandroo said he said he has been on a date about seven times after he was on the bachelor and bachelorette article in 2017. He said he currently has a girlfriend. Chandroo said he graduates this coming June and plans to take the graduate record examinations (GRE) this summer. From September to next March, he is taking an internship to teach English in Japan. He said he would like to work for the U.S. Navy as a clinical psychologist. The advice he gave to bachelors and bachelorettes is the best way to get to know another person is by going on a group date “because when we are on one on one, we are both shy and awkward, but at least when we are in a group, especially when we both have mutual friends in a group, you’ll be more able to be yourself and be more attractive and fun.” He concluded, “Eventually, of course, you should pair off to be by yourself, but initially try to do group dates so that you can be friends. Also listen to what others say. Try to get them to talk because it’s very important to learn about other people.”

Michael shared his relationship status and the changes he also had seen since being a part of last year’s Valentine’s Day article. “I started dating this girl from Laie. She is Polynesian. She is so sweet and kind…We do a lot of dating activities together like, go to the beach, eat at Popeye’s, watch movies in the theater and do more fun activities and adventures together.” “I am graduating in fall and I’m hoping to stay here in Hawaii and do my academic training.” In addition to graduating in the fall and working towards his AT, Michael said he is hoping to get his optical practical training (OPT) done in the PNG embassy or on campus at the social science office. He said, “BYUH is the best place. There are a lot of opportunities out there, a lot of good potentials. Just keep dating even if you don’t feel like dating. Dating is fun. Dating is all about getting to know someone, doing some fun activities, going out, watching movies, [going] to the beach. It’s part of the adventure.”

Heaton said he has been dating a lot, and said he is just overwhelmed by the tremendous opportunity BYUH has to offer. Heaton said he plans to graduate in about two years and is interested in getting involved in social entrepreneurship to make changes in the world. He advised how when it comes to marriage plans, “find the right one. Don’t rush.” His resolution for 2018 is to “face the fear and act more promptly.” He said the advice for this year’s bachelors and bachelorettes, or anybody, is to “Keep trying, keep being productive, have purpose every day, not just trying to find the cutest girl on campus, but try something good that keeps you going, and then you will find the right people when you are in the right circumstances.”

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St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Think your Valentine’s Day was bad? Mobsters were murdered on that day in 1929 B Y E M M AL E E SM I TH

alentine’s Day is not always a day of romance, chocolates, and flowers, but according to History.com, on Feb. 14, 1929, seven members of a gang in Chicago were gunned down while lined up facing a wall. Police officers from Chicago’s 36th District found eye witnesses who said men entered a garage dressed as police officers and gunned down the victims. About 70 rounds of ammunition were fired. One gang member, Frank Gusenberg was barely alive when police arrived at the scene and although he was repeatedly asked, he would not give up what had happened. Al Capone and his gang were immediately suspected of the crime but claimed to have been at his home in Florida at the exact time of the shootings and no one was ever prosecuted or brought to court in suspicion of the massacre. However, mafioso ‘Scarface’ Al Capone’s gang is known for the massacre. The massacred gang leader, Irish gangster George “Bugs” Moran, had an alcohol bootlegging operation in the North side of Chicago and was a known rival of Capone’s. In Chicago during the 1920s, Capone had a gambling, prostitution, bootlegging (the illegal making and selling of alcohol), and speakeasies (illegal drinking sites) operations. These businesses were especially

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profitable during the prohibition era when alcohol was illegal from 1920 to 1933 and Capone made an estimated $60 million a year. Capone is one of the most infamous gangsters in American history. Although Capone was involved in many violent acts including 64 murders in 1929, the most well-known of these is the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. However not long after the massacre, Capone was sent to court for contempt charges, then to prison in May of the same year for carrying an illegal weapon. He was jailed for nine months. A year later, he was convicted for contempt charges and then again for tax evasion where he was sentenced to 11 years in jail. According to PBS, during his stay, he became mentally unwell due to syphilis attacking his brain and was released three years early. He died at the age of 48 from heart failure. According to AMC, the movie “Scarface” featured a mobster played by Al Pacino who was based off of the real-life Mafioso ‘Scarface’ Al Capone. The film, which is often recognized by the quote, “Say hello to my little friend,” a large gun Pacino uses, is loosely-based off of the 1929 novel with the same title. •

feature

in this section Kiribati alumni featured in United Nations YouTube video for farming projects

Vietnamese student converts to church while at BYUH, family converts as well

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Eritai Kateibwi T h e U n i t e d N a t i o n s r e c o g n i z e s t h e B Y U H g r a d u a t e ’s p r o j e c t a s a s o l u t i o n t o i s s u e s f a c i n g t h e Pa c i f i c BY EMMA LE E S M I T H

Aerial view of Kiribati. Photo by Tay Steele

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YU-Hawaii graduate Eritai Kateibwi was titled as one of the first Young Champions of the Earth by the United Nations in December 2017 for introducing a hydroponics system to Kiribati that provides fresh food, nutrients, and self-reliance to his home country. “It is simple enough that an 8 year old can understand it and do it themselves,” explained Kateibwi in an email. The finance grad from Kiribati said the system requires a small amount of space, can be grown at any location, is less time consuming and bears more fruit per root. The United Nations released a 2:54 second video on its YouTube channel about Kateibwi’s journey, the problems his country faces, and how the hydroponics system helps his people overcome. His project, called Te Maeu, which means life, is a hydroponics system that allows the

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successful growth of plants in 30 days using 10 percent of the water it would normally take. He introduced the system to his home island to resolve lack of land, increasing sea levels, king tides, and irregular rain, which makes it difficult for the people to grow their own food. According to the U.N., because of these problems, people in Kiribati rely on imported processed foods that lack nutrients and give rise to problems such as diabetes, unhealthy children, and a garbage problem due to packaging. According to the U.N., Kateibwi and five other representatives were selected from more than 600 applicants from six different regions: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and West Asia. The winners received $15,000 to help start off and implement their ideas, and they also attended the U.N. Environmental Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya in December 2017. Kateibwi said he was shocked when he made it as a finalist. He said, “I knew I worked

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hard and my idea was great, but I was competing against other people in the world. I was dreaming even more when I left for Africa. … I just didn’t expect it at all. Even when I was on the airplane I kept saying to myself, ‘Am I really going to Africa?’” During the assembly in Kenya, Kateibwi said he received two days of intensive entrepreneurship training designed to help the young champions execute their business plans. He met the president of Kenya, president of the U.N. General Assembly, ambassadors from all over the world, as well as singer Ellie Goulding, and actress Dia Mirza who were hosts at the gala diner in Nairobi. Kateibwi will participate in a one-week entrepreneurship course in Europe this year as well as the U.N. General Assembly in New York this September, which is also part of the Young Champions of the Earth award, according to the U.N. According to the U.N., the United Nations Environmental Program launched the

Young Champions of the Earth for the first time in 2017. The website states, “This new, young competition recognizes the importance of supporting the innovation of the world’s newer generation to find lasting environmental solutions to the issues increasingly affecting them.” LEARNING AT BYUH

Taylor Steele, the production and broadcast manager at BYUH, visited Kiribati this past summer to help Kateibwi with Te Maeu. Steele said the people in Kiribati rely so heavily on imported foods that it’s scary to think what would happen if they were cut off from the supply. “People are excited about this new system because it helps them become self-reliant. It’s easy, it produces healthy food, and is a new way for them to earn some income,” Steele said. Kateibwi wrote in the email, “BYUH is a great and the right place to be. We are surrounded by hundreds of mature people (staff,

Eritai Kateibwi working on a hydrophonics system. Photos by Tay Steele

professors, volunteers, couple missionaries, local entrepreneurs, etc.) on campus. I know for sure that these wonderful people would love to help you succeed in life. Regardless, we need their help. So if you think you have a great idea, just do it. And get as much help and mentorship as possible from them.” Steele said, “Eritai is so humble that even with all the hype and recognition, he has a huge attitude of gratitude for other people and everyone who helped him. He’s just the perfect person for that kind of opportunity. I think that’s why he’s had so much success. He’s kind to everyone he meets and he just wants to help everybody, especially his people.” Les Harper, director of BYU-Hawaii’s Sustainable World Action and Technology Team (SWATT), said his team’s goal is to be able to reproduce what Kateibwi’s done in other students with their home countries. “What we want is to take the video and change the name, the country, and the project. … The way we

have it set up here is so we can have that happen over and over again.” In the video, Kateibwi says he has always wanted to help his home country. Harper said Kateibwi’s first idea was to start a resort on his island, but his idea changed when he started working at SWATT.. Harper explained when SWATT first started out in November of 2011, it saved the school an average of $35,000 a month. Since then, SWATT has saved the school millions of dollars all by projects and four basic things: pest control, recycling, green waste and compost waste, and Give and Take. Steele said students who come to BYUH are given resources, mentors, and taught how they can solve their country’s problems when they return. “What Les provided Eritai through his program has done exactly that. [Kateibwi] is making history. I think he’s a great example of the mission of the university and the prophecy of David O. McKay.”

Harper said, “A lot of what we do is taking a problem, analyzing it to figure out what the real root problem is. Then we start building an answer, and once we feel we have a solution, we will prototype it. “They fix it here so by the time they go back to their home country, they know how to control it and will be successful from it. Eritai might be in front of the U.N. talking about hydroponics today, but I saw a whole bunch of dead plants when he was trying to learn his way through it.” •

TO LEARN MORE about SWATT, Facilities Management, and the kuleana we are all part of at BYU-Hawaii, contact Elder Les Harper at lgharper08@gmail.com, or visit the SWATT Global Facebook page.

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College students surf on the web while waiting in line. Photo by AP.

Linh Nguyen came from Vietnam to the U.S. to go to school in South Carolina but lost her scholarship. After searching for another place to go to school, she found BYUH and the LDS Church. Photo by Alvin Dy

Feature: Linh Nguyen The story of how BYU-Hawaii united a student and her family in the church B Y: E M M AL E E SM I TH

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alf-way across the world from her family, Nguyen was faced “My daughter is at BYUH. We’re not members, but we’d like to learn with an ultimatum when she could no longer afford the college more.” Kai said, “Wow, I’m from that community. I went to BYUH before I she was attending. She was accepted to BYU-Hawaii as part of the less than 1 percent population of non members at the school, only to came here and my dad teaches there.” Nguyen said, “When I think back, I thought of how could all of this find out it would not only benefit her but her family as well. Linh Nguyen, a freshman studying accounting from Vietnam, started happen? And when I asked this to Brother Phung, he said, ‘Well you know, her journey in the states in South Carolina, where she was accepted to it’s all planned.’ He took me to the visitor’s center and I realized there’s Columbia College on a scholarship that helped her afford an education always someone looking after me. I haven’t been fighting alone this whole time.” overseas. Nguyen said, “From the moment I got on a plane to America, it was Dr. Phung said, “Heavenly Father is really in the detail of our lives already a miracle. For Vietnamese people, studying abroad requires a lot … it’s no coincidence that Heavenly Father placed one of his missionaries of money. My family is just a normal family. We don’t have that much who has that kind of connection to BYUH and the community at that exact same time.” funding.” With a smile on her face, Nguyen said, “My mom told me my brother Nguyen said the president of Columbia College loved international just loved being involved in all the church activities. He felt really peaceful students and provided a lot of opportunities for them.When the presidency changed, the policies changed as well. Nguyen’s scholarship was no longer when he went with my father to a lesson and to church every Sunday. And it actually changed him. When I was in Vietnam, I always yelled at him offered to her. and said stuff like, ‘Stop playing video games’ Nguyen said it was a big problem for and ‘focus on school.’ But after joining the her because she depended on the scholarship church, he’s focusing more on school and I to go there. She explained, “I only had two see a lot of improvement in him. I’m just so options: Either go back to Vietnam or find proud.” another school.” But, Nguyen didn’t think it Nguyen’s father and her 17-year-old brother was her time to go back to Vietnam just yet, were baptized in November 2017, just a few “I still have to continue my journey here.” months after they started investigating about Nguyen’s family suggested she move the church in August. to Honolulu where her aunt and uncle live Nguyen said, “I see my family has received so she could stay with them while going to many blessings from the moment we knew school. Nguyen said, “Every day for two about the church. My family in Vietnam weeks, I searched online trying to find a is very happy. Nguyen, herself started school and then I found BYUH.” - Laiken Tomie investigating the church in October with the According to Maurice Mo’o, BYUH help of Brothers Phung, Mo’o, and the sister admissions officer who was in contact with missionaries. Nguyen during the application process, it My mother said that no matter what religion took from when she first applied in January all the way to August – just a month before she came – for her to get I follow, she hoped I always had goodness and peace in my heart,” Nguyen accepted to BYU-Hawaii. He explained it was because they had “to make added. Mo’o said, “I was so impressed. The gospel just seemed like it made sure it was a good fit for her as a non member.” After Nguyen got accepted to BYUH, her father decided to do some sense to her, and she understood it easily. Her explanations and questions research about the church and found out the chapel was only 5-to-10- were excellent ... I think she’s a good fit for the university and she ended up really enjoying it here.” minutes away from where they lived. After taking lessons from the sister missionaries, Nguyen decided to Her father and brother went to church and met a missionary named get baptized, Mo’o explained. She picked Christmas Day to get baptized. Elder Kai Phung, who happened to have ties to BYUH. Ban Phung, an associate professor at BYU-Hawaii, said his son was Mo’o said, “The sisters wanted her to get baptized sooner but she said, called to the Hanoi Vietnam Mission that just opened up a year and a half ‘No, I want to get baptized on a special day I’ll never forget it,’” explained ago. Dr. Phung said, “He was up in the North the whole time for a year and Mo’o. Nguyen described it as the “best Christmas present ever.” then got transferred to a branch in the South; the exact same week Linh got After graduation, Nguyen wants to start a business to raise money accepted to BYUH.” Dr. Phung, originally from Vietnam, said, “It’s kind of an awesome for children and students to provide them with better opportunities. She story because it’s almost like missionary work in two different parts of said the children are “very smart and very talented. They just don’t have the world to unite a family. The Lord is in the details of that. There’s no the perfect environment. “Other students should also experience what I have experienced coincidence.” Linh’s dad and brother walked into the church where my son just got here. Because we’re still a developing country, the more people go out and transferred into the branch and introduced themselves. Linh’s dad said, bring back their skills, the better,” Nguyen said. •

I see my family has received many blessings from the moment we knew about the church. My family in Vietnam is very happy.

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Flowers on the grounds of the Polynesian Cultural Center. Photo by Kyle Gab Batac