Media Writing Class Fall 2024

Team MEMBERS

Advisor

LeeAnn Lambert

Art Director and Graphic Designer

Manhattan Ethington Prien

Editor

Manhattan Ethington Prien

ON THE COVER: Students in the Comm 211 Media Writing class gather for a group photo on campus. Photo by Camille Jovenes. BACK COVER: Stephen Curry makes a shot. Photo by Naomi Saenz. A woman surfs at Castles Beach. Photo by Mark Tabbilos.

A member of The Green sings on stage. Photo by Moevai Tefan. Eloida and Eloisa Kitwongpak look at each other. Photo by Bilguun Enkhbataar.

Journalists

Victoria Angeles

Ruby Bolton

Malia Corriveau

Hannah Hansen

Linda Laulu

France Valerie Lucillo

Leiloa Malala-Apo

Myco Marcaida

Alan Pineda Portugal Vela

Nahina Russell

Jessika Santoso

Kelsea Smith

Jill Solis

Hannah Surles

Mele Tauataina

Matahani Teriihaunui

Meika Yara

Dongju Yun

All Rights Reserved

Looking forward to live music

Mix and mingle

Welcome to the jungle 18 Crowds gather for Curry

Gearing up for a new season

Traveling on a budget 24 Halloween in the tropics 26 Serving the ‘āina

Re-examining the Menendez brothers

30 Celebrating club connections

32 A dynamic sound

34 Three miracles at Gapyeong

36 Making space on the waves

38 A shared college journey

40 Perspectives on AI

42 Learning about prayer

Photos of campus events taken by Ke Alaka’i staff members and a photo from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Media Library used to illustrate articles in the issue.

Portable personal archives

BYU-Hawaii students share the stories behind their treasured items they can fit in their backpacks

BY

THE BYU-HAWAII MEDIA WRITING CLASS MEMBERS

Wearing silver, dangly and teardrop-shaped earrings with a turquoise oval in the middle that have been passed down by five generations of women in her family, senior Heather Walker said she wears them specifically in remembrance of her grandmother who got them from her great-great-grandmother who was a member of the Choctaw tribe.

Holding up a vial of consecrated oil, junior Tyson Collier said he carries the oil with him so he is prepared to give a Priesthood blessing whenever and wherever he is.

Sharing a notebook full of her drawings, freshman Audrey Buhain said she’s come to love creating art because she has put in the time and effort to learn how to do it. Her notebook shows her progression from a beginner to where she is today, she shared.

These are three of the nearly 20 students who shared on the second day of the Fall 2024 Semester what they carry with them every day on campus that are meaningful to them.

Spiritual reminders

Collier, a junior from Arizona majoring in biology, said the most important thing he tries to have with him is consecrated oil. He explained there are times his friends and those around him would ask him to give them a priesthood blessing, but he wouldn’t be able to do it because he didn’t have any oil on him.

So now he carries it with him because “it is better to be prepared at all times,” he said.

“Priesthood in the gospel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is unique because we believe in that power and authority.” Collier continued, “I believe the consecrated oil [and] the priesthood authority can bless and heal those who are sick or in need of help.”

Julia Rigby, a elementary education junior from Texas, said she always carries her temple recommendation with her. Rigby said it is unique because it has her name on it, and it is valuable because it is the physical representation of her relationship with God and a reminder of her covenants with Him.

“The person I strive to be every day is the person worthy to enter the House of the Lord,” she said. Rigby carries it with her, she added, to show her commitment and readiness to enter the House of God even though the Laie Hawaii Temple was closed at the time for maintenance.

Taking out a special coin given to the missionaries who served in his mission, Varrie Bejado, a sophomore majoring in biology from the Philippines, said this coin is his most valuable thing. He said he received the coin when he started his mission in November 2019 in the Philippines Antipolo Mission. “The coin signifies my whole mission journey,” he explained.

Bejado said the idea for the mission coins came from coins that were given to soldiers during wartime. When they would meet another soldier, they would use the coins to find out if they were in the same battalion or troupe.

Throughout his mission, Bejado said the missionaries would ask each other, “Where’s your coin?” If a missionary failed to present his

or her coin upon request, they would owe candy to the missionary who asked them about their coin. Bejado said sometimes when he meets a missionary from his mission, he will still ask them to present their coin.

Also carrying with her something from her mission was Elyse Saxton, a senior from Nebraska who served a mission in the California San Diego Mission. The item Saxton had inside of her bag was her mission badge. On the back of her badge, there were a plethora of stickers that covered the entire back of it. She explained there was a sticker for every mission companion she served with because each of them had given her one so she could remember them when she had completed her mission.

“Every person who we come in contact with changes us,” explained Saxton, who said this philosophy helped her in variety of situations she faced on her mission and up through now while she is in college. She shared a faith promoting story that also assisted in her personal spiritual journey in deciding to attend BYUH.

Sharing a Polaroid photo of a person he taught as a missionary was Liam McDonald, a junior majoring in biology from Canada. “I like having this Polaroid in my wallet because it is a reminder to me of my friend, Hayden, who I taught on my mission, and he is and was an amazing example of Jesus Christ. Having the picture is a reminder of doing the right thing just like Hayden always did.”

Personal connections

Students also talked about the unique things they hold on to to remember experiences, people and places that are meaningful to them.

One of the most unusual and yet ordinary things Annie Lawrence, a junior from Montana, said she carries with her is her very own hair. While growing up, she said strangers and people all around would praise her for having beautiful, long blond hair. Although flattered, she shared these comments later in life started to create an internal conflict for Lawerence. This internalized conflict led to her feeling like a fraud because her original hair color is brunette. She said she feared people only liked her for her gorgeous blond locks. To free herself from her internal battle, she decided to go back to her original hair color and chopped her hair.

Excited with the change, Lawerence said she soon noticed a shift with how boys and strangers interacted and treated her. She said she recognized first-hand how beauty standards are played out within today’s society, one in particular known as “blond privilege.” Blond privilege refers to how people with blond hair are looked at as more attractive, she explained, and because of that are treated better within society. Despite this, the transformation allowed for Lawerence to build her own sense of self and confidence with who she is as a woman in the world, she said. Her message to the world is “to not let things like beauty standards define us in this world. We must simply love ourselves how we are.”

Another set of common but uncommon things students had with them was shared by Addi Jensen, a elementary education freshman. Jensen shared she has money in her backpack from all of the places that she’s traveled to including Colombian pesos, kwacha from Malawi, dong from Vietnam and others. Jensen said it’s meaningful to her because it reminds her of the places she’s gone to and how different everybody is. Everywhere she’s been, she said she realized she could see God’s love for each of His children all over the world.

Jensen shared her thoughts about the various types of money from different countries, “I can see God’s love for everybody, no matter where they’re from, their background, or things like that. God loves everybody,

Left: Photos of Varrie Bejado’s mission coin, Charisse Miller-Ortt’s honey bear keychain and Ember Chariton’s film camera.

Above: A selfie of Nahina Russell and Elyse Saxton, a photo of Julia Rigby holding her temple recommend and a selfie of Visa Halatokoua and Mata hani Teriihaunui

Photos by the Media Writing class.

and you have to see them as His children. So I kinda love that reminder.”

Charisse Miller-Ortt shared she has a glittery honey bear keychain on her wallet she carries around with her all of the time. A senior majoring in information systems from Utah, Miller-Ortt said she and her three best friends have matching miniature bear keychains.

“My best friends gifted this to me after I completed my first half marathon in Honolulu,” she explained. Her friends bought it for her at Eggs ‘n Things, the restaurant in Waikiki Miller-Ortt said she wanted to go to after completing her race and as a reward for the months of training leading up to the race. She said this keychain was a reminder to her she can do hard things, like run a marathon, and she is grateful to have her friends in her life.

Mia Groves, a freshman psychology major from Alaska, said friendship was also the reason she has a ring she wears that matches a ring one of her best friends also wears. It is an engraved ring with a date on it and the quote, “I love you always.” She said her friend’s name was Killian, and they got the rings to remember each other because Groves moved to Alaska from Colorado when she was in high school. The date on the ring is Nov. 9, 2016, right before Groves left.

While Groves was born in Canada, she said she moved to Colorado, then Alaska and is now in Hawaii to go to college. She said her family moved mostly because her dad is an attorney and likes to move around. She said she also likes to experience new environments.

Wearing a distinctive pair of earrings, Walker, a senior in intercultural peacebuilding and political science from California, said the earrings are her valuable things. “By wearing these, I am able to be close to my grandma wherever I go,” she said.

Walker said she is one-fourth Choctaw. The Choctaw were originally from Mississippi and Alabama, she explained, but they were forced out and are now located in Oklahoma. Due to its history of being displaced, she said the tribe’s numbers have decreased.

Renae Buckles is a senior majoring in cultural anthropology from Las Vegas. Buckles said the most unique thing she has with her is a crochet kit because she likes to keep her hands busy and will crochet in class if the professor is okay with it. She added she would also do it at her workplace as she’s waiting for her next appointment as a tutor.

Buckles said she has been working on a pair of shorts for a week and now is working on the waistband. Beside the yarn she carries with her, she said she has one small tube that has other tools, such as measuring tape, needle stick, and threads. Her crochet kit is placed into a separate tote bag or pouch inside her bag pack. “Earlier this morning, my shirt button came off. I was glad I have this kit so that I can sew it back and have no problem.”

She said she started seriously crocheting in December 2023 and is self-taught from watching videos on YouTube. She said sometimes she even dreams about crocheting, and her dreams have pushed her to be more serious about it.

An artist, Audrey Buhain, is a visual arts major and freshman from the Philippines. She said her art book, which is bigger than

a A4 size notebook and has no lines, is the most important thing she as with her because it has her drawings and paintings in it. The art book is important because Buhain said she uses it is not only for her classes but also it reminds her of how she used to not like painting or drawing.

“It is like not liking math, but you know you need it,” she explained, “so you take it.” She said while she never liked drawing when she was

younger, it was a challenge for her to try it and keep doing it. She said as she used the art book to practice drawing, she came to love to draw and paint. She added she cherishes the art book because it reminds her of her journey from her first work up until what she can do now.

Jess Kohlert, a professor in the Faculty of Sciences who is originally from Oregon, shared he keeps in his office a painting done by his wife,

who, according to him, is not an artist. However, he said this was the first painting she created in a professional manner. The artwork was her interpretation of the well-known Tree of Life from the Book of Mormon. He said he has many reasons for keeping this piece close to him, including the intricate light shining from the tree and the darkness in the background. But the main reason he said he admires it is, “I know the

hours she spent making it.” Evidence of her dedication, he said, can be seen by looking at all the painting’s small details.

Daily essentials

“Almost a junior,” Kanika Um, a student from Cambodia majoring in accounting, said the items she has that are important are her book, pen and water bottle.

These things are valuable Um said because she believes even though they may seem everyday, they can help college students achieve their goals. With the use of these simple things, Um said, “We can be whatever we want to be.”

Vanessa Tinoco also pulled out a water bottle when asked what she had with her that was important to her. She said the water bottle was given to her by her boyfriend as his first Christmas present to her. Tinoco is a freshman majoring in elementary education from Utah.

Poliahu Teng, a junior majoring in biology from Hawaii, said the most important thing in her bag was her wallet. She said she values her wallet because it has her ID and her money, and without it, she feels scared. She explained it was also “a gift from my boyfriend who is now my husband.”

Visa Halatokoua, a sophomore majoring in biology from Tonga, said she carries with her bandages because she works in biology labs with sharp tools and likes to be prepared for herself and others in case they get small injuries.

Besides her bandages, Halatokoua said she also values her phone to call her family, her AirPods to listen to music and her credit card to buy stuff. “Always be grateful for the smallest things,” she added.

When asked about her first-generation AirPods and why she hasn’t upgraded them, she said her AirPods were a gift from her parents when she graduated from high school and before coming here to BYUH. She explained her AirPods are important because she loves music, especially Bruno Mars and Chris Brown. Additionally, two students said their cameras were among the most important things they carry with them.

Ember Chariton, a freshman majoring in marketing from Utah and Arkansas, said in her backpack is a film camera. It is important to Chariton because she loves taking pictures, she added, especially of people who are very close to her.

She said having a film camera not only gives “cutesy” vibes but also is important in capturing moments and people. She said her focus when she uses her film camera is on people. What motivates her to capture people and moments with her camera is “I just had to remember everything because I don’t want to forget anything.”

Anna Yamaguchi is a sophomore majoring in art from Japan who had in her backpack a uniform, a textbook, an umbrella and her camera. “I have the camera for my hobby. I take pictures of palm trees in Hawaii because they are beautiful. I have been taking pictures since I was in high school.” She said she loves taking pictures of landscapes and people. Yamaguchi said there are cameras mainly for taking daytime or nighttime shots, and her camera specializes in taking pictures of landscapes or people in the daytime. •

Above left: Visa Halatokoua’s bandages in her bag.

Photo by the Media Writing Class.

Above right: A photo of someone holding a backpack.

Photo by Scott Webb from Unsplash.

Below left: Kanika Um holds her book, pen and waterbottle.

Photo by the Media Writing Class.

Below right: Dr. Jess Kohlert’s painting from his wife.

Photo by the Media Writing class.

The Waialae fire, three years later

Witnesses at the Waialae apartment building fire share their story and look towards the future

BY RUBY BOLTON

Ginger Bolton, who was a resident in a neighboring building, described the scene as “red [and smoky.] The smoke was in my eyes. I couldn’t see anything.” Dana Bertling, another resident in one of the neighboring buildings, shared how she believed the cinder block construction on the bottom of the apartment building is what saved it and the rest of the buildings.

It has been over three years since an apartment building off Waialae Avenue caught fire on Aug. 14, 2021. Residents in the surrounding apartments recounted their experiences from that night and the renovation progress of the building.

Ginger Bolton recalled she was about to go to bed, but her mom had smelled smoke. Referring to her mother, Ginger Bolton said, “She was about to go outside and check [things out], but she heard someone yell fire.” Ginger Bolton shared how she felt under pressure. She explained she had lost her phone in the house and said, “I was thinking about if the bush between our houses caught on fire, I wouldn’t be able to see my phone again.”

Bertling said, “The fire was ignited in the bottom unit closest to Waialae Avenue.” The fire occurred in the street-facing apartment building on the left-hand side of Waialae Avenue, just before the H1 Westbound freeway on-ramp.

Those interviewed had varying thoughts on what started the fire, but the official cause of the fire is not publicly known. Behind the building that caught fire are multiple small apartment buildings, separated by an asphalt parking lot and a row of bushes. The whole street was filled with thick smoke, and the runoff from the firefighters’ hoses flowed down to the end of the street. Many residents came outside their homes and stood at the end of the small street to watch the flames.

Ginger Bolton’s brother, Tyson Bolton, said there was a lot of fire and described the fire as tall and orange. He said when the firefighters came, “They hosed it [the apartment building] down, and they sprayed … a bunch of stuff all over the wall, so much that it started breaking down the wall in pieces.” Firefighters could be seen moving in and around the building. Speaking of a possible es-

cape route, Tyson Bolton said, “We would have had to go out down the alley, over the fence and onto the freeway.”

After the fire, there was charring around the unit where the fire started, smoke damage and broken windows. Now, the building is a bright blue color when it had previously been tan with reddish-brown accents. Describing some of the renovations, Bertling said the owners “redid the roof [and] added air conditioning units.”

They did a good job rebuilding the apartment, Bertling said, but unfortunately, they have had issues obtaining permits. She said, “I feel bad for them that they can’t get the permit to hook up the [electricity].”

Fire.honolulu.gov has resources on how people can prepare for and prevent fires. A few tips from its website include keeping walkways clear of hazards, having doors and windows that open easily and not storing items too close to sources of heat. •

A photo of a fire burning down a house in California. Photo from the Associated Press.

prioritizing

General Conference

BYUH students say it’s important to prepare for General Conference and share its messages with others

BY JESSIKA SANTOSO

Watching a session with peers at a sports event, post-conference study time and visits with inactive members were the most meaningful General Conference memories for three BYU–Hawaii students. They also shared how preparing questions and focusing on a gospel topics helped them listen to the talks and gain personal reminders to serve others, as well as guidance to direct their lives.

Kale Moss, a junior majoring in English from Oregon, said his high school track event was his most fulfilling General Conference moment. He said the event took place on the same Saturday as the conference, and he asked

for the school’s Wi-Fi to watch the broadcast live while at the meet.

Moss said while waiting for his turn in the long-distance run, he got to watch a session with his nonmember and member friends.

“Not only did I have the opportunity to show a nonmember what General Conference is like, but also it was evidence to me of how important God has become in my life,” he said.

Watching the conference live is “super significant to me,” Moss said, because it shows his highest priority and willingness to listen to God’s message. “It’s like choosing to attend and support your friend’s live concert,” he added. For this October conference, he said

he invited his coworkers to watch the Saturday evening session together after work, and two people showed up.

He said Elder Bradley R. Wilcox’s talk was his favorite from this conference because it addressed our birthright and responsibilities as church members. “We often say we are children of God, and Jesus saved us—everyone else too—but Elder Wilcox emphasized the difference in having a covenant relationship with Him to help others come to Him,” he said.

Moss said as he listened and took notes during the talks, he would write the answers to his questions in a different pen color. He

Conference

said he would think of one or two questions weeks before the conference and then pray and ask God to help him recognize the answer. “I prepare questions beforehand, but I will also be open to any guidance God knows I need,” Moss said.

Maryn Gulledge, a sophomore from Utah majoring in elementary education, said she also prepares questions before the conference. Unlike Moss, she said she needed to postpone watching the session to give herself enough time and space to be fully attentive. She said Bishop L. Todd Budge’s talk about being still spoke to her heart as she struggled to figure out how to organize everything she needed and wanted to get done.

Gulledge shared she was even more excited about the time post-conference, where she could study all the talks and incorporate them into her daily study. She said she is still following her study routine from her mission, where she studies one talk per week until the next conference session. She said having the talks printed and being able to add notes on it help her as a visual learner. Besides that routine, Gulledge said she also listens to a podcast called “Revival” by David Butler, which discusses a conference talk for about 25 minutes.

Andhika Rakasiwi, a sophomore in business management from Indonesia, said President Russell M. Nelson’s 2020 gratitude message, with the famous question, “What are you grateful for?” was the most meaningful message from a church leader for him. He said he was on his mission and was inspired to share this message with inactive members. “I modified the question and asked them, ‘What were you grateful for when you were active in the church?’ Then, three of the seven families came back to the church, including my extended family,” he said.

Rakasiwi said he is always interested in learning about the Second Coming during the conference. “I do not know why, but it is interesting to hear from the prophet about how close the Second Coming is,” he said. Rakasiwi said he needs to learn more about Christ’s example to help strengthen each other in these latter days, which is why listening to the prophet’s words is important to him. •

Far left: President Russell M. Nelson and his wife, Wendy, leave General Conference in April 2015.

Left: A young woman writes in her journal.

Photos from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Media Library.

The announcement of the reggae band “The Green” performing at BYU–Hawaii on Oct. 18th at the Cannon Activities Center has sparked diverse student reactions. Some students said they are eagerly anticipating the live music event on campus, while others shared they are debating attending due to unfamiliarity with the band and concerns about academic commitments.

Campus life versus academic priorities

Poerave Ah-Sing, a sophomore graphic design major, said she sees the positive impact of on-campus concerts. “It’s great for mental health and changes the mood, even when

there are classes,” she says. But Ah-Sing said she might skip the event due to upcoming midterms, highlighting the ongoing struggle students face between academics and social activities. She added, “It’s nice not having to pay for travel, but with tests coming up, I’m not sure about going.”

Musical preferences and attendance factors

Three students, including Ashley Pedroso, a social work freshman from the Philippines, said they don’t know “The Green.” She shared, “I don’t know them or their songs, so I can’t really relate.” But some students like Ah-Sing have tried to learn about the band. Ah-Sing

Students and community members sway and sing to the music as a member of “The Green” sings.

Photos by Moevai Tefan.

Looking forward to

live music

BYUH students weigh the pros and cons of attending the upcoming concert featuring “The Green”

BY MATAHANI TERIIHAUNUI

shared, “I listened to their songs, and yeah, I liked them a bit.” Pedroso, who likes to sing, said she doesn’t know much about Polynesian artists but is willing to try new music.

Students shared different views on music that BYUH students like. Pedroso said, “Kolohe Kai, Common Kings and Binabata are popular. We always hear Binabata here on campus.” Ah-Sing said in Hawaii, everyone knows reggae artists like Maoli and Fiji. Pedroso also said she likes upbeat songs and R&B, showing the mix of music tastes on campus.

For Raisa Gordillo, an English major from Guatemala, friends are a big reason to go to events. “I didn’t plan to go, but now my friends are going. I love being with them, so I’ll join

even though I don’t know the band,” said Gordillo. She even shared what she might wear, “I might put on a cowboy hat and boots. I heard that’s what people wear to reggae shows.”

Pedroso talked about relating to the music and the cost impacting her attendance, saying, “It depends on the price. I’d go to a Taylor Swift show because I love her style and get her songs, but only if I can buy the cheapest ticket.” She said she also wants to see Olivia Rodrigo or Niki, a Filipino singer she feels closer to.

Impact on student experience

Gordillo said events like this concert, “help students do something different from

their usual routine. It’s not just library, homework, and studying. It’s a way to relax.” She said she plans to go to the concert late around 10 or 11 p.m. because she has other plans earlier.

Ah-Sing said the upcoming show has got people talking on campus. Whether students go or not, live music at BYUH makes campus life more fun. “It gives us a break from our everyday life,” added Gordillo.

Pedroso said she thinks to appeal to more students, future shows could bring in artists like Iam Tongi, a local singer and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who won American Idol. •

Mix and mingle

BYUH students come to the Farmers Market every other week to find unique products and have fun, a vendor shares

BY NAHINA RUSSELL

Over the sound of voices and bustling people, music blared from a variety of speakers at different booths. Students and community members pushed past each other looking for retailers and their goods. This scene happens every two weeks on Friday when BYU–Hawaii’s Farmers Market pops up in and around the Aloha Center. The Farmers Market coincides with payday increasing the opportunities for people to both spend and make money. Beka Poh, a

junior from Papua New Guinea studying English, exclaimed about the event, “It’s fun! It’s nice to have some close options to shop at because there aren’t many choices in Laie.”

The Farmers Market is a place where students and community members can mix and mingle over products, food and knickknacks. With an array of different booths, there are a variety of options for everyone. Whether someone is hunting for the perfect accessory, a

Left: A vendor runs a thirfting booth at BYUH’s Farmers Market.

Right: Racks of thrifted clothing sit in the Aloha Center.

Photos by Yui Leung.

tasty treat or a one-of-a-kind gift, the Farmers Market has it covered.

Right by the entrance of the C-Store leading into the Aloha Center, Nakiya Russell, an alumna of BYUH, runs a small booth in the Farmers Market with her husband. Their booth has a wide selection of well-loved pieces and unique recycled fashion items. Russell sells graphic T-shirts for $5 and jeans and denims for $10. She even has a grab bin where everything inside of the bin is $2.

Plus, Russell’s handmade jewelry, which is made from locally found materials, are sold for $10 a piece.

Russell stated, “I see the BYUH Farmers Market as an opportunity for students to access products and mediums they might not have regularly…It is something for both parties to look forward to each month.”

As students await their paychecks, there is a sense of suspense in anticipation of the Farmers Market every other Friday. Michaela Edwards Froisland shared, “I do attend the Farmers Market when I am in between classes because it’s something fun to do … I visit Nakiya Russell’s booth and the thrifting booth in the Aloha Center.”

Whether vending or purchasing, browsing for clothes and jewelry or looking for a quick snack, all are invited to the Farmers Market, said local vendors. By participating in the markets, they added, participants can support local businesses and treat themselves with easily accessible goods. •

Right: An example of handmade jewelry like the jewelry Nakiya Russell makes. Photo by Camille Jovenes.

Welcome to

the jungle

Pizza, music and dancing were the highlights of the Safari Block Party, say BYUH students

BY HANNAH HANSEN

After waiting in line and receiving a purple smiley face entry stamp on their hands, students walked into the Cannon Activities Center through a safari-themed balloon arch. Once peoples’ eyes adjusted to the dimly lit room, they saw a group of more than 400 students dancing and moshing together by the DJ booth. Student employees from Seasider Sports & Activities served warm slices of Domino’s pizza on a few tables in the back, and there was a photo and video spot in the corner. BYU–Hawaii’s Safari Block Party was in full swing on Sept. 6.

Dressed in a green butterfly shirt and zebra print sunglasses, Nanasi Heimuli, a sophomore from Utah majoring in business management, was at the 360 degree video camera booth with her cousins. “I was able to get some fun videos of me and my cousins at [the video camera booth],” Heimuli shared. She said she was happy SSAC provided enough food for all of the students. They have run out of food in the past, she said, and her favorite

food happens to be pizza, so she said was happy she got to eat some at the dance.

Eva Warren said she and her friends all wore brown and green accents to match the safari theme of the dance. Warren, a junior from California majoring in political science, shared, “I grew up dancing, so it is one of my favorite things to do with my friends.” She shared she likes how the DJ plays songs that are popular in different countries to involve more of the student body from around the world, but she would like to hear a bigger variety of pop songs at the next dance.

Just as the students started winding down towards the end of the dance, the beginning of “HOT-TO-GO” by Chappell Roan started playing and the students screamed. “One song I was really happy to hear them play was ‘HOT-TO-GO.’ It is one of my friend group’s favorite songs right now, so it was fun to dance and sing our hearts out to it,” Warren shared. Most of the students on the dance floor did the viral dance, similar to the YMCA dance,

spelling out H-O-T-T-O-G-O with their arms in unison as they shouted the chorus together.

Alyssa Johnson, a senior from California majoring in psychology, said she “wished they had the dance outside in the courtyard next to the cafeteria so it was more open and not as hot while dancing.” Johnson said she has been to almost every school dance in her three years of being a student here, and her favorite ones were the dances they hosted outside.

The workers at SSAC said they wanted to host the dance outside, but due to the struggle of maintaining security for the dance, they decided to host it inside. Nahina Russell, a senior from Arizona majoring in communications, works for SSAC and shared, “There are so many variables we cannot control when the dance is hosted outside. The weather can ruin the DJ’s equipment, and it is hard to manage security.” She also expressed she would have liked to have it outside, but it just wasn’t realistic. •

Snapshots of the BYUH Safari Black party dance, including the crowds of people, the DJ and individual attendees.

Photos by Yui Leung.

Crowds gather for

Curry

The Golden State Warriors training camp makes dreams come true but also causes chaos and confusion

BY MELE TAUATAINA

Barricades and wristbands stood between the BYU–Hawaii ohana and the Golden State Warriors, preventing them from being able to see the professional basketball team on Oct. 5 in the Cannon Activities Center. From Oct. 1 to Oct. 5, the Warriors held their training camp and a free open practice for BYUH students in the CAC.

At the start of training camp, large crowds of people formed behind barricades at the CAC’s back entrance. Locals and students of all ages stood under the heat of the sun trying to catch a glimpse of the players as they made their way on and off the buses.

At the end of the first day of the training camp, there was a blue sea of “Curry” jerseys that were being worn and held in fans ‘hands as they stood outside for an hour waiting to get an autograph and a picture. While the crowd’s attention was turned towards the gym doors waiting for the point guard Stephen Curry to exit, Tuteliai Huntin said he noticed a team member from the Warriors, Quinten Post, exiting the gym from a side entrance and was able to have a short conversation with him and get a picture.

Huntin described meeting a National Basketball Association player as a dream come true, despite not having much interest in the Warriors as an organization. Huntin is from

Provo, Utah, and shared the Utah Jazz is his favorite NBA team. He expressed his gratitude for being able to see players from the Utah Jazz at BYUH last year. Huntin praised both teams and the university for being able to set up these events at BYUH and said he hopes this can become an annual event.

As the day of the anticipated practice event came, there were floods of people pouring onto campus to watch the Warriors. Students, locals, staff members and members of the U.S. Army arrived early to secure a spot behind the barricades. Some fans chose to line up in the back entrance to watch players enter the gym, while most of the other fans formed a large line on the west side that zig-zagged in the front of the gym and went through the Lorenzo Snow Building.

After the players arrived at the facility, herds of fans who were awaiting their arrival from the back entrance were seen spiriting their way to the west entrance to get in line. Some of these fans cut in front of the people in line who had been waiting hours in the hot sun.

Al Lene, a business management major from Australia, said he was part of the crowd who had cut in line after they saw the players in the back of the gym. Lene said although he felt some remorse for cutting in line, he

justified this by stating he was one of the first to arrive at the CAC at 9 a.m. that morning.

Lene emphasized the gratitude he had for being able to take a photo of Curry and to watch him practice. He said, “I come from a small town that no one hears about or knows. But when I was able to see and take a photo of the NBA player who everyone hears about and knows, it made me feel proud to be at a university that provides a once in a lifetime opportunity like this.”

Despite Lene being able to have his “once in a lifetime opportunity,” of watching the Warriors practice, other students did not get that luxury due to the chaos of line cutters

and disorganization of the event. The only information given about the 11 a.m. practice came from signs taped on the CAC doors. These signs informed students access to the upper-level seating area would be available to anyone who showed valid student ID and entered through the west entrance. No other information was provided.

As the line continued to grow after 11 a.m. and doors hadn’t opened yet, people started questioning what was going on. Staff members in visors eventually approached the line and started informing people if they did not have a wristband already then they would not be allowed in to watch.

The massive line began to dissolve as people with mixed emotions started to leave.

Meah Jensen, a health and human science major from Kauai, was among these people. She explained she was confused due to the school not informing anyone there would be a limit of 400 people who could go in. •

From left to right: Stephen Curry shoots a basket. President John S. K. Kauwe III watches the practice. One of the Warriors holds a basketball on the court. Another player poses with a fan outside of the CAC.

Photos by Naomi Saenz, Bilguun Enkhbataar and Yui Leung.

Gearing up for a new season

The Golden State Warriors wrap up their four-day training camp at BYUH

BY MYCO MARCAIDA

The familiar sound of squeaky shoes echoed across the polished floors of the Cannon Activities Center as the Golden State Warriors returned to Hawaii for a fourday training camp, their first since 2016.

Two students who lined up near the George Q. Cannon Center from 10:30 p.m. the night before the Warrior arrived until noon the next day said they are die-hard fans of the team. Zeke Johnson, a sophomore majoring in mathematics from Utah, said he lined up early to show his support. “I am also a big fan of Gary Payton II,” he added.

Mayson Prock, a sophomore majoring in accounting from Arizona, mentioned he’s a Draymond Green fan. “I also wanted to support Coach Steve Kerr, who is from Arizona where I’m from. My dad grew up going to his father’s sporting goods store throughout his childhood,” he shared

Kerr emphasized the importance of instinctive play during this training camp, says NBC Sports. Kerr noted that Buddy Hield would be key in making the team a top threepoint shooting squad.

Hield, a new addition to the team as a shooting guard, said he is still learning the team’s terminologies and play concepts. “The split action and gaggle plays are fun. There are plenty of options and reads, and just playing with the guys is a great experience,” he said.

Hield also shared his admiration for Stephen Curry. “Being observant of what he [Curry] does is special. I’m glad to be here to learn from him. Right now, y’all are killing my watch time,” he joked.

He described Curry and Draymond Green as “the great ones.” “They know how to

win and what it takes to win. It helps me see how I can be effective and improve my own shots,” he said.

Referring to his shooting technique, Hield noted, “Curry has a high-arching shot. People say my shot is flat, but I’ve shot 40 percent my whole career. I’m working on keeping my shot higher, though, and maybe I’ll get a higher percentage.”

“As you get older, you want to get better,” Hield added. “You can’t forget how to shoot. I think it’s all about improving yourself, and I want to keep getting better.”

Kyle Anderson, formerly a forward on his previous team, expressed his thoughts about joining the Warriors. “It’s a different situation when you join a new team. You’re doing things you haven’t done before, and you’re learning new concepts,” he said.

Anderson also highlighted the team’s offensive versatility. He shared, “From Looney, Draymond and myself being able to play different positions, we’re all doing various things out there.”

Regarding his own performance, Anderson said, “I always work on my total game. I’m not known as a knock-down shooter, but I have to be able to hit open shots if I want to stay in the game.” •

On opposite page: Students gather behind barricades with Stephen Curry jerseys.

Far left: The wallpaper for the Warriors Training Camp press conference.

Left: A player signs various memorabilia and merchandise.

Immediately below: The Warriors’ basketball shoes. Second below: Coach Steve Kerr talks with fans and signs souvenirs.

Third below: Stephen Curry sits on BYUH’s basketball court talking with his coach, Steve Kerr.

Photos by Naomi Saenz, Bilguun Enkhbataar and Yui Leung.

All photos from Un -

Traveling on

a budget

BYUH students share tips on planning inexpensive vacations

BY FRANCE VALERIE LUCILLO

From left to right:

A photo of a plane’s wing against a blue sky.

Photo by Natali Quijano.

A man relaxes on his vacation on a yacht.

Photo by Alex Block.

A woman hikes in the desert. Photo by Ivana Cajina.

People visit a painting by Vincent van Gogh.

Photo by Ståle Grut.

splash.

Traveling to different places may seem like it’s not for everyone, especially with it’s high cost, shared BYU–Hawaii students. Airfares, accommodations and meals are all part of the cost when deciding to travel, they said. As travel prices continuously add up nowadays, students said traveling has become more and more “out of reach.” However, students said doing research online, using third-party websites and even TikTok videos are all ways they have saved money while traveling the world. BYUH students shared tips and recommendations to help other students travel and get the best experience without drying up their bank accounts.

Iah Carmella Blasabas, a junior from the Philippines majoring in business management, said she recently traveled to Los Angeles, California with friends. The trip lasted for five days, and she said it was a “budget friendly trip” because they used different third-party websites like Expedia and Booking to compare the prices of different places they wanted to visit. One of Blasabas’ friends works at the Polynesian Cultural Center, which also offers travel discounts for employees. “We used our friend’s employee discount from the PCC for hotel accommodations,” she explained. When prioritizing their itinerary, Blasabas said they

tour packages. “My friends and I were able to visit the different famous tourist attractions and spots around the area without spending too much.”

Although different backgrounds and upbringing affect the way people perceive traveling, students said they travel for a variety of reasons, including for fun, relaxation, exploration and even as a part of their culture. “In Hong Kong, it can be considered a culture where a lot of people travel to different places, especially in Asian countries” said Yui Leung, a senior from Hong Kong majoring in visual arts. He traveled to Japan last summer, which he said was “one of the most budget friendly trips” he has done. Leung said he loves to travel, especially with family, because his dad loves to travel as a way of bonding with each other.

Depending on the situation, Leung said he prioritizes creating a travel itinerary. “Research is very essential,” Leung emphasized. He said researching helps travelers have convenient and fun experiences because they can enjoy delicious food and visit places they really wanted to go. “Researching about the currency of the places you will visit can help you save money due to the difference of exchange rates from each country,” he added. In general, Leung advised students to enjoy their college life as much as they can. “By traveling, even just around the islands of Hawaii, you can make the most out of it,” he shared.

Karlos Rafael Navida, a sophomore from the Philippines majoring in biology, said he did

a four-day vacation on the island of Hawai’i in Kona. He said he chose Kona because it offered budget friendly options. Navida said unlike on Oahu, Kona offered a free bus ride that allowed him to save some money on transportation. “I bought food from a grocery store to cook, usually for dinner,” Navida shared. He explained he planned meals while he was out during the day but the rest were home cooked.

Referring to accommodations, Navida explained he did a lot of research. “Aside from reading blogs and watching different vlogs, I used TikTok as well. TikTok commonly serves as a search engine for a lot of people nowadays,” he said.

As he prefers to travel alone, Navida said he approached his vacation with a relaxed vibe, which allowed him to not put pressure on himself during a trip. “A vacation is not a vacation if you come home tired. You should genuinely feel happy and relaxed after you visit a place. It’s not about making the most of your money but connecting to a place you visited,” Navida shared.

One thing he advised students to do is prioritize knowing what type of traveler they are. “Search for a place you want to go, look for accommodations and ask yourself what type of traveler you are. If you’re traveling for leisure, recreation or pleasure. When you already know what type of traveler you are and the travel you’ll be doing, research thoroughly your destination and then pick your accommodation after,” he suggested. Navida said the budget of a trip depends on the type of traveling being done. He concluded once you have a rundown of the travel you will be doing, then you can decide what activities and type of accommodation you are going to book that will stick to your allotted budget. •

acquired

Halloween in the tropics

Carving pumpkins and visiting pumpkin patches are traditions that help BYUH students feel the Halloween spirit, they say

BY MALIA CORRIVEAU

To commence the start of spooky season, students at BYU–Hawaii got together at Sunset Beach on Oct. 7 and added a tropical twist to carving jack-o’-lanterns.

Denim Bleu, a sophomore majoring in computer science from New Mexico, said as long as she could remember, every October she carved pumpkins with her family. This year she said she continued that tradition by carving pumpkins with other students at Sunset Beach. Bleu said, “This has always been my favorite Halloween tradition to do with my family, and it was fun to share that with friends at BYUH and mix in some island vibes.”

Sasagi Kageyama, a junior majoring in computer science from Japan, also attended the pumpkin carving event. Kageyama agreed it was fun to get into the Halloween spirit with all his peers, especially since Halloween is not as celebrated in Japan as it is in the United States.

Kageyama said, “I never went trick-ortreating as a kid or carved pumpkins. I only wore a costume a couple times and I’d just go out with my friends.” This experience helped Kageyama feel more connected to those around him and established new and memorable Halloween traditions at BYUH, he shared.

Some students kicked off the season before the carving started. Josh Jaramillo, a senior majoring in accounting from California, said, “I didn’t want to just buy a pumpkin from the store.” Instead, Jaramillo said wanted to do one of his favorite Halloween traditions and go to a pumpkin patch. After researching, he said he found a pumpkin patch in Waimanalo, Hawaii. Although it is an hour from campus, he said Waimanalo Country Farms offers a pumpkin patch along with a petting zoo, a tractor ride, refreshments and a sunflower field.

Jaramillo said he gathered a group of his friends and drove them down to Waimanalo.

He shared, “The drive was really not that bad, we just blasted music and talked.” There is a $15 entry fee to enter the farms and an additional $5 charge to attend the animal feed, but Jaramillo said it was “worth it” as they got to walk around, enjoy all the activities the farm had to offer and get into the Halloween spirit.

The pumpkins carved at the event at Sunset Beach had a range of different designs. People carved the classic jack-o’-lantern face with triangle eyes and a toothy smile, while some put their own twist on their pumpkin carving. Bleu carved a cat with a night sky on top of it as a reminder of her cat, Bells, back

home. Kageyama also took inspiration from a cat and carved a cat jack-o’-lantern face with triangle eyes, a kitten nose, whiskers and a big smile.

When asked if they had any tips for carving pumpkins, Bleu said, “Using a stencil to outline where you cut helped me a lot.” Kageyama, who was new to the tradition, said he used a $10 pumpkin carving kit from Target that contained four different sawing utensils and two shovels to scoop out the seeds, which helped make the process easier for beginners.

Jaramillo said the wind on the beach made it almost impossible for the candles

they had bought to stay lit. To solve this, he said everyone put their phone flashlights over the opening of the pumpkin where the stem used to be. Jaramillo shared, “It was honestly such a bonding experience trying to figure out how to keep them lit.” Jaramillo said he was then able to take many pictures of everyone’s pumpkins together to capture the moment. •

A carved pumpkin similar to the ones carved by BYUH students.

Photo by Mathias Reding on Unsplash.

Serving the ‘āina

Five clubs, including the Running & Hiking Club, participate in the Service Center’s Aloha ‘Āina event at Kahuku Point

BY VICTORIA ANGELES

On a sunny Saturday morning, BYU–Hawaii students from the Running & Hiking Club participated in Aloha ‘Āina, a service activity organized by the Service Center at Kahuku Point. Students wore bright green lightweight T-shirts with the phrase “Give, love, serve” printed on them as they walked through the trail while laughing with each other on Oct. 12. When stepping onto the trail, they were greeted by the salty scent of the sea mingling with the warm breeze on their skin. On the right, clusters of native plants and trees swayed gently like ocean waves on the land. On the other side was the ocean in blue hues, shimmering like a crystal from the sun’s rays.

Aloha ‘Āina is an event that happens every semester and is a way to show love for the land where we live, according to the BYUH website. The off-campus service projects “provide opportunities for students to directly be involved with the community” and “enhance the student’s educational experience,” the website says.

Rose Abreja, a social work major from the Philippines and the president of the Running & Hiking Club shared, “This is such a sacred place and we are grateful to be one of the few clubs who are chosen to participate.” She said their club was established in Winter 2024. Because they are a new club, she said their goal is “to be as engaged as possible so we can learn how to better serve others.”

She shared their club members love work and are disciplined and persevering, which are attributes they have developed while hiking and running. “We are outdoor people and this service activity is the perfect place to be,” she said. Abreja said she loved seeing how much her club members enjoyed serving. “Memories are created here, as this is our first service project as a club this semester. Our closing social should happen in this exact same place,” she shared.

Kristel Enriquez, a student majoring in business management from the Philippines and a member of the Running & Hiking Club, said the university’s promotion of community service is crucial in inspiring students to become aware of the needs around them. She said being able to serve helps not just the community itself, but also the students because “it profoundly impacts their leadership skills and discipline towards the community.”

When asked about her favorite part of the service, she said it was when they walked towards Kahuku Point. She said it felt good for her to talk to other club members and be strengthened because they all had the desire to give to the community through service. “Another highlight was when we were planting,” she shared. “The acts of service united us and made the work easier and more enjoyable to do.” Enriquez said she believes the greatest impact of this project was the connection it created with local groups. “This provided a chance for the community to benefit from the efforts of those involved,” she said.

Leonilyn Llona, a social work major from the Philippines and the Service Center council supervisor, shared, “More than a 100 students participated in this special event.” The Running & Hiking Club made up the majority of the attendees, she shared. “We are grateful to have five clubs from BYUH: the Running & Hiking Club, Accounting Club, China Club, India Club and Filipino Club. [They] helped us bring in more students and be engaged in helping our community,” she said. Llona added the work the students did is “truly a reflection of the spirit of service and love for our shared environment.” She encouraged her fellow students to keep their passions alive because it will bring greater blessings and make a difference in the lives of many. •

Left: Service Center employees pose for a promotional photo in anticipation of the service project.

Above: Photos of nature interspersed with a photo of one of the Service center’s past events.

Photos by Bilguun Enkhbaatar and Camille Jovenes.

re-examining the

Menendez brothers

A new Netflix TV show encourages BYUH students to reconsider the sentence of convicted murderers Lyle and Erik Menendez

BY HANNAH SURLES

The arrival of Netflix’s hit show “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” has resulted in a new court hearing for the convicted brothers to discuss a re-sentencing in their case, according to Collin McEvoy and biography.com.

Feofani Huni, an senior in information technology from Tonga, reflected on how the Menendez brothers were presented in the TV show. “I had never heard about their case before watching the show,” she shared. “It was really eye-opening to see their lives depicted and the complexities of their situation.”

Huni highlighted the emotional depth of the characters, emphasizing the show does not simply paint the brothers as villains. Instead, she said it explores different perspectives and backgrounds, illustrating the dysfunction that characterized their upbringing. “It makes you think about how much someone’s past can influence their choices. Regardless of whether the reasoning behind what they did was justified, the series invites viewers to empathize with them, even if you don’t agree,” she explained.

Marissa Bowens, an alumna who majored in social work, commented on how she was intrigued by the plot twist. She stated, “We now see the reason why they killed their parents,” acknowledging the trauma and abuse the brothers had to endure. She added, “I feel like there has to be some kind of understanding or mercy in the system.”

After reflecting on the new evidence and the petition out for their release as well as the possibility of a re-sentencing, Huni said she is still very unsure about the case at hand. She commented, “I’m not sure I could say just yet that they should be released, but I would definitely look forward to a re-trial.”

Meanwhile, Bowens said she believes the Menendez Brothers have “served their time” and deserve a chance at a new life.

Nathalie Teriihaunui, a junior in health and human sciences, shared her thoughts. “Watching the show made me realize how the series pushes viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about abuse and its ripple effects on individuals.” In agreement, Bowens commented, “The Menendez Brothers were let down by various systems - family, educational and even legal.”

Teriihaunui said she feels the amount of missed opportunities there were to help the brothers is heartbreaking. She explained, “If their experiences had been addressed earlier, maybe their story would have turned out differently.” Furthermore, Teriihaunui highlighted her stance on the new evidence resurfacing, “I would agree that they be released, especially because they each have found real people who truly love them and they deserve a happy ending with their significant others.”

Huni reflected, “They also did so much just within the walls of prison. They were able to go to school and graduate, which goes to show that they have true motives when it comes to living a ‘normal life.’” •

Left: Lyle and Erik Menendez sit with their defense attorney in the Beverly Hills Municipal Court during a hearing on Nov. 26, 1990.

Right above: A photo of Erik Menendez. Right below: A photo of Lyle Menendez. Photos from the Associated Press.

Celebrating

club connections

Club participation encourages personal growth and lifelong connections with others, share BYUH club members

BY LINDA LAULU

BYU–Hawaii students said participating in clubs plays a significant role in personal growth, connection and building a sense of community. Lusila Lealii E’e, a senior from New Zealand majoring in Pacific Island Studies, said being involved in clubs has not only enhanced her college experience but also has helped her overcome challenges, learn from others and appreciate cultural diversity. “Engaging in clubs allows students to create new relationships, build support systems and gain valuable lessons both academically and personally,” students said while visiting the school’s Club Fest for the Fall 2024 Semester.

Club Fest, which was held on Sept. 11 and 12, introduced about 50 clubs this semester, according to Student Leadership and Services Department information. Club booths were lined up in the Aloha Center Ballroom with decorations of flags, banners, posters, cultural artifacts, music and more to represent each club.

Lealii E’e shared, “Whether in leadership roles or just as a member in a club, being involved will definitely help you through school.” As the treasurer of the Samoa Club, Lealii E’e said she had some hesitation about participating in the club but now appreciates

the role for its personal growth and connection with others. She highlighted how her role has helped her interact with people from Samoa more often. Lealii E’e said she enjoys discussing the goals of the club with those who show interest in joining and want to sign up, even if they are not Samoan. Lealii E’e encouraged students to get involved in clubs, sharing, “My biggest advice would be to join at least one club every semester.”

She also addressed common concerns about club membership, noting, “People would always ask, ‘If I’m not Samoan, can I join?’ or ‘I’m only half or quarter Samoan,

should I join?’ The answer to these is yes!”

Regardless of student’s background, Lealii E’e advised they should get involved because she believes making connections with people from different backgrounds can help contribute to personal experiences going forward.

Lealii E’e said when she first arrived at BYUH and didn’t have many friends, she chose to participate in more than one club per semester. She said joining clubs helped her with her education journey and encouraged her to hear and listen to different experiences. “I know because of my friends’ choices and what they have gone through, I was able to succeed in my academic journey by learning from them,” she said.

Meli Tora, a senior from Fiji majoring in Pacific Island Studies, said, “Club Fest is a great initiative provided by the SLS Department for students to explore and share some of their talents with other students.” He highlighted the dynamic nature of the club offerings. “Every semester new clubs are formed. It excites me to see the interesting ideas [and ways] students can find fun during their college life.”

Tora said one particularly intriguing club is Da Night Club. This club is for students who enjoy freestyle dancing, he shared, and is “a great club to go to and just dance freely and be ourselves.” Tora said joining a club is a personal choice and encouraged students to engage.

“The experiences are there waiting for you,” he explained. “All you have to do is sign up and be involved in the club, and this will guarantee a great experience.”

Tora reflected on how when their club members gather together every semester for opening and closing socials, there is always a spirit of love and support felt by people from those who have love for the clubs they joined. He shared, “I always find my challenges overcome whenever I am around my club members because ... they always find ways to make me feel loved by reminding me of my purpose and making me happy.”

He also emphasized the comprehensive support clubs offer, remarking, “Clubs are there to provide physical, academic, emotional and spiritual support for its members.” Tora said club members share life-long lessons that contribute to a student’s journey going forward academically, especially being far away from home. He shared, “If any members goes through challenges because of what they chose to do, they use it as a learning lesson to help the freshman and sophomore learn from it.”

Kate Pedroso, a freshman majoring in social work from the Philippines, shared her enthusiasm for the Filipino Club at Club Fest, saying, “Filipino Club is the first one on my list. They decorated the booth and they even played Filipino dramas which felt so nostal-

gic.” She also expressed excitement about the Samoa Club, “I love their energy at Club Fest.” She said she enjoyed the club’s loud music, photoshoots and Instagram posts.

Pedroso emphasized the benefits of participating in various clubs at BYUH, sharing, “Becoming a member of different clubs at BYUH will help me build my confidence to talk and socialize with people from different countries.” She added participation in clubs fosters diversity on campus and helps create a sense of community, describing, “[It’s] like creating a new family in another country.”

She said clubs coming together for games and activities reminds her of her family and the interests they share together. “I feel like I am with my family but of a different culture or ethnicity,” said Pedroso.

She also noted the personal growth she experiences through these interactions, stating, “As I meet new people, I am appreciating different cultures little by little.” Having friends from different countries in the world is fun, Pedroso shared. “I get to build a circle full of different values and norms and I am able to apply that knowledge in my anthropology classes,” she said. •

Left: Club members smile at the booths for Hawaiian Club, Food & Culture Club and Fiji Club. Below: Samoa Club members pose at their booth. Photos by Naomi Saenz.

A dynamic

sound

Learn about The Green’s music styles, history and experiences following the band’s concert at BYUH

BY LEILOA MALALA-APO

The Green, a popular local reggae band formed on Oahu, performed for the first time at the Cannon Activities Center on Oct. 11. The Green is one of Hawaii’s most successful and beloved bands, according to Tina Harvey, a supervisor for Seasider Sports & Activities. The band plays blended reggae, rock, and island rhythm, she said, which is contrasts to the country music most bands on the island play.

She said the concert, which was hosted by BYU–Hawaii’s SSA, also featured another local Hawaiian band, High Watah. Nalia Abevilia, a BYUH student, said, “This is one of my favorite local bands. I am so happy they came to perform at our school because their dynamic sound and infectious energy is next level amazing.”

The Green was formed in 2009, says the band’s information online. The band’s original members were Caleb Keolanui on lead and backing vocals; Ikaika Antone on lead vocals, backing vocals and keyboards; JP Kennedy on

lead vocals, backing vocals and guitar; Zion Thompson on lead vocals, backing vocals and guitar and Brad Watanabe on backing vocals, bass, keyboards, guitar and drums. Drummer Jordan Espinoza joined the band in 2011, replacing Leslie Ludiazo who is still the band’s musical director, said Kiloka Akanaki, the band manager. He shared, “This is the band’s first time performing here, so we are thankful to have this opportunity to be with our BYUH ohana.”

High Watah performed in the beginning of the concert and got students and community members “hyped up” by playing some popular local songs by artists like Fiji, Spawnbreezie, J Boog and Kapena. “Some of the people danced by doing a typical local move called ‘skanky’ by skipping backwards or forward on the spot. If you did not do the skanky move, you are not local or familiar with the music,” explained Leni Apo, a faculty member of BYUH.

According to the band’s website, The Green has had over 15 years of experience

in the music industry and is one of the most successful and adored bands to come out of Hawaii. In fact, they are among the very first reggae bands from the Hawaii to extensively tour the United States mainland, supporting American reggae bands like Rebelution, Iration, SOJA and Jamaica’s Damian Marley. Grammy-winning pop superstar Bruno Mars even selected The Green to open his three sold-out shows at Honolulu’s Blaisdell Arena in 2014 and his two sold-out dates at Honolulu’s Aloha Stadium, Hawaii’s largest outdoor venue, in 2018, the website says. Kahaia Lie, a fan of The Green, said, “We heard a rumor they will be performing again here in Laie, so I cannot wait to watch them again.” •

Below: BYUH students and the Laie community came to watch High Watah and The Green perform.

Photos by Moevai Tefan.

Left: A member of the opening band for The Green, High Watah, play guitar.

Three miracles

at Gapyeong

Brother

Choi Seung-sung and his wife are

baptized

following

a long series of events starting with a battle in the Korean War

BY DONGJU YUN

Brother Choi Seung-sung, the founder of the Korean War Memorial for American Veterans, and his wife, Sister Byun Soojung, were recently baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Choi, who was recognized in 2019 for his contributions to the cultural and artistic community of Gapyeong, said he worked tirelessly to honor the heroic sacrifices made by American soldiers during the Korean War. His efforts were especially aimed at preserving the legacy of those who fought in the Battle of Gapyeong, a pivotal moment in the war that U.S. forces played a role in.

Without any government support, Choi established the “Korean War Allied Veterans Commemorative Association” in Gapyeong in 1995. He said he was deeply moved by the sacrifice of young American soldiers who left their homeland to fight for freedom and peace in Korea. Determined to pass on their legacy, he said he visited various organizations, including the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, U.S. military units in Korea and the local government, to gather historical materials and raise funds for a memorial.

Choi even donated a large piece of land of over 3,300 square meters in Gapyeong as the site for the memorial, he shared. In 2016, the memorial honoring the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division’s role in the Korean War was completed. The memorial is now a site frequently visited by U.S. officials, veterans, soldiers and their families, he said. It also serves as an educational site for more than 10,000 visitors annually,

including students and members of veterans’ organizations, according to Choi.

Choi’s connection to The Church of Jesus Christ began in 2020 when Bradford Taylor, then the president of the Korea Seoul Mission, visited Gapyeong. Taylor is a descendant of a U.S. soldier who fought in the Battle of Gapyeong, which is often referred to as “The Miracle of Gapyeong.”

The Battle of Gapyeong was a fierce battle during the Korean War in which 240 members of the 213th Field Artillery Battalion from Utah fought against 4,000 Chinese soldiers. Remarkably, not a single American soldier was killed and the Chinese forces were repelled. Many of these soldiers were members of the Church, making the event reminiscent of the miraculous accounts of the 2,000 stripling warriors in the Book of Mormon.

While in Korea, Taylor said he was surprised and moved to find people in Gapyeong, who had no personal connection to the soldiers, were working to honor them. Just as these soldiers had fought for the freedom of people they did not know, so too were the people of Gapyeong commemorating the sacrifices of strangers, Taylor said.

Since Taylor’s visit, the Church’s Korea Communication Council has worked with Choi, the Korea Seoul Mission and members of the Church to hold annual ceremonies in Gapyeong commemorating the U.S. soldiers’ participation in the war. These ceremonies often include service activities for attendees to participate in.

Above: A person enters the waters of baptism. Right: A group of people participate in the annual ceremony commemorating the Battle of Gapyeong. Photos from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Media Library.

Choi and his wife were baptized in the Chuncheon Ward of the Seoul East Stake with about 50 members in attendance on Sept. 22. Taylor participated via Zoom from his home in Utah, sharing, “The sacrifice Brother Choi made to build this memorial is incredible. He is a true hero.”

The missionary couple who taught Choi and his wife, Elder Cho Yong-hyun and Sister Lee Eun-sook, said they shared in the joy of the occasion. “Today feels like the unveiling of a memorial itself. It’s a time of thanksgiving and joy, much like Thanksgiving Day. I testify this joy is not only felt here but also in the spirit world,” Cho said.

“The sacrifice Brother Choi made to build this memorial is incredible. He is a true hero.”

- Bradford Taylor

Choi, reflecting on his experience, shared his feelings during the baptismal service. “I was born and raised in a small village in Gapyeong. There, 240 soldiers from Utah fought against 4,000 enemy troops and won,” he shared. “This should have been impossible. But how was it possible? I believe it’s because they, like those of you gathered here today, believed in God and in Jesus Christ. I believe that’s why they won.”

President Bae Dong-chul of the Korea Seoul Mission remarked, “I never imagined this day would come. Brother Choi, through heavenly guidance, built a memorial to U.S. veterans and helped bring the miracle of the

Battle of Gapyeong to light.” Bae continued, “I believe this was the second miracle. And today, another miracle has occurred as Brother Choi has been baptized.”

Seoul East Stake President Choi Il-gwang concluded the baptismal service by sharing, “Sister Byun has now become part of the largest women’s organization in the world, the Relief Society. I hope you feel the strength that comes with that. Likewise, Brother Choi will receive the priesthood, and when we exercise the priesthood righteously, we can work miracles.” He continued, “I thank you both for joining this wonderful gospel. We, as witnesses, celebrate and stand with you.” •

Making space

on the waves

Experienced local surfers and surf schools teaching beginners and clash over increasingly crowded Turtle Bay surf spots

BY KELSEA SMITH

For local surfers on Oahu, Turtle Bay has been a popular spot to catch waves on the North Shore. But in recent years, the increasing presence of surf schools has turned this once peaceful spot into a source of frustration for experienced locals, said surfers. With crowded lineups and beginner surfers often struggling to stay out of the way, they said the balance between enjoying the ocean and sharing it with tourists has become harder to maintain.

“I’ve been surfing Turtle Bay since I was a kid,” said Kalani Hu, a 25-year-old local surfer. “But now every time I paddle out, it feels like there are 20 beginners all clustered around the same wave. It’s not even about being territorial, it’s about safety. They don’t know how to control their boards, and that’s dangerous for everyone.”

Hu’s frustration is shared by other local surfers who frequent Turtle Bay. “I don’t mind tourists learning how to surf. That’s part of the culture here,” said Leilani Keawe, a regular at Turtle Bay and a surf instructor herself. “But when they’re thrown into the lineup with no understanding of surf etiquette, it just causes problems. I think there needs to be a better

system for separating beginners from experienced surfers.”

Workers from Turtle Bay’s surf schools, however, said they follow safety guidelines and do their best to educate new surfers on proper etiquette. Kimo Lehua, an owner of one of the surf schools at Turtle Bay, said he believes the schools play a crucial role in introducing people to Hawaii’s surf culture. “We make sure our students know the basics of respect in the water,” Lehua said. “But it’s also a public beach, and we can’t control how many people are out there at any given time.”

Surfers like Hu said they have seen once empty mornings become overrun with large groups of beginners, making it difficult to enjoy the waves they grew up riding. “I love sharing the waves with others, but at some point, it just feels overcrowded,” Hu said. “I wish there was more awareness about keeping certain areas for beginners so we could all enjoy the ocean without stepping on each other’s toes—literally.”

BYU–Hawaii students who also frequent Turtle Bay shared similar frustrations. “I come out here to surf after classes, and some days it feels like you can’t even get a wave without

dodging a surf school,” said Malia Jackson, a junior studying marine biology. “It’s cool people want to learn, but sometimes it feels like they’re all packed into the same spot. It would be nice if there were designated areas for beginners.”

As surf tourism continues to grow in Hawaii, the tension between locals and surf schools remains an ongoing challenge. Finding a balance that allows newcomers to experience surfing without disrupting the experience for seasoned surfers is something local surfers and surf school owners said they hope will be addressed. •

Left: BYUH students surf at Malaekahana Beach, also known as Castles Beach.

Below: Community members and BYUH students surf together.

Photos by Mark Tabbilos.

A shared college

journey

Attending college with your twin offers built-in support and love, say two BYUH students who have twins

BY JILL KEANA SOLIS

From amusing encounters to shared faces, twins at BYU–Hawaii shared the comfort, joys and quirks of navigating college together, blending academic and social lives. Reflecting on their experiences, they highlighted how having a twin enhances their college journey and deepens their connection through every campus adventure.

Finding comfort in studying abroad

Eloida Kitwongpak, a health and human sciences senior from the Philippines, said attending BYUH with her identical twin sister, Eloisa, brings her a unique sense of comfort. “The best part about attending college with my twin is that I have someone who can make me feel at home even though we live far away from home,” Kitwongpak shared.

She explained how Eloisa always knows when something is wrong, offering constant support that alleviates homesickness. “To make me feel at home is to have that constant, even emotional support when I am having a bad day. She listens and acknowledges my fears,

anxiety and disappointments,” Kitwongpak said. “That’s the very reason why I don’t feel homesick at all.”

Similarly, sophomore Losaline Uhila, a hospitality and tourism management major from Tonga, said she finds solace in her twin sister, Alisi. “I get to share clothes and get free stuff from her, even if I don’t want to share,” she joked. Beyond the practical perks, Uhila said she values her sister’s emotional support. “When I feel homesick, I go to her. When I need to talk about my life, when I’m sad or emotional, I go to her,” Uhila expressed. “She knows my feelings, most of it.”

Twins around campus

For Kitwongpak, having a twin on campus means navigating funny and awkward instances of mistaken identity, she said. “People on campus often confuse my twin sister and me,” she shared, explaining this happened frequently when they shared friends and wore similar glasses while living in single housing. “Now that I’m married, it doesn’t happen as often,

except when I’m in classes with her friends who don’t know me.” She recalled a mix-up when she got engaged and her twin was seen with her fiancé. “People thought it was me and even grabbed her hand to look for the engagement ring,” Kitwongpak laughed. Another incident involved a friend from the Hip Hop Club who thought Eloida was Eloisa, even though the friend was well-acquainted with Eloisa. “We both laughed about it. She was so confused by the names and the connections,” Kitwongpak recalled.

Reflecting on her twin’s impact on her college experience, Kitwongpak said she feels more empowered and supported. “Her presence influenced my decisions,” she noted, adding she often tries to set an example as the older sibling. She shared how they faced challenges with their schedules and work but helped each other along the way. “If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have had the chance to work at the temple and manage my spirituality alongside my studies. She’s been essential to who I am and where I am today,” Kitwongpak shared.

Uhila also shared some humorous mixups have happened, especially since she and her twin, Alisi, have different majors and circles of friends. “People who know my sister come up to me, and I give them confused looks before explaining, ‘I’m the twin,’” she said with a smile. She recalled when her friend accidentally winked at her sister at the Mail

Center and was then confused when he saw her moments later. “My sister had to explain the situation since she didn’t know him, and he was so surprised to see me right behind her,” she laughed. Despite the confusion, Uhila said she feels fortunate to have a twin by her side. “Most people I talk to say they wish they had a twin. I’m lucky to have one.”

Similarities and differences

Uhila and her twin sister, Alisi, have distinct interests and preferences, but their differences strengthen their bond, she said. “We have different interests—her color is green, and mine is light purple,” Uhila shared. “And her type isn’t mine,” she laughed, hinting they never clash over boys. Even when it comes to hair color, she said they each have their style. “If we ever dye our hair, she’d choose salmon, and I’d go with cherry cola.” Despite their unique tastes, Uhila said they stay connected by embracing their differences.

Kitwongpak said her and her twin share similar core values and interests, though their personalities often diverge. “We both prioritize family, church and service,” Kitwongpak explained, adding their shared love for the arts and music stems from a high school arts program they both participated in. “Even though we have the same interests, our personalities [are not really] interchangeable,” she reflected. Kitwongpak she is the quieter, more reserved sister, while Eloisa is outgoing, talkative and adventurous. “As adults, we’ve become more flexible, adapting our personalities based on who we’re with,” she said.

While they haven’t shared classes due to different majors, Kitwongpak said they always ate lunch together when their schedules allowed. “We had the same lunch schedule when I was single, so we could eat together as long as it didn’t conflict with our classes,” she stated. Now even with their separate routines, she said they keep each other updated on their schedules, making time for quick check-ins at work whenever possible. “It’s a way to ensure we’re always connected, no matter how busy we get,” Kitwongpak shared. •

Eloisa and Eloida Kitwongpak smile together. Photos by Bilguun Enkhbaatar.

perspectives on

BYUH students share their thoughts on artificial intelligence and how its impacted their college experience

BY ALAN PINEDA

AI

Using artificial intelligence has expanded Liza Querimit’s learning much more than she expected, she said. “It has changed the game of my education,” said Querimit, a junior from the Philippines studying economics.

Initially, she said she felt these new tools would make her dependent on them, leaving her without the knowledge she would need in the real world. However, she said one of her professors told her, “A calculator is dumb without you.” This helped her realize that AI was just a tool, and without her intellect the tool could not do anything, she explained. Querimit said this new insight also showed her how important it is for her to keep learning and growing academically to better operate AI technology. She explained, “AI can be another tool” to make her education more productive.

When doing research for a class or when trying to master a specific topic, Querimit said she used to use Google and search for one article or webpage. Now with AI, she said all she needs to do is ask ChatGPT and the answer is more direct. This helps to reduce the amount of time she spends researching and allows her to ask any follow-up questions she might have about the topic at hand, she explained.

The process of using AI sometimes helps Querimit organize her ideas and awaken new perspectives on the subject she is trying to master, she shared. On one occasion, she said she was reviewing her notes from previous classes and realized she forgot what some of the ideas and concepts were because she forgot to add the meaning and description of some key concepts. Querimit was able to use AI to find out what those principles from the class meant and even went deeper into the concepts, which she said helped her retain the necessary knowledge for future tests. She said she now feels confident in using AI to focus on the most important aspects of her research.

Iosefa Taliu, a junior studying math from Tuvalu, said for his major he works on simple math operations and much more complicated equations. Before becoming familiar with AI, he said he’d leave his home and family to study at the library, spending at least a few hours looking for the book he needed and then searching for the correct answer. Today, with his knowledge of AI and its accessibility, he said he can utilize it to work efficiently, allowing him to spend more time at home with his family. With the extra time Taliu has, he can do

“[AI] has changed the game of my education.”

- Liza Querimit

“[Using AI] shows you’re not using your brain.”

- Mason Bitter

more math or take care of other assignments for the rest of his classes, he shared.

Taliu said he understands he will need to solve problems without technology’s help in the Testing Center, so he focuses on using AI to understand the math process instead of just asking for the answer. With all the time and effort he has placed into math, he said he feels it wouldn’t make sense for a computer to just tell him the answer. However, AI can help Taliu expand his understanding so he’s still capable of doing it by himself, he explained.

Reflecting on the impact of AI, Taliu said it has made him “lazier” when it comes to searching for solutions. He said he now does not spend any time trying to find new ways to solve the math tasks but rather goes straight to the AI for the first step. However, he shared he

is grateful the tool has given him more time to spend with his wife and children.

However, not everyone uses AI to help with college. Mason Bitter, a senior majoring in psychology from California, said, “I try to stay away from it.” With most teachers warning students they do not want to see AI-generated work, he has tried to limit its use, saying he’s used it “no more than four or five times since I started college.” Bitter acknowledged how this technology can be effective and useful when it comes to grammar and fixing essays. But overall, he said, “It shows you’re not using your brain.” •

picture of ChatGPT’s home page.

A

Photo by Emiliano Vittoriosi on Unsplash.

Learning about

prayer

Japan Club’s Family Home Evening teaches attendees about prayer from the Book of Mormon and encourages them to apply what they learned to their everyday life

BY MEIKA YARA

Seeking to help Japanese Club members improve their prayers and get more answers to their prays, the club organizers said they planned a Family Home Evening on the theme of prayer in the Aloha Center on Oct. 13.

This FHE taught each participant about the content and methods of prayer from the “Prayer” section of the Study Helps and the Book of Enos, as well as how to apply their learning to their daily lives. The purpose of the FHE was to “improve our daily prayers” and “make our prayers more likely to be answered by improving them,” said Yuma Kaneko, a freshman from Japan taking English as an International Language classes, and his non-student wife, Hitomi Kaneko, taught FHE this time.

Aika Sakuma, a TESOL sophomore from Japan, was one of the FHE participants. She said, “What made an impression on me during FHE was the study of the Book of Enos. In Enos 1, there was a description of how Enos’ prayers changed. First, he prayed for himself, then for his brethren the Nephites and then for the Lamanites.”

Sakuma also said she discovered something new about prayer when she read the “Prayer” section of the Study Helps. When praying, she said she learned her desires

must be in harmony with God’s desires. She explained she needs to pray faithfully, not just repeat similar phrases.

Hina Ishida, a junior from Japan majoring in TESOL and an attendee, shared, “I learned prayer is important when making choices. What stood out to me during FHE was aligning my prayers with God’s will.”

As a way to be mindful in her prayers from now on, Sakuma said, “I will always pray before studying. It may help me concentrate better and show me what God wants me to learn through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Ishida said she also learned something during FHE she wants to apply to her real life. “When praying, I usually express my gratitude. But recently, I have only been praying about myself and haven’t considered aligning my desire with God’s will,” she shared. “So I hope I can figure out what God expects from me through my prayers.”

One of the good aspects of this FHE was the allocation and adjustment of discussion time after studying prayer from the Book of Mormon, Yuma Kaneko shared.

All participants were divided into several groups to discuss, and he said he would go around and ask each group whether they needed more time for the discussion or had enough time for it. Another good part of moderating

the discussions was he had the opportunity to share his testimony about the significance of praying for others, he added.

Hitomi Kaneko said she personally appreciated getting to explain what to include in prayer and how to pray in simple terms. She also said she shared a specific way she prayed that helped her feel the Spirit as a part of her testimony.

Being able to examine prayer through the Book of Mormon in preparation for FHE enabled her to improve her own prayers, Hitomi Kaneko added.

Japan Club’s FHEs for this semester will be held on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, and one Japanese single or one Japanese married couple will be assigned as a teacher for each FHE by the person in charge of FHE. The reason for holding FHEs regularly is not only to enhance the characteristics of the participants as disciples of Christ but also to support the participants in strengthening their unity with each other, shared Manaka Nakamura, a junior from Japan majoring in social work and one of the executive members of Japan Club. The theme and teacher of FHEs will be different every time, giving participants new discoveries and an opportunity to review and improve their attitudes toward life, said Nakamura. •

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints learn about the gospel and pray.

Photos from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Media Library.