Ka Lā January 2015 by HCC Student Media Board

A Student Publication of the University of Hawai`i • Honolulu Community College • January 2015

Getting educated in the clouds Geography students learn new lessons atop Mt. Ka‛ala Pages 4-5

2 KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i

January 2015

Ka Lā, the campus

newspaper of Honolulu Community College.

Ka La publishes 2,000 copies monthly during the Spring and

Fall Semesters. Ka Lā and all campus publications

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Student Media Board: Chairperson Derek Choi

Vice chairperson Angelina Peralta Ka Lā Editor

Hillary Brown Faculty Advisers Emily Kukulies

Mike Leidemann Staff members

Luke Barayuga Jonah Carino

Angelo Del Rosario

Christopher Naylon Angelina Peralta Johser Jan Pacer January 2015 Contact Information editor@thekala.net

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As part of an I <3 Art Event, students from all over campus got together in the fall to paint a new mural on a construction wall behind Building 7. The event was sponsored by the Student Activities Board, which has lots more events planned for Spring semester. Photos by Angelina Peralta

KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 3

More Hawaiian scholarships Key to school success is affordability Ka L� staff

The University of Hawai’i is reaching out to Native Hawaiians across the state who are interested in going to college and applying for millions of dollars in college scholarships. The university is hosting a series of free AHA Financial Aid workshops across the state for Native Hawaiians interested in attending college, learning about scholarship opportunities and how to apply for financial aid. The effort is part of a statewide initiative to bring Native Hawaiian scholarship opportunities to underserved communities across the state, and the university’s mission to create opportunities and transform the lives of students, their families and communities through higher education. “It’s a coming together of scholarship agencies and organizations who believe in the value of college for every person in Hawai’i,” said Judy Oliveira, Interim Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. “We’ve committed to increase the participation and success of Native Hawaiian students across

This chart shows that graduation rates for Native Hawaiian students in the community college system have grown rapidly in recent years. Now, UH is reaching out with a new program to get more Native Hawaiians in school.

the entire University of Hawai’i System. One of the keys to access and success is affordability. So we’re very grateful to our many partners for the availability of these scholarships and for helping us spread the good work throughout the state,” said UH President David Lassner.

The Native Hawaiian Scholarship AHA has assisted countless Native Hawaiian students to apply for financial aid that has changed their lives. The free financial aid presentations and workshops are open to high school and college students, parents, teachers, and counselors.

January 2015

Nagaue wins fashion honor Honolulu CC Fashion technology chair Joy Nagaue has been given the Governor's Fashion Award for 2014. The award each year honors an outstanding individual who has served as an exemplary professional and member of Hawaii’s fashion community for at least 25 years, and has demonstrated leadership and innovation in an area of the industry. “Miss Joy” has taught and mentored many of the islands’ foremost fashion talents, including three Project Runway contestants, designers behind brands such as Manuheali’i, and countless others who have flourished in successful fashion careers around the world. “She usually works quietly behind the scenes, but her undeniable contribution to Hawaii fashion speaks volumes,” said Amos Kotomori.

2016

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Not graduating on time costs you more in tuition and fees, housing and living expenses. In Hawai‘i, on average, residents with an associate’s degree earn $10k more per year than those with only a high school diploma.

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Learn more. www.15ToFinish.com

KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i

January 2015

At the top of Oahu

The students working atop Mount Kaala get a stunning view of the island. The chart shows rainfall and radiation patterns as recorded by equipment the students helped install as part of the project.

Students learn amid clouds, rain and wind

Some Honolulu Community College students are getting a rare opportunity to participate in a research project that takes them to the highest, wettest point on O‛ahu for their lessons. The Ke Ana Waiʻōpua project, led by HonCC geography instructor John Delay, allows students to participate in research and conservation work atop Mount Ka‛ala. This September, students Angelene King, Kevin Lamb, and John Allen Kahiau Miranda helped get meteorological equipment deployed and running on top of the mountain that will measure variables necessary to estimate forest canopy water balance in the natural area research at top the mountain. Duane Sula also helped prepare the station to weather Hurricane

Ths beautiful flower is Koli'i (Trematolobelia macrostachyus), a rare endemic lobeliad, found near the summit of Mt. Ka'ala Ana and download the first data. Students will have the opportunity to use their experiences on the mountain and the data gathered for their semester term projects. As the project develops there will be increasing opportunities for inter-

ested students to participate and visit the site including volunteer projects, Delay said. The tropical mountain cloud forest at the summit of Mt. Ka‛ala represents a unique and sensitive haven for Hawaiian plants and

animals, and provides important ecosystem services as a watershed, Delay said. Canopy trees intercept water from passing clouds (fog), providing additional moisture available for groundwater recharge. Cloud forest ecosystems are threatened by numerous global change factors, including shifts in the height of cloud formation, and temperature changes which may lend competitive advantages to invasive species. But the current canopy water balance conditions of Mt. Ka‘ala are poorly understood, Delay said, in part because it is so remote. That’s why the research being led by Delay and aided by the students is so important. "When I first volunteered for Continued on Page 5

KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i

Project puts students at heart of research Continued from Page 4

I had very little idea on what we were going to do. I just thought we would go up Mt. Ka'ala and just set up some instruments,” said student Kevin Lamb. “Spending the day assisting them was a wonderful experience, and it gave a whole new insight to climatology. This was a real treat, that as a student, and also as a concerned human being can truly appreciate. It has had a profound positive impact on me here at Honolulu Community College.”

Student James Ku Palaualelo, majoring in welding technology also found the experience transforming. "Mt. Kaala was a experience like no other," he said. "Had fun hiking and getting dirty. I saw things here I wouldn’t be able to see otherwise, as far as the scenery. I recommend to others to volunteer as well. They won’t regret it" Geography instructor John Delay began the Ke Ana Wai'opua Projectand takes joy in the wet and wild conditions on the mountain.

January 2015

Global warning can cause upward migration of invasive lowland species into the area, Delay said. This is a particularly important concern for Hawaiian cloud forests, which represent refuges for

many native species surrounded by a suite of exotic species in the lowlands. The Ke Ana Waiʻōpua Project will provide baseline conditions related to cloud frequency and forest water balance in the summit biological community and will measure the variables necessary to estimate forest canopy water balance atop Mt. Ka’ala. This is a cooperative project between University of Hawaiʻi faculty and Division of Forestry and Wildlife personnel. The investigative team is led by John DeLay at HonCC with cooperation from James Juvik, Emeritus Professor from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, and Thomas Giambelluca, professor from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Natural Area Reserves Commission Executive Secretary Betsy Gagne and Native Ecosystems and Protection and Management Oʻahu manager Marigold Zoll. The project name was chosen in consultation with HonCC Professor, Gerald Kimo Keaulana.

What students say about their mountain-top experience “When I first volunteered for this assignment, I had very little idea on what we were going to do. I just thought we would go up Mt. Ka`ala and just set up some instruments. Sounded easy enough. Once I arrived at Saunders Hall @ UH of Manoa, I realized the scope of the operation that was going to take place. 3 renowned Climatologists,As Professor Daley introduced them to me, I knew right away I was in the company of esteemed Scientists. Spending the day assisting them was a wonderful experience, and it gave a whole new insight to Climatology. It has had a profound positive impact on me here at Honolulu Community College.” Kevin Lamb, majoring in Human Services and taking Geography of Hawaiʻi

“It was a beautiful, clear morning when I was given the opportunity to explore the forest reserves of Hawaii's Mount Ka'ala. I couldn't be more thankful to have been able to appreciate such a rare, peaceful environment that served as a home for the native species of the islands. Due to the retained moisture of the cloud forests, and abundance of dewy mosses added vibrance to the trees, rocks and soil. It was a pleasure applying my knowledge in geography and assisting in installing the instrument to measure this beautiful occurrence.”

Angelene King, majoring in Hospitality and Tourism and taking The Natural Environment

“When I was first informed about this trip to Mt. Ka'ala I was like "shoots let's get this done." But when I got to the DLNR building parking lot I was overwhelmed because I felt so out of place. These people were the pros at this. The drive up to our workspace was astonishing and to hear that 98% of people on Oahu had never been up there I felt special. As soon as we parked everything was in motion. Equipment being transported, looking for the spot, then setting this bad boy up. Even though it was a work-day I couldn't help but stop and look at all the gorgeous vegetation. There is nothing like this that I've experienced, I would like to thank my professor for allowing me to participate. Mahalo Nui.” Jon Allen Kahiau Miranda, Liberal Arts major taking Hawaiian Plants and Their Uses

“The start today like any other school day until my former professor John D asked me if I would be interested in helping him out with some field work he had to get done. I said yes, being that I had nothing else to do that evening. When we got to the place where we had to do the work I was blown away by what I seen. The sure beauty of the place was mind blowing and work we did was very interesting. I felt very privileged to be up there, Not only because of the beauty but for the simple fact that was helping to try and keep it beautiful. This was defiantly one of the coolest things that I have done at Honcc so far and would love to help out again.” Duane Sula, majoring in Liberal Arts and took The Natural Environment and Hawaiian Plants and their Uses

KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i

January 2015

Thinking of going green? Toyota Prius is a better choice than Nissan Leaf ...

If the car runs out of electricity, it is still capable of driving—using the gas powered engine. One of the most important systems on a vehicle nowadays is the SRS (Safety Restraint System) or what others call airbags. The Prius has one more than the Leaf . All car drivers want every type of safety equipment on their vehicle as long as it makes a difference between living and dying (when accidents happen). Both of the vehicles have one of

the most important features, the ABS (Antilock Braking System), and an ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system that can aid the drivers' braking and handling. Many vehicle buyers would be thinking how much do HEVs or EVs cost when buying or maintaining; it’s almost like an instinct to be asking how much it is. To start with, the Nissan Leaf has a starting price of $33,000, which comes with a 3.6-kW onboard charger, and it takes about 21 hours to fully charge the Leaf’s battery when plugged into a standard 110-volt household outlet, or about eight hours when it’s hooked up to a 220-volt power source. The price on a base model Toyota Prius is around $25,000, whichruns 51/48 estimated miles per gallon. It has a basic 3 years of warranty. Both vehicles are considered environmentally friendly. It’s really arguable which exceeds which. It is almost impossible to define all their differences but just by looking at some statistics you can tell which car is better. In the end, it’s all about preference, and I the Toyota Prius excels the Nissan Leaf by its innovative design.

than your conventional gas engine. A typical electric motor produces enough voltage to cause serious harm and even death. For most people, this won’t be a problem; getting from point A to point B is more important. However, a sports enthusiast won’t be too happy with this. Whether it is a track car, drift car, or drag car, all these vehicles are traditionally gasoline engines. All vehicles are built with purpose; that’s why modifications are vital. There has been an attempt to create a racing division for all electric cars. Electric vehicles utilize electrically operated steering, which means there is no real linkage between the steering wheel and the wheels. Therefore, you will not be able to feel any feedback while driving. Theoretically, this is a good thing but takes away the connection you have with a car. That just proves that driving without being able to feel the wheels under you takes away from the driving experience. Car

enthusiasts who enjoy feeling every single movement the car makes like to replace all the rubber bushings with stiffer materials This affects the ride on the vehicle severely; every imperfection of the road will make the car feel like it’s in the middle of an earthquake. For some, this may sound senseless but for others it just makes the car better. In addition to the steering feel, you should know that because there is no mechanical linkage directly to the wheels, you aren’t controlling the wheels. This is because a sensor on the steering wheels tells the computer where to turn the wheels. So if the computer lost signal with the steering wheel imagine what could happen. Don’t get me wrong: electric cars are great for the environment. I would just like to see an electric vehicle be able to compete with all these gasoline vehicles, safely.

By Jim Calapit Special to the Ka L�

The Toyota Prius (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) excels the Nissan Leaf (Electric Vehicle) by its innovative design. The Prius was the first contemporary hybrid to be produced in late 1997. It is a power-split or seriesparallel (full) hybrid, sometimes referred to as a combined hybrid, an automobile that can be driven by gasoline and/or electric power. Hybrid means that a usual combustion engine is partnered with an electric motor. It combines petrol (gasoline or diesel) and electricity to operate. The Prius gets 50 miles per gallon total, and is roomy and very dependable. The top speed of a base model Prius is around 112 miles per hour. On the other hand, Nissan’s Leaf is a compact five-door hatchback electric car manufactured by Nissan, and is the world’s first mass-produced zero emissions automobile. It can run a top speed of around 90 miles per hour. The car can travel 30 miles on 70 cents of electricity. In terms of looks, Nissan wanted to make the Leaf attractive to a typical car owner by giving it a familiar sedan and hatchback-like design. Pure EVs (Electric Vehicle) like the Nissan Leaf can be a hassle

The insides of this Toyota Prius were on display recently at an auto show in Germany. compared to the Prius. The Leaf can stay on the road for about 100 miles without recharging, but charging it will take 8 hours to 16 hours. It’s initially restricted to urban travel because not all places have built-in charging stations. On the other hand, HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) like the Toyota Prius have a battery and an internal combustion engine which reduces the amount of fossil and gasoline consumption. The HEVs don’t require charging stations.

... But you lose the connection between car and driver Joshua Gima Special to the Ka L�

Over the years, global warming has grabbed everyone’s attention. Everything manufactured needs to follow specific standards, including vehicles. This is why electric motors have been implemented into vehicles. These motors provide the car all the functions most cars offer. However, electric-powered cars are not able to offer what gasoline-powered vehicles can. You can go into an electric vehicle and start it and still not know if it’s running. Whereas in a gasoline motor you know, it is running That exhaust sound you hear gives the vehicle personality; this is why people put on aftermarket exhaust systems. Not only does this improve performance, but it makes the car feel better. The connection between driver and vehicle is just absent when in an electric car. From the steering, to the engine, and even the sound,

These stories were written as assignments for an English 100 class for students in the Career and Technical Education fields. For more information about the classes, contact Language Arts Chair Jeff Stearns at stearns@hawaii.edu. electric cars are different from the cars we drove for the past hundred plus years. Although electric vehicles are better for the environment, they cannot imitate the same characteristics of a gasoline-powered engine. When it comes to modifying your engine to what you like, there are thousands of parts you can install. Whether it is increasing your gas mileage or making 1,000 horsepower, the choice is up to you. This is true for gasoline vehicles but there aren’t any electric motor modifications. This is probably because these batteries are much more dangerous

KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i

The KaL� Poetry Page Better than Beatrice There was a lot of name ideas floating around before I was born. My Gung Gung wanted to call me Lynn Kurn. My po po wanted call me Mei Sum. Thank goodness for my grandparents saying it was up to my parents. Then my father came with the brilliant idea of calling me Beatrice. My father thought it would have good nicknames, like Bee. My mother and father kept fighting for days about it and my father would alwyss end the fight by saying "Well, what ideas do you have for the name?" And then my mother would be silent Until the day of my birth when my mom Saw my wrinkled, pink face and said out the name Victoria Lynn. My father didn't like the idea, but then my mom retorted saying "Well, it is better than Beatrice."

-- Victoria Lynn Kam

What Destroys You A girl's Barbie blond hair in pigtails, and aqua blue eyes that resemble a calm tide. Turned into messy straw hair, and the girl's eyes froze over like ice. A stubbed toe would make the girl cry, and she would fill her palm with Dove chocolate. The girl slices through paper thin skin and watches the blood drip onto the bathroom counter. A finger touching the back of her throat after every meal brought relief. A girl's heart beats to get better, but her head is saying no. "I'll love you no matter what," I tell the girl. My words are just not enough. "Destroy what destroys you," the kids said. So the girl destroyed herself. --- Haley VonBank

Wonderful Nasty Grapes Juicy oblong gems of various colors, grapes are fantastic.

Grapes in lime green, apple purple-red and obsidian black fill my dreams. The flavors of grapes are as abundant as the colors, putting a sour pucker or sweet smile on our face. I'm saddened to see

what man has done to imitate those wonderful grapes. Companies synthetic products trying to force upon people what grapes taste like and look like. The flavor of the candy like medicine, the look of the packaging a dull eggplant purple. Why man feels the need to produce something similar to grapes I do not know. So limited in scope is their idea of what a grape is even though the contrary is true. So many colors and so many flavors; that is what a grape is. Christopher Tokita These poems are from students in Asst. Professor Eric Shaffer's Creative Writing Class, English 201. Ka La welcomes submissions of all literary and artistic forms. Send your offerings to us at hcckala@gmail.com

January 205

KaLÄ&#x20AC; â&#x20AC;˘ Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i

January 2015

HonCC on Instagram 1.

Members of the two Honolulu Community College intramural football teams gathered at the end of sthe eason for a group photo.

A fire drill in November had students leaving their classrooms in a quick, but orderly, manner.

Simply Ono joined Kurbside Kitchen on campus this semester to provide food truck breakfast and lunch service to hungry students, faculty and staff.

The school's Fashion Technology program continued to be in the news all semester, with former students showing their lines and a teacher winning a statewide award. Here a student works on her designs in the program's lab.