Dec 2011

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A Student Publication of the University of Hawai`i • Honolulu Community College • December 2011

Accreditation

Groups all over campus are at work as the school prepares for a major reaccreditation effort.

Page 2

Reorganization

Expect more changes as the campus reoganizes in 2012.

Page 3

Shutter bugs

Photography students show off their work from the classroom.

Pages 4-5

A body of work

Auto body students take their work seriously.

Page 6

Helping hand Campus comes together to help feed local families.

Page 7

Kato says farewell

By Matthew Ursua

Ka Lā staff writer

Kenneth Kato, the man who oversaw Honolulu Community College’s minor repairs and major upgrades for more than a decade, will retire as vice chancellor for administrative services on Dec. 31.

Kato leaves behind a legacy of many physical improvements on the campus, and his retirement comes as Honolulu Community College is amidst an administrative reorganization.

Kato has been with the University of Hawaii for more than 30 years, starting in 1975 at UHManoa, where he worked as a fiscal officer for various departments. He came to HonCC in 1986 and in 1998 took the position he holds today.

Many see Kato as unemotional but not dispassionate. Professor Guy Shibayama worked with Kato for many years and calls him “straight up.”

Apprenticeship coordinator James Niino, who has been arranging for repairs on campus at Kato’s request, said Kato is “excellent to work with, personable and easy to talk to.”

“He doesn’t smile,” Shibayama said, understanding why. “As an administrator you have to make decisions based on facts and numbers, not on your emotions.”

As his retirement nears, Kato reflected on his three decades with the university system.

“I have a lot of feelings going through my mind nowadays,” Kato said, “but I’m not sure if it’s going to strike me until after.”

For Kato, the community colleges are of special importance. It began during his days as a student.

“I truly believe in the community college system because I’m a community college product myself,” Kato said.

Kato went to Kapiolani Community College. “Way back when, back in 1969,” he said. Kato went to Kapiolani after leaving the Army.

“I’ve seen my reviews,” Kato said, “most of it is positive, some of it is negative, but that’s okay.”

“You can make friends, you can

KaLā photo by Matthew Ursua Ken Kato's retirement comes at a time filled with changes for HonCC.

“but I also enjoyed working.” make enemies,” Kato said. When Kato says he wants a job postasked how many friends and enretirement, but one easier than his emies he made, Kato responded, current one. “I’m supposed to be “I don’t know, hopefully I have retired,” he said. lots of friends, but There’s at least they don’t have to one thing Kato be friend -- as long wishes he could as they respect "I always tried to do have stuck around you and I respect for: getting to see them.” a good job, that's the school’s new That’s the phibuildings. “I will the story of my life." losophy Kato has never see a new lived by, and Kato building on our says he always did campus,” he said. his best.

If January’s legislature approves Kato’s next challenge might be funding, construction on HonCC’s finding things to occupy his time. new science building could begin “I enjoy staying home and watchas early as fall 2012. ing TV -- just relaxing,” Kato said, Continued on page 2

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

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Community College. Ka Lā

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Publications Director Jennifer Kakio

Radio/Broadcast Director Joel Chasteen Ka Lā Editor

Adina Murakami Faculty Advisers Emily Kukulies

Mike Leidemann Staff members

Ryan Adverderada Ieva Bytautaite Julia Ching

Howard Kam

Jennifer Kakio

Adina Murakami Ron Santos

Tyler Takamiya

Matthew Ursua December 2011

Contact Information editor@thekala.net

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December 2011

Accreditation job under way

By Adina Murakami Ka Lā Editor

In the fall of 2012 HonCC will be experiencing an accreditation review by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

What is regional accreditation?

It is a “robust time-tested model of peer review that supports educational excellence,” according to Professor Marcia RobertsDeutsch, the accreditation liaison officer for HonCC. “Accreditation is a system of self-regulation to evaluate the institution’s quality and encourage KaLā Photo by Adina Murakami continual improvement,” according to the ACCJC Staff and faculty members are part of the group working to meet accreditation standards.

News. HonCC has estabrates by implementing the English encourage one another to excel,” lished standards commitEssentials,” said Roberts-Deutsch. said Roberts-Deutsch. tees to review and evaluate the Students will be involved in the There is no regional “Big Brothbest practices of higher education self-evaluation process; a survey er.”

Instead “we take responsibilwith an expectation of excelwill be conducted as well as input ity for our own quality control lence. The accreditation standards will be provided by the ASUH. describe good practices in areas of through peer review,” said RobThe standards committees have erts-Deutsch. institutional operations, including created their first draft of the Community colleges have an institutional mission, institutional self-evaluation and will continue open door policy: “We take anyeffectiveness (i.e., achieving stated one, which is a good thing. Unfor- to work through the end of Ocmission, providing effective educational services), instruction, sup- tunately, not all students are ready tober 2012. If you have concerns or would like your input known, for college level courses. We saw port services, library and learnplease see Professor Robertsthis as an opportunity to support ing resources, human resources, Deutsch. new enrollment and completion facilities and physical resources, information technology resources, fiscal resources and fiscal management, and governance and decision making.

The purpose of regional accrediAll that changes come January. tation is to assure the institution Continued from Page 1 offers quality education. It is by Kato says no one is indispenKato was at the helm of planself-evaluation of the effectiveness sible. “There are many people who ning for the building and other of the established standards that can do my job,” Kato said. “No allows institutions to issue degrees upcoming projects. Kato oversaw problem, we all get replaced. It a major facilities overhaul in 2002 or certificates the community can doesn’t seem like when projectors value and trust. Students benI’m going to retire, and computers efit from accreditation by virtue Kato was the recipant of the and yet I filed all were installed in of having their credited hours my paperwork, transfer to other accredited institu- classrooms.

Willard Wilson Distingused tions, as well as ensuring that their Kato can be and I’m set to go,” degrees signify an education that seen going across he said.

Service award in 2009. was earned and not necessarily campus either on “I’m the son of paid for. foot or on a golf a mason contracAs the ALO for HonCC, Procart. He’s checktor,” Kato said. “I fessor Roberts-Deutsch recently ing on the facilities. It’s something went to public school most of my returned from California, where he does often. Kato said he works life, I went into the service. That she was a part of a peer review at least six days a week. made me a better person. I went to for Fresno State. “It was such His job sometimes requires him college, I worked hard all my life, a pleasure to help them ensure to be on campus at night, even quality higher education. We want after classes have let out and the and I always tried to do a good them to do the best they can and professors have gone home. job, that’s the story of my life.”

Kato: end of a good career

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

Hazmat drill hits campus

Students learn to prepare for real thing

By Matthew Ursua

Ka Lā staff writer

Students from the Occupational and Environmental Safety Management class 218 took their final exams Saturday November 5 in the courtyard of the science building, which was transformed for the day into the scene of a mock hazardous material spill.

The drill required the 18 students in the class to safely enter a hot zone, check for victims and identify hazardous materials. The training gave students a chance to see what would actually happen during a real hazardous materials spill.

Professor Chulee Grove has been doing this for over 20 years, and she’s seen some changes to OSHA and the EPA. “The standards evolve as we know more about the hazards and how they affect workers and the public,” She said.

Grove says the exam is different each time around. “The scenario changes each time the final is conducted,” she said. “Things such as the nature of the incident, chemical identities and other variables.”

While the drill resulted in a final grade in the course, more impor-

KaLā Photo by Matthew Ursua

Students taking final exam for Occupational and Enviornamental Safety Management Class participated in a mock spill of a hazardous material on campus. tantly it helped prepare them for experiences they’ll have in the working world.

Grove says these students will likely move on to careers in workplace safety or environmental compliance, but hazardous cleanup isn’t the only thing they’ll be doing. Their task include “safety

and health inspections to identify and evaluate hazards, providing recommendations on corrective actions, educateing and training workers and management on preventive measures,” Grove said.

Another 10-week-long course in hazardous materials safety will be held at HonCC in August 2012.

Expect big changes at HonCC in 2012

By Ronald Santos

Ka Lā staff writer

Big changes are in store for the HonCC administration. Though few students will be able to see the changes, the effects will be felt by everyone.

First, two top administrative officials are leaving the school.

The first to go will be Ken Kato, vice chancellor for administrative services, who is retiring at the end of this semester.

The second is Chancellor Mike Rota, who will be stepping down at the end of the school year. Rota has the added responsibility of setting the vision and direction of the campus.

On Jan. 1, Rota is expected to appoint an interim replacement for Kato. Meanwhile, the the school has prepared a committee

"Jan 1st Rota is expected to appoint an interim replacement for Ken Kato." to search for a new chancellor.

This committee elected instructor Dr. Jennifer Higa-King as the coordinator. Advertisements for their next meeting will be placed around campus early in the Spring 2012 semester. According to Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Erika Lacro, this committee hopes to select the chancellor’s replacement by July 1, 2012.

Along with the change in personnel, there will also be a group in charge of reorganizing of campus human resources and administrative roles. The reorganizaiton is part of an ongoing effort to cre-

ate and implement a strategic plan for the school, Lacro said.

During the group’s latest meeting, held on Nov. 15, leaders discussed 11 major reorganization needs of the campus. The most notable of these needs were creation of an academic support division led by a dean for academic support, creation of a student success unit within the academic support, and consolidation of the admissions and records functions into one division, under one supervisor under the Student Services Division.

As with anything that may potentially affect the students, the faculty wants to have student involvement in planning these changes. The campus can only benefit from the input from the student body.

December 2011

It's time to say thanks to those who make us special The holiday season brings family, fun, and food. It is a time when we reflect on all the things in our lives for which we are thankful. It is also the time of the semester when finals are fast approaching and we join the mad scramble to finish research papers and final projects. This semester has been filled with many memorable moments. Whether it was an impassioned debate between Hawaii lawmakers at our Constitution Day or the outpouring of kindness displayed throughout our month-long food drive, the semester has proven to be exciting for all of us.

In keeping with the theme of giving thanks, I would like to thank everyone who has given support to ASUH-HCC, whether through attendance at our events or the kind words in emails and in passing. The support of this campus is what keeps us working late at night and keeps us pushing forward in the face of obstacles. We are all students and try our best to balance the many roles we may have. It is a continuous struggle and without your support, we would fail.

A special person who I would like to thank will be leaving our Honolulu Community College ohana at the end of the semester. Vice Chancellor Kenneth Kato will be retiring at the end of the fall 2011 semester. He has dedicated much of his life to helping students in their journey through life and has touched many lives. I can genuinely say that Vice Chancellor Kato is a hard-working man who has done everything to help the entire Honolulu Community College campus. I would like to personally thank him for his service throughout the years.

To everyone at Honolulu Community College, I wish you the very best this holiday season and look forward to an exciting spring semester ahead.

Aloha, Ryan Adverderada President, ASUH-HCC

KaLā - Features KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 4

December 2011

Photography students show their class work Ka Lā asked photography instructor Moana Nikou to show us what his students were working on this semester. In response he shared these pictures taken by people taking his digital photography class.

Night Lights Loke Chong Gum

Under Water Aldrich Bagaoisan -

Slow Shutter Speed Mark Mizusawa

KaLā - Features KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 5

December 2011

Portrait Si Meng Qu

Shallow Depth of Field Iko Maruyama

Seascape Michelle Chun

Rapid Zoom Ian Nishi -

KaLā - Features KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i

6

December 2011

For auto body students, it's more than just a hobby nationally certified and is current-

By Ieva Bytaulaite

Ka Lā staff writer

ly going through a re-certification,

At first glance, the big, open

garage filled with numerous cars,

tools and industrial sounds might seem like any auto hobby shop in

any Hawaii neighborhood. Workers are surrounded by the noise

of drills and sanders; sparks are flying in the air, and people are hard at work. But this isn’t just

any auto repair shop. It’s the home to Honolulu Community College’s Auto Body Repair and Painting Program.

“People thought this was just a

hobby shop, but we treat this program as a business, ” says Steven Chu, assistant professor.

The ABRP is a two-year program

helping HonCC students develop the necessary skills to achieve a

successful career in the auto body repair and painting industry and

related areas. The program is also

Chu said.

The program not only teaches

basic skills but also generates

revenue from work ranging from detailing to collision repair. Ac-

cording to Chu, the funds raised

are used to purchase needed tools and supplies.

“The students, with our supervi-

sion, do everything from start to

finish. Some shop owners thought the instructors were doing the

repairs, but it’s all students’ work” Chu said.

for cars. “Here they teach you

more in-depth skills, which you

can’t learn on your own,” Osorio said. The instructors also keep

an eye out for job openings for which students can apply. Mr.

Monday

Tuesday

• GI Club Meeting Buidling 7 Room 521 2:30 pm

5

Adopt-A-Tree Display through at least Dec 2.

Charity Poker Tournamen Friday, Dec 2, Starts at 9amDonate food for the Hawaii Food Bank as your entrance into the Texas Hold’em Tournament that will award a computer to the winner.

Toys for Tots Through Dec 9: Donate a new, unwrapped toy in the collection boxes around campus at locations such as Student Life & Development, Library, TRIO and Native Hawaiian Center.

Register for HCC Great Aloha Run Team Through Dec. 9

will let the class know and we can

painting.

and if there is a job opening he

all apply, ” Osorio said. Two of

his classmates have already found

year student, didn’t know much about auto body repair before

coming into the program. “I only

knew how to do repairs under the

hood because I took a class in high school,” De Guzman said.

The program is designed so that

each module is a prerequisite for the next, which ensures that stu-

knowledge about auto repair and “During the first semester we

learn welding, detailing, panel and body work. In the second semester we focus on painting, mixing col-

ors, and learn how to tape up and spray the car,” said De Guzman.

Best of all, the students don’t even have to leave the HonCC campus to learn these skills and accomplish their tasks.

“All the facilities are in the

shop. It’s really good,” De Guzman said.

HonCC calendar of events for December

Announcements Passport to College Dec 1, 2, 7, 8 Sign up now for this orientation and registration experience for all new students. Sign up at: honolulu.hawaii.edu/ passport

dents obtain a wide spectrum of

Angelica De Guzman, also a first

opening his own paint shop in the future, has always had a passion

Chu knows people in the industry,

jobs with Mr. Chu’s help.

Jeff Osorio, a first year student

in the program who plans on

KaLā Photo By Ieva Bytaulaite Auto body students work to restore a broken down vehicle, all in a day's work..

Final exams Through Dec. 15

6

Campus closed through Jan. 2.

Thursday

• Passport to 7 College HCC Student Lounge 11:30am

13

12

• Faculty Deadline to 19 Submit grades for Fall 2011 874 Dillingham Blvd. 4:00pm

Wednesday

20

8 • Fall instruction Ends 874 Dilling Blvd.

• Passport to College HCC Student Lounge 8:00am • GI Club Meeting Building 7 Room 521 2:30pm

14

Campus closed through Jan. 32.

21

Friday

15

Campus closed through Jan. 2

22

• Payment Deadline for Spring 2012 Registration .4: pm

• Fall Semester Ends.

Campus closed through Jan. 2

Happy holidays.

See you next semester.

9

16

23

KaLā - Features KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 7

December 2011

Campus food drive shows giving spirit

By Ryan Adverderada

Ka Lā staff writer

Spam, string beans, ramen noodles, and even a few bottles of sports drinks sat on the counter of Student Life & Development.

At the ASUH-HCC Senate office, the scene was no different. These items were donated by the faculty, staff and students of Honolulu Community College. The call was simple: give what you can and work together to help needy families in Hawaii.

The month-long food drive, dubbed “Operation Stop Hunger, ran Oct 4-Nov 4 and benefited the Hawaii Food Bank. Donation boxes were placed at the Trio-SSS office, library, Native Hawaiian Center, Records Office, and on the second floor of Building 6.

The event was sponsored by the ASUH-HCC Student Government

KaLā Photo by Ryan Adverderada Canned goods, ramen and rice were part of the food collected in this year's drive

and publicized via email and posters throughout the campus.

Jasmine Kamai led the push to help Hawaii’s neediest families.

“We wanted to do something to

help those less fortunate. What better way than to donate food,” said Kamai, ASUH senator-atlarge and student assistant for Student Life & Development. Ka-

mai initially contacted the Hawaii Food Bank in early September to get the necessary drop boxes and fliers. She then approached the ASUH Senate about the idea. “Everyone was excited to get the ball rolling,” she said.

According to its website, the Hawaii Food Bank distributed over 11.8 million pounds of food to help feed 183,000 families across Hawaii in 2010 alone. The nonprofit serves over 200 charitable agencies on Oahu. The group’s main page lists the current 10 day food supply at their Mapunapuna warehouse. ASUH senator-atlarge, Kaleo Gagne may have said it best: “Hawaii is known for its aloha spirit and the willingness to help complete strangers. Honolulu Community College answered the call to help the people of Hawaii.

The people, they truly display what it means to be an ohana.”

KaLā - Sports KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 8

December 2011

Have we seen the last of BJ Penn?

By Jennifer Kakio

Ka Lā staff writer

In October, BJ Penn, 32, went up against Nick Diaz, 28, in a man up stand up type of fight. I had predicted that a focused Penn would defeat the hot tempered Diaz.

Unfortunately, the fighting gods were not on Penn’s side. Diaz won by unanimous decision: 29-28, 2927, 29-28.

In interviews right after the fight, a battered Penn announced in a hasty manner that he will be retiring.

Hearing him say “this is the last time you are going to ever see me again,” my heart was truly broken.

I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. I was truly upset. Before the start of Penn’s third round, I was telling my friends that one of my bucket list dreams was to watch BJ Penn fight live. Now that dream has been shattered.

On Twitter, I am seeing people calling Penn a quitter. Do I think Penn is a quitter? No, but I think he is very emotional right now and speaking from a dark place. I

After a tough loss, local boy BJ Penn said "this is the last time you are going to ever see me again," but later left the door open for a return to the ring. know first hand how it feels when someone else’s hand gets raised in the ring. I know how it feels to train months for a fight and how it takes a toll on you and your loved ones. All fighters know the bitter taste of defeat and how even the strongest minded fighter wants to throw in the towel. We’ve all thought it and maybe we even

said it out loud, but as time goes on the urge to fight comes back.

I don’t think Penn is a quitter, nor do I want to believe that he is truly retiring. He can’t. All of Hawai’i needs him, and we are not ready to see “The Prodigy” put up his RVCA black belt shorts.

Penn is a partner in the new UFC gym scheduled to open in

Kakaako in the spring, and he promises to be active there, teaching some courses himself and taking a high profile in the recruiting of all the trainers.

"We've got everything from different kinds of equipment that you won't see at any other gym, and you've got the self-defense (training)," Penn told the Honolulu StarAdvertiser recently. "Parents can come to work out, their children can take self-defense. They got a kid area to take care of them. They really thought about all the stuff that the other gyms don't have, and they put it in this gym."

As for whether he'll fight again, Penn said he still hasn't decided. " I never know (if) I could fight again, but one thing I know for sure is I'll probably be teaching the rest of my life," he said in an interview with the paper.

So, what is the future for this Hilo boy? Only time will tell. For now, we have to start accepting the fact that the UFC has one less superstar.

I will always be a Penn fan, no matter if he chooses to stay or go.