Special fall arts section inside -- pages 3-6
A Student Publication of the University of Hawai`i • Honolulu Community College • December 2012
Poet's corner Read a selection of poetry written by students in Eric Shaffer's creative writing class. Page 6
New citizens Instructor Marty Nikou, who grew up in Iran, addressed a group of immigrants who became U.S. citizens. Page 2
Twilight time Even if you're not a fan, our reviewer says you might want to check out the latest film in the Twilight series. Page 8
Ka La has been voted the best college newspaper in the state by the Hawaii Publishers Association.
Off limits
Vandals, trash cause lounge closure
By Mathew Ursua
Ka La editor
After being shut for two weeks because of trash and vandalism problems, the Student Lounge in Building 2 was reopened for activity on the day before Thanksgiving break. Student Life and Development workers said they planned to keep it open, despite finding new evidence that somebody left gum on one of the chairs. Student Life employee Javele Kaneakua said that her office decided to give students a second chance to prove they can treat the lounge better. Kaleo Gagne, ASUH-HCC student president, took pictures with his iPhone in early November as Student Life officials showed him the damages. The pictures show felt-tip pen graffiti on new furniture, food crumbs scattered about, and food wrappers left in the open. MELE major Tyrell Cherry, who knew about the circumstances behind the closure, said that the decision was “drastic but necessary.” “I didn’t like it,” he said. “I was
Ka La photos by Kaleo Gagne The Student Lounge was dark and off-limits to students for almost two weeks after students vandalized new furniture and repeatedly left trash in the area. Below, a detail of the vandalized furniture
trying to do my work with the wind blowing outside.”
Cherry said the lounge is his “chill spot.” Gagne was instrumental in the decision to shut down the lounge, along with Hillary Brown, who was the acting leader of Student Life while Director Emily Kukulies was out on leave.
Still the president One day after getting a vote of confidence from UH regents, UH President M.R.C. Greenwood visited Honolulu Community College. During the visit, Greenwood mostly ducked questions from TV reporters about the so-called Wonder Blunder in which UH officials were scammed out of $200,000. Greenwood said she is putting that in the past and is ready to continue her duties at the school. Ka La photo by Mat Ursua