Ka La May 2012

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A Student Publication of the University of Hawai`i • Honolulu Community College • May 2012

War of words

Dozens of students participate in HonCC's intramural debate challenge.

Page 2

A new life

Outgoing ASUH-HCC President Ryan Adverderada survived a heart attack at 24. Now he's on his way to a new college experience in Arizona.

Page 3

Graduates speak

Some of this year's graduates share their thoughts on what made their HonCC experience special.

Page 9

Fashion, fashion

Students in Fashion Technology show off their skills in an annual show of talent and style.

Page 11

Best of HonCC

Our special 4-page pullout section celebrates some of the best photography and writing that HonCC has to offer.

Pages 5-8

KaLā photo by Matthew Ursua Retiring chancellor Mike Rota relaxes in his office during the last few weeks of his time at Honolulu Community College.

Chancellor's legacy: 'We know how to build things'

By Adina Murakami

Ka Lā Editor

It was a warm afternoon toward the end of April. Through the open door of his office, Chancellor Mike Rota could be seen busy typing at his work station, completing the day's work.

He greeted us with a warm and gracious smile and encouraged us to make ourselves comfortable.

His casual presence at once set us at ease. It is easy to see why he was first asked to fill in as interim chancellor of Honolulu Community College in July 2008.

“I was all set to retire, and accepted the interim position on fairly short notice, saw there was need and agreed to stay until the position could be filled,” Rota said.

After conducting a search, the University of Hawai`i Board of Regents then appointed Rota as chancellor of Honolulu Community College for a two-year term in 2009. And again finding no viable replacement, they asked him to stay through June 2012.

“It will be strange leaving for

the last time, I will miss being Hawai`i at Hilo. here,” Rota said.

During his tenure at HonoOriginally from the U.S. northlulu Community College, Rota east, Rota received his bachelor's has been instrumental in several and master's degrees from the projects including resolving the University of Maryland. accreditation issues of 2006, deHe has been a part of the velopment of a strategic plan for University of Hawaii for over 40 improvements at the school and years. Prior to his appointment at developing an effective planning Honolulu Community College, process which incorporates the Rota was associate vice president new facilities master plan. He for academic affairs for the Unialso has worked to implement a versity of Hawai`i Community transparent budget process at the Colleges where his responsibilities college. Several included acaprojects grew demic program from his dedicat“It will be strange planning. These ed enhancement leaving for the last time, I skills were utiof the campus. will miss being here." lized with his “Students appointment are not well Chancllor Mike Rota as the chair of equipped when the Accrediting they enter the Commission of system,” he said, a fact which led Junior Colleges of the Western As- to development of the Essential sociation of Schools and Colleges.

Skills Center. The portables on the Additionally, Rota has served corner of Dillingham and Kokea as vice chancellor for academic af- Street were home to the Employfairs for the University of Hawai`i ment training center for more than Community Colleges and held 50 years. “In just under a month, various teaching and administradedicated faculty and staff tive positions at Hawai`i CommuContinued on Page 2 nity College and the University of

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

Ka Lā is the campus newspaper of Honolulu Community College. Ka Lā publishes 2,000 copies every month during the Spring and Fall Semesters.

Ka Lā and all campus publications are funded by student publication fees and advertising. All materials published in Ka Lā may not be reproduced or reused without permission of the HCC Student Media Board.

Ka Lā is published under the supervision of the HCC Student Media Board: Chairperson Julia Ching Publications Director Jennifer Kakio Ka Lā Editor Adina Murakami Faculty Advisers Emily Kukulies Mike Leidemann Staff members Ryan Adverderada Ieva Bytautaite Janelle Celestino Julia Ching Karla Chato Jennifer Kakio Jacqueline Miszuk Adina Murakami Ron Santos Matthew Ursua May 2012 Contact Information editor@thekala.net Student Media Board Building 2, Room 115 Phone: (808) 845-9498 Submissions Ka Lā invites letters to the editor, articles, events, advertising, and classifieds. Ka Lā reserves the right to refuse or edit submissions. Submissions must be signed and include a daytime telephone number and email address.

Editors and writers are responsible for content, which does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HCC faculty or staff.

May 2012

Dozens join war of words Intramural debate is a something to talk about

By Barbara Natalie Dias Special to the Ka Lā

More than 60 HonCC students waged a war of words on campus on April 13 in the hopes being named to the first-place team in a debate sponsored by the speech department.

“I was really impressed by the sportsmanship shown by everyone who participated,” said Sarah Ashley, a member of the winning team. “Everyone seemed to be genuinely enjoying themselves and having fun whether they won or lost."

Following three rounds of debates with 22 teams, Ashley and her fellow teammates, Andre Baptiste and Josiah Sedeno, took top team honors in a final round of competition.

Awards were also given out to individual speakers based on scoring from three rounds of debates.

“I was nervous going into the first debate,” said Carly Chinick, who won the top speaker award.

“I ended up having a lot of fun with my own team and the opposing teams. It was a lot of fun, and it was really a learning experience.”

Students weren’t the only ones to gain insight participating in the debate.

“I was highly encouraged and enthused to see so many students dedicate their time and energy to better their professional communication skills,” said Mitchell Okamura, one of the 20 instructors who volunteered to help judge the

Finalists in the HonCC debate included (from bottom left) Lian Balmores, McClinton Degala, Andre Baptiste, Josiah Sedeno and in top row, from left, Jamie Rodrigues and Sarah Ashley. Sedeno, Baptiste and Ashley took top honors.

debate. Ten students also volunteered to serve as timekeepers.

Doug Raphael, speech debate adviser, was also happy to see the number of participants double since last semester’s debate.

“Participating in debate is a great activity regardless of what occupation a person plans to go into. Debating can be a little nerveracking at first, but with practice it becomes more and more enjoyable," Raphael said.

Karadeen Kam, head of the speech department, also stressed the importance of critical thinking skills and communication as practiced in debate.

“In preparing for the debate, students were challenged to examine their own biases and look at

Rota retires Continued from Page 1

renovated those buildings by cleaning, painting until they were hardly recognizable, “ Rota said.

Rota expressed gratitude for the “faculty, staff and student involvement at Honolulu Community College. I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished in the last four years.” Some of his most memorable moments included the “re-launch of the Hokulea'a a few weeks ago; at 5:30 a.m., a few hundred people attended,” said Rota. Additionally, he noted the

school's 90th anniversary celebration where 22 alumni were honored."It’s amazing but they are all still actively working in our community," said Rota.

In the future, Rota hopes to travel with his wife and spend time with his grandson. Rota also will work with the college as a supporter in the community to raise awareness. “Honolulu Community College is an important campus in Hawaii, it’s significant.

We know how to build things,” he said.

the issues from multiple perspectives,” Kam said.

The speech department plans on holding debates on a semester basis. Students who are interested in debate or want to get more information should contact Raphael at draphael@hawaii.edu.

Baptiste and Sedeno believe students should make the most of the opportunity to debate here at HonCC in the future.

“I'm glad for the experience, and I think that everyone in college should participate in collegiate debate," said Baptiste.

Sedeno added, “Everybody should participate in collegiate debate and give it a shot because you'll never know just how far you can go until you try.”

New Student Leaders elected for 2012-13 Kaleo Gagne has been elected president of the Associated Students of UH-Honolulu Community College. Gagne hopes to continue making the school a better and more welcoming place.

Also elected were Vice President Jessica Suguitan, Communications Director Ieva Bytautaite, and Senators at Large Raquel Adverderada, Amy Akina, Jim Cardenasm, Gigi Gregasin and Ryan Yamada.

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

May 2012

Next step: excitement for whatever lies ahead

By Ieva Bytautaite

Ka Lā staff writer

With the deadline of the last issue of Ka Lā approaching fast, editor Adina Murakami sat nestled comfortably on the dark chocolate couch in the Student Media Board office. Munching on her signature snack mix and sipping on a bottle of Smartwater, her hands playing with her long hair, she looked relaxed and happy. The graduation issue, last one of the semester, is also the last one for Murakami, a fact which brought back good memories, smiles, as well as a tear, which she quickly wiped off and covered up with her lively laugh.

Murakami has been a student at HonCC since 2008. She started out small, taking only a couple of classes, but eventually became

a full-time student in the fall of 2010. That was also the semester she became part of HonCC’s student-run paper, KaLā.

“I said, ‘what do I have to do'; and they said hang out, so I said yeah,” Murakami said. After a semester of writing for the paper, she was asked if she wanted to take the role of editor.

“I was kind of scared to be the editor,” Murakami said. “I wanted to make the paper seem interesting, and make it not only something that people want to write for, but also something they want to read.”

With Murakami as editor, the paper went through a transformation. “We changed the look of the paper, got a new logo, and created some permanent fixtures in the paper, like the calendar and presi-

Ka La photo by Mathew Ursua Adina Murakami: “We all have challenges, and the question I have is: what are you going do with that?”

dent’s address.”

“I do believe that each issue is better than the last. We are progressively getting better. I can see the time and effort I put into the paper this year has paid off. But

it’s a joint effort. Everybody had input on how to do everything.”

When asked about how she feels about leaving, Murakami said, Continued on Page 4

From hospital terror to graduation day

By Mathew Ursua

Ka Lā staff writer

Ryan Adverderada had a heart attack at 24.

“My mom was driving me from my house in Ewa to the hospital.

I was having trouble breathing. I was sweating profusely. I couldn’t catch my breath. It was like running an intense workout,” Adverderada said.

Adverderada was terrified: “The most terrified I’d ever been in my life. ... I thought I was gone.”

In the hospital, he learned he has congestive heart failure, which he says isn’t life threatening as long as he manages his blood pressure with medication and stays in shape. “ ‘You’re so young’ they would say every day in the hospital room," Adverderada said. “I’m not closer to death, but I understand how close you can get.”

That was two years ago. Today, he’s the outgoing ASUH-HCC president, about to graduate from Honolulu Community College and continue his education at Arizona State University.

Adverderada, who turned 26 in February, said he was concerned about being an older student when enrolling at HonCC. Actu-

KaLā photo by Matthew Ursua Ryan Adverdarada says he's ready to move after getting a degree from HonCC.

ally, he’s one of many HonCC students in their mid-20s. The average age of HonCC students is 25.6 years.

“I consider it old when I’m sitting in a classroom, and I have classmates that are 20 and 21, and I’m seeing incoming freshmen who are five or six years younger and I know their older brothers or sisters,” he said.

ASUH Senator-at-large Kaleo Gagne said he couldn’t think of any major failures in Adverderada’s administration; even with

“I’m not closer to death, but I understand how close you can get.”

Ryan Adverderada so much work to be done, Adverderada succeeded at almost everything he set out to do, Gagne said.

Student Life & Development office manager Hillary Brown will remember Adverderada as a

leader who balanced passion for students with cool-headedness.

Brown said that HonCC is a better place because of Adverderada.

“People think that because this campus is in town and doesn’t have the nicest buildings, that it’s on the back burner, but Ryan cared, and it showed,” Brown said.

Gagne said that Adverderada’s communication skills made filling seats in the administration easy despite a general lack of interest in student government. “He convinced people. They liked Ryan and they were willing to do work for him,” Gagne said.

Gagne said Adverderada’s life from now on is going to be an adventure. “I think his time with ASUH made him more adventurous,” Gagne said, “and it prepared him for going to the mainland.”

Now he’s headed to Arizona State University to pursue a degree in communications.

“I’m going from big fish little pond to small fish big pond,” Adverderada said.

When he graduates Adverderada won’t be saying goodbye to colleagues. He’ll be saying goodbye to friends.

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

May 2012

Editor: Staying on campus helped overcome challenges Continued from Page 3

Gopal's garden A small agri-farm facility at HonCC is helping the science department to provide students and the public exposure to aquatic food production and various urban gardening methods that will conserve water and space. The gardening activities enable students to carry out individualized projects involving water conservation and application of solar energy in aquatic food production.

“I’m sad, but I had more fun this year than I have had the whole time that I have been here. And the reason for that is that I’m all in."

“The idea of coming to school and staying on campus made all the difference," she said. Investing time here on campus, meeting with people, talking to people, covering stories helped her meet new people and come out of her shell, she said.

Although Murakami’s decision to come back to school led to great experiences and opportunities, she also went through a difficult time when her son passed away in the fall of 2009.

“It was really very hard for me,” she said, “but I think that everyone who graduates whether it’s this year or the next year will have

some really difficult obstacles to overcome that they think they can’t.” By continuing going to school, and not giving up hope during the hard times, Murakami learned that “this difficulty made graduating even sweeter than it would have been had I not encountered that tragedy.”

“We all have challenges and the question I have is, what are you going do with that?” Murakami said.

Working for Ka Lā helped Murakami get through the tough times. “It gave me an opportunity to heal, provided me a venue to use my mind not emotions, gave me a schedule to follow. And because the staff of the paper was so encouraging, it made it really easy for me to slip in there unnoticed and become part of the team. More than they ever realized, that meant the world to me,” she said.

Best of HonCC KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 5

May 2012

When Doughnuts Saved the Student Students should never be late to Mr. Shaffer’s class. Mr. Shaffer does not like when students are late to his class, and there are three reasons why being late to Mr. Shaffer’s class is a terrible idea. The first reason why a student shouldn’t be late to Mr. Shaffer’s class is that he will embarrass any student who is late. For example, if a student were late to class, Mr. Shaffer would say, “Nice of you to finally join us.” The reason why Mr. Shaffer embarrasses students who are late is to teach them that when a serious job comes along, being late is unacceptable. The second reason why a student shouldn’t be late to Mr. Shaffer’s class is that there is a chance of being marked absent, and if a student is marked absen too many times, the student could risk receiving a lower grade. Mr. Shaffer is already known to have a challenging class, so being late would only make students fall further behind. The final reason why a student should never be late to Mr. Shaffer’s class is to prepare for their own futures; moreover, if all students got used to being early, they would already achieve the best step for making a great impression. Although being late is unacceptable, there are certain situations where being late to class is going to happen. All students who decide to be late should bring doughnuts, for Mr. Shaffer enjoys these warm sugary delights.

Angela Balslev

The Apple Shining red and a vermillion green The apple grows.

The apples’ mother tree whispers sweet nothings as she dances with the wind.

I sit under the comfort of the tree not unlike the apple and I stare in wonder at the apples’ mother for she is golden, bathed in the sun of a waking day yawning to life after a wonderful dream.

Warm green grass slick with the morning dew tickles my bare feet; however, the green grass isn’t what captures me.

Nature ~ photo by Nalei Mendonca

We at the Ka Lā would

like to honor those

who have excelled in

For the apple does glow shining red, with bright eyes reflected by the sun.

The apples’ eyes wander and dream as they are cast over a world that knows few such simplicities such as the act of seeing.

litrerature and photog-

The apple grows slowly, but I wait to pluck it, for while the apple looks sweet, The apple becomes mad at the audacity of being plucked too soon.

I can wait; I can tell stories to sweeten the apple, sing songs to pass our time And tell jokes when there isn’t anything left to say.

their students best

And though I’m sure the apple will fall into my hands, Flesh warmed by the sun, skin flush red with our meeting I know I could never partake in the apple that I’ve helped grow.

Now as I sit under this golden tree, vermillion colors dancing in the strong breeze of a summer’s day, I tell stories, sing songs and say jokes when there is nothing left to say.

Michael Wilcox

raphy. We requrested professors to select

work. Submissions were recived from Eric Shaffer, Muriel Fujii and Marty Nikou.

Best of HonCC KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 6

May 2012

Do Over I wish I owned a time machine so I could transport back to the ‘70’s and the ‘80’s, and do over the care I didn’t take of my skin.

Mothers, Aunts, beauty magazines, even celebrities knew nothing then of caring for one’s skin.

A tan was considered healthy, beautiful, and youthful.

Not a peep was uttered to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

No-one knew to keep the skin plump by drinking plenty of water.

I don’t even think the word sunscreen was invented yet.

Three months was all the summer Long Island got for the year, and the closer I could get to Apollo the better.

Every summer we became best friends, or at least I tried.

Every weekend with my silver foil blanket, and a mixed concoction of iodine and baby oil tucked under one arm, I would ascend with pounding heart, the unsteady, shaky ladder to the roof.

There for the next three to four hours, I would lie on my silver foil blanket soaking in Apollo’s rays.

Self Portrait ~ photo by Victoria Thomas

Ghost story

I remember when I was in a sports boarding school in China many years ago, something funny happened to me. All of the dormitory students were sitting around telling ghost stories.

Everyone must tell a ghost story and then finally decide whose story was the most terrifying. I I baked, burned, tanned, and prematurely aged think at that time the bigger ones under Apollo’s rays. were not over 11 years old, the One weekend, I even younger ones only 5 years old, tanned to a spectacular and I was about 6 or 7. second-degree sunburn, That night it was still raining blisters and all. outside. It seemed quite strong.

The stories passed one by one.

Over twenty years have We were also getting more and passed and it seems an more fearful. “Lin, Lin, Lin,” elephant rang the bell. It was 9 o'clock is starting to inhabit my skin.

Still Life~ photo by Amanda Kunetka already. The housekeeper came, I think I’ll put time machine on the top of my so we had to go to bed. I was lying on the bed, and I recalled what Christmas list this year. we just talked about. I was really afraid of ghosts.

Carla M. Buscaglia

Suddenly, my stomach felt a little uncomfortable, so I tried tummy sleeping and put a pillow under my stomach. After a while, my stomach was still not comfortable, and I felt I needed to use the toilet, but we just finished telling ghost stories, so how could I go to the lavatory by myself? And someone had just told a ghost story that took place in a lavatory.

I felt I was about to die at that time, so I used my fast speed and quickly and quietly climbed out of bed. I was really anxious but did not dare to go to the toilet. What to do? I could not think of what to do. Coming out! I then slid under the lower bed. Yes, I did it right there. I remember my pose was like a very relaxed frog lying down on a rock. After about 1 or 2 minutes, I quickly climbed out under the bed to get some paper towels, wiped myself, and then just threw the paper back to where I just came out. Then I climbed up to my bed and pretended to sleep like nothing had happened.

The next morning, the entire room smelled. The housekeeper came and found my masterpiece. She was asking everyone who did that. But everyone said they didn't do it. Of course, my answer was the same. Finally, the poor housekeeper had to clean up my secret masterpiece.

Family - No. 2~ photo by Eva Amorim

Sammy Luo I did not know that the collagen and connective tissue — the youthful, support structure of the skin, was being permanently damaged with each soaking of Apollo my skin drank in.

Best of HonCC KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 7

May 2012

Daybreak

He walks through the freshly cut grass.

His belly is full after being served his favorite breakfast.

The morning dew clings to his legs as he meets the transition from grass to sand.

His feet mold the sand with each step.

As he walks, grains of sand stick to his feet.

The hair on his legs clump together from the dew.

The early sun peeks over the horizon.

The smell of the ocean tingles his nose.

The sound of crashing waves calms his spirit.

The morning always greets him with a warm welcome.

Shallow Depth of Field - photo by Miechol Canteras

If I Could Kiss the Sea

I see her Hair reflecting the suns radiance, Locks tangled in the sea breeze.

I taste her Sun-kissed skin, salty from the sweat of her rage, And I want to feel Her fluidity Caress every crevice of my body. talk to her And we discuss the wars waged on her body.

There are stories that lay at her heels, Of mutiny among crewmembers and Lovers who have vowed to die together.

She’ll wash my feet with her tears As if I were an entity larger than her.

I used to think she was a slave to humanity, But her spirit shows otherwise.

In the mist of her embrace, Her face reflects Her freedom. she has angel wings that only God could provide, And as she spreads them along the shore line, She assures me That her love is infinite, Like the horizons she hails from.

Joy Masuda

He takes a break on a nearby rock and barks at nothing, because he’s a dog.

Johnedel Boyer

Self Portrait ~ photo by Miechol Canteras

Fractions of Life

The best attributes of life come in halves;

peanut butter and jelly,

smoking hot ladies and the beach, or milk and cookies.

The best part is that we can take

one half away, and still enjoy our lives.

Some think that halfway is a recipe for disaster, or we can appreciate the good that halves have brought us to cherish.

We can always take the negative and import the positive. That’s the beauty of halves if we don’t like one side,

we’ll always have the other to enjoy.

As for our significant other,

improve our lives,

Motion Blur - No. 1 ~ photo by Tom Nguyen

we can always count on them to if our side of the half isn’t working properly.

Chase H. Horikawa

Best of HonCC KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 8

May 2012

The Water Will Crow

High above, the aboriginal bird barely gives the water a second glance.

But as I stall and feign emergencies in a single-engine airplane,

the water looks hard as concrete and equally comforting.

As the airplane’s attitude worsens, I think about a hard landing,

crashing into the ocean at seventy six knots (ideally), scrambling for water gear I suddenly realize I don’t have.

I imagine the water closing

over my head, knocking on the canopy, seeking weak spots.

“Here it is,” the water will crow,

with hungry fingers. “Play with me.”

worming its way inside the cockpit

I’ll shudder and choke, anticipating the cold bite of the Pacific,

smelling the salt water I’m sure I’ll be tasting in a minute as I scramble for the exit.

Then the airplane’s attitude improves and I snap back to reality, safe in my white diamond. I look down.

The ocean never looked so uninviting.

Nature ~ photo by Nalei Mendonca

We would especially like to thank

Mike Leidemann, Emily Kukulies, Julia Ching, Jennifer Kakio and

Muriel Fujii for their hard work on the Student Media Board.

Michaela Tapia

Special recognition for Phi Theta Kappa National Awards: Distinguished Honors In Action Issue

Award and Distinguished Chapter Advisor Award.

KaLā - Features KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 9

May 2012

Editor's Note We're proud of all the 2012 graduates of Honolulu Community College. The school's fantastic diversity is just one of the things that makes our experience here so interesting. So we asked a variety of graduating students to share their own thoughts about what made their years at HonCC special to them.

Trevor Takahashi Pearl Harbor apprentice

Don Dee Reeves Pearl Harbor apprentice "Our classroom time allowed us to get to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and where we fit at Pearl Harbor.

We had commonalities that build bonds. It is an honor and we try to uphold the legacy of Pearl Harbor.”

Rosie Wolfe

Fashion Technology

Lorraine N. Piimauna Cosmetology

Karla Choto Liberal Arts

“All the times we had a potluck and was able to enjoy each other apart from our studies.”

“Working for the school paper because I got to be involved in extra-curricular activities that reflected my interests.”

Carla Buscaglia Cosmetology

Jaimee Thompson Aeronautics maintenance

“HCC gives us enough skills to do our job well. We do lots of math and need to be able to communicate with our peers and supervisors. We work fulltime and go to school as well, we are able to achieve our Associates in Applied Sciences degree.”

“The computer classes and the use of factory machines and tools are great for practicing techniques that are used in the real world work environment.

The program keeps students up to date on the latest design applications.”

“I've had many memorable moments -- belly laughs with my fellow cosme students.

Love yas!"

“My best memory is starting up a turbine engine for the first time, the PT6 Turbopro."

Janelle Celestino Cosmetology

Natalie Escalante Liberal arts

Jackie Chen Liberal Arts

Jasmine Kamai Liberal Arts

“Becoming involved made all the difference. I appreciate all of the support and connections. I didn’t believe I could achieve the things I have in this last semester. If I can do it anyone can. Life is so much better when you get involved.”

“The people and the experiences and the different classes I took; all the new friends I made are what made my time at HCC special."

“Great, helpful teachers and tutors. Mrs. Gima was one of my favorite teachers, as well as my oceanography class and professor."

“The friendships and relationships I made with other students through campus involvement have been very important to me.

What made it most special was making the memories at Student Life and Development.”

KaLā KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 10

May 2012

KaLā - Features KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 11

May 2012

Fashion students do it with style

By Jacqueline Miszuk

Ka Lā staff writer

Honolulu Community College's Fashion Technology Program held its annual fashion show extravaganza, “Le Reve,” at the end of April, and in the weeks leading up to it, the program was full of excitement with students preparing their designs.

The show, held at the Marine Education and Training Center on Sand Island April 28, featured the latest creations offered by the department's students.

Graduating students had the opportunity to present their work to the community and get recognition from the local fashion industry. There was also a freshman segment during the show, which featured the designs of the department's talented up and coming students.

The show was produced by the students of the Fashion Society Club and the Fashion Show Production class, currently taught

by Andy South, a graduate of the HonCC program and contestant on the TV show “Project Runway.”

Moses Gouveia, president of the Fashion Society, always had an interest in fashion but was studying liberal arts until he heard about the FT program. He changed his major the day he found out.

“I feel like the program is my second home, I feel comfortable

KaLā photo by Jacqueline Miszuk Fashion students like Ryan Oto, above, were working feverishly in April to prepare for the program's annual show.

going there,” Gouveia said.

From running and overseeing an organization to delegating through fellow officers, being president of the club has been an “eye opener” for Moses.

“Everyone has a role, and I keep myself open to that,” he said.

Gouveia recently held one of the most successful fund-raising events the club has had in its his-

tory, a fashion show with drag performances at Hula's Bar and Lei Stand in Waikiki.

“Last year’s president had the idea for the Hula's fundraiser.

I wanted an alternative to car washes. This was something exciting that highlighted student talent and incorporated drag queens, which broadened peoples' vision of the community.

From left to right, Rose Wolfe, Stephanie Sanders, and Ramie Sagisi, all about to graduate, and put the finishing touches on their designs as the annual fashion extravaganza draws near.

KaLā photos by Jacqueline Miszuk

It turned out better than expected. Students came through, and we earned the largest profit yet,” Gouveia said.

If you can complete the FT program at HonCC, “you will have all the skills needed to be an efficient technical designer,” he said.

“Teachers are encouraging, they see a lot of promise in students and motivate them.”

KaLā - Features KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 12

May 2012

With the end at hand, celebrations abound Ka Lā staff

Honolulu Community College was buzzing with action in April as the school year started to draw to a close.

Students had the opportunity to participate in activities that included celebrating the first harvest from the school’s new taro garden, the variety of cultures at the school and “denim day.”

“I came to learn more about my Hawaiian culture and how to plant and grow taro,” said James “Braddah” Barrett, a liberal arts major, who joined in the Ho’olaule’a at the Ka Mala O Niuhelewai.

“We’re celebrating the one-year anniversary of the mala,” said instructor Alapaki Luke, who helped establish the garden as a learning experience on campus.

Several hundred students, staff and faculty dropped by to talk story, pound poi, eat Hawaiian food,

Photos by Honolulu Community College Staff Students at Honolulu CC's got to harvest the taro, pound it into poi, and then enjoy eating it as a part of the ho`olaule`a.

listen to music and enjoy some of the 20 kinds of kalo that have been growing in the garden.

Meanwhile, on the campus mall, ASUH-HCC was dishing out the second offering of its Cultural Days festival, which offered students more free food, giveaways, and games.

The first 100 students received free lunches, and everyone had a chance to vote in the ASUH stu-

dent government elections.

“I’m here to support gaming and music on campus,” said James Jesse Bates, a student in the MELE program. He said HonCC is a special place because it gives students the “opportunity to pursue music for a cheaper tuition.”

Noahlani Siaosi, who is studying liberal arts, was there to be “part of the change, and bring awareness to the students about taking care of the environment.”

And at several spots around campus, students could see displays – and join – the Denim Day exhibits.

Everyone was asked to wear jeans April 18 to raise awareness about sexual violence.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, said counselor Kimberly Gallant.

This story was reported by students in HonCC's Journalism 150 class.