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News KaLa • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai‘i
2
March 2011
KaLa Ka La is the campus newspaper of Honolulu Community College. Ka La publishes 2,000 copies every month during the Spring and Fall Semesters. Ka La and all campus publications are funded by student publication fees and advertising. All materials published in Ka La may not be reproduced or reused without permission of the HCC Student Media Board. Ka La is published under the supervision of the HCC Student Media Board: Chairperson Julia Ching Publications Director Camille Agojo Radio/Broadcast Director Joel Chasteen Ka La Editor Jennifer Kakio TheKala.net editor James Rodden Faculty Advisers Emily Kukulies Mike Leidemann
Staff members Ryan Adverderada Hillary Brown Joel Chasteen Dan Chen Julia Ching Deja Coloma Howard Kam Jasmine Kamai Leilani Kimura Larsen Miho Adina Murakami James Rodden Charles Sinfuego Matthew Ursua
Marcch 2011
Contact Information editor@thekala.net Student Life & Development Building 2, Room 110 Phone: (808) 845-9498 Submissions Ka La invites letters to the editor, articles, events, advertising, and classifieds. Ka La 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.
The preferred plan developed for Honolulu Community College in years to come envisions high-rise parking garages on either end of the campus, a large central gathering place near where the keiki center is now, and a major entry way and transit stop at the corner of Dillingham Boulevard and Kokea Street.
Plan: Will guide development for years from Page 1
spaces between structures; one of them would fill the gap between what will be the rail station at Kokea Street and a newly constructed classroom complex. One function of the plan is to integrate rail transit into campus life. Vice Chancellor Ken Kato calls the effects of rail on HCC’s future development “far reaching.” The plazas are part of the plan’s focus on providing community space where students can meet and interact. This emphasis isn’t unique to HCC’s master plan. In August 2010, Kapiolani Community College’s Iliahi complex opened after a year of renovations designed to get students to gather and socialize. The company contracted to write HCC’s LRDP held four community workshops over the yearlong development period, which began in early
Campus needs and desires
Throughout planning interviews, workshops and surveys, these were common wants and needs expressed by members of the HonoluluCC community:
• Our campus needs a ‘heart.’ • Locate parking at the periphery of the campus. • Design a prominent campus entry. • Create a variety of indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. • Building layout needs to be coherent and architectural style needs to be consistent. • Design greater integration between architecture and landscape. • Create areas to showcase and highlight student work. • Expand food service and retail options.
2010. The plan was done by Helber Hastert & Fee Planners Incorporated, the same company contracted to draft Maui Community College’s LRDP. This kind of planning comes at a price. Kato says it cost approximately $249,000. Kato thinks the product is worth it. “It’s something the campus needed to do,” Kato said. The Board of Regents scheduled its February 24th meeting to be at HCC, where administration wanted to present the LDRP to the board. Kato says the formal draft wasn't ready in time, but
that a group of consultants updated the regents on HCC’s progress. HCC’s plan mentions the possibility of adding dorm rooms, a profit booster for HCC. Residential housing would be built above two planned parking structures. Reinholz likes the idea. “It’s a good idea for people who live on the other side of the island,” he said. Kato can’t guarantee HCC will look entirely like the LDRP’s preferred plan in 20 years, but he’s determined to see some of the changes during his career. “A new sci-
ence building,” Kato said, “will make HCC a better campus.” Kato thinks there is a mismatch between the quality of HCC’s science instructors and the quality of our facilities, saying “instructors do the best they can with what they have.” According to Kato, the Honolulu City Council has approved HCC’s plans for the new science and technology building, but ground breaking might be some years away. “When we get the money,” Kato says, “we will proceed.” HCC is known by some as the quintessential commuter campus, but efforts are already under way to entice students to spend more time here. Reinholz knows he will graduate before changes begin. If even some of the ideas in the long range plan come into being, HCC is sure to have a more attractive and welcoming feel at least for future generations.
We're online: www. thekala.net A STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I • HONOLULU COMMUNITY COLLEGE • FEBRUARY 2011
HCC in 2030? Here's the plan Mathew Ursua Kala Staff Writer
In the 2006 box office flop “Accepted,” Harmon College dean Richard Van Horne unveils his model for a campus gateway and calls it a “verdant buffer zone to keep knowledge in and ignorance out.” If some at HCC get their way, we’ll have a grand gateway of our own — a few of them, in fact. New entryways are just one of the proposals in a Long Range Development Plan for the coming years and decades. The plan, which is expected to go before the UH Board of Regents for approval in the near future, is full of ideas to expand and rearrange campus facilities. It covers almost everything from parking to new buildings to places to gather and play on the campus. Like liberal arts student Pat Reinholz, you can read the LRDP and let your imagination draw a picture of what HCC could look like 20 or 30 years from now.
Honolulu Community College's Long-Range plan, its cover shown above, imagines new buildings, parking areas and gathering spaces all over campus.
“It would look nice,” Reinholz says, “but I’m not sure if it’s necessary.” Reinholz thinks the school should focus on more immediate things like “making classrooms nicer” and improving current facili-
ties. The long range plan suggests constructing a “student union,” which would be a one-stop location for student needs including everything from a counseling center to a food court.
Reinholz, who is familiar with UH Manoa’s Varney Circle and Campus Center layout, points out the differing needs of community college students and university students going like the ones at Manoa.
When asked if he thought HCC had a commuter campus feel, he responded “isn’t that what this school is designed for?” Two or three outdoor “plazas” are planned for See Plan on Page 2
Festival to rock campus and community April 9 Adina Murakami Kala Staff Writer
The third annual Spring Fest will be held at Honolulu Community College from 2 to 9 p.m. April 9. Hosted by the ASUHHCC to promote the vitality of the campus and to encourage participation from the community, Spring Fest is a free, family-friendly event offering entertainment, live music, ono grinds and a venue for several local merchants. “We want everyone to have a good time”, said Howard Kam, the president of the ASUH-HCC.
This event is designed to set the tone that the school isn’t just a community college, but a dynamic partner in the community, supporting local vendors and residents. Kam said the goal is to fire up the community by establishing HCC as a place of prominence in the neighborhood and an empowering hub of activity promoting education and a sense of community. Among those scheduled to perform at the event
promote the event.
Additionally, several school clubs will host booths to entertain and ignite the imagination of keiki through various arts and crafts, and games. Several local food vendors will be present including: Creations in Catering, and Jolene Suda,
are Kolohe Kai, PIMPBOT, Büsekrüs, Arkeo and Dancer’s Delight a.k.a. the Farrington Dance Crew. KCCN has been hired to
who will sell beef stew and sweet & sour spare rib bowls. The Spring Fest committee has been working to organize this event since 2010. According to Kam, his
primary goal was to recruit students with effective leadership skills who would commit their time to the success of the event. “We now hope to have upwards of 2,000 people attend this event,” Kam said. To ensure the ease and comfort of those in attendance, the committee is actively recruiting volunteers. If you are interested in being of service to the school and making a good impression for guests, please contact the ASUH either on line or stop by the Student Government office. in Building 7, Room 2-116.
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NEWS KaLa • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai‘i
3 MARCH 2011
He knows his politics, inside and out Mathew Ursua Ka La Staff Writer
Honolulu Community College political science lecturer Lawrence Meachams knows what he's talking about in class. He should: He's spent life a big part of his life in politics. Meacham has run campaigns for political candidates, worked for Hawaii Sector of Common Cause, an organization that encourages grassroots politics, and has even been a candidate himself. In the mid-1980s, he ran for a state house seat in the Makiki district. He found out what it’s like to lose, never making it to the chambers of Hawaii’s State Capitol. He has been involved in 30 or more campaigns through the years — some successful and some unsuccessful. In the 1990s, Meacham managed Mililani Trask’s campaign for Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee. She won. Trask’s 2000 reelection bid failed when she lost to John Waihee IV. Meacham has a theory about why she lost. “People thought it was the former governor
Ka La photo by Mathew Ursua
Political Science teacher Larry Meacham says students should get involved in politics. "Campaigning is fun at all levels," Meacham said.
[John Waihee III],” said Meacham. “Voters weren’t well informed.” Meacham’s simple blue flyers are stapled to bulletin boards on the upper floors of Building 7. The prominent question is in bold. Can Palin beat Obama in 2012? Meacham said she can't. He says that the Republicans changed their primary elections from a winner take-all system to
a proportional system just weeks ago. Meacham said he thinks the Republicans did this because they were afraid Palin would gain momentum in the early states and win the primary. “Republicans don’t like her,” said Meacham, “because they think she’s too extreme, and would be a disastrous candidate.” So who can win the republican primary?
Meacham said it’s “up in the air.” No one knows. Meacham volunteered for Colleen Hanabusa’s latest congressional campaign by putting up signs. “Campaigning is fun at all levels,” Meacham said. Hanabusa squeaked by Republican incumbent Charles Djou, ending his six-month stint in Congress. Meacham encourages students to volunteer and
even run for office. “You learn so much,” he says. “Everyone should try it at least once.” Meacham says he learned the landscape of his Makiki neighborhood when he ran for the State House in the 1980s. Of course, that knowledge doesn't help him anymore. He moved to Wahiawa a few months ago. “The only noise is the chickens” Meacham said.
Most student funds saved by Senate bill
programs. While the amended The fate of the bill reduced the numbill that could have ber of special procrippled funding for grams to be cut, funds various University of such as the CommuniHawaii programs has ty College and UH-Hibecome somewhat lo Bookstore revolving clearer. fund will still be up for Early this month, the state Senate Ways repeal. and Means Committee “The bill did pass out of WAM and we did passed the bill -- but remove the repeal of not before stripping all UH special funds it of provisions that that UH themselves would have repealed many funds for student did not request,” said By Ryan Adverderado Ka La staff writer
Sen. Jill Tokuda. The original SB 120, introduced by Sen. Malama Solomon and co-sponsored by Senators Hee, Kahele, and Ryan, was aimed at the repeal of all special and revolving funds. The repeal would mean losing millions of dollars of funding for various University of Hawaii programs, such as Student Life and Development. The
remaining balances would then be transferred into the State General Fund. Solomon said that SB 120 addresses the need for “transparency and accountability when dealing with special funds,” and that “these funds are public money. They are paid by tax payers and thus are subject to the Legislature.” Sen. Tokuda said
“The funds which remain in the revised Senate Draft were specifically targeted by the University of Hawaii for repeal. The intention of the Legislature was not to take money from the Student Activities fund.” She also noted that “since the bill has removed many of the controversial funds, there is a very good chance of passing.”
University of Hawaii • Honolulu Communinity College
March 2011
Get extreme Spring Break has come and gone. Maybe you did the usual: sleep, eat, drink, and watch TV. Still, you are going to need another break between now and finals, so why not try something exciting -- like skydiving. Too exciting? Here are a few other ways you can put a little adventure into your life between now and the end of the semester. Oahu: Stairway to Heaven: Also known as the Haiku Stairs, this is one of the most popular “forbidden” trails in Oahu. This trail is estimated to be 2,120 feet high and about 3,922 steps up. If you make it up there without passing out or being stopped by police officers, you will see one of Hawaii’s most beautiful views of the Mokulua islands off Lanikai, Olomana, and all of Kaneohe Bay. If you are afraid of heights or getting arrested, this may not be the hike for you. It’s best that you stick with the Aiea Loop Trail. There are many ways to enter the Stairway to Heaven, but after doing some investigation, I found an entrance where you are unlikely to get caught. Google directions to Kuneki Place, where you find a concrete canal and follow that to the trail.
North Shore Shark Cage Tour: Being immersed in shark-infested water in a tin cage with chum all over you is exactly what I need during spring break. It kind of reminds me of math class. North Shore Shark Cage Tour guarantees sharks, and no diving experience is needed. For more information, please check out www.harsdktourshawaii.com Kama’aina cage dive fees start as low as $50. Paradise Air Hawaii Hang Gliding: Be your own pilot in an open cockpit ultralight plane. For more information, please visit www.paradiseairhawaii. com. Prices range from $150-$370. Kama’aina rates are available. Neighbor Islands: Ziplining in Kauai: Who wouldn’t want to wear a crotch-crushing harness while attached to a steel line over 17,000 acres of beautiful rainforest? I don’t mind looking at beautiful Kauai at a speed of 35 mph. Fore more information, please visit www. kauaibackcountry.com or contact Kauai Back Country at 3-4131 Kuhio Highway, Hanama’ulu, Hawaii 96715, (808) 245-2506.
Big Island of Hawaii ATV OffRoad Tours: A great way to see the forest and mountains of the Kohala Mountains, ocean cliffs, and waterfalls. ATVs (quads) = are a four-wheel motorcycletype vehicle that have no problem going over rocks, mud, and sand. If you hate getting dirty or a certified clean freak, this is not for you. Just Google Big Island of Hawaii ATV Off-Road Tours for more information. There are many companies offering great prices. Proflyght Paragliding in Maui: Unlike Paradise Air Hawaii Hang Gliding, which is powered by a motor, paragliding is a motor-less foot-launched aircraft. It’s like skydiving minus the jumping out of a plane and freefalling. Contact Proflyght Paragliding at 1065 Waipoli Road, Kula, Hawaii 96790, (808) 874-5433. Prices range from $95-$185. Ask them about their group discount rate. Whatever you decide to do this, please use wise judgment when doing something extreme. By Jennifer Kakio
Take a hike Go Hiking: And I’m not talking about Diamond Head. The Ko’olau mountain range has an amazing network of hiking trails. It is a great way to see parts of Oahu that most people will never get to see. It’s not just scenic views that you’ll find on the trails, but a wide variety of native plants and wildlife too. Some hikes are easy like Pu’u Pia, a two-mile roundtrip walk with only 500feet of elevation gain. This short hike is well worth the panoramic view of Manoa Valley from 880 feet. Want something a little more challenging? Kamanaiki is a five-mile roundtrip that begins with a steep set of concrete stairs. This hike climbs the ridge between the Kalihi and Kamanaiki Valleys and ends at a 1,560 foot summit. While going beyond this summit is pos-
sible, it is not advised. Then there are hikes like Bowman, a 12-mile roundtrip with a 2,400 foot elevation gain, recommended for experienced hikers only. This hike also begins in Kalihi Valley and ends with “a hair raising scramble up the flank of a volcanic cone,” says Stuart Ball, author of The Hikers Guide to Oahu. Whether you’re a novice or expert hiker, Oahu has a trail for you. If you don’t know where to start, look up The Hawaii Trail and Mountain Club. They’ve been hiking on Oahu since 1910, do a group hike every week and welcome new hikers. Be Safe, Have Fun and Happy Trails. By James Rodden
March 2011
University of Hawaii • Honolulu Communinity College
Ten more ways to avoid studying Go to a concert, watch a play or see a movie COMEDY Kathy Griffin April 8, 7 p.m. Waikiki Shell Kathy Griffin, stand-up comic and reality television show star known for her dry, witty humor and love of her gays, will be performing one show at the Waikiki Shell. Ticket prices range from $40.60-$77.55. For more information, please visit www. ticketmaster.com or call (808) 745-3000.
DANCE & MOVEMENT Jump! April 5-17 Hawai`i Theatre This silent comedy/kung fu action/gymnastic display takes place in a traditional Korean home and focuses on the martial art rivalry that takes place within this household. Ticket prices range from $25$80. For more information, please visit www. hawaiitheatre.com or call (808) 528-0506.
MUSIC
THEATER The Holiday of Rain March 24-April 23 Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays 8 p.m.; Sundays 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $16 (general admission), $14 (seniors 62+), $5 (students with valid ID), and $5 (patrons with proof of unemployment.) For more information, please visit www. kumukahua. org or www.honoluluboxoffice.com/Kumu-Kahua.html or call (808) 536-4441. The King and I March 25-April 17 Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m.; Sundays 4 p.m. Diamond Head Theatre A classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King and I is sure to take you on an adventure to far off Siam where East meets West and tradition reigns supreme until love takes its course. Ticket prices range from $42-$12. For more information, please visit www. diamondheadtheatre.com or call (808) 733-0274.
Spring Break Massive April 2, 6 p.m. Aloha Tower Market Place 3 stages overflowing with musical acts such as J Boog, Laga Savea, Fiji, and so much more! Tickets are $15 pre-sale. This is a 21+ ONLY event. For more information, please visit www.massive2011.com.
Palikū Arts Festival April 2 and 3 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Palikū Arts Festival is directed by Ben Moffat and is a culmination of various students at Windward Community College. Be prepared for a show of newage theatrical creativity and amazing talent. For more information, please visit http://windward.hawaii.edu/paliku or call (808) 235-7330.
Doobie Brothers and War April 2, 7:30 p.m. Blaisdell Arena These two legendary bands are no strangers to Hawaii. War was one of the most eclectic bands of the time, freely melding soul, Latin, jazz and rock influences into an effortlessly funky whole, and the Doobie Brothers have been performing their hits for more than three decades. Ticket prices range from $55 to $75. For more information, please visit www. ticketmaster.com.
Kabuki: The Vengeful Sword (Ise Ondo Koi no Netaba) April 9-24 Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 8 p.m; Sundays 2 p.m. Kennedy Theatre This traditional kabuki, performed in English, depicts the search of a lost sword by a samurai, but no one knows the deadly destiny of the sword until it is too late. Ticket prices are from $5 to $22. For more information, please visit www. hawaii.edu/kennedy or call (808) 9442697.
FILM Hawaii International Film Festival, Spring Showcase April 1-7 Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theaters. More than 25 films from over 10 countries. For more information, please visit www.hiff.org or call (808) 792-1577.
SPECIAL EVENT Honolulu AIDS Walk April 17, 8 a.m. Kapiolani Park Join 6,000 others in this 5-k walk which is a benefit for Life Foundation, a local organization that provides services to those living with HIV/AIDS on Oahu as well as free HIV testing and education for the community. For more information, please visit www.honoluluaidswalk.org. By Julia Ching
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Entertainment
www.thekala.net
6 MARCH 2011
KaLa • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai‘i
What did you do for Spring Break?
We are all one, just like Nas & Marley Charles Sinfuego Ka La staff writer
Adam Navarro Going to California and Nevada
Elliot Van Lee
Ian Tubris
Hanging with friends
Vegas!
Johnny Agustin Classes
Ivan Akeo Beach
Jordan Tuzon Stayed home
Chronics of Charles
Everything a man wants in a facial, except the cucumbers By Ronald Santos Ka La staff writer
It’s not often that I get services done at a salon, but after my experience at Honolulu Community College’s Cosmetology Department, I will be happy to become one of their regular clientele. The cosmetology department is always offering deals on their already cheap prices, so one day I decided to schedule an appointment for a facial during one of their buy-one, get-one, halfoff promotions. I chose to go with the European facial, which includes a masque along with the standard cleanser, exfoliant, toner, and massage. The first thing my esthetician, Jasmine, had me do was take off my shirt in a curtained room and put on
a strapless dress called a pedeo. It wasn’t until later that I learned that men have the option of not wearing one. The atmosphere was very relaxing, the room was dimly lit, and I soothing music was playing in the background. (I think it was Native American, based on the flute sounds). She sat me down on a reclined chair, reminiscent of the one you find at the dentist’s office, the kind with a cushion under your knees for extra comfort. She then wrapped me with a sheet, which I have to admit made me feel very cozy, like being tucked into bed. Finally, she wrapped my head in a towel
to keep any of the products from getting into what little hair that I have. The first step was the cleansing phase. Jasmine used a special cleansing gel, specially tailored for my skin type, to take off any excess oil from my skin. This step was concluded with a very light daily exfoliant to get rid of any dead skin. During this step, she used a machine that gave off a steady flow of steam to help get my pores open. The second step was the massage. In this step, she used an oil-free massage cream to soothe some of the tension spots on my face,
collarbones, and upper arms. Hands down, this was my favorite part of the whole service. The third step was the masque. The purpose of this step is to tighten the pores to make them less visible. I kind of wished that she would’ve used cucumbers for my eyes instead of soaked gauze because I was curious if there really was a reason why they always seem to use them on TV. To finish off the facial , Jasmine applied a multi-active toner to help my skin lock in moisture. When we were finished, I understood why many people have “spa” days. I’ve never been so relaxed in my life. Why should the ladies
be the only ones who can pamper themselves?
Hip-hop and reggae are two different genres, but are alike when spreading a message to come together. Thousands gathered at Kaka'ako Beach Park Amphitheater to watch Nas and Damian Marley perform their 2011 “Distant Relatives” tour. “Distant Relatives” best describes Nas and Damian Marley as both different but united as one. Nas is known in the Hip-Hop culture, and Damian Marley is the youngest son of the legendary Bob Marley and the first reggae artist to win a Grammy. Blending these two musical icons created one of the best collaborations and one of the best shows in Honolulu. The venue was a grass hill sloping down to the stage. The audience was separated into alcohol andnon-alcholic areas. Shannon Scott, KCCN FM100 radio host, said that he didn't mind that people had their medical (marijuana) cards; he didn't care what anyone’s doing just as long nobody fell down the hill while skanking. Nas and Marley started their performance with “As We Enter.” They performed their whole “Distant Relatives” album with songs like, “Land of Promise,” “Count Your Blessings,” “Nah Mean,” and more. Besides performing their “Distant Relatives” album, they also performed other hits.During the concert, fans held their lighters and cell phones in the air showing their respect. There was no sign of law enforcement anywhere, but there were security guards. There were no reports of fights or arrests. The concert was legendary and epic. At the end, Nas and Damian Marley admitted that they were “irie” the whole performance, meaning they had no worries. Overall, both were pleased that all their fans came together as one..
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News 7
KaLa • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai‘i
MARCH 2011
UH enrollment hits 56,716
Letter from the editor On March 11, Japan was hit with an 8.9 earthquake as tsunami which spread across he Pacific region. Hawaii’s damages were insignificant compared to Japan. Luckily, HCC's facebook page kept up to date with news about the tsunami. Like many people in Hawaii, I have family in Japan. My father’s family lives in the Tokyo area. At this time, my family is still missing. I’m hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst. I’m not an open person when it comes to family, but I felt it was important to let the school know that you are not alone. I’m a broke college student just like everybody else, but I decided to give up my Starbuck money and donated it to Hawaii’s Red Cross. I know $10 is not a lot of money, but it is $10 more than they had a minute ago. If you would like to donate, here are some options you can take. • www.redcross.org Or you can text REDCROSS to 90999 and $10 will be charged $10 in your next cell phone bill. (This is what I’m doing) • Visit any First Hawaiian Bank and donate to their “Japan-Hawaii Relief Fund” • To donate money for medical supplies visit www.internationalmedicalcorps.org. Or text MED to 80888 you will be charged $10. Please donate if you can, but be aware of scams. If you want to check the creditability to a charity, please visit www.bbb.org/charity. We would like to send our deepest sympathy to Japan and anybody who has been affected by the tragedy.
Jen
Letter to the editor It isn't hard to explain what Japan means to me. When I was 8, I declared to my parents that I would go there someday, with or without them. Fortunately fate, and the U.S. Navy, intervened about five years later. This was during a turbulent time in my life when I began battling depression. I had no confidence in myself. Going to Japan was the start of my healing. Learning the language gave me a self confidence I had never had, and this allowed me to make friends with people. It was at this time I met my best friend. She knew as much English as I did Japanese and as we taught each other languages, we also learned so much about life. So much of Japan was Megumi. I still had more to learn though. Being in Japan taught me that there was another world out there. Another side to every story. It taught me to listen to those who came before. This, and getting into scuffles with class mates, made me a better person. It was my escape, my teacher, and my home... it still is my home. I am American, but my home will always be Japan. Always. Recently we watched as Japan was torn apart two ways, and we still watch as the quakes continue and the damage is totaled. Make no mistake, this is temporary; the spirit and ethic of the people of Japan will not allow it to be other wise. Even knowing this, my heart still mourns for those lost, for the homes and lands destroyed. Megumi and I lost touch a few years ago, my fault as time and distance seemed to change our lives. Today I have no idea if she is still alive, nor will I likely ever know. Megumi, I hope you are safe. I hope kaasan, tousan, niisan and you are all safe wherever you are. Keep the people of Japan in your thoughts as they struggle to keep their spirits lifted and rebuild during this time. Mary Burgess
HCC down 3.6% to 4,333 students Leilani Kimura Ka La staff writer
For the fourth straightyear, enrollment has increased in the University of Hawaii system. This semester, a record 56,716 students are attending classes somewhere in the system. Although Honolulu Community College had a decrease of 3.6 percent, or 161 students, we still have 4,333 students, accordingto university records. Brandon Degano, in his third semester and
majoring in liberal arts at HCC, said he’s attending school to take advantage of the G.I. bill from the Army. Degano, who said the bill helps pay for school fees and supplies, thinks student enrollment is up in recent years because the employment rate is low and students are taking advantage of student loans and grants. "The limit on classes offered here at HCC may be the reason HCC has decreased in students this semester,” he
said. Isaiah Kaimuloa, who is in his third year at HCC, said he is going to HCC to complete his liberal arts degree, then transfer to UH. "Students are going back to school to gain even more knowledge in math and science. It’s to better themselves with the jobs that will be opening up soon," he said. Another reason could be that tuition prices will be rising in a few years so students are taking advantage of the lower tuition now.”he said.