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A Student Publication of the University of Hawai`i • Honolulu Community College • September 2012
Building update
Like the campus construction? Good. It's going to be around for a while. Page 3
A new life
Advice for new students --from those who've been there before. Page 6
September show
See a listing of all this month's events at Honolulu Community College. Page 6
Beauty, danger
Lifeguards at Honolulu's most dangerous beaches spend their days amid dazzling beauty and danger. Page 8
For the second straight year, HonCC has been voted the best trade school in the state by readers of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
HCC photo The student senate at Honolulu Community College has a new sign, a newly redesigned office in Building 2, and is running over with enthusiasm and energy. President Kaleo Gagne, second from left, says he hopes the enthusiasm will catch on with all students, day or night.
ASUH leader planning to get people involved By Mathew Ursua
Ka Lā Associate Editor On the afternoon of Aug. 2, with the end of summer break approaching, Kaleo Gagne swung a gavel, convening the first student Senate meeting of the year and ushering in a new student administration. The meeting was a chance for Gagne to introduce his vision for Honolulu Community College to senators and club organizers. Some of the new events Gagne wants to implement in the coming school year include “family night” and “college bowl.” Gagne’s college bowl will include a Jeopardy-style quiz game, while family night would be an occasion for students to invite family to an off-campus venue. Gagne and his senators are looking at Aiea Bowl as one of the places where family night could be held. “It’s a chance for students to say thank you to their family members,” Gagne said, adding that students’ families are fundamental to their success because of the support they provide. Honolulu Community College’s
Office blessing is Sept. 13 ASUH-HCC will christen its newly renovated office next month. ASUHPresident Kaleo Gagne said that he has invited state legislators and city council members to the event, but he'd like as many students as possible to attend. The Hawaiian blessing is scheduled from 3-5 p.m. Sept. 13.
Senate will have to do all of this with an estimated $59,000 budget this year. The student Senate, officially known as the Associated Students University of HawaiiHonolulu Community College, is funded annually by student fees, which are returned to the students in the form of events, club funding and other support for the college. This year’s student government has no surplus funds to work with
following the last administration’s decision to purchase new furniture for the student lounge in Building 2. Gagne said he’s looking at it in a positive way. He said he wants to see all of the clubs working together, especially with fund-raising. “We have to depend on and support each other,” he said. “We’re going to promote each other.” Gagne said that all of his proposals are subject to the approval of the Senate, and that many of them are ambitious. He admitted that one obstacle might be planning and working out the details of all these new events. But people close to Gagne are confident in his leadership ability. Gagne balanced politicking with his main career as a hairdresser up until this summer. He said he retired so that he could focus on his presidency at the college. Senator-at-large Ryan Yamada says Gagne’s decision to leave his paid career of hairdressing to focus on Honolulu Community See ASUH on Page 3
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 Jennifer Kakio Publications Director Matthew Ursua Editor Ieva Bytautaite
Faculty Advisers Emily Kukulies Mike Leidemann
Staff members Jeffrey Kanemoto Jacqueline Miszuk Noahlani Siaosi Matthew Ursua
September 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.
September 2012
Student lounge gets makeover Students praise new chairs, tables, sofas By Jeffrey Kanemoto Ka Lā staff
Students returning to campus this semester had more than new classes to welcome them back. There was a whole new look to the student lounge, too. The makeover included $21,000 for new furniture – and it’s getting Ka Lā photo by Matthew Ursua good reviews. The remodeled student lounge is attracting more students than ever. "The new furniture is super comfy and clean. They have no doubled over last year,” said odors and they feel super soft. I am that it be given back to the students,” he said. Gagne. “Everyone loves the new way beyond happy with the new The improvements aren’t done. furniture.” additions," said student Madeline Kukulies said a new wall-mountStudents using the lounge in Brown ed flat screen television should be the first week of the semester Student Life & Development in the lounge in September. agreed. Director Emily Kukulies said the The lounge is one of the few "It is very comfortable and the makeover was long overdue. The places on campus students can use color really blends well with the old furniture had been around for a variety of purposes: studylounge's theme," said Lourdes since before she arrived on campus ing, napping, watching TV, eating Krauser. eight years ago. or playing games, Kukulies said. "The blue love seats are very Funding for the new furniture -A new arrangement also created posh and are numerous. I am about $15,000 for couches, chairs pleased," added Hannah Cordill. and love seats and about $6,000 for more space along a wall for students to use their computers. And said Nicole Nonnweile: tables -- was provided by ASUH, “We hope they appreciate the "Coming back to a new semester is said student president Kaleo new furniture and will take care good; coming back to the lounge Gagne. and keep it clean for future stuwith these new comfy, squishy “We had the extra money, and chairs and couches has made these former President Ryan Adverdera- dents,” she said. da thought that it was important “Use of the lounge is almost first few days amazing."
ASUH: Night students aren't forgotten Continued From Page One
College shows uncommon commitment. “He’s very driven by his work,” Yamada said. “As the year goes on, people will start to see how committed he is.” Yamada thinks Gagne’s presidency is going to be memorable. “Whatever he does, he’s going to leave a lasting impact, one that will stay with the college long after he’s gone off to law school,” Yamada said. Gagne said he wants to concentrate more on nighttime students. Senator-at-large Amy Akina has been chosen to help the new administration reach out to the college’s night classes. As part of this new initiative, Welcome Week
festivities will be offered in the evening for one night. Gagne was born in Lewiston, Maine in the days leading up to Christmas in 1973. He is Honolulu Community College’s first openly gay president. Gagne said he “came out” on his 21st birthday after a turbulent youth in which he was disowned by his parents. He said he needed to be true to himself. Gagne founded the college’s queer-straight alliance, Righteous Rainbow, in 2010. Gagne said he has his sights set on law school after completing his bachelor’s degree. He said he wants to work in environmental law and fight for “social justice.” Beyond law school, Gagne has other plans too. “I’ve been told I
should run for governor,” he said. His college administration brings with it many firsts, one of which might be his unprecedented ambition. Gagne has an extensive history in politics and has connections in the local political arena. He is on Manoa’s neighborhood board, and was a big player in the campaign in support of HB444, the civil unions bill, in 2010. Gagne said that his extensive network is why he requested business cards from the college—the same kind the professors and administrators have. His request was granted. Ka Lā staff writer Noahlani Siaosi contributed to this story.
KaLā - News 3 KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i
September 2012
Writing center opens on campus By Ieva Bytautaite
Ka Lā editor
It’s hard not to notice Conred Maddox as he strolls around campus. Although most might not know his name, the tattoos covering his arms are hard to miss. “People know me on campus as the tattooed guy” Maddox said. But here is something else to know about this guy: He can also help you with your writing. Maddox, who has been teaching at HonCC for more than two years, is the director of the recently opened writing lab. The center came together during the spring and summer semesters, and it aims to help students improve their writing skills in all subjects. “We are interdisciplinary. We will help with anything that has to do with writing,” Maddox said The lab, which is located in the portables behind the auto body shop, is equipped with computers and tutors who are eager to help. Ashley Damo worked at the Writing Essentials lab nearby, and then transferred to the new Writing Lab this semester as a tutor. “I’m a little nervous because we are starting something new,” she said. “We are holding ourselves to higher standards, so we can instill our teachings into our students, and help them become better writers and students.” The writing lab is not a place where a student’s paper will be written for them. “We create better writers, not better papers,” Maddox said. The tutors will assess the writers’ skills and help them learn the proper grammar, vocabulary, and other writing skills to improve the quality of their papers.
“It’s a very welcoming, non-judgmental place. We are here to help. We won’t do their work for them but we will give them honest feedback and assistance,” said Sherine Boomla, a tutor at the lab. Before teaching at HonCC, Maddox tutored University of Hawaii-Manoa athletes, and taught English 100 classes. “My goal was to help them become better students, kind of like the clientele here. Only here, the clientele does not have sports to worry about but instead family, jobs and things like that,” Maddox said. “I spent a lot of my years doing just what I wanted. Being kind of selfish,” Maddox said, “and I found that it was never very rewarding. But to help people, to reach that graduation stage, that doesn’t change. Like my tattoos, it’s permanent.”
The new Honolulu Community College Writing Lab is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays. To see a tutor, make an appointment online (or at the center) for a 50-minute session using Appointments Plus (there is a link to Appointments Plus on the HCC website’s Student Services Page @ the Essentials Writing Center ).
Walk-ins are welcome but they'll be limited to a 30-minute session. The lab is also looking for students to serve as tutors and monitors. Requirements for monitors are good customer experience, and a 2.5 GPA. For tutors: English 100 B or better, two professor references and a writing sample. For more info, contact Conred Maddox at conred@hawaii.edu
Ka Lā photo by Mathew Ursua
Conred Maddox heads up the new Writing Center at Honolulu Community College.
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KaLā - News KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 4
September 2012
School year will be fun & exciting Aloha all! Welcome back to Honolulu Community College, and if this is your first semester on this campus, I want to say welcome. ASUH-HCC is the governing organization of the student body; in other words, we are the voice for the students when it comes to making decisions in the college system. Our values are transparency, accessibility, integrity, honesty, accountability, and student service. One of our goals is to make sure that we are making the community college experience fun and exciting and creating the feeling that we are one community, one ohana. Be on the lookout for some exciting events that will be happening this year. Among the things we are planning are a Family Night at Aiea Bowl. Now allow me to introduce your ASUH-HCC Administration: Vice President Sugki Suguitan; Communications Director Ieva Bytautaite; and your five Senators-At-Large, Ryan Yamada, Raquel Adverderada, Gigi Gragasin, Jim Michael Cardenas, and Amy Akina. Please stop by and visit our office. We are located in building 2, room 116. Or you can email us at asuhhcc@ hawaii.edu. We are here for you. Enjoy your semester as you start your journey at Honolulu Community College, and remember the words of Mahatma Gandhi: be the change you wish to see in the world. All the Best,
Kaleo Gagne ASUH-HCC president
New friends -- old ones, too
The first week of school is a time to make new friends and catch up with old ones. All over campus -- from the student lounge to the cafeteria - you could find people gathering together. For more pictures, see the Honolulu Community College Facebook Page.
T:9.5”
KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 5
September 2012
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KaLā - profile KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 6
September 2012
MELE gets upgraded to a degree program By Ka Lā staff
You can now get an associate in science degree from Honolulu Community College's Music and Entertainment Learning Experience (MELE), “This one-of-its-kind
program provides an educational foundation and base of knowledge to nurture and grow careers in the music and entertainment industry both within and outside Hawai‘i,” shares Honolulu Community College Chancellor
Erika Lacro. The MELE program is the only program in the state that offers students associate of science degrees in music business or audio engineering. The goal of the program is to invest in local talent to grow
Hawai‘i's music industry and broaden its reach to the world. MELE utilizes a comprehensive music business and production curriculum meeting the requirements for entry-level training of music industry and
production professionals. The curriculum focuses on combining academic experience with real-world applications to prepare students to work in the rapidly evolving global music industry of the 21st century.
Elizabeth Lau Human Services
Paul Perry Admin of Justice
David Tauanuu Aeronautics
Question of the month By Noahlani Siaosi
Ka Lā staff
We asked a group of returning students to name one person or place they thought new students should really know about as they make their way around HCC. Here's a sampling of their answers.
Tyrell Cherry MELE
"The music gathering outside of Student Life and Development."
"Everyone should know who our administration is.....know who runs the school."
"The bathroom."
"Berlin Wall! We are the only place in the state that has this piece of art!"
Honolulu Community College calendar of events for Sepember 2012 Announcements The Student Media Board's
Monday
Tuesday
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Wednesday
Thursday
4
Friday
6
5
Labor Day No classes
First Friday events in Chinatown
new digital signage program is up and running. Submissions are welcome through email:
7
10
Last day to withdraw with 50 percent refund
17
11 No refund for drop/withdrawal
13
14
19
20
21
26
21
22
12
Emergency preparedness day. See Student Life
18
ASHU-HCC office blessing 3 p.m.
Health & Wellness Fair
hccsigns@ hawaii.edu. Signs should be submitted as
24
25
30
1
8.5 by 11-inch PDFs with a simple design and message. design.
2
3
4
KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 7
September 2012
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KaLā - Features KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 8
September 2012
Unrelenting beauty and danger By Ieva Bytautaite Ka Lā Editor
It’s 9:30 on a sunny Thursday morning at what looks like a beach from a Hawaiian post card. A white van pulls into the parking lot, and a family of five drags a load of beach chairs, umbrellas and coolers toward the surf. Within minutes, a tan, athletic man in a yellow lifeguard shirt approaches them. Behind the beauty of the beach, he says, danger lurks. This is Sandy Beach. The most dangerous beach on the island. Hawaii’s Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division ranks Sandy Beach as the most dangerous on O`ahu, followed by Makapu`u and Waimea. Last year, lifeguards had to rescue more than 100 beach-goers at Sandy’s for every 100,000 visitors.
To some lifeguards the gers tbeach bring a feeling of greatness and prestige, but not to Sandy’s lifeguard Donovan Lewis, who has been protecting beach-goers from Sandy’s power and wrath for over nine years. “This is Mr. Sandy Beach,” chuckled Jerome Kamai, a lifeguard from Waimanalo. Lifeguards in O`ahu’s less dangerous but more crowded beaches deserve as much respect as those at Sandy’s or Makapu`u, Lewis said. “We all respect each other. Even though the surf is not big and rough like here, they have crazy surf accidents, and to me that is scarier than big surf,” Lewis said. Sandy Beach is known for its dangerously shallow shore break and gory neck injuries -- an ambulance is seen there almost as often as a surfboard. But despite the dangers, the beauty and power of the surf steals the
KaLā photos by Ieva Bytautaite and Nick Simone Lifeguard Kawika Eckart shows off his love for Makapu`u; warning signs at Sandy Beach warn beachgoers of the beach's dangers; a powerful wave at Sandy Beach catches tourists by surprise; an ambulance at Sandy Beach.
KaLā photos by Ieva Bytautaite and Nick Simone Lifeguards Donovan Lewis and Jerome Kamai pose for a picture from their tower at Sandy Beach.
hearts of many. To Nick Simone, a regular at Sandy’s, surfing there is like a religious ritual. “I love it here,” Simone said. “The surf is so consistent. And that’s where physics comes in. The wave will always break when the depth of the water is half of the wave’s height,” he said as he demonstrated this in the sand. Although statistically Sandy’s is ranked as the most dangerous beach, Makapu`u comes in second only because less people frequent this beach, said Kawika Eckart, a Makapu`u beach lifeguard. Eckhart has been watching over Makapu`u for over 25 years. “You have found the king,” he said with a wink and smile. Sandy and Makapu`u beaches have very different dangers, according to Eckart. “They have neck and back injuries. We get more rescues because people get in trouble in the current,” Eckhart explained. When asked what he loves most about Makapu`u, Eckart pointed to the white stretch of sand below the lifeguard tower, the mountains and Manana island in the background. “What’s not to love?” he smiled. His 28-year long lifeguarding career has taken Eckart all over
O`ahu's Most Dangerous Beaches 1. Sandy Beach 2. Makapu`u Beach 3. Waimea Bay 4. Yokohama Bay 5. Haunama Bay 6. Banzai Pipeline 7. Hale'iwa 8. Ali'i Beach 9. Bellows Beach the island, but Makapu`u will always be his “baby, the love of my life.” And that is why his left bicep bears the name of his lover. Being responsible for the lives of people is not an easy task, and these lifeguards don’t take their job for granted. They educate, advise and look out for visitors, and they love their jobs. “Everyday I come to work like this,” Eckart said as he pointed to his boardshorts, bare chest and feet. “Where in the world can you go to work in shorts, no shirt, no slippers and get paid for it? No place.”