UHWO The Hoot Issue #65

Aloha all,

For our third and fnal Spring 2024 issue, we wanted to highlight opportunities for the community to practice sustainability and self-care. We hope bringing awareness to these resources will aid students, especially when facing the stress of fnals.

Within this issue, The Hoot is also excited to welcome three new members to our staf! Thank you Levi, Tre, Lindsey, Grace, John, Moises, Nyle, Sage, Noah, and Geo. I’m grateful for your efort this semester and proud of the work we’ve done together.

To all the people who make The Hoot possible, we appreciate you. Thank you to the wonderful UHWO faculty and our students for inspiring us. We look forward to continuing to share your voices next semester!

For any inquiries, follow us on Instagram @thehootnews and email us at thehoot@hawaii.edu. We’d love to hear what topics you want us to focus on!

Staff

Lindsey

Managing

Layout

Photographers

John

Nyle Manzano

Noah Padilla

Sage

Nurturing Sustainability through Hawaiian Plants

An interview with Wela Wāhilani

BY GEORCELLE LOZANO

As Earth Day approaches, it is a ftting time to refect on the relationship between nature, sustainability, and our cultural roots. At Hale Kuahuokalā and the Student Organic Garden, conversations with Wela Wāhilani, a program director for He Paepae Aloha, shed light on how indigenous knowledge and the cultivation of medicinal plants contributes to sustainability while nurturing cultural connections.

In a recent interview, Wāhilani discusses the rich array of Hawaiian plants thriving in our campus garden: Kalo, ʻUlu, Laʻi, Pili, and ʻAwa. These plants carry living stories, enriched with traditions and wisdom handed down through time. “The cultivation and preservation of Hawaiian medicinal plants are ancient traditions,” Wāhilani explained. “They connect us to our past and the land we call home.”

Indeed, sustainability lies at the heart of Hawaiian plant cultivation. Locally-grown medical plants are useful for common ailments, promoting self–

suficiency, and reducing the fnancial strain of seeking healing elsewhere. “Our ʻāina provides for us,” said Wāhilani. “It teaches us to trust in its abundance and to care for it.”

Engagement with Hawaiian medicinal plants is not limited to solitary endeavors; it is a communal efort that forms the bedrock of sustainability. Through shared experiences and knowledge, we plant the seeds of stewardship, yielding a harvest of unity and resilience.

As such, our campus Student Organic Garden hosts monthly harvest days, inviting students and community members to actively participate. Through these workshops and classes ofered by UHWO, students learn the art of cultivation, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and empowerment.

Furthermore, Hawaiian medicinal plants serve as conduits for cultural exchange and understanding. “Despite diferent cultural heritages, these plants unite us in purpose," Wāhilani

remarked. "They transcend language barriers, fostering relationships and promoting sustainable practices rooted in respect for nature.”

In celebrating Earth Day, may this inspire a commitment to carry forward the lessons learned from Wāhilani on our shared journey with Hawaiian plants. May we nurture a future where sustainability, cultural heritage, and environmental awareness intertwine, guiding us toward a brighter, greener, and harmonious tomorrow.

Photo by John Kamakana

Photo by John Kamakana

Public Opinion for the Next UH President

Students urge for transparency, fairness, demilitarization, and more in the ongoing presidential search

BY LINDSEY MILLERD

The University of Hawai‘i continues to search for the next UH System President. This is the individual that will preside over all 10 campuses and serve as the Chancellor for UH Mānoa. The current president, David Lassner, has served since July 2014 afer acting as the Interim President for a year. According to a UH news article, the process for the new President was set to run through April 15, followed by an evaluation period, and then the oficial selection in June.

There was public pushback when the Board of Regents (BOR) decided that they were going to be the sole group to have the fnal vote on the next President. In a KITV Island News interview, Associated Students of UH Mānoa President Bronson Azama shared his disapproval of the exclusionary process. “A non-elected body, but rather political appointees, are making decisions that will directly impact us and leave us with the consequences.”

The BOR says their 12-member advisory group will make this process more inclusive. Chair Alapaki Nahaleʻa said, “It is going to be our attempt to really honor the voices of our stakeholders and broader community across the state of Hawaiʻi that cares about who chooses our next president.”

This advisory group currently has a student caucus, staf senate, faculty senate, and Pūkoʻa Council representative. The group of four presented additional names to the BOR at the Feb. 16 meeting in Hilo. Lack of clarity on the group’s responsibilities and transparency of meetings resulted in the meeting closing without any approvals being made.

Chair Nahaleʻa called back to testifers expressing their concerns of quality over expediency, and said there were “substantive issues that need to be resolved so that we move forward with this process with integrity.”

Within this meeting, several people testifed to share their hopes for a future President. Hanna Hartmann, a recent graduate of UH Hilo, voiced her disapproval of President Lassner’s involvement with military projects.

Hartmann said she wants a future president who isn’t a principal investigator on Department of Defense contracts. She also addressed the school’s status as a Navy-sponsored University-Afiliated Research Center (UARC). “This is quite literally the expansion of the militarization of a public institution,” she said.

Montserrat Montanes, a senior at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and captain of the track and feld team, referenced the team’s ongoing struggles. Due to construction on their usual practice feld, the athletes must go to alternative sites, some of which are poorly maintained and unsafe for usage. The throwers currently practice at a spot with overgrown weeds and trash that includes hazardous waste such as drug needles.

Montanes closed by saying that improvement “starts with a new President who makes the students their priority, advocates for fairness across departments and exemplifes human decency and ethical integrity… we need someone who puts the students and faculty members' needs frst, not their own pockets.”

Photo provided by Lindsey Millerd

Got Finals? Let’s Study!

Five Places to Study on Campus

BY GRACE SAPOLU

It’s that time, Pueos! Finals are coming up and if youʻre searching for a spot to study, look no further than our very own campus. We checked in with students to fnd the answer to one question: Why do you choose to study in this space?

Nāulu Center

The Nāulu Center is located on the frst foor of C Building across from Da Spot. The center provides an open space with plenty of diferent seating options for students to study, eat, or rest in air-conditioning.

Serena Wond, a Secondary Education major with a concentration in English, chooses to study in this space because: “I feel like I’m able to be more productive in this space than other spaces, even the library. And plus, it’s a nice place to be with your friends doing group studies.”

Outdoor Learning Space

The Outdoor Learning Space (OLS) is located in front of C Building across from the Great Lawn. The OLS has many different shaded areas and is a great place to relax or get work done in an outdoor environment.

Library

Located near the center of the campus, the Library provides window seating and views of the school. Inside this two-story building lies several areas where food and drink are permitted. There are also dedicated quiet zones and study rooms available for reservation.

Natalie Ito, a Junior majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Data Analytics, had this to say: “Honestly, [I study here] for the A/C because it’s really hot outside. I fnd it to be very quiet and relaxing here and that helps me focus better than being anywhere else on campus.”

D Building

D Building is located in the courtyard near the Student Organic Garden. The building has seating and restrooms on both foors, as well as vending machines for refreshments.

Anna Paguirigan, a Junior in Cybersecurity, prefers to study in this space due to the convenience of the location to her class. “Thinking about trafic, I’d rather get to campus early and since it’s an in-person class at D Building, I want to make sure I’m on time for it.”

Noʻeau Center

The Noʻeau Center is located near the front entrance on the second foor of the library. The center not only provides a quiet working environment, but also serves as a place to schedule tutoring for a range of diferent subjects.

Dave Sebastian, a Senior majoring in Humanities with a concentration in Philosophy answered: “I like that there’s a lot of open tables to be used and other students use this space. Also, because I work here, it's a nice place away from everyone else to get stuf done.”

There you have it, Pueos, some of the amazing places for you to visit at UHWO! We hope you learned something new about the campus and check out these spaces for your next study session. Best of luck on fnals!

Janelle Bio, a Freshman Psychology major, explained, “I like to study in the Outdoor Learning Space because it’s very quiet and peaceful here.”

Photo by John Kamakana

Photo by John Kamakana

Photo by John Kamakana

Photo by John Kamakana

Mental Health Services

Free and easily accessible for UHWO students

BY MOISES ALHAMBRA, JR.

Recent years have marked a dramatic change in people’s perceptions of seeking help from a mental health professional. There are several benefts in properly getting a medical diagnosis with regards to mental health issues. Many students that seek help with mental health professionals have already identifed issues they need to deal with.

In an interview with Dr. Taketa, Clinical Psychologist for UH West Oʻahu and Director of the Mental Health Program, he discussed the benefts of seeking help from a mental health professional. Dr. Taketa emphasized that mental health services are free to all students in UH West Oʻahu. The sessions are protected by confdentiality and privacy laws. Reports are kept confdential from other organizations, like the military, that the student may belong to.

In most instances, Dr. Taketa recommends students talk to a professional about anything that may be plaguing them. These issues can range from stress to medical diagnoses of depression. “Many native Hawaiians utilize the services we provide but we encourage other members of our community to reach out. Every single being should reach out for help.” He emphasized, “100% of UH West Oʻahu students should be connected to a mental health professional.”

Seeking mental health services does not require a diagnosed mental health disorder. Dr. Taketa stated that half of students seeking help have been diag-

nosed with stress-related illnesses, symptoms of depression, social anxiety, and PTSD, while the other half sought help for self-improvement. This desire for self-improvement includes goals such as becoming better at communicating and handling various relationship dynamics.

Part of the services his ofice provides are public communications titled “Mental Health Moments.” One of these communications warned about misusing or misrepresenting psychological terms by social media infuencers. Dr. Taketa said, “People are starting to view relatively normal experiences as signs of a mental illness. They gather inaccurate information from social media regarding mental health, which infuences the way they see and label themselves.”

When asked about the acceptability of seeking a mental health professional, he said, “There has been an increase in acceptability of mental health services across the nation.” The trend is partially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He added, “the pandemic placed a heavy burden on people’s mental health and so they became more accepting of reaching out for help.”

Lastly, Dr. Taketa shared, “…all human beings need support.” Whatever it is you are going through, maybe asking for help could be the hardest part because not only do the trained professionals in the UH West Oʻahu’s Mental Health Program hope for your well being and success, but your UH West Oʻahu ʻohana does as well!

For anyone interested in receiving mental health services, email uhwotalk@hawaii. edu to schedule a consultation.

Photo by Sage Tesoro

Student Spotlight

Giving Back to the Community

BY GRACE SAPOLU

April is National Volunteer Month. In the spirit of honoring and recognizing volunteerism, students were asked: How do you give back to your community?

Here are six ways UHWO students give back to their community:

Mathan Kuhaulua, a Freshman majoring in Health Professions

“By sharing the knowledge that I learned in college and giving it to the people I know that need the knowledge.”

Sean Pecson, a Junior majoring in Secondary Education

“I’m going into Education, so the way I give back to my community is not really teaching students to learn in terms of 1 + 1 or the year of the American Revolution. For me, it’s inspiring them to learn, especially in my feld of social studies. Many students are not as interested in civics and history, so my goal in teaching, which might be idealistic for some teachers, is to inspire students to want to learn more about their history so they can participate more in our community.”

Madison Fujiyama, a Sophomore majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing

“I give back to my community by being a student worker on campus. I’m a Student Support Specialist with Papahana Wailau Ola and we work with transfer students to help them with advising. We also help them with workshops and everything is based on ‘Ike Hawai’i, Nohona Hawai’i, and ʻŌlelo Hawai’i.”

Jayzel Mendoza, a Freshman majoring in Pre-Pharmacy

“I give back to my community by basically working at my school with the programs I came from. We go back to our high schools, like for me I came from Nanakuli, so I got to go back to my school and recruit the seniors now to join college.”

Kauʻi Leong, a Senior majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing

“I personally like working with volunteer groups that help the community. Last year, I participated in building homes for students. My personal job was banking so I’m also able to educate others on their fnances and their personal growth with money. Those are opportunities that people don’t really understand unless you work in the profession. I’m lucky enough to have been able to work and also participate in school and earn my degree, so there are many benefts that I am able to do in helping my community by being knowledgeable and experienced in a pathway that maybe others might want to go into.”

Katrina Giant, a Senior majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing

“I give back to my community by looking for any openings to volunteer or basically anything that has to do with helping the community. Most recently, I haven’t really been able to volunteer as much because schoolwork is very rigorous right now, especially at this moment. But I do try to keep an eye out for any openings or any opportunities where I can volunteer.”

What about you, Pueos? How do you give back to your community?

Photo by John Kamakana

Photo by John Kamakana

Photo by John Kamakana

Photo by John Kamakana

Photo by John Kamakana

Photo by John Kamakana

Leadership atop Palehua

Hoʻopili Hou Conference Recap

BY MOISES ALHAMBRA, JR.

Student leaders from four community colleges and two universities gathered at Camp Palehua in February for, as worded by the HASLA 2024 invite, “a conference ofering opportunity to gain knowledge and insight about the many aspects of leadership through educational sessions, networking, and ‘talking story.’”

The event surpassed the expectations of UHWO’s student leaders. Olivia “Liv” Chung, Student Event Coordinator for the Student Activity Fee Board (SAFB), described it as, “such an amazing opportunity to be able to learn all about the other student leaders’ journeys, both the good and bad.”

“We had many events that helped us learn about what it is to be a leader for your community and for yourself,” said Tawny Tynanes, Treasurer for the Associated Students of the University of Hawaiʻi at West Oʻahu (ASUHWO). “It felt like it was out of a Disney series, where everyone got to know each other and went on a journey.”

The four-day conference was a fun-flled and educational event where students learned important leadership development skills. They also had the opportunity to speak with many inspiring speakers and advisors from the diferent Hawaiʻi campuses.

Danielle Bantilan, ASUHWO’s Public Administration Senator, attended a positive self-talk workshop and learned about its power in overcoming procrastination and pessimism. Bantilan commented, “I learned that it is good to take a step out and challenge yourself. I could have easily stayed at home doing nothing, but attending this conference was rewarding to me.”

In a session called “concentric circles,” individuals were randomly paired with a student from another campus and prompted to share about their goals and journeys as student leaders. Chung said, “During the session, I met people who shared the same passion I have for event planning and the goal of bringing up student engagement in order to build a more united and lively campus.”

Everyone came together to contribute during the service work portion of the conference. One team participated in the material preparation to start the building of a hale. “We prepped the wood, cleaned the surrounding areas, and even got to see the hale coming together,” shared Chung. “It was such a wonderful experience to see and learn about all the hard work that goes into constructing a hale.”

The other group mulched an entire hillside. A process that would later enable the growth for more trees, shrubbery, fowers, among others.

Tynanes refected on the lessons learned at camp. She attested, “I learned that it’s okay to be vulnerable… by being myself it allowed me to make the best relationships I could ever have and which I’ll continue to be with.”

At the event’s conclusion, the student leaders were asked to describe their experience with one word. For Chung, Bantilan, and Tynanes, their experience at Hoʻopili Hou was: refreshing, satisfying, and mind-opening. “These are some memories and experiences I will treasure for the rest of my life,” said Bantilan. “I highly recommend aspiring student leaders to give Hoʻopili Hou a try.”

Photo by Leviticus Kaopuiki

Photo by Leviticus Kaopuiki

Physical Fitness

Fostering a lifestyle of health and wellness

BY MOISES ALHAMBRA, JR.

At the Nāulu Fitness Center, a trophy case highlights the accomplishments of UHWO students in various sports events. Intramural sports are just one of the programs at Nāulu.

Ryan “Coach” Perreira runs the Nāulu Center as the Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Coordinator. According to him, “Fitness has two components, physical and mental, and they complement each other!” Perreira adds that a person who is defcient in one may not be performing as well on its complement. For example, a person who is stressed in their studies may reduce their stress upon incorporating a physical workout into their daily routine.

In our conversation, Perreira pointed out the diference between high school and college mindset regarding ftness. “Many frst year college students are out on their own. So many things are new, like how you have a set schedule in high school but now they oversee scheduling their own classes.” While going to college brings exciting opportunities such as making new friends and participating in activities, some aspects of student life can be neglected. One of these aspects is ftness. As Perreira reiterates, “High schoolers have gym times that you must participate in and that takes care of the physical ftness. In college, physical ftness is a conscious decision.”

Other conscious decisions include working, commuting, and enrolling in school half-time or full-time, which may further lessen the available time for physical workouts. Perreira stated, “It is the -ING, like startING, continuING, tryING. Students need to understand that engaging in a ftness regimen is a process. It is something that you must be committed to do consistently and continuously.” He also warns about fads, or goals that are just based on popularity.

He suggested, “If you wanna be ft, your goal should be more than losing a few pounds, gaining more muscle mass, and

working out a few times a week. The goal for physical ftness should be to have a better life.” This means incorporating physical ftness as a lifestyle.

Perreira encourages students to visit the Nāulu Center. “Apart from the intramural sports, we have a small space for physical activities. Everyone is welcome to talk to our staf, who can provide recommendations to facilitate anyone’s ftness goals. They are also equipped to provide workouts. The Nāulu Center is a safe and open environment for students.”

Maintain the process of wellness by engaging in physical activities, or as Coach Ryan said: “Take care of yourself so you can take care of other people!” Let’s workout!

Photo by Noah Padilla

UHWO Library

Paws for Cofee

National Library Week Activities & Events (April 7 - April 13)

April is a big month for libraries. Help us celebrate our role as YOUR Library! We'll have activities and games throughout the week, which will be announced soon. Keep an eye on our website and social media for the latest information!

Library Blog

Located on our website's homepage, our blog includes information you may fnd useful and interesting! The latest stories are related to the Kānehūnāmoku Exhibit and a bunch of new Casual Reading books that recently arrived. To go directly to the blog, use this link: go.hawaii.edu/ywG.

Join us from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wed, April 24 in the Library lobby. We’ll have cofee, snacks, and (most importantly) therapy dogs! Take a break from the stress of fnals — you won’t want to miss this popular event. Scan me!

No‘eau Center

Hey Pueos! Can you believe that you’re almost fnished with this semester? It’s crunch time! Let us help you during our Cram Jam event! Save the date: Tues, April 23 and Wed, April 24 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Noʻeau Center (B203). We ofer extended hours for you to fnish up fnal projects, review your fnal papers, and study for exams. We even ofer study sessions with professors! We’ll have food and other fun things to look forward to as well! Follow us on IG @noeaucenter for updates!

The Noʻeau Center also ofers extended hours on the weekend! This means we have tutoring everyday of the week for YOU! We hope our extended hours can equip you in the best way possible especially as this semester comes to an end. We are available on Saturdays in A226 and online from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Sundays, online only from 4 to 6 p.m. We’re available for Writing appointments but recommend making appointments for other subjects. Join us online via Zoom at bit.ly/noeaucenter

Lastly, the Noʻeau Center is on Discord! Join our Student Hub to talk story, play games, and connect with other UHWO students! Visit bit.ly/noeaudiscord and search for our hub, "Noʻeau Center Hub."

Recreation, Fitness, Wellness, and Intramural Sports

Yoga is available through May 5. Here are the times and locations:

5:00

11:15

Cooking Demos are scheduled for March 6 (Filipino) and April 10 (Mystery Basket) in the Nāulu Center at 2 p.m.

Volleyball continues at Radford High School on Tuesday nights from 7 to 10 p.m. The dates are: March 5, 12, April 2, and 9 (Championships). UHWO's Team Tyto are the defending champions and are undefeated through Round 1. Come out to support both Team Tyto and Asio.

Photo by Nyle Manzanoa

Photo by Nyle Manzanoa

Photo by Nyle Manzanoa

Photo by Nyle Manzanoa

Niu Now

An exclusive look into the heart of the Niu Now movement

BY GEORCELLE LOZANO

In a world where disconnection prevails, where the land bears scars of neglect and exploitation, there emerges a beacon of hope—Niu Now. Rooted in the profound spirit of aloha 'āina, this movement encapsulates a commitment to the preservation, protection, and perpetuation of the sacred bond between humanity and the diverse array of coconut trees.

At its core stands Dr. Manulani Aluli Meyer, a visionary whose commitment to Niu Now is fueled by a deep understanding of the holistic signifcance of coconut groves. For her, this movement transcends mere economic gain. “It embodies a profound cultural revival, to ensure food security and protect the environment.” In our conversation, Dr. Meyer illuminated the essence of Niu Now, revealing its transformative power in revitalizing Hawaiian communities and beyond.

Niu Now is not simply about planting trees; it's a living testament to a profound respect for the land and its abundant blessings. Dr. Meyer fondly reminisces about the humble origins of Niu Now, where students, faculty, and residents united to breathe life into the landscapes, nurturing Ulu Niu—coconut groves—across the Hawaiian islands. From “barren patches of grass,” they have cultivated thriving ecosystems, showing both dedication and nature's resilience.

“We do not just plant coconuts; we nurture relationships,” Dr. Meyer emphasizes. Every monthly workday sees 40 to 60 dedicated individuals converging to tend to the groves. From young to old, each hand extended in service represents the power of unity and shared purpose.

Indrajit Gunasekara, a key fgure in the movement, combines indigenous wisdom with scientifc inquiry, showcasing Niu Now’s dedication to merging traditional knowledge with modern research methods. “We engage ancient tropical island coconut knowledge that seeks expression in this time of climate change: soil mitigation practices, water retention, biotic and abiotic stress relief practices, and a renewed interest in moon, rain, and wind cycles.” Through his eforts, Gunasekara demonstrates how blending scientifc inquiry with indigenous practices leads to more efective and sustainable environmental stewardship.

Dr. Meyer's vision for Niu Now gleams with optimism—a future where Ulu Niu fourishes. “Our long-term goals revolve around nurturing relationships, revitalizing ancient groves, and ensuring food security for generations to come,” afirms Dr. Meyer. Initiatives like the Ulu Niu Club and collaborations with academic programs such as Sustainable Community Food Systems (SCFS) transcend the disciplinary boundaries of Niu Now. They foster a holistic approach to education and commitment to building connections—among individuals, communities, and between humanity and the natural world.

Niu Now beckons us to rediscover our kinship with the land, to embrace our role as earth stewards, honoring ancient traditions and safeguarding biodiversity in the face of uncertainty. In a world yearning for renewal, Niu Now's call resonates deeply.

Let us unite in safeguarding and celebrating our coconut heritage at the ʻAha Niu International Coconut Conference, June 12-13, 2024, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Join global visionaries to honor the sacred bond between humanity and Ulu Niu across ‘āina moana. Contact Dr. Manu Aluli Meyer at manulani@hawaii.edu or Indrajit Gunasekara at indrajit@hawaii.edu to seize this opportunity for collective action and ecological stewardship.

Photo by Noah Padilla

CREATIVE SPOTLIGHT

SHOWCASE YOUR CREATIVE WORK, STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT, SHARE YOUR PASSION!

Almond Cookie Recipe

By Olivia Chung | Sophomore

Major: Business Administration

A simple and easy treat for your sweet tooth cravings.

Ingredients:

- 1⁄2 cup Crisco shortening

- 1 cup vegetable oil

- 1 1⁄2 cups white sugar

- 1 egg

- 1 Tbsp almond extract

- 3 cups all purpose four

- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt

- 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda

Tips:

- Do not substitute butter in place of Crisco shortening you will not achieve the signature almond cookie texture

- These cookies do not spread much so you can press down on the cookies slightly to make them bigger

- Dip the back of a chopstick into red food coloring to create a mess free dot

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350F

2. Sif four, salt and baking soda then combine with sugar, whisk out any clumps

3. Combine all the rest of the ingredients using a rubber spatula then transition to mixing with your hands

4. Roll the dough into balls 1-2 tablespoons big

5. Place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat

6. Add signature red dot of food coloring to the center of the cookie

7. Bake for 14-20 minutes depending on the size of the cookie

The Hoot’s calling you!

We want to showcase student work! Artwork (paintings, drawings, digital art), creative writing (poetry, short stories, essays), photography, comic strips, and more are welcome to be included. Fill out our Creative Submission Form through the QR code to have your creative work be published in a future issue!

Photo by Leviticus Kaopuiki