UHWO The Hoot Issue #60

The Hoot

JUMP FOR JOY

A NEW SEMESTER FULL OF OPPORTUNITIES AWAIST YOU.

University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu

EDITOR’S NOTE

Student Newspaper

91-1001 Farrington Hwy Kapolei, HI 96707

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mikaela Briones

MANAGING EDITOR

Carley Matsumura

L AYOUT EDITOR

Tre Zamora

STAFF WRITERS

Lindsey Millerd

Grace Sapolu

Moises Alhambra, Jr.

Leviticus Kaopuiki

PHOTOGRAPHER

John Kamakana

SMB ADVISORS

Sharla Hanaoka

Rouel Velasco

ON THE COVER

Outdoor Learning Space

picture by John Kamakana

FEEDBACK, SUBMISSIONS, ADVERTISING INQUIRIES thehoot@hawaii.edu

QUESTIONS FOR THE STUDENT MEDIA BOARD smbwo@hawaii.edu

SPECIAL THANKS TO UHWO Communications

University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information.

Nor does the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu warrant the use of the works is free of any claims of copyright infringement. All views expressed are those of the page author and not of the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu and/or the University of Hawai‘i system, and any concerns or comments about these pages should be directed to the page author, and not to University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu.

© AUGUST 2023

The Hoot

Welcome back Pueos!

FEATURE Welcome Back Happenings

Mikaela Briones

Editor-In-Chief

As we start this semester we are happy to have you back (or for those who took part in summer classes, we’re happy to see you’re still going strong)! We have a fun week ahead of us as we start our classes, see new and familiar faces, and keep up with up and coming things. We hope you had a fun filled summer, as we transition into the semester. Our sta has kept busy and dedicated to delivering this issue of The Hoot.

Last semester was a big milestone for The Hoot as we published an issue for the first time in two years and we’ve heard a lot of positive feedback from you, our readers, and our campus community. We’re happy to say you’ll be seeing a lot more from us this semester moving forward. In this issue, we’ll be sharing a few announcements, guides for new students, and some exciting updates!

This summer was a new experience for our sta . As such, I want to take this opportunity to thank them and applaud their dedication to putting in the e ort and time to create this issue for you folks. It’s been an honor to work with this amazing sta and the support we’ve received from our interim advisors Rouel and Sharla. As well as support and encouragement from the Communications Department as they help us grow as a sta . Thank you to my amazing and patient sta : Carley, Tre, Stephan, Lindsey, Grace, John, Levi, and Moises!

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram: @thehootnews. We are also always happy to anyone who is interested in writing or being a sta photographer for The Hoot. If you hear from or are interested in a position on our sta feel free to DM us on Instagram or email us at thehoot@hawaii.edu.

Mahalo again to everyone who has supported us. Have a great semester Pueos!

A two-day event for clubs and organizations to shine!

BY MIKAELA BRIONES

As the semester begins, this week there will be a few events that all students are invited to. Please note that these events require your student ID. If you don’t have one yet, please feel free to get one printed and validated at the Student Services in Campus Center, first floor.

Tuesday, Aug. 22

8 a.m. - 10 a.m. ASUHWO Co ee Hour

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Welcome Back Festivities (SAFB, CSOs, Campus Resources)

10:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Chair Yoga

12:30 p.m. | Belly Demo Dancing

Wednesday, Aug. 23

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Welcome Back Festivities (SAFB, CSOs, Campus Resources)

10:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Chair Yoga

12:30 p.m. | Belly Demo Dancing

Thursday, Aug. 24

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Welcome Back Festivities (SAFB, CSOs, Campus Resources)

10:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Chair Yoga

campus. Meet your current ASUHWO government and get to know them!

Immediately following, from 10 a.m.2 p.m., there will be a Welcome Week festivities where students are invited to stop by the Outdoor Learning Space (OLS) for goodies. A few things to look forward to that they’ll be giving out: small tote bags, a variety of stickers, laptop camera covers, and more! Along with the goodies that the students are o ered, organizations on campus will also be in attendance so students have the opportunity to get involved and interact with student leaders.

Here are some dates to keep in mind: Welcome Back Week Events: Aug. 21 - 24

Monday, Aug. 21

8 a.m. - 10 a.m. | ASUHWO Co ee Hour

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Welcome Back Festivities (SAFB, CSOs, Campus Resources)

10:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Chair Yoga

Welcome Back Week is the first week of the fall semester, Aug. 21 - 25. On Aug. 21 and 22 there will be two events back to back, starting from 8-10am in front of the Student Life Center on the second floor of the Campus Center. Associated Students of the University of Hawai‘iWest O‘ahu (ASUHWO) will be hosting a Co ee Hour for students. Students are invited to stop by and grab co ee and breakfast goodies as they come to

The purpose of these events is to ignite student engagement and inform them of the resources and opportunities available to them on campus. As the semester progresses, students may look to join organizations or seek out groups that they can be a part of. If you’re on campus during the first week, please stop by! The Hoot will also be in attendance if you’re interested in joining our sta .

Photo by Student Life

Photo by Student Life

Campus Survival Guide

The ins and outs of UH West Oahu

BY LINDSEY MILLERD

For new and returning students alike, it’s important to know everything available on your college campus. A er reading this, you’ll be equipped to navigate and maximize all of UH West O‘ahu’s spaces and resources.

First o , let’s get to know the campus property itself. Here is a map showing all of the buildings and key spots like the bookstore, admissions o ices, and more. If you like studying outdoors, there are tables scattered all throughout campus to do so. It’s great to explore all corners of campus, even ones toward the perimeter like E and G buildings , and find the prime spot that works for you.

The library is another main study location you can’t go without. It has been closed for the past several months, but the first floor reopened on Aug. 14. This area includes the circulation desk, computers, printing and scanning, and ample seating to study. The second floor will be closed until further notice as repairs finish up. Stay updated by following @uhwolibrary on Instagram to know when the second floor opens up. Please heed to any signage and barricades as crews are still entering through the loading dock area.

The No‘eau Center, our campus tutoring center, is usually on the library’s second floor, but will continue to be located in A-224 for the time being. They not only provide tutoring for nearly any subject, but they also do test proctoring and have free snacks, a microwave, and serve as a space for students to study and hang out. Follow @noeaucenter to get word of any events they host.

Another important thing to talk about is food. Da Spot Health Food & Juices, located in the dining hall is open from Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (hours subject to change). They have a vast menu sure to satisfy any of your cravings and help you power through your day. Crowd favorites include their Korean chicken, gyros and any of their smoothies. Beverages

and snacks are also available at the bookstore and vending machines throughout campus.

The Student Organic Garden tucked behind D building is a great resource for free fresh produce. You can find a wide variety of crops ranging from herbs to fruits and harvest them yourself to cook up healthy dishes at home. Stay tuned on their Instagram @uhwogarden for harvest days and community workdays.

The Fitness Center has all you need for a full body workout. Though the gym is a little small, it has a squat rack, bench, treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike, free weights, and a few other machines. There are also yoga and belly dancing classes, so follow @uhwosports for any updates. Appointments to use the gym or join a class can be made in STAR Balance under Health & Wellness. Free and confidential mental health services are available to students who are physically in the state of Hawai‘i. Qualified mental health professionals do individual and group therapy, couples counseling, and psychological assessment. Call (808) 689 -2661 or email uhwotalk@hawaii.edu to schedule an appointment.

Campus Survival Guide

Continued from page 4

And finally, don’t miss out on getting involved! Extracurricular activities are a perfect way to meet new people and gain new skills. There are two types of organizations and many options under each.

Chartered Student Organizations (CSOs): supported by student fees and working to shape the college experience.

• Associated Students of the University of Hawai‘i – West O‘ahu (ASUHWO)

• Campus Center Board (CCB)

How To Make The Most Of Colle g e

Advice On Ways To Make Your College Years Great

BY GRACE SAPOLU

It is no secret that the last few years have been a di icult time for everyone. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many changes. Many people started college at their kitchen table due to the shutdown, so it makes sense that a lot of college students do not have a lot of ideas on how to have a good college experience, especially because college is so very di erent from high school. College will hopefully be a time we can all look back on and share good memories.

A great way to make new memories is to get out of your comfort zone and start attending all the events colleges have to o er. At the University of Hawai‘i-West O‘ahu, there are many fun events that happened just this past semester. There were multiple Open Mics, thanks to the West O‘ahu Broadcasting Association (WOBA). There have been movie nights and Valentine’s Day celebrations.

• Student Activity Fee Board (SAFB)

• Student Media Board (SMB)

• The Hoot

Registered Independent Student Organizations (RISOs): independent and self-governed student organizations formed with common interests and activities.

• Contact Coordinator of Student Leadership Development Programs Rouel Velasco (rouel@hawaii.edu) for the updated full listing.

Another great way to make the most out of college is to make friendships with your peers. It can be scary to interact with new people, but it can have great outcomes. You could find your next friend in college. Reach out to a new person and exchange numbers, social media, or even your email, make a new connection.

One last way to make the most out of college is to join a club or student organization. Clubs and organizations are always looking for new people to join them and have fun. A good part of joining clubs and organizations is you can network with people that have similar interests and goals.

There you have it, Pueo! Three fun ways to make the most of your college experience. I hope you all have a great semester and a great college experience.

Photo by UH West O‘ahu

Photo by Mika Briones

The Skyline

All the information you need to ride

BY LINDSEY MILLERD

The long awaited Skyline or more commonly referred to as “the rail” opened this summer on June 30. While only about half of the anticipated route is in operation, there is no doubt that the Skyline has been a useful addition to the west and central Oahu regions. The rail stations currently span from the Kroc center in Kapolei to the Aloha Stadium in Halawa.

The second stop heading eastbound is on the outskirts of our very own West O‘ahu campus. It is a park-and-ride location, meaning there is ample parking for those opting to drive and leave their car at the station. You can take a quick walk or bike ride (there are bike racks on Skyline) on a sidewalk that will lead you to the side of A building or take the Pueo Shuttle to campus, which will be establishing a new stop near the station (more details to come and are subject to change). There is also a bus transit center right outside of the rail station for those headed elsewhere.

Ryan Perreira of the Health, Transportation & Technology (HTT) Advisory Committee at UH West O‘ahu shared some insight into Skyline’s impact on our campus. One major change is that the bus stop previously near the roundabout is no longer in operation. While this walk to campus is a bit longer, the Pueo Shuttle can pick you up and drop you o at the old bus stop on campus, now serving as a shuttle stop. “What we hope for is that more students will use Skyline and the bus,” Perreira said. He shared that the HTT committee has agreed to subsidize 50% of the cost of the U-Pass, a discounted pass for university students that frequently use the bus and now the rail. Now, West O‘ahu students only need to pay $112 50 for a U-Pass. It’s important to note that there are

FEATURE ASUHWO Advocacy

‘Right now, there are vacancies in positions that need representation’

BY CARLEY MATSUMURA

The 12th Senate of the Associated Students of the University of Hawai‘i –West O‘ahu currently consists of four members: the President, Vice-President, Public Administration Senator, and Senior Class Senator. Last semester, these individuals worked in several ways to address issues a ecting our student body.

The President, Lindsey Millerd, provides more detail. “Members pursued initiatives like creating club incentives, an anonymous online forum, and transparency about the library’s temporary closure.”

campus. Meetings occurred over the summer as members continued to work toward making a di erence in the community.

“During the summer, members brainstormed primary areas we’d like to address in the fall like increasing in-person engagement and starting on-campus childcare,” said Millerd.

Part of ASUHWO’s purpose is to encourage student participation.

“Serving in the ASUHWO student government provides an opportunity for students to engage in meaningful discussion with faculty, sta and administrators about issues most concerning to UHWO students,” said Rouel Velasco, the advisor of ASUHWO.

He urges students to get involved.

“Right now, there are vacancies in positions that need representation.”

special steps to use this on the rail. You must push the emergency telephone call box located near fare gates and show your school ID with its U-Pass sticker to a sta member to let you in.

Without a U-Pass, you must purchase a Holo card to load, which you can purchase and load at the entrance of rail stations or at participating stores like 7-Eleven, Foodland, and Times. It costs $3 for 2.5 hours of unlimited rides on the rail or bus transfers. Skyline’s hours are 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. On weekends and city holidays the hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

According to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART), the project will be expanding in phases. The Airport Extension segment which will bring you to the airport and end at Kalihi transit center is projected to be open sometime in 2025. The final City Center segment ending at Ala Moana is projected to be done in 2031. While we wait for the expansion, there is lots to enjoy on the current route and it’s definitely a worthwhile transportation option to try.

The organization grants its members a unique position. They have the power to enact real change on campus and the responsibility to represent the will of their constituents, the students of West O‘ahu, while doing so.

Mikaela “Mika” Briones, the Vice President, touches upon her involvement last semester.

“I had the opportunity to serve our students in multiple ways. I wrote a few bills to support the graduating class to fund refreshments and a resolution to identify our support on having menstrual products available and free in our restrooms.”

Among the resolutions written by ASUHWO was one in support of the development of a food pantry on

Briones discusses: “We had the amazing opportunity to fund the #HeadingWestBound Fair and Summer Bash as an opportunity for students to connect with organizations on campus and have fun before the semester starts.”

A way to celebrate students for their accomplishments, the Summer Bash took place on campus. Signaling a return to campus life that has been missing during pandemic times, the event involved cotton candy, shave ice, and water slides.

“It was a great collaboration with the Kauluhāweo Native Hawaiian Student Success Program and their team,” adds Briones.

With the start of the new semester comes the opportunity to become involved with the community.

General Elections for the 12th Senate concluded last spring. However, for those interested in running for one of the sixteen available positions, special elections will be held in the fall.

“Looking forward, we will continue to develop on last semester’s pursuits and tackle new issues” — Millerd

“We want our peers to be comfortable coming to us with concerns and ideas, so we create more awareness and provide the opportunities for students to express their opinions.”

Follow ASUHWO on Instagram @asuhwo and email asuhwo@hawaii.edu to convey your interest in partaking in the special election!

Photo by John Kamakana

Photo by ASUHWO

In Person vs Distance Learnin g

How do students at the University of Hawai‘i—West O‘ahu prefer their classes?

BY GRACE SAPOLU

It’s no secret that the last few years with COVID-19 has brought a lot of changes and new ways of life. One of the biggest changes for schools was the change in educational settings. A poll was taken during Lā Pūnua, UH West O‘ahu’s third and final part to freshmen orientation. Approximately 150 freshmen attended the event and The Hoot had the opportunity to interact with them. At this event, about 37 students were asked the following questions:

“Are most of your classes this coming semester in person or online? ”

“What’s your preference for classes? Online synchronous/asynchronous or in person? ”

According to the results for the first question, roughly 75% of the students that were approached have in-person classes this coming semester, leaving the other 25% having mostly online classes. When students were asked the second question, 54% preferred in person classes, 27% preferred synchronous online classes, and 19% preferred asynchronous online classes.

FEATURE Headin g West Bound

BY LEVITICUS KAOPUIKI

I first came across the Heading West Bound program one day when I was doing my weekly Gmail decluttering session. I was going through everything as usual when an email with the word “Congratulations” on it caught my eye. Now I don’t know about you, but that word alone gets my attention. So excitedly I click on the email hoping it’s the lottery announcing me as their next lucky winner. But to my shock—and mild disappointment—it’s an email from the school saying that I’m eligible for a scholarship.

It states that the scholarship will cover the costs for my first year of college. However, upon reading further I learn in order to receive the scholarship I need to attend 11 events spanning a total of nine weeks. All of which are mandatory. I am just about to click o when something in me tells me to just sign up. So I fill out the form nonchalantly, close my computer and forget all about it.

and welcome us to the first day of the Heading West Bound summer event. We are given a short briefing, then boarded onto a bus and driven down to Ko‘olina Lagoon where the activities will take place. At the beach we play a few games to ease the tension, then the advisors tell us to head into the water and circle up. The activity we are about to do is called Ho‘oponopono and the Bowl of Light. It is explained that we all possess this bowl of light through which all our abilities, gi s, and even joy come from. But over time pōhakus (stones) can accumulate in the bowl through the negative thoughts or actions in our life. So standing in the water we close our eyes and envision all the negative things that are holding us back and dimming our light. Then one by one we remove the pōhakus until only the light remains.

The purpose of this poll was to identify students’ preferences when it comes to the methods of their education. As the pandemic regulations have changed in the recent year, more and more students are finding themselves in person. The culture is continuously changing and it’s important to know how students want to learn.

Fast forward a few days I get an email from the school reminding me that tomorrow is the first day of the program. The event starts at 8 and will be held at a beach in Kapolei. Now FYI, I live in Mililani and my summer sleep schedule has me waking up around 12 p.m. So chances of making this event are close to impossible. But with nothing better to do I convince myself that maybe this could be worth a shot.

So there I am, standing in front of the school, half awake and already dreading the activities to come. With my limited energy, I drag myself to the building, sign in, and try my best to keep to myself. A er a while, the advisors come in

Now although that wasn’t the first time I did that activity, something about this time felt special. Looking inward I realized that one of the stones I had been carrying in my bowl for a long time was fear, and uncertainty. But now that stone was gone from my bowl, and upon opening my eyes I was hit by a wave of renewal. A er the first day, I le with a feeling of gratitude for this opportunity I was given and a feeling that I was getting into something special.

As the weeks went by, I got to participate in many activities that have helped me get a strong footing in my college journey. I’ve made many connections with sta and students, many of whom I look forward to seeing and getting closer to this year. Yet nothing compares to the amount of love and aloha emanated by the advisors, as shown by the constant smiles and laughs shared with each and every one of them. In the short time I was there, I was blessed to have the opportunity to expand my knowledge and grow as a person. But most importantly, becoming a part of this university’s ‘ohana.

Photo by Mika Briones

Photo by Leviticus Kaopuiki

Photo by Leviticus Kaopuiki

Meet your New Vice Chancellor for Student A airs

BY MIKAELA BRIONES

FEATURE Semester Checklist

‘Reminders as the semester begins to ensure student success!

BY MIKAELA BRIONES

Now that the semester has begun, here are a few reminders:

☐ Register!

☐ Check your UH email

Last semester, our campus held presentations for potential Vice Chancellor for Student A airs (VCSA) candidates. Our student body recently were informed that our new VCSA is DeEtte Uwono. Our sta had the opportunity to contact our new VCSA DeEtte to get to know her and introduce her to our campus.

Q: What was your favorite thing you did this summer?

A: Spending time with my daughter at her volleyball tournament and spending time with my family at my son’s baseball tournament.

Q: When you think of success for our campus, how do you envision it?

A: Students back on campus with lots of in-person activities and opportunities to meet each other.

Q: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you bring with you?

A: I would bring 3 people who can do di erent things that I cannot do (build things, have knowledge about the di erent plants you can eat, good navigation skills, flexible and a sense of humor). I hope they bring 3 “essential” things.

Q: What is your favorite restaurant on the island?

A: Alan Wong’s. I’m putting it out there in the universe that he opens up another restaurant.

Q: What are you most looking forward to with this position?

A: Working with the students.

Don’t forget to register, as you transition from summer, registration will still be open. From Aug. 21 - 29, registration will still be available, just keep in mind that for first time registration there may be a late registration fee. But if you need to change your classes, you have until then.

☐ Get your ID

Every semester you can renew your UH ID. For our in person students, feel free to stop by Student Services on the first floor of C Building - Campus Center. There, you can take a new photo and get it validated. For those who can’t make it to campus or for our distance learning students, there is an online form where you can fill out an application for a new ID and our campus will mail it to you. Visit the website here: westoahu.hawaii.edu/admissions/id-card-steps

For returning students: please note that you can do this every semester to keep your ID updated.

As a college student, it is important to stay up to day with your emails. Professors and instructors will be contacting you via your UH email with first steps as the semester begins. It can get overwhelming if your inbox has so many emails that aren’t open. It’s suggested that you stay ahead of it to ensure success!

☐ Visit the Campus

For our in person students, take some time to familiarize yourself with our campus. Our campus is still fairly new and is open to all our students. By taking advantage of this, you can walk around campus, identify where any of your in person classes may be and maybe even find a good study spot.

☐ Follow our Social Media

Our campus loves to stay connected with our students. Many of our campus entities and organizations have an Instagram account where they share updates for our UH West O‘ahu students. As we know emails can get lost throughout the semester, so we do our best to keep you connected the best we can. Follow @uhwestoahu (and @thehootnews) on Instagram for regular updates and announcements. In addition, @uhwestoahu also follows many of our other campus accounts so be sure to check that out to see who else to follow!

Have a great semester Pueo! You can find more information regarding all reminders here: westoahu.hawaii.edu

Or scan this QR code:

Photo by Grace Sapolu

Asking students: “ what was your favorite thing you did this summer? ”

Campus Voices

Ashley Macho

“I went to Seattle and visited the Space Needle and got a chance to make a video about it.”

Fall 2023 Edition

BY MIKAELA BRIONES

Bryson Visitacion

“Getting hired at Pali Momi as a rehab aide for physical therapy.”

Kaumakaonalani Leleo

“Creating fun memories with the new incoming students and the PUEO Leadership team.”

Jett Umeno

“Finished some pre nursing requirements so this semester I have less classes to take.”

Lexie-Marie Kia-Cox

“Went to San Fran with Gear Up for the Youth Leadership Summit.”

Jenna Fahey

“Went to Maui to visit my best friend and her family who so happens to be from Oregon.”

“WORKOUT LIKE A UHWO JOURNALIST, RUN WITH A STORY”