2024 Cover Photo Story (page 3) Getting the Young Vote Hinges on Engagement: Gen Z’s community-centered impact on Hawaiʻi politics
What's inside? Alumni-designed cookie tins, Da Pueo Press, international education week, blood donations, Hawaiʻi nursing strike and campus safety Join The Hoot ʻOhana Interested in journalism? The Hoot is calling you! Contact us at thehoot@hawaii.edu and scan the QR code to follow our journey.
Aloha e kākou,
Welcome to The Hoot’s second issue for Fall 2024!
It is with great excitement that I present another publication to our community. This work is not possible without the eforts of the team: Leviticus Kaopuiki, Tre Zamora, Lindsey Millerd, Grace Sapolu, Moises Alhambra, Jr., Noah Padilla, Georcelle Lozano, Josephine Paige Uson and Landon Tupper. Your passion, drive and willingness to adapt with the story makes us The Hoot.
For her guidance and support, thank you to our advisor Ku‘ualoha Kauanoe-Luda.
We hope you enjoy the issue. Happy reading!
Mahalo, Carley Matsumura
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Getting the Young Vote Hinges on Engagement
BY GRACE SAPOLU |
KAOPUIKI
This historic election season has been defined by pressing issues like Roe v Wade, gun control, the economy and immigration. Despite Hawai‘i’s declining voter turnout, politicians have increasingly noticed the power of the young vote and they want to grab it.
Dr. Masahide Kato, an associate professor of political science at the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu, explains how Gen Z has shifed the political landscape.
“This is the generation that demanded action on gun violence, climate change and protection of their sacred mountain (Mauna Kea) in their high school years. Most recently, they demanded actions to divest from Isarel’s occupation and its war machine in college,” Kato said.
Gen Z’s advocacy is clear, pushing for
change on both local and global scales and Kato believes politicians have to recognize this going forward. He emphasized that Hawai‘i will need to encourage engagement through initiatives that empower citizens to have direct input on laws.
“The key to people’s voices making a meaningful impact is having the voter’s or citizens’ initiative in the State of Hawai‘i. It will encourage younger voters and increase voter registration,” Kato said.
Citizens' initiatives let the public propose and vote on laws or policy changes without going through the legislature. They give people a direct role in governance and can lead to major legal or constitutional changes if enough voters support them. Initiatives for Honolulu
would need signatures from 10 percent of registered voters to be considered.
At UHWO, ‘āina-based activities engage students on campus in
issues like food security and land management.
“These types of civic engagement foster a much more holistic view of governance and social change than conventional civic engagement as they relate to the urgent tasks of sustainability and climate change that should influence policy making,” Kato said.
The rising voice of young voters is a force politicians cannot aford to ignore. Initiatives that directly involve citizens could be key to sparking greater engagement, especially among young people eager to shape their future.
Carley Matsumura
PHOTOS BY LEVITICUS
University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu Student Newspaper
Compassion and Advocacy: Lessons from the Kapiʻolani Nurses Strike
Pre-nursing students gain insights on modern challenges in healthcare
BY GEORCELLE LOZANO | PHOTOS BY LEVITICUS KAOPUIKI
The recent end of the nurse’s strike at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children has stirred conversation throughout Hawai‘i’s healthcare community.
While many headlines focus on issues such as safe stafing and workplace conditions, this strike has also brought to light the importance of nurturing compassionate care, particularly for the next generation of nurses at the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu.
For Akhil Anand, a pre-nursing major at UHWO, the strike has raised some concerns as he approaches his final semester before transferring to UH Mānoa.
“Seeing the nurses getting arrested, I started questioning if this was the right path for me,” he said. “It made me realize that nursing is about more than just patient care. It’s also about advocating for your rights and the rights of those you care for.”
Anand candidly admits that before the strike, his understanding of nursing revolved around clinical skills and patient interaction. The strike broadened that perspective, revealing underlying issues within the healthcare system like the overwhelming patient-to-nurse ratio.
“Hospital management ofen overworks nurses to cut costs, which compromises patient care. I realized I want to be part of the change to advocate for my patients and ensure they get the best care,” Anand said.
The Kapi‘olani nurses strike is an invaluable lesson for pre-nursing students. Nikole Akana, a program co-lead at UHWO, aims to prepare students for such complexities.
“Experiencing or learning about labor disputes like this one gives our students valuable insights into the professional landscape of healthcare,” Akana said. “They’ll be stepping into a world where they may need to advocate for themselves and their patients.”
This intersection of real-world events and educational aspirations serves as a unique lens through which we can understand the future of nursing, emphasizing the program’s commitment to developing benevolent, community-focused healthcare professionals. Program faculty coordinator Dr. Rebecca Romine explained the program’s mission is rooted in aloha and kuleana.
“We strive to empower our students to connect with the communities they serve, creating a holistic approach to nursing that goes beyond textbooks and lectures.”
In addition to these real-world insights, the pre-nursing program includes handson labs, dissections, group activities and simulations. This focus on both clinical and advocacy skills is what makes UHWO’s program stand out because it nurtures critical thinkers who can adapt to the ever-changing healthcare environment.
Students are encouraged to adopt a strong sense of advocacy in light of the strike and the discussions about labor conditions and patient care.
“This dedication is not just a professional requirement. It is a calling to serve communities that rely on compassionate, skilled nurses,” Akana said.
The events surrounding the Kapi‘olani nurses strike underscore education’s vital role in shaping resilient healthcare professionals. UHWO’s proactive measures to enhance its pre-nursing program reflect a growing understanding
that nursing is more than just a career. It’s a vocation that demands empathy, adaptability and a commitment to community well-being.
“The strike may have ended but its impact reverberates through the hearts and minds of the next generation of nurses,” said Dr. Romine. “It inspires them to advocate for change and uphold the dignity of their profession.”
The UHWO Alumni Behind Popular New Tins at Honolulu Cookie Company
A recent graduate’s product design hits the shelves of one of Hawai‘i’s most well-known businesses
lege. She encourages artists to connect with other artists, especially those with experience in their field of interest, and use all available resources and opportunities to receive honest critique.
“I’ve grown to appreciate critiques in particular because they ofen allow me to discover new opportunities to grow,” said Okamoto.
BY LINDSEY MILLERD | PHOTOS BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAIʻI–WEST OʻAHU'S ACADEMY
Imagine having a sold-out product for a world renowned brand just a few months afer graduating college!
That’s a reality for 2024 creative media graduate Harper Okamoto, the winner of Honolulu Cookie Company’s recent packaging design contest. The tins launched on September 4 and sold out within a month. Decals remain available while supplies last.
University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu students were prompted to design a surfboard-shaped cookie tin inspired by the Moore Aloha Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to supporting young women and founded by world champion surfer Carissa Moore.
The whole design process took around one to two weeks for Okamoto, starting with in-depth research of both clients.
Afer some sketches, she used Adobe Illustrator to render them and went through multiple rounds of critique with her professor before submitting her design.
“Knowing their respective missions, values and design styles really helped inspire me to create a design that represented each brand authentically,” Okamoto explained.
The ACM alum considered Moore Aloha’s visuals, featuring a lot of hand-lettered fonts and fun colors. She combined this with her own artistic style, which she described as “clean, simple shapes with illustrational flairs and diverse color palettes.”
“I really enjoyed the design process because I was able to use many elements that aligned with my personal visual style,” Okamoto said.
This great opportunity is thanks to ‘Ānela-Pōmaika‘i Mattson, a 2020 UHWO graduate who double majored in creative media and business. As the senior marketing content specialist for Honolulu Cookie Company, she wanted to give back to her alma mater and proposed the contest.
The company agreed to not only host the contest, but donate 100% of net proceeds to the Moore Aloha Foundation and UHWO Creative Media program.
“To continue our support of local arts and education programs, we are working on creating more opportunities for students in the future,” Mattson said.
This accomplishment is just the start of Okamoto’s creative career. She’s combining her passions as both a dance instructor and marketing graphic designer for Ballet Hawaii. In the future, she hopes to start her own business selling her designs.
Okamoto valued seeing her peers’ diferent creative decisions for projects in col-
Safety Starts Here
The role of the Behavioral Intervention Team on campus
BY GEORCELLE LOZANO
In a time where campus safety and mental health awareness are more crucial than ever, the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu is taking proactive measures to ensure a secure learning environment. The Behavioral Intervention Team is at the forefront of these eforts, managed by Bev Baligad, J.D.
“Our mission is clear: we strive to recognize early warning signs of distress, whether it’s troubling social media posts or alarming changes in behavior before they evolve into threats,” Baligad stated.
This stance enhances campus safety and underscores the importance of community awareness. BIT relies heavily on the observant eyes of faculty and staf to identify concerning behaviors. A sudden change in a student’s demeanor – from engagement to isolation – can signal deeper issues.
Understanding the pathway to violence is crucial in this efort. The framework outlining the progression of thoughts and actions that can lead to targeted violence has several crucial steps: grievances, violent ideation, research and planning, preparation, probing, breaching and lastly, the culmination of an attack.
“Recognizing these signs can make all the diference,” Baligad said. “Early intervention can prevent tragedy.”
By connecting students with essential resources on campus, BIT addresses immediate concerns while stimulating a nurturing learning environment.
Collaboration is at the heart of BIT’s effectiveness. The team works closely with campus security and local law enforcement, creating a robust safety net for the community. This multi-faceted approach reinforces the idea that safety is a shared responsibility.
Training also plays a vital role in enhancing campus safety. Faculty and staf participate in regular sessions to recognize concerning behaviors and reporting protocols. In emergency situations, BIT operates alongside the crisis management team, bringing together diverse expertise to respond swifly and efectively.
Baligad urges the entire campus community to take an active role in safety.
“If you notice something concerning, don’t hesitate to report it. Your voice matters and can be the catalyst for positive change,” she said.
As we navigate the complexities of campus life, the BIT serves as a vital reminder that safety is a collective efort and by promoting a culture of awareness, compassion and proactive intervention, we can ensure UHWO remains a safe community for learning and growth.
Publish Your Writing in Da Pueo Press
Learn about the team that started our student journal
BY LINDSEY MILLERD | PHOTOS BY NOAH PADILLA
Ever wish you could share your writing with more than just your professor? The University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu now ofers the opportunity to have your work published in Da Pueo Press, an undergraduate scholarly journal.
DPP’s inaugural issue features senior capstones and first-year, creative and research-based writing. Work from both UHWO students and recent alumni will be accepted. The editorial team of students and staf have spent over a year in development on the issue and are preparing for its 2025 release.
“We saw a disparity between the publishing opportunities across the UH system. Our students were applying for the Mānoa journal but wouldn’t get accepted since they’re not Mānoa students,” said Dr. Yasmine Romero, an English professor and faculty editor.
Along with Dr. Michael Pak, Dr. Romero applied for a grant to start the publication through the Institute for Research & Engaged Scholarship, which supports faculty scholarship for community transformation. They successfully received funds for the project and a group of Humanities faculty brainstormed the core guidelines.
In spring 2024, 10 students in Dr. Romero’s English 456B: Topics in Literary Press Management class finalized these documents and developed their website. A trio of students continued to work on DPP as their senior practicum this fall, focusing on final parts like promotion and submission review. English majors Dominique Cortez-Montiho and Megan Tossey are co-managing editors and Maria Pou, the editor-in-chief.
“I got to see the behind-the-scenes of a publication,” said Tossey. “I would love to be an author, so it was very interesting to see the time and efort that went into this over year-long process.”
As aspiring writers and communication specialists, they know DPP is valuable to their peers.
“I’m excited, especially for first year-writing. Getting published can really inspire them for the rest of their time in college,” Pou said.
theme will be prioritized, DPP will consider any work that follows their submission guidelines.
“It’s a good way to bring voice to the Westside and we have that focus with the title and the languages we accept,” Dr. Romero said.
“From my experience at UHWO, I know a lot of students work very hard and we want them to be recognized,” Cortez-Montiho said.
DPP accepts ‘ō lelo Hawai‘i, Pidgin and English writing. The first issue’s theme is aloha ‘āina, focusing on our connection to land and related community issues. While pieces relevant to the
This student-run journal will have a widespread impact on the entire community, elevating stories and research from our typically underrepresented community.
UHWO Goes Worldwide for International Education Week
Cultural exchange opportunities are close to home
BY JOSEPHINE PAIGE USON | PHOTOS BY NOAH PADILLA
In celebration of International Education Week, observed during the third week of November, the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Tokai International College are intensifying their eforts to promote study abroad opportunities and student exchanges.
With upcoming events like a language exchange program and study abroad workshop, the schools aim to raise awareness about programs in Japan, Korea and more. As they encourage more students to embrace these experiences, UHWO emphasizes the benefits of studying abroad, fostering personal growth and cross-cultural connections.
In an effort to enhance global understanding and cultural exchange, the international coordinators from UHWO and
HTIC are ramping up their study abroad and student exchange programs. Gian Otoman, UHWO’s international coordinator, highlights that such opportunities to visit another country can broaden a student’s perspective. The long-distance travel means students also gain independence as they explore other countries and cultures.
According to Otoman, there are two current exchange students from Korea attending UHWO this semester. He is hoping that this number will increase to eight in the future.
The Ofice of Global Engagement is also expecting to expand destinations to include New Zealand, Germany, Italy and the U.K., although establishing these partnerships can take quite some time.
In the meanwhile, Otoman urges all students to participate in the current study abroad programs in Japan and Korea.
Additionally, Otoman acknowledges that financial challenges and language barriers ofen discourage students. However, he assures potential participants that there are scholarships available and no prior language requirements needed to take part in these traveling programs.
During Fall 2023, Allyson Munemitsu traveled to Sapporo, Japan. She described the experience as “like stepping into a diferent world,” encouraging avid anime fans and K-drama devotees to visit each country to fully immerse themselves in the culture.
From UHWO’s Health Sciences division, Dr. Rebecca Romine and Professor Nicole Akana shared their experiences. During the month of July, they were able to bring their pre-nursing students on a four week study abroad trip at Jinju University in Korea. They experienced everything from wandering through an open air market to living in a traditional Korean house. Through this immersive experience, students not only gained valuable academic knowledge but also developed long-lasting friendships.
There are also plenty of on-island opportunities for students. Located within walking distance of each other, UHWO and HTIC are collaborating to establish projects that emphasize the multicultural society in Hawai’i. UHWO Japanese
language professor Murata Minori is working with HTIC’s international coordinator, Mika Kuriyama, to implement a language exchange program this fall for the Japanese 221 course students. UHWO students will be invited to join classes with HTIC students to participate in projects and games.
Furthermore, Kuriyama wants UHWO students to join the International Programs Department. They can take on the role of activity chaperones: escorting students, conversing in English, and communicating with staf and vendors. This part-time job position not only aids in the retention of language and cultural knowledge, but also serves as a recruitment opportunity for student study sessions at UHWO or HTIC.
College prep coordinator from HTIC, Jaysievel Pacpaco, noticed that students are eager to participate and build relationships with local students. Especially as schools begin to host more in-person events, she wants to be able to set up more cultural opportunities to bring students together.
These upcoming programs promise to boost participation, increasing the potential for international experiences and nurturing cross-cultural connections that strengthen our global community.
Gian Otoman Murata Minori Jaysievel Pacpaco
Mika Kuriyama
Allyson Munemitsu
Blood Donation Offers a Quick Way to Make an Impact
BY MOISES ALHAMBRA, JR. | PHOTOS BY NOAH PADILLA
What can you do that is especially beneficial to our community, takes one hour, and saves the lives of up to three people? Give blood.
You might know someone who has had surgery and, even minor ones, may require blood transfusion. Stacey Kelly, the staf nurse at the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu, emphasized that someone in a critical condition can be saved with the simple act of giving blood. Giving blood can save someone who is in critical condition.
“In Hawai‘i, it is especially important because we are out in the middle of the ocean, and it takes hours to get blood from the mainland,” Kelly said.
A blood donation normally takes less than an hour with subsequent or regular donations taking even less. The initial screening process may take around twenty minutes to determine eligibility based on the person’s medical history, and current health status at the time of donation. However the actual blood drawing only takes between eight to ten minutes.
For those who are apprehensive or unsure about the efects of giving blood, the risk is minimal to none.
“There is no harm to you as long as you’re healthy. Everything used for blood draw-
ing is sterile and is thrown away afer use so there is no risk of contracting any disease,” Kelly confirmed.
As for the possible pain, she also assured donors that it will be minimal. The technicians that draw blood have the experience to keep the discomfort to a minimum.
“Some people believe that it might hurt because the [medical staff] do use a large bore needle,” Kelly said.
There are few instances when there will be bruising on the injection site but none that have resulted in serious injuries, according to the American Red Cross.
Another benefit of blood donation is a mini-physical. During eligibility determination, conditions such as heart murmur, blood pressure, and clotting may be observed. Afer the blood draw, the
blood is submitted for screening. This screening can reveal factors such as high cholesterol, liver function disorders and diabetes. These findings are beneficial in the person’s attaining optimum health when discussed with their physician.
There are also snacks afer the donation and while the treats may provide additional incentive, they have another purpose because some donors may experience fatigue or light headedness.
“Afer giving blood, make sure to hydrate because it is a fluid shif, and we don’t recommend doing strenuous activities for a few days like running a marathon,” Kelly said.
As Kelly emphasizes, “Giving blood is giving back!” With this sometimes small discomfort, comes the great reward of saving someone’s life.
