It is with great excitement that I present this publication. Thoughtfully crafed by our staf we followed the stories relevant to the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu and its community.
Our 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 and Josephine Paige Uson. Your passion, drive and willingness to adapt with the story makes us The Hoot.
For her guidance and support, a huge thank you to our new advisor Ku‘ualoha Kauanoe-Luda!
We hope you enjoy the issue. Happy reading!
Mahalo nui loa, Carley Matsumura
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Ghosts, Gods and Kings: Moʻolelo from West Oʻahu
BY GRACE SAPOLU | PHOTOS BY NOAH PADILLA
October is known as the spookiest month of the year but on the west side of O‘ahu, frightful tales go beyond Halloween.
Rooted in Hawaiian culture and mythology, these ancient stories are more than just legends. Mo‘olelo of gods, goddesses, tricksters and kings have been passed down for generations, blending the mystical with the historical. While some stories are well-known, many lesser-told tales are just as vital to understanding the places we live, work and study. Learning them deepens our connection to the land and enriches our sense of home.
Take, for example, the haunting mo‘olelo of the plains of Honouliuli, also known as “kula o Kaupe‘a.” According to “‘Ewa ‘Āina Inventory” from Noho Papa and Kamehameha Schools, the plains were thought to be a realm for wandering souls. Renowned Hawaiian historian Samuel Kamakau once wrote that wandering souls searched for moths, butter-
flies and spiders as ‘aumakua to guide them to the aferlife.
This region’s eerie history doesn’t end there. In 1910, acclaimed Hawaiian scholar Mary Pukui shared her own chilling encounter. As she walked through Kalaeloa with her aunty, cousin and their dog, Teto, the dog suddenly collapsed. Her aunty, recognizing the danger, quickly instructed Pukui to fetch sea water. While praying to their ‘aumakua and sprinkling water over the dog, the family frantically worked to revive the beloved pet.
Miraculously, the dog recovered. Later, Pukui learned that the hungry ghosts were trying to claim the animal.
Such mo‘olelo are not just spooky tales; they’re part of the curriculum at the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu. Dr. Ross Cordy, a professor of Hawaiian, Micronesian and Polynesian mythology, teaches these ancient stories to help students understand the deep cultural ties be
tween the land and its people. One of his favorite tales to share with students is the mo‘olelo of Kamapua‘a, the pig god, who freed himself from capture and devoured King Olopana at Kamohoali‘i heiau.
Kamapua‘a was bound by the king, intended as a sacrifice to the gods. But when he heard his grandmother’s chant, Kamapua‘a called upon his supernatural strength to escape and in the process, ate the king!
These stories not only captivate with their drama but also illuminate the profound connection between people and place. Understanding mo‘olelo is more than an academic exercise; these oral literatures survived through generations to shape our present. As we study and live in West O‘ahu, knowing stories like these help us to experience places in ways that are both historically rich and mythically profound.
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UHWO Band First From Hawaiʻi at Prestigious Concert
BY JOSEPHINE PAIGE USON | PHOTOS BY NOAH PADILLA
The University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu Band prepares to take the stage for the first time at the 78th Midwest Clinic Convention. This is the first time a community band from Hawai‘i has been selected to perform at the prestigious event.
Dr. Chadwick Kamei has been working diligently alongside Dr. Michael Nakasone as co-directors for the UHWO band to prepare the group for the stage at the
Midwest Clinic. He compares the event to the Olympics as each performing group represents the best of the best from their musical community. The projected audience of more than 1,500 will be the largest group they have ever performed for.
“If there’s one place a band director wants to perform, it would be here at the Midwest Clinic,” said Kamei.
However, the journey hasn’t been an easy one. Unlike other concerts where a fee is paid to perform, the application process for the Midwest Clinic is strictly through blind audition.
The bands must send in several recordings, all of which have been played in the last five years. Afer thorough selection from over 100 bands, only two community bands are selected. This year, Ha-
wai‘i and Lithuania have been accepted to perform.
Next steps for the band include funding their journey. As of August, they only raised $10,000 out of the $200,000 needed to fund the group of over 100 members. In preparation for the event, the group is busy fundraising, collecting donations and applying for grants to reach their goal.
“It’s really a great opportunity for Hawai‘i to shine,” Kamei said.
Kamei is dedicated to showcasing Hawai‘i and has incorporated several Hawaiian pieces. Four of these are the work of Eddie Kamae, lead musician from Sons of Hawai‘i. The setlist will also feature the eforts of composer Jim David with the premiere of “Haleakalā Preludium.” The audience will journey throughout the islands with melodies illustrating its famous mountainscapes.
Performing at the Midwest Clinic has been a long-time goal for Kamei. He shares this dream and love for music with each member of the UHWO band.
The diverse group is made up of highschool students, college students, retirees and teachers.
“We’ve created not only music but we’ve also created a community,” said Kamei.
Calling back to his time as a director, Kamei commends the group's passion and unity that ultimately led the band to this performance. As the Midwest Clinic approaches, he encourages them to continue dreaming big.
Cultural Appropriation in Coconut Bras and Grass Skirts
What to consider this year and every Halloween to come
BY LINDSEY MILLERD | PHOTOS BY LEVITICUS KAOPUIKI
“My culture is not your costume” has become a popular phrase in the last decade as costumes involving Native American headdress and hula dancer coconut bras received criticism for cultural appropriation.
With the rise of social media, people all around the world began to see and comment on others' Halloween costumes. Intentional or not, dressing in traditional regalia can come of as a mockery when the costuming is wildly exaggerated or inaccurate.
Cultural appropriation is defined as the “adoption of certain language, behavior, clothing, or tradition belonging to a minority culture or social group by a dominant culture or group in a way that is exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical,” according to Encyclopedia Britannica.
A practice like blackface is an ofensive reference to minstrel shows where white actors portrayed African American stereotypes, but other costumes are uncertain in their level of appropriateness to wear.
“People wear our culture on them as a costume, but they're not a part of the practice. They know nothing about the culture,” said Lūlani Chung-Kuehu, a University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu junior majoring in Hawaiian and Indigenous health and healing. She is also a hula dancer with Hālau Hula ‘O Hokulani.
While some argue that Halloween isn’t meant to be taken seriously, in many cultures the garments hold deep meaning that should be understood before wearing. Like Native Americans, Hawaiians costuming holds spiritual and ceremonial significance.
“A lot of times, the hula [Halloween] costumes are very wrong,” Chung-Kuehu said. “They use coconut bras, fake flower lei and grass skirts.”
She clarified that coconut bras are actually a Tahitian style, not Hawaiian, and skirts are typically made of kapa or ti leaves, not straw. This kind of misrepresentation can be insulting, perpetuating flawed views of these populations’ traditions and diminishing a culture to a costume for entertainment.
Moreover, it’s not only Indigenous and minority populations that get turned into distasteful costumes. Dressing as an ethnic group in oversexualized or inaccurate Halloween costumes detracts from the true experiences of that community.
“It’s really the demeanor of a person,” Chung-Kuehu said. “Some of the women in our halau are not Hawaiian, but they love the culture, so they took the time to be a part of a halau where they know that they can learn about what they’re doing and why they’re doing it.”
There’s a fine line between cultural appropriation and appreciation. Appropriation is wearing a costume without understanding its significance, while appreciation requires genuine care of the culture. For Chung-Kuehu’s hula sisters, proper acknowledgement to the culture allows them to honor the people and place they are representing.
“Our culture is very dear to us, it’s what makes us who we are,” said Chung-Kuehu.
Fall Celebrations of Culture Beyond Halloween
BY MOISES ALHAMBRA, JR.
Global Diversity Awareness Month, observed in October, recognizes the world's vast array of cultures and promotes an inclusive environment for all.
As a country of immigrants, our nation celebrates various cultural and religious celebrations. While Halloween and its spooky celebrations are prominent in October, there are many other events celebrated around the world.
These cultures provide a glimpse into their individual views, values and strengths. In the United States, people enjoy month-long celebrations of Filipino, Italian, Polish and German heritage,
each with a variety of diferent practices and traditions.
This diversity of culture ofers many opportunities to celebrate the month. Festivals include parades with vibrant displays of colors, dancing and costumes, complemented by tasty food and beverages. So, what do these events look like for each culture?
Every window is ornamented with a candle during Diwali, a Festival of Lights celebrated by many religious organizations in India. Filipino celebrations include dances such as Pandanggo sa ilaw, which also use candles. Another celebration
involving lights is Japan's Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival. The festival is famous for illuminating the horizon against the darkening skies with hundreds of red paper lanterns released in the air to honor their gods.
At the end of October is a favorite celebration for families, Halloween. Popularized by Catholicism, the festivities feature costumes, haunted houses, scary decorations and the tradition of going trick-or-treating. A similar celebration to Halloween is Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead, wherein departed family members join the living to celebrate.
When thinking about cultural celebrations, food plays a significant role in representing one’s heritage. Some of the popular dishes of Filipino culture are pancit and lumpia; spaghetti and lasagna for Italian; kielbasa and pierogies for Polish; and German schnitzel and sauerbraten.
Throughout the many Native American tribes there is a wide variety of dishes and meals to be found. Cowlitz nation in Seattle, for example, has salmon farms for their members. While there is no popular Cowlitz recipe for salmon, it is an important part of their culture. The Cowlitz emblem features a jumping salmon going against the current. It symbolizes the tribes’ struggles and strength against European colonization in preserving their culture.
Many of these celebrations focus on continuing traditions and maintaining a sense of connection with their community and culture. Learning about diferent festivities and practices ofers insight into the experiences of people around the world. Celebrating the uniqueness of each culture in October is celebrating what makes our community resilient and strong.
The Real Deal on Midterm Motivation
Strategies and insights for navigating the academic crunch
through effective time management, hydration and regular breaks. He also points out the importance of environment and mental health during intense study sessions.
resources. Seeking support is crucial for managing stress and mental well-being during midterms.
BY GEORCELLE LOZANO | PHOTOS BY NOAH PADILLA
What drives a student’s motivation during this high-pressure period of midterms? Is it the fear of failure, the desire to succeed or something deeper, perhaps even more personal?
With midterms around the corner, students of the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu are gearing up for a challenging time of balancing studies and staying motivated. Dr. Richard Langford asserts that maintaining motivation during midterms is crucial. Efective preparation plays a key role in this; it is not about cramming the night before midterms but about creating a sustainable study routine that balances work with rest and relaxation.
Langford, a psychology professor at UHWO, emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and time management for students facing midterms.
“The key when getting ready for midterms is understanding your abilities,” Langford explains. “This awareness plays a significant role in what we call anticipatory anxiety, which can cause a range of physical symptoms like nausea, dizziness and changes in breathing.”
He points out that anxiety levels can vary based on a student’s past experiences and their general ability to handle stress. This makes it crucial to approach midterms with a strategy tailored to indi-
vidual needs. Langford further highlights how stress afects cognitive functions, such as memory and problem-solving abilities.
“Stress afects short-term and long-term memory,” he said. “One of the chemicals involved in stress is cortisol. Once cortisol starts pushing through your veins, it changes your body’s chemistry, which can interfere with concentration and memory retention.”
He emphasizes the significance of taking care of one’s physical health. Langford advises students to manage stress
“Start breaking your studying down into manageable pieces. Don’t try to accomplish it all at once,” Langford suggests. “Minimize distractions, avoid bright screens in dark rooms and make sure you’re in a space where you can focus.”
As midterms approach, Langford emphasizes the importance of preparation, self-awareness and utilizing available
“If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to campus resources,” he shares. “Counseling services are available at 808-689-2678. Students with documented medical conditions can contact the ADA ofice at 808-689-2935 for accommodations.”
In the high-pressure period of midterms, maintaining motivation and mental well-being requires a blend of good time management, self-care and
a strong support network. As UHWO students prepare for their midterms, these insights serve as a reminder that balancing midterms and motivation is a personal journey shaped by individual strategies and resources.
In addition to campus resources, the 2-1-1 United Way service is available for students in need of further support. The free 2-1-1 service provides access to local community resources, including physical and mental services, housing, and utility assistance — as well as food programs, employment support, and crisis interventions. Available in multiple languages, 2-1-1 ensures that students can find the help they need, no matter the situation.
“WORK OUT LIKE A UHWO
Free Food and Basic Needs Coming Soon
Updates on establishing a permanent food pantry location
BY LINDSEY MILLERD | PHOTOS BY NOAH PADILLA
The University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu is taking its next steps toward addressing student hunger with plans for a fixed Food Vault location to act as a pantry and basic needs hub.
Since January 2024, the West O‘ahu Basic Needs Committee has been meeting monthly to push the pantry project forward. The committee is tackling challenges like location, leadership and funding. As one of the last UH campuses to start a food pantry initiative, UHWO is attending system-wide basic needs meetings to learn from established campus pantries.
“The process is still ongoing and it has been dificult for us to get started,” said Ryan R. Perreira, UHWO’s coordinator for recreation, fitness and wellness and member of the West O‘ahu Basic Needs Committee.
The group must identify the resources necessary to set the program in motion. The pantry is set to provide fresh and dry foods, canned goods, hygiene items including feminine products, and clothing.
“We provide some of these services [currently] but in diferent locations. Hopefully this new space can accommodate all those resources,” Perreira said.
Feminine hygiene products are available in most restrooms, the health center and around campus in Ma‘i Movement dispensers. The Career Closet ofers free professional clothing and health services are available in the academic advising ofice and library.
While awaiting the opening of our oficial food pantry, students can take advantage of ongoing pop-up Food Vault distributions in front of the Nāulu Center, located on the 1st floor of C-building. These distributions alternate between Monday and Tuesday, with a variety of produce and bread available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“The permanent place and opening date is still pending because of logistical is-
sues,” said Perreira. “What I can tell you is that a temporary place will be available shortly in C-building upstairs.”
They are looking for student afairs service associates to help with pantry operations, data collection and promotion. The pay is $15.95/hour. You can find the full position description and application on sece.its.hawaii.edu.
Student success starts with basic needs like nourishment. The establishment of a permanent and all-encompassing basic needs hub will be a key resource for current and future students. More diverse food options and accessibility will serve a larger part of our population, ensuring every student is able to learn and live at their maximum potential.
