As I write this editor’s note, the end of the semester quickly approaches and I fnd myself refecting with gratitude upon my time at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu. This is The Hoot’s third and fnal issue for Fall 2024, and the last issue which I will serve as editor.
For the past two years, I have been fortunate enough to be part of The Hoot. Time spent within this student-run orga-
nization has enhanced my academic journey at UHWO and provided real-world experiences for professional development, which I will take with me afer graduation.
The work of The Hoot is not possible without the sizable eforts of its team: Leviticus Kaopuiki, Tre Zamora, Lindsey Millerd, Grace Sapolu, Moises Alhambra, Jr., Noah Padilla, Georcelle Lozano, Josephine Paige Uson and Landon Tupper. Thank you to our advisor Kuʻualoha Kauanoe-Luda for her continued guidance and support. To Rouel Velasco and Sharla Hanaoka, thank you for the insight and feedback shared over the years.
Thank you for reading!
Mahalo nui loa, Carley Matsumura
Reach us by email at thehoot@hawaii.edu and connect through social media via our Instagram account @thehootnews
TABLE OF CONTENTS
. Writers and photographers will always be needed to share their perspectives and the stories of
Carley Matsumura
How Can the New President Support UHWO?
BY LANDON TUPPER | PHOTOS BY NOAH PADILLA
Wendy Hensel, the newly appointed president of the University of Hawaiʻi System, is set to take ofice in January 2025. Appointed by the UH Board of Regents, she pledged in her opening press conference to advance the 10-campus public university network as an Indigenous-inspired institution.
“I look forward to learning from all of you on this path, and I promise I will be your partner in working tirelessly to advance and elevate the university's unique role as an Indigenous-inspired institution,” Hensel said. “I am committed to uplifing and honoring the Native Hawaiian values on which it is based and eliminating all equity gaps, both for this and every group in every setting in which we fnd them.”
As she prepares to take on this challenge, the student leadership at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu hopes she will focus on closing those gaps for students from Hawaiʻi at smaller institutions within the system. Sydney Whitley is the president of the Associated Students of the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu, advocating for an underserved demographic that makes up most of the student body she represents.
“I've learned that we cater more to a non-traditional student, so either people who don't start college right afer high school or people who take gap years and decide to come back,” Whitley said.
According to the United States Census Bureau, there were 2,814 students enrolled at UHWO for the Fall 2024 semester, all of whom reside in Hawaiʻi. Of these, over 700 are of Native Hawaiian descent and more than 1,000 are Pell Grant Recipients.
This demographic data emphasizes the need to prioritize local students, a point Whitley is passionate about.
“I think they need to focus more on the people here. Because the issue is people are graduating (high school) from here and then they leave or don’t go to college,” Whitley said. “We want to make sure we engage, especially non-traditional students, because I do think sometimes they are an aferthought.”
Whitley believes that if students felt more supported, they would be more likely to stay in Hawaiʻi, helping to address the state’s outmigration issue.
“I have these deep-rooted values to help grow the people here before you try to
outsource people to come in, who don't know our cultures and don't know our people. It’s not always the best, especially if they're not willing to learn or to adapt,” Whitley said.
As Hensel steps into her new role, she has the opportunity to strengthen the university’s impact and create an environment that prioritizes its students and community. How she addresses these challenges will be crucial in shaping her legacy and the future of higher education in Hawaiʻi.
Sydney Whitley
Cram Jam Shines Light in the Midst of Seasonal Blues
BY JOSEPHINE PAIGE USON | PHOTOS BY NOAH PADILLA
Across the world, people are preparing for harsh, snowy winters and for some, the change of season also brings a changing of mood. As colder weather and fnal exams converge, students fnd themselves buried under a snowball of responsibilities, prompting experts to emphasize the need for a balanced approach that embraces both the present and future.
“If they’re hopeless, they see no future. If they’re helpless, that’s in the here and now, and that’s just as critical,” explained University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu psychology professor Dr. Richard Langford.
Thankfully, Hawaiʻi is one of the few states with the lowest rates of seasonal afective disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression. However, this doesn’t mean residents are immune to SAD or other emotional struggles.
Even in Hawaiʻi, the days still become shorter, lessening the amount of sunlight available during the later months of the year. Dr. Langford explains the body goes into a “semi-hibernation,” accompanied by symptoms similar to depression such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and insomnia. Unfortunately, individuals afected by SAD ofen withdraw due to the emotional turmoil and a lack of outlets.
Dr. Langford stresses the invaluable nature of the human connection, “One of the things people need to be people: is people.”
To further combat feelings of isolation, student services specialist at the Noʻeau Center, Wendy Takahashi, is dedicated to fostering support and building a community with Cram Jam. The study event is open to all UHWO students, in-person and online. Cram Jam is held each semester and will extend its hours beyond the ofice’s usual closing time, remaining open until 7 p.m.
Photo credit from Noʻeau Center
Students are free to consult a peer tutor, attend an instructor’s tutoring session or even send in their paper via the center’s online draf submission form. This event is even available to students who aren’t scheduled for a session and simply want a safe space to study independently.
Cram Jam has been a staple to the UHWO campus for over a decade, ofering peer support, fostering rapport and providing an opportunity to unwind. Aside from
tutoring, this event offers hot meals, refreshments and other quiet activities.
Along with positive reviews for academic assistance, Takahashi adds, “We also get feedback from students that just enjoy having student life on campus and having an opportunity to meet with other students and have fun.”
The mantra “let’s help you get to the fnish line” resonates throughout these
For those needing additional support, numerous public resources are available:
• Hawai i Cares-988: A mental health crisis line ofering support.
• United Way Support Line-211 : Assistance with housing, food, financial services and transportation.
• UHWO Campus Counseling Center : Reach them at 808.689.2678 or email Dr. Steven Taketa at taketas@hawaii.edu for counseling services.
gatherings, reminding students they are not alone through their education journey. In a time when many are grappling with the weight of their responsibilities, events like Cram Jam remind us that even in the coldest of months, warmth can be found in shared experiences.
These resources are vital for maintaining mental health and well-being, especially during the demanding end-of-year season. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and support is just a call or message away.
Photo credit from Noʻeau Center
Beyond the Headlines: Departing Staff Share Stories from The Hoot
BY LEVITICUS KAOPUIKI |
PHOTOS BY LEVITICUS KAOPUIKI
As The Hoot bids farewell to three long-standing staf members, we refect on the lasting impact these individuals have had over their more than two years of service. Grace Sapolu, Lindsey Millerd and Carley Matsumura each brought valuable insight to the team. As they learned the fundamentals of journalism and sharpened their writing and editorial skills, they helped craf many valuable stories during their time.
Grace Sapolu Staff WritEr
A secondary education major, Grace has spent four semesters as a dedicated writer for The Hoot, using her passion for education and storytelling to inform and engage the campus community.
What challenges did you face as a
Through their work to amplify voices and stories from the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu, they not only changed the newspaper’s content but also experienced personal growth, learning valuable lessons about storytelling, project management and community engagement. Their time with The Hoot has been a journey of leadership and professional development that will leave a lasting legacy on both the issue and its readers.
writer, and how did those experiences shape your skills and perspective?
One of the challenges I faced was getting out of my comfort zone. I had to approach students and also faculty, staf and professors when doing research for my articles. It forced me to get to know the people that were involved in my articles, especially during interviews and such. But the more I did it, the more I gained confdence.
Is there an article or project you’re especially proud of? What was special about it?
An article I am proud of is the one on exceptional women of UHWO. I thought it was empowering to hear from all those women, especially since I know a lot of them at school. Seeing how they help contribute to the campus and the greater community was interesting. It was over-
all an empowering piece to share about.
Looking back, what was the most surprising thing you learned about journalism or storytelling during your time on the paper?
For journalism, I learned about leads and nut grafs. I didn't even think about how most articles follow a structure that has a hook sentence and paragraph following it to give an overview of what the article is about. For storytelling, I learned how to punch up stories and use more interesting vocabulary when writing to make the content a little bit juicier.
A Hawaiian and Indigenous health and healing major, Lindsey has used her four semesters as a writer to highlight issues afecting local communities, bringing a culturally rich and thoughtful perspective to the newspaper's coverage.
Can you share a memorable story or article you worked on that lef a lasting impact on you or the readers?
I enjoyed writing the one about our music program in school. I got to know the music professor, Dr. Jon Magnussen, and also played in the UHWO band myself, too. I think that's an area of our school that doesn't get a lot of attention. I know the music classes I was in were super small – just a couple of us in there. Even for our school band, there are barely any West Oʻahu students in there. So I liked writing that story to just spotlight the programs we ofer. I think there are a ton of people who are into music or want to
get into music. Sharing those opportunities on campus for people to tap into that musical side, if it's something they didn't know about, was fun.
What challenges did you face as a writer, and how did those experiences shape your skills and perspective?
For me, a challenge with work in general, and with The Hoot too, is time management overall. Especially with The Hoot, you're doing an article pretty much self-directed, so you have to set those timelines for yourself. That's a challenge and I don't know if I necessarily got better at doing things ahead of time, but I think I became a more eficient writer. In the beginning, it would take me super long to get the words right the way I wanted or fow in a certain way. But over time, writing more, doing revisions, and getting help from the editors, shaped my writing style. I was able to become a little better at editing on my own as time went on.
Is there an article or project you’re especially proud of? What was special about it?
The article I'm proud of is the most recent one I'm doing about personable gift ideas and spotlighting students with small businesses. Something I enjoy about writing these types of articles is bringing attention to people or projects that people might not know about. Having a small business myself, I think it's really fun to highlight other young entrepreneurs and just share. I think a
lot of people on our campus would love to support fellow students, so it's good to get people's names out there. Both the girls I talked to are super nice and creative, and it makes me happy seeing them pursuing something like that at such a young age. I hope they have the best success and the spotlighting through writing and media is useful for them.
What are your plans afer graduation, and how do you see your writing experiences here contributing to your future?
I'm still fguring it out but my main options I want to do is either work with fundraising or grant writing. That's what I'm doing with the school right now, so maybe something with the university helping get funding for projects. For that work, you need to write a lot of projects. You have to write out the grant or fundraising proposal, so there's just tons of writing in that. If not, I'd hope to work in a nonproft or health center or something doing nutrition-related work or even agriculture, like a community garden. Even with those things, it wouldn't be as much writing all the time but I can see you need written communication for anything like if you're trying to advertise events or diferent resources; it needs a good fow to help people want to read the entire thing. Knowing how to make things clear and concise is useful for any type of work.
Lindsey Millerd Staff WritEr
Carley Matsumura Editor-in-ChiEf
A creative media major, Carley has led the newspaper with vision and guidance for four semesters as the current Editor-in-Chief and former managing editor, shaping the editorial direction and overseeing its creative development.
What challenges did you face as an editor, and how did those experiences shape your skills and perspective?
One challenge I faced was fguring out what deadlines work for myself and the team so that we could all meet our goals. It isn't just them and it isn't just me – we
all need to work together to have the content in because the work isnʻt done afer the articles and photos are submitted. Edits need to be ready in time for our layout editor to have a draf for the editorial team to review. The layout is updated at a quick turnaround time as we make further edits, and everything needs to be fnalized and sent out by our deadline to the printers so we can receive the issues in time to distribute them to campus stands. It's a constant learning process of fnding what works and then being fexible and recognizing things that are out of our control, while also maintaining a certain standard for the work that we put out and the work that we put in.
What was one lesson or skill you gained from your time on the paper that you’ll carry with you?
A skill I developed during my time in The Hoot was project management. Being present during each phase and step of our process gave me insight into the details of each story and how to showcase them within our overall work. There were also all the skills and experiences that come with project management: organization, setting deadlines, commu-
“WORK OUT LIKE A UHWO JOURNALIST, RUN WITH A STORY”
nication and teamwork. Knowing your team enough that you know how they will respond to things. You know who's going to get their work in on time, you know who's going to need extra time to complete their assignment, you know who to follow up with. You know what to expect, even as you're rolling with the unexpected that is constantly happening.
How did being part of the newspaper community afect your personal growth and relationships outside of journalism?
Being a part of The Hoot enriched my college experience. Starting as a distance learning student for the frst two years of my time at West Oʻahu, I was searching for the close-knit sense of community that UHWO has. Most of the people on campus are connected with each other and you see a lot of familiar faces, so being part of The Hoot helped me get to know fellow students, as well as the people who are running our school. It made me feel a lot closer to our community because I was part of what is facilitating campus engagement.
CARLEY MATSUMURA EDITOR IN - CHIEF
@ HAWAII.EDU
How Emerging Leaders Can Reshape Global Tourism
BY GEORCELLE LOZANO | PHOTOS BY NOAH PADILLA
As Hawaiʻi faces the increasing impacts of tourism, young leaders like Jaylee Jace Canoy envision a future where the tourism industry is rooted in respect, authenticity and cultural preservation. Canoy, a business administration major at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu with a concentration in hospitality and tourism, offers a unique perspective, grounded in her experiences working at the Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club on the west side.
“I’ve grown up with a sense of what locals value and what tourists expect,” Canoy explained. “The challenge comes when tourists expect a picture-perfect paradise without really understanding what made Hawaiʻi the way it is today.”
Canoy’s frsthand experiences on the west side, a region where history, culture and community feel especially connected, have shown her the potential for tourism to be more than just a vacation for visitors. It can be an opportunity to create bridges of understanding. At the Marriott, where aloha is integral to the guest experience, Canoy sees how embodying these values allows her and her team to connect meaningfully with visitors.
“Aloha is more than just a greeting; it represents love, respect, and care,” she said. “Living aloha is about being true to yourself, putting others before yourself and refecting kindness. It brings honor to you and your family.”
Canoy hopes that by bringing this sense of aloha into each interaction, guests not only experience a comfortable stay but gain a deeper understanding of the respect, gratitude and authenticity that characterizes Hawaiian culture.
When asked how a hotel could go beyond mere physical comfort to provide a richer experience for visitors, Canoy emphasized the importance of education and respect for Hawaiian traditions. She points out that many tourists unknowingly treat aspects of Hawaiian culture lightly, ofen needing more awareness of the meanings behind cultural symbols and customs.
“I think it’s essential for hotels to share a genuine local perspective,” she explained. “Visitors might know it’s disrespectful to take rocks from the beach, but they don’t always understand why.”
Canoy believes a signifcant part of this shif will come from students and young
leaders who have lived on the islands and understand the nuances of local life. As future leaders, students have the power to advocate for a tourism industry that respects Hawaiian culture and values.
“I think we, as locals, have a responsibility to bridge the gap between tourists and the local community,” she said. “By sharing local traditions, events and cultural perspectives–whether through social media or community initiatives–we can promote mutual respect and understanding.”
As Hawaiʻi navigates the growing efects of tourism, Canoy’s vision ofers a hopeful path forward–a future where tourism promotes cultural respect and genuine connection. By weaving aloha and preservation into every experience, leaders like her show that tourism can honor the spirit of Hawaiʻi, inviting visitors to appreciate the islands and understand what makes them unique.
Shop Local or DIY With Our Holiday Gift Guide
BY LINDSEY MILLERD | PHOTOS BY NOAH PADILLA
Instead of shuffling through random items at a big-box store this Christmas, consider gifing something a little more special and intentional. There are countless local businesses with unique products and services, including some by our own students. You can even make something yourself for a truly one-of-a-kind present! Either way, we’ve got you covered with shopping recommendations and gif inspiration for every person and budget.
Shopping locally allows you to meet the makers and see the products in-person before purchasing. Tawny Tynanes, a sophomore double majoring in pre-med and public administration, runs Wonton Knotts (@wonton.knotts on IG) selling handmade crochet plushies and honey.
She’s the youngest in her family to carry on a generations-old tradition of crocheting. She learned from her mom back in seventh grade and recently started selling her creations at the end of 2023.
“I design things that remind me of my childhood. I like cute things, and while some people might fnd them childish, I’m keeping my creativity through it,” Tynanes said.
As for the honey, the business started afer her dad began beekeeping a few years ago. While she initially started helping as part of a school project, she’s continued it as a way to spend time with her dad. Their bees are kept at her grand-
pa’s farm in Waimānalo, where the honey develops its favor based on the fowers in the surrounding farmlands.
As the season for giving approaches, many hurry to fll their carts with goods and trinkets for others, but overlook the many options to show thanks apart from material items. Experiential gifs are an alternative if you’re looking for something non-material. There are movie or concert tickets, passes for rock climbing and escape room experiences. It’s a great way to plan a fun activity together, help support someone’s hobbies or treat them to some self-care.
Tawny Tynanes
Madi “Nālei” Fujitani, a junior majoring in business marketing runs Nails by Nālei (@nails.by.nalei on IG). She started practicing nail art amidst the COVID-19 lockdowns and eventually received her nail license at the Honolulu Nail and Aesthetics Academy. She specializes in gel-x but also does acrylics and natural nails.
She works at Simply Lavish, a Native Hawaiian-owned, full-service salon in Pearl City. In an interview, she explained centering her brand on her culture, honoring her background and hoping to attract a local community that feels welcome in her salon space.
“When you have your nails done, you feel
DIY Gifs
great,” Fujitani said. “It’s just the confdence boost that people might need.”
Fujitani enjoys getting to know her clients and collaborates with them ahead of time to create a design within their budget. Simply Lavish sells gif cards that work for any of their service providers.
During the holidays and year round, it’s important to consider the economic and environmental impact of your purchases. While it’s convenient to shop Amazon’s bestsellers or festive items of department store shelves, it’s not the most conscious form of consumption.
On the west side, No‘eau Designers in Ka Makana Ali‘i features local businesses
ranging from clothing to toys, all with an island fair. Ewa (@ewabygentry) and Ho‘opili (@hoopilicommunity) will also be having holiday markets this December.
The holidays are a key time to support Hawai‘i’s entrepreneurs, strengthening our local economy rather than large corporations. Invest in thoughtful presents that your loved ones will truly cherish, bringing a deeper sense of fulfllment to your season of giving.
• At-home spa kit: Gif with a bath bomb, face mask and fuzzy socks with the added ofer to give a relaxing massage.
• Memory collage: Print out photos to memorialize your favorite moments and tape the mementos together on a board.
• Photo album: Add photos to a photo album with personal notes and cute stickers to make a gif your loved one will treasure.
• Style bundle: Thrif a set of clothes and accessories from a nearby second-hand store to match someone’s aesthetic.
• Ornaments: Get creative and try upcycling materials like toilet paper rolls or magazine clippings into fun designs!
Madi "Nālei" Fujitani
A Student Shares Christmas Celebrations From the Philippines
BY GRACE SAPOLU | PHOTOS BY NOAH PADILLA
When people think of the holidays, home ofen comes to mind: a place flled with familiar faces, traditions and comfort. However, for some students from the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu, celebrating the season means being away from their frst home.
UHWO students from various countries bring with them a rich array of holiday traditions from around the globe. As they celebrate, they not only honor their cultural customs but also share them with others, creating an opportunity for everyone to appreciate the diferent ways that people celebrate the season. Embracing these different traditions is a great way to learn about and connect with each other during the holidays.
Raymart Billote, a senior majoring in secondary education at UHWO, has heartfelt memories of celebrating Christmas in the Philippines, where he was born and raised until 2017. Having spent 13 years immersed in Filipino culture, Billote experienced Christmas surrounded by family traditions that connect him to his roots. Now living in Hawaiʻi, he keeps these traditions with him, mixing his cultural heritage with new experiences on the island.
His family celebrations include great food, fun times and parties to exchange gifs and play games. Billote shared they try to watch movies together and give out gifs afer dinner. One of their traditions involves gif-giving, where each member picks a name from a bowl and then fnds a gif for that person.
“We usually do that early, around November,” said Billote.
Within the past fve years, a recent phenomenon occurred in the Philippines of celebrating Christmas a few months earlier in the year. The additional time is used to fully celebrate their family and faith together with loved ones.
According to the digital media platform RepublicAsia, “Christmas is celebrated not just in December, but for a total of four months–starting all the way from September.”
For Billote, some of the biggest changes he's faced celebrating the holidays away from home relate to time. Afer moving to Hawaiʻi, he noticed that Christmas isn’t celebrated quite the same way as it is in the Philippines. Many of his family members in Hawaiʻi are ofen busy working during the holiday season, which makes it harder for a group gathering to occur.
“Everybody’s at work compared to the Philippines, where everybody is at home,” he explained. “We were able to celebrate more together as a family.”
As traditions evolve over time, they can also lead to new experiences. Even when change is uncomfortable, reassurance and support can be found in celebrating what is important to you during the holidays.
