Issue 5, Fall 2012 by Ke Kalahea

KE KALAHEA

The Herald

Monday Nov. 5, 2012 Issue 5

Vote! Elections under way!

THE STUDENT RUN & WRITTEN PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI’I, H I L O A N D H AWA I ’ I C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E

Letter from the editor

EDITOR IN CHIEF Dorothy Fukushima

BUSINESS MANAGER Karyle Saiki

LAYOUT DESIGNERS Denarose Fukushima Anthony Hruza

STAFF WRITERS Alexandria Agdeppa Britney Carey Keane Carlin Joie Colobong Dennis Fukushima Elizabeth Johnson Sarah Kekauoha Michael Pierron

WEBMASTER Alya Azman

AD MANAGER

nfortunately, there will not be a printed edition of Ke Kalahea Issue Five. It stands that our printer, who has been graciously providing services, has not been paid. Ace Printing has been our printer of choice for years because of their outstanding service, extremely competitive pricing and accommodation. It is truly a shame that we haven’t been able to make payment as the semester draws to a close. We hope that Ke Kalahea will be able to maintain its working relationship with Ace Printing. Ke Kalahea submitted the request for Superquote for newspaper printing bid in July to Campus Center in accordance with their deadlines. Campus Center then notified Ke Kalahea that Ace Printing won the bid and began filling out the Purchase Order (PO) forms. Issue One was scrapped as Ace Printing could not be officially awarded the contract without the PO. By Issue Two, Campus Center gave Ace Printing a verbal “ok” to go ahead and print, with the understanding that they had been awarded the contract and would be paid. Now, on the verge of Issue Five, printing has ceased as payment has still not been made. Ke Kalahea staff has not been privy to information regarding the PO status. We do not know when Campus Center processed the PO, or when the UH Hilo Business Office received the PO or what events happened after that. We will be looking into this matter and intend to keep our readers updated. In the meantime, Ke Kalahea will be available online at kekalahea.com. We are hopeful that we can use this unfortunate circumstance as an opportunity to expand and improve our online site. Thank you for your continued support and understanding. Dorothy Fukushima Editor in Chief

Heather Bailey

CIRCULATION MANAGER Meghann Decker

COPY CHIEF

Arts Pg 4 Pg 6 Pg 7

& | | |

Community Coo-coo for Coconuts National day of giving Joe Turner’s Come and Gone

George Kekauoha

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Charlotte Schaupp

Entertainment Pg 14 | Rants and Raves

PHOTOGRAPHERS Yuta Momoki Bryan Patterson

STAFF ADVISOR Tiffany Edwards Hunt

Ke Kalahea Campus Center Room 215 200 W. Kawili St. Hilo, 96720 (808) 974-7504 Fax: (808) 974-7782

Ke Kalahea Mission Statement Ke Kalahea is the student news publication for the University of Hawai’i at Hilo and Hawai’i Community College. We express the voice of the student body using our rights to the freedom of speech and press. The mission of Ke Kalahea is to provide coverage of news and events affecting the university and our community. We offer a forum for communication and the exchange of ideas and provide educational training and experience for students in all areas of the newspaper’s operation. Ke Kalahea operates a fiscally responsible organization, which ensures our ability to serve the university well. Through Ke Kalahea’s publication, we encourage students to take advantage of academic and personal opportunities – ones that will deepen their knowledge, enhance their experiences and broaden their perspectives.

Cover graphic : Denarose Fukushima

UHH kicks off its first Vampire Hunt to rid the campus of energy draining devices Join the Green Revolution: Become a Vampire Hunter Dennis Fukushima | Staff Writer Photos: Yuta Momoki

eady your energy meters, UHH students: it’s time to stake some vampires. Not the traditional vampires that suck your blood, of course, but the electronic vampires that suck up energy and drain your wallet. The Vampire Hunt, as it was appropriately dubbed, was started by Cindy Hara from Hawaii Government Employee’s Association (HGEA). The University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH) was looking for other ways to reduce their tremendous electric bill, as the photovoltaic panels currently being installed on the library would be the maximum amount of PV panels UHH is allowed to have. Naturally, Hara’s proposal couldn’t be turned down when she contacted the Director of Campus Center Ellen Kusano. Working quickly with Campus and Community Services (CCS) coordinator Lyssa Warren, Kusano rounded up participants and leaders for the event. CCS, along with Student Activities Council (SAC), and the UH Hilo Student Association (UHHSA) agreed to fund the event. With the various groups involved in the Vampire Hunt, Kusano said, “the Vampire Hunt is really about a mixed group of organizations coming together to make a difference on campus.” Additionally, Kusano stated, “(We) can save money and put it towards activities, classes and curriculum.” The ultimate goal for the Vampire Hunt is to have it go on continuously throughout the year, and to partner up with local high schools and have the Resident Halls evaluated for energy vampires as well. The kick off was a two-day event that started on Oct. 26 and ended on Oct. 27. Groups of students worked their way through the campus equipped with electromagnetic field meters, energy meters, light meters and temperature guns provided by HGEA. Areas surveyed included the library, Campus Center, ‘Imiloa, Agriculture labs, Kilauea Financial Plaza, and faculty and student lounges, with permission. The Oct. 27 hunt had two time slots: one in the morning from 9 to 11 a.m. that was partnered with Make a Difference Day, and the other from 6- 8 p.m. that was in conjunction with SAC’s Haunted House. During the 6-8 p.m. hunt, students and volunteers had to walk through an unlit Campus Center with hand-crank flashlights donated by HGEA. Using the energy meters provided, students were divided into groups of three and were sent to various rooms throughout the building. Every electronic device had to be monitored for their Watt usage, and were classified as either “vampires” or “non-vampires”. Vampire electronics are devices that continue to use energy while plugged in, even when they are not in use. Examples of vampire electronics include microwaves, computers and fax machines. Students kept track of their findings on a spreadsheet and then traded those sheets in for raffle tickets. Prizes were then handed out on Oct. 31 during the Food Fest, and included various energy saving appliances, power strips, and CFL bulbs. If you want to become a Vampire Hunter, or want your office evaluated for vampires, contact Lyssa Warren at 975-7381.

1st Annual Hilo

Festival

A review of the festival held at Coconut Island Elizabeth Johnson | Staff writer

As a donator, Hampton said, “I made sorbet as a fundraiser for the Hawaiian Kingdom to make some extra ‘kala’ (money).” Commenting on the On Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Coconut Island event, Hampton said, “This is awesome and done with aloha and love. It starts the “1st Annual Hilo Coconut Festival” was held. It was a free event that with a very specific topic of coconuts and the natural products that come from targeted families, children, and the big island community in order to boost the island. The big question I want you all to ask yourselves is, how come public knowledge of the Hawaiian island coconut. The program of the event we’re not growing more coconuts on this island?” included live, local, Hawaiian entertainment, Food & Clothing Vendors, Also present and participating in the festival was the group “Lono and a variety of Hawaiian coconut uses. Vendors showcased coconut soap, Kanaka’ole Trio,” which performed traditional Hawaiian music. The “Lono cosmetics, coconut meat, coconut oil, processed coconut drinks, clothing, Kanaka’ole Trio” reaches back to sounds of the kupuna. They strive to carry crafts, accessories, treats, and dishes. on the legacy of the three part sound harmony that was so unique and intrinsic Even though the event was intended to focus on the Hawaiian island to Hawaiian music of the past. coconut, it also exposed traditional Hawaiian cultural activities, arts, and Performer Kristi Lasador of the trio group said, “We were so thrilled crafts such as drum making, basket weaving, lauhala weaving, sugarcane juice to participate! We’ve all grown up knowing and loving Moku Ola. This is an making, rope making, coconut leaf hat making, hula dancing, and ukulele opportunity for crafts people and vendors to earn their livelihood. They come playing. out and not to the mall. We can support vendors, families—it’s a nice event The event focused on the Hawaiian island coconut, so there was no and we’re gonna come to the next one!” better place to host the event than on Coconut Island, also known as Moku So folks, in a year from now, during late October, look forward to Ola, or island of life. By focusing on the Hawaiian island coconut, Kahu o the 2nd Annual Hilo Coconut Festival and consider attending the event because Kahiko Inc. coordinator John Roberts and co-coordinator Vince McMillan it was the first of many to come. By attending, it may help raise more sought to help raise self-sustainability issues for islanders. awareness of the Hawaiian island coconut in order to help Hawaii become Said Roberts, “Kahu o Kahiko means ‘keepers of the past’— more self-sustainable and less reliant upon outside island imported resources. we focus on preserving values and practices of the Hawaiian culture and At the same time, you can enjoy live, local, Hawaiian entertainment, good recordings of history. Today we have 21 vendors with different types of crafts, company, food, and gain more knowledge in traditional Hawaiian activities food products—something that’s made locally that we wanna share with the and island coconut use here on the Big Island of Hawaii. public because we wanna make them know that we can self-sustain coconut products. And as well as educate them on the use of the coconut tree and the “RJ Hampton – Raising Cane Company” leaves and the kind of crafts they can create such as hats, basket, jewelry— they all made out of coconuts.” McMillan added: “We want to create a forum of people to understand full knowledge of coconut from its sustainability—why is it that we have 400 thousand square miles on our island, no coconut orchards or farms, and we’re importing coconut oil, kefir—all these things we’re importing. We are trying to get the people to understand that we can sustain ourselves. It’s not that the ship is gonna stop coming, it’s just that what’s going to come on the ship may be so expensive that you may not even be able to afford it. So here, we’re teaching people early on what we can do to make our life more sustainable so that we don’t have to depend on life outside of our own—we can create here on our own.” Food vendor “Sugar Momma’s Cane,” managed by Arthur and Amrita Hoke, sold fresh sugarcane juice, kawa, and tai coconut pure. Said Arthur about the festival, “I wasn’t expecting nothing—last minute kine stuff. But I think it’s awesome so far. I like the turnout and lots of people here. Try to be here next year.” His wife Amrita said, “I feel good about this event. I was expecting pretty much this. We will do this again next year. I like this live music—and nice day at Coconut Island!” Donator RJ Hampton in charge of the food vendor “Raising Cane Company” sold cane juice sorbet. Hampton explained the process, “We are the first to make cane juice sorbet—it’s different than other sorbet; it’s loaded with vitamins and minerals and no sugar, no cholesterol or dairy. It’s the alternative to regular ice cream and sorbet and made local here!”

Race for the Senate Heats Up Two old rivals go head to head once again Dennis Fukushima | Staff Writer

ell residents of Hawaii, it’s that time again: elections. This year has been filled with ads saying why a certain candidate is the right choice for Hawaii, and now that it’s crunch time, these ads are getting more and more frequent. With rising tuition and a poor economy, it’s important to get the past the negative ads and to the truth. Presented here are key issues and each candidate’s stance. Please note that all information was gathered from LindaLingle2012.com and MazieforHawaii.com, as neither candidate could be reached for an interview.

Linda Lingle (Right) Jobs and the Economy: Lingle has experience leading Hawaii through rough times, seeing as she was the state’s Governor during the economic recession. She plans to have policies in place to create jobs for the people of Hawaii. According to LindaLingle.com2012, Lingle says, “I will put businesses and workers at the center of efforts to rejuvenate our economy, with government playing a key supporting and facilitating role.” She plans to reform existing policies that include taxing regulations, immigration, and lawsuits. Green Energy: Lingle believes that ideas for alternative solutions for fuels and other energy sources should be encouraged. She believes vehicles should be able to run on different mixes of fuels so that competition

can decide which fuel will best satisfy America’s needs. Sustainability and Conservation: Lingle created Papahanaumokuakea National monument, which is among the largest marine conservations in the world, and the largest in America. Lingle believes that the economy plays a key role in conservation. She plans to lobby for multi-fuel vehicles, public-private ownership of land for conservation, and ocean stewardship. Education: “Investing in education means investing in Hawaii’s most precious resource: our next generation.” Lingle says on LindaLingle2012. com. She believes that having a solid educational environment it key to having a prosperous economy. Lingle believes the key to America’s success comes from the equal opportunities everyone has from free, public education.

Photo: http://www.lingle2012.com/

Mazie Hirono (left) Jobs and the Economy: Hirono sympathizes with families; she knows just how hard it is to get a job or obtain financial aid for college. Hirono believes that to create jobs, Hawaii needs a great education system first. Hirono also thinks that another way to stimulate the economy is to fix up roads, airports, harbors and the likes. Hirono plans on strengthening the economy with more sustainability options, producing locally grown food, and boosting tourism. Green Energy: With all of the different energy sources Hawaii has, Hirono says that we should utilize these energies to reduce dependency on foreign oil and mainland energy. Through this, the cost of living here should lower, and businesses, houses and vehicles can be powered via alternative fuels. Photo: http://hirono.house.gov/

Sustainability and Conservation: 90% of energy is imported to Hawaii. “This extreme imbalance of imported energy and food drives up prices on the basic necessities we buy in Hawaii and places an additional burden on everyday families.” Hirono says about the imported energy crisis Hawaii experiences on her website, MazieforHawaii.com. Hirono plans on securing water for irrigation systems to increase farming productivity, thus making locally grown food more affordable and available. Education: Hirono thinks that education is necessary for Hawaii’s youth. Hirono wants stronger public schools so that every child can experience the American Dream. She also plans on reforming the No Child Left Behind law, and increasing funds for educators. Hirono wants to focus on children and early education, specifically in the fields of science, math and technology.

National Make A Difference Day, A Day Of Giving Community members unite to make a big difference in Hilo Michael Pierron | Staff Writer Each year in October organizations around the nation gather volunteers to work on community service projects for National Make A Difference Day (NMADD). According to the main sponsor of the national day of giving, USA WEEKEND, this year an estimated three million volunteers worked on community service projects around the nation. Here on the Big Island, about 200 volunteers gathered from east Hawaii in two locations to serve the Hilo community. The Hawaiian proverb a’ohe hana nui ka alu’ia means “No task is too big when done together,” and citizens of the Big Island have come together to demonstrate the true meaning of these ancient words of wisdom. Many students and community members woke early on a Saturday morning to gather in the Campus Center of UH Hilo for breakfast and a briefing about what projects the day had in store. Registered Independent Student Organizations (RISO), students, faculty and volunteers from the community broke up in to several groups that would attend the different projects being done on campus. Lyssa Warren, interim coordinator for Campus and Community Services explained how everyone came together for the common goal of making a positive difference on campus by doing good. “We have a Good Neighbor Day where we do good in the community, so this is a project that we do on campus. Several clubs were represented: Hawaiian Club, Agriculture Club, Beekeeping Club, Sociology Club, Biology Club, and Roteract.” She went on to describe some of the service projects on campus undertaken by each of the groups. “We had people working in the botanical gardens, the lanai gardens on third floor of Campus Center, the ti leaf area behind Lava Landing, and the ginger area on front steps of Campus Center.” Senior student on international exchange, Kat Saunders, who is majoring in political science and sociology, was glad to share her experience working in garden boxes on the lanai behind the Pacific Island Student Center. “I heard about it through the Sociology Club and I thought it sounded like something fun to do on Saturday morning. It was nice to take part in something on campus that contributed to something that we can all see a difference in.”

Anne Anderson, local girl scout troop leader, helps direct volunteers who helped construct a garden box bench along Wailuku river in downtown Hilo.

Olena Kagui, a sophomore majoring in political science, also shared her sentiments about working in the garden boxes. “I like volunteering and I just like contributing. I feel like Hawaii gave a lot to me, so I want to give something back because coming here was really special and I’d love to be a part of improving the community here.” While volunteers worked on the campus at UH Hilo, others from the community gathered on the banks of the Wailuku River where it flows in to Hilo Bay. These volunteers working with the Hilo Improvement Project made a difference in town by constructing a raised bed garden box with an inset bench looking over the river into the bay. This is the first installment of what will eventually become the Hilo Bayfront Trail System, a path that will run along the front of Hilo Bay, down to Kaipalaoa Point and up to Rainbow Falls. Members of local girl scout and boy scout troops helped to lay mulch around the area surrounding the bench while others began constructing the frame made of recycled lumber. Once completed, the frame was filled with a mix of compost, minerals, biochar, beneficial microorganisms, cinder and a few other nutritious soil amendments. After being mixed, the soil was planted with vegetables and flowers for community members to enjoy. All materials used for the project, including the lumber, soil amendments and plants were obtained from the Big Island. This is an important value that Anne Anderson, troop leader of Girl Scout troop 2096 hopes to instill in her scouts. “My girl scouts helped build the garden bench. Two of my girls are working on their silver awards so they’re learning how to use recycled materials to make useful things instead of putting it in the landfill. They want to get in to public education so I hope that this will help teach them the value of being self-reliant and self-sufficient, that they can recycle and reuse materials and grow their own food and that they can pass on those community values.” In these small ways, the strangers and average people you pass each day have come together to make a difference in their community. Are you interested in making a difference in your community? You don’t have to wait till next year to get involved. Join a club, volunteer with a local charity, or find your own creative way to make a difference any day.

Volunteers from a local girl scout troop make a difference in downtown Hilo by mulching the area around a bench that they helped to build out of recycled materials. The bench is the first installment of what will eventually develop in to the Hilo Bayfront Trail System.

Volunteers spread a mountain of mulch around the site where the constructed a raised bed garden box with an inset bench. The project demonstrates how useful things can be produced from materials that would otherwise end up in a landfull.

Joe Turner’s Come and Gone

A preview Elizabeth Johnson | Staff Writer Charlotte Schaupp | Graphic Designer “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” is a play written by August Wilson during the 1980s. It is the second play of his chronological plays that captures the struggles and experiences of the lives of African-Americans in the 20th century. This play is based at a boarding house during the year 1911 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and involves a variety of characters in each age group and generation (such as children, young adults, adults, and the elderly). Each character deals with conflict, racism, identity, discrimination, romance, hopes, dreams, and on top of that must try to figure out what the future has in store for them. The dialogue reflects the 20th century revolves around a spiritual, religious, and musical themes. Here at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Performing Arts Faculty Head Chairman Jackie Pualani Johnson, has always had a profound love for the play “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.” “I just love this play because you can catch up on the stunning language and unwavering humanity during those times. It is about people finding their way in time of transition. And the fact that the play takes place in a boarding house, it just allows that. There is a humor, even though it’s a serious topic, that also makes you laugh and there is just music in the language! August Wilson was brilliant in capturing all of it!” said Pualani Johnson. Pualani Johnson has always had a desire to see the play come here to UH Hilo to be performed and when the opportunity arose, she jumped on it. Because the play is based on the African-American culture, she felt inspired to seek out African-American Director Ken Elliot. Pualani Johnson commented, “I believe that using someone of the culture to direct presents the ethnic quality of acting, and it articulates the opportunity to bring stories to life on the stage!” When Ken Elliot received Jackie’s offer to direct the play “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” he was more than willing to accept. Elliot has always had a passion for theatre and dance; however, he received a B.A. in Communication, as well as a certificate in educational studies from the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Although he didn’t receive degrees in the performing arts, Elliot pursued his theatre and dance passions on Broadway, Hālau o Kekuhi (for hula), made appearances on television such as “Lost,” and is co-founder of “GASP Theatre Company.” Having such experience,

it was Elliot’s pleasure to take upon himself the challenge of bringing Joe Turner’s Come and Gone to life. “When Jackie asked me to direct this play, I just couldn’t pass it up!” said Elliot. As Elliot undertook directing the play, he was inspired with many ideas of what he hoped to achieve. His first hope is to help the audience recognize that the struggles and circumstances in the 20th century is the same we face today. Amidst it all, there lies a hope. “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” reveals everything African-Americans went through. One of Elliot’s favorite characters in the play is Bynum. Bynum is a 60-year-old “conjurer” man who is convinced that everyone has his or her own song and identity. Elliot declared, “Bynum is my favorite because he “binds” the people, or brings the people together. In the play, he sort of foresees the future. If you listen to what Bynum has to say, he gives you little clues to what happens to the future of the play—he just guides the characters to their destiny even when they don’t realize it!” As director, Elliot constantly thinks about the play, dreams about it, and lives it in order to know how to best improve or change it. Something he wanted the audience to recognize is that it is the community who supports the events in Hilo. With this knowledge, he sought to include the entire community. “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” includes a combination of actors and actresses who are professional, inexperienced, and college students. Elliot said about the actors and actresses he is working with, “It is these good people who pull it all together throughout any circumstance! These good people! And I am excited to be working with them, and I am excited for them.” The overall hope Elliot has for the play “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” is that all of the seats will be filled and that the audience can really live the story. Elliot said, “I’m a little nervous after all this work, but of course I’m excited for the story we end up telling. It is this that we hope will keep people in their seats, as well as inspire everyone that within them is a story and song that they each need to find, read and sing.” If you would like to see “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” it will be performed at the UH Hilo Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (Nov. 8, 9, and 10) at 7:30p.m.-9:30p.m., and Sunday (Nov. 11) from noon until 2:00 p.m.

Tsunami Hits Hilo Warning Spurs Evacuations Britney Carey | Staff Writer The magnitude 7.7 earthquake that rattled the Queen Charlotte Islands off the coast of British Columbia on Oct. 27 prompted a state-wide tsunami warning and the evacuation of thousands of people around the islands. The resulting waves were smaller than expected and no injuries or serious property damage were reported on Hawai‘i island. Recorded in Kahului, Maui, the largest wave was approximately 2.5 feet above ambient sea level. The window of warning for the tsunami was relatively short. A report released at 5:21 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center explained that no tsunami was expected to threaten Hawai‘i. By 7:09 p.m. an official warning for the state of Hawai‘i was issued based on updated information. The estimated arrival time for the first tsunami wave was just three hours later at 10:28 p.m. Hawai‘i Civil Defense began sounding emergency sirens around 8:15 p.m.., but many residents reported hearing no sirens until 8:30 p.m. or later. A County of Hawai‘i media release confirmed that “there were technical challenges initially with our siren system,” but insists the issues have been addressed. Despite the confusion, evacuations of shoreline and low-lying areas across the Big Island were completed shortly after 10:00 p.m. Police and Fire personnel were sent in to notify residents of the evacuation, and helicopters and a Civil Air Patrol plane had the task of monitoring the shoreline and notifying people in hard-to-reach shoreline areas. The first waves arrived at the time estimated, but were much smaller than originally anticipated. Initial reports predicted wave heights between 4 and 6 feet. Because there are no tidal gauges positioned between Queen Charlotte Islands and Hawai‘i, officials had to rely on gauges along the west coast of the United States while estimating the potential size of the waves, which may have contributed to the

overestimation. The warning was downgraded to an advisory just before 1 a.m. Sunday, with the advisory cancelled at 4:15 a.m. Contrary to popular belief, a tsunami is not a single wave, but rather a series of long ocean waves charged with potentially destructive force. These waves can travel at speeds of more than 500 mph and can reach heights upwards of 30 feet. Tsunamis are most commonly generated by earthquakes, but can also result from underwater volcanic eruptions and landslides. Two of the largest tsunamis to ever strike in the Pacific were particularly devastating for Hilo. In April 1946, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake shook the Aleutian Islands and generated a tsunami that flooded Hilo, caused millions of dollars in damage, and resulted in 159 deaths. A massive Chilean earthquake generated a 35-foot tsunami which struck Hilo on May 23, 1960, killing 61 people and gutting buildings. More recently, Hawai‘i has braced for tsunami impacts in 2010 and 2011. Fortunately, both events resulted in no major damage and no loss of life. Students are encouraged to become familiar with UH Hilo’s Emergency Operations Plan which outlines emergency response and recovery for both the UH Hilo and HawCC campuses. This plan may be viewed at http://hilo.hawaii.edu/emergency/. Students may also sign up for the UH Alert emergency notification system at www.hawaii.edu/alert/signup.php. Other emergency preparedness materials, including maps of evacuation zones and information on disaster preparedness kits, may be accessed at the Pacific Disaster Center website.

I want you to... Cast your votes

Uncle Sam Courtesy of http://xroads.virginia.edu/

Some things to remember before voting Joie Colobong | Staff Writer As you should be aware by now, another Election Day is right around the corner. The time has come for us, as American citizens, to exercise our right to vote for our next leaders and representatives in both our local and national governments. Unfortunately,since Election Day is a civic holiday in Hawaii, some local residents apparently choose to treat the day as a day off from school or work rather than a day to elect our next public officials. According to CNN, Hawaii has proven itself to be one of the least politically-inclined states in the United States, with less than half of all registered voters in Hawaii having actually voted in the 2008 elections. This has been attributed to several factors, including cultural differences between Hawaii and the mainland, the six-hour time difference between Hawaii and Washington, D.C., and a general sentiment among voters that Hawaii’s needs and interests are irrelevant at the national level. With these factors in mind, a great deal of registered voters in Hawaii – arguably too many – do not see the point in voting. In spite of this, as Election Day draws near, we here at Ke Kalahea would like to encourage all of our readers who are eligible and registered to vote to take the time on Election Day to do so. If you plan on voting this year, here are some things to keep in mind

before heading to your local polling station: First, be informed. Know what each and every candidate stands for and against, and what the candidate intends to accomplish if elected. Do research; familiarize yourself with each candidate’s history and reputation. If you find that a candidate you are considering does not support something you support, consider changing your choice to someone who does. Be sure to vote for candidates who will have your interests in mind and who will represent you effectively in office. Remember that no matter what position the candidate is running for, every candidate in the running is competing to serve as your voice. Consequently, those who win will potentially hold your future in their hands. Be sure to vote for candidates who will instill changes in our community that will impact your life as well as others in a positive way. When it comes to electing our next president and vice-president, remember that our votes do matter. We may be a small state, but we are a state nonetheless, and we have a voice that must be heard. Every single vote counts. And lastly, don’t simply vote just for the sake of voting. If you intend to cast a vote this year, vote because you believe that out of each pool of names to choose from on the ballot, at least one name belongs to someone who will change things for the better. All polling stations will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m on Tuesday, Nov. 6. For more information, including a list of polling stations and a sample of the General Election ballot, please visit the State of Hawaii Office of Elections website at http://hawaii.gov/elections.

A Quick Look at the 2012 Presidential Candidates Governor Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama face off for elections 2012 Sarah Kekauoha | Staff Writer As we watch the Presidential debates of Mitt Romney and Barack Obama running to be the President of the United States of America, we should always get all the facts in order to make an informed vote. And every vote counts. If you have not had the chance to research the candidates, we have provided a mini snapshot of some of the candidateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plans on important issues. Although this gives an overview provided by the candidateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own websites, be sure to do your own research to get the details on how the candidates will carry out these plans. Then you can be sure to make an informed vote. All the information below is compiled straight from: www.mittromney.com and www.barackobama.com Issues/Policies Energy Independence

Mitt Romney

Barack Obama

Increase access to domestic energy resources Streamline permitting for exploration and development

Eliminate regulations destroying the coal industry Approve the Keystone XL pipeline Foreign Trade/Jobs

Taxes

The War in Afghanistan

Curtail the unfair trade practices of countries like China

Open new markets for American goods and services

Build stronger economic ties in Latin America

Create a Reagan Economic Zone to strengthen free enterprise around the world

Take every possible action to safely develop natural gas to support more than 600,000 jobs by the end of the decade. Cut net oil imports in half between 2008 and 2020, lowering imports by 5.5 million barrels per day and reducing our reliance on foreign oil

Create 1 million new manufacturing jobs by the end of 2016 work on doubling American exports over the next five years by promoting U.S. goods and removing trade barriers, expanding access to credit, and promoting strong growth.

Make permanent, across-the-board 20 percent cut in marginal rates

$2.50 in spending cuts for every dollar in revenue increases

Maintain current tax rates on interest, dividends, and capital gains

Eliminate taxes for taxpayers with AGI below $200,000 on interest, dividends, and capital gains

No household making more than $1 million each year should pay a smaller share of their income in taxes than a middle-class family pays

Reduce the deficit by more than $4 trillion over the next decade

Use half the money no longer spent on war to put Americans back to work rebuilding roads, bridges, runways and schools here at home and use the other half to help pay down the debt

Proposed a new independent fund that will attract private dollars and issue loans for new construction projects based on: how badly they are needed, and how much good they will do for the economy

Eliminate the Death Tax

Repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)

Cut the corporate rate to 25 percent

Strengthen and make permanent the R&D tax credit

Switch to a territorial tax system

United States will need the cooperation of both the Afghan and Pakistani governments.

See that Afghanistan and the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region are rid of the Taliban and other insurgent groups

Work with both the Afghan government and Pakistan to ensure that those nations are fully contributing to success in Afghanistan.

Romney vs. Obama

11 Issues/Policies Education

Mitt Romney

Allow Low Income And Special Needs Students To Choose Which School To Attend By Making Title I and IDEA Funds Portable.

Provide Incentives For States To Increase Choices For Parents And Develop Quality Alternatives.

Build On The Success Of Effective Charter And Digital Schools.

Expand The DC Opportunity Scholarship Program To Serve As A Model For The Nation.

Give every family access to a great school and quality teachers Provide access to affordable and effective higher education options Focus job training programs on building valuable skills that align with opportunities Attract and retain the best and the brightest from around the world

Health Care

States will take charge of regulating local insurance markets and caring for the poor, uninsured, and chronically ill.

Promote free markets and fair competition by empowering individuals and small businesses to form purchasing pool, preventing discrimination with pre-existing conditions who maintain continuous coverage, and facilitating IT interoperability

Graphics by Charlotte Schaupp

Empowering consumer choice by ending tax discrimination against the individual purchase of insurance, allowing consumers to purchase insurance across state lines, and unshackling HSAs by allowing funds to be used for insurance premiums

Barack Obama

Provide states with resources to reward and attract great teachers while taking strides to improve teacher effectiveness

Recruit and prepare 100,000 math and science teachers to out-compete countries in fields like science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)

Affordable Care Act system stops insurance companies from capping and cancelling coverage, providing access to recommended preventive care without co-pays or deductibles.

Strengthen Medicare for seniors and help young people get health insurance

Hawaii County Prosecutor Race: Mitch Roth vs. Lincoln Ashida Which candidate are you supporting? Keane Carlin | Staff Writer Besides the mayoral race, the prosecutor race is the only other county-wide position up for grabs on Nov. 6. Current corporation counsel and former deputy prosecutor Lincoln Ashida is battling current deputy prosecutor Mitch Roth to fill the position which was vacated by Jay Kimura on Apr 1, 2012. Kimura is known for not being able to solve major crimes, like the mystery of Peter “Boy” Kema Jr. (a child who went missing at the age of 6). Kimura is also known for the constant time and money spent on small-time marijuana busts (more than the 400+ marijuana cases prosecuted in 2010 for less than an ounce of marijuana). According to his website (ashidaforprosecutor. com), Lincoln Ashida is from Papaikou (just outside of Hilo) and has served 13 years as deputy prosecuting attorney for the County, prosecuting more than 200 major felony cases. Ashida is also a political science instructor at UH Hilo, and had this to say about his decision to run for prosecutor: “Jay Kimura’s retirement after over 30 years of distinguished service has provided me the opportunity to seek the office I have always dreamed of holding and serving in.” Also on his website (there is very little information on the candidates elsewhere), “Ashida received the 2009 statewide recipient of the Hawai`i State Bar Association’s Schutte Award for outstanding and meritorious service to the legal community and profession. In 2010, Ashida received the Government Lawyers Section pro bono service award and was recognized statewide for exceptional commitment to traditional pro bono (legal services for the poor) and community service.” “… I think we need to take a look at getting back to the basics. Unfortunately, when the average citizen interacts with the police and prosecutors, it is generally under difficult or stressful circumstances. In my 13 years as a prosecutor handling virtually every type of crime, I can tell you that any type of crime can have a devastating affect on a victim and those persons close to them. And in many cases, that affect is felt by the community, especially small and closely knit ones like ours,” said Ashida addressing the issues he hopes to solve. “The basics start with building a team of prosecutors and support staff that understands this. I recently told a reporter that this may sound a bit corny to some, but one thing we can do immediately is put the name of the crime victim on our legal case files. The files have the name of the

defendant, and a case number, but I think it is important for the victim’s name to be displayed as a reminder that someone’s life has been affected. This small thing can become a big thing when we cultivate a culture within the office of recognizing we can serve a vital and positive function in achieving accountability for the wrong done to one of our citizens.” Ashida also hopes to have prosecutors under him trained, educated and ready for the job. To those that serve the public as prosecutors, Ashida said: “I can think of no better job.” Ashida thinks by addressing these issues that the prosecutor’s office will be better-functioning, “I think we will see dramatic improvement in the other non-traditional initiatives undertaken by the office. The criminal justice system has always been, and always will be an adversarial system.” Mitch Roth, originally from Los Angeles, moved to Hawaii in 1983 to attend UH Manoa and after attending Whittier Law School he returned to Hawaii in 1993. Since 1993, Roth has served as Deputy Prosecutor starting in Honolulu and then, at the invitation of former prosecutor Jay Kimura, joined the Hawaii County Prosecutor’s office in 1998. In an interview with journalist Sherry Bracken, when asked why he was running for the position, Roth said, “Jay Kimura was visionary and the Prosecutor’s office has visionary programs–Weed and Seed in Pahoa, kicking out drug dealers; working with children.” Roth is looking to keep the momentum going and he also figured to jump at the opportunity since nobody else from his office wanted the position. Roth’s priorities are to: “change the culture in the Prosecutor’s Office to a focus on keeping the island safe and healthy, to have the prosecutors be not just case processors but problem solvers.” Roth continued to Bracken: “Jails are full, so when somebody goes in, somebody goes out. Probation officers’ case loads are high. We need to be proactive, to use devices like ankle bracelets, to expand our capability to deal with criminals.” According to Roth’s website, he “views domestic violence as one of the roots of crime. Among his many efforts in that area, he has served as the interagency coordinator for the Domestic Violence Interagency Team for Hawaii Island, and he was named the Advocate of the Year in 2002 for his dedicated work in domestic violence.”

“Jails are full, so when somebody goes in, somebody goes out.” –Mitch Roth

Roth

Photo: Damontucker.com

Photo: Kauainewsbriefs.blogspot.com/

Ashida

Hawai‘i County Mayoral Race Kenoi vs. Kim Britney Carey | Staff Writer In the 2012 Hawai‘i County primary election, held on August 11, incumbent Billy Kenoi and former mayor Harry Kim beat out four other candidates for the right to continue their campaigns for mayor. Kenoi won 42.4 percent of the vote, while Kim received 34.1 percent. In county primary elections, if no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election. Many in the Hilo community were surprised at Kim’s entrance into the mayoral race, as he submitted nomination papers just one day before the filing deadline of June 5, 2012. Kim has cited the controversial geothermal development on Hawai‘i island and the State’s decision to ease environmental regulations as fueling his decision to seek a third term as mayor. Both Kenoi and Kim are products of Big Island public schools. Kenoi, a Waiākea High School graduate, spent a year and a half at Hawai‘i Community College where he was facilitator for Hawai‘i: Today & Tomorrow, and was part of the Hawaiian Leadership Development Program. Kenoi went on to attend and graduate from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and the William S. Richardson School of Law at UH Mānoa. Kim graduated from Hilo High school and attended the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, before going on to Southern Oregon State University where he received both a Bachelor’s and Masters of Science degree. The two candidates have devoted much of their lives to public service. Kenoi interned with US Senator Daniel K. Inouye, and served as a Deputy Public Defender. Before being elected mayor in 2008, Kenoi also severed as Mayor Harry Kim’s Executive Aide for seven years. Kim has worked as a teacher at Hilo High School, as a law enforcement assistance agency administrator, and for Kea‘au Kim Chee. He is perhaps best known for his 24 years of service as administrator for the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency. Kim also served in the United States Army as a medic, and coached football and basketball for many years. He held the position of Hawai‘i County Mayor for two terms from 2000 to 2008. Kenoi and Kim were asked to respond to questions which pertain to college students here in Hilo. The following are their responses: Why should UH Hilo and Hawai‘i Community College students vote for you? Mayor Kenoi: “Our administration has supported the expansion of the University both in Hilo and West Hawai‘i to ensure access to education for our community. We are currently working on the extension of Kapi‘olani Street which will open up additional land for University dormitories. We have partnered with UH Hilo staff to support their lobbying efforts at the state legislature. We have expanded bus transportation to allow students to travel to school.” Mr. Kim: “I would hope that the discussion to vote or not vote for me or Mayor Kenoi would be based on how and what decisions have been made in our past work. I have always stated that decisions of government should be based on principles and not politics. I ask of students to review what those principles and values are for each candidate. Understanding the values of a candidate will surely be a great guide in determining who to vote for. I have 40 years of work record in Hawai‘i County that would make review of this very accessible.” What is your stance on education? Kenoi: “I believe that affordable higher education is vital to the well-being of our community. The economic downturn has made it difficult if not impossible for our residents to go away to school on the mainland or even Honolulu. Having community college and undergraduate as well as graduate programs here on Hawai‘i Island provides opportunity for not only our high school graduates but for residents contemplating higher education later in life. Kim: “The future of any individual and in turn its community is heavily based on the value of education. I believe that education is the most important element of our future.”

A homemade sign in support of Harry Kim. (Photos: Britney Carey) How would you support UH Hilo and Hawai‘i Community College if you are (re)elected? Kenoi: “I would continue working with school officials to support funding for programs and infrastructure at the state and federal level. The county would also work with the University to provide support through county infrastructure such as roads, water, sewers, mass transit as well as changes to our zoning code to make it easier for university projects to be built. We would also work with the University to expedite planning and permitting university projects.” Kim: “In reviewing my record as suggested in the answer to question 1, my past record will show a close involvement with the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and Hawai‘i Community College. I believe if inquiries are made with the administrative staff, it will verify our involvement.” What have you done to create job opportunities for recent local graduates? What will you do if you are re-elected? Kenoi: “I have worked with the business and visitor industry to bring additional airlines and airlift to the island to support our businesses by increasing visitor arrivals. We have sought and received federal and state funding as well as floated county bonds to build county roads, parks, affordable housing, emergency housing, homeless shelters, sewers and expand bus routes. These projects have all provided job opportunities for planners, engineers, architects, construction workers, social workers, and others which in turn means money spent in restaurants and stores that can provide jobs.” Kim: “The creation of job opportunities for all on this island would be for the County government to work closely with the business community to ensure a working relationship to provide an atmosphere of positiveness of businesses. The major involvement in enticing business to grow and develop her e a climate favorable to a good community. Recent research by major corporations indicates the best magnet for companies would be a place where employees would like to live because they identify it as a good place for their family.” Is there anything specific you would like to say to the students of UH Hilo and Hawai‘i Community College? Kenoi: “As a young man I hitchhiked to get to my classes at UH Hilo. I was fortunate to be able to then go to UMass Amherst and eventually law school. Education has been the key to my success and my ability to give back to the community I was raised in. Don›t ever give up. Pursue your dreams. Your time, energy and hard work to get an education will be the best investment you will ever make! And the dividends will be priceless.” Kim: “There is nothing more important in a person’s future than to ensure an educational background that lays a solid foundation for personal and professional growth. The schools here at UHH and HCC can be obviously better and offer more, and the system has always strived for that; but at present, they are great schools.”

Billy Kenoi sign wavers.

Rants and Raves Why am I paying for Red Parking Zone 2 when all the stalls are being taken wup by the goddamn construction?! Can you say REFUND!!! F$%kers.

To the person complaining about the library closing at 10:30pm. It’s nice to have time to relax and go to the library, isn’t it? It’s nice not having to go to work and to have time to do your homework at nighttime, yeah? I bet it is. I bet it’s a nice privilege. Well, some people, library workers, for example, don’t have that time, because they’re working at the library till closing. Same may go for SLC as well. I bet they may have some homework to do, too. They’re students, after all. I bet they’d like to have dinner soon, too, even though it’s way past supper time. I bet. Maybe they’d like people to leave the library sooner so they can close early and get home and take care of some responsibilities. Hm. Just maybe. =] to Wendy from Women’s Center, thanks for the food you stacked in the free box. :) people like you are the reason why the world still has hope. lol “Dear (insert name here) from (department of school), You are sooo hot!! Oh the things i would do to you. (IE I WANT YOU) Love, anonymous person who can’t own up to their words. ^^^ Don’t you just hate these? =) FYL :) Where is the rock music at the SLC? Im sick of listening to the same hip hop everyday i can’t lift to that shit anymore Lawrence at the SLC, you can stop flexing now TAKE A BATH HIPPIE!!!

L.M. and M.D.A.M.O you guys really SUCK ! Take your energy and invest it into learning the choreography instead of mocking others! David Montgomery when things go to your head, it makes your head fat...which in turn makes you a fathead...so get over yourself. Just wanted to say to the President of the Biology Club how proud I am of you! You inspire me everyday! xoxo Your Girlfriend :) the keyboards in the library are fuckin awesome. as i type i feel like i’m playing a piano! KELLIE FROM THE SLC IS AWESOME!!! I say we legalize marijuana for two reasons 1) Stoners won’t have anything left to talk about 2) We can tax all of the drug dealers. Who needs to buy weed from a dealer when they could get it from walmart or something? Hey Sam, My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard. And im like hey, get off my lawn @china man - you have small legs Billy Kenoi, You are an awesome mayor. You get pulled over and fined for talking on your cell phone, a law that YOU signed in by the way. We also hear all those commercials that praise you about what a wonderful civil defense system we have and what great leadership you have, when this past weekend when we had the tsunami warning the sirens DID NOT WORK in my area. Your broadcasts over the television and radio were so garbled that I could not understand a word that was said. Thank God for KITV and the internet to keep me informed and safe. Before you toot your horn, make sure it sounds good.... Thank you aunty for leavin da toilet papah for me to take home. fo freeeee Kudos to that guy who actually walked a mile in out shoes with his pants rolled up and without socks. :) Lol, Good for you. D! I want my damn money.

Dear Peanut Butter, ITS TIME Sincerely, Jelly P.S. Bring a baseball bat Eh! Where stay local Aunty? I no like hear dat kine problems, I just wanna bust laugh at her “stink tuna” responses. Brah. -.sheesh, would you just let me watch my football woman??? >:-{( I would really like to see a change in the options we get for food. They serve us disgusting sh*t here!! Unhealthy and full of GMO’s guaranteed.. I’d like to be able to go to school and buy something to eat instead of packing food for the 10 hours I spend at school each day. I don’t even wanna get into what they’re selling in the vending machines. FEED YOURSELF WELL. Live well. Rock the Vote sucked. I’m glad I didn’t have to read about it. next time there is a tsunami warning, stop watching porn. that’s why you missed the whole thing. @_@ I am aware of students whom complains about other students and if listing their names would be omitted when printing Ke Kalahea so I DISCLAIMER!!! The Rants & Raves allow students to express their opinions am assuming this goes double for initials but I shall mention anonymously and appear AS IS. They do NOT represent the views or feelings of Ke Kalahea. their initials.

k e k a l a h e a . c o m