Inside What the future looks like at HonCC Pages 4-5 A Student Publication of the University of Hawai`i • Honolulu Community College • Febriary 2015
From this ...
... to this?
Ka LĀ photo by Alyssa Baligad
CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU
City, school making plans for big changes By Hawaii Civil Beat
Carol Tokunaga has seen a lot of change. She moved to Kalihi nearly 60 years ago, back when Kamehameha Shopping Center was nothing but kiawe bushes and the water in Kapalama Canal was clear and teeming with fish. On a Friday afternoon, she sits on the grass outside her home, weeding and talking matter-offactly about the days when she had to walk all the way down to Liliha Street to grocery shop.
She’s glad that Walgreens is now just across the street. But with convenience came congestion. More people have moved into the neighborhood and the streets are so jammed that during rush hour, Tokunaga can’t pull out of her driveway. Homeless residents’ tents line the muddy bank of Kapalama Canal near the Dillingham Street intersection, where future development by Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate is being proposed.
Prices have risen, too. Back in 1957, she and her husband bought their home for $14,000. Today she estimates the land is worth $650,000 even though the house was built in 1949. More changes are in the works. City officials are considering a plan to revitalize Kalihi and Kapalama by rezoning land that surrounds three planned rail stations. Tokunaga isn’t sure how much the proposal would affect her, since her home is outside of the
redevelopment area. But she said change is inevitable in the community west of downtown Honolulu. “It will change the character of the neighborhood, that’s for sure,” she said of the city’s plan. “Whether it’s good or bad, only time will tell.” Styrofoam, trash, even chairs float in the brown water of Kapalama Canal at
Continued on Page 6
2 KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i F ebruary 2015 Ka Lā, the campus newspaper of Honolulu Community College. Ka La publishes 1,000 copies monthly during the Spring and Fall Semesters. Ka Lā and all campus publications are funded by student publication fees and advertising. All materials published may not be reproduced or reused without permission of HonCC Student Media Board. Vice chairperson Angelina Peralta Ka Lā Editor Hillary Brown Faculty Advisers Emily Kukulies Mike Leidemann Staff members Sean Brown Alyssa Baligad February 2015 Submissions Ka Lā invites letters to the editor, articles, events, advertising, and classifieds. Ka Lā reserves the right to refuse or edit submissions. Editors and writers are responsible for content, which does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HonCC faculty or staff.
CORRECTION "Better than Beatrice," a poem published in the January issue, was written by Victoria Lynn Kano. Her name was misspelled. Ka L� regrets the error.
Members of the school's student chapter of the National Association of Home Builders recently took home third place honors in a national competition and were named the outstanding student chapter in the country.
Construction students get national honors By Ka L� staff
Honolulu Community College's construction management students recently took several top honors from the National Association of Home Builders. The school's NAHB student chapter won third place in the twoyear college category of the NAHB Residential Construction Management Competition held at the 2015 NAHB International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas in January During the competition, students solve real-life construction management problems and present
their solutions to a judging panel of residential construction industry experts. Fifty-four teams representing universities, community colleges, high schools and career technical schools across the U.S. participated in the annual competition. And just a week earlier the group was named the national organization's outstanding student chapter. The award goes to the chapter that excels in campus activities, community service, fundraising and other activities. “The Construction Management students
deserve this award," said Norman Takeya, assistant professor of construction management at HonCC. "They are an awesome bunch of students who do a great job representing the college." The Student Chapter helped with various community service events throughout the year such as the sustainable tire wall at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden. The students helped to construct a retaining wall from recycled tires to create a more available planting space. The students also volunteered at the Home
Building & Remodeling Show in January and the Remodel it Right – GREEN Expo 2014 in September. In March 2014, the students were able to put together two groups of students, first year students and second year students, to compete in the BIA Hawai‘i Stew Challenge. “This has been an amazing honor. Much appreciation goes out to our advisor, Mr. Takeya, for pushing us to succeed in our career choice of becoming construction managers, said construction student and Chapter President Lalana Moe.
KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i F ebruary 2015 3
Campus food truck 'Simply Ono' By Sean Brown Ka L� staff writer
“This is usually when it's most busy,” said Cora Stevens as the clock struck noon. The lunch rush of students exiting their classrooms to find the nearest bite to eat drift towards the food trucks located on campus, including Simply Ono, the pride and joy of owners Cora Stevens and Harris Sukita. Cora and Harris began their adventure together twenty years ago, when their prior duo employment at the Kahala Hilton came to an end. When the Kahala Hilton was heavily renovated and renamed the Kahala Mandarin in '95, it resulted in massive layoffs, including the kitchen staff of the illustrious hotel. Cora and Harris were suddenly out of work. With ten years of cooking experience at the hotel that every sitting president since Lyndon B. Johnson has stayed at, Cora could have probably gone to work at any kitchen on the island. Instead, she decided to join her friend Harris on his journey towards his dream of owning a food truck. The current food truck, converted from a Hawaiian
More students enrolled for spring semester By Ka L� staff
KĀLa photo by Sean Brown Cora Stevens, one of the owners of Simply Ono, says she's happy to be working on campus, where "the kids are real down to earth."
Electric utility truck, is stocked with food prepared at their central kitchen located at the John A. Burns School of Medicine Café Waiola. Their menu changes daily and often. “Tuesdays are the popular days,” said stevens. “That's the day we usually serve local food.” Stevens is happy to have the Simply Ono truck on campus. “I like it here!” she said. “All
the kids are real down to earth, and very respectful too!” The campus seems happy to have the truck on campus, as well. With no on-site cafeteria since October, students have had their options limited to food trucks allowed on campus by administration. All the better for the food trucks, at least. By the end of our interview, Cora's shoyu chicken had sold out.
Enrollment is up at Honolulu Community College this semester, and students say it may be because the school is convenient and offers special programs they can't find elsewhere. The school had 4,043 students enrolled as of Feb. 9, an increase of 1.2 percent over last spring semester, according to the UH institutional research office. Several students interviewed on campus said they chose HonCC because it had programs offered nowhere else -- like cosmetology and administration of justice. Gwendalyn Rivera, a student of criminal justice, said after her studies she plans to "pursue my career as a probation office." "I came to HonCC because it was close to my house," said Jalen Pagtulingan, who lives in Kalihi. HonCC was one of only three schools in the UH system to show an increase in enrollment this semester. Windward and West Oahu were the other two.
Reported by the Journalism 150 class at HonCC.
Yes, you can! Work full-time and earn your bachelor’s degree at Argosy University, Hawai`i. • Up to 90 eligible transfer credits accepted. • Ask about scholarships and grants available for those eligible!
Learn more and schedule a campus visit today by contacting Kim at 808.791.5249 or hawaii@argosy.edu.
ARGOSY UNIVERSITY, HAWAI`I
1001 Bishop Street | Suite 400 | Honolulu, HI 96813
Argosy University is accredited by the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501, www.wascsenior.org). See auprograms.info for program duration, tuition, fees, and other costs, median debt, federal salary data, alumni success, and other important info. Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options are subject to change. Argosy University, Hawai`i, 1001 Bishop Street, Suite 400, Honolulu, HI 96813. ©2014 by Argosy University® Our email address is csprogramadmin@edmc.edu. AU-14150 – 12/14
KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i
4
February 015
What HonCC might look like in the future
Honolulu Community College and its surrounding neighborhood are in for some big changes in the coming years and decades. Above, an image from a city development plan imagines Honolulu CC surrounded by dozens of new mid- and highrise buildings. The buildings in blue are potential new construcion projects on our campus, including a large parking garage on the site of the current gravel lot. At left, a conceptual drawing of the new rail station planned near the intersection of Dillingham Boulevard and Kohou street. Below, a preliminary design drawing of the new science building on campus. Construction could begin sometime next year.
KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i
School officials say discussions are under way to redesign and renovate the school cafeteria, top, and bring in a new food vendor. In the center, an outdoor solar charging station that could be used for classes and events has already been built behind the Berlin Wall monument and near the mala on campus. At right, school officials also say that funds have already been received to redesign part of Building 5 and the adjacent courtyard once the new science facility has been constructed.
5
February 2015
KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i
6
February 2015
Rail station could transform neighborhood Continued from Page 1
Honolulu officials are putting together plans to revitalize the areas surrounding planned rail stations, including Kapalama Canal, Kalihi Street and Middle Street stations in Kalihi. Much of the revitalization would focus on the area surrounding the canal, said Renee Espiau, a planner at the city Department of Planning and Permitting. That’s where the highest densities and buildings as tall as 200 feet would be allowed under proposed zoning. The plan includes adding 37 acres of open space to the existing 8.5 acres, including two large community parks and a beach park by Keehi Lagoon. The proposal also suggests building promenades along Middle Street and the canal to make them desirable areas to walk, run or bike. Renderings show pedestrian bridges across the canal and mixed-use developments facing the waterfront. All in all, the city estimates there’s the potential to increase residential units from 3,700 to 9,700; commercial space from less than 4.2 million square feet to over 4.5 million square feet; and office and industrial space from 714,000 square feet to 1,165,000 square feet. Harrison Rue, the city’s director of transit oriented development, said there are no plans to condemn property. Instead, the plan includes incentives for landowners such as reducing parking requirements Cathy Camp, a development director at Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate, said that the trust is considering developing as many as 2,000 housing units on 10 acres surrounding the canal, including two towers and mid-rise buildings. “The plans right now are very fluid,” Camp said. “We’re looking at a lot of different alternatives.” More affordable housing sounds good to Dominic Inocelda, a clinical administrator at the Susannah Wesley Community Center in Kalihi, who says many existing homes are overcrowded. He also hopes the rail could help workers get to jobs downtown or at Ala Moana. But he wonders how much the community knows about what’s in store. At a recent meeting about the Kalihi TOD plan, he doesn’t remember seeing many people who looked like immigrants even though the neighborhood is mostly made up of residents from places like the Philippines and
Ka L� photos by Alyssa Baligad The run-down areas along both sides of the Kapalama Canal will likely be developed and transformed when the city buiilds a rail station along Dillingham Boulevard just past the bridge on the school side of campus. Construction is expected to begin in the next few years.
other Pacific islands. “Maybe the question of what impact it will have on them hasn’t hit them yet until things start to happen,” he said. Like Inocelda, Louise Cayetano is excited about how the plan could help Kalihi residents. Cayetano, who has worked as an elementary school teacher in Kalihi for 23 years, said many of her students’ families don’t have cars, and more sidewalks with better lighting, along with bike lanes, would help them. She hopes the revitalization can extend to other parts of Kalihi that aren’t included in the plan. But even though she thinks it would be nice for Kapalama Canal to look more like the Ala Wai Canal, she wonders what will happen to the businesses that are already there. “Property taxes will go up,
businesses are going to have to pay more and it’s going to push out a lot of these mom and pop businesses that the community appreciates having,” she said. “That’s what I fear.” Cayetano isn’t alone. Housing prices are rising in Kakaako, Oahu’s first “transit-oriented development” district, and although Kalihi — with its prison, public housing and large immigrant population — might be a working-class community now, some wonder whether the area might not be destined for a similar fate. Research shows that property taxes tend to rise when rail is built, which could lead to higher rents for those who live nearby. Camp from KSBE said she’s aware of such concerns and the trust has been working to help business owners in Kakaako
relocate when necessary. She imagines that Kalihi businesses could be helped in the same way. “You have an existing neighborhood that needs to be embraced because you have businesses there that are thriving,” she said. “As they’re being displaced, we look for options as to what’s available in the market.” She stressed that the plans are very preliminary. Espiau from DPP said the city doesn’t have a plan yet for mitigating rising property values but there are possibilities, including providing incentives for new developments to save space for old tenants. She emphasizes that the plan is still merely conceptual. The Honolulu Planning Commission needs to consider it, and then the City Council. Only after that will the city consider changes to existing zoning. Espiau said that the city is aiming to have construction underway at the canal by 2019 or 2020 to coincide with rail. “It will take decades for the full build-out of the plan if it ever comes into fruition,” she said. There are potential obstacles. Environmental concerns about the water quality in the canal could limit improvements, and limited sewer capacity could hinder residential development. Infrastructure improvements would likely require millions of taxpayer dollars and partnerships with developers. “There’s a lot of big dreams in the plan but only so much money to go around,” Espiau said. That’s good news to critics like Paul Lee, who owns a party supplies store bordering Kapalama Canal. “Every time they talk about rezoning, it means money,” he said. “I don’t know if they really think about average people.” City officials held community meetings and sent out thousands of surveys to residents in English, Tagalog and Ilocano. But Lee, who moved to Hawaii from Taiwan, hadn’t heard anything about the plan. Like Cayetano, he’s worried about whether property values would rise and if so, where he would go. “If they raise the rent, how can we survive?” Lee said. Reprinted by permission of Hawaii Civil Beat, www.civilbeat.com
KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i
7
February 205
SPRING 2015 SPONSORED BY STUDENT ACTIVITIES BOARD WITH STUDENT LIFE & DEVELOPMENT
DATES Game Day Wednesday,January 28, 2015 Enjoy some indoor & outdoor games such as giant jenga, taboo, and apples to apple.
Valentines Day
Karaoke
Tuesday, Feburary 3, 2015 Come on down for a fun time of singing, jamming, and rockin' the mic at our karoake event.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015 Transport yourself to the City of Lights as we bring a touch of the French culture to our campus. Stop by for some sweet treats and fun activities like a photobooth and card making!
Health Awareness Wednesday, February 4-5, 2015 Want to know how to defend yourself? Indulge yourself with self defense teachings from special guest instructors.
Sustainability Awareness Wednesday, March 4, 2015 For activities to explore sustainability while saving money and time.
Pi Day Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Know Pi? An event where being able to recite it and allow you to toss to volunteers.
Open Mic Tuesday, March 17, 2015 From rockin' the mic to stand up comedy, watch as students take the stage and showcase their talent.
Truck Stop Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Food Drive Monday, March 30, 2015 Bring non-perishable food items to help feed Hawaii through the Hawaii Food Bank.
420/Cannabis Day Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Ease your local craving with ono plate lunches brought straight to you by local food truck owners.
S.T.A.R (Students Thanked and Recognized) Thursday, April 23, 2015
Nominated students will be recognized for their hardwork throughtout the school year at our annual S.T.A.R awards. Space is limited
Graduation
Friday, May 15, 2015 A time to get together to celebrate our 2014/2015 graduates.
CONTACT US Bldg 2, Rm 113 (808) 845-9498 hccsld@hawaii.edu honolulu.hawaii.edu/studentlife
Learn about medical marijuana and industrial hemp here in Hawaii. Featuring speakers from Medical Cannibis Coalition of Hawaii and Dr. Harry Ako of UH Manoa.
Health Awareness 02 Wednesday, April 29, 2015 Become aware of your eating habits they play a larger role in staying healthy than you migt think.
Movie Ticket Giveaway Wednesday, May 6, 2015 Participate in fun activities for a chance to win movie tickets.
@honolulucc #honccsab
KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i
8
Febriaru 2015
The start of a new semester... 1
Always seems to bring students and other activitiy back to the campus mall.
2
Lines seemed just a bit longer than usual at The Hub.
3.
But there was little waiting to get a new student ID.
4.
There was plenty of time to relax with old and new friends.
5.
Or you could take a quick time out on one of the benches along the mall.
1
1
2
3
Ka LĀ photos by Alyssa Baligad
3
4
4
5