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A Student Publication of the University of Hawai`i • Honolulu Community College • November 2012
Election Day There will be no classes on Election Day, so there's no excuse for not voting, is there? Page 2
Masquerade See all the pictures from this month's masquerade dance sponsored by ASUH-HCC. Page 4
Rating our professors
Finding right one takes time and study By Ieva Bytautaite
Ka La Editor
With increasing tuition and a struggling economy, it’s no surprise that many students are picky about their professors. But what makes a “good” professor and how can a student know which name to select when browsing through hundreds of names without faces? Many returning HonCC students are familiar with the eCafe professor evaluations done at the end of every semester, but not many know that the results of
these evaluations are published online. But there is a catch: The results can only be made public if the professor chooses to do so. Which raises a question -- should all professors be required to publish the results? Jerry Saviano, a HonCC professor, doesn’t think so. “In a perfect world, every student should be able to read the evaluations, and professors should be willing to publish their results. But forcing to publish those who are unwilling … it gets much more complicated,” Saviano said. Although it might seem like
a tedious task, completing eCafe evaluations honestly can significantly help professors get better at teaching. Communications Arts professor Leona Schaller values the opinions of her students because it gives her a chance to improve. “I take them very seriously. I especially value the part where students actually write out their opinions,” Schaller said. “I save them all,” Schaller said about the evaluations. “Through them, I’ve learned how to be a betContinued on Page 2
Facebook posts raise concern The rooster's tale HonCC's newest resident is a friend of children of all ages on the campus. Page 6
The Republik
The new club on Kapiolani Boulevard aims for top-rated sound, service and musical experiences. Page 8
Ka La has been voted the best college newspaper in the state by the Hawaii Publishers Association.
Security added after anti-gay comments By Mathew Ursua
Ka La editor
Anti-gay posts to Honolulu Community College’s Facebook page prompted officials to add additional security on the campus mall for Righteous Rainbow’s National Coming Out Day event Oct. 11. Liberal arts major and Student Media Board president Jennifer Kakio, who assists the public relations officer with maintaining the Facebook page, explained what happened after the event was first announced. “The first time I posted it, we got great support,” Kakio said. All that changed on Oct. 7 when she posted it a second time. “We got blasted,” she said. “Shame on you, keep your weird religion away from a public school,” read the remark by a user whose Facebook page identifies him as a HonCC student. The college fired back within a minute with a lengthy, 63-word post. A few minutes later, they
Ka La photo by Mathew Ursua Righteous Rainbow's National Coming Out Day event went off without a hitch Oct. 11 despite some derogatory comments left on the school's Facebook page.
added: “Let's also remember this month is Anti-Bullying month as well.” Later in the day another Facebook user posted this comment: “I do not support deviancy so I will not be attending your festivities, nor will I encourage anyone else to do the same. Homosexuality is wrong and it should not be celebrated, especially by an educational facility. HCC you have no shame.” Billie Lueder, the chancellor’s
executive assistant and the college’s defacto public relations officer, said that the college wants to avoid censoring posts to the official Facebook page. Lueder, who manages the page, said she would delete posts that are threatening, vulgar, or meant to bully, and that the remarks on Oct. 7 didn’t cross the line.
The two Facebook posters who Continued on Page 2
KaLā - News KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 2
NOVEMBER 2012
Ka Lā is the campus newspaper of Honolulu Community College. Ka Lā publishes 2,000 copies every month during the Spring and Fall Semesters. Ka Lā and all campus publications are funded by student publication fees and advertising. All materials
Shelby Dell Journalism
"A good professor is organized and is clear when he teaches.."
published in Ka Lā may not
Ryan Davis Liberal Arts
"A good professor laughs. He can connect to the students, and is truthful. A good professor is always there to help."
Viane Vaina ECE
"A good professor is smart, has a
sense of humor and is responsible." .
be reproduced or reused without permission of the HCC Student Media Board. Ka Lā is published under the supervision of the HCC Student Media Board: Chairperson Jennifer Kakio Publications Director Matthew Ursua Editor Ieva Bytautaite Faculty Advisers Emily Kukulies Mike Leidemann Staff members Delia Fabro Jeffrey Kanemoto Jacqueline Miszuk Noahlani Siaosi Matthew Ursua November 2012 Contact Information hcckala@gmail.com Student Media Board Building 2, Room 115 Phone: (808) 845-9213 Submissions Ka Lā invites letters to the editor, articles, events, advertising, and classifieds. Ka Lā reserves the right to refuse or edit submissions. Submissions must be signed and include a daytime telephone number and email address. Editors and writers are responsible for content, which does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HCC faculty or staff.
Cameron Triplett Psychology
"A good professor has the ability to not only teach about education but about life."
Tyler Mitsui Liberal Arts
"A good professor is easy to understand and is considerate of students."
John Kawamura EIMT " A good professor knows the content but can teach it in a way students understand."
Rating professors: Students know best Continued from Page 1
So what, then, is the definition of a good professor? ASUH-HCC president Kaleo Gagne said that a good professor is one who “treats students with love, kindness, dignity, and respect. And is willing to work with students on any level.” Roderic Bowie, a first year student, described a good professor as one who is “strict but still emphasizes -nderstanding the students.” To student and ASUH senator Ryan Yamada a good professor is “one who is willing to help and is accessible.” RateMyProfessor.com, a website
which lets students rate professors, has become a popular tool among students when it comes to choosing professors. The website lets students rate professors anonymously based on easiness, helpfulness, clarity and even gives a chili pepper for good looks. Student Noahlani Siaosi said that she once picked a professor based only on the website’s reviews. “The teacher had all good reviews, and they were all true when I took her class.” But students should use the website cautiously, Siaosi said. “Some people just have bad experiences.” “Usually people who write the negative comments are the vin-
dictive minorities,” Schaller said. “It’s human nature: If you have a problem with someone, you are more likely to say it.” Student David Tauanuu has never used the website but said that he would rather trust his friends than an anonymous online review.
So what can a student take away from all the resources available when it comes to choosing a professor? Ask your peers first. try to get to know the professor and take the reviews with a grain of salt because that red pepper might turn out to be more bitter than hot.
Security tightened for Coming Out day Continued from Page 1
ment Monica Pacleb agrees with administration’s decision to tighten security. “You know what happens when there’s a lot of hate,” she said. The event attracted fewer people than organizers hoped for. ASUH-HCC president Kaleo
Gagne said that the ongoing construction on campus and the date of the event might have been why. Gagne attended the event donning a purple shirt and wearing a fake flower lei colored like a rainbow. He said the purple shirt was in honor of gay people who committed suicide.
“The human in me was sad, but that was only for a moment,” he said. “Then the president in me took over.” Gagne asked Lueder not to delete the posts. “Everyone’s entitled to their own belief system,” he said, “I recognize the importance of the First Amendment.”
KaLā - News KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 3
Tattoos keep culture alive
November 2012
By Kim Nahele
Ka La staff writer
Tattooing is a centuries-old tradition, but it’s experiencing a modern-day boom period. Whether you think of it as an ancient cultural ritual or a postmodern statement, the art is thriving in Honolulu and around the world. Some people are using the old-style tattoo methods to connect to their cultural past; others simply find it satisfying to experience creating beautiful art work on their own bodies. During the 1700s, explorers and missionaries began to take more notice at the marks on Polynesians bodies. The more they traveled throughout the Pacific, the more they noticed how common it was for the people they encountered to have a tattoo, whether they were looking at a man or woman. photo by Kim Nahele Back then, they did not have the Whether it's for traditional reasons or to make a post-modern statement, interest in tattoos continues to grow in Hawaii. tattoo machine we all see around today in every tattoo shop. Instead, the ancient tattoo artists said Keola Kaaialii, a 20-year-old artist who practices in Hawaii, modern-type Polynesian tattoos. would use a comb with needles, Kamehameha Schools graduate, uses modern tattoo guns to create Although the style it was done in which were attached to a wooden explaining why he opted to have amazing pieces of art. Moreover, is not how his ancestors once did stick. The needles were either his tattoo done the traditional way. he is helping to perpetuate the cul- it, the meaning behind the tattoo is carved from tortoise shell or bone, “ I love my culture and want my ture of Polynesians by specializing still real. His tattoo has many intriwhich were two of the hardest past to be represented by how I in doing these types of modern cate lines, designs, and curves. It and strongest materials known look and act presently. So getting tattoos. falls from his left shoulder down back then. In order to get the color my tattoo done tatau was the only “Tattooing is a passion not a to his mid forearm and stretches into the skin, the artist would dip way to do this.” practice,” Hew Len said. “I’ve just below his collarbone and back the needles in the color and tap Many people today in Hawaii always loved to draw but drawing left shoulder blade. the top of the stick so the needles share the desire to get a PolyPolynesian designs interested me For Fonoti, “the pain went would stab into the skin until the nesian tattoo, but not all would more and gave me a better sense away after a while, I just came entire design was filled. consider using tatau. Most settle of pride.” He himself has nearly numb.” It also took two artists to “It was always something I for the tattoo gun because the five complete tattoos on his body, fully complete the tattoo, whose wanted to get done because my availability is much greater. none done by himself. design came from ancestors on his ancestors did it, so I should too,” Keaka Hew Len, a locally born Isaiah Fonoti has one of these father’s side.
OHA forum sparks spur interest in elections By Ka La staff Hoping to spur involvement in the upcoming elections, the Native Hawaiian Center, Po‘i Nā Nalu, and Hui ‘Ōiwi hosted a forum for Office of Hawaiian Affairs candidates on campus in October. The groups wanted to provide a way for candidates to meet directly with students, said Ka’iulani Akamine, principal investigator of Po'i Nā Nalu, a Native Hawaiian Career and Technical Education Program. Students were able to learn
more about issues that directly affect our community encouraging critical thinking and allowing them to make informed decisions,” Akamine said. On Tuesday, Nov. 6 voters will go to the polls across the country to elect a new president. In Honolulu, we’ll be electing a U.S. sena-
tor, a U.S. representative, mayor, and dozens of state and county officials. Voter turn out in Hawai‘i continues to be one of the lowest in the nation with only about 56 percent of registered voters turning out for the general election in 2010. This year’s primary election returns show about 42.3 percent, or 290,653 of the state’s 687,500 registered voters, casted ballots. OHA recently announced their new voter registration campaign, “Hawaiian Voice, Hawaiian Vote” to include more than 20 registra-
tion drives on college campuses and community events to encourage Native Hawaiians to exercise their right to vote. “Twenty-six percent of our student population is comprised of Hawaiians or part Hawaiians. We hope to empower not only our Native Hawaiian students but our entire student and campus community about the candidates and the issues that will directly impact our state’s future,” Akamine said. There will be no classes on Election Day, so there's no excuse for not voting.
KaLā - ASUH news KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 4
November 2012
Free speech must come with dignity, respect Aloha everyone I hope all of you survived your midterms, and I would like to thank the students, faculty and staff for making the Oct. 19 masquerade mixer a success. Let’s not wait another 30 years to dance! October is a huge month for special kinds of awarenesses. In October we had Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Anti-Bullying Month, as well as National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11. Here on our campus at Honolulu Community College we have student organizations that put on functions to promote these awarenesses, and educate our college community. The Righteous Rainbow (Queer Straight Alliance) put on the National Coming Out Day event. I was concerned, however, about some of the remarks that were made on the HonCC Facebook page, which announced the event. Yes. I am fully aware that we have freedom of speech, but here at HonCC we also have our Mission Statement which states: “ As a learning-centered, open-door college, HonCC, is committed to providing the academic and student support to assist students as they progress through their respective courses and programs, and to facilitate the important work of campus faculty and staff. The college will acknowledge, promote, and maintain a multicultural environment where gender, diversity and other aspects of personal identity are appreciated and respected.” With that being said, I understand we need to treat everyone fairly and openly. Both sides of issues need to be heard. The only thing that I ask is that we do it with dignity, respect. We may not all agree on certain issues, but we all must agree to do it with loving kindness. With Much Respect, Kaleo Gagne ASUH-HCC President
Honolulu Community College's first school dance in more than 30 years was held Friday, Oct. 19. Nearly 60 people turned out the Masquerade Mixer in the school cafeteria. There was food, drink and dancing, and prizes for the best costumes. The winners were Misty Chiechi, first place; Kalista Fox, second place; and Becca Brown, third place.
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KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 5
NOVEMBER 2012
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KaLā - features KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 6
Calendar of events Monday, Oct. 29 Last day to Drop/Withdraw with a "W" grade on Academic Record. Ghouls and Tools event, 11 a.m. Campus Mall. Wednesday, Oct. 31 Creepy Crazy Costume Contest, 10 a.m. HCC Building 2 Student Lounge. Thursday, Nov. 1 Last Day to Change Major for Spring 2013 Early Registration. Monday, Nov. 5 UH-Hilo Transfer Info and UH-West Oahu Transfer Inf. HCC-Cafeteria Tuesday, Nov. 6 General Election Day (State Holiday). No classes. Monday, Nov. 12 Veterans’ Day (Federal & State Holiday). No classes. Wednesday, Nov. 21 Turkey Hunt & Extravaganza, 11 a.m. Student Life & Development. Thursday, Nov. 22. Thanksgiving (Federal & State Holiday). No classes.
Announcements The Student Media Board's new digital sinage program is accepting submissions through email: hccsigns@hawaii.edu. Signs should be submitted in 8.5 by 11-inch PDF format with a simple design and message. Toys For Tots is an event promoted by the Marines to donate new and unwrapped toys to children who are unfortube given to children this Christmas. To bring a smile to a child's face, come to varies areas around campus where there will be boxes t to donate a toy. Early entries are now available to join HonCC's Great Aloha Run team. Sign up by Nov. 16 and pay $35 and receive an original HonCC shirt to wear on race day. Friends and families are welcome to join the team for the run, which will be held on Feb. 18, 2013. For more information, see the Student Life & Development office in Building 2.
NOVEMBER 2012
Rooster finds a home at HonCC By Tracy. Alambatin
Ka La staff writer
Chasing a rooster has become quite a popular pastime for a few HonCC students. The beautiful but mysterious fowl can often be seen lingering around Keiki Hau’oli Children’s Center, frantically trying to run away from its excited students. He garnered enough interest to put him on our Facebook page, where he ended up being named "Sriracha." But not so fast. Som, an assistant teacher for the preschool children, says the rooster may already have a name: Gerald. It turns out that three baby chicks were hatched at the preschool, then placed in their own specially-made chicken coop built by a teacher. However, after the weekend, students returned to discover the chicks had all but disappeared. It wasn’t until the cen-
Photo courtesy of Honolulu CC Students from the Keiki Hau'oli Children's Center watch over the school's newest member, known as Gerald or Sriracha, depending on who you talk to.
ter’s summer program that a lone rooster showed up again on campus. Naturally, the children think this is one of the baby chicks that they had named Gerald. It is possible. Chicks tend to mature around 3 to 6 months of age. The real mystery, however, is
where Gerald could have been in the few months since his reappearance on our campus. Gerald has been reported to fight off the stray cats to defend his territory. It seems that this cockerel has been in a few fights in his lifetime before his
“retirement.” We may never find out what really happened, but if you wander over to the Berlin Freedom Monument between Building 2 and Keiki Hau’oli Children’s Center, you’re bound to be in good company of a feathered friend.
Intramurals open sports up to CC students By Ieva Bytautaite
Ka La editor
Sports are serious business in college. Students and non-students bet, cheer, fight, live and breathe for college sports. Whether playing for a team, or cheering for your school at a game, it’s hard to deny the fact that college sports make the college experience what it is. Usually, that’s something that community college students tend to miss out on. But HonCC intramural sports now give students a chance to represent their schools. A crowd of about a dozen cheered on the bleachers at UH Klum Gym on a breezy Thursday night recently. As the buzzer sounded ending the game,
Ka La photo by Noahlani Siaosi Members of the HonCC intramural basketball team cheer their teammates in action at UH-Manoa.
a handful of guys in teal jerseys cheered, hugged and tackled each other, celebrating another win. Co-captain and coach Taumalatou Peko says that he loves the game, but he joined the team because he wants to support the
young players. “Every time we win I treat the whole team to pizza,” Peko said. “I only knew three of the guys when I first started playing,” said Makena Rothenborg, a player on the team and a
first year student, “but I have become closer with the whole team. And that makes my college experience a lot more special.” Before playing for the HonCC team Nate Miguel, also a first-year student, played in high school and for outside leagues. He joined the team for “the exercise, to have fun, to win but also to represent the school.” Determination and good chemistry are what make this team strong, Peko said. With only one loss this season, the team was closing in on first place in the intramural league. But there is more at stake than a trophy. These players are not only representing the school but creating friendships and memories for life.
KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i 7
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KaLā - Features KaLĀ • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai`i
8
NOVEMBER 2012
New club aims to satisfy all tastes By Delia Fabro Ka La staff writer
When music transforms you into a rebel, the Republik, Honolulu’s newest concert venue, will become your new entertainment headquarters. From an elevated parking lot on Kapiolani Boulevard you pull up to what’s almost literally a hole in a wall, and your eyes are immediately drawn to a picture of woman in a bathing suit shooting an assault rifle near the front door. “The paintings outside give a soviet-80’s feel,” says Rob Ramsey, general manager for the Republik. He’s set the tone for the club, choosing everything from the drinks to the design and organizing the grand opening Aug. 18. Republik was started by BAMP Concert and Promotion Company as a way to emphasize live entertainment, and to promote local and mainland bands or DJ’s. The interior design of the Republik is similar to a commandohipster hideout. The entrance consists of black walls, black leather couches, and a gigantic spotlight of “Republik” with the venue’s insignia above. All this darkness begins to feel as if you are entering a secret underground organization; just around the corner, however, you’re now in a modern white lounge. “We are the most unique and versatile mid-sized venue on the island. We have the ability to change from a concert venue into a wedding reception hall, holiday bashes, or even business meetings,” Ramsey says. On the right side of the lounge is a giant yellow curtain. “We don’t reserve seating because the concert hall has no chairs… so it’s first come, first serve. Everyone floods into to the lounge early, waiting near the curtain so they can rush up to the stage once we pull back the curtain. BAMP sets the prices for different concerts and the prices for the back-right corner riser seats (the only seats to give a clear view of the stage with chairs), Ramsey said. “We hold 1,000 people here any given night, and there have been no reported incidents. Our security guards do an excellent job in keeping the crowd under control yet
Ka La photos by Delia Fabro The interior design of the Republik, above, is similar to a commando-hipster hideout. Outside the door, below, there are paintings meant to add a Soviet-80s feel to the club.
bartender, was able to list the top three for drinks and food:
allowing them to enjoy the music to its fullest.” Things do become pretty heated during a concert, but according to Ramsey, that can be taken care of by three air handlers which circulate the air. In the middle of the big concert recently, the thermostat read 71 degrees. With seven high-definition flat screen TV’s around the lounge, tired concert goers can watch the show from the lounge. The best parts of the concerts are the light shows. The man behind the magic is Bob Harman from Eggshell Lights. Justin, a bartender for the Republik, describes the lights as “just sick! There is nothing like it!” All the credit for the quality of sounds
goes to Chris Wazunes of Hawaii Pro-Sound. The entire sound system is in-house so none of the equipment is rented. When the Republik is not hosting a concert in its concert hall, the lounge becomes known as “Safe House.” Safe House is open for 21 and older adults on Mondays through Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Roxanne, a staff member for the lounge, describes the seating and design as “glamorous luxury.” A beautiful chandelier dazzles in the center of the lounge, illuminating an array of colorful bottles in the bar underneath. Aside from sleep enticing chairs, Safe House offers 15 hand-made cocktails and eight delicious entrees. Justin, the
“The most popular cocktails are the Aranciata (containing vodka, a hint of basil, and tasty citrus), Safe House 75 (containing gin, lemon, Hawaiian fruits, and “il fresco” prosecco), and the La Paloma De Republic (containing tequila, lime, and a tajin rimmed glass). For food, almost everyone orders the Philly Sliders (pepper jack cheese, steak, onions, baby arugula, and crack sauce), Reuben Press (2 toasted pitas, pepper jack cheese, pastrami, atchara, and balsamic spicy mustard sauce), and last but not least the Wangs (brined, grilled, spicy BBQ glazed wings, and crack sauce.” As my mouth was about to water, Rob explained to me that the crack sauce is actually Tzatziki sauce with Asian seasoning and spices. The man behind all the flavors is Abe Jasmine, owner of the lunch wagon known as the Tiki Truck, and head chef for the Republik. The Republik is where lounging, enjoying hand-crafted cocktails, eating five-star entrees, and rocking to music seems rebellious after a long workday. It’s located at 1349 Kapiolani Blvd.