May 23, 2013 Ke Alaka'i

May 23, 2013

Ke Alaka i Volume 103: Issue 4

THE LEADER

Hukilau Activity 6 Stake members participate

The JGeeks 12 & 13 Maori dance sensation performs

Fire Knife Competition 14 & 15 World’s best go head to head

Ke Alaka i

Photo of the Week

May 23, 2013 • Volume 103: Issue 4 Editor-in-chief

Advisor

M a . V i s Ta g u ba

L e e an n L amb e r t

Head Photographer

Art Director

M ei Yi n

Make n z ie H e ad

COPY EDITORs

ART & GRAPHICS

Dyl a n - S a ge W i l cox Tuc ke r G r i m s h aw A ust i n M e l d r u m M a ke n z i e H e a d

Kyo ko H as e gawa Mo rgan Bo uwh uis

PHOTOGRAPHERs M a t t M cD o n a l d E m i ly Wa d d e l l Kyoko H a s e gawa MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISTS Jeff McLeod, Clover Cheng, Dylan-Sage Wilcox, Robinia Tan, Jennifer Herrera, Matt Bledsoe, Tucker Grimshaw, Austin Meldrum, Homer Wolman, Rebecca Sabalones, Keryna Monson

INTERNS M ei Y i n M a . V i s Ta g u ba

AD MANAGER Matth ew Ble ds o e

E-mail: ke a l a k a i @ byuh .e du Ad Information: ke a l ak aiads @ gmail.c o m Phone: ( 8 0 8 ) 6 7 5 - 3 6 9 4 Fax: ( 8 0 8 ) 6 7 5 - 3 4 9 1 Office: C a mp u s , A l o ha C e n te r 134 Publisher P r in t Se r vic e s

E d i t o r i a l , p h o to s u bmis s io n s & dis tr ibut i on i n qu i r i e s : ke a l ak ai@ byuh .e du. To subs cr i be t o th e R S S FEED o r to view a d d i t i o n a l a r ti cl e s , go to ke alak ai.byuh . ed u .

ON THE COVER

The two-time winner of the annual fireknife world championship Joseph Cadousteau of Tahiti shows his skill at the competition held at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Photo by Matt MacDonald.

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Table of Contents [page 4]

CONTACT

NEWS CENTER Box 1920 BYUH Laie, HI 96762

Aaron Tracy, junior in IT, boards downhill in shades. Photo by Makenzie Head

Updat e on Mar r iott Hotel to be built next to the Polynesian Cultural Center

[page 10 & 11] Malaysian wif e, mother suppor ts f amily and student husband

[page 9] SWATT, a new project works to save thousands of dollars in energy costs

[page 16] Education Week 2013 Pre-stor y: Building a testimony through lear ning

Share with us your photo of the week and we may feature it in our next issue. e-mail us at kealakai@byuh.edu

CALENDAR

MAY

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MAY

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Help the Ko’olauloa and North Shore community fight back against cancer at the annual Relay For Life of Ko’olauloa. It begins at 6 p.m. at Kahuku District Park and goes all night till 6 a.m. on Saturday. Look for the BYUHSA tent.

NOTE WORTHY news headlines

YSA fireside with BYU-Hawaii alumni Elder Yoon Hwan Choi (from Korea) of the First Quorum of the Seventy. Starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Cannon Activities Center.

Sunday best dress please.

MAY

An aerial view shows the Monday tornado’s path through a residential area Tuesday, May “The Adventures of Huckleberry 21, in Moore, Okla. A huge tornado roared through the Oklahoma City suburb Monday, flatFinn” will run for three nights in the tening entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school. Photo by AP McKay Auditorium. Ticket prices are $5 general, $3 PCC/BYUH faculty, Oklahoma killer tornado claims 24 lives staff and missionaries, and $1 for BYUH students with current ID. The search for survivors and the dead is nearly ful type, with winds of at least 200 mph. The Starts at 7:30 p.m. each night. complete in the Oklahoma City suburb that was weather service says the tornado’s path was 17 smashed by a mammoth tornado, the fire chief miles long and 1.3 miles wide. said on May 21. Gary Bird said he’s “98 percent Emergency crews were having trouble sure” there are no more survivors or bodies to navigating neighborhoods because the devastathe week in recover under the rubble in Moore, a commution was so complete, and there are no street nity of 56,000 people. signs left standing, Fallin added.

His comments came after emergency

Other search-and-rescue teams focused crews spent much of the day searching the their efforts at Plaza Towers Elementary, where “All the teachers started screaming into town’s broken remnants for survivors of the the storm ripped off the roof, knocked down the room and saying, ‘Get into the twister that flattened homes and demolished an walls and turned the playground into a mass hallway! We don’t want you to die!’ and elementary school. The storm killed at least 24 of twisted plastic and metal as students and stuff like that. We just took off runpeople, including at least nine children. teachers huddled in hallways and bathrooms. ning.”

- Phaedra Dunn, a sixth-grader at Plaza Towers El Earlier in the day, the state medical Seven of the nine dead children were killed at ementary School in Oklahoma where an E5 tornado examiner’s office cut the estimated death toll the school, but several students were pulled alive hit on May 20. by more than half. Gov. Mary Fallin vowed to from under a collapsed wall and other heaps of account for every resident. mangled debris.

“Never once has she complained. Never

“We will rebuild, and we will regain

Roofs were torn off houses, exposing once. Not in our entire married life has our strength,” said Fallin, who went on a flyover metal rods left twisted like pretzels. Cars sat she done anything to keep me from of the area and described it as “hard to look at.” in heaps, crumpled and sprayed with caked-on any aspect of my service. I have never Many houses have “just been taken away. mud. Insulation and siding was smashed up received anything but support and They’re just sticks and bricks,” the governor against the sides of any walls that remained encouragement from Frances.”

-President Thomas S, Monson speaking about his said, describing the 17-mile path of destruction. standing. Yards were littered with pieces of wife who passed away last week.

More than 200 people have been treated at wood, nails and pieces of electric poles. hospitals.

President Barack Obama declared a

The National Weather Service said the major disaster and ordered federal aid to suppletornado was an EF5 twister, the most powerment state and local recovery efforts.

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QUOTES

- T h e associate d p re ss may 23, 2013

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Laie Hotel

An artist’s rendition of the new Marriott hotel to be built next to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Photo courtesy of Envision Laie

Developers release scaled-back plan

L

aie Ventures LLC, developers of the new hotel, have released a new floor plan for the Marriott hotel next to the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie. It has changed from 222 rooms and 4 floors to the 144 rooms and 3 floors.

According to Envision Laie’s website, “Future phasing will depend on various factors, including market demand. Initial permits for horizontal infrastructure and common areas have been filed and site preparation work is expected to begin soon.” With the new change the hotel will be less visible and will meet the market demand for rooms.

There was opposition to the original plan from several of the community members because of the demolition and a desire to keep Laie under-developed. Therefore, Hawaii Reserves, Inc., the company in charge of the plans for the hotel, decided to redo plans that the hotel would be on.

“One of the questions we were asked in the surveys was, ‘What does “Keep the country, country,” mean?’” said Delsa Moe, a Laie resident, “An overwhelming majority felt that ‘Keep the country, country’ means to allow for some kind of growth, a controlled growth to meet the needs of our people.”

Joe Whitford, another Laie Resident, explained, “There has to be a balance, you know. We like the country the way it is. I think there needs to be some housing, but I don’t know to what

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extent we should expand. That’s always the concern: to try and find the right balance.”

Liz Logan, Assistant Manager at Hawaii Reserves, Inc., said, “There were various reasons [for the change], including the desire to be sensitive to community input, current market demand, and associated development costs.”

Despite the set back, the developers are still excited for the building of the new hotel.

“This is a continuation of the positive things happening in Laie,” said Eric Beaver, president of Hawaii Reserves, Inc., “There will be temporary inconveniences, but we are committed to keeping the community informed every step of the way.”

“We’re excited about this project,” said Logan. “The entire region will benefit from this long-awaited, much-needed lodging facility. The hotel will provide employment for residents and students and help bolster the neighboring Polynesian Cultural Center and Brigham Young University-Hawaii, as well as serve the needs of the community,” she added.

- Rebe cca Sabalone s

BYUHSA representatives gather for a group photo. Photo by Kyoko Hasegawa

NEW willing and READY TO GO BYUHSA LEADERS

B

YUHSA, which stands for Brigham Young University-Hawaii Student Association has a new team of leaders who are now ready to lead by example at BYUH. “BYUHSA is a student association providing leadership opportunities for students, while gaining the skills and experience needed for the rest of their lives,” said David Lucero, Director of BYUHSA.

In BYUHSA, you learn how to become a leader. If you are a timid person but you have the desire to help and make a difference, you can start by simply volunteering for activities. Once you are comfortable, you can be in charge of activities, leading teams and accomplishing real goals for the student body here at BYUH. “As a student, the activities we put together are going to directly affect you, so if you want to help plan activities or achieve goals for the school, get involved and sign up,” said Raife Campbell, the new BYUHSA president from Australia, majoring in business.

The previous Junior Vice Presidents of BYUHSA are stepping up to the plate and are now the new Senior Vice Presidents of BYUHSA. They are tackling the responsibilities that come with being a senior VP and training their new JR VPs. Rosalie Mapa, a senior Vice President of Service and Learning from Tonga majoring in accounting, and Brooke Amnuaychoke, a new junior VP from Hong Kong and a senior in elementary education, both shared a common interest. Mapa said, “Our primary focus is to provide the school with meaningful service projects. Our stop and serve tables are meant for the students to have the opportunity to stop and service.” Amnuaychoke added, “Our goal is to promote service, educate and provide learning experiences.”

Michael Lee, a senior Vice President of Student Advisory Council majoring in business management-finance from Korea, and Jesse Oliva, a junior VP majoring in business management from Maryland, said the main goal and duty of the SAC department is to listen to the students, be a voice for the students by helping them with any concerns, and help them find answers to their questions.

Olivia said, “We are the link between students and administration.”

She encourages students by saying they have the freedom to voice their opinions and thoughts, to not be afraid because that is what BYUHSA representatives are there for.

Yuya Kitahara, a senior Vice President of Special Events, from Japan and majoring in ICS-communications, and Tim Lee, majoring in business from Taiwan, and new junior VP, are passionate towards achieving several goals. Kitahara said, “[We] provide wholesome recreational activities for students by providing them with a variety of choices. We want to take suggestions from students about new events or ideas and our goal is to make them happen.”

Andrew Monahan, a new senior Vice President of Publicity majoring in business management from Philadelphia, said, “I want to be able to attract students, by promoting BYUHSA where it captures students attention. I want students to be enthusiastic and motivated to participate in all our events. I want students to be involved in the promotion process so they can to fulfill the goal of BYUHSA, and that is to enrich students lives.” Along with Monahan serving under Publicity is junior VP Karsten Griffin, who is majoring in biochemistry from California.

Tommy Wong, a junior VP for Clubs and Organizations and a sophomore in accounting from Hong Kong, described the department’s goals. Wong said, “The main goal of the department is to organize major school events by finding new ways to have different cultures interact with each other. Our school is so diverse, and we want to make use of it by blending all cultures together, by promoting club activities. Volunteers are always welcomed for major club events.

David Tyau, a junior Vice president of Social Activities, majoring in accounting from Honolulu, said his main goal is to “create an environment where you can have wholesome recreational activities.

Bring all the students together to have a good time and meet new - J e nnife r he rre ra people” May 23, 2013

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Hukilau at Hukilau BYU-Hawaii students learn to fish the Hawaiian way

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YU-Hawaii students participated in a Hawaiian tradition of fishing called a hukilau on Saturday, May 11, hosted by the BYUH 2nd Stake. Before many students and community members had risen out of bed Saturday morning, Harlan Ka’awaii was busy readying his nets to be cast from his small rowboat. The BYUH students and others who were lucky enough to take part in the event towed these nets in with long ropes.

Dr. McBride, a history teacher and Bishop of the YSA 6th ward at BYU-Hawaii commented about the organization of the hukilau, “first of all the hukilau is a traditional Hawaiian get together, almost like a pot luck, but more than just what you bring is what you eat, but rather what everyone catches, everyone eats.

The ‘huki’ means to pull, and the ‘lau’ is a net, so in essence it meant to pull a net.”McBride described the desire of the stake to do a hukilau, “We have wanted to do a hukilau as a ward activity for

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quite some time, and utilize the skills and talents the brother Ka’awaii being a professional at the hukilau. Being that it is summer time and the ward would only get a handful of people because numbers are lower… we thought about making it a stake activity.”

“Students come here from all over the world and they have an opportunity to see some of Hawaii but very seldom do they have the opportunity to do something that is historically Hawaiian, this is a good opportunity to come and pull the ropes and see a little bit of what it was like for early Hawaiian. We thought that this would be good fun and an opportunity for the stake and visitors to get together,” remarked McBride.

The reason for the early set up was the hope to catch fish close to shore before normal beach activities of swimmers and body surfers would scare the fish to deeper waters. McBride said his expectations for the catch were mixed.

Asked if there would be enough food to go around, he said, “this is my first hukilau, about everyone I have talked to says that in the hukilaus that they have attended they have never caught more than one of two fish. However, we are here early and have Brother Ka’awaii here and by being early we might catch more fish. As far as a draw, we have prepared over 500 hotdogs and chicken so we have something, so we hope people come to eat the food cause we have nowhere to put it if they don’t.”

Students helped in preparing the ropes and nets by making sure that everything was laid out properly. Any holes in the nets were repaired. The net was laid into the small rowboat in a fashion that would prevent any tangles or snags while it was being lowered from the boat. Ka’awaii set about alone making a large arch out to sea, ending up about 400 - 500 yards north of where he started. The onlookers then became active fisherman, doing their share to draw in the net.

-Ma tt Bled so e

Students and community participate in hukilau activity at Hukilau Beach on May 11.

Photos by Matt MacDonald May 23, 2013

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FIRST INTEGRATED PROM

Wilcox County teens take a stand against segregation

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Students at BYUH agree that the introduction of an integrated prom in Wilcox County, Georgia is a much-needed change.

Last month in Wilcox County, students participated in the first integrated prom at Wilcox County High School.

According to a CNN article written

by Jamie Gumbrecht entitled ‘Segregated prom tradition yields to unity’, “For as long as most remember, Wilcox County High School hasn’t sponsored a prom for its 400 students. Instead, parents and their children organize their own private, off-site parties, know casually as white prom and black prom-- a vestige of racial segregation that still lives on.”

Jasper Mills, a junior TESOL major from California, said, “We have to take into consideration our history and where we are coming from. Yes, it is upsetting that racism still exists in the world and even more upsetting that it’s still in our country, but the important thing to focus on is our progression and where we are going.”

For those attending school on the multicultural BYUH campus, segregation can be an upsetting subject. Students shared their opinion of the segregation that still takes place today. Grace Alspaugh, a senior in ICS from Washington, said, “It’s upsetting to know that the past is very much still with us and that people let notions of “tradition” Ke Alaka‘i

keep them in hateful ideologies.”

A group of students at Wilcox County High participated in breaking the tradition of segregated proms. “Organizers both black and white, said they lost friends in the process; a grim experience in the waning weeks of the school year,” wrote Gumbrecht.

The story of Wilcox County High School’s first integrated prom caught the media attention. According to Gumbrecht, this media attention was ‘hard’ for the county.

“Some in Wilcox County say it’s just an old habit that’s hard to break. A few argue the proms are private because of cost and liability or because parents won’t cede control,” wrote Gumbrecht.

Diana Ruiz, a senior English-ICS

major from Mexico, shared her viewpoint on the matter and said, “I am glad the youth are making a change in the town’s perspective.”

Organizers of the prom look forward to breaking the tradition of the county even more. “By this time next year, prom in Wilcox County could be entirely different.

The high school’s leadership will consider hosting a prom in 2014.” Superintendent Steve Smith said. “It might not eliminate segregated prom, but if it happens, it could promise a dance open to everybody,” wrote Gumbrecht.

Just like Mills said, “the most important thing to focus on is our progression and where we are going.”

- tucke r grimshaw

Wilcox County students participate in their high school’s first ever integrated prom.

Photos courtesy of nydailynews.com

S.W.A.T.T. Hawaii launches initiative

to lower energy costs

Sustainability World Action and Technology Team, otherwise known as SWATT, has been hard at work over the last several months analyzing and calculating ways to potentially save BYU-Hawaii hundreds of thousands of dollars each year from the annual $5 million of consumption.

The team, which is composed of former BYUH students and graduates, along with full time faculty and staff, are dedicated to the sustainability and future of BYUH. The team is headed up by student program Manager, Nick Bramwell, a senior majoring in business from Kailua. He explained SWATT and how the project got started on campus.

“A few interested individuals began working with facilities leaders on campus. SWATT was the brainchild of volunteer Les Harper, Dave Lewis (BYUH VP of Construction and Facilities), volunteer Carol Feinga, previous Facilities Manger, Judd Whetten, and many others.” Bramwell said, “Ultimately, SWATT functions today as a campus wide committee focused on reducing our school’s utility costs through programs that increase recycling, encourage re-use, and reduce inefficient consumption of resources.”

Last year’s successes included $426,000 in annual energy savings. Programs like removing bulbs and de-lamping lighting fixtures, air conditioning calibration, and computer power savings modes contributed to this. Also, the Give n’ Take has become a model program for universities all over the state of Hawaii to implement in their schools.

Emily Smithson, a recent BYUH alumnae and current member of the team leading the energy initiative on campus, described the new effort that the administration is taking to save the school hundreds of thousands in energy costs each year.

“Some of the changes that are being made are simple things like, showerheads, motion sensors for outdoor lights, and trying to coordinate the air conditioning for each room with the class schedules for each term or semester,” Smithson said. “Changing the showerheads alone will save the school a lot of money on not only the cost of the water, but it will also save on both the cost of heating the water and the sewage and disposal of used water,” she added.

Smithson continued, “I enjoy these types of projects because it really challenges me to learn new skills and I have learned how incredibly easy it is to save a lot of money just by changing a few small things. It really is great to be a part of this team, and to benefit the school that I care so much about.”

Bramwell shared SWATT’s goals for the current year. He said, “Building on last year’s successes, our goal this year is to reduce our university’s utility costs by an additional $500,000, which will be an exciting challenge since more buildings are being built simultaneously, adding more utility consumption to the grid while we work to decrease our overall consumption. These goals came about from project planning from the campus’ SWATT committee.”

Bramwell addressed students who have wondered if these changes will be interfering with the norms of college life.

He said, “Many changes have been made already, and usually they go unnoticed. For example, no one noticed the power savings settings on the computers throughout campus that were implemented; yet this simple program saved the school thousands of dollars. This is great, because it proves that whatever was modified was, in fact, unnecessary or inefficient.”

“However, our goal in future improvements is to increase efficiency while not sacrificing the comfort of campus guests. Comfort and functionality are actually at the core of sustainability principles,” Bramwell added.

-matt ble dsoe

SWATT team installs new shower heads to save energy costs on campus (top). Emily Smithson poses with shower head (bottom).

Photos by Emily Waddell May 23, 2013

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A girl adds a balloon outside the home of Gina DeJesus Thursday, May 9, in Cleveland. Ariel Castro, the man accused of raping and kidnapping DeJesus and two other women, who were missing for about a decade before being found alive at his home, was ordered held on $8 million bail on May 9. Photo by AP

Trapped for ten years

Women rescued from captivity after a decade of confinement

T

hanks to a neighbor noticing a woman in trouble, three women were freed who were kidnapped for over a decade at a home in Cleveland, Ohio.

The authorities received a frantic phone call on May 6, around 4:30 p.m. from a frantic girl claiming to be Amanda Berry, a girl who was kidnapped 10 years ago. "I've been kidnapped, and I've been missing for 10 years, And I'm here. I'm free now." This news was true, along with the news that there were still two other girls over there locked up as well.

A man named Charles Ramsey told authorities “I was just walking outside when I heard a girl screaming for help and sticking half way out of the bottom of a kicked in door.” This is the man that helped pull Amanda Berry to safety, where she was able to call the police. There was a young girl who was released from the house at that time as well, authorities have confirmed that the child is Amanda’s. As soon as the police arrived they were able to get inside and found two other women who have been missing for about 10 years as well, Gina Dejesus and Michelle Knight.

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A man by the name of Ariel Castro kidnapped all three women within the same block. Authorities apprehended Castro within the same hour that they found the women. He has not released a statement yet, but authorities say that they found a note inside his house that was written about a year ago saying he feels bad for what he’s done and knows he needs help, and wants to leave everything he has to his victims when he dies. Ohio authorities also arrested Castro’s two brothers but they have since been released after seeming to have had no idea about their brothers double life.

Emily Smithson, a recent BYU-Hawaii graduate from California, said “Its so terrible to think that someone can be so sick and cruel, and even worse that they have been able to hide such a horrid secret from everyone for so many years. To think that you really never know the people around you.”

Castro is being charged with 4 counts of kidnapping and rape as of right now, but authorities say that this will not be all he is charged with as the case unfolds and more details are brought to light.

- ke ryna monson

Parental Duty

are an array of options, and I think the last option that's available to them is the Safe Haven law," said Patricia McManaman, the director of the state Department of Human Services.

Mother says child was abandoned;

Other BYU-Hawaii students had similar responses to Lopez court debating the issue of custody when they heard about the situation but said they don’t think leaving a baby at a hospital or other government location is a good solution.

Genesis Danielle Magat, a junior majoring in biology from the Philippines, commented on the state’s law. “The mean act of abandoning a onolulu police say a woman who claimed she found an child at a government facility is not good,” she said. abandoned baby on Sandy Beach on April 28, was the baby’s

Janae Wilkey, a senior majoring in music from Idaho, said, mother. The state Family Court will decide whether or not the child “If I have the option of leaving my child without any consequences, I will be returned to the family, says the Associated Press. would never do it because it extremely irresponsible. That is just not

“[I feel] heartbroken, and really sad, not just for the baby, but for that mother too. She felt so desperate that she needed to leave fair to the child. They didn’t do anything wrong. And if I can’t take her baby there [at the beach],” said Jill Lopez, a senior in elementary care of my child, then I will make sure that they have a place to go education from Hawaii. She continued, “Clearly she was uneducated, through an adoption or something.”

The Family Court hearing about what happens to the newbecause in Hawaii we have a law that you can leave the baby at the born baby girl will be closed to the public, reported AP. hospital and they will take care of the baby without any questions

Police say 21-year-old Keala Simeona reported that she asked.”

The AP reports that in 2007, Hawaii became the 48th state found the baby at Sandy Beach and took her to the hospital. Police to implement a baby safe haven law. The law provides legal immunity later determined that Simeona is the mother. The police arrested Simeona for filing a false report, but she was later bailed out for $250 for leaving an unharmed newborn within 72 hours of birth at a fire and released. When the police revealed Simeona as the mother of the department, police station or hospital.

According to HPD, the penalty for endangering the welfare baby, Simeona was ordered to submit to DNA testing to confirm the report. of a minor is up to one year in prison, but anyone who surrenders

Hawaii News Now reports the baby is in good condition. "I a newborn under the Safe Haven Law will not be prosecuted. The think first and foremost, we're happy to report that the female infant law has been on the books since 2007, but no one has ever used it, is doing quite well. She's drinking formula, weighs approximately 8 reports Hawaii News Now.

Being a mother, Lopez said she couldn’t imagine a mom not pounds," said McManaman. She says the baby girl appears to have been born a week or two early and was delivered sometime around wanting her baby but she understands how a young mother who is single and unable to provide for her baby would take the child to the April 28. hospital and “leave the baby there so he can have a good home.”

-Robinia Tan "I think for all women who find themselves in this situation there

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May 23, 2013

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JGEEKS P

eople filled the seats in the Cannon Activities Center to see the JGeeks, an entertainment group from New Zealand, on Friday, May 17. There were exactly 1,936 tickets sold, according to BYUH Performance Series Student Coordinator, Spencer Dowd.

“We spent a lot of time and energy planning the event and it really paid off,” said Dowd, a sophomore majoring in social work from Hillsboro, Ore. “The event went smoothly because of our volunteers. They jumped right in. They worked really hard at keeping the crowd controlled and happy. Over all, I was impressed at the professionalism of the JGeeks, and we hope that we’ll keep bringing concerts of this caliber to the university.”

Zabrina Zablan, from Ewa Beach, attended the concert. “To be honest, I had never heard about JGeeks until tonight,” she

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New Zealand ‘Neoteric Maori moko’ group dances in Hawaii for the first time

said. “After coming, I actually realized that they’re a bunch of talented Maori men that I would love to see more often.” The JGeeks concert was a coordinated effort done by BYU-Hawaii’s Performance Series staff who first reached out to them a few months ago.

The origin of JGeeks was an idea sparked by former Disney Channel and C4 Select Live presenter, Jermaine Leef. “JGeeks came about from traveling around the world,” said JGeeks’ lead singer Leef, “learning a lot about entertainment, big name entertainers, and I felt everyone was being too cool. ‘Who could be the coolest?’ ‘Who could get the coolest stuff?’ So I was like, ‘What can I do that’s not cool?’ And the uncoolest thing is a geek,” Leef added. To set himself and his group a part from the rest, New Zealand’s very own JGeeks was born.

Along with Leef, are two other members, Marino Taiatini and Eru BennettPaul. The three have been performing together for four years now starting with their hit single, “Maori Boy.”

“It’s about taking all the pop culture and mixing it with our heritage, so that [Maori culture] can be delivered [to audiences],” Leef said. The reaction to the JGeeks taking this approach of spreading Maori culture with the world has been mixed.

“Some people like it. Some people don’t like it,” said Leef matter-of-factly. “We deliver a style that is us. We’re not trying to represent Maori. We’re just Maori doing our thing. We like to let people know that we are Maoris, but we’re also dancers. We also sing and like to have a laugh, and we put all of those things on stage.”

JGeeks members, Jermaine Leef, Eru Bennett-Paul, and Marino Taiatini perform modern dance numbers to, top left, a crowd of nearly 2,000 on May 17 at the CAC. Middle above: Kiwi Chapter member dance a traditional Maori number. Photos by Matt MacDonald

Landing a gig in Hawaii was easily done through an email sent to the JGeeks by BYUH’s Performance Series team.

“It was real slick, real professional, and they locked it in; contract and everything. It was written down and we’re like, ‘Let’s do it!’” Leef said excitedly. “It’s awesome and quite amazing that people out there, outside of New Zealand, know. It’s crazy,” he added with a laugh.

Hundreds came from around the island, neighbor, islands and even out of state to see the JGeeks perform live. According to Leef, the JGeeks are known for having high energy in their shows.

The show began with a formal ceremony. A Hawaiian oli was given and a few dance numbers were done by Kiwi Club. Shortly after Kiwi Club’s performance, the JGeeks were introduced and took to the stage. The JGeeks started the concert dancing to a variety of songs while audience members screamed seeing the them on stage.

“Let’s get hot in here,” Leef said to the audience while dancing to a remixed version of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” He ran out into the screaming audience while hundreds of arms and hands reached out to touch him. Leef ran back onto stage after hugging a fan toward the end of another popular JGeeks number, “Icky Sticky Love.”

Bennett-Paul then ran out into the audience and pulled Vanessa Butler onto stage.

Butler, from Kaneohe, said, “It was crazy to be on stage with them. I don’t even have words. They are so hot! They are so amazing!” Crowd control became an issue as security had to prevent people from getting too close to the stage. Groups of young girls holding recording devices, tried to get a closer look but were stopped by student volunteers and other security officials. The JGeeks kept running out into the audience, dancing between aisles and on the bleachers with fans.

Zablan said her favorite part of the concert was “the second half when they came out with less clothes…I didn’t know what was going on. I just know that they came on with less clothes and I enjoyed that. I liked that progressively their clothes depleted. They started in a full suit and then ended up in a cloth,” she added. The group went behind a partition to change for each number, first in a suit, then in a tank-top and board shorts, then in their signature Maori regalia for their last numbers.

Bubba Mohetau, a recently graduated senior from Kahuku High School, was pulled up onto stage with them. He said, “It was a wonderful experience...being on stage in front of this many people. Especially with

the JGeeks because they’re really popular. It was fun.”

The group performed nearly the same number as they did on “New Zealand’s Got Talent,” and then, to the sound of blaring fans, concluded the show. They quickly got changed and went outside of the CAC to autograph posters and take pictures with fans.

Jed Valeriano, an officer from the Honolulu Police Department who helped facilitate security, said, “The volunteers kept everything in order, and it was basically a good crowd. They were just very enthusiastic. But the volunteers and the security here pretty much knew what they’re doing. I think we all enjoyed the JGeeks.”

“I would definitely recommend this show to people,” Zablan said. “It was definitely a good-sized group. It was crazy. It was good. I liked it.”

Upon arriving to Hawaii, the group was taken around to see sites on Oahu, and met with local families. “There’s nothing to not like about [Hawaii], the people, the place. It’s beautiful,” Bennett-Paul said. The JGeeks are scheduled to perform in Australia the first week of June.

And to their adoring fans, Leef said, “Thank yous, thank yous!”

- d ylan-sage wilcox May 23, 2013

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World Fire Knife Dancing Reigning Fire Knife champion defends title A

fter winning the title last year, Joseph Cadousteau of Tahiti, protected his title and won the 21st annual World Fire Knife Championship, beating out four-time world champion Mikaele Oloa of Wailua, Hawaii, and Malo Matau of Laie.

“It is such an honor to be recognized as a World Fire Knife Champion again and to have competed against the best fire knife dancers from around the world,” said Cadousteau in a news release. “The opportunity to compete for this title makes this competition the one that we as fire knife dancers, look forward to every year.”

Fire knife dancers gathered from all around the world on May 8 –11 to compete for the title of World Fire Knife Champion at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

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“Warriors” as they are often called, came from as far away as Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in hopes to earn bragging rights as the world’s best fire knife performer.

The Samoan fire knife dance is a modern variation of traditional Samoan warrior techniques. Today, fire knife dancers use the nifo oti, a lightweight three-foot staff, with a lave, or hook, on one end. Both ends are wrapped in towels and lit on fire.

Since its inception in 1994, PCC along with other sponsors have worked together to bring the very fire knife performers from around the world. Seui Suafi, a local community member says she comes every year to cheer on the local participants and to enjoy the great fire knife dancing.

The finals for the championship

were held Friday and Saturday night. The three finalists were selected on Friday night and after the performance on Saturday, the results were announced.

Both Cadousteau and Oloa were veterans of the competition, but 18-year-old Matau was competing for the first time in the senior division. The competitors were evaluated by a panel of judges and their routines were judged based upon the traditional and originality of the moves, rotation speed of the knife and the height of the throws.

Cadousteau, Oloa and Matau performed during the intermission of the “Ha: Breath of Life” show and were greeted by thunderous applause. The three finalists performed a single knife routine as well as a double knife routine. After deliberating, the

judges crowned Cadousteau the winner of 2013 World Fire Knife Championship. Oloa and Cadousteau were both awarded second place.

Casey James Kahelemauna Akana, a sophomore studying accounting from Seattle, Wash., said, “I loved seeing the excitement of the crowd, it was amazing. Definitely one of the best performances I’ve seen.”

In addition to the adult competition, a junior and intermediate competition were held Thursday, May 9. The junior division competitors were between the ages of 6-11, and the intermediate division was open to competitors between the ages of 12-17.

The winners of the junior division were, Dayton Daoang of Waipahu, Aaliyah Ava of Laie and Chandae Ava of Laie. In the intermediate division the winners were Achilles Tafiti of Laie, Hale Motuapuaka of Aiea and Wallen Te’o of Honolulu.

First place winners were awarded a check for 8,000 dollars as well as a custom fire knife.

Christina Taleni a junior, studying communications and peacebuilding, from Sydney, Australia said, “It was so cute to see all the little kids fire knife. They were really good for being so young.”

-h om e r w ol m a n Competitors fight for the title of fire knife champion at the PCC Pacific Theater.

Photos by Mei Yin, Matt McDonald, & Kyoko Hasegawa

May 23, 2013

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EDUCATION WEEK

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Conference seeks to build learning experiences for students, community

o educate minds, encourage hearts and uplift spirits, BYU-Hawaii Educational Outreach department will be holding an Education Week conference on June 14-15 on campus. Having the theme, “Build Upon The Rock,” participants will have the opportunity to hear various speakers from Hawaii and mainland.

The conference is done every other year and is opened to public, ages 14 and above. In an email sent out to all Stake Relief Society Presidents, Earlene Blaser, an Educational Outreach volunteer and a missionary from Bountiful, Utah, said about the event’s objective, “[Education Week] conference is planned to increase the testimony and commitment of the saints that the individual, family and entire community can benefit from.”

Blaser explained the activity will not only feature spiritual matters, but will also teach people on different subject areas that include grand parenting, cooking, genealogy, finances, emotional wellbeing, dealing with addictions and dating. “We are hoping to have a crowd and feel it’s worth it . . . They will have the opportunity to learn practical, spiritual and emotional advice,” she said.

The Keynote speakers of the program will be W.A. and Sherry Christensen from Utah. The Educational Outreach website says Christensen works at BYU Salt Lake City Center as an advertising teacher, and is a writer, producer and host of a popular Mormon Channel, “Enduring it Well,” which, according to Blaser, is gaining over 19 million hits a month. His wife, Sherry serves as a singing missionary with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Blaser informed there would be 24 speakers along with the Christensens. She said in an email, “These are highly sought after speakers who lecture at EFY, Education Weeks, and guided tours all over the world.”

She added participants could choose from six workshops an hour and there would be 34 different topics covered.

Jackie Frei, a missionary from Salt Lake City, Utah, commented on the importance of the event. “I think [Education Week Conference] is very educational and very fulfilling because you have different subjects that can really benefit you in your life and it also a great time to come because you would be rejuvenated. It’s a fun day to come and be away from home to have a fun atmosphere [at the conference].”

Edna Owan, the Department Manager of the Educational Outreach explained that it will be their second time in Hawaii. Based on her experience from the first 2011 conference, she said, “It went very well. Now, it’s getting well-known and a lot of people have to experience it.”

“We’re hoping that people would take that opportunity.

They will not be disappointed. I haven’t had anyone who attended and was disappointed. If you want a spiritual uplift, this conference is for you to build your testimony. It’s an opportunity to meet people from all over and would be an influence to [you],” added Owan.

Housing will be available for attendees in the Hales, at rates that include $40 per night for single bed and $80 per double occupancy units. According to the department’s registration form, the costs for one-day and full two days of conference if registered early and on time are listed below.

For more information about the conference, visit outreach.byuh.edu.

- Ma. Vis Tagu ba

REGISTRATION FEES (meals and housing not included)

STUDENT/MISSIONARY (Student ID required)

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GENERAL RATE

Full days registration

Prepaid by June 3 $15

Onsite on June 14 and 15 $20

Prepaid by June 3 Onsite on June 14 and 15 $50 $60

One-day registration

$10

$15

$25

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$35

‘Great Gatsby’ receives lack-luster review from students

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he latest attempt to turn F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, “The Great Gatsby,” into a feature film, was full of stunning effects, but failed to pack the anticipated emotional punch.

The cinematography and acting were well done, but director Baz Luhrmann’s screenplay lacked the emotional connection needed for a story filled with deceit and murder amongst friends and family.

Jordan Lenhart, a senior in social work from Utah, said, “The Great Gatsby wasn’t really a movie that I would put as top notch. Even though the acting was phenomenal, I didn’t enjoy the overall energy of the film and it seemed to drag on too long. Even though the book is a classic, the movie isn’t something I’d recommend to everyone.”

The visually stunning rendition of “The Great Gatsby” features cinematic effects that create an idealized world that Mr. Gatsby would be proud of. The cinematography is filled with color and special effects to make for a dreamy, exciting backdrop to the dark lives of Gatsby and gang.

Luhrmann’s portrayal of ‘the roaring 20’s’ is a worthy and colorful depiction of the flapper filled prohibition period. Music featured by Jay-Z, who also was an executive producer, Beyonce, Andre 3000 and Lana Del Rey, gave the 20’s a facelift and brought the era up to date.

Nick Carraway begins the movie by telling the story of Gatsby, the man with the most hope he had ever seen, to a psychiatrist who is helping him recover from his traumatic experiences earlier in life. (These experiences involved Jay Gatsby and Tom and Daisy Buchanan.) From there begins the cinematically brilliant movie, sure to depress the most positive of viewers with a dark story line and unfulfilling performances.

Leonardo Di Caprio’s characterization of Jay Gatsby is sensational, as well as the performances of the supporting cast of Tobey McGuire as Nick Carraway, Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan, and Joel Edgerton as Tom Buchanan. But something lacked from the overall presentation. It was difficult to grow attached to any one

character, as none emerged as a true villain or victim.

Cristopher Orr, a movie critic from theatlantic.com, gave the film mediocre reviews and said, “The problem is that when the movie is entertaining it’s not Gatsby, and when it’s Gatsby it’s not entertaining.”

-J e ff Mcle od

Leonardo Di Caprio stars in the movie rendition of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby.” Photos by AP may 23, 2013

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BURGER BATTLES “I love the Twice-As-Much burger from Seven Brothers. Especially with the extra jalapenos.”

-Jon Ako, a junior music major from Maui.

“It’s a challenge to finish the whole thing. Ted’s is just so good no matter what you get.”

-Jordan Barrus, a senior political science major from California.

Students share favorite North Shore burgers

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From value menu mouth-waterers to gourmet patties laden with every extra imaginable, Oahu’s North Shore just might provide burgers as legendary as it’s surf.

“I love the Twice-As-Much burger from Seven Brothers,” said Jon Ako, a junior music major from Maui. “Especially with the extra jalapenos. It’s filling, it’s delicious, and it’s not too expensive either. I could probably eat that everyday.”

With the expansion of Seven Brothers, burger lovers don’t have to travel to Kahuku for a meaty meal any more. “I loved to eat at Kahuku Grill, but it is far away,” said Ako. “Now that Seven Brothers is here, they should be getting a lot of business from car-less students in Laie.”

For those with means of transportation, succulent burgers are no longer a rarity.

Other restaurants like Ted’s Bakery and Kua Aina in Haleiwa also provide an incredible burger on a more generous budget.

“Ted’s just gives you such large portions it’s hard to turn down,” said Jordan Barrus, a senior political science major from California. “It’s a challenge to finish the whole thing. Ted’s is just so good no matter what you get.”

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Even for those burger enthusiasts with red-meat fearing palates, places like Kua Aina Burger provide alternatives for omnivores and carnivores alike. Items such as the teriyaki chicken burger and the Ono fish burger are frequented as well.

Whitney Yun, a sophomore in graphic design from California loves the fish burger. “I don’t like to eat beef, but the fish burger there is really good. To me, it tastes just as good as any burger could, but just more healthy.”

North Shore is grounds for some burger experimentations unique to Hawaii only. Kua Aina offers the Loco Moco burger,

blending the local favorite of eggs and gravy with a traditional hamburger. Kahuku Grill also offers the Paniolo burger, a tribute to the Hawaiian cowboys of old, which celebrates an assortment of extra add-ons, such as onion rings and bacon.

Despite the diverse variety of sandwiches offered through the North Shore’s many burger joints, some still remain true to the classics. “I still haven’t had a burger better than a good ol’ Big Mac. I don’t need to spend $10 for a burger when McDonald’s has a Big Mac for cheaper,” said Barrus.

- au stin me ldru m

CHEVRON to shutdown Doors to close May 30, says owner

F

ill up your gas tanks and grab your late night snacks because Chevron won’t be around Laie much longer. At the end of this month, Chevron will be closing in preparation for the new Laie hotel.

Contrary to earlier reports that Chevron would be moving to the L&L location in the Laie Shopping Center, Chevron will close its doors on May 30 for the foreseeable future. Inchul Kang, operator of the Laie Chevron, cited lack of financial resources as the main reason for not continuing on as an operator.

“I want to keep this place. I want to stay here. But I don’t have the resources to stay,” said Kang.

After running the Chevron for the past 19 years, Kang said he’s sad to go but ready for the next step in his life.

As one of the only places open after midnight and the only gas station in Laie, the closure of Chevron is expected to make an impact.

Brooke Butler, a sophomore studying social work from Santa Clarita, Calif., said Chevron closing was too bad. “This is a growing community.”

Ben Johnson, a junior from Agoura Hills, Calif., studying accounting, said, “I don’t want to have to drive to Kahuku just for gas. That’s going to be sketchy too, if I have to go at night.”

Students looking to make a late night run for food or gas will have to venture out of Laie in order to find what they’re looking for.

The nearest late night convenience store is 7-Eleven in Hau’ula and the closest gas pumps to Laie are in Kahuku and Ka’a’awa, which are respectively 3.1 and 9.8 miles away. Owners of gas station Vula Express in Kahuku said they are preparing to handle the increase of customers with an added diesel fuel pump and staying open 24 hours a day.

In addition to Chevron closing down, McDonald’s will be relocating to its new location just north of the current location.

Once Chevron and McDonald’s have been relocated, construction for a new hotel is expected to start on the lot adjacent to the Polynesian Cultural Center.

The Chevron in Laie is going to close on May 30, says its owner, to make way for a new hotel to be built in its place. Photo by Emily Waddell

-h om e r w o lman

May 23, 2013

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Five-weeks

of Summer Freedom Students to do research, travel and enjoy the beach

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YU-Hawaii students share their plans for the five-week break.

These plans vary from visiting loved ones to maybe even traveling around the country.

“This summer I will actually be traveling to New Zealand and Australia on tour with the BYUH Concert choir. Then heading home to be with my family until fall semester,” said Cherisse Lemmon, a junior majoring in music from Oregon. “The BYUH concert choir is a school sponsored traveling event that will be going on this summer.”

There is also a group of psychology majors that will be traveling to Fiji as well this summer for a research project.

Scooter Kemsley, a senior majoring psychology from Texas plans to do some bouncing around the country for his break. Kemsley said that he would be “visiting grandparents in Arizona for a week then heading to Seattle to see [his] best friend, then to see [his] girlfriend in San Diego for two weeks, then back to Hawaii for the week before school starts.”

Since BYUH has such a wide array of students from all over the world, there are also students who can’t afford to head home for the break. One such student is Karly Hu, a junior from Hong Kong majoring in English.

Hu said, “Since my family has already paid so much money for me to come out here to get my education, we can’t really afford for me to head home for the break between my semesters. Instead, I will vacation in Hawaii. Most people would give anything to be able to spend 5 weeks here in Hawaii, and I might not get the chance to do that when I am older, so I will take advantage of it now. I have a few other friends in the same situation as myself so we plan on just relaxing on the beach and possibly taking this break to finally learn how to surf.”

The student wards continue to have ward activities during the breaks as well. This is great way to stay busy and in touch with other students if you are staying on the island for the break.

There are many ways to take advantage of the island if you plan to stay here for the break. Some of the most popular activities to take up are surfing, long boarding, swimming, snorkeling and just taking some time to yourself to relax and breathe.

-K e r y na M o n so n

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PCC debuts

Polynesian Cultural Center promotional team poses for a picture in Times Square New York.

Photos courtesy of PCC Promo team

On good Morning America Taking Aloha to the Big Apple The PCC promotion team, also known as the PROMO team, performed on Good Morning America in celebration of Lei day on May 1. The performance was only one of a series in New York City, to promote the 50th anniversary of the PCC. The 50th anniversary of the PCC will take place in September of this year.

Crystal Hafoka of the PCC promotion team kept a blog of the trip to New York. Hafoka said of performing on national television; it “was so exciting to be in the studio then to perform outside with a live audience behind us and cameras rolling in front and on the sides of us. It was surreal.

Our musicians and the Hawaiian Airlines attendees were great.”

The PCC PROMO team also performed at the United Nations. Hafoka said,

“We did a mini HA show showcasing the islands of Hawaii, Samoa, and Tahiti. The show ended with presentations from the dignitaries from the different island nations and we sang ‘Aloha ‘Oe’ at the end of the event.”

According to the blog written by Hafoka, the team participated in devotional every day.

The daily devotional prepared them for the different events.

The team performed at Good Day New York and even took part in sales calls.

With a few hours of free time they were able to take in the sights of New York.

Some things they saw included the Stature of Liberty, Central Park, pizza joints, diners, Serendipity, taxicabs, and Ground Zero, remarked Hafoka.

The PCC PROMO team continually shared the spirit of Aloha. According to

Hafoka, At the Ground Zero memorial the PCC PROMO team saved leis and placed them on a name of a 9-11 victim from Hawaii.

“I’m grateful for everything that I’ve been blessed with and for the opportunity that I’ve had to travel with and work at the Polynesian Cultural Center. I’m grateful to be a Polynesian and to have been raised in Laie, where I am surrounded by my culture.

Overall, I’m grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” said Hafoka.

To see more of the trip, visit the blog at http://promodancerlife.wordpress. com/tag/polynesian-cultural-center/ .

- T u cke r Grimshaw

May 23, 2013

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Study Abroad Students have the opportunity to study around the world

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tudents who are considering studying abroad and expanding their horizons have a unique opportunity to do so during their college years. The option is open for students to learn about different cultures and languages and earn a master’s degree at a fraction of the price that it would cost in the United States.

Programs around the world offer excellent opportunities for grad school. They offer a high-quality education and leave you with plenty of spare change, according to Sarah Menkedick’s article “7 countries where graduate school is a fraction of U.S. costs.”

There are study abroad masters programs around the world in English and other languages with broader choices of specific programs that may spark interest. “I always wanted to study abroad to help expand my knowledge and give me a broader view of the world,” said Uraia Levaci, a senior in social work from Fiji.

The University of Barcelona in Spain offers more than just a simple list of categories but gives more diverse options, costing $2,000 per academic year.

France prides itself in the quality of its higher education and places a grave seriousness towards education. The universities in France are listed as some of the top in the world, and you can get an education for 190 Euros a year, (equivalent to 248.63 U.S. dollars), says Menkedick.

Megan Mickenberg, alumnae in biology from England, said, “Coming from a military family, I’ve been able to visit France many times, and it is still one of my favorite countries. It’s absolutely amazing.”

Uppsala University in Sweden is one of the very few universities in the country that offers a variety of master’s programs in English. There are similar programs in Germany, although their tuition can range anywhere from $130.77 -$653.85 U.S. dollars per year, according to Menkedick.

International graduate students in Singapore are not only offered a cheap education, but also a high-quality education as well.

“I served my mission in Singapore and I personally love it. It is very city like. There is a lot to do, never ending entertainment, students would have so much fun here,” explained Gny Caballa, an alumnae

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in education from Saipan

Students who appreciate Spanish language, culture and food will find that places in Mexico offer a tuition around $1,000 U.S. dollars. Universidad Autonoma de Mexico offers a top-quality graduate degree program for Latin American studies and history. Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa, provide low cost of living, around $4,000 a year in tuition, for international graduate students, writes Menkedick - Jennife r He rre ra

Tennis just short of title Seasiders stumble in match for national championship The BYU-Hawaii Women’s Tennis team, ranked third nationally, reached the pinnacle of college tennis last week but fell short against defending national champions No. 2 Armstrong Atlantic State in the NCAA Division II National Championship.

The Seasiders lost in the championship match 5-2 winning the top singles spot, but taking only one of three doubles matches.

They made an incredible run to the championship though, winning 21 straight matches and dominating the Pacific West conference tournament. They finished with an astounding overall record of 30-2.

BYUH lost to Armstrong Atlantic State in last year’s national championship match, earning National Runner-Up honors.

Senior Player of the Year, Annie Hwang, and doubles partner Sherry Liu combined for an 8-6 win at the number one doubles spot, but the Seasiders dropped their other two matches, losing 8-3 at number two doubles and 8-5 at the third position.

In singles play, the Seasiders appeared to take control of the match as they won the first set in five of the six singles slots.

Hwang claimed 6-1, 6-1 victories at the number two singles to even the match at 2-2, but Armstrong Atlantic State won in straight sets at number three singles to reclaim the overall lead. The Pirates then scored comeback wins at number six and number four singles to close out the match.

To reach the Championship match, the Seasiders defeated fifth-ranked Abilene Christian 5-2 semifinal match tournament, just a day prior. The Seasiders took two of the three doubles matches and won at the top three singles slots to advance to the championship match.

In doubles play, Marietta Tuionetoa and Marika Kobayashi won 8-4 at No. 2 doubles to put the Seasiders on top 1-0, but BYUH suffered a loss at No. 3 doubles tying the score at 1-1. Hwang and Liu combined for an 8-6 win at number one doubles to give the Seasiders a 2-1 lead heading into singles play.

In singles play, Hwang claimed a 6-1, 6-0 victory at number two singles, and Kobayashi earned a 6-4, 6-4 win at the third singles slot to give the Seasiders a commanding 4-1 lead. After a setback at number five singles, Liu closed out the match with a 6-2, 6-1 win at number two singles.

-A u s t i n M eld rum

I-Hsuan (Annie) Hwang is recently named as the senior player of the year. Photo by University Communications

May 23, 2013

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Kongaika plans to spend his retirement with his children and eventually serve in the Missionary Training Center.

Photo by Kyoko Hasegawa

Kon gai k a t o r e t i r e i n D ecembe r afte r serv i n g BYU - H a w a i i f o r ove r tw o decades Serving at BYU-Hawaii for more than 22 years, faculty member Isileli Kongaika will be retiring in December. Everything started after he was released from presiding over the Nuku’alofa, Tonga Mission in 1992. Kongaika then dedicated his time to BYUH.

Students at BYUH might know Kongaika as a teacher in Introduction to LDS, Book of Mormon, Missionary Preparation, and Church History in the Pacific. But he has also been the Foreign Student Advisor and Vice President for Student Life, before he worked as a religion teacher.

“Laie is a place of refuge for people,” said Kongaika. He recalled how he and his wife Ruth decided to settle in Laie.

“It is interesting that we came to Laie seeking a refuge from the world, especially with the Temple and the university, two great institution of learning. We have become attached to this little village on the Hill, and have called it our home for almost 22 years.”

Kongaika said that he is heartbroken to leave Laie and BYUH. “Sister Kongaika and I have been fortunate to be a part of this gathering. It will be very difficult to leave this promised village and it will be even more difficult to forget the memories we had while laboring in this part of Gods vineyard,” said Kongaika.

During these 22 years at BYUH, Kongaika said he has too many stories to mention and perhaps they are too sacred to 24

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share. “Trust the Lord and consecrate your life to Him,” advised Kongaika. “He [the Lord], will micro manage your life and transform your nature to be divine as you were foreordained to be. Can you imagine what would it like to be one with the Lord?”

Spending time with his 4 children and 12 grandchildren is the biggest part of his retirement plan, said Kongaika with a smile. “I plan to be with my sweetheart Sister Kongaika, our children and grandchildren for a time, until the Lord calls us to help in building His Kingdom again,” he said.

With the dream to serve in the Missionary Training Center, Kongaika said, “In the last 22 years, I was privileged to train prospective missionaries at BYUH. You are never bored with the message of the restored Gospel. Just the idea of being in ‘Christ’s Rescue Team’ gives me reason to be forever cheerful and find that my joy is full.”

Sally Chan, alumni from Hong Kong, attended Kongaika’s missionary preparation class in the winter of 2009. She expressed gratitude and said, “Although at the end, I didn’t serve a mission, but chose to get married. I developed an important testimony about the relationship between blessings and trials. Thank you very much Brother Kongaika.”

Having desire to serve a mission, Zhang Tianyu, an undeclared freshman from China, said he might take Missionary

Preparation from Kongaika in the fall. “I personally do not know Brother Kongaika, but I heard he is a great story-teller and I can learn a lot from him,” said Zhang. “I know he is retiring, I wish him a good future and wherever he goes, he can spread the good word about BYUH.” -Clove r Che ng