Spraaang Break Escape on pages 4-5
A Student Publication of the University of Hawai'i • Honolulu Community College • March 2018
Takamatsu breaks tradition By Christopher Garcia
“I view myself as being a good, contributing teacher within the school,” said TJ-Reilly Takamatsu, a HonCC Early Childhood Education (ECE) student. Takamatsuʻs hope is to primarily work in preschools. This is his third semester in the ECE program and his first semester in the “on-hand practicum course”--working at the Keiki Hau'oli Children’s Center. Takamatsu first became interested in ECE as a highschool student at McKinnley High School. He volunteered as a teacherʻs aid
at multiple preschools and for McKinnley High School’s ECE Program. “Initially, it was for an elective, but after doing that class, I really wanted to start working with kids.” Takamatsu shared. “My [high school] friends said, ‘[you] seem to really like caring for children.’” Takamatsu’s parents wanted him to go into college and supported his decision to be in ECE. Both of his parents work in education, with his mother specializes in special needs children and his father teaches biology. Takamatsu said, “The goal that we
Ka Lā photo by Chris Garcia
have is to help children.” At the Keiki Hau'oli Children’s Center, Takamatsu is a teacher to the children. The duties he had in McKinnley’s ECE Program are relatively the same as those at the center. Some of his tasks include maintaining classroom cleanliness and ensuring the keiki participate in scheduled activities. “At first, it felt kind of difficult... to explain to [the keiki] the rules and lessons to where they understood it.” Takamatsu explained. ”Takamatsu initially tried to utilize strategies taught to him by his teachers to teach the keiki; later,
he found that there were “many different strategies to do and use when you start teaching.” Takamatsu learned that teachers can help the parents and keiki outside of teaching, such as giving resources on various subjects and conducting after-school programs. He also learned there are various ECE policies which deal with inclusion and respectful embrace of all ethnicities and cultures.
Takamatsu wants to share “unity within the school and the community, as well.” Continued on Page 6
In the long run... By Fredrene Balanay
Photo courtesy of EP Events
I’ve never been one of those women you find at the gym or jogging down the street. For the longest time, my life has been preoccupied with work and caring for my mom. I would sometimes entertain the idea of going to the gym, but after a double shift of almost twenty hours straight,
the only thing on my mind was usually a nice shower and some rest. After burying my mom last year in 2017, I took some time off to figure out what I wanted to do next. I soon found myself registered for fall semester at HonCC and moving out of my childhood home.
This was also around the time I was diagnosed with kidney disease and decided to take a more aggressive approach to my treatment and healing. I also decided to join an exercise group and class called Team Move Hawai'i. It was during these twice a week sessions that I would take
my body to its limits and beyond. Each evening our trainer would encourage us to continue toward our personal fitness goals and encourage us to make a yearly list of goals to accomplish. To set the tone and example,
Continued on Page 6
KaLā • Ka Nūpepa o nā Haumāna o ke Kula Kaiaulu o Honolulu
2 Malaki 2018
A voice for the student body
By Fredrene Balanay
Ka Lā, the campus newspaper of Honolulu Community College. Ka Lā publishes 900 copies every month during the Spring and Fall Semesters. Ka Lā is funded by student publication fees and advertising. Any part of Ka Lā may not be reproduced or reused without permission of the HonCC Student Media Board. Ka Lā is published under the supervision of the HonCC Student Media Board.
Advisors
Michael Leidemann April Ching Brenda Coston
Chairperson Angelina Peralta
Board members Angelina Perez Tiera Spencer
Editor-in-Chief Fredrene Balanay
Layout Editor & Graphics Danielle Martinez
Contributing Writers & Photographers Jonz Stoneroad Maia Mayashiro Christopher Garcia
Contact Information hcckala@gmail.com Student Media Board Building 2, Room 115 Phone: (808) 845-9213 Ka Lā invites letters to the editors, articles, events, advertising and classified ads. Ka Lā reserves the right to refuse or edit submissions. Student editors and writers are responsible for content, which does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Honolulu CC administration, faculty or staff.
Students with concerns for HonCCʻs Campus can find solace in our current and active student government organization. “I think SG holds a tremendous responsibility in trying to be the voice and trying to advocate for the students,” explained Shirley Templo, affiliate member of the HonCC Student Government organization “When student’s want change, they come to us and we try to implement that.” “Before fall 2016,” Emily Kukulies, Director of HonCCʻs Student Life and Development Department said, “Majority of the work was placed on one person, the president.” Kukulies explained that other organizations would ask for Student Government to participate and would sometimes be disappointed that the Student Government president couldnʻt attend or that another member would go in the president’s place. “This often led to only one person being expected to do all the work,” Kukulies shared. “By becoming a coordinated collected collaborative, all members can represent the organization and all members have equal say in the group.” According to both Kukulies and Templo, Student Government has been reor-
Ka Lā photo by Chris Garcia
ganized and positions like President and Vice President have been eliminated. The only differences is in the type of member an individual is. For example, affiliate members are those who are no longer based at HonCC but still wish to be involved with the campus and the organization. This volunteer opportunity allows participation in the process but not the voting power for decision making. Another aspect of this change in organization was the rewriting of the student government constitution. This document reflects the rights and powers of the group and what its responsibilities are. Students involved in this organization receive no compensation for their time and efforts. “No one has a higher position than the other,” Templo shared. “We are all equal.”
tion has done, and many things they are currently doing, and a lot of things they are continually working on. “I like to work on the process and get as much answers as possible before reporting back to the students about their suggestions,” Templo said. “We are waiting for approval to purchase the furniture intended for Building 7 and beginning another project this semester as we speak.” As a volunteer and affiliate to the organization Templo said, “I volunteer at HCC because I want to give back to the community that gave a lot to me.”
Templo says there are a lot of things the organiza-
Student Government member Edlynne Sanchez said, “I wanted to get involved on campus. But I didnʻt know about Student Government.” Like many students at HonCC, the opportunity and function of Student Government has been a mystery. “I was tak-
Biology 100 is an option that can benefit students because what students are being taught goes beyond the standard academic terms and concepts. There is an advantage to learning more about the human body, how it works, and how we can prevent illnesses, diseases, or to maintain our health. Biology 100 teaches everything from the central nervous system and the spine to the chemistry side of biology, which can be challenging. Peckham shared, “I think many are surprised how tough it can be but but those who spend the time studying not only get a good grade, but develop a passion for the subject.”
Another benefit of studying human biology is learning health prevention. In this past year, a flu epidemic has plagued the mainland and in Hawaii, cases of influenza have been recorded in a recent study. The State of Hawaii’s Dept. of Health conducted a surveillance report of patients who tested positive for influenza and the largest percentage of cases were in the age group of 5-24 of 28 % out of a 100%. The average college student at HCC is 18-22 which fits into the study group with the highest influenza rate. The more we learn about our bodies and how they operate; the better we can make sound decisions about maintaining a healthy
More than just a class By Jonz Stoneroad
In a couple of months , fall registration will be upon us with the task of finding our next classes or set of classes. For almost any major offered here at HonCC, a biological science course is needed as part of core general education studies. This can be stressful and confusing to a non-science major as the curriculum offers few choices to meet the biological requirement. Biology 100: Human Biology, is an entry level course that is taught by a couple of professors at HCC, one of whom is science professor Gabriel Peckham, who also teaches Anatomy and Physiology.
ing a parking survey when my friend Steffanie told me about it,” Sanchez shared. “She said I should join, and I did.” Since fall 2017 Sanchez has actively participated in the organization and its past to current projects like ‘the parking project’ or ʻthe furniture project.’ “These projects are usually suggested by students or faculty or the chancellor,” Sanchez explained, “From there we work on what is more needed and group them by short-term or long-term priority.” Aside from the decision making, Sanchez said she is primarily in charge of the emails and things like proposal drafts for the organization. When asked why she decided to join this organization Sanchez said, “Simply put, I like to help people.” Currently, Student Government meets every Monday in Building 2, Room 114 between 4-5pm. Meetings are open to all campus wide. For more information or to find out how you can join this organization, contact the Student Life and Development Office in Building 2, Room 113. Phone: (808)845-9498 or email them at hccsld@hawaii.edu.
lifestyle. Peckham helps makes it easier on the class using visuals and keeping a steady pace so students aren’t too overwhelmed. “My biggest challenge is finding ways to explaining things to students who don’t have a scientific research background. I write and draw out my lectures to keep me from going to too fast.” Peckham hopes to use more online resources and have students conduct their own human biology investigations online. This is one way to view Biology 100 as less intimidating and more interactive that we can fulfill after we graduate.
KaLā • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai'i
Roles
3 March 2018
Continued from Page 1 He also converses with parents; gives updates on what the children learned and finds out what the parents want their children to develop. “It’s kind of empowering but at the same time kind of pressuring, but I really love it and I really love everybody in this community.” Takamatsu does not believe in the traditional student mindset, such as males in hard trades and females in nursing. “For me, I didn’t really care if I’m a male going into the teaching program; I did it just because of my personal preference, and I like to teach children.” At first, Takamatsu felt many people would “question [his] role” in the children’s center. However, he now feels that he established a positive rapport with the parents. Jayleen Barino, Outreach Student Assistant for Hulili Ke Kukui Hawaiian Center, has been dropping off her daughter to the childrenʻs center since she was seven months old. She says, “The learning environment and nurturing is why I stayed.” Barino believes that men working in the children’s center is an amazing thing. “To see males in a heavily [female] dominated
“For me, I didn’t really care if I’m a male going into the teaching program"
-- TJ-Reilly Takamatsu
work environment and the opposite...is great!” Barino continued. She says that predominant-gender environments have much energy, whether male or female. “To counteract or balance that [energy], like Ku and Hina, there are things that guys can contribute and see what women don’t and the complete
S is for Sustainability By Fredrene Balanay
Efforts to educate students about sustainability are increasing as more HonCC instructors are teaching S-designated or sustainability designated courses. Cynthia Smith, current coordinator of HonCCʻs sustainability committee said, “Instructors need to be passionate and care about this. These are the people that are probably environmentally-oriented.” According to Smith, there are two types of sustainability designations offered to instructors campus-wide: the sustainability related (S-related) designation and the sustainability focused (Sfocused) designation. “[In an S-related course] you have maybe just one assignment, like in an English class where one of the research papers is on a sustainability topic,” explained Smith.” Then we have Sustainability-Focused [courses], where you have more than half your class curriculum dealing with sustainability.” Smith encourages instructors interested in sustainability and those
wanting to incorporate sustainability into their courses to do so. “I sent out a message asking faculty to apply,” Smith shared. “rather than telling them they need to be doing it.” For the current list of S-designated courses and information on how an instructor can apply for this designation, go to their website at https://www.honolulu.hawaii.edu/sustainability Dean Crowell, Carpentry instructor and former Molokai resident shares his experience with sustainable living. “I loved it; it was great,” Crowell said. “On Moloka'i we lived off the grid [where] we had photovoltaic panels and wind turbines to help charge the batteries when there was no sun.” Crowell, who was married to his first wife at the time, had built their home and bartered for the Photovoltaic panels with a neighbor who owned a company. “It was in the early 90s when I did some construction work for this person, and he gave me the panels for my house.” Crowell says sustainability was still new and not the fad it is today. “One good thing about the panels was that I no longer had an electricity bill, and when the
opposite…” Barino continued, “I think that whether you’re a female or a male, you can care for them. You can love and nurture children; it might just be in different ways than someone else.” “TJ really wanted to be in Early Childhood, and we embraced that,” says Mary Kelly, the Keiki Hau'oli Children’s Center’s PreSchool Classroom Lead Teacher. Although it is not traditional, Kelly admires Takamatsu for being in ECE. “Everybody should be looking for something that makes them
island would black out, my house wouldn’t.” Although, Crowell isn’t currently an S-designated instructor for the carpentry trade, he is a firm believer in the practice. “By reusing the construction materials for about four semesters, we not only save the school money but [also] eliminate the waste that goes into the landfills.” Crowell says all wood pieces two-feet and larger are saved for future use. Once a project has been done and the student has been graded, students disassemble and remove all nails and screws from the wood. It is then reused in their next building projects. Once the wood is no longer usable for the students’ projects, it is then made into rondalight chairs and donated to places that need the outdoor furniture. “Since I am already teaching and practicing these measures in class, I will soon be applying for S-designation.” Crowell shared. For Norman Takeya, HonCCʻs AEC-CAD instructor, S-designation was the beginning of a dream from about three years ago. “Iʻm kinda the one that got the whole
Ka Lā photo by Chris Garcia
happy at what they do because it makes them better at what they do.” Kelly adds, “the children really love having the uncles here.” The male students provide a different dynamic to our classroom, and they all learn from each other. Kelly said, “[Takamatsu is] not just learning from us; we’re learning from him, too, because his perspective is as important as ours.”
thing started.” Takeya shared. “I was the original chair for HonCCʻs sustainability committee and a member of a system wide committee as well.” Takeya became a teacher here 12 years ago, and in fall of 2010 began with teaching classes on sustainable carpentry practices. “Aside from recycling, renew and reuse, things like purchasing lumber from certified trees is one way to ensure a continual supply of trees for future use,” Takeya explained. Takeya then began teaching a general course, an introduction to sustainability, which he’s then transformed into his current course and curricula for AEC. “Projects are geared more toward student interests not my interests. I think it’s more fun that way.” Takeya said. “I believe students are just as interested in sustainability as we are.” Takeya hopes, “There would eventually be enough S-designated courses on campus so that a student would be able to get a degree in sustainability.” Takeya shared to the instructors considering this designation, “Doesnʻt hurt. [Creating a course] can only make [sustainable practices] better.”
Photos from
Photos by Danielle Martinez
Spring
Watching Pokemon
Gaming EATING g n i p e e l S
A peek into Nam Nguyen's break from school
REPEAT
m Chris Garcia
Photos from Fredrene Balanay
Break 2018
Photo by Mike Karas
KaLā • Ka Nūpepa o nā Haumāna o ke Kula Kaiaulu o Honolulu
6 Malaki 2018
Steps in the right direction Continued from Page 1 he would share his list and at times post a video or two of him working on a particular goal or accomplishing it. It was during this time of positive influence and intense workout that I decided to try something I had never had time to do in the past: a marathon. When Lori Taniguchi of the HonCC Health Room in Building 2 started recruiting for our school team, I immediately signed up. I was determined to be one of what I later learned was 131 participants representing our school, our sponsors, and our team. I also convinced my friend and fellow first timer to join me in this venture, and she too soon signed up with our team. I had planned to train, fire. At the signal, the single runprepare, and when the time came, ners and walkers were allowed to start while the strollers and wheelfinish the race. chairs were to follow. This being Things don’t always go as my friend’s first time as well, we eventually split up as she took off planned. running with her stroller. In the two months leading up to the Great Aloha Run, I had been ill. With a combination of sinus and respiratory infections and a viral non lethal version of meningitis, I had to stop working out until my illnesses improved. A few days turned into a few weeks and soon those weeks become months. As Presidents’ Day approached, I considered not participating in the run. I had not trained was still recovering from my illnesses and in no shape to participate. Still, it was my first goal of the year, and I didn’t want to quit simply because plans had changed. The night before the race as the storms raged outside, I decided to go ahead and participate in the Great Aloha Run but with a new goal: to see how far I could make it in the race. Ready, set, go! It was the early morning hours of President’s Day; the sun had begun to slowly peer over the horizon as I got into my Uber and headed to downtown Honolulu. There among the thousands of participants, young and old, I met up with my friend Tiana and her one and a half year old. As 7 o’clock approached, we made our way to the starting line, fronting the Aloha Tower. Surrounded by other families and strollers, we waited anxiously for the cannon to
I soon found myself alone; the only company or sound was the slight tapping and scrapping of my white cane against asphalt. The sun had risen and the once cool temperatures disappeared. I continued walking, hoping I wouldn’t get lost and listening in the distance to the music of one band or another marking the racer’s path. I continued forward as my determination set on getting to the viaduct and eventually the stadium itself. Along the way, I had several participants offer words of encouragement and praise for the fact I was blind, and I was walking alone. It gave me strength to keep walking and assured me I was going in the right direction. I pressed forward with the morning sun bearing down on me now, stopping only for water and Gatorade or to catch my breath.
Fredrene enjoys her time at the race by taking a quick shot with a good friend . As we slowly traveled behind the last runner, I was offered a glimpse of the other side of the race. Thesweep van travels behind the final participant of the marathon and keeps an eye out for medical volunteers and those in need. As we traveled behind the final walkers, the two way radio came alive with reports of sprains, cramps, medical emergencies requiring an ambulance and with reports of lost children. I listened in as one unit relayed the position of one participant or another who was in distress, for example, racers who fainted near the tunnel leading into the stadium or the little children found wandering on their own.
line. This was the first time I had ever been on the stadium field and I could feel the excitement as I traveled through the tunnel to the light in the other side.
The sun shone brightly on the field, and I paused, letting the shapes in my vision field readjust. Following a few walkers ahead of me, I found my way to the finish line. I passed through the archway feeling a sense of accomplishment--a sense of achievement. I had not given up on my goal to participate, and I was able to. I also got a backstage look at what happens from a volunteer perspective. I met a few other racers struggling with illness and somehow striving to participate and complete this race by whatever means. Regardless of my race time and despite the interference, I was triumphant Along the way we picked up in my goal. I came, I participated, two more participants who physi- and I conquered. cally could not go any further and waited with another for an ambulance to take him to a hospital. One of the racers we picked up in the van told me he had spent last year recovering from surgery. The surgery was to remove his kidney and an adrenal gland that was infected with cancer. For the short amount of time I spent in the van, I gathered a better understanding of what it takes to have a successful event like this one. The intricate triage system and official vehicles scouring the track as HPD opened the roads behind us proved the use and need for each and every volunteer out there.
Eventually, near the 4th or 5th mile, I had been asked by an official to take a ride on a sweep van. Apparently, HPD wanted to open the roads, and I was nearly the last one walking. Not wanting to cause The end is near trouble, and with the promise that they would drop me off near the As promised, the van dropped stadium so I could finish the race, I us off right outside Aloha Stadigot in the van. um, and in about twenty minutes, I found myself heading into the Photos by Fredrene Balanay and The other side of the race. ,northern tunnel toward the finish Tiana Suficienda
KaLā • Honolulu Community College, University of Hawai'i
On-campus job America Reads Elementary Program Tutor Job Program Qualifications: Willingness to help a child through reading; has a positive attitude and enjoys working with children from all different backgrounds; be committed, confidential, and caring; works and communicates well with others.
Job Number 12029-A3
7 March 2018
CAMPUS RESOURCES
On-campus job
Off-campus job opportunity
Help Desk Support Technician -Comfortable assisting campus events that require audio visual technical support.-Well versed in varied operating systems such as Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. -Basic understanding of Office Suites, browsers and miscellaneous office software.-Familiar with hardware installation and troubleshooting. -Basic troubleshooting knowledge of classroom oriented electronics (computers, projectors, TV, etc.) -Must be visually able to differentiate the color spectrum when creating network cables and troubleshooting display (projectors, TV, monitors) output.
Job Number 110383-A3
Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety Public Safety Officer Recruitment here in HAWAII! A Public Safety Officer with Sunnyvale DPS delivers Police, Fire, & EMS Services to the community. They Offer: Great Pay starting at $98,945 - $119,122 (Academy), Excellent Training, Medical, Vacation Pay, Holiday Pay, & Retirement. Come to an Info Session: Tuesday, March 13 at 10AM or at 11:30AM in Building 2, Room 614.
Important phone numbers Admissions Counseling Bookstore Business Office Career Services Disability Services Distance Education Financial Aid Health Office
Library 845-9199 Lost and Found 845-9498 Parking 845-9102 Registration, Records 845-9120 Security, 845-9273 Emergencies, 284-1270 Non-Emergencies 561-3809 Computer Lab 845-9293 Student Life 845-9498
Where to eat
How to apply Visit Hawaii.edu/SECE for information about these and other job opportunities, or stop by by Career Services offices, Building 7, Room 320 to learn more.
845-9129 845-9129 845-9105 845-9102 845-9204 845-9272 845-9234 845-9116 845-9282
The Corner Hale Aina (Cafe)
Youngʻs Fish Market
They have an assortment of coffees, lattes, smoothies and acai bowls. They staff members are very friendly. Located in the cafe, it is a perfect place to get refreshments and chill.
Prices: $
1286 Kalani St Like local Hawaiian food? Youʻll love Youngʻs. They have huge plates of kalua pig, laulau and more. Itʻs a very laid back joint with a relatively cheap menu. Mon-Fri: 9:30 - 8pm Saturday: 8am-4pm Sunday: closed Prices: $-$$
free ice cream!
KaLā • Ka Nūpepa o nā Haumāna o ke Kula Kaiaulu o Honolulu
Cultivating the green
8 Malaki 2018
By Brenda Coston With sustainability now a state-wide initiative in Hawaii, “Going Green” has never mattered so much. The sixth annual Hawaii Sustainability Summit was held February 8-10 on the Big Island. Beginning in Kona and ending in Hilo, faculty and students, invited by their college’s sustainability committees, were given a chance to explore various resources and discover how to live free of the unnecessary. The purpose of this year’s gathering was to learn from indigenous ancestral knowledge systems, share examples of integrating indigenous ancestral knowledge into contemporary practice, provide support to faculty in creating sustainability courses across the curriculum, share best practices in campus operation and applied learning to meet energy, water, and waste reduction goals, and to recognize leaders in sustainability education at the annual awards ceremony. For the first time, each campus hosted a livestream for those unable to participate. The virtual symposium included keynotes from the Worldwatch Insti-
Ka Lā Photo by Brenda Coston
tute’s Erik Assadourian (“Is Sustainability Still Possible?”) as well as the annual “State of the State Climate Update” by Dr. Chip Fletcher, UH climatologist. Also, continuing this year was the Meeting of Wisdoms dialogue during the plenary session on Day 2 at UH Hilo. The panel included Dr. Pua Kanaka’ole Kanahele, Dr. Christian Giardina, Luka (Kanakaole) Mossman, Kealakaʻi Kanakaole, Ulumauahi Kealiʻikanakaʻoleohaililani, moderated by John DeFries. Breakout sessions were next which explored teaching strategies for using sustainability related topics and concepts in the classroom. Faculty were involved in a Q&A in which they helped each other develop classroom techniques to foster appreciation among students for saving Hawaii’s precious resources. So, think about it: “Going Green” is NOT going away. Pause for a moment and remember how brief your human life on earth truly is and think about your environmental impact. A broadened perception motivates a more sustainable future.