UHWO The Hoot Issue #54

THE HOOT U N I V E R S I T Y O F H A W A I ‘ I – W E S T O‘ A H U — A P R I L 2 0 2 0

COVID-19 CLAMPS DOWN CAMPUS UH West O'ahu sends students home to study online during coronavirus pandemic

INSIDE: CHANCELLOR'S MESSAGE • FRESHMAN PUBLISHED

2 University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu

THE HOOT

Editor's Note

Stu d e nt N e w s pape r 91-1001 Farrington Hwy Kapolei, HI 96707

Editor-In-Chief Michelle Zheng

Layout Editor Anela-Pomaika'i Mattson Staff Writers Bethany Gallarde Keola Iseri Anastazia McIntosh Nicholas Nii Cartoonist Kekua Gregory-McCormick Photographer

Anastazia McIntosh

APRIL 2020

Michelle Zheng Editor-In-Chief

Aloha Everyone, I hope everyone is staying safe indoors and doing well. This is such an unexpected event that has shaken up our worlds but we can get through this together.

Please stay informed and knowledgeable about all current events.

Switching to online classes, staying at home and dealing with annoying housemates is definitely a struggle I’m going through. Just know that you’re not alone during this process and that it will get better. Just think about all those boba drinks, beach days and warm hugs you can experience with your friends when all this is over.

If you have a lot of free time, pick up a hobby or two. It could even be writing, drawing or some photography. The Hoot is always welcoming new people, and we would love to see you on our staff.

Stay safe.

Faculty Adviser David Putnam

On The Cover The UH West O’ahu campus sits empty as students shift to online classwork from home because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo by Taylon Ebalaroza

Feedback, Submissions, Advertising Inquiries thehoot@hawaii.edu

Questions for the Student Media Board smbwo@hawaii.edu

University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information. Nor does the University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu warrant the use of the works is free of any claims of copyright infringement. All views expressed are those of the page author and not of the University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu and/or the University of Hawaiʻi system, and any concerns or comments about these pages should be directed to the page author, and not to University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu. © APRIL 2020 The Hoot

Table of Contents Message From The Chancellor ........................3 Commencement Cancelled ..............................3 UHWO During COVID-19 ...................................4 Predicting Outbreak ........................................5 You Are Not Alone .........................................6-7 Online Summer Classes ..................................8 Video Game Review ........................................9 Restaurant Review ........................................10 'Ruler' of His Dreams .....................................11 Campus Voices ..............................................12

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHANCELLOR

Adapting to the Times and Staying Connected University of Hawai’i - West O’ahu Chancellor Maenette K.P. Benham sent the following message to students in late March concerning UHWO’s efforts during the COVID-19 outbreak. Here is the text of her message: Aloha mai e na haumana/students!

We are experiencing unprecedented uncertainty as the University of Hawai’i – West O’ahu, all our sister campuses, Hawai’i and the rest of the world confronts the spread of COVID-19. I want you to know that it has been amazing to watch our instructional faculty and our staff members quickly adapt to the changes we have made to deliver our courses online, provide support to

you so that you’re able to successfully complete the semester and, at the same time, ensure the safety of our campus and everyMaenette K.P. Benham one still working on campus. Extraordinary effort!

Moving all learning and support services online is surely no substitute for learning and living in our academic community in Honouliuli. However, it is our hope that through virtual technology we can stay connected as we learn, study, and interact remotely. Please know we have services to support your online learning. We are here to kokua/help.

You are all in our thoughts as you work through your studies and your life situations in these precarious circumstances. We know you have very different needs—social support, food, housing and so on—so if you have concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your adviser.

Again, we are here to support you.

I will miss seeing you as I walk the empty plaza that fronts our library—we are living through unprecedented times that require each of us to adapt, be patient and be compassionate.

Stay healthy and safe. “Live Aloha!”

Your ‘ohana/family at UH West O’ahu is looking forward to your return to your vibrant university on the ‘Ewa plains.

E malama pono!

UH Cancels Graduation Ceremonies

BY MICHELLE ZHENG

University of Hawai’i President David Lassner in March canceled traditional commencement ceremonies on all 10 campuses David Lassner in the UH System because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The UH West O’ahu graduation exercises were originally scheduled for May 9. Details on rescheduled graduation

Book Review:

exercises were not available at press time.

“It cannot be overstated that, even in the midst of this present crisis, every student who graduates this semester should be very proud of everything that they have accomplished,” Lassner said.

“Nothing should eclipse the feelings of well-earned pride of our graduates and everyone who has worked hard to help them achieve this important goal.”

“This time-honored tradition is a very momentous occasion in many people’s

“WORKOUT LIKE A UHWO JOURNALIST, RUN WITH A STORY”

lives where it marks the end of one period of our lives and the beginning of the next.

While the future of the UH System and this whole global event is uncertain, the hard work of all those involved should not be forgotten.

“Students who would have walked in this semester's ceremony will have the opportunity to participate when in-person commencement resumes.”

CONTACT DAVID PUTNAM FACULTY ADVISER

THEHOOT@HAWAII.EDU

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THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT UHWO DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Campus Status

• All student services (advising, registration, financial aid, tutoring, career counseling, psychological counseling, records, etc.) have gone virtual for the remainder of the semester.

• All courses have moved to online delivery for the remainder of the semester.

• The James & Abigail Campbell Library is closed..

• The UHWO Bookstore is closed.

• The UH Federal Credit Union is closed.

• The Pueo Fitness Center is closed.

• The V.E.T.S. Lab and Lounge is closed.

• Da Spot Dining Hall is open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. for take out only.

• Should you require computer equipment and/or internet access, contact the IT Help Desk.

• The UH West Oʻahu Spring 2020 Commencement ceremony has been cancelled.

Staying Connected

On March 23, UH West Oʻahu moved all courses to online delivery for the semester. Students, faculty and staff can find more information at these websites: Admissions: uhwo.admissons@hawaii.edu Advising: uhwo.advising@hawaii.edu Career Services: uhwo.careers@hawaii.edu Counseling Services: taketas@hawaii.edu Disability Services: hirsbrun@hawaii.edu Financial Aid: uhwo.finaid@hawaii.edu IT Service Center: uhwohelp@hawaii.edu James & Abigail Campbell Library: uhwolib@hawaii.edu Noʻeau Tutoring and Testing Center: uhwowc@hawaii.edu or uhwotest@hawaii.edu Records (verifications, certifications, record updates): uhwo.records@ hawaii.edu

Book Review:

How to apply for the UH Urgent Student Relief Fund

Applications for the University of Hawaiʻi Urgent Student Relief Fund are now open for students at all 10 campuses. The fund is for students experiencing urgent financial distress and/or challenges with their school work due to the circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications will be due by 4 p.m. each Wednesday with notification the following week.

To apply, download and complete the Urgent Student Relief Fund Application. A link to the form is available at https://westoahu.hawaii. edu/covid-19/

To be eligible:

• The student is currently enrolled at one or more of the UH

campuses in a credit certificate or degree program.

• The student has a documentable temporary financial need

resulting from an unexpected emergency event. Urgent Student

Relief funding would, in turn, support the student’s ability to be

successful and make academic progress.

• Preference will be given to undergraduate and graduate students

who are enrolled in at least a half-time status (i.e. 6 credits for

undergraduates).

“WORKOUT LIKE A UHWO JOURNALIST, RUN WITH A STORY”

CONTACT DAVID PUTNAM FACULTY ADVISER

THEHOOT@HAWAII.EDU

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Predicting Outbreak with a Mathematical Epidemiologist UHWO professor Yong sticks to the numbers to forecast spread of COVID-19

BY MICHELLE ZHENG

With the coronavirus-related events happening around the world, it’s difficult to understand why, and how people can help make it better.

Mathematical epidemiologist Dr. Kamuela Yong granted an exclusive interview via video call with The Hoot to discuss his understanding of the situation and how he would like students to view math as something more than numbers on a test.

Yong is the first Native Hawaiian to earn his Ph.D in applied mathematics and currently is an assistant professor at the University of Hawai’i – West O’ahu, He researches such topics as biological, ecological and epidemiological systems using diffusion.

Yong attended Loyola Marymount University, where he received a bachelor’s in civil engineering and applied mathematics. He earned his master’s and doctorate from the University of Iowa soon after.

Yong has been involved with modeling the mathematical models of several diseases such as ebola, dengue, Zika and rat-lungworm disease.

“You can use math to predict how bad an outbreak will become and really what’s happening,” he says.

Yong, who admits he is not an expert in COVID-19, provided a hypothetical spread of a virus such as COVID-19:

“Say you have one person who dies of the disease in Hawaii. Maybe one out of every 100 cases, someone will die. The CFR (case fatality rate) varies by age groups. We’re just going to average it out for this example so that hypothetically one out of 100 people will die,” he said.

“Even though only one person died, that means at least 100 people are infected. However, these people must have been infected for a while, perhaps even three weeks ago for that first person to die. That

Kamuela Yong means three weeks ago, 100 people were infected, and if those 100 infected people interact with an average of 2.2 people during the virus’s infection time, you can see how fast it spreads.

“If we have one death this week, we can easily have 500 to 1,000 infected already within the next few weeks.”

In a previous report on COVID-19, he explained the importance of social distancing and the need to “flatten the curve.”

He offers a graphic that charts the 1918 Spanish flu outbreak, and how two different cities handled the outbreak. After its first case, Philadelphia continued to allow large gatherings and schools remain open.

After its first case, St. Louis immediately implemented measures to prevent spread.

“Because there are a limited number of hospital beds, including ICU beds, if we see a large spike in the number of caes, our healthcare system may not be equipped to handle such volume, resulting in a shortage of available care,” Yong says.

His information is not intended to cause fear or anxiety, but to inform the public of the seriousness of the coronavirus. Additionally, Yong said he understands that there is a stereotype about math but strongly encourages students to try it out.

“If you don’t like math, that’s fine. I just don't want you to be afraid of it,” he said.

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2020 DECEMBERAPRIL 2019/JANUARY 2020

A sign is posted near the entrance to the UH West O’ahu campus.

Photo Courtesy UHWO Communications Department

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You Are Not Alone How online learning is affecting UHWO students

BY MICHELLE ZHENG

With the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders across Hawaii have had to make the tough decisions for the safety of students and staff.

On March 18, University of Hawai’i President David Lassner made a statewide announcement that all 10 of the UH System campuses would transition to online classes when classes resumed after Spring Break.

Professors worked tirelessly to transition their content into a digital plan. However, many students didn’t sign up for online classes and have mixed feelings about the adaptation in

the middle of the semester.

Jalen Choy, a junior History major, said she’s looking on the bright side of the situation.

“Honestly, freedom is scary,” she says. “It wasn’t something I was prepared for. But in all due time I understand the circumstances and the pressures of our instructors to provide the same experience as their in-person classes.

“Hopefully in Jalen Choy due time everything

will end up being OK,” Choy adds. “It’s a lot to adjust to, but the challenge is the best part of learning.”

Various sources, such as Forbes.com, recommend that people try to keep a schedule as if they are going to work or school, even getting dressed as if you were going can help shift your mindset into a “time to work” mode.

Dealing with having choices of when to wake up and when to study poses its own challenges, said sophomore Noah Tomas, a Creative Media major.

See You Are Not Alone, page 8

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Continued From Page 7

You Are Not Alone “It has been difficult as there are many factors that go into me being productive,” Tomas said. “Physically being at school helped me focus and prioritize my schoolNoah Tomas work. Being at home, my judgement on what I should be doing is disorganized.

“I know I can adjust my mindset to this new setting, but will it be enough before my grades begin to suffer? I am not too sure.”

Many teachers are continuing their class via normally scheduled meeting times to help keep a sense of time. They say that when it comes to assignments, it is ultimately up to the student to get their work done.

“I’m OK with online classes because I was

“Physically being at school helped me focus and prioritize my schoolwork.

Being at home, my judgement on what I should be doing is disorganized.”

—Noah Tomas already taking two online courses this semester.” said junior Jean Villinueva, a Secondary Education Math major. “But for my other two math classes to be online is hard to adjust since we would go from a worksheet and seeing each other in class to meeting in Zoom and figuring out how to work out sharing whiteboards and other stuff.

“Also, I’m used to going to school every

day,” she adds, “so being full online is hard for me to get used to as I feel less motivated to work and hard for me to concentrate at home.”

UH West O’ahu inJean Villinueva structors and staff offer timely advice: Never feel like you have to tackle this difficult situation alone. If you need to, host your own Zoom call with “study buddies” and help each other. Most likely, they have plenty of free time, too.

Many clubs on campus are emphasizing students use their social media presence via Instagram videos and livestreams. The No’eau Tutoring center also is open digitally via Zoom; go to bit.ly/noeaucenter to schedule an appointment with the staff.

UH Moves Summer Classes Online

Summer school at the 10 campuses of the University of Hawai'i will be held online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first session runs from May 26 to July 3, and the second session runs from

July 6 to Aug. 14. The exact dates may vary from campus to campus.

UH says it will decide by May 15 whether in-person classes will be added to the second summer session, depend-

ing on the status of the COVID-19 crisis.

Each campus will be providing more information on the courses available to their students. Summer registration is underway for all UH campuses.

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VIDEO GAME REVIEW

'RingFit Adventure'

BY NICHOLAS KEKOA NII

As a diabetic, I’m always on the hunt for ways to help manage my diabetes. As an average gym-goer, I am always on the search for more ways to work out to be healthy. However, as a passionate video gamer and college student, it has been hard to balance video games, exercising and school work.

As a child, I played Wii-Fit, and I hated hearing that I sucked at it. I grew out of it around 15 as I wanted to work out at the gym instead of just playing videogames that weren’t helping to manage my diabetes. As it turns out, going to the gym isn’t my cup of tea.

And then, on March 18, I started playing a fairly new exercising video game (that I got for Christmas last year) called “RingFit Adventure.”

I had my reservations but after playing for a few hours, I found a way to work out that I enjoyed and knew I would never grow out of. Who knew “RingFit Adventure” would become my most favorite video game to work out with?

“RingFit Adventure,” only for the Nintendo Switch, came out in late 2019. Every game boxed-set comes with a Ring-Con, the game card, game card case and the leg strap.

The video game centers around a human, who has been transported to adigital dimension. In this dimension, he/she is tricked into releasing a demonic-bodybuilding dragon named Drageaux, who is planning to take over the digital and real world and turn everyone evil, from his Ring Prison. But to his/her luck, he/she meets a ring-shaped genie named Ring, who teaches him/her how to trap Drageaux again.

To do this, Ring turns the human into a flame-haired superhero and trains him/her to save the world. To save the world, the human-turnedsuperhero is trained with difficult cardio, stretching and simple ab exercises, and must compete against Drageaux and his evil minions in FitBattles and different exercise-based obstacle courses.

From that day forward, Ring and this human-turned-superhero becomes the best of friends and fitness buddies and go on adventures together in hopes of trapping Drageaux or destroying him forever.

Will our heroes Ring and the human save our world and the digital from Drageaux? You will soon find out in this game.

The gameplay is simple. The game teaches you how to play it, how to make your hero and how to do the exercises. It also tells you exactly how to set up your Ring-Con, and Leg-Strap before you start the adventure. After setting everythingup, you will watch a five-minute movie to start the Adventure mode.

Players, after being all strapped up and ready, then must be ready to train with Ring. Ring will send you off on a workout of a lifetime. The player must run in place, climb stairs in place, run across deep streams, collect

coins by pulling and or pushing at the ring as hard as possible, stretch and Fit-battle their way toward Drageaux.

Fit-battles are not easy, as they can be defined as competing in exercise battles against Drageaux and his minions. To do Fit-battles, the player must choose a workout, then follow the on-screen instructions on how to do the workout. The better you do the workout, the more you damage your opponents, including Drageaux. The player must then perform an ab-guard, which is a simple ab workout that allows you to block your enemies’ attacks in a Fit-battle. Should the player defeat his/her opponent and complete the obstacle course, the player will then learn how to do a victory pose to end the level and battles.

Although the workouts are extremely tough, it is more entertaining than Wii-Fit. This is one of the first workout video games that focuses on a storyline andcombines working out with a fun video game. Also, the graphics are stunning. The best part is this game gives you superpowers to fight Drageaux and his minions just by exercising. And the soundtrack is really easy to work out to.

Two great reasons to play this game:

• This game focuses entirely on exercising, but the player goes on an

entertaining adventure to fight a dragon.

• This game does everything better than a gym does, from cardio to

stretches to yoga and to ab workouts.

This game is aimed toward adults. These minions are cute, but Drageaux is too scary for youngsters. Also, the workouts are too strenuous for kids.

My one favorite part of “RingFit Adventure?” It helps manage my diabetes as the game monitors blood pressure, weight, pulse and blood sugar and hardens or simplifies the workout based on your results.

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Restaurant Review

Tiny Pyramid

BY NICHOLAS KEKOA NII

Tiny Pyramid opened in late 2019 right across from Liliha Bakery on Nimitz Highway in the newly renovated Business Plaza. It is hard to locate because there is no sign.

If you haven’t heard of it, it is because that Tiny Pyramid used to be a restaurant in Kaimuki called JJ Bistro.

JJ Bistro, owned by Praseuth “JJ” Luangkhot, was known for its desserts and Chocolate Ganache Pyramids. Although “JJ” closed his eatery in 2018, his daughter, Natda, opened at the same spot with her own restaurant.

She continues to serve her father’s pastries and desserts, including the popular Chocolate Ganache Pyramids, which became her restaurant’s namesake.

Tiny Pyramid combines American-style cooking with Asian, Italian and English cuisine.

Here are five extraordinary dishes:

• Cheese Ravioli with Lobster. A cheese

ravioli topped with lobster meat, egg

TINY PYRAMID

560 N. Nimitz, Suite 102 Honolulu, HI 96817 739-0993 tinypyramid.hnl@gmail.com

plant, red bell pepper and zucchini and

your choice of sauce: white wine cream

sauce or tomato ragu sauce for $17.68.

• Lobster Pad Thai. Stir-fried rice noodle

and egg in citrus xo sauce, topped with

Maine lobster tail, and garnished with

bean sprouts and lettuce for $22.88.

• Angel Pizza. A six-inch, thin-crust pizza

based with a tomato ragu sauce and

mozarella cheese topped with sliced NY

steak and Asian-style satay sauce, onion,

red bell pepper and zucchini, topped

with crispy noodles for $12.48.

• Tuna Wellington Sandwich. A baked

puff pastry stuffed with tuna, boiled egg,

and spinach, all on top of a house salad

for $10.40.

• Rosemary Cream Pasta. A linguine

pasta with rosemary cream sauce,

shiitake mushrooms, zucchini and

sun-dried tomatoes. Comes with your

choice of tofu for $14.56, chicken for

$14.56, seafood for $16.64 or manila

clam for $16.64.

So, what do I think about Tiny Pyramid?

My honest review is Tiny Pyramid’s food is phenomenal and its dress code is casual college attire. My favorite desserts are the Chocolate Ganache Pyramid and the Matcha Dessert. Most of the desserts cost around between $5 and $8.

I strongly recommend this restaurant to college students. The entrees and desserts are worth the trek into the city.

It is not easy to get to, as there is no big sign that declares that they are in that building, but Tiny Pyramid is in the newly renovated Business Plaza right across the street from Liliha Bakery on Nimitz.

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'Ruler' of His Dreams Freshman publishes two installments of Norse-based action series

BY BETHANY GALLARDE

Caleb Barney, a freshman who is majoring in Justice Administration at the University of Hawai’i – West O’ahu, is well on his way to accomplishing his dreams and aspirations.

Barney is an author of the series “Rulers of Asgard,” a journey into a world where, he says, “awesome mythology merges with our modern way of thinking. It’s a fantastical adventure that challenges the reader to understand that power makes you responsible.”

The series is based around Norse mythology, which brings in such gods as Loki, Thor, Odin, etc. To date, Barney has published “Rulers of Asgard: Rise of the Giants” and “Rulers of Asgard: The Mortal Realm.”

“After learning I was part Norwegian, Irish and Scottish, I got interested in the cultural backgrounds of that group of people, eventually leading me into Norse mythology,” Barney said. “After reading so many of the tales, I decided to write one my own.”

Barney said he was inspired to write by authors such as Rick Riordan (“Percy Jackson” series), Stephen King (“It,” “Shining,” etc), and

“It’s a fantastical adventure that challenges the reader to understand that power makes you responsible.”

—Caleb Barney Lois Lowry (“The Giver Quartet”).

“Ever since I was old enough to read, I wanted to be able to write my own story for people to enjoy,” Barney said. “I started out with short stories, but then started to write out more longer and more complex ones.”

For aspiring writers, he offers a warning of caution. Writing books and series is more than having a creative idea and writing it all down.

His advice:

“1. Beware of vanity publisher; they all

suck.

“2. Writing the book is fun, but marketing

it is the hard part.

“3. Writer’s block is real! You have to give

time for your mind to rest.

“4. Writing is mentally taxing; be careful

not to burn out.”

Barney’s Works

Find Caleb Barney’s works on Instagram @c.aleb_b and find his books “Rulers of Asgard: Rise of the Giants” and “Rulers of Asgard: The Mortal Realm” on Amazon and Kindle.

Writing can still be fun and enjoyable even with these challenges, Barney said, but sometimes all someone really needs is a nudge in the right direction.

“There are a lot of tips, but my main one would be to write about something you actually care about,” Barney said. “If you don’t like the story you’re writing, then is it a story worth writing at all?

“My other piece of advice would be to research—that is the biggest cause of writer’s block.”

VOICES

“

By Michelle Zheng

What are some activities you’ve been doing during the COVID-19 self-isolation?

“

CAMPUS

The Hoot conducted a questionnaire via @thehootnews on Instagram and got these responses:

RYLIE CRISTOBAL FRESHMAN SECONDARYEDUCATION (BIOLOGY) “I’ve been baking treats, sleeping, cleaning and doing a lot of homework.”

TAYLON EBALAROZA JUNIOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION AND PRE-MEDICAL “After working at my job with IT, I try to relax by playing video games like the newly released Persona Five.”

TAYLOR PACHECO

SEAN ACZON

FRESHMAN UNDECLARED “Working out, online classes, learning more recipes to cook, learning a new language, binge-watching movies and Itaewon Class on Netflix, and spending more time with my dogs.”

SOPHOMORE BUSINESS

SYDNEY WARREN

JOURDAN KAYA

JUNIOR PRE-MEDICAL

JUNIOR PRE-NURSING

"Over quarantine, I have been binge-watching a ton of old school Disney movies! Plus, I’ve been able to catch up on a ton of my books."

“I’ve been working on toning my upper body and doing core workouts. I have also been catching up with web novels and playing with my two puppies.”

KYLIE PENNULAR SOPHOMORE CREATIVE MEDIA “Other than classes of course, I’ve been playing a Tabletop Role-Playing Game with some friends and made a clay figure of my character. I was also able to get my hands on a new sewing machine before the lockdown so I’ve been working on some cosplay for the postponed anime convention (Kawaii Kon) which will now happen in the Fall.”

“I’ve been constantly cleaning my room and watching Youtube videos.”