UHWO The Hoot Issue #70

APRIL 2025

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I– WEST O‘AHU Cover Photo Stories At the Root of the Problem (page 4), Fitness at Your Fingertips (page 6) and Connecting Over the Commute (page 3)

Join The Hoot ʻOhana Interested in journalism? The Hoot is calling you! Contact us at thehoot@hawaii.edu and scan the QR code to follow our journey.

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April 2025

The Hoot Connecting Over the Commute

Welcome to The Hoot’s second edition for Spring! We hope that the year is going well for you so far. As we near the end of the semester, we are excited to share more stories from around the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu campus.

Josephine Uson Managing Editor

The Hoot’s calling you!

If you are interested in journalism or community building, apply for The Hoot.

Writers and photographers will always be needed to share their perspectives and the stories of others.

Reach us by email at thehoot@hawaii.edu and connect through social media via our Instagram account @thehootnews.

This issue would not be possible without the efforts of our team: Levi Kaopuiki, Tre Zamora, Moises Alhambra Jr., Noah Padilla, Landon Tupper, Jheanna Carlos, Christian Villavicencio, and Chelstine Tavares.

A special thanks to our advisor Kuʻualoha Kauanoe-Luda for bringing constant guidance and support into our newsroom.

To Rouel Velasco and Sharla Hanaoka, we are grateful for your feedback and encouragement.

As always, a big thank you to UHWO faculty and students.

You are always at the heart of our stories. We hope you enjoy this issue and have a great summer!

Mahalo nui loa, Josephine Uson

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EDITOR’S NOTE

Aloha e kākou,

Page 3

At the Root of the Problem Page 4

Fitness at Your Fingertips

Page 6

University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu Student Newspaper

91-1001 Farrington Hwy Kapolei, HI 96707

Editor-In-Chief Leviticus Kaopuiki Managing Editor Josephine Paige Uson Layout Editor Tre Zamora Staff Writers Moises Alhambra Jr. Chelstine Tavares Landon Tupper

Photographer Noah Padilla Jheanna Carlos Christian Villavicencio Special Thanks to UHWO Communications SMB Advisors Sharla Hanaoka Rouel Velasco Kuʻualoha Kauanoe-Luda

Marketing Inquiries thehoot@hawaii.edu

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SMB Questions smbwo@hawaii.edu On The Cover & Photo Credit At the Root of the Problem, Fitness at Your Fingertips, Connecting Over the Commute by Christian Villacicencio, Jheanna Carlos, and Noah Padilla

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 2025 | The Hoot

Pillars of Knowledge

Trade Tensions Rise in Hawaiʻi and Beyond Page 10

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Connecting Over the Commute Pueo Express serves UHWO students for a decade

BY LANDON TUPPER |

PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN VILLAVICENCIO

Finding a way to school is highly important for students at the University of Hawaiʻi-West Oʻahu. Having a way to go to campus and be on time, and ready to go to class, gives students peace of mind. If they know how they’re getting to school, they can spend less time worrying about transportation and more time invested in their academics.

For students at UHWO, the Pueo Shuttle offers a stress-free commute option, with zero cost required.

“Before I started using the shuttle, I had my parents (mostly my dad) drive me to and from campus. While it did work, since my dad works from home, he often has important work calls in the morning that make it hard and stressful to coordinate driving me. We could manage, but it would be much more difficult,” said Lena Lutzke, a first-year Creative Media student.

The Pueo Express service started in 2015 to make use of student transportation fees. A single seven-passenger shuttle was acquired to meet the needs of students who needed a ride to campus.

Ted Makuakane, then a campus security guard, was hired to oversee the program. Initially, the shuttle only made stops from Kapolei Transit Center to the UHWO campus but over time the program expanded. They added new stops, commissioned a second van and hired two additional drivers.

"It was a great thing. Before the pandemic, we were driving anywhere from 75 to 125 students a day. We had two vehicles, three drivers – it was awesome,” said Uncle Ted, as the head driver is known.

The Pueo Shuttle transports students between the UHWO campus and locations in Kapolei as well as Ewa Beach:

local schools, restaurants and community buildings. The shuttle runs Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m to 3 p.m. in the afternoon, acting as a link to students and campus, allowing them to make connections in and outside of campus.

“I feel like those of us who take the shuttle together end up building a bond that lasts even outside of our time riding to and from campus,” Lutzke said. “My friend Kayla and I had no idea we were neighbors all these years until we started taking the shuttle together!”

“The shuttle has subtly helped me expand on interpersonal connections I might not have otherwise had.”

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The Hoot

At the Root of the Problem Spreading awareness about invasive species

BY JOSEPHINE USON |

PHOTOS BY JHEANNA CARLOS

In the dew of early spring, the land of Hawaiʻi is beginning to flourish as it leaves the colder days of winter. However, not all species are conducive to the growth of Hawaiʻi’s native fauna and flora. Porsha Toma, a student worker at the University of Hawaii–West Oʻahu’s Student Organic Garden, sheds light on the ever-present danger of invasive plants and insects.

“An invasive species is an introduced plant, animal, or insect that is aggressive

and out-competes and takes over other species,” Toma said. The key point that differentiates non-native species and invasive ones is the level of aggressiveness that allows the latter to proliferate at a faster rate.

For example, one of the more common nuisances here on the Leeward side is the coconut rhinoceros beetle. According to Toma, these beetles leave behind

triangular cuts along the fronds and burrow within the tree, eventually hollowing out the entire trunk.

“And they’re even starting to move on to all types of starchy crops like ʻulu and kalo,” Toma said.

However, not all invasive species are as obviously destructive as coconut rhinoceros beetles. Plants sold in bigger

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retailers, like the lantana, masquerade more innocently; unbeknownst to the public, this ornamental shrub can grow at a rapid pace, surpassing neighboring native plants.

There’s also the danger of mistaking a native plant for a look-a-like. Before taking any action, Toma advises to speak with local farmers and gardeners for assistance in identifying invasive species. Once it is confirmed, Toma cautions to throw away invasives into the trash, not the compost. To the beetle, the compost is another ideal home so it is important to monitor piles for any signs of CRB activity.

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The dangers are not just limited to plants and animals but to us humans as well.

Certain plants, like the persistent California grass, are prone to catching fire.

Others, like the haole koa, soak up all the water from neighboring plants and once void of nutrients, the soil becomes at risk of erosion.

Invasive species reach even all the way up into the mountains of Hawaiʻi, where the ʻohiʻa lehua is slowly being overtaken by the strawberry guava.

“If nobody’s up there to see it and to tell people about it, our forest would be wiped out,” Toma warns. For the sake of intergenerational and intragenerational

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equity, she urges students to do their research on these invasive species and to raise awareness among others.

Native plants are an important branch of Hawaiian culture and identity. Although some harmless non-native species, like Kalihi ginger, have been given use in bouquets, Toma insists that those with green thumbs be deliberate with their choice of plants – native species must be prioritized.

“It will take up so much money and time to get rid of but it is worth investing in because it’ll cost even more if it gets out of hand,” Toma said.

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The Hoot

Fitness at Your Fingertips How phone apps can keep you on track

BY MOISES ALHAMBRA, JR. |

PHOTOS BY JHEANNA CARLOS

With summer fast approaching, how has your New Year’s resolution been going?

If it involved fitness or physical health, did you keep up with it?

30-minute workout, and a customizable daily calorie burn) can be a motivating factor. There are also digital medals of achievement built in for each week!

and fitness goals, setting up workout schedules and workout buddies, activating appropriate app-related measurement tools, and notifications.

Many students may have set specific fitness or health goals but sticking with them can be a challenge. Tracking progress, adding fail-safes, and automating workout schedules can make a big difference — and there’s an app for that!

In fact, you may already use it without knowing.

Google Fit is the Android version similar to Apple’s Health. The app boasts collaboration with the World Health Organization and American Heart Association.

According to their website, the partnership “brings you Heart Points, an activity goal that can help improve your health.”

Apart from smartphone iOS and Android-based platforms are various apps, specific activity trackers, or those tied to fitness organizations such as Peloton and Runtastic. These programs require a subscription but there are free apps like the Caliber, Home Gym Club, and Nike Training Club. Some of them have paid premium features that include personalized coaching.

Apple’s Health is an iOS-based application, which according to their website, “puts information at your fingertips, including health records, medications, labs, activity, and sleep.” Health rings (12 five-minute hourly movements, one

These apps can fully integrate into your schedule so that maintaining a fitness routine is almost effortless. Automation can be achieved by setting up sleep and wake schedules, adding relevant health information such as height, weight, age, and other pertinent medical conditions,

If you are just beginning to work out or need help choosing, walking is a good way to start. Stacey Kelly, the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu nurse, sug-

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gests using walking apps that track steps, some of which are designed to increase your steps within a specified time. There are breaks built in so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

While some may have the intrinsic motivation and discipline to go it alone, more extroverted students can also engage with their classmates to work out together.

“My workout routine includes daily walks, sometimes running on trails or on the treadmill. I use my Apple Watch to keep track of workouts,” said Coach Ryan Perreira, Nāulu Center manager.

“There are many benefits in working out with a partner,” Perreira said. “They will be able to motivate each other.”

Apps help track your fitness goals through notifications, helpful tips, and even rewards. Even so, an app on your phone will not make you get up and move.

“They [students] have to show up. They have to be invested in their wellness,” Perreira said.

Staying healthy reduces stress, anxiety and risk of chronic diseases, enhances cognitive function, and improves cardiovascular health. Kelly says that many apps can help track nutrition and diet, which may be especially useful for those dealing with diabetes and other similar conditions.

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And while there are many apps available, Kelly cautions using those that are not promoting healthful habits. She also warns students about looking up information online regarding various diseases, symptoms, and possible treatment options because the website may be illegitimate, false or easily misunderstood.

Instead, the campus nurse advises students to speak to a medical professional for advice and treatment.

Staying motivated is key to maintaining a fitness routine, and health apps provide the tools to set goals, track progress, and build a healthier lifestyle. Whether you go solo, team up with a friend, or join a campus wellness group, there are plenty of ways to stay on track.

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The Hoot

Pillars of Knowledge Celebrating the library workers for Library Week

BY LANDON TUPPER |

PHOTOS BY NOAH PADILLA

For National Library Week (the second full week of April), we’re highlighting the librarians who make learning and discovery at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu possible. From curating exhibits to helping students with research, we asked this UHWO librarian about their inspiration, process and what makes their work rewarding.

Kawena Komeiji

What is your inspiration and process for putting on library exhibits?

The inspiration for exhibits is so that our communities of Ewa and Waianae Moku can come to the library and enjoy exhibits that they might not see otherwise. For example, I just had an exhibit “Hawaiian Students Abroad,” that focused on research posters that actually came from UH Manoa and it featured different Hawaiians that were sent to the different international places.

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What keeps you going in your role?

your job?

UHWO?

What keeps me going is seeing the end results of senior capstones and being able to know that I helped that person, and they came up with this amazing project or this amazing paper. The second thing is I just like connecting people to resources, whether that's in a database, a book or even if it's a person.

What is the most rewarding part of

The most rewarding part of my job is when I can help students unlock a sense of confidence and empowerment through research and learning.

Whether it's guiding a student to find that perfect resource for their paper or seeing an “aha” moment when they finally understand how to navigate complex information, those moments make all the effort worthwhile. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that, in some way, I’ve played a role in their academic journey and, hopefully, in their growth as critical thinkers and lifelong learners.

I have always found solace and power in books, learning, and immersing myself in others' stories. Education has opened up so many opportunities for me — shaping the way I see the world, introducing me to new perspectives, and helping me develop the skills that are necessary to responsibly navigate the complex issues that our communities face. For me, libraries have always felt like a space of possibility and for exploration, where knowledge is freely available to anyone who seeks it. Becoming a librarian was a natural extension of that passion. I wanted to support others in their own journeys of discovery, whether through research, storytelling, or lifelong learning.

This work ultimately allows me to foster curiosity and critical thinking, which are qualities that can empower students far beyond their academic journeys.

What drew you to be a librarian at

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The Hoot

Trade Tensions Rise in Hawaiʻi and Beyond What you, as a consumer, should know

BY MOISES ALHAMBRA, JR. |

On his first day in office, President Donald Trump enacted Executive Order 14105, America First Trade Policy, which instituted tariffs against imported goods from Canada, Mexico, and China.

The administration justified the move to curb drug trafficking but media outlets already predict a rise in prices as they hypothesize that the additional manufacturing cost due to the tariffs will be passed on to the consumers.

To navigate the continuing effects of tariffs imposed by the government, we asked Dr. Patricia Yu, assistant professor in economics at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu about the immediate and long-term effects on the national economy.

PHOTOS BY NOAH PADILLA

“A tariff is the tax imposed by our government on imported goods from other countries,” said Yu. “The price level will increase because tariffs raise the cost of imported goods. We have to pay higher prices for things like electronic goods, clothes, and agricultural products. That’s the immediate consequence…and then of course the trade disruptions.”

This prediction unfolded when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced retaliatory tariffs imposed on American imported goods, followed by announcements and an appeal to fellow Canadians to stay in the country instead of vacationing in the United States. The Canadian government further imposed tariffs on electricity imported to the US. These are reactions that portray disap-

pointment at the present government’s deliberate disregard for the comprehensive trade relationship between nations.

Similarly, Mexico and China imposed tariffs in response to President Trump’s tariffs on imported goods to their respective countries, further alienating the country from its closest trade partners.

The effects on the cost of living in Hawaiʻi could be dire because 85-90% of goods are imported to the islands. Food imports account for about 80% of that, according to the 2012 state report, “Increased Food Security and Food Self-Sufficiency Strategy.” In 2021, Honolulu Civil Beat reported that Hawaiʻi spends up to $3 billion a year to import most of its food.

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Besides food, an increase in construction costs could mean higher housing costs for new and ongoing construction projects that could be passed on to consumers.

“If the university decides to add buildings, the price of construction increases due to tariffs on steel and aluminum,” Yu said.

While the foreseen consequences could be negative, tariffs have been used in the past. According to Yu, tariffs can boost government revenues, protect domestic industries from foreign competition, and influence international trade dynamics.

One example is the Hyundai Motor Company’s decision to invest domestically.

The Korea Herald reported that CEO Jose Munoz plans to invest billions of dollars in America to create tens of thousands of American jobs.

Small businesses could also benefit from small business administration (SBA) ini-

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tiatives, which was signed by President Eisenhower into law in 1953.

“The recent revision of the initiative reduces regulatory burdens by $100 billion, so they give us [the businesses] access to capital and developer infrastructure to support resurgence in manufacturing jobs,” Yu said.

The government SBA site includes helpful topics from starting your business to managing it and every topic in between.

The Made in America Manufacturing Initiative offers tools such as cutting the red tape for small manufacturers, increasing access to capital and taking local manufacturing business global.

Despite some of the positive effects of tariffs against imported products, reports of uncertainties persist.

“WORK OUT LIKE A UHWO JOURNALIST, RUN WITH A STORY”

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“For long-term consequences, some economists predict there will be a recession coming up,” Yu said. “Persistent tariffs can lead to reduced economic growth. Tariffs may generate a lot of revenue for our government but at a cost.

We are already seeing trade relations crumbling. Such global trade promotes innovation, competitiveness, and global partnerships.”

Without these global partnerships, Yu assured, sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved. The basis of these predictions is general and does not account for specific events. The effects may yield positive or negative outcomes.

“We hope that our government implements their policies with careful consideration,” Yu said.

CONTACT

LEVITICUS KAOPUIKI EDITOR IN-CHIEF THEHOOT@HAWAII.EDU

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COMIC STRIP

Purrfect Pueo Valentine

By Jheanna Carlos Major: Creative Media–Communication and New Media Tech Follow her on Instagram @annaehjj

The Hoot’s calling you!

We want to showcase student work! Artwork (paintings, drawings, digital art), creative writing (poetry, short stories, essays), photography, comic strips, and more are welcome to be included. Fill out our Creative Submission Form through the QR code to have your creative work be published in a future issue!

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