Kapi’o News – New location and new format!

Kapi‘o News has moved!  Visit us at our new location kapionews.com to stay up to date with the latest happenings on and around the Kapi‘olani Community College campus!  READ MORE…

 

 

 

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Features / Spring 2016

Earth Day at KCC Highlights Everyday Sustainable Initiatives

• By Kapi’o Staff

On April 20, Earth Day 2016, Kapi‘o reporters fanned out across campus to find out about on-campus sustainability projects and the visionary students, faculty and staff behind them. READ MORE…

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Features / Spring 2016

KCC Is a Popular Landing Point for Students Returning to Hawaii

• By Avery Dunn and Marcus Watabu, Kapi‘o Staff Writers

Two years ago, Hamu Alualu left Hawai‘i with a dream of studying aviation management technology at Arizona State University. Despite occasional bouts of homesickness, Alualu was happy with his decision to pursue higher education outside of Hawai‘i. READ MORE…

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News / Spring 2016

Richards Steps Aside Following No-Confidence Vote

• By Billy Liu, Kapi’o Staff Writer and Kapi’o Staff

Following a vote of no-confidence by Kapi’olani Community College faculty and other authorized governance organizations, KCC chancellor Leon Richards announced that he was retiring from his position effective at the end of the Spring 2016 semester. READ MORE…

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Profiles / Spring 2016

A World-Class Dancer Returns to His Roots

• By Skye Kaupiko, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

Ka‘imina‘auau Cambern was born to a family rich in Hawaiian musical traditions, yet his early path to success was marked by achievements in decidedly different artistic forms. READ MORE…

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News / Spring 2016

“We Were the Fools” KCC Professor Spearheads Effort to Bring First Folio to KCC

• By Clarissa Gonzales, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

Hosting one of the most significant collections in literary history is a tremendous honor — but it’s not for the weak of will or faint of heart, as Kapi‘olani Community College English professor Mark Lawhorn can attest. READ MORE…

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Editorial / Spring 2016

Eh, Shhh!

• By Ashleigh Burkhouse, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

We’ve come to expect that a library is a place of silence and isolation, a space in which we can shut out the distractions of the outside world and attack the treacherous academic work loads that we’ve undertaken. READ MORE…

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News / Spring 2016

Students Brace for Proposed Tuition Increase — Again

• By James Ragasa, Kapi’o Staff Writer

Kapi’olani Community College students are expressing doubt and anxiety as University of Hawai’i mull yet another tuition increase. READ MORE…

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Features / Spring 2016

Hapalua Field Included KCC’s Own

• By Jun Funahashi, Kapi’o Staff Writer

The fifth-annual Kapalua Half-Marathon boasted a field of more than 6,000 participants, ranging from elite runners like Olympian Isabella Ochichi to recreational athletes from Kapi’olani Community College. READ MORE…

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News / Spring 2016

UHM Event Highlights Opportunities in Genetics

• By Marcus Watabu, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

Kapi‘olani Community College students with an interest in genetics and biomedicine have an opportunity to learn more about the field at DNA Day Hawai‘i at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa on April 25. READ MORE…

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News / Spring 2016

Chancellor Controversy Draws Mixed Reactions from Students

• By Kapi‘o Staff

Kapi‘olani Community College students are expressing concern and confusion following the news that the KCC Faculty Senate has initiated a vote of no-confidence for chancellor Leon Richards.  The online vote, which is scheduled to end on April 20, was approved, 9-3, by the senate’s executive committee on April 4.  READ MORE…

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Features / Spring 2016

Innovative Program Nurtures Native Hawaiian Scholarship

• By Skye Kaupiko, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

Virginia Kapo‘oloku Po‘omaikelani, sister of the 19^th century Hawaiian Queen Kapi‘olani, was as strong advocate for the preservation of Hawaiian cultural traditions at a time when Native Hawaiians were struggling to adapt to political, social, economic and educational changes brought about through Western contact. READ MORE…

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Features / Spring 2016

Devoted Mother Helps Austic Son Realize Artistic Potential

• By Jun Funahashi, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

Yuko Shimizu knew from the first time her son Isa picked up a pen to draw that he had a special talent.  The revelation meant much to Shimizu, who saw art as a way for her son to express himself in a meaningful way despite being on the autism spectrum. READ MORE…

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News / Spring 2016

Tuition Public Meeting at KCC

A public meeting will be held on the Kapiʻolani Community College campus on April 13, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in ʻŌhiʻa 118.  Students, the university community, and the public are invited to listen to a presentation on the University’s proposed tuition schedule and to present testimony (written and/or oral) at open public meetings. The full schedule can be downloaded.

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News / Spring 2016

Freeman Grant Scholars to Head to China

• By Avery Dunn, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

The Freeman Foundation Community College Program is accepting applications for its 2016 Study Abroad program in China.

Applications for the semester-long stay are due on April 15.  READ MORE…

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Editorial / Spring 2016

Retired Professor Left Legacy of Fellowship, Hope at KCC

• By Jun Funahashi, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

Linda Fujikawa’s final message for her Japanese 290 class was a lesson in both language and life. “You are not human ‘be’ but a human ‘being,’” said Fujikawa. “We are human beings. The ‘ing’ is there for a reason. The ongoing “ing” does not stop here. Therefore, if there is an ‘ing’ to make something happen, one need to believe in something. More than believing, I think, is trusting and respecting. If one can trust and respect oneself, belief can happen.” READ MORE…

 

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Reviews / Spring 2016

Unassuming Sprout Comes Up Big

• By Marcus Watabu, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

The Sprout Sandwich Shop occupies a small, tightly packed corner space on Koko Head Ave, but they serve large, delicious gourmet sandwiches.  A dedicated cast behind the counter offers a variety of fun healthy sandwiches bearing unique names such as “The Lighthouse” or “The Fonz” that reflects that shop’s warm, charming aura.  READ MORE…

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Feature / Spring 2016

Dental Assisting Program Offers Free X-Ray Services

• By Billy Liu, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

At Kapi‘olani Community College, future dental assistants are gaining valuable hands-on experience while providing volunteers the opportunity to get otherwise expensive dental X-rays for free.  READ MORE…

 

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Reviews / Spring 2016

Japanese Cheesecake Sensation Hits Waikiki

• By Sarah Keener, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

In the 31 years since Tetsushi Mizokami developed his ultra-light take on traditional cheesecake, Uncle Tetsu Uncle Tetsu Japanese Cheesecake shop has expanded to 80 stores around the world. READ MORE…

 

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News / Spring 2016

Nursing Program Welcomes New Equipment

• By James Ragasa,  Kapi‘o Staff Writer

Kapi‘olani Community College nursing students are better equipped to face real-world care situations following the purchase of some $5,000 in new equipment, including a “simulation man” capable of reacting to pain.  READ MORE…

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News / Spring 2016

KCC Faculty, Administration Talk Strategy

• By Jun Funahashi, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

More than 900 community college educators and administrators converged on Kapi‘olani Community College’s Great Lawn on March 4 and 5 for the Hawai‘i Strategy Institute, a large-scale forum designed to discuss the ways in which evidence can be used to guide policies, strategies and services. READ MORE…

 

 

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News / Spring 2016

Culinary Program Gets EPA Recognition

• By Adara Pineda, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

Kapi‘olani Community College’s celebrated Culinary Arts program earned another high-profile recognition this semester when the federal Environmental Protection Agency awarded the program a certificate of achievement for its ongoing efforts in “preventing and diverting wasted food.” READ MORE…

 

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Feature / Spring 2016

KCC ‘Ohia Sticken with Deadly Fungus

• By Skye Kaupiko, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

The recent death of an ‘ohi‘a lehua tree located in the Mala Maunu‘unu outside the Manele Building has Kapi‘olani Community College faculty and students concerned that a biological threat believed to be contained to Hawai‘i island may in fact have spread to O‘ahu. READ MORE…

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News / Fall  2015

KCC Walks a Mile

• By Elizabeth Samoa, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

This October, about 60 male students, faculty and staff from Kapi‘olani Community College took off their comfortable shoes and donned pumps, sandals and other female footwear to help raise awareness of violence against women. READ MORE …

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Opinion / Fall  2015

Koa Gallery Is KCC’s Hidden Treasure

• By Mohammad Salameh, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

Within the confines of our voluptuous KCC campus, nestled in a shady crook of the Koa building, lies a hidden treasure of sorts: the small, yet neatly structured gallery Koa Gallery, which for the last 35 years has hosted important works from some of the most significant artists in Hawai‘i. READ MORE …

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News / Fall  2015

New Study Hub Brings Together Tutoring Services

• By Alex Ortal, Kapi’o Staff Writer

This fall, tutoring services formerly offered at the Kahikoluamea Center combined with the Aloha Writers Kiosk to form the Study Hub, a centralized resource that provides free math and English tutoring to Kapi‘olani Community College students. READ MORE …

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News / Fall  2015

Techie Treats Highlight Haunted Hack Night

• By Noaem Herrera, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

Kapi‘olani Community College STEM students broke out a most intriguing bag of high-tech treats for last month’s first annual Haunted Hack Night at the STEM Center. The event was hosted by the KCC chapter of Engineers for a Sustainable World in conjunction with HICapacity, a Hawai‘i-based tech collective. READ MORE …

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News / Fall  2015

Community Invited to ‘Experience Kapi‘olani’

• By Diana Dinh, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

Kapi‘olani Community College is inviting the public to explore the campus and all of its unique offerings this Friday, Nov. 6, at the first annual “Your Kapi‘olani Experience” open house showcase. READ MORE …

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News / Fall  2015

UHCC Marketing Team Recognized

• By Diana Dinh, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

Working together to find a creative and engaging way to communicate the open access to education represented by the University of Hawai‘s community colleges, Kapi‘olani Community College community relations director Louise Yamamoto and her UHCC counterparts earned even more recognition than expected for their home campuses. READ MORE …

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News / Fall  2015

UHM Rises Three Spots in National Ranking

• By Sara Leiva,  Kapi‘o Staff Writer

The University of Hawai‘i at Manoa ranked 161 out of 1,376 U.S. colleges included in the latest U.S. News Best Colleges list. UHM’s ranking is three spots higher than the previous year. READ MORE  …

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News / Fall  2015

Updated UH Policy Targets Sex Discrimination, Violence

• By Elizabeth Samoa, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

This semester, the University of Hawai‘i system updated its policy on sex discrimination and gender-based violence, bringing new processes, procedures and resources to Kapi‘olani Community College, via Title IX, the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE), and new Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Title IX Coordinator Brenda Ivelisse. 

The new policy more clearly and fully defines the types of behavior prohibited throughout the UH system, expands resources devoted to dealing with sex discrimination and gender-based violence, and creates ways for students, faculty and staff to comfortably and confidentially report incidents or seek help. READ MORE …

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News / Fall  2015

Culinary Institute to Expand Student Opportunities

• By Mohammad Salameh, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

Kapi‘olani Community College’s culinary program has long been one of the school’s most prominent and successful offerings. In the not-so-distant future, this program could be a stepping stone to even bigger and better academic opportunities in the culinary field, with the groundbreaking ceremony for KCC’s Culinary Institute of the Pacific. READ MORE …

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Profile / Fall  2015

Student Profile: Chasity Akim

• By Seluvaia Sika, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

With three children at home and a challenging course load at school, Kapi‘olani Community College student Chasity Akim leads a life full of complications yet her approach to handling it all is remarkably simple. For Akim, 34, everything boils down to faith, family and a better future. Akim was born and raised in Waimanalo and attended St. Partick School and Maryknoll School before graduating from McKinley High School. READ MORE …

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News / Fall  2015

Students, Teachers Seek Ways to Cope with Textbook Costs

• By Dustin Telefoni, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

When a Castle High School teacher attended Kapi‘olani Community College more than 20 years ago, the textbooks required for her culinary courses cost a whopping $60. “At the time, $60 was kind of expenses, but books never reached $100,” Miura said. This semester, the three textbooks required for CULN 120 (Fundamentals of Cookery) cost a combined $208.80 when purchased new at the KCC Bookstore. The optional text sells for an additional $38.90. READ MORE …

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News / Fall  2015

KCC Parking Crunch Is an Uncomfortable Reality

• By Noaem Herrera, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

The fact of Kapi‘olani Community College’s parking shortage is well known to anyone who has visited the campus during peak weekday hours. “I come to school really early to find a spot and waste a lot of gas circling around,” said first-year student Meghan Rego. “I always end up having to park in residential areas or at the Cannon Club.” READ MORE …

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News / Fall  2015

Tuition Increases Continue at Slower Rate

• By Alex Ortal, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

Kapio‘lani Community College students learned this semester that a reduction of an increase is still an increase.

Last May, the University of Hawai‘i Board of Regents approved a proposal from UH president David Lassner to reduce scheduled 7 percent tuition increases for undergraduate students this year and next year.

The move reduced the scheduled increase from 7 percent to 5 percent for the UH system’s seven community colleges. The difference for KCC resident students taking a full 12-credit load? Twenty-four dollars. READ MORE …

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News / Fall  2015

Student Father Finds the Right Balance

• By Diana Dinh, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

As a full-time student at Kapi‘olani Community College, 26-year-old Kenny Jeffrey is always pressed for time. Still, he always makes sure to balance his commitment to doing well in school with his devotion to his 2-year-old son. READ MORE …

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Profile / Fall  2015

Brandon Higa, KCC’s multitalented grants specialist

• By Mohammad Salameh, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

Something is wrong. Something is definitely wrong. Kapi‘olani Community College student “Tristan” looks past the toaster with its charred remains of once-edible bread peering out of the top, and confirms that his laptop is plugged in. Well, the cord seems to be plugged in to the side of the computer, at least. Maybe he just did not push the power button hard enough. Tristan tries to turn on his laptop a second time. No success. READ MORE …

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Special Report: Smartphones / Feature / Fall  2015

Smartphones Adapt to Learning Styles

• By Jonathan Webber, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

As college students continue to explore the ways in which smartphones can enhance their absorption of course material, they are increasingly turning to applications that cater to their particular learning style. READ MORE …

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Special Report: Smartphones / Feature / Fall  2015

Smartphone to the Rescue: A day in the life of the tech-savvy student

• By Jonathan Webber, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

Something is wrong. Something is definitely wrong. Kapi‘olani Community College student “Tristan” looks past the toaster with its charred remains of once-edible bread peering out of the top, and confirms that his laptop is plugged in. Well, the cord seems to be plugged in to the side of the computer, at least. Maybe he just did not push the power button hard enough. Tristan tries to turn on his laptop a second time. No success. READ MORE …

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Special Report: Smartphones / Feature / Fall  2015

Ode to My Apps

• By Jonathan Webber, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

Each morning I grab it, removed from the charger.

A convenient size, I would not want it larger.

Through constant use, I’m a smartphone whiz.

What a wonderful tool made for school that it is.

READ MORE …

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Special Report: Smartphones /Opinion / Fall  2015

Good Phone, Bad Phone

• By Victor Jube, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

As a busy student, the first thing I do when I get to class is reach into my pocket and whip out my iPhone to take a quick relaxing stroll through. I am guilty of this easy distraction, but without my smartphone I also would not be able to access Laulima and check assignment deadlines and recent gradebook updates. READ MORE …

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Special Report: Graduation Initiatives at KCC/ Feature / Fall  2015

Agree to Degree: Student success initiatives and funding driving push for graduation at UH community colleges

• By Kent Nishimura, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

Since 2010, there has been a steady increase in both enrollment and the awarding of degrees and certificates within the University of Hawaii community college system. In the 2014-15 academic year, Kapiolani Community College alone awarded 2,200 degrees to students (446 participated in commencement exercises at the Hawai‘i Convention Center). Over the next decade those numbers are only expected to continue to increase. READ MORE …

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Special Report: Graduation Initiatives at KCC / Feature / Fall  2015

TRIO aims to help: Federally funded program supports first-generation students

• By Carol Martin, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

A self-described “mature woman approaching half a century,” Kristina Fox enrolled at Kapi‘olani Community College a year ago seeking to earn a degree in business management with a focus on the construction industry. Fox had a particular desire to improve her written communication skills by taking college-level writing courses. Fox is one of more than 200 KCC students who benefit from the federally funded TRIO program, which assists those who are low income (as defined by federal guidelines), disabled and/or first-generation college students attain a college degree.

Through TRIO, Fox found ample support in making the adjustment to college. “TRIO staff helped edit my (writing) work and math, helped me fill out scholarship applications, learn computer skills, research papers,” she said.  READ MORE …

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Special Report: Graduation Initiatives at KCC / Feature / Fall  2015

It Takes a Village: KCC support services help non-traditional, low-income, and at-risk students beat the odds

• By SueAnne Juskowich, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

In support of this statewide graduation campaign, Kapi‘olani Community College offers a number of support services for nontraditional, low-income, and other at-risk students. Some of these include the Bridge to Hope program, Lunalilo Scholars Project, Achieving the Dream National Reform Network, and the Kapo‘oloku Program for Native Hawaiian Student Success.

Bridge to Hope is a UH system program operated in conjunction with the state Department of Human Services, and KCC’s Single Parents and Displaced Homemaker Program Coordinator Cathy Wehrman. READ MORE …

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Special Report: Graduation Initiatives at KCC / News / Fall  2015

A Life Raft for Students: SOS workshops share tips on how to succeed in college

• By Fortune Delaney-McClung, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

While the pressure to graduate on time may seem daunting at times, Kapiolani Community College offers many different ways to help a student succeed in college. Secret of Success (SOS) workshops are held in the library, Maida Kamber Center, Kahikoluamea Imiloa Studio, and Financial Aids Mini Lab throughout the semester. These free workshops allow students to learn about a wide range of practical topics from some of the top instructor around campus. READ MORE …

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Special Report: Graduation Initiatives at KCC / Opinion / Fall  2015

Frazzled: Are initiatives like 15 to Finish Necessary?

• By SueAnne Juskowich, Kapi‘o Staff Writer

In an effort to improve on-time graduation rates and increase the percentage of adults with college degrees, the 15 to Finish initiative encourages both incoming freshmen and currently enrolled students to complete 15 credits per semester in pursuit of a two- or four-year degree. …

Their ambition is laudable, yes, but can you imagine the stress these students face? Is it any wonder that these same cohorts are also the most likely to drop out? We really should not be pushing them to take on more.

Supporters of 15 to Finish claim that taking 15 credits leads to better grades, but how can that be true for these already frazzled students?  READ MORE …

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Kapiʻo Voices & Views is a publication of the Board of Student Publication (BoSP) at the University of Hawaii at Kapi‘olani. To submit student writing or to suggest stories, contact faculty advisor Kim Baxter.

Kapiʻo Voices & Views publishes student writing and visual work in the following categories:

• News (Events and Upcoming Events)
• Features  (Stories, Profiles. Interviews)
• Opinions  (Editorials, Reviews, Reflections)
• Student Profiles
• Special Reports (Thematic Clusters of Articles)
• Images  (Photography and Images of 2D and 3D Art Works)

The published works reflect the opinions and views of the students, not those of Kapi‘olani Community College or its administration, faculty, and  staff.

For a submission form and more about the Board of Student Publication (BoSP), see Student Publications. Send inquiries to kapio@hawaii.edu.