Development of University of Hawaii Palamanui Campus Moves Forward

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Damon

The University of Hawaii Palamanui Campus has cleared a major hurdle, and work on the long awaited project will finally move forward, according to officials from the University of Hawaii Community Colleges. After facing issues with cost overruns and procurement, the bidding process was concluded this past Friday–without any challenges—and the University will proceed with finalizing the contract for construction of the community college campus for West Hawaii.

The new Hawai‘i Community College Pālamanui campus will provide an accessible and affordable gateway to higher learning for residents who have been underserved in the region. The campus will aim for LEED Platinum certification and boast a net zero environmental impact, while academic programs will offer top quality higher education coursework and curricula.

The new Hawai‘i Community College Pālamanui campus will provide an accessible and affordable gateway to higher learning for residents who have been underserved in the region. The campus will aim for LEED Platinum certification and boast a net zero environmental impact, while academic programs will offer top quality higher education coursework and curricula.

The Palamanui Campus will be the 11th permanent campus of the University of Hawaii system. The first phase of the project will include a culinary arts building and a health science and student services building.

Big Island legislators are working together to ensure that the needed additional funding for Phase 1 of the Palamanui Campus will be in this year’s State budget. Representative Nicole Lowen, who represents State House District 6 where the new campus will be located, sits on the House Finance Committee and will participate in upcoming conference committee budget negotiations with the Senate.

“The Palamanui Campus, which has been one of my top priorities this legislative session, is an essential addition to the West Hawaii Community,” said Rep. Lowen (Kailua-Kona, Holualoa, Kalaoa, Honokohau). “As a former teacher, I am personally aware of our district’s need to provide an opportunity for quality education close to home. Children who were my students when they were in preschool are now graduating high school, and many of them have had to leave West Hawaii to pursue their education, or have had to forgo post-secondary education altogether due to the lack of affordable option close to home.  With the development of the Palamanui Campus, we will finally have opportunities in our own community, and these young adults will have a greater chance of succeeding in a setting where they can remain close to home and have the support of family and friends.

 

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10 Hawaiʻi Island Students Awarded Prestigious Dorrance Scholarships

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Damon

The second cohort of prestigious Dorrance Scholarships has been awarded to 10 Hawaiʻi Island high school students who will begin their studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo in fall 2013.

The Dorrance Scholarship is an innovative, four-year award designed to benefit local students who are the first in their family to attend college. Each year, up to 10 eligible students are awarded need-based scholarships of $8,000 per year to attend UH Hilo. Awards are renewable for a total of eight semesters of funding, and additional cohorts of scholars will be added in subsequent years.

The 2013 recipients include:

• John Alokoa, Kealakehe High School, Waikoloa
• Rachel Gristock, Kea`au High School, Kurtistown
• Tawanaka (Puki) Kaupu, Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi, Ocean View
• Richard Kerr, Hilo High School, Hilo
• Cheyenne Losalio, Konawaena High School, Captain Cook
• Gabriel Lubbess, Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi, Kea`au
• Stareynelle (Kaua) Mitchell, Ke Kula`o `Ehunuikaimalino, Holualoa
• Justin Shiigi, Hilo High School, Hilo
• Benjamin Wada, Christian Liberty Academy, Pahoa
• Luana Zablan, Kanu o ka `Aina, Kamuela

Prior to their freshman year, Dorrance Scholars will participate in a custom-designed summer bridge program to help them transition from high school to college. In future summers, scholars will take part in international travel and employment preparation, bringing the estimated total value of each award to over $60,000 for the entire four-year period.

“Higher education is the key to a brighter future,” said Chancellor Don Straney. “The Dorrance Scholarship goes to the heart of our mission at UH Hilo, where some 70 percent of our students are the first in their family to attend college and an equal number rely on some form of financial aid.
Dorrance Scholars
“The support from the Dorrance family is a very important gift to UH Hilo and we are extremely grateful for their commitment to our Hawaiʻi Island students,” he added.

UH Hilo’s program is an extension of the highly successful Dorrance Scholarship Programs that have operated in Arizona for the past 13 years. The program is credited with opening the doors of higher education while boosting graduation rates for more than 400 first-generation college students.

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UH Hilo Now Accepting Summer School Applications

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Damon

Applications are currently being accepted and registration is now in progress for the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo 2013 Summer Session. Classes will be conducted over two sessions: May 20-June 14, and June 17-July 26. Students will be able to take advantage of the tuition schedule introduced in 2011, which rolled undergraduate resident rates back to 2009 levels.
UH Hilo
Tuition costs range from $248 per credit hour for resident students to $357 for non-residents, and $483 for graduate students. There is also a special $302.50 rate for Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) and Pacific Islander students.

“Many of today’s students are trying to balance their studies with a full- or part-time job and/or raising a family,” said Dr. Matthew Platz, vice chancellor for academic affairs. “So it’s important for us to provide our students with both educational value and more opportunities to meet their needs.”

This year, students will have more selections to choose from with a total of 171 courses, or 8% more than the 159 provided last summer. Over 40% of those courses are being offered online.

Organizers have adjusted their curriculum to address newly revised General Education requirements and to support the goals of the UH System’s “15 to Finish Campaign” that seeks to increase the number of students graduating in four years by emphasizing courses that fulfill the students needs in those areas.

“We fully support ‘15 to Finish,’ but recognize the challenges some students face making that commitment to go all in,” Platz said. “Summer Session can be a valuable planning resource that allows them to spread out that commitment yet still achieve the goal of graduating in four years.”

This summer’s course offerings highlight UH Hilo’s familiar role as a living, learning laboratory with classes and programs emphasizing the island’s cultural and academic resources including field courses in biology, geography and marine science.

Back by popular demand is QUEST (Quantitative Underwater Ecological Surveying Techniques), the intensive marine science field course conducted each year on the west side of the island. The two-week course trains undergraduates in underwater ecological surveying methodologies including design, implementation and analysis of a research project, and incorporates instruction in identifying the common seaweeds, corals, invertebrates and fishes of Hawaiian reefs.

A number of unique or novelty courses are also being offered, including an Island Ecology Field School taught by Dr. Allan Arndt from the University of Fraser Valley (UFV) near Vancouver, British Columbia, and UH Hilo’s Dr. Cam Muir. The course will combine students from both universities who will register with their respective home institutions.

For a tentative course listing and information, visit http://hilo.hawaii.edu/depts/summer/, email ccecs@hawaii.edu, or call (808) 974-7664. Students who haven’t registered for a UH Hilo credit course within the last six months can apply at http://hilo.hawaii.edu/studentaffairs/admissions/Apply.php. International students will need to submit additional forms.

 

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UH Hilo Students Earn Prestigious Internships

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Damon

Two University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo students pursuing double majors in Astronomy and Physics have earned prestigious and highly competitive national internships in their respective fields.

Junior Robert Pipes has been accepted to the National Undergraduate Fellowship through the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL).

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory

This summer, Pipes will attend a one-week series of lectures on plasma physics at Princeton University before beginning a nine-week research project with Dr. David Pace at the General Atomics DIII-D tokamak in San Diego, California. His project will involve tracking high-energy ions to model heat loss along the walls of the reactor.

Jordan Bledsoe, a sophomore, has accepted an offer of a Maria Mitchell Observatory summer internship in Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Maria Mitchell Observatory

Maria Mitchell Observatory

She was one of just six selected out of 180 applicants for the internship, which is part of the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supported by the National Science Foundation. Bledsoe leaves at the end of May for her 10-week internship. She expects to be assigned a research project on “Quasars as markers of distant galaxy clusters” or “structure and evolution of clusters of galaxies.”

Dr. Marianne Takamiya, UH Hilo assistant professor of astronomy, said both internships are highly coveted, and being among the few who are selected is a great, personal achievement that sets up future success.

“Robert is the first student from UH Hilo to be admitted to the PPPL Internship, where students typically go on to top-notch universities or companies following their undergraduate work,” Takamiya explained. “The Maria Mitchell Observatory Internship is of similar caliber and Jordan and a small, select number of students will be mentored by visiting astronomers from renowned universities like Harvard, Yale and the University of California.”

 

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HAUNT! Spooks UH Hilo

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Damon

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Performing Arts Center features the UH Hilo Acting Troupe in HAUNT!, ghost stories from around the world, on Thursday and Friday, April 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, April 14 at 2 p.m. in the PAC.

UH Hilo

“The Troupe begins with an exorcism at Waipi’o Valley and ends with what might just be Pele disappearing from a car in a ride on the Hamakua Coast,” said Director Jackie Pualani Johnson. “In between, the raconteurs will perform eerie tales from Japan, China, Iraq, Germany, England, and Mexico. The stories, recommended for audiences nine years old and older, are staged to terrify in one moment and generate giggles in the next!”

Actors include Performing Arts majors Karla Ahn, Willyam Hodson, Alyssa Lassiter, Peter Veseskis, and Denyse Woo-Ockerman, who are joined by graduates Rob Hunt and Angela Nakamura. Blesson Allen, a political science major, auditioned and landed roles in the Troupe along with community actors Joyce Alcouloumre, Wolf Daniel Braun, Tyler Gee, Joann Hale, and Dickie Motherwell. Geoff Staton is assistant director and Apollo Harris is technical director.

Tickets are reserved seating and priced at $12 General, $7 Discount and $5 UH Hilo/HawCC students and children up to age 17, and are available by calling the UH Hilo Box Office at 974-7310 or ordering online at artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu.

 

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UH Hilo Campus Center Plaza to Serve as Overflow Venue for 50th Annual Merrie Monarch

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Damon

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo invites the public to watch the 50th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival hula competition April 4, 5, 6 from 6 p.m. to midnight on the Campus Center Plaza.

Photo from the Merrie Monarch Site

Photo from the Merrie Monarch Site

The events will be shown on a large screen with 125 seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no admission charge.

“UH Hilo is proud to serve as an overflow venue for the viewing of this year’s festivities,” said University Relations Director Jerry Chang. “We will also have food booths available by various University clubs and organizations.”

The event is sponsored by the UH Hilo Student Association and the Office of the Chancellor.

For more information, contact Rachel Nazara at 974-7500 or Gail Makuakane-Lundin at 974-7444.

 

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Obake Stories and Ancient Hawaiian Myths April 13th

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Damon

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Performing Arts Center’s final event of the season will be held on Saturday, April 13 with Obake Stories and Ancient Hawaiian Myths, told by Alton Chung and Jackie Pualani Johnson at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.

UH Hilo

Chung grew up with the stories, superstitions, and magic of the Hawaiian Islands. “This combined with his Japanese and Korean roots gives him a unique perspective to tell cultural tales and personal stories with a deep sense of reverence and authenticity,” noted PAC Manager Lee Dombroski. “Alton breathes life into traditional Asian folktales with sensitivity and deep connection, and enjoys telling true stories of the Japanese-Americans during WWII. But his true passion is telling ghost stories.”

Storyteller Johnson weaves the epic tale of Pele and Hi`iaka into a stirring journey of moving images and lilting voices to recreate drama of devotion, revenge and love.

“The words and powerful visuals are taken from Volcano artist Dietrich Varez in his retelling of the ancient story of Pele and Hi`iaka ‘A Tale of Two Sisters,’ released by Hilo’s Petroglyph Press and graced with block prints befitting the striking confrontations between the passionate siblings,” Dombroski said.

Tickets are reserved seating and are $15 General, $10 Discount, $7 UH Student and Children 17 and under and are currently available at the PAC Box Office.

Parental discretion advised as some material may be too intense for children under age 11.

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Got Guacamole? Free Avocado Fest April 13

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Damon

There’s double the pleasure, double the fun at the free Hawai‘i Avocado Festival Saturday, April 13 at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa. The festival offers two stages headlining entertainment, culinary and agricultural activities according to festival organizer Randyl Rupar.

The seventh annual event is a celebration of avocados—a versatile, locally grown fruit that’s a source of healthy monounsaturated fat. The Zero-Waste festival is 10 a.m. -5 p.m. on the Sheraton lawn fronting Kaleiopapa Road.

Avacado Fest 2013

Kumu Keala Ching opens the day with a Hawaiian pule (prayer), followed by chanting and hula. The entertainment stage lineup continues with Aunty Irma Kahekena Nahe Nahe at 11 a.m., Maka at noon, Big Island Blue Grass Band at 1 p.m., Sahra Indio at 2 p.m., 2 for the Show at 3 p.m. and Beginagain’s Wake at 4 p.m.

On the agriculture-culinary stage, there’s a full schedule of activities. Ty McDonald, of the Kona Extension Office of the UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, leads a session on grafting avocados at 11 a.m. The popular panel discussion, “Keeping the Culture in Agriculture” returns at noon with a 2013 version featuring local leaders concerned with agriculture, organic food and nutrition.

The second stage is also the location of the recipe contest, overseen by cookbook author and freelance food writer Sonia Martinez.  Recipes are due by 11 a.m. and will be judged in three categories: entrée, dessert and guacamole. Festival attendees can taste the entries at 12:30 p.m. and vote for the People’s Choice Award. Announcement of the winners is at 2 p.m. and top culinarians will receive gift certificates from Kealakekua Ranch Center. Recipe entry forms can be downloaded at www.avocadofestival.org.

Guacamole

Get the scoop on different varieties of avocados at an informative display by the Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers. Enjoy a farmer’s market, arts and crafts booths, plus food vendors with avocado-themed cuisine. Geared for families, the festival offers keiki activities, a variety of healing arts and alternative energy demonstrations.

Also on display will be original festival art by Jean Love and event t-shirts. For information, contact Randyl Rupar at 936-5233 or visit www.avocadofestival.org.

Hawai‘i Avocado Festival

The 2013 Hawai‘i Avocado Festival is sponsored by Sanctuary of Mana Ke‘a Gardens, Hawai‘i Tropical Fruit Growers-West Hawai‘i and Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa.

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University of Hawaii Wins 2012-2013 Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Damon

The International Trademark Association (INTA) has announced the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law as the winner of its 22nd Annual Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition, following the National Finals at the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C. on March 16.

According to the Association, eighty-seven teams from law schools around the country participated in the competition, in which law students argue a fictional trademark litigation case before a panel of distinguished trademark practitioners. This year’s case Blue Fin Surf Sports, Inc. v. Skyuler Finn Enterprises, LLC, involved the likelihood of confusion and a priority dispute between the BLUE FIN BY LULU mark as used with surfboards and the SKUYLER FINN BLU mark as used with snowboards.

Following regional competitions in Atlanta, Chicago, San Francisco and New York City, eight teams (two from each region) competed in the National Finals, including: Brooklyn Law School, Georgetown University Law Center, Georgia State University College of Law, Northwestern University School of Law, University of Alabama School of Law, University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Iowa College of Law and the University of Washington School of Law.

The finalists made their arguments before a panel of judges and interlocutory attorneys from the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

“The fact that we have TTAB judges and interlocutory attorneys at the National Finals makes this a unique and high-caliber competition, which gives students valuable insight into trademark law and practice. It is a wonderful stepping stone for their careers,” said Katherine Basile, Partner at Novak Druce Connolly Bove & Quigg LLP and Chair of INTA’s Lefkowitz Competition Committee.

First time national competitors Shirley Lou, Andrea S. Maglasang, Avery C. Matro and Nikki Yamauchi from the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law took first place, as well as Best Oralist team and went home with $4,000 in prize money.

The winners of the 2013 National Finals are:
Moot Court Winners

The competition, organized by INTA volunteers, is named in honor of the late Saul Lefkowitz, who served on the TTAB of the USPTO for over 30 years. He is remembered as a dedicated mentor to young practitioners, fostering their understanding of trademark law and practice during his time at Finnegan Henderson in Washington, D.C.

“The Lefkowitz competition plays a significant role in shaping the next generation of trademark professionals; based on the skills and passion we have seen throughout the competition, our industry’s future looks very bright,” said Chris Foley, the National Finals Coordinator, and Partner at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP.

Next year’s Lefkowitz competition will begin in February 2014 and will introduce a new fifth regional competition in Dallas, Texas.

Founded in 1878, the International Trademark Association (INTA) is a worldwide association of member companies and firms that support the advancement of trademarks and intellectual property as elements of fair and effective global commerce. Members include more than 6,200 trademark owners, legal professionals and academics from more than 190 countries, who benefit from the Association’s global trademark research, policy development, education and training, and international network. Headquartered in New York City, INTA also has offices in Shanghai, Brussels and Washington, D.C., and representatives in Geneva and Mumbai.

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TEDxChange 2013 Official Satellite Event on Hawaii Island

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Damon

TEDxHilo will be broadcasting TEDxChange 2013 live from Seattle on Wednesday, April 3rd at 6:30pm at the University of Hawaii at Hilo in UCB 100. The public is invited to this free event. A TEDxHilo organizer meeting will be held after the discussion.

TedXHilo

TEDxHilo will be one of only 200 official satellite events held around the world. Convened by Melinda Gates, the 2013 theme is Positive Disruption.

“Disruption is usually unwelcome. It represents conflict, chaos, and potential danger,” said event organizer Jennifer Ruggles. “We discourage disruptive behavior in our homes and our societies, often favoring passivity and compliance.”

When asked if there would be any positive disruptions at the event, Ms. Ruggles replied, “You bet, we’ll be broadcasting and discussing how disruption can be a positive – sometimes vital – catalyst for change. We’ll be challenging old assumptions, igniting conversations, shedding light on difficult issues, giving a fresh urgency and perspective to the challenges on Hawaii Island.”

 

 

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Governor Abercrombie Announces UH Board of Regents Nominations

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Damon

Gov. Neil Abercrombie today announced the nominations of Eugene Bal III, Barry T. Mizuno, and Randolph A. Moore to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents. The nominations are subject to state Senate confirmation.

abercrombieheader
Bal and Mizuno’s terms for the Maui and Hawaii County seats, respectively, are effective July 1, 2013. Moore begins his term immediately upon confirmation by a full Senate vote. He will complete the term of At-Large Regent Michael Dahilig, who resigned before his term ends on July 1, 2013. Moore will then begin a new term on July 1, 2013.

“These nominees have exceptionally strong leadership qualities and the experience and expertise to guide the University of Hawaii System to its full potential,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “As a UH alumnus, I understand the critical role the university plays in our state economy and the opportunity it provides for students and researchers. These appointees are fully committed to resolving the governance challenges currently at issue. They know the UH System needs and deserves our support.”

The Governor’s nominees were selected from a list of nominations provided to the Governor by the Regents Candidate Advisory Council.

Maui County Nominee
Eugene Bal III retired as a U.S. Navy captain after 25 years of service, which included a decade of combat flying and time as a chief engineer for the development and acquisition of avionic systems. He has served as the executive director of the Maui High Performance Computing Center for the past 16 years of its 19-year history. Combined with his naval career, he has more than 40 years of experience in leadership roles, managing all aspects of complex scientific, technical and engineering programs.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Bal earned a Master of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. He is also a graduate of the Defense Systems Management College and the Advance Executive Program at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.

Hawaii County Nominee
Barry T. Mizuno has been a leader in the geothermal power business for 20 years. As onsite manager for the Puna Geothermal Venture, he oversaw the project at its infancy from 1992 to 2006. Mizuno retired in 2006 to form BTM LLC, a private energy consulting firm before retiring in 2012.

Mizuno has also served in positions within Hawaii County across two administrations, including finance director and managing director. A certified public accounted, he has resided on the Big Island since 1983 when he became the chief financial officer, treasurer and controller of Hamakua Sugar Company, Inc. He currently serves on the UH Board of Regents as chair of the Planning and Facilities Committee, vice-chair of the Committee on University Audits, and member of the Committees on Community Colleges and Budget and Finance.

Mizuno earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration/accounting from Central Washington University in Ellensburg.

At-Large Nominee
Randolph G. Moore is a retired business executive, middle school teacher and Department of Education administrator.

After two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Liberia, Moore returned to Hawaii to begin a 35-year business career. Retiring from Kaneohe Ranch, he went on to teach at Central Middle School in Honolulu and assisted in the implementation of the 2004 Legislature’s “Reinventing Education” act. Before retiring, he served at the state Department of Education as assistant superintendent for the Office of School Facilities and Support Services.

Moore earned two master’s degrees and a Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and often conducts musicology lectures at the University.

In accordance with the State of Hawaii Constitution, the UH Board of Regents have the power to formulate policy and exercise internal organization and management of the university through its executive officer, the president of the university. Consisting of 15 members, the UH Board of Regents includes at least one member who is a UH student (currently Jeffrey Acido) at the time of his or her initial appointment. At least 12 non-student members represent specific geographic areas in the state, with two from Hawaii County, two from Maui County, one from Kauai County, and seven from the City and County of Honolulu.

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Saturday – UH Hilo Open House

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Damon

The public is invited to a University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Open House on Saturday, March 16, 8:30-1:30 p.m. Check-in is at the Campus Center Plaza.
UH Hilo
Sponsored by the UH Hilo Admissions Office, there will be information booths on the University’s various academic programs, residence halls, clubs, organizations, and student activities, as well as campus tours and live music.

Participants are asked to RSVP at hilo.hawaii.edu/rsvp (choose UH Hilo Open House). For any questions, email uhhadm@hawaii.edu or call (800) 897-4456.

 

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Rocky Horror Picture Show at University of Hawaii Hilo

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Damon

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Performing Arts Department presents a Senior Project of two performances of the rock musical and science fiction movie spoof, Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadow Cast, Saturday and Sunday, April 6 & 7, at the UH Hilo Old Gym on Kapi`olani Street at 7 p.m.

Rocky Horror Picture Show
Mason Pulgados and Nicole Cowan star as the clean-cut kids Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, who encounter car trouble and stumble upon the laboratory where Dr. Frank-N-Furter, played by Kawai Soares, is in the midst of his maniacal experiments. Also featured is Randal McEndree as Dr. Scott, Bertram Kalani Spain as The Criminologist, along with “live” shadow cast performances.

The show is produced by Denyse Woo-Ockerman, Nicole Cowan and Jin Piper, who also directs. Choreography is provided by Agriculture faculty member Norman Arancon with Musical Direction by Performing Arts music concentration major Christopher Vizzone.

Participation Kits are $10. Tickets are $5 with costume or $8 without costume. All tickets are available at the door or can be purchased in advance by contacting Denyse Woo-Ockerman at 756-5575 or email dwoo.films@gmail.com.

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Hawaii House Seeks to Provide Additional Funding for Hawaii’s Space Exploration Program

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Damon

The House Committee on Finance unanimously passed HB1419 HD1, which will appropriate additional funds to support the development and expansion of Hawaii’s aerospace and related industries.

capital

Supplemental funding will be provided to the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES) to help attract aerospace technology and corporations to Hawaii. The funding will capitalize upon Hawaii Island’s lunar-like terrain to build an aerospace research and development park which will create new high paying technology-related jobs.

Big Island lawmakers are excited about the many opportunities PISCES will bring to their island including new industries and jobs, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education programs for students.

PISCES

Representative Mark Nakashima (Hamakua, North Hilo, South Hilo) stated, “The expansion of PISCES will build upon our already globally recognized Institute for Astronomy at the University of Hawaii-Hilo and will continue to position the Big Island at the forefront of space enterprise.”

“It will create a world-class program to facilitate the design, testing, and validation of new technologies that support both robotic and human missions to space,” said Representative Clift Tsuji (Keaukaha, parts of Hilo, Panaewa, Waiakea).

“The program is and will continue to be a significant economical and technological benefit to the State of Hawaii, but most especially for the Island of Hawaii,” added Representative Richard H.K. Onishi (Hilo, Keaau, Kurtistown, Volcano).

The bill was introduced by several lawmakers including Rep. Angus McKelvey (West Maui, Maalaea, North Kihei) who noted, “this is an opportunity to establish Hawaii as the next global hub of the aerospace industry and provides the funding necessary for us to realize humankind’s full potential in space exploration.”

The bill now moves to the floor for full House of Representatives consideration where, upon passage, it will crossover to the state Senate. Senator Gilbert Kahele (Hilo) pledged his support for the bill stating, “I am in full support of the development of the PISCES program and I will work hard to ensure that the measure is fully heard before the Senate.”

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University of Hawaii Announces 2013 Distinguished Alumni Awards

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Damon
The University of Hawai‘i Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes outstanding alumni who have used their education to excel professionally, provide inspirational leadership to others, and provide service for the benefit of UH and the community. This year’s honorees will be recognized on Tuesday, May 14, at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel at a dinner in their honor. The Honorable Daniel Akaka is honorary chair of our 25th annual event. The honorees are:
Distinguished Alumni 2012
2013 Distinguished Alumni Award

  • Edwin Gayagas (BEd ’62 Mānoa) – Community Service Volunteer and Retired U. S. Army Officer
  • Alden Henderson, PhD (BS ’77, MPH ’82 Mānoa) – Epidemiologist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Patrick Sullivan, PhD (MS ’81, PhD ’85 Mānoa) – Chairman & Founder, Oceanit
  • Barbara Tanabe (MBA ’83 Mānoa) – Owner & Managing Partner, Ho‘ākea Communications

2013 UH Founders Alumni Association Lifetime Achievement Award

  • David Ezra, JD (Attended Mānoa) – Senior United States District Judge

For more information about the Distinguished Alumni Awards dinner or UHAA, contact the Alumni Relations office at (808) 956-2586, toll-free 1‑877-842-5867 or events@UHalumni.org, or visit UHalumni.org/daa2013.

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UH Hilo Hosts Women’s History Month Events

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Damon

The Women’s Center at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo hosts a series of events during March in honor of Women’s History Month. The events are free and open to the public.

UHHIlologo
A lecture on “Gender Agenda” by Patrick Madden, is held on Monday, March 4, 6:30 p.m. in Campus Center 306. Madden is executive director of the United Nations Association. He previously served four years as president & CEO of Sister Cities International (SCI), building a network of U.S cities partnered with more than 2,000 international communities that worked to implement economic development, humanitarian, cultural and education programs and exchanges.

A film screening of “Half the Sky” is on Wednesday, March 6, 5 p.m., Campus Center 306. Discussion and light refreshments will follow. On Friday, March 8, an International Women’s Day presentation will be held at 10 a.m. on the Campus Center Plaza. Local women’s organizations will present information, discuss ways to help support woman locally and internationally, and to network.

The Women’s Center is also hosting Yoga Tuesdays with Amanda Pierson through the end of the school year. The weekly sessions are being held every Tuesday from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. in Campus Center 301.

For more information about any of these events, or disability accommodations, contact the Women’s Center at 974-7306 or email uhhwomen@hawaii.edu.

Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Education, Hilo, Legal, National Affairs, UH Hilo | Tagged: , | 1 Comment »

Student Pharmacists Earn National Award for Pacific Islander Mobile Screening Clinic

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Damon

A team of student pharmacists from the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo attained the top spot in a national pharmacy organization’s student community service awards.

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The American Association of College of Pharmacy (AACP) named Shanele Shimabuku (Class of 2013), Jed Sana, Tracy Nakama, Ann Txakeeyang, Brianne Gustillo, Amanda Wendel and Naoto Oki (Class of 2014) and Davis Hanai (Class of 2015) as the top team to have earned The Student Community Engaged Service Award.

The award, sponsored by Teva Pharmaceuticals, is “intended to encourage students and faculty to design and build programs of community-engaged service learning, deliver consumer education about medication use, expand access to affordable medications, and improve the public’s health.”

The award-winning project is called the Pacific Islander Mobile Screening Clinic (PIMSC), which seeks to improve public health and access to people largely from the Marshall Islands through the use of health fairs and wellness clinics. Students conducted diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings, as well as provided wellness and lifestyle counseling and referrals to accessible health care services offered at reasonable costs.

Through collaboration with the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and networking with other community organizations island-wide, the PIMSC has screened more than 350 participants so far this year through mobile screening clinics. PIMSC participants are invited back for follow-up, and Hawaiʻi County residents are welcome to take advantage of regularly scheduled clinic office hours at the free ADRC Wellness and Safe Medication Use Clinic run by Dr. Katherine Anderson and second-year pharmacy students.

“Part of the beauty is that students and our community partners serve when they are able and so there is a fluid combination of different members volunteering at different times,” said Anderson, who is the faculty adviser for the project. “In this way, in addition to providing an important service for our patients, the overall educational experience of our student pharmacists is enriched.”

The students were awarded plaques and a cash team prize to be used for enhancing or sustaining PIMSC, or for travel support for them to attend and present their projects at a professional meeting.

The College also received a cash award to be used exclusively to support program expansion of recognized or new community engaged service projects, as well as a Tiffany & Co. Shooting Star. One designated student and faculty advisor will receive funding to attend the national awards ceremony at AACP’s 2013 annual meeting that will be held in Chicago this July.

Txakeeyang, who is the lead author on a poster that will be presented at a conference for the American Pharmacists Association (AphA) March 1-4 in Los Angeles, said PIMSC has come a long way since beginning in 2010. She said being a part of the mobile clinic has helped her and her fellow students become better future pharmacists.

“By reaching out to disenfranchised Pacific Islanders and giving us hands-on, real professional pharmacy experience working with people, we as student pharmacists have the ability to increase our cultural awareness,” Txakeeyang said. “One of our greatest accomplishments this year was establishing relationships with some of the Marshallese leaders. This allowed us to build bridges with a group of individuals who typically do not seek health care due to barriers such as language and health care access.”

The Marshallese Mobile Screening Clinic got its start with funding from the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy’s Student Leadership Enrichment fund. In March 2012, it was named one of 17 Healthy Eating and Active Living projects to receive funding from the Hawaiʻi Island Beacon Community.

Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Education, Hawaii, Health, Something New?, Transportation, UH Hilo | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

21st Annual Hawaiian Family afFair on Saturday

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Damon

Nā Pua No`eau, the Center for Gifted and Talented Native Hawaiian Children, presents its 21st annual Hawaiian Family afFair on Saturday, March 2, from 9-3 p.m. on the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Campus Center Plaza. The event is free and open to the public.

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The theme of this year’s event is Ke Ola Mau (perpetuating our families through health and wellness) and honors Aunty Edna Baldado. Kaho`okele Crabbe will emcee with special guest emcee, former Nā Pua No`eau student and television news reporter, Mileka Lincoln.

Exhibits will highlight the various services available in the areas of health, education and social services such as free health screening and workshops. Participants can also dance for fitness to Zumba, Hip Hop or hula, enjoy live entertainment and visit a variety of food, arts and crafts booths. Children’s activities include a Keiki Fitness Center for ages six months to six years.

The event is produced in partnership with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Queen Lili`uokalani Children’s Center, Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi, Kamehameha Schools, Hawaiian Civic Club of Hilo, INPEACE Keiki Steps, Hawaiʻi Community College, UH Hilo-Kipuka and the UH Hilo Minority Access and Achievement Program.

For more information, call the Nā Pua No`eau office at (808) 974-7678.

Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Education, Entertainment, Hawaii, Hawaiian, Hilo, Kids, UH Hilo | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Toga Party at University of Hawaii Stan Sheriff Center

Posted on February 24, 2013 by Damon

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University of Hawaii Basketball team presents Olympic Toga Night on Thursday Evening, February 28, 2013

Filed under: Announcements, Comedy, Education, Entertainment, Hawaii, Kids, Something New?, Sports, UH, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

UH Hilo to Host Talk on Electric Vehicles

Posted on February 23, 2013 by Damon

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo hosts a free public presentation featuring two members of the Maui EV (Electric Vehicle) Alliance on Tuesday, February 26 at 2 p.m. in UCB 127.

Maui EVAProject Director Dr. Anne Ku and Ethan Elkind, climate policy associate at the UC Berkeley School of Law, will discuss a recent study done to prepare Maui for EV’s. EV’s in Paradise: Planning for Developing Infrastructure in Maui Count, examined barriers, incentives, and other issues that can serve as templates for other isolated grids and island communities with similar challenges.

Ku, who lectures in mathematics and music (piano) at UH Maui College, holds degrees in electrical engineering, operations research/decision sciences, and music. She writes a regular column for Maui Weekly called “EV in Paradise,” and directs the monthly “Maui EVA TV” which airs on cable and YouTube.

Elkind has organized and facilitated high-level stakeholder meetings on various energy-related topics such as energy storage, renewable energy, energy efficiency and electric vehicles. He has also written and published numerous studies on energy-related matters for California policy makers including “Electric Drive by ’25: How California Can Catalyze Mass Adoption of Electric Vehicles by 2025,” published in September 2012.

Maui EV Alliance (Maui EVA) is the name given to UH Maui’s EV readiness project. Maui EVA was the only education institution to receive one of 16 planning grants awarded in October 2011 by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program. It was also named the most innovative electric vehicle readiness project in the country by Green Tech Media in December 2012.

For more information, visit http://www.mauieva.org/.

Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Education, Environment, Hawaii, Technology, Transportation, UH Hilo | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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