Randall Blimes, assistant professor of political science at BYU-Hawaii, said U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to cut foreign aid could result in less diplomatic power with other nations, potential casualties to citizens of other nations who receive medical help, and allies becoming enemies.

BYU-Hawaii political science students from the Pacific Islands attended an annual trip to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous People in New York as student observers during the Winter Semester break. Students said it was an eye-opener and expanded the way they think about their career goals.

The Samoan Tuiga endures as a symbol of cultural identity and Fa’a Samoa, says students

Narantsatsral Ganzorigt, a sophomore from Mongolia, said dancing at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Huki show helped her learn about Polynesian cultures while helping her overcome her fear of dancing on water and screaming loud, “Cheehoos.” Her friends said she is a persistent, talented and soft-spoken person with a big heart.

There is a myth that the more people talk about suicide, the more they will be willing to attempt suicide. However, Elizabeth Rago, a clinical and disability services counselor at BYU–Hawaii Counseling Services, says talking about suicide helps save lives.

Faith Thompson Ako said she was born and raised on Moana Street and left Laie at 27 with two small children. She was the youngest of 15 children and described her family as a musical one. She said they all played instruments and sang, though they had no formal training aside from the church choir. “My piano was my first love.”

BYU-Hawaii Enactus members took home top honors and were crowned champions at the 2015 United States National Enactus Expo on April 16, beating out 177 other college teams. Sery Kone, BYUH Enactus president, said, “The BYUH team shared an amazing team spirit and one common goal of sharing our stories and best practices with others. That is what was different this year and that is what helped to lead us to win.” BYUH’s Enactus team created projects to empower residents of the Ivory Coast, the home country of Kone. The team inspired women to become entrepreneurs through microfinancing and taught cacao farmers to pollinate crops through beekeeping to increase their production and income. Team member Peder McOmber, a senior from California studying history, said, “The results were extraordinary and proved to be more than just a project. There was cultural impact recorded and our projects didn't just show action on our part but also from those we worked with in Africa.” Alex Perwich, president of Enactus United States, said, “The accomplishments of the BYUH team, the 177 other teams that competed this week, and hundreds of other active Enactus teams around the country underscore the fact that participation in Enactus provides university students with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their communities, while gaining the experience, skills and contacts necessary to build a successful career." With the win at Nationals in St. Louis, Mo., BYUH will now represent the United States as one of 36 countries at the 2015 Enactus World Cup in October in Johannesburg, South Africa. “I have to admit it is a little funny. A small boy from Africa will now be part of a team to go to represent the United States at a World Cup competition in Africa. I think it is a beautiful thing. These kinds of opportunities can only happen in the U.S.,” said Kone, who was awarded the “Can’t Never Could” award in recognition of his success in overcoming challenges.The competition creates a platform for university students to share their ideas to other students and businessmen and women from around the nation. The presentations demonstrated how each team is helping others around the world. “It wasn’t so much about the competition but more about an opportunity to share experiences. Everyone there wants to help others and create a sustainable project. We are all collaborating and working to get better. Each team has something to learn from the others. That was a special part of the competition for me,” said Kone. Throughout the whole process the team members said they felt inspired and directed by Heavenly Father. The projects themselves, the way they were planned and executed, and the presentation all came as the team focused on helping others and doing the Lord’s will. “Its more a feeling of gratitude,” said Kone, referring to the win. “I don’t think we did something special. I think we had an opportunity to represent the church and school with our projects on a national level and we all saw the Lord’s hand through out all of the project and competition. We know and understand where the blessing and success is coming from.”According to Kone, BYUH has been participating in Enactus for almost 20 years and those before have helped to pave the way for this year’s victory. “I just want to make sure that advisers, students, and previous team members all share in the victory that happened this year,” said Kone. Uploaded May 21, 2015

The Honolulu Civil Beat reported Japan’s new emperor Naruhito became enthroned on Oct. 22, and BYU–Hawaii students from Japan shared they think the change is good because it takes pressure off the old emperor.

Dr. Matthew L. Bowen was raised in Orem, Utah and graduated from Brigham Young University. He holds a doctorate in Biblical Studies from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and is currently an assistant professor in religious education at BYU–Hawaii. He and his wife, Suzanne, are the parents of three children.