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One of Oahu’s most sought after and illegal hikes, “Stairway to Heaven,” may be in jeopardy of being demolished and closed forever. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply, the agency in charge of the security of the area, has approved a $500,000 budget to study the demolition of the hike, also known as the Haiku Stairs.“I think it is kind of crazy they’re closing it. It isn’t nearly as dangerous as people think,” said Hunter Hancock, a freshmen studying business from Oahu. He continued, “It is published everywhere online as a reason to come to Hawaii and as one of the most amazing hikes in the world. They’re closing it just because it could be a bit dangerous.”According to Hawaii News Now, after a powerful storm on Feb. 14, the stairs became partially damaged and unusable. The article states after the storm damage, five hikers got stuck on the east side of the mountain’s ridge and were trapped overnight. The Honolulu Fire Department rescued them the following morning. A Big Island teen, Daylenn “Moke” Pua, went missing Feb. 27 on his way to climb the stairs. He has not been found.The water board is reportedly wrestling with how to proceed. It could either fix the stairs and make them user-friendly, or it will have to demolish them. Each option requires funding and support from the community and state. According to Hawaii News Now, the water board does not want to be in charge of the stairs anymore and are looking for someone to take over. “No matter what, it’s an awesome experience and gorgeous view. I think that to avoid anyone getting hurt they should maintain it. They should put money into it and avoid the bad publicity from it being illegal. Oahu survives off of its tourism industry. Keep everyone happy and allow them to do the hike,” said Bryan Hardisty, BYU-Hawaii alumni from California living in TVA. Some students said they believe the government is wasting money by making it illegal. They have a guard there full-time and the police often give tickets to hikers.“They are paying loads of money for the guards’ salaries alone who are monitoring for trespassers. If they would allocate their resources better and work to maintain the trail, they could increase tourism and make this beautiful experience available to all,” said Jordan Eror, a senior studying exercise science from Kailua. Chief Engineer Ernie Lau said, “the board spends $160,000 a year to pay for security guards in an effort to deter hikers. It’s money it would rather spend on its mission of safeguarding our water resource,” according to KITV.The trail was originally constructed in 1941 for the U.S. Coast Guard, and allowed access to the LORAN radio antenna at the top of the mountain. The stairs eventually became worn and dangerous, and the state closed the trail to the public in 1987.If no other government agencies come forward, the 3,922-step stairway could be demolished, says Hawaii News Now.The hike is an unique experience, said Eror, unlike anywhere else in the world. “These kinds of things should be maintained so more people can enjoy them safely.”Uploaded March 5,2015.

A new study reveals that children are less likely to have a peanut allergy if they eat peanuts or peanut-containing food before they turn one, according to the Associated Press. Peanut allergies are one of the top cause of food allergy-related severe reactions and deaths. Being allergic to peanuts affects more than two percent of kids in the US. Usually, allergies are inherited from parents, and they develop throughout an individual’s life. The age of exposure may affect allergic reactions. The study was done in England. It included more than 600 children from four months to 11 months old that had possible signs of having an allergy (not necessarily a peanut allergy), but did not have evidence of one on a skin test. Half were assigned to avoid peanuts completely until they were five years old. The other half were assigned to eat peanuts or foods with peanuts in them weekly. At five years old, peanut allergies had appeared in 3 percent of children who had eaten peanuts and 17 percent appeared in children who had avoided them, according to AP.There are still questions that remain concerning how much peanut protein infants need to consume, how often, and how long, in order to avoid developing an allergy.“The main finding, that early exposure to a problem food may keep it from becoming a long-term problem, should change food guidelines quickly,” said Dr. Rebecca Guchalla, an allergy specialist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, taken from AP.Mariah Walsh, a sophomore studying English from Minnesota, were surprised to this recent study. Being unable to eat gluten and having a brother allergic to peanuts, she added, “Honestly, I was surprised. I didn’t think it was possible for allergies of any kind to be prevented. It would definitely be great not to worry about allergies in the future.”Food guidelines have a history of change. The American Academy of Pediatrics used to recommend avoiding giving children peanuts before the age of three. This advice was dropped in 2008 because there was no evidence in proving this was true, according to AP.“If my kids had peanut allergies, then I wouldn’t give them peanuts because I didn’t know what would happen,” said Candice Tupou, a BYU-Hawaii faculty member from Kahuku who works as an office manager at the testing center. Carina Aldrich, a senior majoring in political science from Laie, allergic to latex, said in response to the study, “I’m not really surprised if kids are exposed to things, they are more likely to develop immunity to them.” ATTENTION: All the babies who participated in the study were tested to make sure they weren’t already allergic to peanuts beforehand. Small children can also choke on whole peanuts, so smooth peanut butter or other peanut-based foods are safer to use. Parents of babies thought to be at risk for an allergy should not try this on their own, advised AP.Uploaded March 5, 2015

BYU-Hawaii athlete, Lillian Martino, held a seminar on campus Feb. 25 to discuss her non-profit organization, Fahodie for Friends, which focuses on helping the survivors of human trafficking recover and lead a better life. Martino shared that human trafficking is the second largest illegal industry in the world, behind the drug trade, making a profit of approximately $32 billion a year. Martino also stated there are between 14,000 and 17,000 slaves in the United States alone. The audience was also surprised to hear the average slave is sold for around $90. Martino noted the three main divisions of human trafficking are sex, labor and the harvesting of organs.Tonga Sablan, a senior majoring in international cultural studies from Washington, shared his thoughts: “I think this seminar was eye-opening for the university. I think BYUH shelters us and this opens our eyes and gives us motivation to want to do something.”Martino shared her backstory, and the reason why she started this non-profit organization. Martino is from Ghana, where human trafficking is common, and she was adopted at the age of 3 by a young couple in Utah. This illegal activity could have affected her personally, given that she was in the position to be sold herself. Another source of inspiration for Martino that prompted her to start Fahodie for Friends was an experience with a young man named Enoch. She said, “He was the first individual that I found out about who had fallen into being in the human trafficking industry. This started me to help raise funds for him and help him have what he needed to be successful. This started all of my work in West Africa.”Fahodie for Friends has a safe house in Ghana where 20 survivors of human trafficking reside. This safe house gives the survivors a place to live and the education needed to create a better life. The organization is also working on a second safe house to be built in West Africa, said Martino. Fahodie for Friends focuses on prevention, prosecution, protection and partnership, said Martino. Prevention is achieved by bringing awareness about human trafficking and prosecution by making sure the traffickers pay the consequences of their actions. Further, Fahodie for Friends stands for protection by creating safe houses for the survivors and partnership by promoting unity. Kalesita Anitema, a junior majoring in history from Maui, said, “I am shocked at the numbers, especially from the U.S.A. This has given me way more awareness and inspired me to do something. I also have a sense of appreciation for [Martino’s] work.” Martino shared a few of the goals she has in mind for the future of Fahodie for Friends, saying, “It has always been a goal of mine to expand the organization worldwide. I am driven and I want the big picture. But for now, I just want to expand and I want to be able to create different safe houses in West African countries.”“I want to start doing more work in the U.S.,” Martino continued, “I want to grow and move forward with the safe houses and be able to provide the environment necessary for human trafficking survivors to create what they need to be successful.”Martino invites everyone to be involved in this organization. More information on how to be a part of Fahodie for Friends can be found on the Facebook page “Fahodie for Friends- Freedom,” or the organization’s website, www.fahodieforfriends.org. Uploaded March 5, 2015

When the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the Oscar best actor and actress nominations earlier this year, the absence of people of color, for the second time since 1998, sparked heavy criticism against the voting members of the academy. Though actor/actress nominations were not representative of the larger population, this year’s Oscar’s stage was graced with what the LA Times called, “the most diverse group of performers and presenters in Oscars history.” Among those who presented awards were Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Lopez, Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Kevin Hart, and Oprah Winfrey. "The presentation [of minorities] onstage does not bear any resemblance to the nominees and therefore the winners," said the Reverend Al Sharpton, who has not been silent on his feelings about lack of diversity in Hollywood. "One has to wonder whether or not the academy was trying to compensate with optics for what they didn't do with operations."One memorable moment from the night came when John Legend and Common (both black artists) performed their song “Glory” from the film “Selma,” which was nominated but didn’t win. “Glory” went on to win for best original song later in the evening. “It is not on accident that only the presenters and performers were black and brown people. We are seen as clever accessories in this country,” said Raul Kepur, a sophomore business major from San Diego, Calif. Another moment to be celebrated in terms of diversity came when Mexican director Alejandro G. Inarritu was given a standing ovation for best picture for “Birdman.” In receiving the award, Inarritu passionately dedicated his award to his, “fellow Mexicans, the ones who live in Mexico. I pray that we can find and build the government that we deserve.”While presenting the award to Inarritu, Sean Penn commented, “Who gave this guy a green card?” sparking outrage on Twitter. Author Lauren Morrill tweeted “Don’t care if Sean Penn was joking. Not your moment. Not your culture. Not appropriate.” However, Innarritu told the New York Daily News, “I found it hilarious. You know, Sean and I have that kind of brutal relation where only true friendship can survive. I didn’t find it offensive.” While the top Oscar categories were sans people of color this year, more than a few acceptance speeches on Sunday addressed the overall lack diversity felt in the awards themselves. In John Legend’s acceptance speech, he said, “We know that right now the struggle for freedom and justice is real.” Legend continued, addressing the school to prison pipeline and stated, “There are more black men under correctional control today than were under slavery in 1850.”Commentary addressing issues in the non-white community rose above the lack of representation in this year’s presentation. “If there is no space for us to be, we will create it. Best believe that,” said Barbara Harris, a freshman in HTM from Riverside, CA. Harris went on to explain the importance of representation in filmmaking, especially for youth of color in America. “Too often we are forgotten until our name appears on a gravestone or we are filling roles in movies enforcing harmful stereotypes. This needs to change.”For a more in depth coverage of the awards and those who received them, visit http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2015. Uploaded March 5, 2015

Earlier this year, Microsoft lifted the veil on their new operating system, Windows 10. The reveal announced changes and previewed features that consumers can expect later this year when the software becomes available. Here are five new features that you can expect when the new OS is released.1. The Return of the Start MenuThe Start menu feature was listed as the number one best feature available in Windows 10, according to LaptopMag, an online technology blog. When Windows 8 was released the option of having a “classic” Start menu vanished and was replaced by “live tiles.” Now in Windows 10 both ideas are merged into the new Start menu. It will include classic features like quick access to different drives and newer features like live tiles from Windows 8. The height of the Windows 10 Start menu will still be like older versions of Windows predating Windows 8, but the width of it is completely customizable and can range anywhere from two to three times the width of classic Start menus.2. Cortana, your Digital AssistantJust like the Microsoft Window’s phones, Windows 10 will come installed with Cortana, Microsoft’s voice-controlled digital assistant. Cortana allows you to pull up specific files, search your hard drive and find photos based off of dates just by telling your PC to do so, according to the Microsoft website. Microsoft also said that “you’ll see Cortana as never before” in Windows 10. Unlike other digital assistants Cortana speaks with a natural, conversational flow allowing her to be the world’s most personal Digital Assistant, according to Microsoft worker Joe Belfiore.3. Xbox app for Windows 10Another feature that will be made available in Windows 10 is the Xbox app. Soon you will be able to play any Xbox One game on your PC or tablet, according to LaptopMag. The new OS will support Xbox game streaming through home networks, with better speeds and graphics. Additionally, the application will have a feature called Game DVR allowing you to record, edit and share your victories. Finally, your friends will be accessible across Windows 10 or the Xbox consoles via Xbox Live.4. Project SpartanProject Spartan is a new web-browser for Windows 10 and has no relation to Internet Explorer. The user interface is very clean and almost Chrome-like, according to engadget.com, a technology review website. Engadet also stated that the focus on Project Spartan is social sharing. Project Spartan allows you to highlight, annotate and share websites with friends. Integrated into Project Spartan is the Digital Assistant Cortana, who doubles as an audioreader.5. HoloLens integrationMicrosoft HoloLens, together with Windows 10, brings high-definition holograms to life in your world, according to Microsoft. As holograms, digital content can be as real as the physical items in the room. By design, the holograms will be integrated in your world and merge with the physical surroundings enabling you to do things that you have never done before, such as play games where you are in the game, or watch Netflix on a wall of your kitchen.Uploaded March 5, 2015

February’s Eat the Street carried the theme of French chocolate on Friday, Feb. 27 in Honolulu. This led to a variety of unique dishes, including chocolate garnished steak, French macaroons, chocolate-covered fruit, and a chocolate balsamic sauce. Ethan Precourt, a sophomore from Massachusetts studying business, said, “The chocolate theme was what initially got me down there. It motivated me to do the drive down. It was interesting to see how all the different food trucks incorporated the chocolate theme into their menu.” He added, “Some were very creative and others not so much.”Eat the Street features more than 40 food truck vendors from around the island on the last Friday of every month. The trucks bring hungry visitors to sample a variety of food from around the island.Krystal Wares, a senior from California majoring in art, said, “Eat the Street has a fun, family-friendly atmosphere but also the exciting energy of a big city event. It’s nice to escape the country sometimes and enjoy a different, more upbeat environment.” A down side for many of the students who traveled from Laie to downtown was the crowd, as they showed up to the overflowing parking lot full of food vendors. “I thought the food options were exciting but out of reach with the crowd situation. A better location and setup would change the feel of the event for me,” said Tyler Wares, a recent BYU-Hawaii graduate from California. Wares said, “The idea is amazing and it would have been a perfect night if it was just our friends and the food trucks with all those different flavors at our finger tips. But unfortunately 10,000 other people had that same idea. That made it complicated when ordering and finding food to eat. Some vendors ran out of food quickly.”Wares also offered advice: “I would suggest getting there earlier to take full advantage of all the trucks and options they offer.”Eat the Street was first held in 2011 in a small parking lot in Honolulu. According to the Eat the Street website, the first event was a huge success, with more than 1,500 people in attendance. The festival is now held on a lot at South Street and attracts up to 7,000 people each month. The next Eat the Street will be a special event held in Mililani on March 14 with a similar chocolate theme. Following that event the vendors will return to the South Street lot on March 27 from 4 to 9 p.m. for Eat the Street Japan style. Uploaded March 5, 2015

Feminism took a few steps forward and a few steps backward at the 2015 Oscars when female celebrities demanded to be more than a pretty face, but also seemed to demand their pretty face required more support than other minorities. Patricia Arquette, who won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Boyhood, said in her Oscar acceptance speech, “To every woman who gave birth to every taxpayer and citizen of this nation, we have fought for everybody else’s equal rights. It’s our time to have wage equality once and for all and equal rights for women in the United States of America.”“Everyone else’s rights,” comes with something of a sting specifically at the 87 Oscars when African American actors, directors, producers, etc. were so wholly underrepresented. “Sure, feminism is kind of the order of the day,” said Cara Nebeker, a recent graduate of psychology from BYU-Hawaii, “but there are oppressions so much deeper than wage equality for men and women. Up until 150 years ago, African-Americans’ souls were considered three-fifths of a person and weren’t paid for their work at all.”A movement to help desexualize women, #AskHerMore, demanded that red carpet interviewers ask women more questions than what they are wearing. Rina Tafua, a senior in university studies from California, said #AskHerMore allows women “to be considered humans instead of walking mannequins. It’s a step up for feminism, but it’s easy to see how other movements are more important.”Bell Hooks, an American social activist, most famous for her commentary on gender, race, and class, said, “In America, the social status of black and white women has never the been the same. Although they were both subject to sexist victimization, as victims of racism black women were subjected to oppressions no white woman was forced to endure. In fact, white racial imperialism granted all white women, however victimized by sexist oppression they might be, the right to assume the role of oppressor in relationship to black women and black men.”Feminism attempted to take a place above race equality and sexual orientation issues, according to Twitter responses recorded on Buzzfeed.com. “Patricia Arquette sure ruined her nice moment. Fighting against one injustice does not excuse blindness to others,” said @Wende. “Girl please go away,” said @Sanniel, after Arquette went further down her ignored oppression spiral. Backstage at the Oscars she demanded, “It’s time for all the women in America and all the men who love women, and all the gay people, and all the people of color who we’ve all fought for, to fight for us now.” The fight for their own equality isn’t over, said people on Twitter, and demanded Arquette take a hard look at her words to see the innate racism there. Arquette’s desire for gender equality highlighted the need for “intersectionality” in the fight. Intersectionality, according to The Telegraph, is a term created by Professor Kimberle Crenshaw in 1989 regarding the phenomenon of feminism as multi-layered depending on a woman’s race, ethnicity, economic class, and ability.Uploaded March 4, 2015