Emperor Akihito of Japan, 82, said he wants to step down in his second-ever televised address to the public. He said he fears his age will make it difficult to fulfill his duties, according to The New York Times. Following his announcement, BYU-Hawaii students from Japan shared their respect for his decision. In his 10-minute pre-recorded message, the Emperor did not explicitly say he wanted to abdicate as he is barred from making political statements, reported The New York Times. He said he was getting too old to participate in public affairs and can no longer travel as he used to. “The emperor is the symbol and living embodiment of the nation state of Japan,” said Rika Ni, a psychology sophomore from Japan. “The country and media will understand and respect his decision,” said Ni. She added that future generations in Japan are more open-minded. Joshua Andrus, an undeclared sophomore from Japan, said he does not think the Emperor’s decision to abdicate his position is a sign of him giving up. “He might just be tired because he is getting old,” said Andrus. He emphasized the importance of tradition in Japan. “The emperor does not have as much power as the prime minister, but we continue to support and respect them because they are part of our history and tradition,” explained Andrus. Akihito has been on the throne since 1989. He assumed the reign after the death of his father, Hirohito, as reported by The New York Times. He has had heart surgery and was treated for prostate cancer. If he were to abdicate, it would be the first time a Japanese emperor has stepped down since Emperor Kokaku in 1817, according to The New York Times. Megumi Suita, a junior studying graphic design from Japan, said the emperor does not have political power except for greeting foreign dignitaries. “I have never really thought about how important he was. I was just listening to some news about it, and he talked about what he thinks about Japan and how he can make it better,” said Suita. She said she thinks the government would be able to find the best way to help the emperor and the country. According to BBC, a recent survey by Kyodo News found more than 85 percent of people said they think abdication should be legalized. The move is opposed by some more conservative sections of Japanese society who insist emperors must serve until they die. BBC suggests conservatives fear that the emperor stepping down will damage the standing of the imperial system. The Japanese royal line is considered the oldest unbroken line of rules, according to National Geographic. Jun Okumura, a visiting scholar at the Meiji Institute for Global Affairs, said to The New York Times, "The emperor has effectively said that he wants to resign and put the problems in the hands of the politicians," said Okumura. "And even though he has no power, he has taken that decision. And because he is widely respected by the public and they understand his personal situation, he has overwhelming support.”Akihito's eldest son, Prince Naruhito, 56, is first in line to the Chrysanthemum throne, followed by his younger brother, Prince Akishino, according to The New York Times.

Campus and curriculum changes, championships and celebrations covered the 2013 calendar.New BuildingsAfter more than a year of construction, Hales 7-10 and the Heber J Grant Building were completed in the summer of 2013. These are the first new buildings the campus has had for 25 years. Apostle Russell M. Nelson came to dedicate the Heber J. Grant Building and spoke to the community in a devotional.Sports2013 was a good year for BYUH’s women athletes. Women’s tennis won third place in NCAA Division II National Championship. The women’s volleyball team made it to the final match for NCAA Division II, ranking second in the nation after placing first in regionals. Curriculum AdditionsThe International Cultural Studies (ICS) department got a makeover, revamping the emphasis and adding international peace building (IPB). Two certificates popped into existence after professors pushed them through: new media journalism and strategic communication.Polynesian Cultural Center 50th AnniversaryPCC alumni came to Laie from all over the world to join in the celebration of the PCC’s 50th year of operation. They rekindled friendships from their youths and relished the chance to showcase their performing skills once more.

The recent arrest of nurse Alex Wubbles in Salt Lake City, Utah for refusing to draw blood from an unconscious patient sparked a discussion nationwide and here at BYU-Hawaii on the state of U.S. law enforcement.

The Seaside Jesters Comedy club diverted from its normal improv show format to host a ‘tonight show’-themed comedy show called Jesters Tonight starring Daxon Levine.

Facebook profiles can now be passed down from generation to generation. According to the Associated Press, the 1.4 billion users now have the opportunity to delegate someone as their “legacy contact,” who is responsible to respond to posts on the deceased’s page, accept/decline new friend requests, and also update both profile and cover picture on their behalf.AP also reported before the legacy contact can officially take over, proof of death has to be shown; for instance, an obituary. The legacy contact is not the only option for a person’s account after they pass. Users also have the option to have the account deleted. When notified about this interesting addition to Facebook, Bethany James, a freshman majoring in biology from New Zealand, said, “I just think it is really weird, I don’t see the sense in carrying it on.”However, disagreeing with James, Hannah Naylor, a freshman majoring in international cultural studies from Iowa, said, “I don’t think it’s that weird because I have already thought about who is going to take over my Facebook while I am on my mission. I think it’s a way to honor that person; I think this can be a good thing.”As explained by AP, assigning this legacy contact can be done in a few simple steps. After clicking on the upside-down triangle on the top right corner of the page opens the settings menu, users then select “security.” Here, users in the United States have the option to select and edit their legacy contact.BYU-Hawaii students seem to have mixed opinions on the newest addition to Facebook. Luis Arredondo, a sophomore majoring in political science from Mexico, said, “I think people are so dominated by social media that it is crazy people who would take the time to be in charge of another person’s Facebook.”Not everyone believes the addition to the social network is a “dumb idea,” as Arredondo stated. According to AP, Facebook Product Manager Vanessa Callison-Burch said there has been “hundreds of thousands” of requests to do something like this.Uploaded Feb. 19, 2015.

Eight on-campus student employees, who were nominated through a post on the Facebook page “I LOVE BYU HAWAII,” share how they spread positivity on the clock.

Blake Sarnowski, a sophomore majoring in biomedical sciences from California, shared some insight into the creation of his playlists.

Students were treated to the very rare experience of dissecting a female juvenile tiger shark on Feb. 8. The shark was killed the weekend prior and was found on the beach by lifeguards who contacted One Ocean Diving, a research organization designed to educate the public on sharks and marine life.

Full-time LDS missionaries’ traditional way of knocking on doors to preach the gospel has evolved to include the use of Facebook and other social media in the mission field, reports LDS Church news.