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Will Krueger
From being a Temple View Apartments (TVA) baby to being current students of BYU–Hawaii, students who were at the school as babies said coming back to the school feels like they are continuing on a legacy their parents began.
In front of the Cannon Activities Center stands a statue of pioneer convert to the gospel and co-translator of the Book of Mormon Jonathan Napela, whom the Hawaiian and Pacific Island studies program of BYU–Hawaii is named after. Napela played a fundamental role in the early establishment of the Church in Hawaii. He helped establish Laie, developed the first language training program for missionaries and was a man of lifelong faith in the Lord.
Known as the world’s best diving and snorkeling location, the island country of Palau is located in the western Pacific Ocean and is home to approximately 22,000 residents, according to the World Factbook. Kaytano Edeyaoch, a junior majoring in business management, is the only student at BYU–Hawaii from Palau and said he feels proud to represent his country.
Growing up in Sri Lanka as a Buddhist, then later joining the Church at age 13 helped senior Sula Jayasekara eventually find his way to BYU–Hawaii and fulfill his dreams of gaining a college education. After making it to BYUH and facing numerous problems, Jayasekara said a chance encounter with President Tanner kept him at school.
Growing up with nothing in Tonga inspired graduating senior Holamesi Finau, a political science major from Tonga, to want a better life. Despite his humble background, Finau said he is grateful the Lord was able to lead him to BYU–Hawaii and fulfill his dream of getting an education.
After retiring this year with more than 30 years working at the Polynesian Cultural Center and spending time on vacation, Bobby Akoi said the Lord had other plans for him as he was called to be the university chaplain for BYU–Hawaii.
Tucked away in the HGB are four student Computer Information Systems [CIS] workers who spend their working hours offering free gadget repairs, troubleshooting technology problems and maintaining more than 150 computers that computer science and IT majors use for their classes.
With a troubled childhood including the splitting of his family, gang involvement and criminal activity, sophomore Jeremy Hawkins said he was lead from Utah to Samoa to get a fresh start. After several years in Samoa, Hawkins said he turned his life around, served a full-time mission for the Church, found internet fame, and developed a deep love for Polynesian people and their cultures.
Opened this summer, the Sweet as Real Fruit Ice Cream shop is in the Hukilau Marketplace and brings beloved flavors and styles all the way from New Zealand to the North Shore. A Sweet as Ice Cream employee said watching the ice cream be blended on the spot is a much-needed experience, and those who taste the New Zealand-style ice cream are in for a delicious treat.
Graduates of Liahona School, a school in South Korea based on values of the Church who are now current students of BYU-Hawaii, said going to the church-based school was a wonderful opportunity to learn in a spiritual environment and prepare them to go to BYUH.
The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) took to social media to issue a statement warning motorists its officers would crackdown on vehicles displaying large flags and banners, with fines ranging from $70 to $97. Local community members described this crackdown as being suppressive, especially considering recent social movements going on within the state.
Random fire alarms going off through the middle of the night in the Hales the past few months have left students feeling angry, frustrated, and questioning why they have been going off. The loud, blaring fire alarms have been disturbing residents’ sleep and causing distress as they are sounding off for no apparent reason.
In front of the Cannon Activities Center stands a statue of pioneer convert to the gospel and co-translator of the Book of Mormon Jonathan Napela, whom the Hawaiian and Pacific Island studies program of BYU–Hawaii is named after. Napela played a fundamental role in the early establishment of the Church in Hawaii. He helped establish Laie, developed the first language training program for missionaries and was a man of lifelong faith in the Lord.
Finding an unlikely spot in Hau’ula, Kaimi Horito, a junior majoring in Hawaiian studies from Utah, said his long-time ambition to open up his own barber shop in the community was only made possible because of God’s hand.
Renowned island reggae group Kolohe Kai held a concert on Friday, Nov. 1 at the Cannon Activities Center. Lead Singer Roman De Peralta said he enjoyed coming up to Laie to perform as he used to visit the community frequently growing up and even wrote one of his most famous songs passing through Laie.