Inside the June 9, 2005 issue:

Kahuku High graduates 251 in Class of '05; Lä'ie master plan to be revised; PCC crowns new fireknife champ, sets summer keiki program; Punalu'u accident closes highway; Polynesian tattoo shop opens in Hau'ula; Dr. Lee joins the 'Country Doctor'; Kahuku High Haps: Another great Project Grad; Kahuku High sports reports; Kahuku holds annual Red &White football scrimmage; Ko'olauloa Community Calendar. Kaleo Home Page Kaleo o Ko'olauloa covers the O'ahu North Shore communities of Lä'ie, Hau'ula and Kahuku, and is published 12 times a year. For more information, click on... General Information on Kaleo including publishing schedules and deadlines, advertising rates and ad size specs, distribution information, staff links, and the use of Hawaiian diacritical marks. Related/Reciprocal Links Check out our related and/or reciprocal links for Hukilaubeach.com, Hawaii Reserves, Inc., BYU-Hawai'i, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Lä'ie Community Association, the LDS Lä'ie Hawai'i Temple, www.kahuku.org, Laie Inn (next to the Polynesian Cultural Center), The Ko'olau News, and the Pacific Islands Report . Back issues of Kaleo

Kahuku High
graduates 251 in Class of '05

It was another great Kahuku High graduation on June 2nd in the BYU-Hawai'i Cannon Activities Center as 251 Red Raiders completed their high school education in front of several thousand family members and friends.

We all know there's something special about island graduation ceremonies in general, but one of the Board of Education visitors who has gone to quite a few other school graduations said Kahuku's ceremony is the best of all.

That can be somewhat measured in a number of ways — the $1.4 million worth of scholarships, the astounding record of athletic and academic achievement, the proliferation of leis and balloons, the enthusiasm of the graduates and their families — but perhaps the tried and true phrase, Pride of the North Shore, or Red Raider for Life, best summarizes it.

With the theme, I Believe, Kahuku's 55th annual commencement ceremony started with the usual pageantry — the processional, the posting of the colors by the JROTC, The Star Spangled Banner and Hawai'i Ponoï.

This year, six valedictorians shared the honor of speaking, although there have been more than twice that many in past years — all having accumulated more than a 4.0 grade point average.

One said the collective achievement of all the graduates "is the direct result of the excellence and entire effort of our instructors."

Another pledged, "We are going to make a difference."

While many of those receiving scholarships had previously been announced, as is Kahuku High custom the school's honored Red Raider Awards, sponsored by the James and Abigail Campbell Foundation, and Hamashige Foundation scholarship winners were a surprise to everyone.

State, Department of Education, and Board of Education officials congratulate Kahuku High principal Lisa DeLong upon being named Hawai'i State 'Principal of the Year' 2005. — folifotos

This year's Red Raider winners were: Valedictorians: Christina Connell, Kirstin Marler, Krystle Corpuz, Carmen Wardle, Amanda Baize and Timbre Keli'iliki. Leadership: Tessi Toluta'u. Service: Ajri McArthur. Activities: Baize and Corpuz. Scholar athletes: Lacey Luehrs and David Niumatalolo. I dare you: Karl Maua'i and Yesenia Arevalo. Outstanding Red Raiders: Spencer Hafoka and Sara Mirels. Principal's Award: Karen Nihipali, Viliami Tilini, Teuila Oto, Iwa Hartman and Joey Trisolini.

The Hamashige Foundation scholarship winners were Corpuz, McArthur, Crystle Nagy, Kolokesa Piutau, Ashley Rillamas, Marler, Wardle, Mirels and Keli'iliki.

Next, in presenting 82 Board of Education special recognition diplomas for earning at least 2 credits beyond the minimum requirement, BOE member Garrett Toguchi said, "Kahuku has always been one of the top-three schools in the state for the number of those receiving Board of Education diplomas."

Following this, State Sen. Clayton Hee and Rep. Michael Magaoay made a special presentation to Kahuku High Principal Lisa DeLong: She was named Hawai'i State Principal of the Year for 2005, and as such will represent the state for national principal honors.

Then the fun began. The Class of 2005 reprised their Songfest-winning medley, which they dedicated to "the faculty and underclassmen for your wonderful support."

Kahuku High graduates thank parents, teachers and others

Lots of shaka signs, a flip, a full cartwheel, horns blaring, loud screams and applause, dance moves, gestures, a combo haka-caterpillar move, blown kisses and big smiles — among other actions — punctuated the parade of graduates as they received their diplomas.

Principal DeLong presented the class, after which Complex Superintendent Lea Albert uttered her now-familiar phrase, "You are now and forever graduates of Kahuku High."

Making final remarks, senior class president Hapaki Kaululä'au first thanked all the parents. "All of these achievements first started in the home," he said, next thanking the teachers.

Kaululä'au also advised his fellow graduates, "Work hard, believe in yourself and follow your dreams."

The Class of 2005 then sang their theme song, I Believe, which they dedicated to advisor Dede Älö and all the other class advisors.

For the next hour family and friends presented leis and gifts to the graduates, before almost all of them departed for Project Graduation.

Yes, it was another great Kahuku High graduation. Congratulations, Class of 2005. Congratulations, teachers. Congratulations, parents.

The Kahuku High Class of 2005
Kahuku High scholarship winners

Lä'ie master plan to be revised

Over two hundred Ko'olauloa residents attended a May 12th meeting co-sponsored by Hawai'i Reserves, Inc. (HRI) and the Lä'ie Community Association to discuss revising the Lä'ie Master Plan and to give their input on existing and possible future land use designations.

"We appreciate your interest in this important planning process," said R. Eric Beaver, HRI President & CEO, who explained that in 1998 the company — with the assistance of a citizen's advisory group — compiled a comprehensive Lä'ie Master Plan that was incorporated into the City and County of Honolulu's 20-year Ko'olauloa Sustainable Communities Plan, which became effective in February 2000.

Beaver explained the plan designated the lands behind the Lä'ie Temple and BYU-Hawai'i for new housing, and other parts of Lä'ie for a light industrial park, commercial expansion and a tech park, among other uses.

"We learned very quickly that the steep terrain in the back hills, among other things, would make it very difficult to build an affordable housing project," he continued, adding about that same time Campbell Estate offered HRI the opportunity to purchase some of its Mälaekahana property "adjacent to and north of Lä'ie.

"After evaluating the land, we acquired 663 acres," Beaver said, noting the site "is more conducive to facilitating the master plan, especially housing. Moving the land use designations from behind the temple and the university to this new area in Mälaekahana will require a revision of the existing master plan; and as part of that revision process, it provides a great opportunity to review the entire plan.

"The primary purpose of this meeting is to begin that review process," Beaver said, stressing that "housing is a priority component. For that reason, your qualitative input will be combined with the results of a recent housing survey" distributed earlier through Lä'ie's affiliated institutions. Additional copies were also available at the meeting, and at HRI's offices in the Lä'ie Shopping Center.

Beaver explained community input, combined with technical and feasibility studies, "are necessary to completing the master plan revision and beginning the entitlement process."

He emphasized, "This meeting is the beginning of a process that will take time to get through. There will be changes and iterations along the way, for that is the very nature of this kind of effort. It requires great flexibility. It requires muddling through. We believe, however, that the end product will be worth our combined efforts."

For example, Beaver noted the technical studies are already underway and when completed, will be followed by the feasibility studies. These will then be combined with community input to form a land use plan, "which becomes the basis upon which to seek the entitlements that we need to move forward to implementation."

As the property owner, Beaver said HRI is following several "important principles and values" in seeking to revise the master plan:

• "The projects must be sustainable," he said. "Each project must stand on its own and pay for itself, and demonstrate feasibility and viability."

• "Quality: To the extent possible, each project should reflect a distinguishing feature of superiority and excellence."

• "The projects should be affordable to the average household in this area.

• "The projects should be suitable and fit with the character of the area, blend appropriately with other parts of the community, and create a sense of place."

• "These projects must lend support, and not detract from, the missions and objectives of our affiliates in Lä'ie: The Lä'ie Hawai'i Temple, Brigham Young University Hawai'i, the Polynesian Cultural Center and the community."

To assist with the process, Beaver said HRI has hired UniDev, a national consulting firm with experience in community land planning, and also continues to use PBR Hawai'i, the Honolulu land planning firm that helped put together the 1998 Lä'ie Master Plan.

Jim Heid, one of the consultants with UniDev, stressed that there is currently no plan. "We want to hear your input. We want to hear your ideas, and get a genuine dialog going...that will help us formulate the plan," he said.

Preliminary housing survey results

Suzanne Parmette, another of the consultants, shared preliminary results from the first 328 housing surveys, which included:

• The average household size in the community is 5.65 persons.
• Approximately 46% of the households contain only two generations.
• About 60% of residents currently rent, but 92% of them would prefer to buy.
• Nearly 42% have never owned a home.
• Of those who prefer to buy, 86% prefer a single family dwelling, 42% a cottage or bungalow, 33% a duplex, 26% a townhouse and 15% a condo or flat.
• About 82% live within 15 minutes of where they work.
• 81% felt it's desirable to include senior housing (ages 55-and-up), and 41% of those thought they would utilize that kind of housing in the future.
• 84% said it is "very important" for them to live in Lä'ie, but 86% said it was difficult to find such housing.
• If housing costs were "reasonable," 88% of current owners said they would consider moving to new housing within the next five years, while 94% of those who don't currently own said they would move.
• Approximately 80% were concerned about making down payments, closing costs and monthly payments; 58% were concerned about living close to their work, 51% were concerned about the long-term financial commitment, and 36% were concerned about maintaining the new home.
• Having parks, playgrounds, a recreation complex and bike path/walkways rated highly as amenities. Horseback riding trails, a golf range and tennis courts ranked at the low end of amenities.
• Among other public amenities, a general merchandise store, a public library, a farmers market, a sit-down restaurant and a community center or civic hall also rated highly.

Best land use practices

Heid then shared a sampling of best land use practices from across the country that avoid "sprawl — an unsupportive, unsustainable way of using land to accommodate short-term development." For example, some practices that might become part of the revised Lä'ie plan could include:

• Good development, which is "led by open space and conserves significant cultural and natural resources." At the same time, he said, "it's a high net density with amenities. It's vibrant. There's a richness of place."

• "It's diverse, both in the types of uses there and the types of users who live there."

• "Most importantly, it's connected," he said, referring to programs and facilities — such as walkways — that allow residents to interact on a formal or casual basis.

• Heid said it's important that we "start out the project with a clear set of vision and principles," such as Beaver outlined, and then "think about how it's going to evolve: How do you allow it to be flexible enough to grow and change over time, and not lose its integrity? By doing that, you create a legacy."

To help devise the plan, Heid divided the challenge into five areas:

• Parks, community facilities and open space — "the backbone of the community."
• Housing and 'ohana.
• Mobility and accessibility: "Can we have a community that thrives without having to depend on the automobile for everything?
• The look of the community.
• Appropriate economic development.

For example, Heid said it's a good idea to "lead with the open space and then figure out development from there. In order to make that open space meaningful, it should be multipurpose, not single functional. It's a very important idea that you can shape open space to create where development should go."

He added that it's also possible to design individual yards so they contribute to the open space. "People don't want to have a big yard that they have to maintain, but would rather have a park that they can walk to, see the neighbors and have a great time," including regional parks and neighborhood "pocket parks." Heid also pointed out parks can help with managing storm water runoff.

Heid further suggested using "green infrastructure," meaning "you should build parks and open space at the same level of intensity and vision as you do the 'gray infrastructure' (i.e. the roads, sewers, curbs, etc.)."

Heid recommended the use of community facilities as landmarks and icons. "They become gathering places and sometimes act as a town living room."

Referring to housing and 'ohana, Heid noted the number of people working versus the number of people who are retired is significantly dropping over the next 50 years. He suggested using the "aging in place" concept where, for example, senior housing might be located next door to a daycare school to create synergy between the two groups.

He also recommended using a wide variety of houses in a development: "apartments right next to high-dollar homes, right next to flats for rent." This could also possibly include new concepts such as "co-housing" where a group of people with a strong set of communal values "build their own houses around a central facility"; or university alumni-related housing where retired alumni live nearby and volunteer at the school.

Heid described mobility and accessibility as a "core principle in a lot of sustainable development. There's a lot of interconnection between physical design, energy use and how people get to and from work.

"Realize, we're never going to get rid of the automobile, but can we reduce the number of times somebody has to get in the car?" he asked. "One of the easiest ways to do that is to create a walkable community. A quarter-mile is kind of the golden rule." He also suggested alleys behind houses for garage access, utilities and rubbish collection "to create a great street-scape"; and the possible use of smaller, electric vehicles rather than a second family car.

In reference to the look of the community, Heid suggested taking advantage of our architectural history and heritage, "something that tells the story of a place," with a sense of authenticity. "The physical design can also help people connect with one another," he added.

In terms of appropriate economic development, Heid asked the audience to think "what kind of jobs would support the uniqueness of this place. What are the unique community attributes you have here and how can you leverage them to create job opportunities?"

The meeting then broke into discussion groups to brainstorm the five areas for approximately a half-hour, then returned and shared their ideas, some of which included:

• Light industrial, office and retail space.
• Additional school facilities, a public library, parks and tot lots.
• Street improvements such as curbs and sidewalks, with standardized local landscaping.
• A main mauka road instead of the highway to get from one end of the community to the other, including a bike path.
• Community recreational facilities, with a certified kitchen
• Housing maintenance standards.
• Shopping opportunities in Mälaekahana.
• A shuttle or bus transit system.
• A swimming pool mauka of the highway.
• Making sure there's housing for long-time residents.
• A means to preserve the cultural heritage of the community.
• A blending of the new and older portion of the community.
• More guest and family parking.
• Affordable housing, with preference given to existing residents without an outside lottery.
• A community fiber-optic network.
• Plenty of garden space.
• Room for houses to expand.
• More cul-de-sac streets.

Before turning the time back to Beaver, Heid explained the information gathered at the meeting would be compiled and posted to www.hawaiireserves.com, which is currently being revised, along with announcements of future meetings and updates on the planning process.

Questions and answers

Opening the meeting to questions, Beaver stressed again that people still have the opportunity to take the housing survey, which can be picked up at the HRI offices.

Asked how long the process could take, Beaver replied it could take up to six months to compile a plan. He added HRI hoped to complete the overall project within about five years. "In Hawai'i, it's always a lengthy process," he said, "but it's our intention to move at a good pace."

Asked who would finance the development and which parts would become governmental, Beaver said, "I don't know. We're very early in the process. Traditionally, the developer puts in the improvements and then some parts are dedicated to the City or some government entity, and the maintenance is paid for with taxes."

Asked to be more specific about "affordability," Beaver responded that the federal household-of-four median income for our area is approximately $66,000. "We're going to try to create something that's affordable for that range. That is, by far, going to be the toughest challenge for the housing project."

Asked whether the housing would be fee simple or leasehold, Beaver said, "It would be very, very difficult to keep it affordable if the project is fee simple."

A younger woman stressed she would like to see opportunities given to "first-time home buyers who are already residents.

*  *  *  *  *  *

CORRECTION: In keeping with the early stages of the Lä'ie Master Plan revision, Beaver noted that an announcement in the May 2005 issue of Kaleo about donating a park to the City and County is premature.

"Since we don't know yet what the final plan for parks is on our Mälaekahana property, we cannot say at this time what the arrangements will be," he said.

Mikaele Oloa of Orlando Florida claimed the PCC Sämoan World Fireknife Dance Championship title, a $4,000 cash prize, a trophy knife created by the event founder Pulefano Galea'i, and a special victory ride. — folifotos

PCC crowns new fireknife champ, sets summer keiki program

Mikaele Oloa, a 15-year-old high school sophomore from Orlando, Florida, who was originally slated to compete in the junior competition, took the advice of his father and won the Polynesian Cultural Center's 2005 World Fire-knife Dance championship in a spectacular series of skill and daring from May 12-14, 2005.

All of this year's finalists were awesome, so the number of drops became a critical factor in the judging: Oloa, for example, turned in perfect performances in each of two night shows during the finals of the PCC's 13th annual competition. By one point he edged out 1st runner-up Hogan To'omalatai from Sämoa, who dropped his knife once; while 2nd runner-up Brandon "Fue" Maneafaiga from Wai'anae dropped his knife in each of the finals performances.

Along with the title, Oloa won $4,000 and a trophy dancing knife created by Pulefano Galea'i, originator of the PCC's annual knife dance competition and accompanying Samoan Festival. To'omalatai won $2,000 as first runner-up, and Maneafaiga won $1,000.

Oloa, who was born in Honolulu, started learning the knife dance four years ago from his father. He previously competed twice in the PCC competition as a junior, most recently placing second; but this year, "my father told me I have what it takes," so Oloa decided to compete against the older, more experienced dancers.

Other Ko'olauloa dancers among the nine semifinalists were last year's champion, Alexander Lefolasa Galea'i, Kapaneta Te'o-Tafiti, former champion David Galea'i, Trumaine Oto and Ah Chew Tafiti, who has competed in every one of the PCC's 13 events.

Via Tiumalu Jr., also of Orlando, Florida, took the junior division title (ages 12-17) and the $800 prize; and Dallin Muti, 11, son of Dallin and Tia Muti of Lä'ie, won the keiki division title.

Kahuku High wins the Samoan Festival

On Saturday, May 14th, Kahuku High reclaimed the PCC Sämoan Festival title from Farrington in the 13th annual competition which also pitted the Red Raiders against groups from Moanalua and Waipahu High Schools.

Before a crowded Pacific Theater, the high school youth competed in a variety of traditional Sämoan arts and crafts, including lauga (oratory), fofo'e fa'i (peeling green bananas with a bamboo knife), o'a popo (husking coconuts), lalaga 'ato launiu (coconut basket weaving), si'aga afi (firemaking), and of course various styles of Sämoan dancing and entertainment.

Sämoan cultural groups from BYU-Hawai'i, the University of Hawai'i and Honolulu also participated in the songs and dances, but did not compete.

Delsa Moe, PCC Director of Cultural Presentation, pointed out an emphasis on the Sämoan virtue of fealofani — love for one another — made a big impact, not only in helping the high school kids prepare for this year's annual event but also in completing their class work.

For example, former PCC employee Robert Tiave Jr., who helped the Farrington group prepare, explained the festival "brings out their positive side and let's us know our culture is alive. The majority of these kids were born here, not in Sämoa. In the Farrington club, Sämoan is their second language. We also have Micronesians and Tongan kids involved, so our club is called Island Harmony.

"If it wasn't for the club and the study hall, a lot of these kids might not be passing," he added.

PCC launches special keiki programs

PCC Vice President of Sales & Marketing P. Alfred Grace said because summers are a particularly good time for kids to visit, the Center has launched a new 'Ohana Adventure package that includes the Keiki Kau Kau lunch and the Passport to Polynesia program in the islands.

Grace described the lunch as "an abbreviated family-friendly lü'au-type experience created especially for kids that will orient families to the activities in each village.

"In addition to our traditional kalua pork, chicken long rice, island baked chicken, and taro rolls, we'll also serve hot dogs. The entertainment will feature interactive performances that involve the whole family, with Polynesian costumes for the keiki to try on, and samples of village activities in a fun and exciting show.

Grace said the new Passport program includes a booklet that  "will give families a chance to play together, discover new things, and take home a keepsake that also serves as a learning tool."

"The Passport is a child's guide to navigating the PCC's fun activities and shows," he continued, explaining it contains "a schedule of the PCC activities geared toward the family experience, space to write down each island greeting, a fun illustration and the name of each island's games or activities to help the keiki remember it when they return home, and space to collect themed stamps to show they completed that island's games or activities.

"If a child collects at least three stamps, he or she will qualify for a free prize at the PCC's main shop," Grace said. The Center also offers annual Kama'äina Passes.

Gladys Knight to sing at BYUH Jubilee celebration

Eleven-time Grammy Award-winning diva Gladys Knight will perform her first-ever live concert in Hawai'i on Saturday, Oct. 15th, at BYU-Hawai'i to help launch the university’s week-long 50th anniversary "golden jubilee" celebration (1955-2005).

One of Gladys Knight's more recent CDs. She will sing live in Hawai'i for the first time at BYUH.

The concert will be held in the Cannon Activities Center at 7 p.m. Reserved seat tickets are on sale at the university’s Aloha Center front desk (phone 293-3545) and at all Ticketmaster™ outlets.

Knight, who recently won a Grammy for the duet, Heaven Help Us All with Ray Charles, has wowed audiences for over five decades in a wide variety of rock and roll, R&B, soul, pop, adult contemporary and inspirational music as well as stage and screen acting and television appearances.

The multi-talented Knight started singing at age 4. She first came to national attention at age 8 as a winner on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour, about the same time BYU-Hawaii, which was known as the Church College of Hawaii from 1955-74, was just starting up in temporary facilities. She went on to form The Pips with her brother and cousins and recorded her first album at age 16.

Since then she has won numerous other awards, including gold and platinum records, a Clio for advertising, a Cable Ace for producing, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and places in both the Rock ‘n Roll and Rhythm and Blues Halls of Fame.

More recently Knight, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has formed Saints Unified Voices, a multi-cultural choir based in Las Vegas that includes approximately 20 BYU-Hawai'i alumni.

Knight and some of her choir members will also present a Latter-day Saint "fireside" program on Sunday, Oct. 16th, at 5:30 p.m. in the BYU-Hawai'i Cannon Activities Center, with a repeat performance for students at 8 p.m.
"We're absolutely thrilled to have Gladys Knight come to our campus as part of our 50th anniversary celebration to perform for our students, faculty, staff, and community," said BYU-Hawai‘i President Eric B. Shumway. "Along with her great music, she brings a passion for building multi-cultural understanding that has been a hallmark of our campus mission for the past 50 years."

President Shumway also invited anyone interested to participate in other BYU-Hawaii Golden Jubilee activities, which are spread throughout the remainder of 2005. For more information, go to w2.byuh.edu/jubilee.

Punalu'u accident closes highway: Hawaiian Electric Company workers start to fix a downed power pole in Punalu'u, which was struck by a Kahuku-bound van on May 31st. An ambulance took the injured drive to Castle Hospital. — photo by Barry Markowitz

Polynesian tattoo shop opens in Hau'ula

(L-r): Lilia Fonoimoana and children, Maxine Klourde, Riccy-Boy Novera, Faufano Sagapolutele (missing: Thomas TC Thompson)

Riccy-Boy Lamositele Novera, a Sämoan-Filipino man currently living in Kahuku, recently opened the Polynesian Tattoo Factory & Body Piercing shop next to the Hau'ula fire station.

Novera, a Farrington High graduate who has been turning his own freehand designs into Polynesian tattoos for 14 years and has also released three island rap CDs, said the business has had over 100 customers since opening. He works in partnership with Maxine Klourde, who has been in the body piercing business for the past nine years and is originally from Atlanta, Georgia.

"About 60% of our business is tattooing," said Novera, who describes himself as an "urban tufuga" or tattoo artisan who has been doing five or six tattoos on some days. He explained they range in price from $40-$5,000, the latter the cost of a full traditional Sämoan tattoo."

Novera explained a traditional Sämoan tattoo or pe'a, can take 10-12 sittings of 4-5 hours each to complete with modern tattooing equipment. He has started the lengthy process of getting his own pe'a in Sämoa.

He added that "half-sleeve" tattoos "are the most popular, ever since 'The Rock' [part-Sämoan actor and retired wrestler Dwayne Johnson] came out with his. A recently completed half-sleeve tattoo, for example, cost about $800.

Novera said even some tourists have come in for tattoos, with honu [turtle] and plumeria designs being the most popular.

He also said he realizes "many people do not want tattoos" or have other objections. "I respect those who don't want them, but we're here for those people who do want them."

Klourde said navel and tongue piercings are the most popular part of her end of the business in general, "but I've done more noses than anything else in this area."

Novera thanked everyone who helped get the business going, especially brothers-in-law Jesse and Vanu Fonoimoana who rebuilt the shop. The business is open Monday-Saturday, 12-9 and Sunday from 12-6, call 293-TATU. The shop is offering 25% off tattoos during his grand opening month of June.

Dr. Lee joins the 'Country Doctor'

Dr. Melissa Lee, M.D., recently began working with Dr. Marc Shlachter, M.D., Ko'olauloa's "country doctor" and will be in their Lä'ie Shopping Center office on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Dr. Shlachter will be in the office on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Dr. Lee, who was born and raised in Honolulu, attended the University of Washington in Seattle before graduating from the UH medical school. She did her family practice residency in Phoenix, and a rural family practice residency with Dr. Shlachter several years ago.

When not in Lä'ie, Dr. Lee volunteers with Sunny Buddies, an organization that assists mentally handicapped children she started while at UH. She also enjoys running and is currently training for the Honolulu Marathon.

Kahuku High Haps: Another great Project Grad

By Morgan Wright ~ new Kahuku High Correspondent

Wright

On June 2nd at the BYU-Hawai'i Cannon Activities Center, after a long week of grueling finals and a whole year eagerly waiting to graduate, the senior class of 2005 brought four years of high school to a close as they walked (or back-flipped) across the stage to receive their diplomas.

Once the ceremony was over, the seniors proceeded to the nearby rugby field for the traditional giving and receiving of leis by their families and friends. Fighting back tears and the drizzling rain, they kissed their loved ones goodbye and were loaded onto five buses that would take them to unknown destinations around the island for a night of safe recreation free from drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

This night-long activity known as "Project Graduation" is the last social event for the entire graduating class to be together.  It provides them with food, entertainment and activities in a safe environment. As senior Yesenia Arevalo pointed out, "It is a great time to be with all of our classmates for a last and final time and keeps us safe while we celebrate." 

Chairperson Lori Silva spearheaded the committee with the help of parents and teachers including Mark and Sarah Woolsey, Molly Maxwell-Stribling, Dede Älö and countless others who started planning the event and organizing fundraisers last year. Funding came from the Project Grad Carnival that was held in September, as well as donations from the Kahuku High and Intermediate PTSO, the Castle Foundation and of course car dealer Mike McKenna of Kailua who annually donates a car as a prize if 95% of the class attends. This year senior class president Hapaki Kaululä'au was the lucky holder of the winning key.

The buses took about 300 graduates to Schofield Barracks where a ballroom full of local bands, a dance, and buffet of local kine grinds awaited them. During the dinner Clark Tuitele, "The Hawaiian Hypnotist," entertained the seniors by selecting students out of the audience to be hypnotized. Among the many hypnotized were Spencer Hafoka, Pua Kemoe'atu, Tina Soliai and Zoey Wineera who all performed various acts that kept the class rolling with laughter.

After all the dancing and laughing the seniors then got on the buses to go to their final destination: Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park in Kapolei where the class rode the infamous Shaka, and relaxed in the wave pool enjoying the early morning sunrise.

Around 10 am the exhausted class gathered in a circle and sang the Kahuku Alma Mater for the last time as a class. They hugged friends they've known their entire lives said goodbye and headed on the long bus ride home, making all this year's work worth while.

*  *  *  *  *  *

MAHALO to Amanda Baize who served as Kaleo's Kahuku High correspondent during her senior year... and WELCOME to our new 2005-06 correspondent, Morgan Wright:

Wright, the daughter of Chris Wright and Debbie Hippolite-Wright of Hau'ula, just completed her term as junior class president, and is a member of the championship girls water polo and We The People teams.

"Kahuku students have a lot of pride, a rich heritage and a diversity that comes out in everyone," said Wright, who was partially raised in New Zealand. She added after graduating she currently hopes to go to school on the East Coast and study to become a pediatric oncologist.

Send her your story leads and ideas at wetekia_05@yahoo.com.

Kahuku High sports reports

Hafoka, male athlete

Ale, female athlete

Luehrs, scholar-athlete

Niumatalolo, scholar-athlete

By all standards, Kahuku High enjoyed another spectacular school year in athletics. AD Joe Whitford reported the Red Raiders accumulated the following honors in 2004-05:

• State runner-up in boys basketball and girls water polo.
• Football: Red East varsity champions, OIA varsity champions, East JV champions and OIA JV champions.
• Girls volleyball: Varsity OIA champions, JV East champions and JV OIA champions.
• Boys basketball: Red East co-champions and OIA champions.
• Wrestling: East boys champions, varsity boys dual meet champions, OIA boys champions, varsity girls dual meet champions, OIA girls champions, JV girls East champions, JV girls dual meet champions and JV OIA girls champions.
• Girls basketball: East co-champions and OIA champions.
• Water polo: OIA champions.
• Track and field: Boys varsity East champions, boys JV East champions, OIA relays boys champions and girls JV East champions.
• Judo: OIA boys champions.

• Coaches of the Year: Nathan James, boys basketball; Bu Heffernan, girls softball; Aukai Ferguson, water polo; and Sean Maka'iau, track and field.

• Players of the Year: Okesene Ale Jr., a junior, boys basketball; and sophomore Rebecca Fonoimoana, water polo.

Whitford also reported the following were recently named Kahuku High "Outstanding Varsity Athletes" in their respective sports:

Bronson Ponciano-Ähue, baseball; Junior Ale, boys basketball; Aisha Ale, girls basketball; Stephanie Allen, cheerleading-sideline; Tyler Orme, boys cross country; Al Afalava and David Niumatalolo, football defense; Viliami Tilini and Spencer Hafoka, football offense.

Isaac Jaffurs, boys golf; Phyllis Lai, girls golf; Richard Torres, boys judo; Kanoe Tani, girls judo; Cameron Zachary, boys paddling; Sara Andrus, girls paddling; Jonathan Manguba-Glover, boys riflery; Sharmaine Palama, girls riflery; Randy Oei, boys soccer defense; Cody Juliano, boys soccer offense; Brianne Huddy, girls soccer defense; Kelly Pao, girls soccer offense; Kamaile Hughes, softball; Joe Gibson, boys swimming; Lacey Luehrs, girls swimming.

Ajri McArthur and Carmen Wardle, girls tennis; Redmond Tutor, boys track and field; Junior Ale, boys volleyball; Camilla Ah Hoy, girls volleyball; Sara Mirels, water polo; Daniel Morita, boys wrestling; Danica Äuna, girls wrestling and June Kaheiau Ka'iliponi received the Athletics Department Service Award.

The following Red Raiders were named "Outstanding JV Athletes":

Pita Tanuvasa, baseball; Shiloh Te'o, boys basketball; Brittney Fesoloa'i, girls basketball; Lauren Muaina, cheerleading-sideline; Ke'ilani Wasson, cross country; Sifa Heimuli, football; Lionel Uhlman, boys paddling; Letisha Paragas, girls paddling; Lani Speer, girls soccer.

Brittney Fesola'i, softball; Lätü Fulukava, boys swimming; Ella Aiwohi, girls swimming; Ethan Golden, boys track and field; Juleesa Kawa'auhau, girls track; Lenora Nauahi, girls volleyball; Nathaniel Hee, boys wrestling; and Amanda Keli'iho'omalu, girls wrestling.

Other sports reports

"Next year we're going to field 49 out of 52 possible athletic teams," Whitford said, noting the remaining three teams not fielded are boys and girls soft tennis, and JV girls tennis.

"Only 12 OIA schools participate in soft tennis," said Whitford, who added this sport might eventually be dropped from the OIA line-up.

"For example, by popular demand, we're going to bring back bowling. Joe Holtzman, the testing coordinator, will be the coach. Everything else is pretty much a continuation of what we have been doing.

"We just hired a new girls softball coach," he continued. "Änue Santiago will succeed Bu Heffernan, who will continue to help maintain the field and is still coaching summer leagues."

State athletic policies

Whitford said ADs from throughout Hawai'i will be discussing some "hot issues" during their June 9-11 meeting on Kaua'i:

"One of the big issues will be Division I and II tournament formats. The HHSAA wants to expand the Division I tournaments to add more ILH teams. As it's presently constituted, tournament fields are determined by the number of participating schools. Water polo is one of the examples that I know is going to come up. Even in girls softball, the ILH wants a second team. If we field four or five teams in a tournament of 12, that's about the best we can do.

"Another issue is they want to keep Division II to only four teams," Whitford said. "The perceived move is to get more ILH teams, but it's not in the best interest of the OIA. We believe participation should be based on how many teams there are in the league.

"The other major issue is to have all state team tournaments held on O'ahu. The reason is that if you have seven or eight teams from the ILH and/or OIA, the travel expenses are less. To make sure this is more equitable, there would be a stipend for neighbor island teams to come. Also, the venues and attendance on O'ahu are way better," said Whitford, who acknowledged the combined ADs might have to concede a couple of sports to the neighbor islands, "and all the individual sports — golf, tennis, cross country — would go to the outer islands on a rotational basis.

"The other big issue deals with track and field. There's a proposal to limit the number of events a track and field athlete can participate in to six, where the national high school federation rule is only four. We want to keep it at six locally.

"There's also strong support to have a libero in volleyball," Whitford said, explaining that a libero is a designated defensive back-row specialist who can come in at any time, without counting against the maximum number of substitutions.

"We currently don't have this position at the high school level, although it's used in college and the club level," he added.

Spring football

"For the first time in 10 years, the JV and varsity coaches are working together in spring football," Whitford continued, noting that Kimo Haiola and Keala Santiago will be the new defensive coordinators for the varsity football program in the fall.

A busy summer

Whitford reported that "quite a few football players are planning to attend summer training camps on the mainland. Right now there's about 40 planning to go to both the University of Utah and BYU camps on the 13th and 20th of June, respectively.

"The North Shore Volleyball Club will also be playing on the mainland. The water polo team is taking a trip to Southern California to play eight-or-nine games in July, and the girls softball club will play about 50 games this summer.

"The basketball club will also be taking a trip to Las Vegas, the soccer girls are going to be in a summer league, and a number of our athletes are involved in the annual Tonga Bowl football game in Tonga."

Canoe boost

Whitford reported Kahuku recently received "four brand-new racing canoes from the Castle Foundation. The estimated cost of each canoe is $10,000, so that's a tremendous boost to our program. We're also looking to change the practice site from Hale'iwa to closer to home. Traditionally, there's no canoe club close to us, but we hope to do better in this sport.

Golf coach needed

"With Carlton Ching stepping down, we're looking for a new golf coach," said Whitford. Anyone interested should contact him at 293-8950 x364.

All-Star and other honors

Aisha Ale was recently named to the OIA East girls basketball First Team; teammates Camilla Ah Hoy and Artevia Wily were named to the Second Team; and Kamaile Hughes and Tina Soliai received Honorable Mention.

Gina Ähue and Lacy Luehrs were named to the Local Motion State water polo championship All-Tournament Team.

Track and field

The Kahuku High boys track and field team finished third in the state behind Kamehameha-O'ahu and Punahou, respectively.

The 4X400 relay team of Suaesi Tuimaunei, Tomasi Fuller, Spencer Hafoka and Redmond Tutor scored the only first-place finish of the meet for the Red Raiders, while the 4X100 relay team took second to Waimea.

Tutor also scored second in the triple jump with a 43-10.75 effort, and a third in the long jump at 21-09.75.

Hafoka scored the next highest finish, third in the 110-meter hurdles; and A.J. Victorian came in fourth in the 200.

A montage of scenes from Kahuku High's annual Red & White spring football scrimmage on June 7th. — photos by Barry Markowitz

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