I don’t know about you, but where did September go?

Not that I’m complaining…I LOVE October – the days become noticeably shorter and cool off, bringing stormy skies that set the tone for the spookiest month of the year. And just like a kid’s Halloween treat bag, the October issue of Ka ‘Ohana is a magic-melting-mix of hard local news, campus scoops, and inventive distractions, hitting news stands and web browsers Oct. 19.

Our concerns especially turn toward the state’s financial crisis and the effects of budget cuts to the University of Hawai‘i system. At a recent UH-Mānoa Teach-In, faculty and students spoke out against the cutbacks that are degrading the quality of UH education. Although the community colleges may be less affected in the short-term, if you hope to transfer to Mānoa next fall to finish up your B.A., class availability, quality teachers, and access to the services you need may be greatly reduced due to the cuts in funding.

Students held signs at a recent UH-Manoa Teach-In on Oct. 7.

Students held signs at a recent UH-Manoa Teach-In on Oct. 7.

Still wondering what all the fuss is about? Read Lance’s story and check out my lo-fi video of the event.

Questions or Comments? Bring it …We’d love to hear from you.

Heck, we may even publish it.

~ Theresa & Ka ‘Ohana Staff

Contact us via email to KaOhanaOnline@gmail.com or ‘Comment’ below.

commencement 2009

Aloha, Ka ‘Ohana Readers,

We just wanted to wish all of our WCC graduates a heartfelt “Congratulations!” on your accomplishments.

The May issue is our last for this school year.  In it, we highlight some of our graduates’ challenges and achievements, and two students offer insight about their search for a meaningful future.  [Check out May 09]

The center spread is called “Get your passport to adventure & discovery” and is dedicated to the exploration of learning opportunities abroad. Not all learning happens in the classroom, and a little planning for next summer could go a long way.  Read about Floyd McCoy’s adventures in Crete or Sarah Hadmack’s plans for India by clicking on [Centerspread] on the Ka ‘Ohana Online homepage.

Overall, we wish you a safe and happy summer.  We’ll be back in September, too.

Mahalo,

Ka ‘Ohana

Change is upon us, as Americans demonstrated when they elected Barack Obama as the country’s next president.

During a student focus group at WCC, the Journalism 205 class discussed current issues and possible solutions from both national and local perspectives, offering insights from their own personal experiences with racism.

“I was a little pessimistic,” said Bryan Jones. “I didn’t think he would win. But I think that’s a positive thing because it showed that people are willing to give change a chance.”

What do you think Obama as president-elect will mean for America? What, if anything, do you think will change?

In terms of U.S. history, Nov. 4, 2008 will be remembered as the day everything changed.

That day marks Barack Obama’s election as the first African-American president of the United States.

So in this time of transition, what can we look forward to over the next few months and the next several years?

Share your thoughts and comments below on the upcoming presidency and other related matters.

This semester Ka ‘Ohana launched version 2.0 of our web site, KaOhanaOnline.org, which turned 1-year-old this past September. New features to look for include: an interactive Google Calendar, integrated video for some of the articles, and a full-color version of the issue to download.

Do you have suggestions for improvements to the web site? Please, let us know!

Welcome to the Ka ‘Ohana Online blog! The Ka ‘Ohana news staff invites you to comment on or ask questions about campus or community news articles published in our current issue of Ka ‘Ohana.

Look for this graphic in our printed newspaper for specific topics of discussion.

Look for this graphic in our printed newspaper for specific topics of discussion.

We are pleased to offer this new, interactive component to our online repertoire. Please visit us often, and as always, let your voice be heard!