Campus Community

On Friday, March 4, a small crowd gathered for a private screening of the documentary "Waterman," a biography film of Duke Kahanamoku. The screening was held at the Hawaii Journey Theater, at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Amongst this group came a handful of significant figures in the surfing community here on the North Shore. Many received special recognition from Isaiah Walker, Academic Vice President of BYU–Hawaii. He thanked them for the roles they continue to play as fellow watermen of Hawaii.

This week, students of the Tongan club gathered to sing for a Tonga relief project they are participating in, a community-led effort to aid and support the people in Tonga. However, this wasn't the first time students gathered together as a show of strength and support to their families and loved ones in Tonga. Just weeks ago, on January 15, 2022, an underwater volcano erupted, causing a tsunami to wash through the isles of Tonga, followed by a blanket of ash that coated their islands, contaminating natural water and food sources. This natural disaster has also made it extremely difficult to communicate with the outside world. As a result, many students from Tonga who are currently studying here at BYU–Hawaii still have yet to hear from their families and friends.

Isaiah Walker, Academic Vice President, and President John S.K. Kauwe III spoke at Papa Ola Lokahi’s, “Why Trust Science and History” webinar, a virtual discussion about why it’s important to learn who and what to trust in an era of misinformation.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii is aware of a recent news report that claims there was an “illegal block party” held on campus. The evening of Friday, September 10, HPD came to a university event in response to a noise complaint, worked with school personnel to ensure that those in attendance were in groups of 25 or less and in compliance with applicable restrictions, and then left.

Locals say miracles lead to digitizing of Hawaiian language Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price

Leonard K. Fong, lifelong resident of Honolulu and long-time supporter of BYU–Hawaii, passed away in August at the age of 97. The BYU–Hawaii ‘ohana is deeply grateful for Leonard’s love and generosity toward the university, and we extend our thoughts, prayers, and aloha to the Fong family at this time.

These are extremely challenging times for colleges and universities, including BYU–Hawaii. We appreciate the support the United States Congress has shown to institutions of higher education through the CARES Act. However, although BYU–Hawaii continues to experience significant financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided not to seek or accept CARES Act funding. We have notified the U.S. Department of Education of our decision so that it can reallocate resources to other institutions, some of which may not be able to open their doors to students again without government relief.

The Brigham Young University–Hawaii Salsa Orchestra and Street Band will be traveling to the island of Maui for a four-day tour with performances in Pukalani, Kahului, and Lahaina. Featuring Latin and Jazz music, performances include lively and entraining concerts for the public as well as educational workshops for young music students.

2019 Evening of Concertos Concert BYU–Hawaii

Prior to the start of Brigham Young University–Hawaii's "Voyages of Light" Concert Choir tour to New Zealand and Tahiti, President John S. Tanner visited with part of the Pacific Area Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Ian s. Arden expressed the Church's support for education and the strong connection the South Pacific has to BYU–Hawaii.

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BYU–Hawaii graduate Eritai Kateibwi named UN Environment Young Champion of the Earth

2017 Evening of Concertos Concert BYU-Hawai‘i

BYU-Hawaii Management Society won the Dean’s Gold Chapter of Excellence Award from the Marriott School of Business on Sept. 28 for their effort in helping society members to create a global network and for striving to inspire society members to become moral and ethical leaders. “Gold is the highest award you can receive in the Management Society,” explained Helena Hannonen, a professor in business and the faculty advisor to the Management Society. “The marvelous thing about the students winning this award is they are competing with professional chapters, and they are winning.” She said the Management Society is a BYU-Provo based society, which has chapters around the world striving to grow moral and ethical leadership. Kathryn Wells, a senior in human resources from Colorado and vice president of the Management Society, said, “It was a year’s worth of work. Lots of hours in meetings, planning, and a little stress, but it was all worth it in the end. I would do it again in a heartbeat.” She explained how the journey took her and her classmates to Utah to receive the Dean’s Gold Chapter of Excellence Award. Alexandria Okolowitz Vu, a senior in finance from Germany and president of the Management Society, explained the organization is an invaluable tool for the students at BYUH who are looking for a job, an internship, or an opportunity to practice their leadership skills. “I used to not even like to talk in front of anybody,” said Vu. “The Management Society has definitely challenged me to not be afraid of myself or other people, and to accept that I will make mistakes. The society has put me out there to practice, to learn, and to help me to adopt the attributes of a seasoned leader.” “Joining the Management Society is an amazing way for students to get their name out there and to be able to network. The Management Society isn’t a regular student club. It has members all over the world that are already seasoned professionals who want to mentor the students,” explained Hannonen. Hannonen related a story of a past student who was helped by the society. She said, “A few years back there was an accounting student who was graduating and had not yet found a job. He was very upset, so right before Christmas break I brought him in to my office and had him join the Management Society. Through the society I helped him contact the president of his local chapter to ask the president to spread his resume around. By the time he left Honolulu, a few days later, he had two interviews lined up, and by the time he landed at home he had a job after he graduated.” Unfortunately, one of the biggest misconceptions about the Management Society is that its only for business majors, explained Wells. “Since joining the Management Society I’ve met so many doctors, dentists, and artists from around the world, the society really can be a benefit to anyone.” Vu said, “The great thing about the society is it doesn’t end here, at BYU-Hawaii. It is all around the world.

“...they have put no difference between the holy and profane...and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them" (Ezek. 22:26).

We are pleased to announce several changes in the BYU-Hawaii academic organizations.