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BYUH Hawaiian Studies instructor Kaipo Manoa traced the evolution of Hawaiian slack key guitar music during the Honors colloquium on March 18 and demonstrated his skill in the distinctive island art form by playing a number of selections in various styles and tunings.

In a move destined to disappoint Brigham Young University Hawaii men's basketball fans, the NCAA has dictated a change in the NCAA II West Regional Tournament. Accordingly, the regional championship game originally scheduled for Tuesday night at the Cannon Activities Center will now be moved to Wednesday night, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the CAC, barring, of course, any further directives from the NCAA.

The Brigham Young University Hawaii President's Council replied to queries in the Question and Answer Forum on March 6 in Aloha Center 155/165 about academics, financial aid and scholarships, facilities, long-range planning, other initiatives and opportunities.

As the Brigham Young University Hawaii faculty member who chanted Hawaiian greetings for hundreds of occasions and special visitors to campus, it seemed fitting that BYUH President Steven C. Wheelwright and approximately 50 administrators, colleagues, students and community members marched in a Polynesian procession to the top of Laie Point on the afternoon of March 10 to offer chants and pay tribute to the family of the late William Kauaiwiulaokalani Wallace III.

Brigham Young University Idaho President Kim B. Clark delivered a moving speech about 'The Path of the Peacemaker' at the BYU-Hawaii devotional address on March 11. He began with a heartfelt greeting and then shared a promise that was given by Abraham: "[We] are the children of the prophets" and through us "all the kindreds of the earth [shall] be blessed." As Abraham’s children, Clark noted that we "are heirs to all the blessings, … commitments, and responsibilities of Abraham... [including] the works of peace."

Voi Ray Taeoalii, Stake President of the Makakilo Hawaii Stake, addressed the BYU-Hawaii faculty, staff, and the student body with an inspirational message, titled "Sustenance of Hope," at the Tuesday, March 3, 2009, devotional. He began his speech with a reminiscent thought: "Being here reminds me of the years that my wife and I lived in married student housing, drove a car that broke down regularly, and accounted for every penny, nickel and dime we earned. It was a time in our life that was challenging as you very well know." He recounted the difficulty of balancing school, family, work, and church callings; yet, the aftermath of experience taught him the need for these difficulties because "it is the power and patience of hope that can sustain us as we pursue our goals in life."

A proposal for a moped rental business at Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku earned Brigham Young University Hawaii senior Brett Lee [pictured at right, in the center] the $15,000 top prize on March 6 in the annual Willes Center for International Entrepreneurship (CIE) Business Plan Competition. In addition, each of four other teams won runners-up prizes of $5,000 for their proposed plans, all of the 15 finalists also received $1,000, and each of the other 31 BYUH students who submitted a plan received a monetary award.

With a Knights of the Round Table Conference of Champions theme, the annual three-day Brigham Young University Hawaii Willes Center for International Entrepreneurship (CIE) business conference convened on campus March 4, included a variety of keynote addresses and workshops, and concluded with the business plan competition finals that this year included $50,000 in donated prizes for the student "champions."

As expected, the third-ranked Brigham Young University Hawaii men's basketball team received the number-one seed in the NCAA II West Regional Tournament field announced March 8 by the NCAA. The Seasiders, champions of the Pacific West Conference, will host a four-team sub-regional on Friday and Saturday, March 13-14, and will face seventh-seeded Humboldt State (20-11) in the opening round on Friday at 7:30 pm in the Cannon Activities Center.

Brigham Young University Hawaii Honors students learned in their colloquium on March 4 about a unique program in nearby Kahuku — one of only 40 in the world — fully accredited to train highly skilled service dogs to help disabled people, and how they differ from other assistance, therapeutic and "seeing eye" guide dogs as well as other service animals.

BYU-Hawaii Student Association President Hema Tatafu and Executive Vice President Janelle Cabucungan took turns sharing the podium to deliver a two-part devotional address on Tuesday, February 24, 2009. Their speeches centered on hope, unity, and the power of change; each gave inspiring counsel to the students, faculty, staff, and families of BYU-Hawaii.

Laie, HI—Shaka Steel, Brigham Young University Hawaii's steel drum band is scheduled to perform at several locations on Maui between March 12–15. Performances will include both high school exchanges as well as community concerts.

By the beginning of First Term in July 2009, Brigham Young University Hawaii will have absorbed its International Work Experience Scholarship (IWES) program into I-WORK — the International Work Opportunity Return-ability Kuleana — and added several significant enhancements, including:

Several years before Sanchez would ever step foot on the beautiful tropical campus of Brigham Young University – Hawaii, her life already began to steer her in a direction that would ultimately lead her directly here. Now a senior in international cultural studies focusing on communication, Sanchez’s unique story and vibrant cultural past provided the foundation and passion that now shapes the future path she intends to take.

Cy M. Bridges [pictured at right], Theater Director for the Polynesian Cultural Center and a noted Hawaiian cultural expert, shared his love, passion and expertise on historical and genealogical aspects of modern hula with Brigham Young University Hawaii students during the February 25 Honors Program colloquium in McKay 101.

Brigham Young University Hawaii's semiannual Career Fair on February 26 in the Cannon Activities Center presented prospective graduates and other students with opportunities to meet potential employers while also providing insights into getting a good job in today's economy.

In accordance with Brigham Young University Hawaii's mission to prepare students for the next chapters in their lives, a new program entitled International Institute of Professional Protocol (IIPP) has been developed to educate participants about the code of behavior in diverse professional situations. Sponsored by Barbara Barrington Jones and the Hal and Barbara Jones Foundation, long time supporters of the university and its mission, the institute is geared toward students developing job-seeking skills and other qualities that will help participants stand out in the interview process and the work place. Scheduled for the week of March 9, just after the Center for International Entrepreneurship's Business Plan Competition, IIPP offers a set of four core classes, one optional class, and an etiquette banquet and other gifts as a reward for completion of the program.

Sheri L. Dew, President and CEO of Deseret Book and beloved inspirational speaker, addressed the student body with words of hope and encouragement in her devotional speech titled "You Are a Pivotal Generation"; she began with her expression of great love for the young adults of the Church and of the spirit the youth carried: "I'll tell you though, as I have been thinking this morning, and trying to be very prayerful and careful in my preparations, I have found myself wondering if you are not the most unique group of young adults anywhere in the church. I have seen young adults in probably 60 or 65 countries and I can't think of another gathering like you."