ʻAle Poʻi Newsletter

K Ē K Ē M A P A  2 0 2 1

December 2021 Issue

A Message from the Poʻi Nā Nalu Staff

Aia nō i ke kō a ke au.

"Whichever way the current goes." (Time will tell.)

ʻŌlelo Noʻeau #69

Aloha nui kākou,

 

Hulō! The end of the Fall 2021 semester is near! We commend you for persevering through the ups and downs of 2021. You have ridden the high tides and the low tides, and we have manaʻolana (hope) that you are coming out victorious. This month, we want to send a special HOʻOMAIKAʻI to all of the Fall 2021 graduates! 👩‍🎓👨‍🎓 Congratulations on your incredible achievements! We look forward to what the future has in store for you! 

 

Here are a few reminders:

 

  • Poʻi Nā Nalu Staff Hours: Poʻi Nā Nalu is working out of the Hawaiian Center Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. We encourage email, phone, and Zoom meetings, but we are accepting walk-ins. Please email us at nanalu@hawaii.edu if you plan to visit in person.
  • Hulili Ke Kukui Hawaiian Center: When you visit us at the Hawaiian Center, we ask that you follow signage and protocols in place to help us all be as safe as possible. Face-to-face meetings with staff is limited when remote appointments are not possible. Hanging out, socializing, and long-term studying in the Center is not allowed at this time. For more info, contact hulilik@hawaii.edu.
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Required for Spring Registration: All UH students must be vaccinated for in-person and hybrid courses in the Spring 2022 semester. The option to test weekly will no longer be an option starting on Jan. 3, 2022. Students may request religious or medical exemptions, and must be submitted through the UH FileDrop system. Click here for more info.

 

Mele Kalikimaka🎄🌟 a Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou🎆🎉! Have a safe holiday season with your ʻohana!

 

Me ke aloha nō,

Greg, Auntie Kathy & Noʻi

 

Poʻi Nā Nalu Contact Information

Poʻi Nā Nalu: nanalu@hawaii.edu

Greg Kashigi (Program Coordinator): gkashigi@hawaii.edu | 844-2322

Kathy Ballesteros (Academic Support Specialist): ks@hawaii.edu | 844-2347

Kaʻanoʻi Akaka (Academic Support Specialist): arianaa@hawaii.edu | 844-2323

Workshops & Activities

Fall 2021

iKEA Workshop Series

 

  • iKEA workshops are open and free to all HonCC students

 

  • All workshops will be held via Zoom

 

  • No registration required

 

  • On-demand workshops are now available as well. They can be accessed at any time! If you do an on-demand workshop, please fill out this form to let us know.

 

Visit https://www.honolulu.hawaii.edu/ikea to access the full list of iKEA workshops and links.

Important Campus Dates

  • Friday, December 10

Last Day of Instruction

  • Monday, Dec. 13 - Friday, Dec. 17 

Final Exams

  • Friday, December 17

Fall Semester Ends

  • Friday, December 24

Christmas (Federal & State Holiday)

  • Friday, December 31

New Year's Day (Federal & State Holiday)

Poʻi Nā Nalu Resources

COLLEGE DEVELOPMENT

Loan-Out Textbooks & Tools

 

Poʻi Nā Nalu students - need to borrow a laptop, textbook, tool, or a device like a scientific calculator or camera? Contact us at nanalu@hawaii.edu. We will do our best to provide what you need.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Memberships, Certifications, and Licenses

Want to enhance your employability?  Poʻi Nā Nalu can pay for your membership in a professional or academic organization in your field. Poʻi Nā Nalu can also reimburse you for the successful completion of an industry certification or license. For more information, please contact Auntie Kathy Ballesteros @ ks@hawaii.edu.

Ke Ala Noelo

Internship Program

 

Poʻi Nā Nalu's Ke Ala Noelo Internship Program is designed to offer Poʻi Nā Nalu participants an invaluable internship opportunity to network within their future professional community. Through hands-on training and professional mentoring, student interns receive relevant and rigorous educational experience in preparation for their aspiring careers.

 

If you are interested in participating in a paid internship, contact Noʻi at arianaa@hawaii.edu. 

FINANCIAL LITERACY

 

Inflation

 

 Inflation surges to 31 year high.

A healthy economy typically generates inflation in the range of about 2 percentage points, reflecting increased economic activity stemming from a growing population and productivity gains. But inflation becomes problematic when it begins to outpace the rate of wage gains. That’s exactly what is happening now as inflation hit 6.2% in October, its highest point since 1990.

 

What does inflation mean and how does it work?

Inflation describes the rate of price increases of goods and services. It can come about for many different reasons. Those include product shortages, labor shortages, wage increases, raw material cost hikes, higher demand and policy decisions on issues like interest rates, tariffs and government spending. The U.S. economy is currently grappling with price increases of many different products and services, including new and used cars, gasoline, natural gas, food and apparel.

 

How bad can inflation get?

Technically, it's unlimited. The worst inflation in recent memory for Americans was in the 1970s and early 1980s, when inflation topped out at 13.5%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Looking at 10-year periods, something that cost $1 in January 1975 on average cost $2.02 in January 1985, according to the BLS. In contrast, inflation has been largely under control this century. Something that cost $1 in 2011 only costs $1.19 in 2021. Still, the significant rise in inflation we have today hasn't occurred since George H.W. Bush was in the White House and "Home Alone" was in theaters. 

 

What's the effect of inflation on my buying power?

The greater the rate of inflation, the less your money is worth. In other words, $1,000 stuffed under your mattress is prone to decline in value over time. This is why financial advisers urge people to responsibly invest some of their savings, if possible, to protect themselves against inflation. Wage increases can help make up the difference. In recent months, a number of major American employers have announced wage hikes, including Starbucks, Bank of America, Walmart, Target and CVS. But the rate of inflation is outpacing some of those gains. Excerpts taken from USA Today, Money Section, 11/11/21.

 

So, what can I do to increase my buying power?

1. Adjust your budget.

Because prices have increased overall, you may not be able to buy as much as before. You may find yourself spending more on essentials, which means you may have to reduce spending on nonessentials like dining out, entertainment, and travel. Adjusting your spending choices can help you fit more into your budget.

2. Delay some purchases.

If you can put off some purchases until prices normalize, you can avoid overpaying, especially when it comes to higher-ticket items, like vehicles or furniture. Used cars, for example, are 45% higher than last year. Another perk of waiting, particularly if you're financing a large purchase: you'll have time to work on your FICO score and potentially qualify for a more competitive interest rate. See our November 2021 newsletter for an explanation of FICO scores. Excerpts taken from CISION PR Newswire, How to Manage Your Money, 9/24/21.

3. And during this time of holiday spending, let us heed the immortal words of the Grinch!

HAWAIIAN CULTURAL ENRICHMENT

Campus Resources

Available Support Services

Computer Lab: Building 2, Room 405. Open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4PM. Help is also available remotely by phone (808-845-9293) & by Zoom (Mon-Fri 8:30AM-12PM, 1-4PM | Zoom Meeting ID: 787 888 8788, Password: HONLAB). Email honcclab@hawaii.edu for more info.

 

Library: Mon-Thurs 9AM-3PM; Fri 9AM-1PM. Phone, email, Zoom by appt. Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM. Contact 808-845-9199 or honcclib@hawaii.edu for more info.

 

Tutoring Center: Contact 808-845-9232 or chmiller@hawaii.edu for more info. You can also use tutor.com 24/7; available for all UHCC students.

 

 

Math Lab: Building 7, Room 421. Open Mon-Thurs 7:30AM-5:30PM. Contact Glen Tengan at  gtengan@hawaii.edu or 808-845-9403 for more info.

 

Wellness Center: Support services available via phone and Zoom Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm. To contact or schedule a meeting, email hccwell@hawaii.edu or call 808-845-9180.

Writing Center: Online tutoring available Mon-Fri 9AM-3PM. To schedule an appointment: 1) Go to star.hawaii.edu/appointment. 2) Click the + icon next to "Learning Services." 3) Click "Hon Writing Center."

 

Career Services & HINET: Building 7, Rooms 319 & 320. Open Mon-Fri 8AM-3PM. Contact 808-845-9204 or honcs@hawaii.edu for more info.

 

TRIO-Student Support Service: Building 7, Room 309. Open in person Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM. Contact 808-844-2366 or hontrio@hawaii.edu for more info.

 

Hulili Ke Kukui Hawaiian Center: Building 5, Room 203. Open Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM. The Hawaiian Center Computer Lab is available for use with a max. of four computers at a time. Face-to-face meetings with staff is limited when remote appointments are not possible. Hanging out, socializing, and long-term studying in the Center is not allowed at this time. For more info, contact hulilik@hawaii.edu.

$300 for all HonCC Students!

 

Students - if you have not already heard, HonCC is awarding you $300 of HonCC HELPS (Help Every Learner to Progress Successfully) funds to help with educational and personal expenses. Check your MyUH Services portal to view your award and sign up for eRefund to receive your funds. For more information, click on the button below.

 
HonCC HELPS Webpage

HINET Hoʻōla ʻIke

Financial Assistance

 

You may qualify for tuition assistance, book reimbursement, a free monthly bus pass, uniforms, tools, workforce training, advising and more through the HINET Hoʻōla ʻIke Program! Contact our campus' HINET Program Officer Rovelyn Hermoso at 808-844-2395 or hinethon@hawaii.edu. Also visit hinethawaii.org to learn more about the program. Click the button below to download the application.

 
Download Application

Community Resources

CAREER RESOURCES

  • Employment Recruitment Sites: HonCC's list of recruiting websites for job seekers HERE.
  • Hawaiʻi is Hiring: A resource for Hawaiʻi jobs, training, and internships. Access HERE.
  • Hawaiʻi Career Pathways: A career pathway explorer tool. Access HERE.

 

FOOD RESOURCES

  • SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Get more info and apply HERE.
  • Hawaiʻi Foodbank: Find a food distribution site near you HERE.

 

HOUSING & FINANCIAL RESOURCES

    • Rent & Utility Relief Program: Currently paused, but sign up for notification email HERE.
    • Emergency Rental Assistance Program: Access relief for renters & homeowners HERE.
    • CNHA Rent Relief: See if you are eligible for CNHA's rental relief program HERE.
    • The Salvation Army: Access rent and utility assistance HERE.
    • HCAP: Access services in employment, education, tax assistance and more HERE.
    • Hawaiʻi Community Assets: Access housing and financial counseling, tax & FAFSA preparation assistance, and technical assistance HERE.

     

    HAWAIIAN CULTURAL RESOURCES

    • Wehewehe Wikiwiki: A Hawaiian language dictionary website & app. Visit HERE.
    • Kaniʻāina: Digital Hawaiian language audio recordings of native speakers HERE.
    • ʻŌiwi TV: Hawaiian- and community-based multimedia content HERE.
    • Kaʻiwakīloumoku: Hawaiian & Pacific moʻolelo, mele, recipes, videos, and more HERE.
    • Kanaeokana: Hawaiian educational resources HERE.
    • Ulukau: A Hawaiian electronic library. Access HERE.

     

    WELLNESS RESOURCES

    • Immediate Emergency? Call 911. HonCC Campus Security: 808-284-1270.
    • Are you in a crisis? Call 808-832-3100 or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text "Aloha" to 741741.
    • Need someone to talk to? Warmlines are available 24/7 at http://mhanational.org/warmlines or 808-832-3100 (Oʻahu).
    • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
    • Domestic Violence Action Center: Call 808-531-3771, text 605-956-5680, or chat at domesticviolenceactioncenter.org.
    • Aloha United Way: Call 211 for confidential assistance or visit auw211.org.
    • Hurt/Neglected Child Support: 808-832-5300 or 1-800-494-3991.
    • Parent Support: Call 808-526-1222 or 1-800-816-1222.
    • Trafficking: Call 808-832-1999 or 1-888-398-1188.
    • TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7366

    • ULifeline - Mental Health Resources for College Students: http://www.ulifeline.org/
    • Mental Health America of Hawaiʻi: http://mentalhealthhawaii.org/get-connected/
    • Free Apps to De-Stress

      • Headspace https://www.headspace.com/

      • Calm https://www.calm.com

      • Kokua Life https://kokualife.org/

      • VA App Store https://mobile.va.gov/appstore/mental-health

    Scholarship Opportunities

    • Native Hawaiian Scholarship ʻAha: Dec. 7 | Register HERE.
    • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Complete your FAFSA by March 1, 2022. APPLY HERE. Contact Financial Aid at honccfao@hawaii.edu or 808-845-9116 if you need assistance with your FAFSA.
    • UH Common Scholarship: Now available for the 2022-2023 academic year. Deadline is March 1, 2022, 4:00 PM. APPLY HERE.
    • Hawaiʻi Community Foundation: Available on Nov. 15. APPLY HERE.
    • OHA Scholarship List: See a complete list of Native Hawaiian scholarships HERE.
    • ALU LIKE, Inc. Hana Lima Scholarship: For vocational and technical education majors. APPLY HERE.

    Kilohana Student of the Month

    Ronee Colby

    Major: Early Childhood Education

    Tell us about yourself.

    Aloha! My name is Ronee Kaimalie Colby and I am from Kaimukī. I am an Early Childhood Education major here at HonCC. I will be graduating this semester with an Associates in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Preschool. I will continue my education next semester at UH West O‘ahu to complete a Bachelors of Arts in Social Sciences with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. I am also a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society by maintaining a 4.0 throughout my whole academic journey here at HonCC. Along with being a full time student, I am currently a full time Teacher working for a wonderful company who supports my educational goals. My career goal is to one day be a director or program coordinator of an organization that cares for and teaches preschool aged children.

     

    What are your future plans?

    My future plans are to graduate with my Bachelor’s degree by Spring of 2023 from UH West O‘ahu. From graduating there, I would like to go on to complete my Master’s degree in Early Childhood from UH Mānoa.

     

    Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

    In ten years, I hope to see myself as a leader in my community. I plan on staying in Kaimukī as well as working here. I would like to have established my career in a center and organization who work and support the lives of young children.

     

    How has Poʻi Nā Nalu helped you through your academic journey at HonCC?

    Poʻi Nā Nalu has helped to support me tremendously in my academic journey. Poʻi Nā Nalu offered me so many valuable resources that have guided me through 4 wonderful semesters here at HonCC. They have supported me both mentally and financially since the very beginning. They offered me great advice when I needed someone to turn to and always pointed me in the right direction. They have paid for my textbooks, school supplies, PTK membership, NAYEC conferences and also for my internship this semester. Paying for my internship will help me pay for next semester and relieve a huge burden of financially putting myself through college. They have helped me so much and still continue to help me every day!

     

    Anything else you want to add?

    I will miss Poʻi Nā Nalu and all the amazing people who have helped me during my academic journey here at HonCC. I honestly can't thank you enough!

    Alumni Spotlight

    Kaʻehukai Goin

    Graduation: Spring 2018 - AA in Hawaiian Studies

     Tell us about yourself.

    Aloha mai kākou, I am Kaʻehukai Goin. I enrolled into Honolulu Community College back in the Fall of 2014 and originally joined Poʻi Nā Nalu as an Automotive Technology major. Due to certain circumstances, I made the decision to change my major to Hawaiian Studies. This decision was truly a blessing in disguise that has given me a second chance in life. I have recently graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with a BA in Hawaiian Studies: Mālama ʻĀina as well as a Marine Option Program Certificate. Through my education pathway I was blessed with the opportunity to mālama Lalo island in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. This was such an amazing opportunity that only a few have been able to experience. Encountering the wildlife was humbling because they are not accustomed to kānaka and were truly curious about our presence. This experience has helped to solidify in my naʻau what I need to do to kākoʻo lāhui. Currently, I moved to Hawaiʻi island pursuing a career in Environmental Management.

     

    How has Poʻi Nā Nalu helped to influence you 

    and get you to where you are now?

    All of this would not be possible without the help of Poʻi Nā Nalu. Even through all of my trials and tribulations, Poʻi Nā Nalu has supported me. I’ve received help with my books, free summer school courses, finding scholarships and grants, as well as tutoring from other kānaka students for my Math and Physics courses.

     

    What tips or words of advice do you have for current PNN students?

    For other kānaka students coming into Poʻi Nā Nalu, just know you will be welcomed with open arms. They are some of the best people on campus and are always there to support you, especially at your lowest times. Being a Hawaiian in today’s society is hard with everything that has been put up against us. Poʻi Nā Nalu gives us that chance to better educate and help our lāhui thrive. I wish all of the graduates and incoming Poʻi Nā Nalu students the best in life. You are very much needed by our lāhui and Poʻi Nā Nalu is here to help you grow into the best kānaka you can be. Aloha nō kākou!

    Fall 2021 Poʻi Nā Nalu Graduates

    David Akaka

    Rheyl Arakawa-Lee

    Ronee Colby

    Chad Haili

    Amber Lee

    Shadden Ogasawara-Tabelisma

    Follow Poʻi Nā Nalu on Instagram!

    @poinanalu_nhctep

    Find previous ʻAle Poʻi Newsletter issues on our website: https://www.honolulu.hawaii.edu/hawaiian/poinanalu

    Poʻi Nā Nalu is a Native Hawaiian Career and Technical Education Program funded through a Native Hawaiian Education Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

    Honolulu Community College, 874 Dillingham Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawai'i, ʻAmelika Hui Pū ʻIa
    808-844-2322

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