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Bulletin No. 28

Date/Time sent: 11/23/2020 8:00 am

E ala! E alu! E kuilima!
Awaken! Come together! Join hands!

There are three parts to the Chancellor’s message this week (1) Hauʻoli Lonoikamakahiki from Dr. Manulani Meyer, (2) COVID-19 reminder, and (3) Link to the work of UHWO Task Force—stay informed.

Hauʻoli Lonoikamakahiki! From Dr. Manulani Meyer, Kūlana of Kapolei

The Makahiki Season has arrived! It is a time to witness Lono in clouds, rains, and our own peace-seeking disposition. It’s a time to thank those around us for their willingness to work with us, grow with us, and to find joy in our shared solutions.  It is also a time for radical excellence in games, challenges, and all forms of competition so we can see who rises to excellence and will be remembered in chant, song and dreams. The Makahiki is Hawaiʻi’s New Year and it happens when nā huihui o makaliʻi (Pleiades) rises in the East at sunset.  The Makahiki Season honors three ideals: Peace, Gratitude and Excellence.

For this Makahiki Season, Indrajit Gunasekara of our UHWO Financial Aid Department made a lele at Palehua we have called “Lele-o-ka-lā”.

He was assisted by our Aloha ʻĀina Student Service Club President, Jesse Kealiinohomoku. It serves as a place of intentionality, focus and gratitude.

This Makahiki season is also a time to gather iwi kukui to dress a lele.

Time to learn how to make ono tea with uhaloa, mamaki and olena growing in our own ʻāina. Time to learn how to catch water to conserve and use for growing plants. Time to kanu wiliwili, kukui, ukiuki, lama, hala, and our dreams.  Time to zoom across the planet to share ideas of continuity, aloha ʻāina, and ʻauamo kuleana as synonyms for our interconnected universe. Time to pray and sit quietly before sunrise.

COVID-19 Reminders

Many of us are tired, stressed and overwhelmed by the ongoing pandemic. But we cannot let our guard down. The virus continues to spread, and we need to take the actions we know will stop or slow it down. Recent announcements related to vaccines are encouraging and I believe they represent a light at the end of the tunnel. Remembering to be vigilant now can help keep everyone safe and well until the vaccines are available. Please remember the Pueo Promise:

I Will:

  • Stay home if my temperature is higher than 100.4 or if I have been in close contact with a suspected or confirmed case.

  • Submit the UHWO Health APP/Web-Survey prior to coming to campus.

  • Wear a face covering, maintain safe physical distance, and practice good handwashing hygiene when on campus or doing university business.

  • Remain informed about health and safety guidelines and take steps to protect our campus staff, faculty, students, and guests.

  • Be kind, compassionate, and caring for the well-being of our campus community.

Remember: If you have texted positive, are symptomatic, or have had contact with a positive case, contact the Campus COVID-19 Hotline at (808) 689-2525 or email covidwo@hawaii.edu. Visit: westoahu.hawaii.edu/covid-19

Practice vigilance this holiday season. State officials are reminding residents that traditional Thanksgiving gatherings this year can increase the chances of spreading COVID-19 even as the numbers appear to be on a downward trend in Hawaiʻi. Health officials recommend that families celebrate with their own households at home or with others virtually during Thanksgiving this week, saying traditional holiday festivities hosting friends and families from multiple households are among the “highest-risk.

UHWO Task Force

A reminder that the Task Force Recommendations for FY 2021 was received by campus leadership. This report can be found here. You will also find Task Force Meeting Notes and other relevant documents. The Pueo Planning Process page is your link to the efforts of your campus leadership and task force representatives.