In the not-so-distant past, domestic violence or intimate partner violence was not openly discussed in the community or workplace. That a loved one would harm their intimate partner in a coercive, deliberate and violent manner was a difficult truth that many would prefer to minimize or deny. Spousal and intimate “disputes” were considered private matters, and even trained professionals experienced many challenges in developing safe interventions for victims who were trapped by abusive partners.
We now understand the prevalence of domestic violence globally and, sadly, here in Hawaiʻi. We now know that while domestic violence can affect anyone, there are certain populations that are even more vulnerable including indigenous populations, gender minorities, and the disabled particularly when these identities intersect.
Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to experience
Hua Maka, the new weekly video series by University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo students designed to give viewers an immersive approach to learning ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, or the Hawaiian language, using common Hawaiian words and place names found in Hilo and Hawaiʻi Island. Quick, digestible lessons in Hawaiian language are being offered through the Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani, College of Hawaiian Language (
KHʻ
In celebration of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Month (Hawaiian Language Month),
UH Hilo’s social media platforms (@uhhilo on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube). Plans are also underway to broadcast the audio portion on University Radio Hilo,
Aloha,
University of Hawaiʻi employees are eligible for up to two hours of administrative leave (per dose) to take the COVID-19 vaccine during normal work hours, as operations permit. This leave allowance follows
Gov. David Ige’s direction for state employees announced February 8, 2021.
Employees must work with their supervisor and obtain approval before taking time off to be vaccinated, in accordance with
UH President
David Lassner‘s February 9 memorandum regarding the administrative leave for vaccines.
The online leave system is currently being updated to accommodate requests for “Administrative Leave – Vaccine”; however, it is not available at this time. Until then, supervisors should keep track of any approvals granted along with the date and time the leave was taken so that they may be accurately recorded in the online leave system when it becomes available.
The pandemic, even with all of its devastating effects, has brought out the best in some organizations and its employees.
Pivoting has become the watch word throughout the pandemic. We have seen a number of organizations successfully adapt to new constraints. Organizations that are flexible and innovative have welcomed change instead of wallowing in despair. Many of these entities have rapidly evolved into better, more efficient organizations.
There is another quality inherent in these organizations that is often taken for granted: a commitment to collaboration and joint decision-making. Teamwork and consensus-building, based on a mutual respect of each other’s input are critical to successful change, especially in the face of the pandemic’s challenges.
Heather Leilani Kekahuna at Halemaʻumaʻu crater
An anthropology student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, who came to Hawaiʻi from California to learn more about her Kānaka Maoli heritage, has developed a passion for history and preserving culture.
Heather Leilani Kekahuna grew up in Orange County, far away from her Hawaiian roots.
“My grandfather is originally from Olowalu, Maui, but grew up in Papakōlea on Oʻahu,” she said. “When he joined the military, my grandparents moved to the continent. It was there that my father met my mother…I wasn’t raised much around the Hawaiian culture.”