Latest news with #UniversityofHawaiʻi
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
44% shortfall in Hawaiʻi deepens crisis
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Every May, National Speech-Language-Hearing Month shines a spotlight on the importance of communication. At the University of Hawaiʻi's John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), faculty and students in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) are doing more than just raising awareness. They are actively reshaping access to speech, language and hearing care across the state. 'They're awesome:' How JABSOM helps Hawaii's keiki get ready for school 'We're the only graduate program in Hawaiʻi that's accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association,' said Pauline Mashima, PhD, Graduate Program Chair, JABSOM Communication Sciences and Disorders. 'Our mission is to prepare future speech-language pathologists, or SLPs, to transform and improve the quality of life for people of all ages with speech, language, hearing, cognitive communication, and swallowing disorders.' And that mission is urgent here in Hawaiʻi. 'Our program plays a vital role in addressing a severe workforce crisis in Hawaiʻi, with a reported 44% shortfall of speech-language pathologists to serve the needs of our local population,' Dr. Mashima said. 'This shortage is expected to increase because the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for SLPs in our state will rise 24% between 2020 and 2030.' 'There's a huge need for speech-language pathologists across all settings, especially in the Department of Education,' said Kayla Kawamura, MS, Clinical Instructor. 'The shortage is over 40% in our state, which is crazy, especially on the outer islands.' That shortage doesn't just affect children in schools. Adults recovering from strokes, those with Parkinson's disease and kūpuna with hearing loss all need care, too. The work being done at JABSOM's clinic is a testament to how our educational system is working to fill in the cavern that exists between those with speech pathologies and those without them. 'We're a hidden gem right here in Kakaʻako,' said Brittany Evans, MS, CCC-SLP, Clinical Instructor. 'A lot of places have possibly like a six-month waiting list to get speech services. And with it being such high demand, we're here and ready to serve and take patients today.' And their work to bring these services everyone in Hawaiʻi, regardless of income, social or economic status or cultural background. 'A lot of the private clinics on island have very long waitlists,' added Kawamura. 'But we want the community to know our clinic is fully up and running. And we do have openings, and we're ready to serve you.' For speech pathologist, passion is a major driving force that directs their goals and initiatives. They believe that regardless of you are, your voice is needed to be heard. 'Speech-language pathologists, ultimately, what we believe is that every voice matters,' Kawamura said. 'We're all about building better communication, which lends itself to better connection. And that's all we want for our patients, is for them to feel better connected to their family members, to have meaningful relationships.'Making these services as personalized as possible is what is making this program successful. 'We really value individualized treatment,' Evans said. 'So, every patient that walks through our door is an individual; and we really want to honor their goals and why they're here.' She went on to explain further. 'So, for example, if a patient wants to work on overcoming some memory concerns to be able to go back to work or if a child wants to be able to say specific sounds to say their family members' names, we really want to take your input into consideration and make each program tailored,' Evans explained. And helping their patients set their goals and achieve those goals is one of the most rewarding parts of work. 'It's something that should be done across everywhere,' she added. 'Each person has their own goals, and if you're focusing on things that they want to work on, there's more chance of them improving.' Age doesn't matter when it comes to speech pathologies. You can be a toddler; you can be an elder. There are so many reasons speech pathologies occur. 'So, some of the common kiddos that come through our clinic have autism. They might be late talkers. We have kids who stutter,' Kawamura said. 'We also work with children who might not have the physical capability to speak. So, our job as speech-language pathologists is to find some kind of modality for them to communicate,' Kawamura explained. 'Oftentimes it might be with a picture board… or it might be an iPad device… to be like a voice for them.' Reading is one of the most important skills we learn in our modern society. And understanding how to read is directly impacted by speech pathologies. 'We're so fortunate to have secured a grant for our early literacy preschool program for children between the ages of 3 to 5 years old,' Kawamura said. 'We're working on things like pre-literacy skills, like, letter recognition [of] letter sounds, while also working on their speech and language goals.' 'Only 30% of the kindergartners demonstrated the skills for kindergarten entry,' Kawamura added. 'So, our hope with the early literacy program is to bridge that gap and get as many kids as possible prepared for kindergarten.' 'Our students are dedicated to serving our community,' Dr. Mashima said. 'For example, they volunteer here to conduct hearing screenings for athletes at the Hawaiʻi Special Olympics and participate in outreach events such as the annual Parkinson's Association Walk.' 'And we're deeply grateful for our community partners,' Dr. Mashima said. She cited the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation's Rosetta Fish Speech Therapy Fund, the Honolulu Stoma Club, the Daniel K. Akaka Family Foundation and the Hawaiʻi Departments of Education and Health. 'And, so, I always loved working with people, children and adults,' said Remy Kubota, JABSOM CSD Student. 'The opportunity to really just help people gain their voice and learn how to speak for themselves is such an amazing thing.' 'I chose this path because I really wanted to be able to help all different people and change their lives,' said Ellissa Wood, JABSOM CSD Student. If you or a loved one is having trouble with speech, hearing, memory or communication, the JABSOM Speech and Hearing Clinic is open and accepting new patients. Located on the sixth floor of the Gold Bond Building in Kakaʻako, the clinic serves everyone from keiki to kūpuna. 'We're actively responding to this crisis. We have licensed, certified faculty SLPs who provide direct services to patients,' Dr. Mashima said. 'They model and mentor person-centered, evidence-based care at the highest standards to educate and train students for careers as SLPs and our PhD faculty.' 'Ultimately, what we believe is that every voice matters,' Kawamura said. You can click to learn more about JABSOM's Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 And every May, National Speech-Language-Hearing Month is a powerful reminder that communication is a right, not a privilege. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Xeric plants could help Hawaii wildfire season
HONOLULU (KHON2) — It's Wildfire Community Preparedness Month, and folks can do a lot to protect their community and land. University of Hawaiʻi develops new map to detect wildfire risk The Honolulu Board of Water Supply encourages Oʻahu residents to grow the xeric plants that are used in Leeward vegetative firebreaks. 'One important tip is to make sure that there are no low-hanging branches, or dry or dead plant material around the home. To start, it's easiest to remove dry and dead material out to 5 feet from the home. Once that's done, though, continue to move outward – to even the scale of the neighborhood to really minimize the chance of fire spreading,' Board of Water Supply Community Relations Specialist Michele Harman said. May is also Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month. They go hand-in-hand since invasive species, especially grasses, are responsible for increasing fire cycles in Hawaiʻi.'Many invasive grasses like fountain grass and guinea grass increase fire risk,' said Harman. 'BWS partners with organizations to help install green firebreaks – or kipuka, or islands of green plants that break up areas of fire-prone invasive grasses to decrease the intensity and spread of wildfire. These green firebreaks include culturally important plants that provide food, medicine, lei material, and native species habitat. Our partners, such as the Koʻolau and Waiʻanae Mountains Watershed Partnerships and Mohala i ka Wai have had great success growing xeric plants that hold space and stay green in invaded fire-prone ecosystems. A WMWP roadside firebreak helped stop a Waiʻanae fire from spreading in 2018. Since 2018, WMWP with their community volunteers have expanded their firebreaks, and the firebreaks are doing really well, despite overall low rainfall.' Harman added that the plants used in green firebreaks would make great choices for people to grow around their homes. 'There are a lot of great options. Trees include wiliwili, hala, kou, ulu, bele, edible hibiscus or spinach, soursop, and citrus. Some of the trees can get quite big, so homeowners need to make sure they have the space for the trees above and below ground. Smaller plants include aweoweo, aalii, naupaka kahakai, ulei, and iliee. We don't have flammability numbers for most plants, but these firebreak plants tend to stay green with little care. Research has shown that the native shrub, aweoweo, has high water content, low flammability, and is resistant to fountain grass invasion. In Hawaiian thinking, the plant is pili with, or connected to, the aweoweo fish because it can have red on the stem and a fishy smell. Ladybugs seem to love the aweoweo that we've had at the xeriscape garden. All of these tough plants won't need much water once established, but they generally do need well-draining soil and a lot of sun.' There are plenty of opportunities to learn more. Check out more news from around Hawaii 'I always recommend participating in volunteer days with mālama aina organizations – organizations that are growing plants in habitats similar to where people want to plant. There are a lot of great websites, too. Plant Pono, the Pacific Fire Exchange, and the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization are a few helpful sources. BWS has a beginner native plant guide as well.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Hawai‘i students learn life-changing lessons from the dead
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) at the University of Hawaiʻi trains future doctors using one of the most powerful tools in medical education: the human body. But these aren't just learning tools. They are silent teachers, people who chose to donate their bodies to science so that others could live better, longer lives. DOH: Hawaii sees 'worrying' increase in whooping cough Every year, students, faculty and family members gather to honor these donors at the school's Willed Body Ceremony. It a service that's an act of love, recognition and gratitude. For relatives like Jed Davis, whose aunt and grandfather were both donors, the experience was personal and moving. 'You could tell a lot of care and love went into the planning and the production,' Davis said. 'It was so nice to celebrate not only the silent teachers, but the families of them who are here to celebrate them as well.' Here are the top things to know about this unique program and the powerful way it shapes both medicine and memory. From their first year, JABSOM students rely on donated bodies to understand human anatomy. It's a hands-on, immersive experience that helps them learn how organs function, how tissues are layered and what real bodies look like. It's an integral experience that provides so much more than textbook diagrams ever can. The experience is humbling. Students often describe their silent teachers as their first patients. They learn not only about the body, but about respect, responsibility and human connection. JABSOM's Willed Body Program is built on trust. That means every donor is honored, and every family is supported. Bodies are handled with professionalism and great care. 'To know that they were honored with that choice and cared for by the students that were involved and the staff, it means the world to all of us as the family members,' Davis said. 'The fact that they were cared for means everything to us.' From the time a body is received to the final memorial ceremony, dignity is at the center of every in two parts — one at the school and the other at Magic Island — the Willed Body Ceremony is open to the public and especially meaningful to families. It includes student reflections, hula and a paddle-out where ashes are scattered in the ocean. Davis described the day as 'fitting' and full of meaning. 'You could see how much it meant to the students and staff,' he said. It's also a rare opportunity. Most medical schools do not hold this kind of event, which allows families to meet the very students who benefited from their loved one's final gift. In July 2023, the program had to temporarily stop accepting new donations because so many people had chosen to give. That pause has now ended, and both new enrollments and body donations are once again being accepted. Applications are reviewed in the order they're received. The university has asked for patience as the program handles a high volume of inquiries. For many families, enrolling a loved one in the Willed Body Program is a way to give back to the community. Medical students become doctors who go on to treat thousands of people over their careers. A single donation can affect countless lives. 'If you make this choice, there's no better program to honor that choice,' Davis said. 'Take full advantage of wanting to give back to the community. There really couldn't be anything better.' The gift is not forgotten. It's remembered in every diagnosis made, every surgery done and every patient cared for by a JABSOM-trained doctor. Honolulu EMS honors newly promoted personnel The team behind the program includes doctors, researchers and administrative staff who work to make sure every donor is honored properly. Students often say the experience of working with a silent teacher stays with them their whole lives. JABSOM's mission is about education; and through this, it's reaching maikaʻi loa (lasting optimal health) for all. And that mission begins here, with the people who made the selfless choice to help others, even after death. Some people might wonder if their body will really make a difference. At JABSOM, the answer is always yes. Every donor, no matter their age or condition, contributes to the future of medicine. Whether they help a student learn how to treat cancer, perform surgery or understand the nervous system, each body plays a unique role. For Davis and many others, knowing that their loved ones were respected, even cherished, made the difficult decision a healing one. 'To see them treated that way,' Davis said, 'and to know they made a difference, it gives us peace.' To find out how to register for the Willed Body Program or ask questions about the process, click . The program staff are available to answer questions, help with paperwork and guide you through the steps. You'll also find contact information, frequently asked questions and more details about how the donations are used. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 The Willed Body Program is more than an academic tool. It's a bridge between generations. It's also a reminder that teaching and learning don't end with life. They continue, quietly, through those who give everything they have to help others grow. As Davis put it, 'It means everything to us.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Upturn
16-05-2025
- Business Upturn
Roger Williams University Class of 2025 Urged to Embrace Discomfort, Pursue their Dreams and Careers with Purpose
BRISTOL, R.I., May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Before Cole Brauer became the first American woman to sail solo nonstop around the world, she was a struggling high school student searching for direction. She found it, unexpectedly and powerfully, in college. 'I became empowered in learning for the first time in my entire life,' Brauer told the Roger Williams University Class of 2025 during her Commencement keynote address on May 16. 'Yet the problem with empowering a student to learn? I craved so, so much more.' That hunger for growth took her far from home to a college in Hawaii, where she took a leap of faith that would change her life. Reflecting on the pivotal moment that launched her sailing career, Brauer recalled the discomfort of stepping into unfamiliar territory after emailing the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa sailing team she had no connection to, asking to join. 'I could have stayed home. I could have not written that email,' Brauer said. 'These tiny little uncomfortable moments in college happened to be the start of a now 11-year career that has pushed me into some amazing moments, meeting some amazing humans, and seeing the world in a way that less than 200 people on this planet have ever experienced.' In 2023, Brauer made history in the Global Solo Challenge, finishing second overall in the grueling 30,000-mile race and becoming only the eighth woman to complete it. At just 29 years old, she cracked a rib, administered her own IV to treat extreme dehydration, rounded the world's three Great Capes, an achievement that catapulted her to international recognition and inspired thousands of followers with her courage, skill, and determination. From the deck of her racing boat to the stage at RWU, Brauer brought the audience on a journey across oceans and into the raw realities of chasing a dream. She spoke candidly about setbacks and uncertainty, about carving space for herself in a male-dominated field, and about the value of embracing discomfort. 'When you leave Roger Williams University and enter the world today – whether you have your first big job coming up or maybe you're moving back in with your parents like I did – things are about to change drastically,' she said. 'A restart. Restarts are good. They take us from our comfortable, familiar womb that we have created and challenge us to learn something new.' She urged graduates to stay open, present, and driven by what they believe in. 'Whatever industry you walk, you will find that you have to cut your teeth in the beginning and maybe even the middle to get respect and earn your keep at the end. And it will be hard,' Brauer said. 'But fighting for something you believe in gives us purpose to wake up every day.' RWU's Commencement ceremony celebrated its 1,269 graduates across undergraduate, graduate, and law programs, conferring 875 bachelor's degrees, 161 master's degrees, 165 law degrees, 72 associate degrees, and 14 certificates. Of the Class of 2025 undergraduates, 54 percent graduated with a double major or a minor added to their major, embodying the powerful combinations students make at RWU across academic degrees and credentials, internship, practicum and clinical experiences, and student leadership and involvement opportunities. In his remarks, RWU President Ioannis N. Miaoulis urged graduates to chart a path fueled by conviction and to let their college experience inspire bold, forward-looking action. 'In a world that is constantly changing, a Roger Williams University education has prepared you with a real-world education,' Miaoulis said. 'Find a life passion and stick with it – one that will continuously define your purpose, fuel you with endless energy, and make a difference in the world.' He encouraged graduates to embrace the complexity of the world by working across disciplines and perspectives, reminding them that lasting solutions are rarely found in isolation. 'Drawing from your interdisciplinary education, continue to seek collaboration with others to bring together a wide range of ideas, knowledge, and experiences to discover innovative solutions that one perspective alone cannot do as effectively,' he said. 'Now is your time to go forth with confidence and resolve and make your mark on the world.' Undergraduate student speaker Jules Gerstner '25 encouraged the Class of 2025 to approach life with curiosity, resilience, and collaboration, drawing parallels between scientific experimentation and the college experience as she reflected on her journey as both a scientist and an artist. 'Today we leave the university with a degree, but more than that, we leave with the knowledge, connections, and confidence we have gained through the process,' said Gerstner, a Chemistry and Biology double major and Visual Artsminor from Carlisle, Penn., who will pursue her Ph.D. in chemical biology at Yale University this fall. 'The end of an experiment is not the end of the line. Whether we continue our education, join the workforce, or take time to explore new passions, we are now prepared to tackle new questions with the skills that we have just gained.' As the graduate student speaker, Harrison Latimer '24, M'25 delivered a message of gratitude, self-discovery, and humor, drawing inspiration from three unlikely yet fitting role models: Kobe Bryant, Iron Man, and Jerry Seinfeld. From attending basketball camp on campus as a second grader to earning both his bachelor's and MBA through RWU's 4+1 MBA program, Latimer reflected on a journey of growth, both on the court and in the classroom. 'I love that this school made me a better person, even if you only saw me as a basketball player. I love that I was chosen to speak to you today, even though there are plenty of students here with higher GPAs and better résumés,' said Latimer of Providence, R.I. 'And most importantly, I love the way that Roger Williams gave me a home, even though it's time to say goodbye.' Encouraging his fellow graduates to embrace risk and pursue what they care about, Latimer reminded them that the path forward may not be linear, but it should be meaningful, and challenged them to chase what they love, no matter how unconventional. 'Be proud of your effort. Be proud of what you care about,' he said. 'Because at 50, if you wake up and realize you procrastinated your whole life – that you waited too long to chase what you love – that kind of regret will hit harder than any late assignment ever could.' RWU Board of Trustees Chair Heather Boujoulian, a 1997 graduate of the School of Engineering, Computing and Construction Management and Managing Director and Head of Development at Berkshire Residential Investments, expressed her deep confidence in graduates' ability to thrive as they take the next step in their careers. 'Now is the time to dive deeper – into knowledge, into the questions, into the ideas that light the fire inside you and shape the world. Now is the time to soar higher – lifting your sight beyond what is easy or expected, daring to imagine what has never been seen before,' said Boujoulian. 'Embrace any uncertainty for the unknown, but above all, feel a strong readiness for what the future may hold.' In her remarks, Boujoulian celebrated a wide range of accomplishments that exemplify RWU's distinctive blend of academic excellence and hands-on learning. From inspiring young learners through STEM outreach to shaping coastal policy with environmental research, she emphasized how these real-world projects and classroom experiences have molded a generation of thoughtful leaders, innovative problem-solvers, and community builders. 'As you leave here today with your degrees, remember that you carry the Roger Williams name with you and the values that anchor our institution,' Boujoulian said, 'You will tell your story with the knowledge, compassion, and courage you've gained at Roger Williams University to lead movements, spark innovation, heal communities, and lift humanity higher.' Welcoming the new graduates to the RWU Alumni Association, Walter Ramos '83 reflected on the unexpected twists and defining moments that shaped his path from a Hawk to President and CEO of Rogerson Communities. Sharing his personal story of loss, perseverance, support, and mentorship, Ramos credited Roger Williams with helping him find clarity and direction during a time of family challenges. 'Roger Williams University was there for me at a time when I could not see and find that path for myself,' he said. Ramos encouraged graduates to embrace their own journeys with resilience, to ask for help when needed, and to offer that same support to future generations of RWU students. 'The road to your purpose in life will always come with unexpected turns and challenges. Never give up,' he said. 'And when you've reached that pinnacle in your career and your life, remember to help others so that they can get there too.' At the School of Law ceremony, retired South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Clifton Newman, whose distinguished judicial career was shaped by a commitment to justice and a personal journey that began in segregated South Carolina, delivered the law school Commencement address. Newman reminded graduates that the rule of law is only as strong as those who defend it and urged them to pursue their legal careers with courage and conviction. 'Though times may be uncertain, the need for people like you is clear. Advocates, critical thinkers, and people who believe in the rule of law have always made a difference,' Newman said. 'No matter what path you choose after today, the world will be a better place because of you and what you have to offer society. When you are guided by principle, your work matters, and your living will not be in vain.' Law student speaker Ashley Kaplan L'25, of Sutton, Mass., brought humor, heart, and a healthy dose of legal wit to the podium as she reflected on the challenges and triumphs of law school and reminded her classmates to take a moment to appreciate how far they've come. 'I hope my fellow graduates take the time to celebrate this accomplishment,' she said. 'It was your strength, determination, and precision that led to today's success. Success is not finite, and this degree is only the beginning.' During the university ceremony, RWU celebrated leaders across diverse fields, from offshore sailing and entrepreneurship to public safety and the judiciary. Honorary degrees were presented to Brauer, who served as the keynote speaker; Joseph Brito, Jr., a dedicated entrepreneur and community leader, and a trustee emeritus of the Roger Williams University Board of Trustees; Kevin Lynch, Chief of the Bristol Police Department, whose decades of service have advanced community-centered policing and an RWU graduate holding a Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Master of Justice Studies; and the Honorable Clifton Newman, a distinguished Circuit Court judge whose unwavering commitment to justice and integrity has earned national recognition. On behalf of the Faculty Senate, the university also presented awards to faculty members in recognition for outstanding and innovative teaching. The Excellence in Teaching Award was given to Li-Ling Yang, Professor of Science Education in the Feinstein School of Humanities, Arts, and Education. The School of Law Faculty of the Year Award was presented to Professor of Law Susan Heyman. For the first time in its history, Roger Williams University conferred posthumous degrees to honor students who passed away before completing their studies. This year, RWU recognized Paul Arris, an Architecture major who died in 1990 with one semester remaining, and Nathaniel Trinidad, a third-year law student who died in 2024 while studying abroad. The Roger Williams University spirit is truly embodied in both Paul and Nate through their character, talent, and dedication to community. PHOTOS & VIDEO: Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How to make your lei with aloha and mana: Kumu Lum
HONOLULU (KHON2) — As the islands get ready for May 1, also known as May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi, there's one tradition that brings everyone together: making and wearing lei. Whether you're a beginner or someone who has made lei before, learning from people who live aloha every day can make a big difference. Kumu Brad Lum and his assistant Joylynn recently shared their knowledge with about two types of lei — a puako (flower) lei and a ti leaf lei — while weaving in deep respect for the ʻāina, plants and kūpuna (ancestors). 'This is about more than just making something beautiful,' said Kumu Brad Lum. 'This is about connection, about giving and about honoring.' This is what we learned from Kumu Lum and Joylynn. Joylynn shared two different styles: the lei pua kou (a flower lei using the kui, or stringing method), and the lei lāʻī (a twisted ti leaf lei). 'For the flower lei, I'm using pua kou,' said Joylynn. 'They're this really vibrant orange, and I love them not just for their color but because they're indigenous to Hawaiʻi.' Pua kou flowers grow freely and are easy to gather without harming the tree. 'The tree showers us with the flowers. So, if you go early in the morning, you can pick them straight off the ground,' she said. 'That's how giving the tree is.' To make a full-sized lei, Joylynn recommends collecting around 70 to 80 pua. 'You want the lei to be full, to drape nicely,' she explained. 'It depends on the size of the flowers and how tightly you string them, but that's a good number to start with.'Stringing the flowers may look easy, but one smart tip makes it smoother. 'I like to put a clothespin at the end of my string just so I can push the pua as far as possible, and they won't fall off the other side,' said Joylynn. When you're done, the knot you tie at the end turns the lei into a circle because it's a symbol of aloha with no beginning or end. 'The lei needle has an open eye,' Joylynn explained. 'It lets you wrap the string and pull it through without struggling. You can also stack more flowers on it before pulling them through.' Instead of plastic thread, she uses biodegradable dental floss. 'It's all natural; so, when the lei goes back to the ʻāina [the land] it won't leave anything behind,' she said. 'You can hang it on a tree, bury it or even give it to the ocean.' 'The lei lāʻī is really simple,' said Joylynn. 'But you still have to treat it with respect.' To start, soften the ti leaves by boiling them, freezing them or ironing them. Then, cut off the hard edges and begin twisting. 'Because I'm right-handed, I twist the right side away from me, as tight as I can,' she said. 'Then I go right over left. Always right over left.' You can add more leaves along the way by laying them shiny-side up on the right side, then continuing to twist and fold them in. 'It can be a lei for your neck, your wrist, or your bag strap,' she said. 'It's up to you.' Ti leaves are often waved at University of Hawaiʻi volleyball games. But what happens after that? 'If you're going to wave them to support our Rainbow Warriors, that's great,' Joylynn said. 'But don't throw them away afterward.' Kumu Lum agreed: 'This is our ʻohana. This is from the ʻāina. It's not ʻopala — it's not trash.' In fact, Joylynn gathers the ti leaves from the stadium floor after games and uses them to make lei. 'This isn't just a thing you make,' said Kumu Lum. 'You wear a lei to give aloha. You give a lei to show love. You return it to the ʻāina to show respect.' Even as Joylynn worked with her hands, twisting ti leaves and threading flowers, she spoke softly but firmly: 'Everything around us, everything we touch, it's alive. It has mana [power].' And sometimes, lei making gets sticky. Literally. 'The sap from the ti leaf is sticky, not greasy,' Joylynn said with a laugh as she held up her fingers. 'I use a little spray bottle to clean my hands, so I don't rip the leaves. It's all about taking care of the plants, of yourself and of the lei.' Making a lei is about using your hands. But it's also about using your heart and your mind to imbue your creation with aloha. 'When you make a lei, your thoughts go into it,' Joylynn said. 'So, you want to focus on positive thoughts. You're giving this lei to someone, and you want to pass that positivity on.' Whether you're thinking about the person you're gifting it to or simply feeling grateful for the day, what you feel becomes part of the lei itself. That's why intention matters. 'You don't want to give someone your stress, your anxiety or your negative feelings,' said Joylynn. 'You want to give them your aloha.' Kumu Lum added, 'That's why making a lei is ceremony. You slow down. You breathe. You connect.' So, before the first flower goes on the string, and long after the last leaf is twisted, remember: what you carry in your thoughts is just as important as what you hold in your hands. Making a lei isn't just a craft. It's a way to honor life, people and place. As May Day approaches, remember what Kumu Lum said: 'Honor our lei. Wear lei. Give a lei. And aloha. Always.' Kumu Brad Lum So, whether you're twisting ti leaves under a tree, or stringing flowers from your front yard, you're doing more than just making something pretty. You're practicing aloha. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 Want help making your first lei this May Day? Kumu Lum and Joylynn say: just start. 'It's okay if it's not perfect,' said Joylynn. 'You're learning. That's the lei, too.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
