Department News - Fall 2004

Native Hawaiian Influence in the Honolulu Mayoral Race

Last week, The Honolulu Advertiser carried an article on this theme by Dr Guy Kaulukukui. Dr Kaulukukui points out the encouraging poll results in this past election, which showed a 130% increase between the primary and final elections in three majority-Hawaiian districts, as well as an over 90% increase in several others. Dr Kaulukukui will be teaching the Economics 496 course next term titled "Economic Models for a Sovereign Hawaiian Nation" (syllabus). A much more detailed version of this article can be found at http://www.kaulukukui2004.org/, along with more information about this educator and activist.

Commitment to Excellence Program: Survey

In the spirit of continual improvement, the College is seeking ways to enhance its governance system, administrative operations, academic programs, research infrastructure, and community outreach. Your ideas for change in these areas will be of great value in defining the future of the College. The survey, where you are invited to express your ideas, will take about 10-15 minutes and your responses will be anonymous. We greatly appreciate your contribution to the future of the college! You may fill out the survey, or volunteer to help in the improvement process, here. Thank you!

UH Manoa Hit by Flash Floods

On October 30th and 31st, UH Manoa's campus was hit by flash flooding that caused extensive damage and closed classes for three days. Hamilton Library was hit especially hard, its government documents, maps, and closed circulation collections almost entirely destroyed. Official information about the flood, as well as information about how you can help, can be found here, from the University system's main page. A slideshow showing the damage and preservation efforts at Hamilton is available here, courtesy of Kapiolani Community College Library.

If at all possible, please consider volunteering your time to help in the clean-up efforts. There is still much to do, and much that can be saved! If interested, please call 956-7486 to find out where you are needed most. Mahalo, and good luck to our librarians and preservationists.

Hawaii's High Schools and Economics

Local community and business leaders weighed in last week on the results of a test given to high school seniors that evaluated their knowledge of basic micro- and macroeconomic concepts. Our Department Chair, Denise Konan, also gave her opinion on the results and what they mean for educators. Check out the full article, run in The Honolulu Star-Bulletin, here!

The department is saddened by the news that Wytze Gorter, a former chancellor and economics professor of UHManoa, passed away on September 14. The family held private services, but welcomes memorial contributions to the Wytze and Barbara Gorter Scholarship Fund at the University of Hawaii Foundation, which will support scholarships for economics students at UH. More information is available in The Star Bulletin.

Report on UH's Island-wide Economic Effect

The report, to which UHM Professor James Mak contributed, found that the university accounts for nearly 3.1 percent of the state's economy: a strong influence "despite daunting fiscal challenges." For every dollar of state money spent on the university, $3.09 is generated as expenditures. Acting UH President David McClain presented these findings to the Hawaii Society of Corporate Planners on September 23 to help stress the importance of continued and increasing state support for the university. Read more in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.

Congratulations to Ambassador Lauren Moriarity!

In March, Lauren Moriarity was appointed to the position of United States ambassador to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). During her undergraduate enrollment at the University of Hawai'i, Lauren majored in Economics. She later served as the Diplomat-in-Residence at the East-West Center. Congratulations, Lauren!

UH Econ Alums Participate in the First East-West Center Conference Hosted by Japan

Responding to the theme of this year's conference, "New Challenges for Building an Asia-Pacific Community," Prakarn Arphasil, Yutaka Harada, and Shoji Nishimoto, along with former department chair Sumner La Croix, participated in a panel presentation on "Japan's Lost Decades: Recession and its Impact on the Region" on August 2, 2004. The event, hosted for the first time by Japan, took place at Nihon University, Tokyo.

Rave Reviews for Matthew Pennaz in "Jesus Christ Superstar!"

Master's candidate Matthew Pennaz is "central to the success" of the Diamond Head Theatre's production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," according to an article in The Honolulu Advertiser. An interview with Matthew about the role can be found here. Break a leg, Matthew!

Announcing the Appointment of
Denise Konan as Chair of the Department and
Byron Gangnes as Chair of the Graduate Division

We wish them the best of luck in their new roles!

Interview with Professor Emeritus Seiji Naya

In this article from the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Professor Naya describes the highlights of his career and how he continues to contribute his expertise to the world community in his retirement.