Welcome to the Family!

Aloha Hawaiian Club 'Ohana,

Congratulations on a successful WorldFest turn-out! 328 paid members is unheard of in BYUHSA Club history! In this regard, we say "mahalo a nui loa"--thank you very much for your unwavering support and aloha. I have an incredible Presidency who represents the rich diversity of this campus and who shares in our vision of uniting our hearts and minds in the spirit of aloha. Whether you're from Maui or Mississippi, Utah or Japan, what you will feel as you immerse yourself in our Club is that we're more than just a Club, we're an 'Ohana. We are family.

As your President, I want you to know that I am first and foremost here to serve you. I will work hard for you and for our 'Ohana, along with my officers and our Advisor, Dr. Isaiah Walker. We are invested in your happiness, and we are dedicated to the cause. You can count on us to make sure we do our part.

I wish to share with you a Hawaiian value called "kuleana." Kuleana means "responsibility, privilege, obligation, duty." Hawaiians would say, No'u iho ke kuleana, meaning the responsibility is mine. Now that you are a part of our 'Ohana, each of us has a kuleana, or responsibility, to help out whenever, wherever, and however needed, to support each other, and to keep our Club going strong. To operate a Club of this magnitude takes many helping hands and hearts. Because all the work we do is volunteer, we will need your help. You will have kuleana, as in any family, and when that kuleana is given, nothing but your best effort should be exerted. Therefore, when we send out an email asking for your help, please remember "kuleana." Please give of your time and talents so that we can all benefit from each other's gifts. Together, we can make this semester the best yet!

We are currently in the process of organizing over 20 activities for your enjoyment! Check your email daily for announcements about our Gospel Forum, Opening Social, and Cultural (hula) Workshops which are coming up next week already! Also, I'm calling on each of you to gear up for SongFest in November. Practices will start in October, but I expect all of us to be a part of SongFest and to represent our Hawaiian Club with pride.

It's an exciting and humbling time to be a part of our Hawaiian Club 'Ohana. Remember the words of Alma as we consider "kuleana" in our Club: "And it came to pass that he said unto them . . . and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in . . ." (Mosiah 18:8-9, 11). I echo these words from our VP, Jayson Meha, who is the spiritual backbone of our Club.

Again, welcome to the family! We're glad you're a part of our 'Ohana this semester.

Me ka 'oia'i'o (sincerely),

BYUH Hawaiian Club Presidency - Fall 2008

Advisor: Dr. Isaiah Walker
President & Cultural Specialist: D. Kale Kau'i
VP & Events Coordinator: Jayson Meha
Secretary: Puanani Maneha
Treasurer: Emiri Tsuji
Activities Co-Chairs: Jared Medeiros & Augusto "Bango" Gancinia
Communications Co-Chairs: Ian Nitta & Jacob Auna
SAA/SAC Representative: Sam Patterson