Ke Kalahea, UH Hilo’s student-run newspaper: A voice for campus and community
With an editor and staff that look for the best and most necessary stories that need to be covered, the student-run Ke Kalahea serves as a guiding light on diverse perspectives and concerns.
By Laela Collier/UH Hilo Stories.
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is rich in island culture, a diverse student body, and a strong sense of community. At the heart of the campus is the UH Hilo student-run newspaper, Ke Kalahea, a fundamental platform that gives students a voice while connecting them to issues on the island and around the world.
A platform for student expression
Not only is Ke Kalahea a source for campus news, it’s a significant platform for student expression. As students navigate the ups and downs of college life, the newspaper serves as a guiding light that puts a spotlight on diverse perspectives and concerns.
“We try to capture student body voice to the best of our ability,” says Alesi Meyers-Tuimavave, editor-in-chief of the newspaper. Meyers-Tuimavave is a junior majoring in English while also earning certificates in teaching English as a second language and Pacific Islands studies. “As far as student voice goes, since we are all students working on the newspaper we do a good job of having different perspectives.”
The diversity of thought stems from everyone’s different backgrounds, with each member contributing their own knowledge of a topic from their own specific discipline. Whether majoring in geology, English, or communication, the newspaper contributors bring their exclusive experience and knowledge into their respective reporting, ensuring that a wide variety of student interests are represented.
“Most of us are different majors,” says Meyers-Tuimavave. “I feel that since we are all students, we’re able to use our own perspective in terms of what we think will be interesting and then unbiasedly write about whatever it is that we pick for our articles. For example, we cover different groups on campus. I do Pacific perspective every month so I interview different Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students and tell their stories.”
The commitment to impartiality is the trademark of the newspaper’s approach to journalism, with a strong focus on maintaining neutrality even when covering controversial or sensitive topics.
To ensure student and faculty voices are heard, the paper places value on interviews.
“We do run a lot of interviews with students so that we can actually capture their voice,” Meyers-Tuimavave emphasizes. “We make it a point to not have biased questions. We try to generalize it so that whatever they want to talk about in terms of that article they can get [their ideas] out there.”
Covering campus
This approach not only gives students a platform to share their opinions and concerns, but also fosters a deep sense of connection within the university community. Whether it’s a story on a student-led initiative, a report on a university policy, or an exploration of current events, the newspaper reflects the authentic concerns and aspirations of the UH Hilo student body.
“We try to stay within the realm of what’s going on around campus,” Meyers-Tuimavave explains. “Because of the mayoral election and presidential election for the UH Hilo System, a lot of the September edition is very political and based on the Constitution and the events that were surrounding the Constitution Day.”
Ultimately, the student-run newspaper is undeniable proof to the power of young voices. It’s a podium where students can express themselves freely, offering their perspectives on both local and global issues while honing their journalistic skills. In doing so, it creates an environment where diverse ideas are not only heard but valued, fostering a deeper sense of community and engagement on campus.
Planning for the future
When asked what she wants UH Hilo students to know about the future of Ke Kalahea, Meyers-Tuimavave says she personally believes the newspaper staff will keep progressing in terms of being able to capture the student body.
“There are a lot of things that we are doing this semester to kind of prepare for whoever comes after us to ensure that we are making the right protocol when doing interview questions,” she says. “[And] just making sure we look for the best and most necessary stories that need to be covered.”
Story by Laela Collier, a double major in psychology, and kinesiology and exercise science.
