Masthead
Lichen Forster
Lichen started a school newspaper at their high school after their climate anxiety became so constricting something had to be done. Right now, they’re pursuing a B.S. in geology, with plans to become a science journalist. They hope Ke Kalahea makes you cry, laugh, and most of all: think.
Editor-in-Chief
Alannah Shinde
Being born and raised in Hilo, Alannah is deeply concerned about local events and how global affairs affects our community. She is currently majoring in Computer science with a minor in astronomy in hopes to pursue a career that combines both of her passions. In her free time she loves to nap and bake!
Associate Editor
Koa Kim
Koa is the Layout Editor, this means that if you hate the look of Ke Kalahea, you can walk up to him on campus and belittle him publicly. It’s his fault. It also means that he has the power to do things like tilt what you are reading by one (1) degree. Yeah, unsee that. Like the look of this page? He ripped it off from the poster for the movie Cheaper by the Dozen.
Layout Editor
Courtney Waldfogel
Courtney is currently a senior in Biology at UH Hilo. She hopes to go to graduate school where she’ll then become a Clinical researcher. She enjoys going to the beach and reading or hanging out with friends on her free time.
Photo Editor
U'i Barongan
U’i (she/her) is a biology major at UH Hilo currently studying abroad in Sweden. Her passion for giving back to the community inspired her to pursue physical therapy and teaching. In the past, she has hosted a radio show for URH and served as the College of Arts and Science senator for UHHSA. When she is not writing for Ke Kalahea or juggling her life as a student, she can often be found doing art, writing a book, or playing music all over the island.
Staff Writer
Alexi Jimeno
Alexi (she/her) is currently in her second year as an English major. Her future plans consist of sharing her creativity and imagination with those around her, however that may be. She enjoys reading, watching anime, and listening to her 50+ playlists on Spotify!
Photographer
Diego Johansen
Diego (he/him), who recently transferred to UHH from Santa Monica College, is Ke Kalahea’s webmaster. Having worked with Greenpeace USA over the last few years, he is an avid environmental activist and ocean pollution expert. As a marine science major here at UHH, Diego is looking to further his passion in ocean conservation and enjoys spending any spare time SCUBA diving and exploring the underwater world.
Webmaster
Cappi Winters
Cappi (she/her) is a senior studying Business Administration with concentrations in management and marketing. She hopes to eventually get a job in international marketing or something that will pay her to travel the world. In her free time she likes to nap on the beach, hike to different waterfalls, or spend time with her cat, Charlie.
Social Media Manager
Shanxi Naka'ahiki
Shanxi Nakaʻahiki (she/her) comes from Alaska and is a first year pharmacy student at the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy. Currently, she is interested in working in either the oncology field or the diabetes field, but she’s too indecisive and wants to see more options before she finalizes her decision. When Shanxi is not studying, she enjoys going out to eat, getting her nails done, taking long drives, and tanning at the beach.
Office Manager
Naomi Lemieux
Naomi Lemieux got the terrible idea to become an animator in the ninth grade. She thought that the world around her was much too sad, frustrating, and angst-heavy, so she decided to make shows and comics that provide a little light in the dark. Ambitious for a puny freshman, but what can you do? Lemieux's hobbies include sewing, writing, combing the Internet for “Bee and Puppycat” soundtracks, and shirking her responsibilities.
Graphic Designer
Stacy Watkins
Stacy goes by she/her pronouns and is a second year biology major. She hopes to get into medical school and become a great physician. She enjoys playing video games with her friends and petting her many cats.
Graphic Designer
Tiffany Edwards-Hunt
Tiffany (she/her/hers) has been Ke Kalahea’s editorial adviser for more than a decade. She also works as a middle school social studies teacher. Tiffany spent many years as a newspaper writer, publisher and blogger, before transitioning to teaching and advising. She enjoys beachtime, biking, traveling, and time with family when she is not working.
Advisor