A New Mascot for Ke Kalahea

By Pualani Ovono
Photos by Isabella Thoulouis
Graphics by Lucky Lemieux

After being the student-run news publication for over 50 years, we decided it was time to get a mascot. The application process was tough, as we wanted someone or something that would represent us not only as a publication, but also as a news outlet on the beautiful and diverse island of Hawaiʻi. However, we would be unable to cover commuting costs, and was therefore limited to applicants that could be found on the UH Hilo campus. Additionally, our mission as the student-run news publication is to “provide coverage of news and events affecting the university and our community,” and we wanted a mascot that could exemplify this message.

Hawai‘i is known for its diverse wildlife, and we thought it was only proper for our mascot to be from a community often seen on campus. We also wanted a mascot that could perpetuate our mission as Ke Kalahea. Our goal is to spread news to the campus and the community, and make it so that the news is available at all hours of the day (and mornings), and we try to make it as accurate and relevant as possible. With this in mind, our first candidate is the famous red junglefowl, more commonly known as a chicken. They definitely perpetuate some of our values, like spreading the word constantly without fear or shame.

Additionally, Ke Kalahea is unable to provide a substantial award to compensate our awarded mascot. In our final contract, we are going to offer a Ke Kalahea shirt, and potentially food, notably Little Caesars from Pizza with the Press, and Mountain View Bakery mochi doughnuts from Breaking News Breakfast.

We also received an application for a mongoose, but unfortunately, inadequate information was provided on their application and was therefore not considered. They also did not respond to any requests to contact them, and are only seen in brief periods when out and about in the community. Additionally, further research showed that they also have a record, mainly for killing native forest birds, leading to an automatic rejection. Attached is a mugshot of the mongoose, in case any other organizations were considering it as a candidate.

We are aware that the red junglefowl are also detrimental to the environment here, but unfortunately, we cannot provide transportation for any of the native birds found here in Hawai‘i. The red junglefowl also has connections on the other islands and other parts of the world, which could prove useful for further community outreach happenings.

The first official day of the chicken as our mascot is Apr. 1, 2024. Unfortunately, due to Merrie Monarch season, we will be unable to host a mascot party, but feel free to say hello to our mascot whenever you see them on campus. Although we are providing public relations training, they do seem to have trouble grasping the concept that it is rude to take food and leave without saying a word. Additionally, we do appreciate them spreading the news all around campus, but have also asked that they limit their hours to nine a.m. to five p.m. on weekdays to ensure they don’t work overtime and bother those that aren’t interested. For any complaints, feel free to take down their description and location, and we will do our best to identify and hold an intervention for the culprit. Unfortunately, we are a small team trying to wrangle a large amount of mascots, and cannot guarantee that an intervention can be held.

The contract ends at the end of the semester, after which the team will sit down and decide whether or not they will renew the contract for the upcoming school year. For anyone interested in being a part of the deciding community, we have many positions available. These include staff writers, layout editors and designers, graphic designers, and editors. Each position does come with a different set of responsibilities along with getting a place on the deciding committee. You will also get a Ke Kalahea shirt, so you can match with the chosen mascot.

For any comments on our choice, we will be posting the official announcement on April first. Feel free to DM us or comment on our post with any questions or comments. Red junglefowl do tend to have a rather fragile ego, so please be cordial.

Mahalo nui.