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Lisa J. Fehoko | University Relations | 18 March 2010

Roger B. Porter, Professor of Business and Government at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, spoke at BYU–Hawaii's weekly devotional this past Tuesday. His speech, titled, "The Spirit of Contention and the Path to Peace", delved into the role contention plays our lives and the steps we can take combat that by increasing our feelings of peace.

Citing an example from the scriptures, he noted that Alma the Elder and his people had "their hearts knit together in unity and love one towards another ... and they became the children of God" because they preached peace.

After sharing various personal experiences that taught him the Lord's way of peace, he gave three examples of how to reduce contention in our lives: look at how our attitude is toward others, view things through the prism of eternity, and to simply forgive.

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Blake Baxter | University Relations | 15 March 2010

Every successful venture begins as a raw, organic idea. And, every year BYU–Hawaii's Great Ideas Exchange helps makes another idea a reality.

This year's conference promises to be dazzling, considering the momentum it took on last year after winner Brett Lee walked away with a $7,000 purse.

After winning, Lee started his company, Hele Huli Adventure Rentals, which he currently operates at Turtle Bay Resort. His impressive fleet of gas-powered mopeds and electric bikes are rented to tourists, students—who get a 20% discount—and anybody else interested in exploring the North Shore and Windward Coast.

The conference submission deadline is coming up fast—Thursday, March 18, by 5:00 p.m.—and all participants submitting business and non-profit business plans have a shot at the prize.

Many students are fueled by ideas from last year's Great Ideas Exchange.

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Lisa J. Fehoko | University Relations | 10 March 2010

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom (pictured right), a member of the Presidency of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke at BYU–Hawaii’s devotional, held this past Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at the Cannon Activities Center. His talk, titled, "The Power of Covenant", delved into the importance of making sacred covenants.

Hallstrom asked self-defining questions: "Are you a covenant keeper? Are you living your life by covenant, or simply by convenience? Are your covenants the basis for your decisions and the direction of your life?"

He continued, "Sometimes, when we are young, or young in the gospel, we view the keeping of covenants as difficult, maybe too difficult. We wonder, 'Isn't there an easier way?' " He noted the implausibility of an easier way, stating that when we understand the masterful plan of God we do not seek one. "Living by covenant," stated Hallstrom, "is the way we mature in gaining the attributes of Godliness."

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Scott Lowe | University Relations | 9 March 2010

The Brigham Young University–Hawaii men’s basketball team is going to the post-season tournament again. The Seasiders received a bid to the NCAA II West Regional Tournament that will be held at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. The Regional Tournament begins Friday, March 12, and runs through Monday, March 15.

BYU–Hawaii (20-5, 14-2) is one of two Pacific West Conference teams given bids to the tournament. Dixie State (20-5, 14-2) also received an invitation. The Seasiders tied the Red Storm for the conference title after defeating Hawaii Pacific University on Monday, March 8.

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Kathryn Dearden | University Relations | 4 March 2010

This past February marked the 55th anniversary of BYU–Hawaii's groundbreaking (February 12, 1955), which was presided over by then president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, David O. McKay. At such a time, it is natural to reflect upon the past, take inventory of what we now have, and look forward to what our hopes are for the future. (pictured: reenactment of the groundbreaking ceremony during the Jubilee five years ago)

President Steven C. Wheelwright, ninth president of BYU–Hawaii, reflected on the great history that led to the building of this institution, stating, "We are 'standing on the shoulders of giants.' There is an incredible history of building the kingdom from here."

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Lisa J. Fehoko | University Relations | 4 March 2010

"I would like you to walk down a road of my dreams and your dreams.... I would like you to think about when you were young men and young women, and think about your dreams there. Then ask yourself, what is it that brought you to BYU–Hawaii" asked Brian Carrington, Associate Secretary to the Presiding Bishopric of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at the March 2, Tuesday devotional.

Carrington touched on the importance of fulfilling those dreams through the Lord’s will for us. He stated, "Go back to your dreams and ask yourself what it is He wants you to do. Almost everyone in this room, I'm going to easily bet, has a series of miracles that have brought them to Laie, this wonderful place; that brought you to this university, where you have an opportunity to do something that millions and millions of people would give their lives to be able to do."

Updated 2/27/10, 2:10 PM (HST)

As of 1:38 PM HST, the tsunami warning for the Hawaiian islands has been cancelled. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center is continuing to monitor wave activity for the next few hours, but says the danger has passed. The Department of Emergency Management has issued an 'All Clear' message, roads have been re-opened, and residents (including BYU–Hawaii students, faculty, and staff) may return to their homes.

The campus musical, "The Music Man" will still take place at 7:30 PM in the McKay Auditorium.

The International Institute of Professional Protocol Etiquette Banquet has been cancelled.

Updated 2/27/10, 12:30 PM (HST)

Activity on the Big Island (Hilo) is being closely monitored. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has given some 'guarded optimism' for a possible repeal of the current Tsunami Warning to an advisory or alert. Any 'All Clear' notification will delivered through civil defense operations and then reinforced through university communications methods. 

Updated 2/27/10, 10:30 AM (HST)

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Nicole Hamilton | University Relations | 26 February 2010

Former professional athlete and Boston Mission President Dale Murphy and his wife Nancy spoke at a weekly devotional held on February 23, in BYU–Hawaii's Cannon Activities Center.

Nancy Murphy spoke first about happiness. After reading statistics measuring happiness, she pointed out that money does not necessarily equate happiness. The key, she noted, was to make a conscious decision every day to be happy.

Dale Murphy shared excerpts from his baseball career, life experience, and what he's learned as a mission president. Through trial and error, he has learned to be teachable, noting that the gospel urges us to look forward, not back.

He encouraged faith in the future because the Lord has great things in store for us, noting that through the gospel of Jesus Christ we find eternal happiness.

--Photo by Monique Saenz

Click here to view the full transcript of Dale & Nancy Murphy's devotional