Horizons, Volume 10

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10125/112621

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Front Cover, Back Cover, Inside Cover
(2025-12-12)
Editor's Foreword, Editorial Assistant's Foreword, Student Editors' Foreword
(2025-12-12)
Changing The Key
(2025-12-12) Akina, Love
This piece is a summary of the main plot points in my full novel project as part of the Honors program. I think of this as in part a love letter–the love of an artist for their craft and how their art, in this case music, seeps into their daily life. My character, Andy’s vocabulary and what he notices about his surroundings are shaped by his deep musical education. While writing this story I learned a lot about portraying rhythm through the pace of the writing itself, such as the three-sentence paragraphs at the opening. I place this work in conversation primarily with "Any Other City" by Hazel Jane Plante for its focus as well on music and transgender identity. I found myself noticing how in "Any Other City," art and that act of creation is shown as integral to the trans experience of learning to “remake” yourself in your own image and rediscovering your passions with this newfound freedom. I also draw connections to "The Alchemist" by Paolo Coelho for the conflict of wanting to leave the familiar for what could very well be a desert in the unknown, or to stay in your comfort zone even if you feel stifled, only to discover the beauty of different ways of life—finding yourself in the isolation—is incredibly central to my characters’ journey on the cruise.
The End and Start of the World
(2025-12-12) Deatherage, Amy
Rebirth is an undeniable reality in nature, inextricably woven into the ecosystems and cycles that shape and sustain life on Earth. My poem “The End and Start of the World” is both inspired by this reality, and written in light of the current events unfolding in America. We’re living through a time when science, truth, and equality often feel under siege. As a Chinese-American female in science, I've witnessed firsthand how decisions and policies made at the highest levels are rippling down to impact researchers, conservationists, and those dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion in these fields. For all people, but especially those who have dedicated their whole lives to the exploration and protection of our life-sustaining Earth, the challenge of this time often feels demoralizing and unfair. But resilience, as demonstrated by the very nature we're working so hard to protect, means facing hardship head-on, adapting, growing, and pushing forward despite it. I wrote this piece for those who, like me, feel the real heaviness of this moment, but refuse to fall into despair. I hope that these words can be a reminder that, no matter what, science endures, truth and the pursuit of truth matters, and, even in the darkest times, there is a beautiful future worth imagining and living for.
Nothing New
(2025-12-12) Lang, Isabella
In writing this sonnet, I was heavily influenced by the work of Margaret Cavendish and her way of weaving social problems into beautiful metaphors of nature. I took my own spin on this by using the changing of seasons to allude to being mistreated and used as a woman. There is a common misconception about some women being ‘run through’ and unworthy of a meaningful relationship, much like the perception of dead flowers and trees as useless and ugly. I strive to bring light to unfortunate circumstances such as these in my writing and hope to help people relate more with others or feel seen. My goal with this poem is to connect with readers through shared experiences of betrayal and heartbreak. The intention behind this piece is to help those who have gone through unfortunate experiences know they are not alone. I took some inspiration from the form of traditional Shakespearean sonnets, with a closing couplet and a somewhat consistent rhyming scheme; however, I wanted to intentionally break from these ‘rules’ to demonstrate how heartbreak is not the same for everyone. It is felt and dealt with in countless ways, and by breaking traditional form at times, I am attempting to show this fluctuation with a sense of confusion that comes with it. Winter is described using words with negative connotations to depict women who have been taken advantage of and mistreated by men. The wilting of these elements is significant because it represents having lived past lives, perpetuating an idea that women with past lovers, experiences, and trauma are unwanted because they are no longer viewed as pure. The new life blooming with spring, on the other hand, represents individuals that may be perceived as naive or ‘easy.’ Furthermore, this longing for spring is also symbolic of the cycle of promiscuity of men, leaving some women feeling disregarded and heartbroken. The line “and unbeknownst we walk, waiting for the rebirth” portrays how many men are unaware of the lasting impact they have on women with little to no remorse. The final couplet of my piece represents a person that no longer believes in love due to a cycle of being mistreated - static skies depict this loss of hope. This flows right into the closing line, “trees remain tall - nothing new” because the past traumas that the poem alludes to as a whole ultimately makes these women stronger. Once they are healed, they remain standing tall just as trees throughout winter. It also shows that this cycle is unfortunately repeating itself because some women might view such manipulation as expected and nothing new.
Shifting Salinity, Shifting Species: Understanding Invertebrate Biodiversity at Keʻehi, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
(2025-12-12) Gabina, Hailey; Albertson, Payton; Nelson, Erica; Borum, Gianna
Coastal ecosystems are influenced both by natural processes such as freshwater input and sedimentation, and human activities including urban runoff and shoreline modification. Salinity is a key abiotic factor that affects the distribution and diversity of invertebrate communities, which are essential to ecosystem health. This study examines the relationship between salinity and coral reef invertebrate species diversity at two culturally significant sites, Mauliola and Mokauea, in Keʻehi, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, both of which are central to Native Hawaiian-led restoration efforts. Quadrat sampling was used to assess invertebrate abundance and diversity across multiple locations at each site. Mauliola, having experienced more intensive dredging and proximity to urbanized stream inputs, was expected to exhibit greater salinity variation and reduced species diversity compared to Mokauea. It was hypothesized that more stable salinity conditions would support higher and more balanced invertebrate diversity. Results indicated that average salinity levels were similar between the two sites and exhibited moderate species diversity. Due to this similarity in mean salinity, the hypothesis could not be directly tested. The absence of a strong correlation between mean salinity and species diversity suggests that other factors, such as nutrient availability, sedimentation, or interspecies interactions may play a more significant role in structuring these communities. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of abiotic influences on biodiversity in Hawaiian coastal ecosystems and underscore the value of ecological monitoring integrated with cultural stewardship. Identifying areas with resilient biodiversity can inform restoration strategies that align with mālama ʻāina values and support environmental and cultural resilience.
Tsunami Induced Oscillations: Along the South Shore of O‘ahu Hawai‘i
(2025-12-12) Summers, Trey
The State of Hawai‘i has put a great deal of effort into implementing tsunami safety and preparedness measures. Despite these efforts, strong currents caused by tsunami induced oscillations may pose significant hazards to Hawai‘i residents who are uninformed of their presence. Pressure measurements collected by Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS) nearshore sensors during the 2010 Maule, 2011 Tohoku, and 2022 Tonga tsunamis show that tsunami oscillations produced water level variations which gradually decreased over time. These oscillations were estimated to last from 20.70 ± 0.08 hours to 37.80 ± 0.24 hours at specific sensor sites. The average duration time across all datasets was 30.00 ± 0.12 hours. Additionally, the variations induced by these tsunami events exhibited periodic behavior, with the largest oscillations occurring near a 42.0-minute period. The median peak value was determined to be 42.1 minutes and the range of peak values was determined to be 0.4 minutes. This study hypothesizes that tsunami induced oscillations along the south shore of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i are the result of resonance behavior between the tsunami and the surrounding bathymetry, and that the 42.1-minute period is the dominant resonance frequency along the south shore of O‘ahu. These results may be useful for forecasting tsunami oscillations along the south shore of O‘ahu because they indicate a driving mechanism with predictable behavior. This information can be used by the State of Hawai‘i to determine when it is safe for residents and visitors to go back into the water after one of these events.
Herbivorous Fish Abundance and its Influence on Algal Communities in Maunalua Bay, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
(2025-12-12) Urschel-Speir, Ashlan
Coral reef ecosystems are under increasing threat from anthropogenic pressures, particularly urbanization and the spread of invasive species. Herbivorous fish play a critical role in controlling algal biomass, yet the efficacy of fish herbivory in reducing invasive algae remains unclear. In Maunalua Bay, on the eastern side of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, overgrowth of invasive algae has led to a significant decline in native biodiversity and reef health. This study investigated the relationship between herbivorous fish abundance and macroalgal percent cover across nine reef sites within Maunalua Bay from November 2024 to April 2025. Timed fish surveys and benthic photo quadrats were conducted and analyzed using CoralNET to quantify fish abundance and algal coverage, respectively. Despite variation across sites, a linear regression analysis revealed no significant correlation between herbivorous fish density and algal percent cover. Sites with the highest fish abundance, such as Kokeʻe and Hunakai, displayed low algal cover, while sites like Wailupe and Kawaikui had high algal cover despite moderate fish counts. These findings suggest that herbivorous fish populations in Maunalua Bay are reliant on other factors, which could be food availability, water quality, or fishing disturbances. However, no correlation between algal cover and herbivorous fish presence suggests that herbivores are currently insufficient to significantly control invasive algal growth, likely a result of overfishing, urban runoff, and broader ecosystem degradation. The results highlight the complexity of reef dynamics and the need for multifaceted restoration efforts that combine herbivory with habitat protection and water quality management to support coral reef resilience.
Adrian: An Embodied, Privacy‑First Platform for Ethical Human–AI Interaction
(2025-12-12) Dixon, Shelby
Modern artificial intelligence (AI) often elevates speed and engagement above privacy, transparency, and autonomy. Adrian proposes a different center of gravity: human dignity and reflective presence. The companion operates entirely on edge computing hardware with a modular, local-first software stack; background recording is disabled, system state is surfaced through clear indicators, and any data retention remains explicitly consent-gated. The manuscript details architecture for on-device speech input and output and lightweight perception, engineering trade-offs of local inference, and a replicable build process suitable for students and hobbyists in open-source robotics. An evaluation plan emphasizes human AI interaction signals such as comfort, perceived respect, and comprehension of data flows alongside throughput and latency checks. Contributions include: (i) a reproducible reference design for privacy preserving embodied AI that avoids dependence on cloud telemetry, and (ii) an interaction model that treats deliberate pacing and constrained memory as features that strengthen user agency and trust rather than defects to be engineered away. A short roadmap outlines public release, documentation, and extensions to additional on-device modalities. Quiet by design and precise in scope, Adrian argues that usefulness can arrive without surveillance, and that technology serves best when presence is measured, transparent, and owned by the human.
Playfully Proficient: Enhancing Social Skill Acquisition in Young Children with Autism Through Play-Based Interventions
(2025-12-12) Felipe, Jhennai
This project examines the effectiveness of play-based intervention in improving essential social skills among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Children with ASD often struggle with initiating interaction, sharing, and turn-taking, which can lead to feelings of isolation, peer rejection, and emotional challenges like anxiety and depression (Ke et al., 2017; Williams White et al., 2007). These social difficulties impact not only the individual but also their families, who may face stigma and reduced quality of life (Kinnear et al., 2016). To address these challenges, a targeted intervention was developed based on a social skills assessment and existing literature. The intervention, which included a series of structured play activities, was implemented over 12 weeks with a sample of three children diagnosed with ASD. Sessions were held weekly for 90 minutes, during which participants engaged in games, role-playing, and peer activities. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured changes in social skills and peer interactions. The results displayed gains in social skills and increased social engagement with peers, suggesting that play-based interventions can be an effective approach to improving social skills in children with ASD.
Solar Feasibility Study for the Implementation of Advancements in Singapore's Solar Energy Technology Throughout Island States
(2025-12-12) Goodman, Tate
This study examines the feasibility of adopting advancements in Singapore’s solar energy technology to meet the energy demands of island states. Singapore, committed to the Paris Agreement, has made significant progress toward reducing carbon emissions through innovative solutions tailored to its geographical and urban constraints. Key technologies identified include tandem solar cells, floating solar platforms, and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Using insights from the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) and the National University of Singapore (NUS), this research highlights the potential these technologies have to optimize energy production despite limited land availability. Interviews with experts, participation in sustainability events, and an extensive literature review informed this analysis. Parallels were drawn with Hawaiʻi to explore the cultural and ecological considerations for implementing similar technologies in other island contexts. Lessons from Singapore reveal how interdisciplinary approaches are essential for successful integration. Ultimately, this research concludes that a combination of tandem solar cells, floating solar platforms, and BIPV offers a pathway to a sustainable energy future for island states. By leveraging these advancements, Singapore and other island regions can achieve significant progress toward renewable energy goals, setting a precedent for global efforts to transition to clean energy.
Wildlife Rehabilitation: Integrating ELT
(2025-12-12) Held, Lianna
Wildlife rehabilitation is essential in addressing ecological crises such as climate change, habitat destruction, and the extinction of key species. Despite its importance, the academic and social impacts of wildlife rehabilitation remain underexplored. This study investigates the role of rehabilitation in conserving biodiversity and its effects on promoting sustainable human behavior through the lens of Experiential Learning Theory (ELT). ELT’s framework, consisting of Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualization, and Active Experimentation, aligns closely with the educational and ecological processes of rehabilitation programs. Animal care and habitat restoration provide immersive learning experiences that foster environmental understanding and personal growth. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research demonstrates that rehabilitation practices lead to measurable improvements in species recovery and can positively shift attitudes towards conservation. By connecting scientific practices with public engagement, wildlife rehabilitation builds conservation minded communities and strengthens interdisciplinary research.
Threads of Influence: Colonial Impact on Filipino Fashion & Identity
(2025-12-12) Held, Lianna
This paper provides a general overview of the complex relationship between fashion and cultural identity in the Philippines, primarily during the American colonial period (1898-1946), with a brief explanation of the prior impacts of Spanish colonization (1565-1898). Filipino fashion serves not only as a form of self-expression but also as a powerful example of cultural adaptation and resistance. As Americans introduced Western clothing styles and industrially produced textiles, traditional garments such as the Barong Tagalog and Baro’t Saya reflected both these colonial pressures and Filipino resilience. This paper highlights how clothing portrayed this societal change, especially with garments such as the Americana, which came to symbolize modernity and social mobility among the urban elite. At the same time, these garments were hybridized with traditional Filipino elements to maintain cultural identity. Scholars such as Barge Ramos, Sonia P. Yu, and Genevieve Alva Clutario emphasize how fashion was used to navigate and negotiate identity under foreign rule. They also examine the legacy of this colonial era and how it relates to contemporary Filipino fashion, where designers blend traditional aesthetics with modern techniques to reclaim and celebrate cultural heritage. The Manila Shawl, alongside traditional textiles, serves as a symbol of multicultural identity and creative resistance. Overall, this study demonstrates that fashion in the Philippines is deeply intertwined with the country’s history of colonization, and emphasizes Filipino identity and cultural survival.
Artificial Estimators: A Study in Training Systems for Expert Estimating Software Development Task Efforts
(2025-12-12) Jans, Andrea
Effort estimation in software engineering has long been a persistent challenge, with traditional expert-based and algorithmic approaches often producing inaccurate and inconsistent results. This research investigates whether large language models (LLMs), specifically when combined with Generative Pretrained Transformers (GPT) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), can provide reliable estimates of the effort required for software development tasks. A mixed-methods research design was used: historical project data was collected, standardized, and used to fine-tune an open-source LLM, which was then tested against untrained configurations, with and without RAG. Thirty feature requests were used as test cases in multiple runs to evaluate performance. The results indicate that while LLMs can generate effort estimates, their outputs are highly inconsistent. The research suggests that, despite their potential, current LLM-based systems cannot yet replace expert judgment in estimating software projects. Instead, they highlight the need for further refinement, the integration of domain-specific training, and standardized data practices to harness LLMs as supportive—rather than standalone—tools for estimating software engineering efforts.
Monetizing the Psychoactive Properties in the Invasive Formosan Koa (Acacia confusa)
(2025-12-12) Kuniyoshi, Kelsie
Acacia confusa, commonly known as False or Formosan Koa, was introduced in 1915 to Hawaiʻi and has since become a highly invasive species that outcompetes native vegetation and threatens biodiversity. A. confusa also contains pharmacologically relevant indole alkylamines, notably N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), compounds which are of emerging medical interest. This paper explores the feasibility of ethically and legally leveraging A. confusa’s pharmacological potential to complement invasive-tree removal and help fund native conservation efforts. Through this literature review, the existing management strategies, manual extraction and herbicidal treatments, are evaluated, and a regulated, repurposing of materials for potential biomedical application and recreational use is proposed. Because DMT remains tightly controlled, an outline of a processual frame work emphasizing compliance, safety, and ethics is also provided. Potential medical applications under investigation include depression, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral ischemia. Key concerns include legal restrictions, misuse risks, and ecological harm from unregulated harvesting. Mitigation would require enforcement of conservation laws, regulated laboratory protocols, and further clinical research. The goals of this study align with efforts to repurpose invasive species in Hawaiʻi similar to Albizia (Falcataria moluccana), reducing green waste while transforming ecological pests into carefully governed assets.
Finding the Value Proposition of University-Sponsored Events
(2025-12-12) Lopez, Sophia Lauren
University-sponsored events play a critical role in fostering student engagement, community well-being, and a sense of belonging amongst students. This research investigates the value proposition of such events for students at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM), specifically those organized by the Campus Center Board Activities Council (CCBAC). Through a mixed-methods approach, including surveys (n=399) and interviews (n=25), this research identifies key attendance drivers, barriers to participation, and differences in engagement across student demographics. Findings indicate that event timing, content relevance, and marketing strategies significantly impact attendance, with Friday evening events being the most preferred. While first-year students actively seek social integration through events, upperclassmen and commuter students exhibit selective participation due to scheduling constraints and logistical concerns. Additionally, local entertainment and cultural programming appeal more to seniors than underclassmen. The study provides actionable recommendations for CCBAC, including optimized event scheduling, enhanced marketing outreach beyond the Campus Center, and tailored programming to increase engagement among non-attending students. Ultimately, these insights aim to improve event planning strategies to ensure that student activity fees are effectively utilized to enhance campus life.
The Unseen Injustice: Kunia Village Water Contamination
(2025-12-12) Lang, Katherine
Events such as the infamous Red Hill spill heightened environmental awareness in Hawaiʻi and led to broader discussions about the impact of the military and other actors as well as their role in protecting the ʻāina. Despite not receiving the same attention as Red Hill, Kunia Village is an unseen part of the same issue. Through an engagement with a variety of materials, this paper aims to raise awareness about environmental injustice while focusing in more detail on the contamination in Kunia Village and its designation as a Superfund site by the EPA. Through analyzing government response, the current status of the site’s remediation, and exploring what further actions are needed, this research hopes to encourage the public to look beyond the most high-profile environmental injustices and recognize that many other communities are struggling and deserve attention and support in their own battles.
Getting Help Getting Pregnant: The Risks and Rewards of Assisted Reproductive Technology
(2025-12-12) Mak, Keala
For many, having children at some point in life is almost expected, and for some, just another big milestone. In the past, having children was one of the ultimate goals to continue the bloodline. Having children not only brought a greater sense of responsibility to parents, but also allowed for a very special connection between individuals. Even now, people will grow up, graduate, get a job, get married and start a family. But times are changing, our personal clocks tick to a different rhythm, families look a little different, and our goals have shifted to fit the modern world. With the way the world moves today, the desire for children may become a goal that feels more feasible a little later in life. Regardless of the time and place in which one is ready to shift from individual to parent, many still look forward to the day they can hold their little “bundle of joy.” But what about those couples, for whatever reason, who are not able to conceive? Despite countless forays into the bedroom, doctor's appointments, and prayers, for them, a child is always just out of reach. This oral history project began with looking at different assisted reproductive technologies (ART) with a focus on how they worked, their success rates, and the potential side effects. But after reading dozens of research papers and scientific journal articles, the author still felt something was missing - a critical perspective. Thus, the author began the search again, but this time, looking at blog posts and online forums instead of just the papers published in scientific journals – an approach for which the author is grateful as raw and unfiltered emotion was witnessed, as well as the connection between members of the online platforms. People shared clearly and palpably about their struggles to conceive - the fear, the anger, the overwhelming sense of loss in nearly every case. But what truly surprised me was how these people - who were battered and bruised from the journey to a child - showed up time and again to relive these dark moments while also providing support to those with a similar story. These forums were not only a place of storytelling, but also a place of support, camaraderie, and genuine love in the face of loss. Seeing how many lives were touched by the experiences of others, the author felt inspired to conduct this project to further the connection found online and share with anyone who has been affected by infertility in any capacity that they are not alone. The oral histories were conducted via text, phone call, email, and in-person, no identifiers were noted and confidentiality is maintained. What was shared is valuable, and many shared the same sentiments regarding ART and their road to pregnancy. This paper is comprised of oral histories and a literature review with the intention of accurately conveying the emotional gravity and the medical implications of infertility in association with ART. Information related to the developmental risks of ART, and potential side effects of procedures like IVF and ICSI were combined with personal experiences of people who had each treatment and procedure. The author is grateful to the brave and vulnerable people who were willing to share their experiences. The author is also grateful for the endless guidance and support of their mentor. This paper intends to validate the reader’s experiences, and support them to better navigate their journey to building a family.
Targeted Strategies for Addressing COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among US Adults
(2025-12-12) Oshiro, Kayla
Up-to-date vaccine-related communication during the COVID-19 pandemic was a unique challenge due to the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines. Inconsistencies in information from the United States government and news outlets drove people to social media, but social media algorithms pushed forth anti-vaccine rhetoric. The accumulation of misinformation led to nationwide vaccine hesitancy. Disparities in vaccine hesitancy by race coincide with COVID-19 incidence and mortality disparities. This systematic literature review aims to identify strategies to address COVID-19 vaccine misinformation and target COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in order to better tailor vaccine-related communication. A search strategy conducted on PubMed yielded six articles assessing such strategies. Results cover uncertainty as a barrier to vaccination, culture/history as a predisposing factor for vaccine hesitancy, and approaches to increase trust. The discussion examines four strategies to address COVID-19 misinformation and target COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: (1) empathetically understand community-specific attitudes toward vaccination, (2) be direct about how vaccines work and honest about the emerging science, (3) taking place where people frequent the most (on mobile devices [i.e., social media] or in community organizations [i.e., religious groups]), and (4) prioritize trust-building between institutions and communities. By addressing the root causes of vaccine hesitancy and adopting evidence-based communication strategies, public health officials can effectively combat misinformation and enhance vaccine acceptance.
Ethics in Crisis: Recontextualizing Psychiatric Interventions through Care Ethics
(2025-12-12) Tang, Jenny
This paper explores the ethical tension between patient autonomy and the need for involuntary psychiatric commitments through the lens of care ethics, a relational and context sensitive moral framework. The analysis highlights the complexities of balancing compassion and respect for individual rights in psychiatric care. While autonomy is foundational to civil liberties, prioritizing it unconditionally can lead to tragic outcomes. Care ethics challenges traditional theories like Kantian ethics, emphasizing the interdependence of human relationships and contextualizing moral decisions within social dynamics. This framework provides a compassionate approach to psychiatric commitment, where insights from loved ones play a pivotal role in decision-making. The practical application of care ethics is exemplified in Laura’s Law, a California statute enabling court-ordered treatment for individuals with severe mental illness. By recontextualizing psychiatric interventions through care ethics this paper advocates for a more nuanced approach that balances patient rights with moral responsibility, offering a pathway to ethical and effective mental health treatment.

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