West Oahu Newsmakers

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Dan Boylan

After 34 years teaching at UH West Oahu, professor Dan Boylan has announced he will retire this month. Boylan, who is one of the college’s founding faculty members (and a regular MidWeek columnist), said he is “ready to start a new and exciting chapter” of his life.

Friends and family celebrated the history professor’s career with a special lunch this week at Waikele Country Club. Other faculty members going into a “Happy Retirement” are Lynn Hodgson, professor of natural sciences, 18 years at UHWO; Linda Nishigaya, professor of sociology, 34 years at UHWO; and Ernie Oshiro, professor of economics, 30 years at UHWO.

Aiea photographer Jimson Carr has been selected to present his work in one of 10 new artist studio lofts at First Friday: A “One Night Stand” from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. May 7 in the Mendonco Building courtyard, 1126 Smith St. in Chinatown.

Carr has traveled throughout the Hawaiian Islands and South Pacific, capturing the islands’ unique flora, fauna and landscapes along his journey. He exhibits these images in a variety of cards, gifts and limited edition wall art, including work from his Pele at Work: Lava at Kalapana series.

His images also are available at Kuloko Fine Arts of Hawaii or on the Internet at http://www.badcatphotography.com.

Several budding journalists have been dubbed Most Valuable Staffers at the 41st annual Hawaii State High School Journalism Awards last week. Recognized for contributions to their school newspapers were Ivony Cablay, staff writer, Waipahu High; Lord Ryan Lizardo, editor-in-chief, Campbell High; Grace Morita, editor-in-chief, Pearl City High; and Lindsey Nkaujntsuab, editor-in-chief, Moanalua High.

Also honored was Campbell High School, which placed second in the overall Top High School Newspaper in the state category. Campbell also took Best in State for layout design.

West Oahu schools taking first in the public school district-level were Waipahu (Illustration), Campbell (Layout and Design) and Pearl City (Photography).

The awards luncheon was held April 28 at the Pagoda Hotel. The contest is sponsored by Hawaii Publishers Association in partnership with the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and Honolulu Advertiser.

Joslyn Eugenio of Kapolei was named to the fall semester Dean’s List at Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, Wash. To earn the academic honor, the freshman, who is a business administration major, had to earn a 3.5 or higher grade-point average, carry a minimum 12-hour course load and complete all coursework for the semester.

Justin Cossey, Micael Moefu and Justin Naeole of Kapolei were all named to the fall semester Dean’s List at the University of Montana Western. To achieve the honor, students must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 semester credits) and carry a minimum 3.3 gpa.

House Minority Leader Lynn Finnegan has been appointed to serve on the House Finance Committee, chaired by Rep. Marcus Oshiro. As a veteran member of the Education and Higher Education Committee, Finnegan hopes to use her insight and experience on discussing budgetary impacts as well as program-related decisions in her new role.

Lisa Soong

“This is an important time for our state to really look at fiscal responsibility and government accountability. We as legislators need to lead the way,” she said. Finnegan represents District 32 - Lower Pearlridge, Aiea, Halawa, Hickam, Pearl Harbor, Foster Village and Moanalua Gardens - in the state House of Representatives.

Waipahu resident Lisa Soong has been appointed vice president of operations for Mountain Apple Company. In her new role, Soong, who has served as an integral part in the growth of the company over the past 10 years, will be responsible for the overall direction of operational activities of the recording label.

A graduate of Sacred Hearts Academy, she has a bachelor’s degree in international business and a master’s in management from HPU.