2014 Spring General Elections for the ASUHWO 3rd Senate of Kapolei (2014-2015)
Candidates for President (1 seat)
deCella, Baji Ketzenberger, Courtney A. Simpson, Jeri-Lyn K.K. Candidate for Secretary (1 seat) Santos, Joyleanne Leialoha D. Candidate for Caucus Delegate(2 seats) Perry, Sara Candidate for Education Division Senator (1 seat) Gunn, Katrena M. |
Candidates for Vice President (1 seat)
Lochman, Mellissa K. Sommer, Ryan J. Candidate for Treasurer (1 seat) Nishimura, Shane T. Candidate for Sophomore Class Senator (1 seat) Caraang, Crizalmer "CJ" U. Candidate for Social Sciences Division Senator (1 seat) Baclaan, Isaiah C. |
VOTE in the ASUHWO General Elections
Online at MYUH.HAWAII.EDU (ASUHWO Tab)
From Tues, April 8th 5:00am to Mon, April 14th 11:59pm
Learn more about the candidates
Online at MYUH.HAWAII.EDU (ASUHWO Tab)
From Tues, April 8th 5:00am to Mon, April 14th 11:59pm
Learn more about the candidates
Meet The Candidates for ASUHWO 3rd Senate of Kapolei

Candidate for President: Baji deCella
Current Class Standing: Senior
Concentration: Marketing
Aloha! My name is Bulanbaji (“Baji”) deCella, and I am a Senior majoring in Marketing (Business) here at UHWO. In this election, I am running for the position of President of student government in the hopes of bettering the experience for all students at West Oahu. Over the last two years, I have had the pleasure of helping to lead the student organization, Aiga o le Pasefika, as well as having a lot of fun planning Field Days, etc. as the Student Liaison for Recreation (under ASUHWO).
If elected, I will work to increase communication and interaction between the university, ASUHWO and the student body so that the student voice will be heard in order that it may guide our initiatives. Additionally, I intend to seek out those things about student life that are most challenging for students and work together to find ways to overcome or eliminate them.
Current Class Standing: Senior
Concentration: Marketing
Aloha! My name is Bulanbaji (“Baji”) deCella, and I am a Senior majoring in Marketing (Business) here at UHWO. In this election, I am running for the position of President of student government in the hopes of bettering the experience for all students at West Oahu. Over the last two years, I have had the pleasure of helping to lead the student organization, Aiga o le Pasefika, as well as having a lot of fun planning Field Days, etc. as the Student Liaison for Recreation (under ASUHWO).
If elected, I will work to increase communication and interaction between the university, ASUHWO and the student body so that the student voice will be heard in order that it may guide our initiatives. Additionally, I intend to seek out those things about student life that are most challenging for students and work together to find ways to overcome or eliminate them.

Candidate for President: Courtney A. Ketzenberger
Current Class Standing: Sophomore
Concentration: Finance
As current Vice President and 2 year ASUHWO member, I hope to continue serving you this upcoming year as the ASUHWO President. I previously served as Student Caucus Representative and Speaker of the Senate, cultivating relationships with all University of Hawaii campuses and governments.
I’ve previously interned with State House Representatives, including Representative Sharon Har who represents our campus district, officiated legislation in our student government, represented UHWO on a system wide level, had an integral role developing our By-Laws and Constitutions, and personally met with the Board of Regents ensuring services for accreditation.
With my background in campus, system, and State involvement, along with the relationships I’ve developed and can utilize to the benefit of UHWO students, I believe I can be the most efficient and effective voice for the students of UHWO, continuing to evolve this campus into being the BEST Campus to Live, Learn, and Have Fun!
Current Class Standing: Sophomore
Concentration: Finance
As current Vice President and 2 year ASUHWO member, I hope to continue serving you this upcoming year as the ASUHWO President. I previously served as Student Caucus Representative and Speaker of the Senate, cultivating relationships with all University of Hawaii campuses and governments.
I’ve previously interned with State House Representatives, including Representative Sharon Har who represents our campus district, officiated legislation in our student government, represented UHWO on a system wide level, had an integral role developing our By-Laws and Constitutions, and personally met with the Board of Regents ensuring services for accreditation.
With my background in campus, system, and State involvement, along with the relationships I’ve developed and can utilize to the benefit of UHWO students, I believe I can be the most efficient and effective voice for the students of UHWO, continuing to evolve this campus into being the BEST Campus to Live, Learn, and Have Fun!

Candidate for President: Jeri-Lynn Kealolahilahi Koko Simpson
Current Class Standing: Junior
Concentration: Finance
My vision is to be apart of the development and growth as the University of Hawai‘i, West O‘ahu
campus extends its boundaries. Not only architecturally, but academically, culturally, and socially.
With time and perseverance, The University of Hawai‘i, West O‘ahu campus will be the college of choice in the islands. To serve as University President, would be an honor and a privilege. But above all, being The University of Hawai‘i, West O‘ahu President would be a kuleana (responsibility) I would take on wholeheartedly, passionately, and with tenacity. Aloha Nō!
Current Class Standing: Junior
Concentration: Finance
My vision is to be apart of the development and growth as the University of Hawai‘i, West O‘ahu
campus extends its boundaries. Not only architecturally, but academically, culturally, and socially.
With time and perseverance, The University of Hawai‘i, West O‘ahu campus will be the college of choice in the islands. To serve as University President, would be an honor and a privilege. But above all, being The University of Hawai‘i, West O‘ahu President would be a kuleana (responsibility) I would take on wholeheartedly, passionately, and with tenacity. Aloha Nō!

Candidate for Vice President: Mellissa K. Lochman
Current Class Standing: Senior
Concentration: Humanities - Creative Media
During my time at the University of Hawaii – West Oahu, I have been a huge advocate for the students. Over the past year, I was Editor-in-Chief of The Hoot, student member of the Communications committee, and also the founding member and vice president of STE^AM. My plan as Vice President is to foster and facilitate the vision and mission of the university. I also plan to meet and exceed expectations of my peers and to help bring a positive voice.
Current Class Standing: Senior
Concentration: Humanities - Creative Media
During my time at the University of Hawaii – West Oahu, I have been a huge advocate for the students. Over the past year, I was Editor-in-Chief of The Hoot, student member of the Communications committee, and also the founding member and vice president of STE^AM. My plan as Vice President is to foster and facilitate the vision and mission of the university. I also plan to meet and exceed expectations of my peers and to help bring a positive voice.

Candidate for Vice President: Ryan J. Sommer
Current Class Standing: Junior
Concentration: Justice Administration
My name is Ryan James Sommer. Under my watch as President the campus now has a shuttle service and we will have a bus shelter for students by summer. Senators now have to complete two initiatives each year to benefit the student body as well as hold talk story sessions to allow students to have more access to their representatives. Last year I fought the mayor’s office on your behalf to increase the frequency of the Route 40 busses that come to our campus. I won.
If elected Vice President I will be continue to fight for you. My next effort is to secure concurrent transcripts (transcripts showing all of your extra-curricular activities). This will allow UH West-Oahu students to have an upper hand when applying for competitive jobs or Masters Programs. My life, job experiences, and scholastic will continue benefit you if elected.
Current Class Standing: Junior
Concentration: Justice Administration
My name is Ryan James Sommer. Under my watch as President the campus now has a shuttle service and we will have a bus shelter for students by summer. Senators now have to complete two initiatives each year to benefit the student body as well as hold talk story sessions to allow students to have more access to their representatives. Last year I fought the mayor’s office on your behalf to increase the frequency of the Route 40 busses that come to our campus. I won.
If elected Vice President I will be continue to fight for you. My next effort is to secure concurrent transcripts (transcripts showing all of your extra-curricular activities). This will allow UH West-Oahu students to have an upper hand when applying for competitive jobs or Masters Programs. My life, job experiences, and scholastic will continue benefit you if elected.

Candidate for Secretary: Joyleanne Leialoha D. Santos
Current Class Standing: Sophomore
Concentration: Business Administration
Aloha! My name is Joyleanne Santos. I have been the Business Administration Senator for two years now. The sole reason I joined ASUHWO in the first place was to involve myself with, as well as be able to influence, the decisions made that would affect Student Life and the School. And I want to continue doing that as Secretary of ASUHWO.
I am qualified to be Secretary because I am attentive to information being shared and type at 87 WPM. Attentiveness and note-taking are important skills for being a Secretary. Another duty is to codify legislation, which I also am able to do. I want to lend my skills to the Senate and to the students so that communication between the two is clear and concise. Communication within the school is important and I want to play a part in that.
Current Class Standing: Sophomore
Concentration: Business Administration
Aloha! My name is Joyleanne Santos. I have been the Business Administration Senator for two years now. The sole reason I joined ASUHWO in the first place was to involve myself with, as well as be able to influence, the decisions made that would affect Student Life and the School. And I want to continue doing that as Secretary of ASUHWO.
I am qualified to be Secretary because I am attentive to information being shared and type at 87 WPM. Attentiveness and note-taking are important skills for being a Secretary. Another duty is to codify legislation, which I also am able to do. I want to lend my skills to the Senate and to the students so that communication between the two is clear and concise. Communication within the school is important and I want to play a part in that.

Candidate for Treasurer: Shane T. Nishimura
Current Class Standing: Junior
Concentration: Humanities - English
Currently I am involved with the Humanities Club, the Hoot, and the current Student Senate as the Humanities Senator. I am running for treasurer as I believe that I will be able to impact the senate greatly with my dedication, unique input, and responsibility. For the past semester, I have been working on establishing UHWO's intramural program under ASUHWO. By continuing my presence in office, I will be able to implement what I've started, as well as to provide awareness with where student fees are going. As treasurer, I plan to make sure that all money is used efficiently. Ultimately my goal is to ensure that student leadership here at UHWO will be dedicated solely to the enhancement of student life.
Current Class Standing: Junior
Concentration: Humanities - English
Currently I am involved with the Humanities Club, the Hoot, and the current Student Senate as the Humanities Senator. I am running for treasurer as I believe that I will be able to impact the senate greatly with my dedication, unique input, and responsibility. For the past semester, I have been working on establishing UHWO's intramural program under ASUHWO. By continuing my presence in office, I will be able to implement what I've started, as well as to provide awareness with where student fees are going. As treasurer, I plan to make sure that all money is used efficiently. Ultimately my goal is to ensure that student leadership here at UHWO will be dedicated solely to the enhancement of student life.

Candidate for Caucus Delegate: Sara Perry
Current Class Standing: Senior
Concentration: Political Science and Criminal Justice
My name is Sara E. Perry and I have served the last year as the Senior Class Senator and a UHSC Caucus Representative here at UHWO. I’m passionate about advocating for students rights within our UH System, and find that the UHSC is the area best suited for pursuing this path. I’m a political science major (complete May 2015), beginning my second BA degree in criminal justice, going on to attend law school, fall 2015. My long term goal is to be an attorney and eventually a judge. Being born and raised in Waianae, I find that my community could benefit from a strong voice and fair representation. I constantly participate on campus: as a member of the Political Science, Eco, and Human Rights Clubs, and help with many campus events. I’m committed to making our campus more green and sustainable by passing Senate Resolutions for green initiatives as UHWO.
Current Class Standing: Senior
Concentration: Political Science and Criminal Justice
My name is Sara E. Perry and I have served the last year as the Senior Class Senator and a UHSC Caucus Representative here at UHWO. I’m passionate about advocating for students rights within our UH System, and find that the UHSC is the area best suited for pursuing this path. I’m a political science major (complete May 2015), beginning my second BA degree in criminal justice, going on to attend law school, fall 2015. My long term goal is to be an attorney and eventually a judge. Being born and raised in Waianae, I find that my community could benefit from a strong voice and fair representation. I constantly participate on campus: as a member of the Political Science, Eco, and Human Rights Clubs, and help with many campus events. I’m committed to making our campus more green and sustainable by passing Senate Resolutions for green initiatives as UHWO.

Candidate for Sophomore Class Senator: Crizalmer "CJ" U. Caraang
Current Class Standing: Freshman
Concentration: Undecided
My name is Crizalmer Caraang or Cj and I believe I should be elected as Sophomore Senator because, I'm a dedicated hard-working person, I am interested in getting involved in and helping to organize the student activities around campus, have a well-rounded basis so as to provide a better understanding of a larger proportion of the student body. Currently I'm part of the Student Media Board and West Oahu's first University Band. Lastly, since West Oahu is a brand new campus I have a lot of ideas to improve the campus life.
In my free time what I like to do is I help out at my alma mater's marching band front ensemble as a percussion tech, and I have a passion playing music. Also, I'm a videographer and I enjoy filming and editing videos.
Current Class Standing: Freshman
Concentration: Undecided
My name is Crizalmer Caraang or Cj and I believe I should be elected as Sophomore Senator because, I'm a dedicated hard-working person, I am interested in getting involved in and helping to organize the student activities around campus, have a well-rounded basis so as to provide a better understanding of a larger proportion of the student body. Currently I'm part of the Student Media Board and West Oahu's first University Band. Lastly, since West Oahu is a brand new campus I have a lot of ideas to improve the campus life.
In my free time what I like to do is I help out at my alma mater's marching band front ensemble as a percussion tech, and I have a passion playing music. Also, I'm a videographer and I enjoy filming and editing videos.

Candidate for Education Division Senator: Katrena M. Gunn
Current Class Standing: Senior
Concentration: Elementary Education
As a senior, majoring in Elementary Education, I am running for the position of the Education Senator. I was born in the now growing, beach town of Foley, Alabama. While living in Alabama I furthered my studies at Faulkner State Community College and at the University of West Alabama. During those years I was involved in Livingston’s Early Alum Development (LEAD), the Vice President of Teachers of Tomorrow, the sorority of Alpha Sigma Tau, a representative for SGA, and was an avid volunteer for the Baldwin County Humane Society.
My goals are to help provide more developmental opportunities for the students of West O’ahu. I plan to work with the divisions and departments to help create meaningful connections for students as they are preparing to enter their respective fields. Furthermore, I hope to better cultivate the atmosphere of our university!
Current Class Standing: Senior
Concentration: Elementary Education
As a senior, majoring in Elementary Education, I am running for the position of the Education Senator. I was born in the now growing, beach town of Foley, Alabama. While living in Alabama I furthered my studies at Faulkner State Community College and at the University of West Alabama. During those years I was involved in Livingston’s Early Alum Development (LEAD), the Vice President of Teachers of Tomorrow, the sorority of Alpha Sigma Tau, a representative for SGA, and was an avid volunteer for the Baldwin County Humane Society.
My goals are to help provide more developmental opportunities for the students of West O’ahu. I plan to work with the divisions and departments to help create meaningful connections for students as they are preparing to enter their respective fields. Furthermore, I hope to better cultivate the atmosphere of our university!

Candidate for Social Sciences Division Senator: Isaiah C. Baclaan
Current Class Standing: Sophomore
Concentrations: Public Administration-Health Care Administration, Social Science-Psychology
As a Pueo Leader I emphasize the empowerment of students to take action in their academic careers. As a Outreach Assistant to Waianae High School I look forward to the betterment of the future students of higher academia. Being a college student I know the importance of being involved with other organizations in order to maximize my college experience. I'm running for office so that I can take more initiative and help others bridge the gap, and immerse themselves in the happenings of their college. My goal if elected as Social Science Senator would be to connect the students better to student council, so that both groups can benefit better from the cooperation and grow stronger for the benefit of the school as a whole.