Fulfill Your Kuleana

Dear Students,

We are concerned about reports of a recent unlawful social event that negatively impacted our community and reflected poorly on BYU–Hawaii and its students. We want to remind you of your responsibility to be conscientious citizens of BYU–Hawaii and Laie.

• Being vaccinated for COVID-19 does not mean you can participate in unsafe and negligent activities. Your choices and behaviors affect the health and safety of others as well. 
• As a university, we are afforded the benefit of being able to vary from State of Hawaii COVID-19 regulations which place limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings. Unacceptable behavior such as student partygoers disregarding the State’s COVID-19 orders at an off-campus party may jeopardize the capacity of the university to conduct its essential educational programs more freely such as in-person classes, large assemblies, and student life activities. 
• The University COVID-19 policy includes requirements for face coverings, social distancing, gatherings, testing, vaccination, isolation, quarantine, and following State COVID-19 orders. Failure to comply with this policy will result in the loss of your campus privileges and your opportunity to remain in school. 
• Be sensitive to the peace and well-being of the surrounding community. Do not take for granted the goodwill of our neighbors and supporters. You are being welcomed as guests to their home. Please act, represent yourself, and build relationships accordingly. 
• By design, BYU–Hawaii is next to the Laie Hawaii Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We have been entrusted with safeguarding and not detracting from the temple as the focal point of the place where we live, learn, work, and worship.  
• Social media posts and videos of the incident showed behavior that was counter to principles of the Honor Code. By choosing to study at BYU–Hawaii, you agreed to follow the Honor Code both on and off campus. Please keep your commitment and positively support others in obeying the law, practice respect and courtesy, abstain from harmful substances, and always maintain appropriate dress and grooming.

We echo President Kauwe's remarks at his Sunday evening devotional for New Student Orientation: "Now is the time to honor your commitments and follow the Honor Code's Dress and Grooming Standards...Please reflect on your choices this week. Figure out what you need to learn and remember, and what you need to leave behind. Do not let yourself or those around you make these mistakes again."

This fall semester of 2021, we are welcoming 1500 students who are new to campus. As part of their experience, they deserve to see the continuing upper-level students serve as role models of the Honor Code. Together you are on an educational voyage to fulfill President David O. McKay's prophecy that those who are obeying these principles will develop character and be the noble men and women the world needs, even genuine gold. We are grateful you have arrived and look forward to your success at BYU–Hawaii!

Mahalo,

Jonathan Kala Kau, Student Life Vice President

James Faustino, Dean of Students

Alison Whiting, Director of Campus Life