Page 9 - MidWeek - Oct 6 2021

OCTOBER 6, 2021 MIDWEEK 9
Even as a young kid, I had a passion for the outdoors and ʻike kūpuna (ancestral knowledge). Whether it was Ha- waiian stories or practices learned through family, books, music or by doing, I was captivated.
study navigation under him for the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage (2013-2019). Reluctantly agreeing, I progressed from observing the process, to co-navigating, to solo navigating Hōkūleʻa across the Tasman Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Voyage (tentatively June 2022) is a great example of this, and its posi- tive impacts will be felt for genera- tions to come.
Kaleo Wong is the executive director of Kauluakalana, a com- munity-based nonprofit restoring and growing healthy relationships between people and place through aloha ʻāina practices. He is also an apprentice navigator with the Poly- nesian Voyaging Society.
“Na Leo Alaka‘i” is presented by Kamehameha Schools to amplify the wisdom of ‘ōiwi leaders from across the pae ‘āina and recognize the im- measurable ways they strengthen our communities, inspire the lāhui and elevate Hawaiʻi nei.
Helping Keiki Navigate Culture, Tradition
In 1997, through a program at Kaiser High School, I began learn- ing about Hōkūleʻa and voyaging practices, eventually getting the op- portunity to visit and sail on the ca- noe. After a few long voyages under my malo, master navigator Bruce Blankenfeld invited me to formally
During those years, I began working in ʻāina and community restoration at the Ulupō Heiau with Dr. Chuck Burrows and kumu hula Mapuana de Silva. In addition to community workdays, we started inviting schools to join us in our res- toration efforts. One class became two, then four and before we knew it, we were hosting and transforming ʻāina, consciousness and thousands of kids a year. In 2019, we launched
Volunteers with Kauluakalana gather at Ulupō in Kailua. PHOTOS COURTESY KALEO WONG
our brand-new nonprofit Kauluaka- lana (named after a legendary 12th century Kailua navigator). On the ʻāina and in Moananuiākea, we are still practicing the ʻike (wisdom) of
our kūpuna for the benefit of our communities. We are not just re- telling the moʻolelo of our people; we are continuing this moʻolelo. The upcoming PVS Moananuiākea
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Cybersecurity Student Makes The Grade At WGU
“I play with a few local bands. I play with the Maui Pops Orchestra, Maui Chamber Orchestra, and others.”
Henry Arroyo is a busy guy. He’s a professional trombone player, and he’s a systems engineer for a world- wide tech company.
Believe it or not, what Arroyo loves about music are the same things he enjoys about his day job.
“You do your part, work together – but there’s always more to learn, op- portunities to get better.”
Off stage and away from the bright lights, Arroyo is working to bethebestITprohecanbe.Asifhe didn’t have enough on his plate, he’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cy- bersecurity from WGU, the online, nonprofit university.
“Protection against cyberattacks is vital. Security is always top of mind. The knowledge and skills I’m getting through WGU are more im- portant now than ever before.”
The COVID-19 crisis brought a surge in cybercrime. According to an FBI report, criminal internet activ- ity jumped 300% during 2020. From phishing scams to extortion, the im- pact of those attacks is felt across Ha- waii and around the world
In business, all companies are at risk, but some are more susceptible than others. Many mom-and-pops
cannot fully budget for cybersecurity, making small businesses the most targeted category for cyberattacks ac- cording to Verizon.
The healthcare field is also vul- nerable. In the last three years, more than 90% of all healthcare organiza- tions have reported at least one secu- rity breach.
And because of the increased use of technology for teaching and learn- ing, schools have also become more vulnerable to cybercrime. Microsoft Security Intelligence reports 62% of nearly 5.8 million reported malware
cases came from the education sector. In today’s cyber landscape, trained professionals like Arroyo are on the front lines securing data and keeping hackers at bay. However, the growing demand for those experts has far outpaced the number of work- ers trained to do the job. Based on the latest research from cyberseek.org, there are roughly 8,000 cybersecurity jobs in Hawaii and about a third of
those are unfilled.
Qualified cybersecurity candi-
dates are needed – and fast. Online programs like those WGU offers pro- vide flexible, affordable educational options for people interested in the increasing opportunities available in that field.
The university is already helping
strengthen Hawaii’s workforce in sev- eral ways. Right now, more than 550 Hawaiians are enrolled with WGU, and nearly 1,000 more have already earned bachelor’s or master’s degrees from the university.
“WGU fits my busy life,” said Ar- royo. “I can study and pass courses on my schedule. And along the way, I’m getting the certifications that matter in my industry.”
By the end of this year, Arroyo will count himself a graduate, too. That doesn’t mean he’ll suddenly have more time on his hands. He and his wife are raising a daughter. He’ll still be delighting audiences on the trombone. And he’ll be applying his new, hard-earned skills helping keep Hawaiian businesses safe.