HPU STUDENTS HONOR LAND AND COMMUNITY THROUGH 'BEYOND THE CAP' SERVICE DAY

On a warm November morning, a dedicated group of Hawai’i Pacific University students traded their weekend routines for work gloves, mud-stained boots, and a chance to give back. As part of this semester’s “Beyond the Cap” celebration, students traveled to Kauluakalana at Ulupō Heiau State Historic Site in Kailua for a day of cultural learning, community restoration, and connection to ʻāina (land). Organized by the Student Government Association (SGA) and Sharks United, the semesterly event offers graduating seniors and their peers a unique way to recognize the culmination of their academic journey.

On the day of the event, 14 students—representing SGA, Sharks United, Leaders for a Sustainable Future (LSF), and Sharks Legacy—departed Aloha Tower Marketplace for a place of immense cultural and historical significance on the windward side of Oʻahu.

The mission of the day was to “Graduate with aloha, while giving back to the ʻāina. Upon arrival, the students were welcomed into the loʻi (taro patch) project stewarded by Kauluakalana, where they learned about the history of Ulupō Heiau and the ongoing community-led work to restore native agriculture and ecosystems.

Then came the muddy part: under the direction of Kauluakalana’s stewardship team—and with Assistant Director of Student Engagement Dyson Chee participating in support—the group took part in a hands-on restoration project. The students worked diligently to clear invasive plants, prepare the ground for new loʻi, and help to restore the site’s ecological balance.

“Beyond the Cap is more than a service outing. It’s a celebration of HPU’s goals and values by our students,” said Chee. “By giving back to the community, our student leaders are fostering strong community partnerships between HPU and local stewardship groups, helping to give back to the place and people we call home.”

For Frankie-Jo Froehle, President of Sharks United and a Spring 2026 graduating senior, the physical work offered a moment of reflection.

“Having the opportunity to plan and participate in Beyond the Cap reminded me why I love being part of the HPU ‘ohana. This experience brought us together with the local community in such a genuine, hands-on way,” Froehle said. “Working on the land alongside fellow students helped me feel grounded and grateful, and giving back felt like the most meaningful way to show my appreciation to the place that has supported my journey here on island.”

Beyond the Cap is designed to not only celebrate the seniors leaving HPU but to strengthen the bond between the university and the local environment. Aleiah Leilua-Toloai, Student Body President, emphasized that these service-learning outings are about building a legacy that outlasts a student’s time on campus.

“Beyond the Cap represents continued efforts to connect our HPU ‘ohana and the local community,” Leilua-Toloai explained. “More importantly, it has created an opportunity to spark connections between students and staff as well as a part of Hawaiʻi through community service, building memories we hope everyone will carry with them for a lifetime.”

As the students washed off the mud and prepared to head back to town, the sentiment was one of accomplishment.

“I’m committed to helping create more opportunities for others to feel that same sense of purpose and connection,” Froehle added.

Leilua-Toloai echoed that vision for the future of student leadership at HPU: “As a student, I hope we continue to create interactive learning experiences like this for future generations. As a leader, I hope to provide these meaningful experiences throughout the remainder of my time here in this role.”

SGA and Sharks United deserve huge credit for spearheading this awesome initiative for the third semester in a row, and I’m very excited for what future Beyond the Caps will bring,” Chee concluded.

Photos by: Angelo De Guia