A newly appointed member of the University of Hawaii Board of Regents would like college students to have more access to computers and other high technology. Newest UH regent
thinks diverse background
gives him an edgeBy Treena Shapiro
Star-BulletinHaving recently purchased a computer for his family so his sister could turn in assignments, new student regent Capsun Poe said, "At this day and age, not having a computer is a huge digital divide" and students should have access to the latest technology.
Poe was confirmed as the new student member of the UH Board of Regents by the state Senate Education Committee yesterday.
Poe, a junior majoring in political science, will start his two-year term on July 1.
Testifying in support of his own appointment, Poe said his Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese and English heritage, Big Island roots and previous attendance at Windward Community College would help him represent a diverse range of students.
"I think that one of my proudest qualities is that I have friends and contacts at a lot of different campuses," he said. "I think that the community colleges many times are forgotten about and I hope that we can change that image."
Involved in student government since the eighth grade and currently an Associated Students of the University of Hawaii senator, Poe said he looks forward to further serving fellow students and the university community.
He said he plans to keep the lines of communication open as he looks for "fair solutions as well as viable solutions" to difficult issues, such as the recent tuition increases that brought the wrath of students upon current student Board of Regents member Sat Khalsa.
Khalsa, who will be graduating from law school in May, would have been eligible for another two years on the board, but he chose not to reapply.
"I think it was a great learning experience.
"It was good for me to grow as a person, but it was pretty miserable at the same time," he said.
Khalsa said he plans to talk with Poe to give him advice before his term.
Ka Leo O Hawaii
University of Hawaii
