Complete Capstone List for PUBA

Spring 2009

In Support of Ecotourism and Ecotourism Certification for Hawaii

With a focus on economic sustainability, this project examines how we can further embrace and cultivate the tourism industry in Hawaii while encouraging environmental stewardship among tourism operators. In pursuit of these goals, we have developed an ecotour certification program to effectively encourage island-based organizations to incorporate the concepts of ecotourism into their business models.  In addition, we have recommended how state agencies and Hawai`i-based organizations can work both independently and collaboratively to promote ecotourism and further the concept of sustainability on O`ahu.

Spring 2009

Bicycle Sharing at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa

This capstone explores bicycle sharing, a short-term bicycle rental program, as an alternative mode of transportation for students, faculty, and staff at the University's flagship Manoa campus.  With a daytime population of up to 30,000 individuals impacting parking and traffic congestion on a daily basis, bicycle sharing could provide a much needed service that enhances the range of current transportation options and increases intra-campus mobility.

Spring 2009

A Directory of Watchdog Organizations in the State of Hawaii

This is a comprehensive directory of not-for-profit organizations in the State of Hawai`i that are devoted substantially to traditional "watchdog" functions.  "Watchdog" organizations monitor public behavior in their specific areas of expertise and interest.  They report publicly on their observations of public behavior and seek assistance in changing public behavior that they determine to be harmful.  Prior to this no such directory of "watchdog" organizations existed in the State of Hawaii.

Spring 2009

Hawaii Charter Schools, a look to the Future

This capstone looks at charter schools in the State of Hawai`i with the goal of increasing awareness of charter school issues and specifically highlighting a lack of cooperation coupled with the frustration of the groups that have stalled collaborative momentum for the charter school community here.

Spring 2009

The Crime Victim Compensation Commission of Hawai'i

This project looks at both the Commission and its relations with other organizations, including the Courts and the Attorney General, to understand why there is an uneven assignment of fines to individuals found guilty of victim-crimes, and what might be done about it.

Summer 2009

Forensic Health Science Reference Guide Pertaining to Abuse and Neglect

This capstone developed a reference guide that will assist nurses (especially emergency room nurses) in collecting appropriate evidence from victims of abuse, so that the police and judicial systems can better handle the cases.  The sponsor organization for this project is the School of Nursing, Hawaii Pacific University.

Spring 2009

Non-Profit Adaptive Strategies and Innovations in Leadership

This project produced a list of innovative strategies to improve the operations of non-profit organizations in Hawai`i.  After identifying a list of such strategies from a review of the literature and 'best practices' research, interviews were conducted with non-profit leaders to 'validate' the practicality and application of these strategies.  The sponsor organization is the Hawaii Alliance for Nonprofit Organizations (HANO)

Spring 2008

Hawaii Non-profit Management training needs assessment capstone

This capstone is a study of the training needs and educational opportunities for managing Non-profit organizations in the State of Hawai`i.  Results were used to assess the demand for a nonprofit certificate training program at the University of Hawai`i at Manoa's Public Administration Program and to establish structural and curricular recommendations for such a program.

Spring 2008

Hawai'i Affordable Housing Programs

The project investigated the array of agencies offering assistance to people designated as "homeless" because of inadequate funds. Federal, State of Hawai`i and City and County of Honolulu agencies were surveyed to determine the flow of housing assistance applications.  Several redundancies were found among multiple agencies with multiple bureaucracies creating problematic communication and collaboration issues.  The team made several recommendations to housing assistance agencies; it also formulated specific recommendations for those contemplating application for housing assistance.

Spring 2008

Betting on a Lottery: Should the State of Hawai’i Implement a State Lottery?

The capstone sought data from focused interviews with two key stakeholder groups:  legislators and advocacy groups.  Special attention was give to exploring the attitudes, suggestions, and criticisms offered by these often-opposing stakeholder groups.  They offered recommendations to policymakers regarding strategies, as well as tools for measuring public support or opposition, for possible implementation of a state-run lottery in the state of Hawai‘i.

Spring 2008

Ahu O Laka: The Kaneohe Bay Sandbar of Windward, Oahu, Hawai'i

The “Sandbar” is a 3 mile sand “shelf” that is currently a popular recreational destination for both locals and tourists.  Because of its rich cultural history, the Sandbar sits amid controversy between those who would like to see access restricted, and others who believe they have the right to convene and fellowship without hindrance. There were three major areas of concern amongst stakeholders that needed to be addressed:  history (cultural and governance), jurisdiction (including public safety concerns), and environmental concerns regarding public use of the Sandbar. After conducting stakeholder interviews with all three groups, we make recommendations for the Department of Natural Resources to adjust their current approach to better inform the public as to the Sandbar's history and enforce its jurisdiction over activities on the Sandbar.

Spring 2008

O'ahu Water Pricing Policy: Options for Sustainability

This capstone addresses concerns that O`ahu’s aquifer-based water source will be exhausted by over use in only a few decades.  Project members developed four different pricing models and then asked individuals familiar with water issues about the desirability and political feasibility of each.  Findings are integrated with information about sustainability policies in Mainland cities.

Spring 2008

Primary Care Physician Experiences in Hawai'i: A Qualitative Study of PCP's Perspectives

This project focuses on issues facing primary care physicians in Hawai`i in the light of changes that have occurred in the medical and health systems in the last ten years.   Project members interviewed a small sample of physicians and integrated their responses with information collected about the medical system.

Fall 2007

Risk Communication

This study entailed examining the risk communication practices of Hawai`i State and County government programs.  The purpose of this project was to study and evaluate the State of Hawaii’s emergency communication policy, the exchange of information during an eminent threat, regarding risk communication for people of limited English proficiency (LEP).  Specifically, it utilizes surveys focused on individuals of Filipino (Ilokano) background in order to determine their opinions on the importance of receiving risk communication information and how such services might be improved.  Interviews were conducted with members of governmental agencies involved in risk management, policy makers, media representatives, and public interest groups to analyze the effectiveness of the current public policies of disseminating risk communication to the LEP population. 

Spring 2007

U-Pass Expansion for the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa

The group investigated the desirability and feasibility of extending the U-Pass to all University of Hawai`i students via a mandatory fee at a much lower cost--$20 per semester.  Transit Division of the City and County of Honolulu; the UH parking office, the UH-Manoa Chancellor’s Office, the UH Vice-President for Administration, the Associated Students of the UHM, the Graduate Student Organization, and the UH Student Caucus were involved.  Information was gathered and feedback provided on the proposal, obstacles, and alternatives.  Student input was solicited through a campus-wide electronic survey seeking information on current commuting methods, knowledge of the U-Pass program, and reactions to the proposal to expand the U-Pass with a mandatory fee.  A total of 1266 survey responses were received.  Almost two-thirds of those identifying themselves as commuters indicated their public transit usage would rise with a mandatory U-Pass program.  However 46 percent of respondents opposed adding a U-Pass transportation fee to current fees (30 percent favored the proposal, 24% were unsure).  The project concluded by recommending adoption of the mandatory U-Pass program and outlining next steps to be taken to move the proposal forward.

Spring 2007

Improving Catholic Charities’ Hawai‘i Volunteer Program

This capstone surveys the literature on volunteer management, from recruitment to evaluation.  It develops and implements an online survey of Catholic Charities management and staff, and does a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis on the survey results to identify areas requiring attention.  A second survey focuses on the managers of programs that currently use volunteers.  A third element of the project involves interviewing staff in other large Hawai‘i non-profit human services organizations with volunteer programs in order to synthesize local “best practices.”  The group concluded that the CCH volunteer management program should increase its centralization and standardize procedures.  They also found ineffective communication between the programs and headquarters.  The group made nine recommendations, including: (1) Develop a program for volunteer recruitment, (2) Develop and utilize a volunteer program manual, and (3) Employ a full-time volunteer program coordinator.

Spring 2007

Biofuels Implementation in Hawai‘i: A Cause for Concern

This capstone conducted 21 interviews with people knowledgeable about Hawai‘i, its economy, its energy needs, and the environment, and who had expressed concerns about the state’s recent efforts to promote bio-energy.  The group sought representation from those working in government, private business, and nonprofit organizations, including environmental groups.  The interviews revealed that while pursuing alternative energy strategies is widely advocated, the state government’s push to establish a bio-energy industry may have been premature.  Concerns about the environmental and economic implications of the effort to establish ethanol production in Hawai‘i were commonly expressed.  Many of the respondents felt that greater efforts in the area of energy conservation were called for.  The study suggested that the state conduct a comprehensive review of renewable energy sources appropriate for Hawai‘i.  Consideration should also be given to mandating reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by a target date.  

Spring 2007

A Horizontal Analysis of Domestic Violence Intervention in Hawai‘i

This capstone project investigated the coordination of information and interagency activities in domestic violence interventions across three agencies and agency types: the Honolulu Police Department., the State of Hawai‘i Judiciary and several social services agencies.  Results revealed possible strengths and weaknesses in information flow and case management among these three entities.  Finding ways to improve collaboration among the agencies was a prevalent factor suggested by respondents from all agency types.  Many agreed that improvement in communication and collaborative meetings or seminars are necessary tools that must be more fully utilized.

Spring 2007

After School Programs for Middle Schools in the DOE

The capstone examined successful after-school programs in Sacramento, California middle schools with a view to possible adaptation and application in State of Hawai‘i middle schools.  Results indicated a great demand for middle school after-school programs.  Analysis demonstrated sufficiently comparable demographics between the Sacramento district and general State of Hawai‘i DOE middle school students to consider whether a similar program would be relevant and helpful to Hawai‘i’s middle school students.  It was concluded that such a program would reduce drug activity, juvenile arrests, and vandalism.  While after-school programs cannot substitute for parental supervision of middle school students, it would offer much-needed adult supervision.  Furthermore, these programs can offer athletic, academic and social enrichment.  Recommendations were offered on how the DOE might implement after-school programs in Hawai‘i’s middle schools.

Fall 2006

Hawai`i Deposit Beverage Container Program

While the Hawai`i State Department of Health monitors the volume of beverage containers that are being redeemed and the rates of recycling, this PUBA Capstone group wanted to research further to determine whether or not the program was effective and to explore areas that might be improved.  This study encapsulates the legislative history of Hawai`i’s bottle bill, its current form, including recent amendments to the law, and a brief summary of redemption programs that have been enacted in other states.  In addition, it includes quantified research results from surveys and interviews from many of the stakeholders on O`ahu involved in this issue.

Spring 2006

Recycling at the University of Hawai'i, Manoa Campus

This capstone studies recycling on the UH Manoa campus. The group conducted an electronic survey of student attitudes toward recycling and sought information on willingness to pay a recycling fee. The group also surveyed campus custodians to estimate the degree to which staff removed from the waste stream recyclables subject to the HI-5 recycling rebate (beverage cans and bottles). In the course of this work, the group developed estimates of the cost of a recycling program at Manoa and found that a recycling fee, acceptable to students, would largely cover the direct costs.

Spring 2006

Site-Based Management Drawing Lessons for Hawaii's School Community Councils

This capstone examines the history of educational decentralization via site-based management in Hawai'i. It focuses on the recently-created School Community Councils (SCCs), which are forums consisting of school personnel, parents, students and community members. The operations of SCCs at four schools were studied based upon interviews with a legislator, DOE official, and sixteen SCC members. While concerns were expressed about the effectiveness of SCCs, the team made several recommendations aimed at improving the implementation and development of this aspect of educational reform.

Spring 2006

Oahu Homeless Point-in-Time Study "More than just a Count"

This capstone focuses on counting the homeless population of O`ahu. The capstone team surveyed and interviewed relevant stakeholders, including legislators, neighborhood board members, business owners, homeless service providers, and members of the homeless population. With this information the group developed a set of recommendations for a methodology to count the homeless. Recommendations include: building community awareness in an effort to solicit broad involvement in the count, including homeless people to assist in the count, and keeping a narrow focus on achieving U.S. Housing and Urban Development goals for the count.

Spring 2006

Using Hawaiian Electric Company's Campbell Industrial Park Experience as a Case Study to Address NIMBYism in Hawaii: Could "Community Givebacks" be the Answer?

This capstone explores the process by which Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) sought to address initial community opposition to sitting a power plant in leeward O`ahu. Local opposition to undesirable infrastructure location, known as NIMBY (not in my back yard), was addressed in a process by which the community developed a list of give backs to compensate for the undesirable features of the plant. The team met with decision makers at HECO and conducted 19 interviews with community members active in the process. The capstone concluded that this approach can serve as a model for managing NIMBY opposition, though it does not guarantee success.

Spring 2005

Reawakening for Women - Creating A Database For Women Transitioning Out Of Prison

This team worked with a non-profit organization whose mission is to reduce recidivism among women who have been in prison. The members studied what is known about factors leading to successful rehabilitation, and created a database that will help the organization track those factors for individual clients.

Spring 2005

Examining best practices at University Based Online Learning Programs Using the 5 Pillars of Sloan Consortium

This is a study of a nationwide sample of land-grant universities whose online learning programs were cited by the Sloan Consortium as successful. The team identified priorities for the University of Hawai'i's progress toward a functional online learning service that serves its geographically dispersed clientele in the State of Hawai'i.

Spring 2005

The Role of Relationships in Public-Private Partnerships in Delivering Services

An examination of what makes up a successful public/private partnership, using recycling in Hawai'i as a case study. It asks, what are the elements of a successful public/private partnership? Are these present in the recycling processes in Hawai'i? Is there anything distinctive about partnerships in Hawai'i?

Spring 2005

Occupational Stress Factors and Effects On City and County of Honolulu Emergency Medical Technicians and Mobile Intensive Care Technicians

This team studied factors inducing stress for firefighters, EMT's and paramedics in Honolulu, and the effects job stressors have on their lives. The importance of certain facets of their jobs such as exposure to traumatic events was identified. Critical effects on EMIC personnels’ ability to perform their duties were also noted.

Spring 2005

A Study of Marine Recreational Fishing Licensing in Hawaii

A number of American states require licenses for recreational and shoreline fishing. This study is an in-depth look at the desirability and implications of having such a license in the Islands.  It includes on-site interviews with recreational shoreline fishers.

Spring 2005

Fighting Terrorism: Domestic Intelligence and Law Enforcement Operations

This project examined the intelligence and law enforcement structures and practices of the UK, Australia and Canada, comparing them to that of the United States. Important issues for analysis were the histories of each nation's domestic intelligence and law enforcement structure and the appropriateness of either combining or separating the foreign and domestic intelligence functions in the United States.

Fall 2004

Review of Board of Publications, University of Hawai`i at Manoa

This capstone project assesses the operations of the Board of Publications at UH-Manoa (the publisher of the student newspaper Ka Leo, among other products) with the goal of recommending improvements.  The work consisted of the creation of an online survey of current and former members of the Board regarding the effectiveness of various aspects of the operation, including recruitment, retention, compensation, and readership.  Also, a nationwide search for best practices of college campus newspapers was conducted.  The capstone group recommendations include establishing and maintaining an alumni database, increased board representation by non-student journalism professionals, term limits for board members, and improved communication and training for staff members.
Note:  In September 2005, the Board of Publications unanimously adopted the recommendations of the capstone group.

Spring 2004

Micronesian Empowerment Project

The Micronesian Empowerment Project is a series of workshops designed and delivered to empower Hawai`i’s most recent immigrant groups by strengthening teamwork, improving rights awareness, building voice, and increasing access to public agencies.   

Spring 2004

An Assessment of the Weed and Seed Strategy in Ewa

This study looks at the current levels of participation among businesses in Ewa, identifies factors that lead to involvement in the program, and recommends how a higher level of participation might be achieved.

Spring 2004

A Survey of Substance Abuse Prevention Education Programs in Hawaii Schools

This is a study of the status of federally funded substance abuse programs throughout the state of Hawai’i.  A survey was sent to 251 K-12 schools, or which about 82 percent responded.  In addition in-depth written interviews were conducted at 45 private schools.

Spring 2004

An Examination of Public Administration in Hawa`ii:  Interviews with Prominent Public Officials

This project involved interviewing 25 of Hawai`i’s most prominent pubic servants, both elected and appointed, and seeking their insights into the challenges and changes in their profession.

Spring 2004

A Facilitative Analysis on the City and County of Honolulu's Auditing Process

The City and County of Honolulu recently established its own auditor’s office.  This goal of is capstone to provide feedback from city agencies about what, from their perspective, would makes the audits more effective. 

Fall 2003

Spend-it-or-Lose-it Budgeting in Hawaii State Government

This looks in detail at what program managers do with unexpended funds at the end of the fiscal year, the rationales for their decisions, and what might be done to create a more efficient and accountable use of public monies. 

Spring 2003

Is Autonomy Feasible for the Hawaii Employees' Retirement System as an Option to Improve its Overall Function and Overall Efficiency?

Spring 2003

Identifying Communities and Community Groups for Emergency Response Team Training in Hawaii

Spring 2003

Ho'olaulima "Working Together":  A Study of Community-Based Planning and the 'Auwai of Nu'uanu

Fall 2002

DOE/UHCC Coordination Council Evaluation

Spring 2002

A Research Design:  Social and Economic Impacts of Casino Gambling in Hawaii

Spring 2002

An Analysis of the Honolulu Fire Department's Wellness Fitness Program

Fall 2001

Change in Action at DHS:  A Proposal to Create a Versatile Worker

Fall 2001

Feasibility Study on the Hawai`i Institute for Public Management

Spring 2001

Administration for Native Americans:  Application for Financial Assistance

Spring 2001

Accessing Hawaii's Political to Organize Its Non-Profit Community

Spring 2000

Cultural Aspects of Fireworks in Hawai`i

Spring 2000

The Corporate Citizenship Project

Fall 2000

Is Change Possible?  Learning from Hawai`i's Public Employees

Fall 2000

An Exploration of the Prospects for Self Regulation:  Invasive Species in Hawai`i

Spring 1999

Community Leadership Curriculum:  Building Our Community

Spring 1999

Preparing the Nu'uanu YMCA for the New Millennium

Spring 1999

An Analysis of Four Components of the HFD Organization:  Governance, Goals, Objectives, Ethics, and Aspects of a Healthy Organization (Organizational Communication and Flexibility)

Spring 1999

Reform of Public Employee Compensation Systems in Hawai`i:  A Study of Attitudes About Pay-For-Performance Programs

Spring 1998

A Model for Integrated Service Networks on the Wai'anae Coast

Spring 1998

Ahupua'a O Kahana:  The Study of the History, the People, the Land and the Administrative Influences Towards the Development of a Cultural Living Park in Kahana Valley

Fall 1997

The Redevelopment of Naval Air Barbers Point

Fall 1997

A Module for Community-Based Tourism on the Wai'anae Coast

Fall 1997

Workplace Perceptions:  Case Study of the Honolulu Zoo Understanding the Organizational Environment and Managing the Effects of Significant Change

Spring 1997

About a Public Matter:  An Evaluation Study of the University of Hawai`i Public Administration Program

Spring 1997

Measure of Management Effectiveness:  A Study of the Similarities and Differences Between the Perceptions of Managers and Subordinates in the Department of Transportation State of Hawaii

Spring 1997

Not for Profit:  The Role of Private Industry in Public Schools

Fall 1996

The Price of Paradise:  POP Accountability Project The Cayetano Record

Fall 1996

Understanding Community Dynamics:  A Case Study of Molokai and Central Maui

Fall 1996

Constitutional Amendments and Public Policy Case Study:  Public School Construction in Hawai`i

Fall 1996

The Affect of Information Technology on Government Efficiency in the State of Hawai`i

Fall 1995

Democracy at Work:  Decision-Making in a SCBM School

Fall 1995

Evaluation of the Hawai`i Democracy Forum

Spring 1995

PPBS in Process:  Evaluating the Fiscal Relationship Between the Executive and Legislative Branches in Hawai`i

Spring 1995

Voices From Behind the Scenes:  Hawaii's Allocation and Expenditure Process as Expressed by state Employees

Spring 1995

A Study of Street Prostitution in Waikiki

Fall 1994

An Innovative Approach to Drug Treatment for Hawaii's Court System

Spring 1994

A Study of Fireworks in Hawai`i

Spring 1994

Privatization and the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Parks and Recreation

Spring 1993

A Review of State Lottery Systems and Implications of a State Lottery for Hawai`i

Fall 1993

A Model for Change:  A Case Study of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Fall 1992

Housing and O`ahu's Single Parent Families:  An Analysis of Needs, Trends, Policy Issues and Housing Alternatives