For Admitted Students - Environmental Leadership in Hawai'i
Congratulations on your acceptance!
We are looking forward to your participation in this unique and engaging program. We have compiled some important information for you; please review this carefully with your family and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions at Leadership@brown.edu
Connect with other students on Facebook
We've created a student group on Facebook for students to connect directly with each other, and arrange travel to Hawai'i together. To access, the student must be a Facebook member and have been accepted into the Program. Click here to visit the BELL: Hawai'i Facebook group and request to join.
Travel Dates and Times
Friday, March 22 - Friday, March 29, 2013
March 22 – Arrive at Hilo International Airport (ITO) between 4 pm and 6 pm HST
March 29 – Depart Kona International Airport (KOA) between Noon and 4 pm HST
Please note: Our program is held on the island of Hawai’i, also known as the Big Island. Honolulu is located on the island of O’ahu.
How to Book Tickets with Different Arrival and Departure Locations
Depending on your point of origin, the flight to the Hawai’i can be quite long and we recommend that you carefully review travel plans with family prior to your departure to ensure a safe and stress-free journey. Hawaiian Airlines flies direct from some mainland cities to Hawai’i www.hawaiianairlines.com/ or with a short lay-over in Honolulu on O’ahu. Depending on your point of origin, you may find it more economical and convenient to purchase a round trip ticket to Honolulu with a major airline and then purchase one-way tickets to Hilo and from Kona on Hawaiian airlines. Interisland flights depart from a different terminal but there is a free shuttle bus between terminals. If you chose to book your flight from your point of origin to Hilo and then departing from Kona, look for a link that says “multi-destination” or “multi-city.”
Airport codes: Hilo (ITO) Kona (KOA) Honolulu (HNL)
Airport Pick-Up and Drop-Off
Brown and Kohala Center staff will meet you at the Hilo airport and transfer you to our lodgings at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The Park is about one hour drive from the airport. Look for staff wearing Brown University t-shirts in the arrival area. At the end of the program, you will be transported to the Kona airport. Students will be responsible for managing their flight departure but staff will be available if local assistance is required due to flight delays or unexpected concerns.
If your flight is delayed to Hilo
If you experience a delay while traveling to Hilo, call Program Director Kisa Takesue, (NOTE: updated phone number) 401-323-7965 with your new arrival time. We will arrange to meet you at Hilo airport and will transfer you to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
Preparing for BELL Hawai'i
In order to participate in this program, our office must receive full payment and these completed forms/information by Wednesday, March 6, 2013.
- BELL: Hawai'i and New Orleans Acceptance Form and Code of Conduct
- Medical Authorization Form, including copy of medical insurance card
- Immunization History Form (to be completed by physician)
- Disability and Medical Accommodations Form (if applicable)
- Travel itinerary information (on-line)
- The Kohala Center Release and Waiver Form
- The Kohala Center Media Release Form
- Ka‘ūpūlehu Interpretive Center Waiver
- Ka‘ūpūlehu Dryland Forest Waiver
Please return all required forms except on-line Travel Itinerary Forms to Continuing Education via email, mail, or fax.
Email: Leadership@Brown.edu
Fax: 401-863-3916
Mail: Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL) Hawaii
Continuing Education, Brown University
200 Dyer Street, Box T
Providence, RI 02912
Complete required readings prior to program
We ask students to read several articles prior to their arrival in Hawai’i. You will receive this information after you confirm participation in the program.
Packing
Please be very conservative in packing and bring only essentials. There is very limited luggage capacity in the program van and where we are staying. Luggage must weigh less than 65 lbs. Note: most airlines charge extra for luggage weighing over 50 lbs.
You are required to bring the following items as these items are required for admittance on some properties and during certain activities.
Required items
- Raincoat
- One large suitcase or duffle bag that will hold all of your packed belongings including sleeping bag. If you can’t carry it, it is too big and/or too heavy!
- Sleeping bag
- Long sleeve shirt (1-2 pieces)
- Jeans or heavy cargo working pants to wear while hiking. Thick pants will protect you if you slip and fall on sharp, volcanic rock.
- Bathing Suit
- Hat – preferably with a wide brim for good sun protection, particularly if you burn easily
- Water Bottle (It is very important that you stay hydrated)
- Day pack/back pack that can be used on hikes and as a carry-on for plane ride
- Sturdy, closed toe shoes that can be worn for hiking (hiking boots not required)
- Reef shoes or a similar type of waterproof shoe that you can wear to protect feet on shores that have sharp, volcanic material. We will not be at soft, white sandy beaches.
- Any prescribed medications and a copy of original prescription
- Government-issued photo ID
Recommended items
- Sleeping pad
- Pillow (or to reduce bulk, bring a pillow case and stuff it with clothes)
- T-shirts (4-5 pieces)
- Fast drying shorts (1-2 pairs)
- Sleep wear
- Underwear
- Socks
- Skin/rash guard (particularly if you sunburn or chill easily in the water)
- Beach towel
- Fleece jacket or warm hoodie
- Sunglasses and back-up pair of prescription glasses
- Blank journal
- Small flashlight
- Sun block – water-resistant, 30+ SPF
- Bug Repellant
- Toothbrush and toiletries (we recommend using small sample sizes that can be purchased at drug stores or using items provided by hotels)
- Phone charger
On Island Information
Internet, Mobile Phones, and Electricity
Depending on your carrier, you may find mobile phone coverage spotty. Students will have limited opportunities for cell phone charging. Students must restrict any texting, internet, and/or phone usage to free time in the evenings. Please do not bring laptops, ipads, or e-readers.
Emergency Contact Information
In case of emergency, the Program Director, Kisa Takesue can be reached at (NOTE: updated phone number) 401-323-7965. If Ms. Takesue is not immediately available, you can call Brown’s Department of Public Safety at 401-863-3322.
Accommodations and Meals
For the first part of the course, students will stay at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park at the Kilauea Military Camp. Students will stay in same-sex cabin-style (Hales) structures. Students will have access to showers, toilets, and a modern cafeteria. www.kmc-volcano.com/
For the second part of the course, students will camp near the shoreline north of Kailua-Kona. Students will sleep in tents (provided) near the beach and food with lunch and dinners catered by a local island chef. Students will work together in groups to prepare breakfast. This site is rustic, but you will have access to showers and toilet facilities. www.discoverybuildershawaii.com/interpretive.html
We must be informed of dietary restrictions and allergies prior to the program’s start date in order to make accommodations. Vegetarian options will be provided at all meals. Snacks will be provided during the day.
Laundry Facilities
There are coin-operated washers and dryers at KMC. There are NO laundry facilities at Kalameano Camp Site.
Medical Emergencies and Illness
The BELL Hawai’i program is a physically taxing program involving significant exertion in the outdoors. For your safety and comfort during the program, we expect participants to fully disclose any and all pre-existing medical conditions in required medical forms.
In an emergency, you will be transported to the hospital in Hilo or Kona. We will always be within a 1-2 hour drive from a hospital. For minor problems, we have a well-equipped first aid kit and staff certified in first aid, lifeguard, and emergency first responder.
Please be aware that due to the island’s active volcano, high concentrations of volcanic gas and ash can be found in certain areas of the island. Those with asthma or other types of respiratory illnesses are advised to consult with a physician regarding their program participation and follow physician recommendations. If applicable, please come prepared with appropriate medications.
Additional information about these environmental conditions, can be found at http://governor.hawaii.gov/emergency-information/important-information-about-vog/
Spending Money
All your food and housing is covered in the program fee as well as entry fees to various sites. You will only need money while you are traveling and for purchasing souvenirs. Note: Shopping time will be very limited.
Fellow Students
There will be approximately 30 students from all over the U.S and the world in the program. Usually there are slightly more girls than boys ranging from grades 9-12.
Homework
There is no homework in the traditional sense. For the most part students will be doing experiential learning together with some journal writing. Students will be required to present a short oral presentation related to their learning at the end of the program.