Kendama Drama

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  Wai'anae, Hawai'i
  February 20, 2014 - Wai'anae, Hawaii
  
  In this age of modern technology where computers, tablets, and cell phones are the major past times, a simple ball attached to a stick by a string is the newest fixation amongst teens.
  
  The kendama is a traditional Japanese toy that dates back to over 400 years ago. Its body consists of three cups and a spike, connected to a ball by string. Its main objective is simple: catch the ball in one of the cups or on the spike. While it may seem like nothing special, the kendama’s popularity has recently spiked in Hawaii.
  
  Kids all over the state are found with the toy, including at school. Many students bring and play with their kendamas at school, much to teacher and admin’s dissatisfaction. “It becomes a problem ‘cause it takes away their focus,” said biology teacher Elorde Tuliao. But to some kids, kendamas are more than just a game or a distraction.
  
  “When people pink slip it means that they wanna see if they have the skills to win the other person’s kendama, and… win,” said sophomore Makana Savaiinaea. Kendama players often play a game called Dama, similar to Horse. Players take turns performing a trick, and for each trick missed you gain a letter of the word Dama. Once all letters are collected by a player, they lose. In some cases, kids are catching more than just the ball. Players have the choice to “pink slip”, or wager, their kendamas when playing the game. Pink slipping is considered gambling and is a Class B Chapter 19 offense. Some Oahu schools, such as James Campbell High School, have taken action and banned kendamas from campus.
  
  In 2012, a study showed that 60-80% of teenagers have gambled. Over the years, schools have banned numerous toys, such as pogs and marbles, due to gambling incidents. This just goes to show that kendamas are simply another tool for students to gamble.
  
  Eliminating kendamas from school might not stop kids from gambling, but it might do just the trick in preventing it. “I think the school is taking steps towards avoiding these problems,” said Tuliao.
  
  The kendama might not have a screen or cool apps, but clearly, they have still managed to catch the attention of kids all over Hawaii.

“It becomes a problem 'cause it takes away their focus,"

said biology teacher Elorde Tuliao.

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looking back

Write tools 

I've realized that kendamas aren't necessarily the problem, it depends on how you look at it.

Cayla Paulo, Reporter

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Abreen Padeken, Writer

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Everyone has a  different perspective on things, It just matters who finds it a distraction and who doesn't
Raeanna Labrador-Pollick,
 Photographer

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Awards/honors

2014 Spring Nationals
School News Story
Honorable Mention

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