Juliet Becker/Daily Nexus

Catherine Kegel, a second-year biology major at UC Santa Barbara, announced in her ANTH3 section on Friday that she feels “deeply connected” to the Hawaiian islands after her most recent family vacation. The statement was so profound and original that it garnered attention from various media outlets, including the Daily Nexus.

We were lucky enough to book an exclusive interview with Kegel, where we discussed her affinity and unique experience on the islands.

“I feel like the islands are really special. We stayed in Waikiki, where I got to learn about unique cultural artifacts sacred to the Native Hawaiian people. I ate at traditional Hawaiian restaurants, like L&L Hawaiian BBQ and The Cheesecake Factory,” Kegel said.

Along with her Bourdain-esque food tour of the islands, Kegel also delved into some of the sacred activities in which she had the honor of participating.

“I took a day trip to a historic, remote site called the Dole Plantation,” Kegel said. “It was so humbling to see how the Hawaiians lived before colonization. The plantation really opened my eyes to the true history of Hawaiian culture.”

However, the Daily Nexus was more interested in the specifics of Kegel’s emotional ties to Hawai‘i.

“It just felt like a really special place — not to everyone, but to me. I don’t think anyone could appreciate islands in the same way I did. I really think Hawai‘i was made for me specifically,” Kegel said.

In an interview with Kegel, the Nexus brought up the backlash from Native Hawaiian people about over-tourism and exploitation of their land.

“I mean I don’t really give a shit,” Kegel said. “It’s part of America, and I should be able to go anywhere I want. I mean, I’m one-quarter Irish, do you know how my people used to be treated? My trip literally pays for your whole economy.”

Amongst the praise for her never-before-heard take on Hawai‘i, Kegel also faced criticism for her more sensitive experiences while visiting.

“Yes, I swam at a beach that everyone told me not to swim at because it was dangerous. Yes, I had to be rescued by the lifeguards. Yes, I touched a monk seal. Yes, I threw my beer bottle off the boat because I didn’t know what to do with it. So what? I love these islands more than anyone else, I should be able to treat them how I want,” Kegel said.

Kegel also offered some of her own advice for the island.

“The locals get so angry at everything! ‘You can’t do that.’ ‘That’s sacred.’ I mean, give it up! They’re nice until you do something ‘wrong.’ Ever heard of the ‘Aloha spirit?’” Kegel said.

Despite some negative attention, Kegel received overwhelming support from her peers upon her announcement of feeling connected to Hawai‘i.

“I think [Kegel] is really brave for coming out and saying that how she feels about Hawai‘i is special,” second-year communication major Jacob Garcia said. “Not many people even feel that connection, let alone being courageous and unique enough to say it. I’m proud of her for real for real.”

After her initial visit, Kegel plans to return to Hawai‘i over the summer with her friends. There, she plans to delve into more authentic Hawaiian activities, such as eating a Spam musubi and talking to the locals (scary).

Joseph R. Biden needs to be more welcoming of tourists.