This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on June 5, 2026.

Aloha University of Hawaiʻi ʻohana,

I am pleased to share that the University of Hawaiʻi has officially welcomed three outstanding individuals to our senior leadership team following recent Board of Regents action and appointments. Each brings deep experience, a strong commitment to our mission and an exciting vision for helping move our 10-campus system forward.

Please join me in welcoming:

Vassilis Syrmos

Vassilis Syrmos, who was unanimously approved by the Board of Regents as the next chancellor of UH Mānoa. A dedicated member of the UH community for 35 years, Vassilis brings deep institutional knowledge and strong leadership experience as he leads our flagship campus into its next chapter.

Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua

Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua, who was appointed interim director of the System Hawaiʻi Papa O Ke Ao and UH Mānoa Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office. Noe brings extensive experience in education, governance and community engagement and will help continue advancing our work as a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning.

Brad Christ

Brad Christ, who officially assumed the role of vice president for information technology and chief information officer. Brad has played a key role in strengthening technology, cybersecurity and digital transformation efforts across UH and will help guide the university’s continued modernization efforts. Read more.

I am thrilled to welcome Vassilis, Noe and Brad to our leadership team. I know each will help take our university to the next level in their respective areas and strengthen the important work happening across all 10 campuses.

Please join me in congratulating and warmly welcoming them to these important roles.

With aloha,
Wendy Hensel
UH President

Beginning this fall, Hawaiʻi Community College’s Kō Education Center in Honokaʻa will offer a new pathway for North Hawaiʻi students to begin college close to home through the “First Year Here at Kō” program. Participating students will also have access to academic advising, tutoring, student support services, and small class sizes without the need for a long commute.

The program allows students to complete their first year of general education courses locally through face-to-face morning classes designed to assist students balancing academics, work, family and community commitments. The program also gives students an opportunity to explore future academic and career pathways while completing transferable general education coursework.

“The First Year Here at Kō provides students in this region the opportunity to begin their college journey close to home while saving time and money,” said Sandy Ott, Kō Education Center’s campus operations coordinator. “This program creates a supportive transition into college life while allowing students to stay connected to their families, community and local support systems.”

• Applications for the fall 2026 semester are due August 1.

Helping Hāmākua Coast residents

The initiative was developed in response to community conversations and the growing need for accessible higher education opportunities along the Hāmākua Coast. By offering full-time enrollment options locally, the program aims to help students build confidence, form meaningful relationships with classmates and instructors, and receive the support needed during the critical first year of college.

“First Year Here at Kō reflects our commitment to meeting students where they are geographically, academically and personally,” said Jace Saplan, Hawaiʻi CC dean of liberal arts and sciences. “This initiative allows students to begin with foundational general education courses that can move with them into many different majors, while also building relationships with faculty, counselors, staff and community partners.”

The pilot program is designed to serve up to 20 students during its first year. After completing their first year at Kō, students may continue their studies at Hawaiʻi CC’s Manono campus in Hilo or the Pālamanui campus in Kona, depending on their academic program and personal circumstances.

“My hope is that ‘First Year Here at Kō’ becomes a clear invitation for students to see Hawaiʻi Community College as part of their community, and to see their own education as something that can grow from these opportunities,” said Saplan.

To learn more about the program visit the Hawaiʻi CC website, or contact Ott by email cdott@hawaii.edu or phone (808) 775-8890.

Hawaiʻi Community College Chancellor Susan Kazama will step down on July 31 to retire, concluding a 40-year career with the University of Hawaiʻi that has spanned five campuses and nearly every level of higher education leadership.

Kazama, a Hilo native was appointed as the permanent chancellor of Hawaiʻi CC in July 2024 after serving a year in an interim capacity. She is retiring in part to spend more time caring for her elderly parents.

“Returning home to lead a college in the community that raised me has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Kazama shared in a message to the campus. “Looking back on four decades at the University of Hawaiʻi, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve students and communities across our state, and especially for the chance to return home to lead Hawaiʻi Community College.”

“Mahalo to Chancellor Kazama for her dedication and service to the University of Hawaiʻi and her steadfast leadership at Hawaiʻi Community College,” said Interim Vice President for the UH Community Colleges Lui Hokoana. “Susan’s deep roots on Hawaiʻi Island and her commitment to building pilina (relationship) have profoundly elevated the campus and its students. We are deeply grateful for her dedication and wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement.”

Advancing Hawaiʻi CC

During her time as interim and permanent chancellor, Kazama steered the college through a period of growth, stability and renewed momentum. Under her leadership, Hawaiʻi CC rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic, achieving an 8.7% increase in enrollment, record-high student retention and success rates, and a full seven-year reaffirmation of accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

Her tenure reflected a strong commitment to student success, workforce development and community engagement. She expanded educational opportunities at the Pālamanui campus and Kō Education Center, launched the college’s first drone certification program, supported multiple butchery cohorts, and helped secure scholarship funding through community partnerships.

Among her most significant accomplishments was securing an agreement for a 16-acre land acquisition dedicated to sustainable agriculture, creating new opportunities for hands-on learning while supporting food security and workforce development on Hawaiʻi Island.

She also strengthened community relationships, expanded philanthropic support, and helped advance Hawaiʻi CC’s mission as a premier Native Hawaiian-serving institution rooted in culture, innovation and opportunity.

A career of service

Born and raised in Hilo, Kazama graduated from Waiākea High School before earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

Her UH career began in the libraries at Maui Community College and Honolulu Community College before she joined UH Mānoa’s Hamilton Library. She later served as library and learning resources director at Kapiʻolani Community College and went on to hold senior leadership positions across the UH System, including interim vice chancellor for academic affairs at both Kapiʻolani CC and Honolulu CC.

Nationally recognized for her expertise in accreditation, Kazama served as a commissioner, vice chair and chair of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, helping shape accreditation standards and policy for community colleges throughout the western United States and Pacific region.

Throughout her career, Kazama focused on strengthening student success, institutional effectiveness and community partnerships, leaving a lasting impact on UH and the students it serves.

“What I leave with most strongly is this lesson: the leadership of a kauhale (village) means we must work together on behalf of student success, trust, culture and institutional transformation,” Kazama said. “The things that matter most can never rest on the shoulders of a single person. They require all of us.”

An interim chancellor for Hawaiʻi CC will be announced in the weeks ahead to ensure a smooth transition.

As Hawaiʻi works to eliminate more than 83,000 cesspools by 2050, Hawaiʻi Community College and the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College are preparing the workforce needed to help make it happen. The colleges launched the Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Specialist Certificate, a one-year program preparing students for careers in cesspool conversion and sustainable wastewater installation.

The 23-credit certificate combines coursework in design, construction and sustainability with experiential learning. As demand grows, this program builds the local workforce vital for protecting Hawaiʻi’s environment and public health.

• Applications are open for the August 2026 cohort

“I really enjoy the mix of theoretical and practical information that the course provides. We’ve learned about how various wastewater treatment systems operate, and also have had many opportunities to learn from professionals in the field, and visit various facilities,” said student Marina Kukso. “I hope to join the wastewater industry after this program, so this certificate has been the perfect springboard to help me fulfill my goals.”

Flooding, aging infrastructure, need for professionals

Recent flooding events have highlighted the vulnerabilities of aging infrastructure, underscoring the urgent need for skilled professionals to replace systems and meet the 2050 mandate.

“The cesspool issue is complex, and will require a multitude of different stakeholders working together to find solutions,” said Charlotte Cheek, project coordinator and Hawaiʻi CC instructor. “The certificate was created in response to the growing need for more wastewater professionals in our communities. The courses educate students about the issues and solutions and connect them with wastewater professionals all over Hawaiʻi.”

Financial assistance is available. For more details, email Cheek at cheekc@hawaii.edu or visit the Hawaiʻi CC website.

The University of Hawaiʻi has officially posted the job description for a highly anticipated, newly created position: the associate vice president (AVP) for workforce development. Serving as the primary architect for a cohesive workforce strategy across all 10 UH campuses, this leader will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academia and industry to meet the pressing labor needs of the State of Hawaiʻi.

The establishment of this position is a major priority for UH President Wendy Hensel. During her inaugural systemwide address, Hensel stressed the need to move at the “speed of business” and create one centralized place for industry partners to engage with UH.

“We must build an integrated ecosystem with employers that brings them into our curriculum and into the classroom,” Hensel said. “This new associate vice president for workforce development will really own this initiative, ensuring we answer the call of Hawaiʻi‘s business and industry, and move our strategic agenda forward in a targeted, coordinated way.”

Unified programs, enhanced pathways

Reporting to the vice president for academic strategy, the new AVP will lead the development of a systemwide “Workforce Master Plan” that aligns directly with Hawaiʻi‘s economic priorities.

By unifying credit and non-credit programs, the AVP will enhance career pathways, allowing learners to move fluidly from short-term training to advanced degrees. Furthermore, they will expand opportunities for work-based learning, apprenticeships and applied research by formalizing agreements with private sector partners and large state employers.

Candidates must possess a minimum of eight years of progressive leadership experience in workforce development, economic development or higher education administration. The search is now underway, with the continuous application review process set to begin on June 15, 2026.

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from the UH Hilo’s Camryn Hilder, an undergraduate majoring in animal health and management in the College of Agriculture Forestry and Natural Resource Management.

Hilder shared: “Episode 43 of Kīlauea’s eruption showered Hilo in a light dusting of Pele’s hair. Despite the elements, life continues on the farm…This photo shows one of the horses, Dundee, standing beneath an eerie red sun, its color caused by the plume of volcanic ash.”

Previous Images
Championship trophy tour
Time flies
Shakas up!
Got rice?
Everybody chill
All Images of the Week

Send us your image!

A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the UH ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next UH News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

• Send your image using a UH email address.

Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other UH connection. By submitting your image, you are giving UH News permission to publish your photo on the UH News website and UH social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.

The University of Hawaiʻi is extending UH Maui College’s successful Hoapili Teacher Pathways program statewide across all 10 UH campuses to combat the critical teacher shortage across the islands. This systemwide collaboration offers a clear and supported pathway for Hawaiʻi residents to earn their elementary education teacher license, including tuition-free courses.

The Hoapili program, launched in 2023, has already demonstrated its effectiveness by helping more than 60 students earn their teacher licensure and education fields. The initiative has served more than 360 students, attracting non-traditional students such as long-term substitute teachers, educational assistants, emergency hires, and parents in both Hawaiian and English educational contexts. UH is scaling this proven model statewide to “grow our own” kumu (teachers) on every island.

A dedicated program coordinator and campus counselors work one-on-one with students to build a tailored academic plan. To learn more or apply, visit UHKumu.org.

Eliminating financial barriers

Guided by the mission, “I ulu nō ka lālā i ke kumu”—Our keiki grow because of their kumu,” the pathways program is designed to eliminate common financial and geographical barriers. Core courses toward elementary education teacher licensure are offered tuition-free and delivered entirely online, with classes intentionally scheduled during after-work hours to accommodate full-time working adults balancing busy lifestyles.

Students can enroll full- or part-time, and there are no prerequisites required to join. The program also provides free substitute teaching certifications and free para-educator testing (ParaPro Assessment) for those seeking immediate entry into the workforce. Participants can start at any UH Community College and seamlessly transfer to a four-year UH campus”—including UH Hilo, UH Mānoa and UH West Oʻahu—to complete a bachelor of education degree in elementary education.

“The Hoapili program began as a way to provide a bridge to teacher licensure for individuals who are passionate about education but unable to attend college in the traditional sense,” said Lui Hokoana, interim vice president for the UH Community Colleges. “Expanding this proven, Maui-born solution to all 10 campuses allows us to scale our efforts and build a robust, sustainable pipeline of local teachers for schools across the state.”

The University of Hawaiʻi System has announced the appointment of Brad Christ as vice president for information technology and chief information officer (CIO), effective May 23. The appointment was officially approved by the Board of Regents (BOR) at its May 21 meeting.

“I am honored to step into this role,” said Christ. “I look forward to collaborating on and building upon the technology initiatives we have already launched across the system, further modernizing our cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity protections, and ensuring that our students, faculty, and staff have the innovative tools they need for success.”

Prior to this, Christ served as the UH System’s associate vice president and deputy CIO. Over the past year in that role, he made an immediate and significant impact through strategic leadership, generating tangible results for the university. Through his review of major ITS systems and contracts over this past year, he identified $327,000 in direct savings for the current and future fiscal years. Furthermore, Christ has advanced critical digital transformation efforts across all campuses, including leading the impending system-wide launch of a Microsoft 365 environment to provide AI-enabled tools to students, faculty and staff, as well as securing system-wide access to GitHub Enterprise at no cost to the university. He has also accelerated UH‘s cloud strategy and actively supported UH Mānoa’s work to become a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning.

“Christ stepped forward to lead stabilization efforts during a critical period, improving communication, strengthening community engagement, and driving resolution of major system deficiencies,” UH President Wendy Hensel wrote in a letter to the BOR. “His calm, hands-on leadership has been instrumental in restoring confidence and improving service delivery.”

Christ brings 25 years of experience in higher education information technology to his new role. Before joining UH, he served as the CIO for Eastern Washington University for more than seven years, while concurrently acting as the interim associate vice president for facilities and athletic facilities during the final 18 months of his tenure. His career also includes seven years as CIO for Southern Oregon University and 13 years at Augsburg University, where he advanced through multiple roles from technician to director.

A native of Minnesota, Christ earned his master’s degree in planning and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Minnesota. Additionally, he served in the Minnesota Army National Guard for nine years.

Christ is involved with organizations such as EDUCAUSE, Internet2 and the Northwest Academic Computing Consortium, where he serves as a co-manager of the organization’s cybersecurity program. For the last 13 years, he has also served as an accreditation evaluator for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

The University of Hawaiʻi celebrates June 2026 faculty and staff anniversaries.

40 years

Domingo, Eunice M
Administrative Assistant, UH Mānoa

30 years

Hironaka, Tom M
Financial Aid Specialist, UH Mānoa

Richman, Nurney H
IT Specialist, UH Mānoa

20 years

Carbone, Michele
Researcher, UH Mānoa

Dodo-Aguilar, Sherrie
Videographer, UH System

Hino, Candice N
Fiscal Specialist, UH Mānoa

Hottenstein, Crystalyn L
Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Inouye, Mary E
Administrative and Fiscal Support Specialist, Kapiʻolani CC

Lam, Carolina G
Assistant Specialist, UH Hilo

Nacis, Marissa C
Account Clerk, Hawaiʻi CC

Nariyoshi, Janine Y
Administrative and Fiscal Support Specialist, UH System

Soares, Princess K
Institutional/Policy Analyst, Leeward CC

Velasco, Rouel G
Junior Specialist, UH West Oʻahu

10 years

Burns, Vincent H
Program Manager, UH Mānoa

Carlos, Brandon M
Student Services Specialist, Leeward CC

Christensen, Ma Felicitas M
Human Resources Specialist, UH West Oʻahu

Dang, Chayne K
Media Specialist, UH Mānoa

Isawa, Jenine M
Fiscal Specialist, Leeward CC

Kolish, Dustin W
University Security Officer, UH Hilo

Mandryk, Carole A
Program Manager, UH Mānoa

Osorio, Jamaica H
Associate Professor, UH Mānoa

Pouliquen, Yan F M
University Security Officer, UH Mānoa

Renio, Linda A K
Human Resources Specialist, Kapiʻolani CC

Sakamoto, Sharon S
Administrative and Fiscal Support Specialist, UH Mānoa

Sales, Todd H
Air Conditioning Mechanic, UH Mānoa

Siegman, William D
Instructor, UH Mānoa

Toda, Nelson M
Safety/Security Specialist, Leeward CC

Topping, Miles Q
Director of Energy Management, UH System

Tsukida, Gary M
Environmental and Health Safety Specialist, UH Mānoa

Wang, Xinyan
Administrative Officer, UH Hilo

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes the global job market, the University of Hawaiʻi is taking a leading role in preparing the state’s workers for an evolving economy. UH has officially partnered with the State Workforce Development Council and Imua ʻOnipaʻa (a Hawaiʻi-based non-profit) for a four-part symposium series titled, “The AI Transformation: Preparing Hawaiʻi’s Workforce for the Future.”

The second event of the series, “The AI transformation: Preparing Hawaiʻi’s workforce for the future ” is tentatively scheduled for June 25, 2026, at Honolulu Community College from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. “Building an AI ready workforce in Hawaiʻi” will focus on the business case for responsible AI adoption, including industry-specific opportunities and risks, workforce impacts, and recommendations for Hawaiʻi’s education and training providers. Attendance is capped at 100 and UH faculty, staff and administrators are encouraged to attend.

• More information and registration for the June 25 symposium.

UH‘s participation alongside partners such as the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and Department of Accounting and General Services underscores the university’s vital function as the engine of Hawaiʻi‘s workforce development.

“The University of Hawaiʻi is proud to partner with the State Workforce Development Council on this critical initiative,” UH President Wendy Hensel said. “Preparing our local workforce for the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence is essential for Hawaiʻi’s economic resilience. As the state’s primary provider of higher education, UH plays a central role in ensuring our training programs equip residents with the skills and AI literacy needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy.”

Bennette E. Misalucha, executive director of the State Workforce Development Council within the Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, highlighted the necessity of cross-agency collaboration.

“Hawaiʻi has an opportunity not simply to react to the AI transformation, but to thoughtfully prepare our workforce, institutions, and communities to harness AI in ways that strengthen economic resilience and preserve our shared values,” Misalucha said. “The AI Symposium Series was created to bring together our relevant stakeholders to better understand this moment of change, and to ensure that Hawaiʻi is prepared not only for the future of technology, but for the future of its people.”

The first session “Where is AI and where is it going” was held in April at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. Experts from the AI Safety Awareness Project guided attendees through the complex landscape of AI data and policy challenges, privacy frameworks, and AI‘s projected impacts on daily life, work, and sociopolitical power dynamics.

UH System Director of Workforce Development Christine Beaule said, “The State Workforce Development Council’s AI Workforce Readiness series addresses some of the most pressing challenges and promising opportunities to our communities and state. AI will impact us all in ways we can only imagine at the moment; it is our kuleana to prepare our students for the future of work, lifelong learning and ethical, engaged citizenship.”

The University of Hawaiʻi has launched the Next Step Scholarship to encourage UH Community College students who earned an associate degree during the 2025–26 academic year—or completed enough credits in an eligible pathway or major—to continue their education at one of the university’s four-year campuses. Eligible students from one of UH’s seven community colleges are already automatically accepted to a UH four-year school through a streamlined process that waives the application fee and eliminates the need to submit a new application.

Now, through the Next Step Scholarship, students enrolled full time (12 or more credits) during the fall 2026 semester at UH Hilo, UH Mānoa, UH Maui College or UH West Oʻahu will receive a $2,000 scholarship, while part-time students enrolled in 6 to 11 credits will receive $1,000.

“Transitioning to a four-year university is a significant milestone, and we are committed to making that next step as seamless and affordable as possible,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “These students have already demonstrated their commitment and academic readiness through their success at our community colleges. The Next Step Scholarship helps ensure finances do not stand in the way of completing their degrees and achieving their goals.”

Encouragement to continue education

All UH associate degree graduates who qualified for automatic admission were emailed information about the new scholarship on May 15. The scholarship has been automatically awarded to 438 students who had already begun the transfer process, while another 1,156 students are eligible.

“For students who were automatically admitted but have not yet committed to a UH four-year campus, we hope this scholarship provides an added incentive to continue their education,” said Hensel. “This scholarship is one example of the new strategies we are testing to expand access, increase enrollment, strengthen educational attainment and help build the workforce our state needs. It is good for our students and good for Hawaiʻi.”

All students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if they have not already done so. While FAFSA is not required to receive the Next Step Scholarship, it can unlock additional federal, state and institutional financial aid that may be combined with the scholarship.

Students with questions about their automatic admission or the enrollment process are encouraged to contact the admissions office at their chosen UH four-year campus.

• UH Hilo
• UH Mānoa
• UH Maui College
• UH West Oʻahu

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from the Our Team, Hawaiʻi’s Team Trophy Tour, which began at UH Mānoa, following the Rainbow Warrior men’s volleyball team’s NCAA national championship victory. The tour will make stops across Oʻahu at UH campuses and other community locations. Visits to Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and Kauaʻi are also being planned.

Previous Images
Time flies
Shakas up!
Got rice?
Everybody chill
J-Pop Demon Killaz
All Images of the Week

Send us your image!

A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the UH ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next UH News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

• Send your image using a UH email address.

Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other UH connection. By submitting your image, you are giving UH News permission to publish your photo on the UH News website and UH social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.

Pūliki

—To embrace with arms, as in a hug, or holding an infant.

More ʻŌlelo of the Week

“Pūliki wau i kaʻu mau keiki i kēlā me kēia lā. (I embrace my children every day.)”

—LaurieAnn Takeno, he haumāna ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language student), Ke Kulanui Kaiāulu o Honolulu (Honolulu Community College)

For more information on other elements of the definition and usage, go to the UH Hilo Wehewehe Wikiwiki.

Gov. Josh Green appointed Makai Freitas to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents (BOR), subject to confirmation by the Hawaiʻi State Senate. Freitas represents Hawaiʻi County and will replace Regent Wayne Higaki whose term ends in June 2026.

Freitas is a distinguished labor leader with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, with more than 20 years of expertise in organizational leadership and workforce advocacy. Throughout his career, he has spearheaded complex negotiations and strategic workforce development initiatives that have strengthened economic opportunities for thousands of families across Hawaiʻi.

Freitas has a proven track record of cross-sector collaboration, working with educators, public agencies and community organizations to build pipelines from the classroom to the workforce.

“I am honored to be appointed to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents and grateful for the opportunity to serve our students, faculty, staff and communities,” Freitas said. “Higher education plays a vital role in Hawaiʻi’s future. I look forward to strengthening the university’s mission of teaching, learning and community service.”

Freitas also serves as the West Hawaiʻi representative on the Hawaiian Homes Commission within the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

A graduate of the University of Arizona, Freitas brings his statewide advocacy and local community insight to the board. He resides in Waimea with his wife, Aulani, and their two daughters, Wailea and Mahina.

The BOR is responsible for overseeing the 10-campus UH system, including policy direction, financial oversight and long-term strategic planning. The BOR is the governing body of UH and consists of 11 non-compensated volunteer members. Representation includes five from the City and County of Honolulu; two from Hawaiʻi County; two from Maui County; one from Kauaʻi County and one UH student.

Freitas will serve a term as prescribed by law, pending Senate confirmation.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel highlighted a new scholarship for community college transfer students, reflected on the conclusion of the legislative session, provided an update on the UH Mānoa chancellor search and celebrated recent athletic successes, including a national championship, during her monthly report to the UH Board of Regents (BOR). The update was provided at the May 21 BOR meeting at UH West Oʻahu.

Among the highlights, Hensel announced the new Next Step Scholarship, which will provide eligible UH Community College students up to $2,000 to continue their education at a UH four-year campus. She also discussed key legislative measures affecting UH, including proposals involving tuition and fee reserves and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) funding for athletics.

Hensel shared that the UH Mānoa chancellor search remains on track, with a finalist expected to be named in June. She also outlined a new strategic budgeting process designed to better align future investments with UH priorities and student success.

The report also included congratulations to more than 5,340 spring graduates across UH’s 10 campuses, recognition of the UH Mānoa men’s volleyball team for winning the NCAA national championship and praise for UH employees who helped raise more than $51,800 and collect 3,300 pounds of food during the 2026 Hawaiʻi Foodbank Campaign.

• UH graduation ceremonies (video)
• Next Step Scholarship (video)
• Legislative session recap (video)
• Name, Image and Likeness legislation (video)
• Budget planning process (video)
• UH Mānoa chancellor search update (video)
• Athletics recap (video)
• UH Kudos: Hawaiʻi Foodbank Campaign (video)

This week’s UH News Images of the Week are UH Mānoa journalism graduates Grant Nakasone and Josslyn Rose, who many of the UH ʻohana have seen in “What’s up this week?” and “UH News For You” social media reels. But before they proudly crossed the stage at UH Mānoa’s spring morning commencement ceremony, before they were efficient, honest and incredible student workers of the Office of Communications, they were keiki with bright futures ahead of them. Hoʻomaikaʻi, Grant and Joss! Can’t wait to see where your paths take you!

Previous Images
Shakas up!
Got rice?
Everybody chill
J-Pop Demon Killaz
Bash splash
All Images of the Week

Send us your image!

A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the UH ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next UH News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

• Send your image using a UH email address.

Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other UH connection. By submitting your image, you are giving UH News permission to publish your photo on the UH News website and UH social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.

For most of his life, Troy Branco-Liu never imagined leaving Lahaina. However, after the 2023 Maui wildfire upended his community, and a University of Hawaiʻi scholarship opened a door he never expected, the Lahainaluna High School graduate found himself starting over at Hawaiʻi Community College—pursuing an education that would ultimately change the course of his future.

“When I was in high school, I didn’t think about leaving,” Branco-Liu said. “I love the place I come from. I’m all about Lahaina. That’s always going to be home to me.”

Now a 2026 graduate of Hawaiʻi CC’s Diesel Mechanics program, Branco-Liu says the scholarship helped him discover new opportunities while strengthening his desire to one day bring his skills back home to help his community rebuild.

Making college possible

Following the wildfire that devastated Lahaina, the University of Hawaiʻi announced scholarships for every Lahainaluna High School senior in the Class of 2024 to attend any UH campus. The initiative was later expanded to cover two years at UH community colleges and four years at UH universities.

For Branco-Liu, the scholarship made college possible during a time of uncertainty for many Lahaina families displaced by the fire. As a first-generation college student, the opportunity helped him envision a future he had never seriously considered before.

“The scholarship was life-changing,” Branco-Liu said. “It gave me the chance to come here, get my education and do something better for my future.”

Originally, he planned to enter the workforce immediately after high school.

“At first I wanted to work right away because I wanted to make money,” he said. “But then I started thinking more about my future and decided college would help me get further.”

Building a better future

After researching programs through the UH system website, he chose Hawaiʻi CC’s diesel Mmechanics program, drawn to its hands-on learning environment and his longtime interest in mechanics.

Branco-Liu said one of the biggest influences during his time at Hawaiʻi CC was the encouragement he received from instructors and classmates within the close-knit diesel cohort, especially instructor Mitchell Soares.

“He really cared about us. He wanted you to succeed,” Branco-Liu said.

Now preparing to return home with a mechanic job already lined up and a baby boy on the way, Branco-Liu says graduating from Hawaiʻi CC represents something bigger than himself.

• Meet more amazing UH graduates

“I’m the first person in my family to graduate from college,” he said. “Hawaiʻi CC gave me the opportunity to prove to myself that I could do more and build a better future.”

—By Katie Young Yamanaka

The Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching for a faculty member and a graduate assistant recognizes dedication and demonstrated excellence as teachers of undergraduate students. It was established as a memorial to the late Frances Davis, who taught mathematics at Leeward Community College and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa for 19 years.

Elisabeth “Lis” Gallant

Elisabeth “Lis” Gallant is an assistant professor of geology at the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo. She teaches volcanology the way Hawaiʻi demands it be taught—with one foot in science and the other firmly planted in the communities that live alongside active volcanoes.

Since joining UH Hilo in 2023, she has revamped UH Hilo’s volcanology course offerings, using everything from M&Ms to knit fabrics to bring magma chambers and rock textures to life. Her students practice translating vog forecasts for civil defense officials, Volcano Village kupuna, and first-time tourists—learning that good science means nothing if people can’t use it.

Drawing on her work co-leading the national GeoSPACE accessible field camp, Gallant has made UH Hilo’s field courses more inclusive, ensuring students of every ability can do real fieldwork. She mentors undergraduates into published research with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and leads community talks during Volcano Awareness Month.

Student Steven Hammes said Gallant is “easily in the highest tier” of the dozens of instructors he has had across multiple colleges and universities, with a special ability to bring students of diverse learning styles, backgrounds and challenges to the same high standards of content mastery.

Ariel Gruenthal-Rankin

Ariel Gruenthal-Rankin is an assistant professor of anthropology in the division of social sciences at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu, and serves as the director of the Applied Forensic Anthropology Certificate. Gruenthal-Rankin is a forensic anthropologist for the state of Hawaiʻi, whose research explores how forensics can better account for people often overlooked by medicolegal systems.

She is particularly passionate about the integration of critical social theory and community-facing work in forensic anthropology. Gruenthal-Rankin honed her teaching and mentorship pedagogy over 14 years of teaching in STEM, both in classrooms and in field environments. Her philosophy emphasizes sharing mutual respect, harnessing the excitement of learning, and allowing students to have a say in how classes are shaped.

According to the UH West Oʻahu Teaching Awards Committee, students describe Gruenthal-Rankin as kind, thoughtful and highly engaging, with many highlighting her positive, enjoyable learning environment. Committee members noted that Gruenthal-Rankin’s “qualities reflect a sustained and exceptional commitment to effective, inclusive, and impactful teaching.”

Lolita Pérez-Ayala

Lolita Pérez-Ayala is a PhD candidate in the communication and information sciences interdisciplinary program in the College of Social Sciences at UH Mānoa. Committed to connecting theory to real-world contexts and fostering inclusive participation, she integrates sociotechnical research with organizational and business examples to promote applied learning and student agency.

Her courses examine the design and effects of information technologies and explore organizational and cross-cultural communication through real-world analysis. She gathers student feedback early and engages students in collaborative activities that apply course concepts to organizational cases. These practices encourage problem solving and move students beyond content mastery toward applied, reflective learning.

A nominator said, “Lolita possesses a remarkable ability to translate her expertise into meaningful learning experiences. She demonstrates exceptional skill in engaging students and fostering deep learning. Her courses are well organized and integrate a number of innovative tools to engage students. Lolita fosters critical thinking and bridges the gap between theories and real world experiences.”

Pérez-Ayala emphasizes student agency in selecting organizations or causes aligned with their interests, resulting in engagement with a wide range of local nonprofits, cultural institutions and businesses.

Shawn Sumiki

Shawn Sumiki is the culinary arts coordinator at Hawaiʻi Community College. He was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, and is a 1996 graduate of the Hawaiʻi CC culinary arts program. After gaining experience in the culinary industry, he returned to his alma mater in 2006 as a lecturer, bringing a strong commitment to both his craft and his students.

In his current role, he mentors and guides students as they develop the skills and discipline needed for successful careers in the culinary field.

“Chef Shawn is truly in love with what he does, and it shows in every aspect of his work,” said student Amanda Klunk. “His passion for cooking, his dedication to feeding people, and his commitment to taking care of others are truly inspiring.”

Sumiki’s dedication to teaching and service has been recognized with the Outstanding Lecturer Award (2012–13), the Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Service (2019), and the Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching (2022–23).

Student Casey Chow said he looks forward to the week more than the weekend due to the nurturing environment and Sumiki’s encouragement.

Lisa M. Vallin

Lisa Vallin is an instructor in the Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies in the College of Social Sciences at UH Mānoa. Her work centers on creating inclusive, engaging and socially relevant learning environments in sexuality studies.

With more than 15 years of teaching experience, she brings a research-informed and intentional approach, emphasizing critical thinking, cultural awareness and student-centered learning. Her classroom fosters a strong sense of community where students feel seen, affirmed and supported in exploring complex and often sensitive topics with curiosity and respect.

Through innovative assignments, community partnerships and guest speakers, students connect theory to practice and engage issues such as reproductive justice and HIV advocacy. Vallin is known for her approachable teaching style and commitment to equity and inclusion, helping students become informed and engaged community members.

“Lisa Vallin is a phenomenal professor. Every day, she had us all in the palm of her hand, completely enveloped in her presentations,” said a student. “I wish I could take a class of hers every semester. I have recommended her classes to everyone I can because everyone can benefit from learning from her and exploring the topics taught in her courses.”

Brian Yamamoto

Brian Yamamoto is a professor of natural sciences at Kauaʻi Community College. For more than 40 years, he has embodied the spirit of Frances Davis, an inspired teacher dedicated to sharing knowledge with undergraduates in natural sciences. Throughout his decades of service at Kauaʻi CC, his passion has never waned—whether in the lab, the field, meeting with a student or teaching at high schools.

His commitment to undergraduate excellence is evidenced by the robust success of the Academic Subject Certificate (ASC) in Hawaiian Botany. Through Yamamoto’s leadership, 46 early college students have successfully earned their ASC in Hawaiian Botany since 2022. He has a unique ability to connect botany to students’ lived experiences, such as helping Native Hawaiian students apply botanical knowledge directly to their own lōʻi (taro patch).

Yamamoto has said, “One must be willing to get dirty, feel the wind at your back, and explore with your senses wide open. Let nature be the teacher. Nature will always present the truth, we just need to interpret it correctly.”

A former student said, “His classes were the highlight of my college experience.” That student now aspires to become a teacher, because Yamamoto made learning so engaging.

The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching is awarded by the Board of Regents as a tribute to faculty members who exhibit an extraordinary level of subject mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness and creativity and personal values that benefit students.

Cara Chang

Cara Chang is an associate professor of English at Leeward Community College, where she teaches both developmental and college-level writing. Her classes focus on the writing and research process, critical thinking, and multiliteracies, with an emphasis on creating a culturally responsive space grounded in aloha for Hawaiʻi.

Through service learning and Hawaiʻi-based approaches, she encourages students to explore issues of sustainability and identity while feeling supported and connected to their communities.

Outside the classroom, Chang is an active campus leader. She serves as Faculty Senate chair, Writing Intensive Board chair and Sustainability-Designation co-chair, where she works to uphold strong academic standards and support student success. She helped develop the college’s strategic plan and continues to support its implementation.

Students often describe her classes as both challenging and supportive. One called her teaching “transformative,” noting how it reshaped their thinking about identity and responsibility. Chang credits her students, mentors and colleagues for helping her grow as an educator.

Leslie Crow-Kincaid

Leslie Crow-Kincaid is an assistant professor of general business and hospitality in the business and cybersecurity division at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu. Crow-Kincaid’s approach to teaching and learning is built on the formula: Content + Context = Meaning.

Her classes utilize publisher content such as textbooks, online resources, videos, news and current events. Information is then applied to a business or personal scenario in which students can apply the material, encouraging them to become critical thinkers and gain meaning through the learning and discovery process.

The UH West Oʻahu Teaching Awards Committee noted that students commend Crow-Kincaid for being an outstanding communicator and highly approachable instructor. Her peer feedback highlights her coherent course organization, clear presentation of key concepts, and skillful use of problem-based learning.

Committee members added, “Her lively teaching style, which incorporates humor, helps sustain student interest and active participation, underscoring a strong commitment to impactful teaching.”

Teri T. M. Evangelista

Teri Evangelista is an associate professor of mathematics at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College. She is recognized for her exceptional ability to make mathematics accessible, engaging, and relevant for her students. Known for her patience and compassion, she consistently goes above and beyond to help students overcome their anxieties and build confidence in their abilities.

Evangelista creates a positive, energetic learning environment where students feel supported, even through personal hardships. She is praised for her skill in translating complex mathematical concepts into understandable lessons.

One student said, “My professor was amazing! She was so excited about math and said that she hoped to change our view on the subject and get us as students to love it. I can honestly say that she has changed my view of math. I had a bad experience with math in high school and just did not care for it. After taking this class it showed me that I just needed the right teacher. I really impressed myself because I actually understand math and found that I CAN DO IT!!! Thank you to my professor!! She is definitely in the right profession.”

Charlene S. Gima

Charlene S. Gima is an assistant professor of English at Honolulu Community College, who is noted for her commitment to student success and holistic well-being. She is exceptionally effective in online instruction, providing stimulating content through organized modules and virtual discussions.

Gima has expanded the curriculum by developing specialized courses such as “Okinawan Literature” and “Manga as Literature.” Her dedication is reflected in her high accessibility; she treats every student as a “whole person” and provides personalized mentorship.

One student nominator said, “Professor Gima’s dedication, clear instruction, and genuine personal support have significantly strengthened my writing skills… and boosted my confidence as a learner.”

The student also said that Gima “delivers content in ways that are both accessible and intellectually stimulating,” helping students thrive personally and professionally. Ultimately, Gima balances compassion with high academic standards to support her students in becoming the best possible versions of themselves.

Kekoa Harman

Kekoa Harman is an associate professor in the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language. For Harman, teaching ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi is far more than language instruction—it is the continuation of a living culture.

A co-founding kumu hula (hula teacher) of Hālau I Ka Leo Ola O Nā Mamo and a scholar of the hula traditions of Joseph ʻĪlālāʻole, he brings mele (songs), oli (chants) and hula into his classrooms as primary texts, teaching students that ʻōlelo and hula are inseparable threads of Hawaiian identity.

His students describe daily routines that steady them, prompt and thoughtful feedback, and weekly study groups where Harman shows up—sweet treats in hand. He takes learning beyond Haleʻōlelo through community ceremonies, cultural protocol training, and hōʻike (showcase) hula productions, and serves the broader community as president of the youth nonprofit No Nā ʻŌpio.

“He is a teacher that cares deeply about his students and has a passion for teaching rooted in the continuation of culture,” wrote nominator Sophie French. In every class, Harman embodies the spirit of aloha and the philosophy of Kumu Honua Mauli Ola (an educational philosophy statement prepared by a group of Hawaiian-speaking educators).

Pele Kaio

Pele Kaio is an assistant professor of Hawaiian lifestyles at Hawaiʻi Community College. He is an educator, cultural practitioner and community leader dedicated to advancing Indigenous knowledge systems and leadership.

Kaio serves as kumu hula (hula teacher) of Unulau, a hālau based in Hilo and Waimea, where he guides haumāna (students) in ʻaihaʻa (volcanic style) traditions that foster ʻike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian knowledge), environmental stewardship and leadership. He is also president and founder of the Pālama Foundation, supporting Native Hawaiian communities through education and cultural initiatives.

“He focuses on moving the spirit, and in doing so, he transformed ours,” said a student.

Kaio also serves as a resource teacher at Kanu O Ka ʻĀina Public Charter School and teaches at the Kō Education Center in Honokaʻa, advancing community-based, place-centered learning.

A student said, “He concurrently weaves accountability into our moral compass, kindling awareness of our relationships with each other, with our environment, and with the world.”

Cheehyung Harrison Kim

Cheehyung Harrison Kim is an associate professor of history in the College of Arts, Languages and Letters at UH Mānoa. His teaching is shaped by a transnational perspective and a commitment to dialogue, empathy and student growth. His classrooms use discussion-driven inquiry to explore global histories, including topics such as North Korea, while encouraging students to question assumptions and reflect on lived experiences of power and constraint.

Guided by a philosophy of “equate, empathize and empower,” he fosters environments where students engage history as both an intellectual and personal practice. Kim emphasizes critical thinking, open expression and the connection between past and present. He also prioritizes creativity and research, supporting students in developing original projects that often lead to competitive awards and further study.

Through close mentorship, Kim helps students connect academic inquiry to careers in law, education, public policy and other fields.

“This class taught me how to quickly and effectively process the main argument and most important supporting pieces of evidence in history studies, a skill that I have already applied to my reviews of historiography across a variety of subjects,” said a student. “This training I will not only remember, but will constantly apply to my own work moving forward.”

Ryan J. Koo

Ryan Koo is a professor of history at Windward Community College, who is recognized for his engaging teaching, commitment to student success, and meaningful contributions to both campus and community. His courses encourage students to critically examine the past while drawing connections to contemporary issues, fostering thoughtful discussion and deeper understanding.

Students describe his classroom as one that promotes reflection and genuine connection, noting that “He gave us the space to be vulnerable and honest, turning a history lesson into a moment of genuine connection that I don’t think any of us will forget.”

Beyond the classroom, Koo serves as coordinator of Hawaiʻi History Day, supporting students and teachers statewide in developing research projects grounded in primary and secondary sources. He also advises the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, helping lead service initiatives that connect academic learning with civic engagement.

His teaching empowers students to think critically, engage meaningfully, and contribute to the communities they serve.

Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg said, “Professor Koo exemplifies Windward Community College’s commitment to teaching that expands opportunity and strengthens our Koʻolau community.”

Mark Ombrello

Mark Ombrello is an assistant professor of history at Kauaʻi Community College. His teaching emphasizes a student-centered approach, incorporating low-pressure assessments designed to support meaningful learning.

Recognizing the evolving challenges of teaching and evaluating students in the age of AI, Ombrello has reexamined the importance of soft skills in education. He emphasizes that “maintaining mindfulness of our behavior—acting with kindness, respect, and patience—makes all the difference in building and sustaining healthy relationships that foster rewarding and sustainable learning environments.”

As an asynchronous instructor, his student evaluations are consistently excellent across all categories.

Deeply engaged with both the college and the broader island community, Ombrello has made numerous valuable contributions to Kauaʻi CC and the University of Hawaiʻi system. He previously served as faculty senate vice chair and currently holds the position of chair. In addition, he continues to lead the district History Day fair and has served as a board member for the Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities since 2021.

Sandra, a student, said, “Instructor Ombrello does more than just share facts; he teaches us how to think freely, how to question, and how to learn from the past to understand our present.”

Miyoko Pettit-Toledo

Miyoko T. Pettit-Toledo is an assistant professor at the William S. Richardson School of Law at UH Mānoa. Her teaching is defined by rigor, empathy and innovation.

Drawing on experience as a judicial clerk, practicing attorney and nonprofit leader, she brings civil procedure to life by combining doctrinal mastery with practical lawyering skills and critical inquiry. Her teaching challenges students to examine how legal systems function and whom they serve.

She is known for transforming the first-year civil procedure course into an engaging, collaborative experience through creative approaches such as student “law firms,” interactive simulations, and a “Procedure in Practice” writing lab.

A student said, “I love Professor Pettit-Toledo! I think she’s an amazing professor who cares deeply about her students. I’ve come a long way since the first day of law school, and I owe a considerable amount of my growth to her. She’s pushed me since the start and not just with civil procedure but in becoming a more confident, meticulous student.”

Pettit-Toledo is deeply committed to student success, mentoring with care and intentionality while maintaining high academic standards. By cultivating trust and community in the classroom, she empowers students to grow into thoughtful, justice-minded legal professionals.

Subhashni Raj

Subhashni Raj is an assistant professor in urban and regional planning in the College of Social Sciences at UH Mānoa. Her teaching is rooted in inquiry-based, student-centered learning and a commitment to equity and place-based practice.

Drawing on her STEM background and experience as an international scholar, she designs multi-modal courses that integrate systems thinking, experiential learning and transdisciplinary approaches to real-world planning challenges. Her pedagogy emphasizes scaffolded skill-building, critical reflection and collaboration. Through spatial labs, community-engaged projects and structured debates, she equips students with technical skills while encouraging critical analysis of power, justice and policy.

She is recognized for inclusive classrooms that center Indigenous knowledge, decolonize planning education and connect students to Hawaiʻi‘s communities. Beyond the classroom, Raj mentors students in research and professional development, supporting pathways into planning and public service careers.

“Dr. Raj was probably the best, most understanding, educated, well spoken, and considerate professor I’ve ever had. She communicated so well and taught very clearly,” said a student. “She also was so reasonable with all her deadlines, requests and lectures. She even gave us breaks, which were so appreciated, and allowed us to focus better on the material.”

Eirik Saethre

Eirik Saethre is a professor of anthropology in the College of Social Sciences at UH Mānoa. He creates discussion-driven classrooms described by students as both intellectually rigorous and deeply human.

His teaching engages students with anthropological theory through conversation, storytelling and original research, connecting abstract ideas to lived experience. Drawing on global ethnographic research, he grounds learning in real-world contexts and student inquiry.

A hallmark of his pedagogy is “ungrading,” which emphasizes reflection, intellectual risk-taking and growth over traditional assessment, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Grounded in decolonial, relational and care-centered approaches, Saethre fosters inclusive spaces where students engage topics such as health, sexuality, inequality and identity with curiosity and empathy. His courses encourage students to think with anthropology rather than only about it, shaping how they understand the world.

“Every part of this course was valuable. Dr. Saethre is the first professor to help me understand theory and how I can actually use it in a valuable way,” said a student. “The course materials chosen by Dr. Saethre complemented each other perfectly, made every concept easy to digest, and challenged me in ways I have not been challenged before in a theory course.”

Amy Shiroma

Amy Shiroma is an assistant professor in the Hospitality and Tourism Education Department (HOST) at Kapiʻolani Community College. She is recognized for her student-centered teaching, industry expertise and dedication to student success.

Drawing from her professional experience in Hawaiʻi‘s hotel industry, she connects classroom learning with real-world application through hands-on projects, role-playing exercises and industry-based instruction. Students describe her as patient, approachable and deeply invested in helping them grow both academically and professionally.

“Amy always extended time out of class to help out the students who may be concerned with the lesson or help students excel in the challenges they may have faced with the material,” a student said. “She was always an individual who wanted her students to strive, even if that meant extending her efforts outside of class.”

Another student added, “Amy is truly passionate about the hospitality industry and showing her students how hospitality changes the world for the better. She is someone who goes above and beyond for her students.”

Tamara Ticktin

Tamara Ticktin is professor of botany in the School of Life Sciences at UH Mānoa. Her teaching blends scientific rigor with creativity, collaboration and place-based learning. She reimagines the classroom as an active learning environment centered on inquiry, dialogue and hands-on experience.

Her courses integrate field-based learning, community partnerships and student-driven problem solving, enabling students to apply concepts in real-world conservation contexts. Drawing on global research and long-term work in Hawaiʻi, she connects students with diverse knowledge systems, including Indigenous and local perspectives, while encouraging reflection on ethics, equity and environmental responsibility.

She is known for fostering inclusive learning spaces where students are encouraged to share ideas, challenge assumptions and learn collaboratively. Through this approach, Ticktin cultivates both strong scientific understanding and a sense of purpose in addressing complex ecological and social challenges.

A student said, “She is a kind and wonderful teacher who makes me think about the class and the materials I am learning, she helps me feel passionate about the issues we are discussing, and makes me feel engaged with the material and see its applicability into real life.”

Kara Wong Ramsey

Kara Wong Ramsey is an associate professor at the John A. Burns School of Medicine. A kanaka ʻōiwi (Native Hawaiian) physician and neonatologist, she conducts her courses grounded in kuleana (responsibility), service and experiential learning.

In the neonatal intensive care unit, she teaches learners across all levels of medical training while also advancing public health education through outreach, including nationally recognized social media initiatives. Guided by ma ka hana ka ʻike (through doing, one learns), she emphasizes hands-on, patient-centered education that builds clinical skills, critical thinking and resilience.

As a leader in simulation-based education, Wong Ramsey creates collaborative environments where trainees develop confidence in high-stakes decision making. Known for her compassionate mentorship, she fosters trust, curiosity and professional growth.

As pediatric clerkship director, she has developed award-winning curricula and contributed to accreditation, faculty development and nationally recognized innovations in medical education. Wong Ramsey’s work prepares future physicians to deliver culturally grounded, high-quality care.

“Best preceptor ever! Amazing teacher and provided various learning opportunities from reviewing write-ups/topics in peds to seeing patients in the NICU,” said a student. “She created a safe learning environment and encouraged critical thinking of clinical data. I would be honored to become the type of MD Dr. Wong Ramsey is.”

Aloha UH ʻohana,

The 2026 legislative session came to a close on May 8 and, considering the significant fiscal challenges and competing priorities facing the state, the University of Hawaiʻi ultimately fared relatively well overall.

Throughout the session, lawmakers were tasked with balancing reductions in federal support for critical programs, economic uncertainty driven by both national and international events, and continued efforts to maintain affordability for Hawaiʻi residents.

With those realities in mind, UH entered the session with a modest supplemental operating budget request focused on two priority areas: healthcare workforce initiatives and UH Mānoa Athletics. While the university did not ultimately receive funding for those requests, we appreciate the continued engagement and collaboration with lawmakers throughout the session.

We are also grateful that the Legislature largely maintained existing operating support for the university and continued to invest in capital improvement projects across UH‘s 10-campus system.

The supplemental budget bill, HB1800 CD1, was approved by the Legislature and now heads to Gov. Green for final consideration.

Preserving tuition and fee reserves

During the session, proposals to utilize the university’s tuition and fee reserves to support other state priorities were under consideration. Through extensive discussions with lawmakers, UH was able to successfully communicate the importance of maintaining those funds to support student services, campus operations and future strategic investments across the 10 campuses, particularly at a time when reductions in federal funding are creating additional financial uncertainty for higher education nationwide.

There were two measures with fiscal implications for the university. The first, SB2602, would have required that any unencumbered funds in UH‘s Tuition and Fees Special Fund (TFSF) lapse to the state general fund. This bill did not pass. The second bill, SB2921, transfers any excess balances from non-general funds to the state general fund. Although this bill passed the Legislature, it did not include any of UH‘s funds.

NIL bill outcome

Unfortunately, Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) legislation intended to support UH Mānoa Athletics did not advance on the final day of session. The final compromise proposal, which UH supported, would have placed $1 million of state funds into an NIL endowment and allocated $1.5 million for immediate support for the upcoming season. The bill also required UH to use $7.5 million in tuition and fee reserves for NIL – $4 million for the endowment and $3.5 million for the upcoming season.

The House passed the bill, but it was defeated in the Senate by a vote of 11–12. A reference on the Senate floor to an email identifying UH concerns related to a previous version of the bill, not the version on the floor for a vote. UH will continue to seek funding for NIL in future sessions.

Operating budget

For the operating budget, UH saw a net reduction of approximately $3.8 million in general funds. At the same time, the Legislature added $319,000 in general funds for three positions at UH West Oʻahu, as well as $4.1 million in special fund ceiling authority for the Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Kapiʻolani Community College.

The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of the original UH Board of Regents request, and the final legislative appropriation in HB1800 CD1, pending any line-item vetoes by the governor.

Items in purple are Special Funded, not General Funded.

Capital improvement projects (CIP)

For capital improvement projects and deferred maintenance, HB1800 CD1 provided $126.5 million in general obligation bond funding and $20 million in special funds for projects across the UH System.

These investments will support important facility improvements, such as $11 million for UH Mānoa Athletics, infrastructure modernization and system-wide deferred maintenance projects that directly impact students, faculty and staff across the university.

The following table summarizes the final CIP appropriations:

*The Legislature also added $10 million each in special fund ceiling for Minor CIP and Capital Renewal and Deferred Maintenance at the Community Colleges

Although these investments are significant, substantial needs remain throughout the university system. Addressing deferred maintenance and modernizing aging infrastructure across our campuses will continue to be one of the university’s highest long-term priorities.

While the legislative session has concluded, our engagement with lawmakers continues year-round. Next year will be the start of a new 2-year biennium budget, and we will continue advocating for the needs and priorities of UH‘s 10 campuses while strengthening partnerships that help the university best serve the people of Hawaiʻi.

The governor has until July 15, 2026, to sign, veto or allow bills to become law without his signature.

Mahalo for all that you do to support our students, campuses and the mission of the University of Hawaiʻi.

Luis P. Salaveria
Vice President for Budget and Finance/Chief Financial Officer
University of Hawaiʻi