The ʻohana came together to chart the path forward during a special campus forum on July 9 addressing the upcoming chancellor transition. Held in the campus cafeteria and virtually via Zoom, the event drew about 80 attendees in person and 100 online. 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel and Interim Vice President for Community Colleges Lui Hokoana led the listening session, aiming to gather feedback to inform decisions regarding interim leadership.
With Chancellor Susan Kazama set to retire on July 31, the forum focused on protecting the college’s strong momentum. Three options were presented for community feedback: having the vice president for community colleges temporarily step in, appointing a dedicated interim chancellor focused solely on Hawaiʻi CC, or exploring a temporary, unified islandwide leadership structure with 糖心视频 Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin.
Guided by student success
Hensel emphasized that the ultimate choice will be guided by shared voices, stability and student success.
Hensel said. “Our priority today is to listen. We want to ensure that whatever path we choose for our interim leadership honors your kuleana (responsibility) to place and keeps our students first.”
Engagement was high, with participants submitting dozens of questions both in advance and during the live event. Topics covered institutional autonomy, transparent communication and the selection timeline.
The forum marks the beginning of an open conversation. 糖心视频 leadership will now use the community’s feedback to appoint an interim leader, ensuring continuous support for the campus before launching a full search for Hawaiʻi CC‘s permanent chancellor.