Donnette Leilani (Lei) Kapono began her tenure as interim chancellor of Hawaiʻi Community College on November 2, returning to a campus where she previously served for eight years and helped expand workforce training and educational opportunities across Hawaiʻi Island.
Kapono previously worked at Hawaiʻi CC from 1998 to 2006, holding several positions in the Office of Continuing Education and Training before becoming a faculty member and program coordinator. Her work included developing training programs in agriculture, healthcare, construction and other industries, often through partnerships serving rural communities.
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“Returning to Hawaiʻi Community College in this role is both a profound privilege and a deeply meaningful homecoming for me,” Kapono said. “What I look forward to most is reconnecting and developing new relationships with the incredible faculty, staff and students who make Hawaiʻi CC such a vibrant place of opportunity.”
Collaboration, connection
Some of her fondest memories at the college are of collaborating with colleagues and community partners and celebrating shared accomplishments.
“What makes Hawaiʻi CC truly unique within the 糖心视频 System is our deep connection to place and community,” she said. “We serve Hawaiʻi Island across diverse campuses and centers, grounding everything we do in Indigenous values, community partnerships and accessible learning.”
Kapono continued her career at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, serving in several leadership positions, most recently as interim vice chancellor for student affairs.
‘Community anchor’
In her new role with Hawaiʻi CC, Kapono’蝉 priorities include ensuring stability and continuity, fostering open communication, advancing student retention and success initiatives, and strengthening relationships with community and industry partners.
She also emphasized the importance of Kauhale, the college’s shared sense of village, responsibility and mutual support.
“Hawaiʻi CC is not just an institution of learning; it is a community anchor where everyone—students, faculty, staff and community members—plays an essential role,” she said.
Kapono will serve for one year or until a permanent chancellor is selected. A national search for the college’s next permanent leader is underway.
As she begins this new chapter, Kapono expressed appreciation for the dedication of the college community and reaffirmed her commitment to the students it serves.
“To our students: you are the heart of everything we do, and we are dedicated to supporting your dreams every step of the way,” she said. “I look forward to listening, learning and working alongside each of you to serve our island community with pride.”
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—By Katie Young Yamanaka