Imagine moving into a brand-new neighborhood where the power grid hasn鈥檛 been built yet. That鈥檚 the challenge NASA faces at the Moon鈥檚 south pole, where astronauts must survive two weeks of darkness at a time. A team of students from University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 and 糖心视频 Hilo tackled that problem through a NASA competition, developing Project PETAL, a self-building, nuclear-powered energy system designed to support future lunar missions.

糖心视频鈥檚 Project PETAL鈥攕hort for Power Energy Transfer Architecture for the Lunar Surface鈥攚as created for NASA‘s Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts鈥揂cademic Linkage (RASC-AL) competition, which challenges university students to solve real engineering problems facing future space missions.

“For this competition, we鈥檙e actually the first team from Hawaiʻi in its 25-year history,” said Nathan Chong, a Waipahu High School graduate and 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 freshman who led the team.

Out of a national field, 糖心视频鈥檚 Project PETAL advanced as one of just 14 finalist teams invited to present at the Competition Forum in Cocoa Beach, Florida going up against schools including MIT and Dartmouth.

Too heavy to launch: The battery problem

Instead of relying on massive batteries shipped from Earth, Project PETAL uses small nuclear reactors to generate continuous power on the Moon. Excess heat is stored underground in a vault made from lunar soil and delivered to astronauts through buried power lines.

“We had a very generic problem, but we came up with a solution that was so creative. We made something that no one has ever thought of鈥攁nd that鈥檚 what the RASC-AL judges are looking for,” Chong said with a smile.

Dress rehearsal for Mars

糖心视频鈥檚 Project PETAL is designed for more than the Moon. The technologies could also work on Mars, allowing NASA to test a reliable power system before sending humans there.

Built across the islands

The project brought together students across multiple islands. 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 teams focused on power systems, while 糖心视频 Hilo students worked on sustainability. The groups met online weekly and hope to compete again next year.

The University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu has launched a bold new chapter in campus innovation, selecting 10 projects through the initiative to drive student and institutional success. This initiative provides start-up grants covering July 1, 2026–June 30, 2028, fueling groundbreaking, self-sustaining ideas that strengthen the campus.

“I am incredibly proud of the ingenuity displayed by our campus community,” said 糖心视频 West Oʻahu interim Chancellor Carlos Pe帽aloza. “When we challenge ourselves to remove traditional barriers and put students at the center of our design, the results are transformative.”

The call for proposals in February drew nearly 50 submissions. Following a peer review process, the 10 awardees were finalized on June 1. The grants range from $55,000 to $100,000.

Pe帽aloza said, “These 10 inaugural projects represent a powerful mix of modern technology, place-based learning and workforce collaboration. Invest in 糖心视频 West isn’t just a short-term funding mechanism; it is a catalyst for sustainable, long-term institutional growth that directly enriches the student experience.鈥�

Project Summaries

• ACM + MNHS Synergy Swarm
  Lead: Esther Widiasih
  This two-year pilot creates an AI marketing engine to automate workflows and scale recruitment for Academy for Creative Media and Mathematics and Natural Health Sciences concentrations.
• Classroom Revival and Multi-Use Space
  Lead: Therese Nakadomari
  Renovates a classroom into a versatile, multi-use space designed for hybrid collaborative learning and discussions.
• The HEMIC Academy and 糖心视频 West Oʻahu Strategic Collaboration
  Lead: Edward Keaunui
  The “Learn and Earn” pipeline offers high schoolers paid insurance apprenticeships, creating a direct path to a 糖心视频 West Oʻahu business degree.
• Ke Ala Kiakahi
  Leads: H艒k奴 Kwan and Macie Remular
  Expands a culturally grounded pipeline to boost student access, persistence and workforce readiness through integrated programming.
• Ke K膩墨 Koi o ʻEwa Transfer Project
  Lead: Amy Bumatai
  Closes the “transfer gap” by transforming the transition from Leeward Community College to 糖心视频 West Oʻahu into a unified opt-out model, and dedicating physical space at 糖心视频 West Oʻahu for a co-learning center.
• Mobile Student Success Hub
  Lead: Carrie Larger
  This “Desk in a Box” station uses mobile equipment to support transfer students and boost retention across campus locations.
• N膩limakui 鈥� Ke Kula Mau Initiative
  Lead: Kalikolani Correa
  Centers Indigenous innovation and ʻike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian knowledge) to transform the campus into a more rigorous and culturally grounded place of learning.
• Restoring Campus Mana
  Lead: Jayson M. Chun
  Funds active learning classrooms and a professional speaker series to build campus presence and community for students.
• Virtual Campus Tour
  Leads: Brian Miyamoto and Martin Motooka
  Hires an external vendor to produce a modern, professional virtual tour to showcase the campus to prospective students.
• West Invests
  Lead: Kaʻiulani Akamine
  This re-enrollment program targets adult learners who have left college with past due-balances, providing them with debt forgiveness through Hana Hou grants to convert uncollectible debt into active tuition.

For more visit .

—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

As the nation invests $52.7 billion to strengthen domestic semiconductor design and manufacturing, research and workforce development, University of Hawaiʻi students are gaining a direct pathway into one of the country鈥檚 fastest-growing and most strategically important technology sectors.

糖心视频 Mānoa has joined the (PINES), a regional coalition of 30 universities and colleges, industry partners and workforce organizations working together to prepare students for careers in semiconductor design, manufacturing and research. PINES is led by the SEMI Foundation and supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Semiconductors, often called the “brains” of modern electronics, power technologies used every day, including smartphones, computers and automobiles, as well as artificial intelligence, satellites, medical devices, renewable energy systems and national defense technologies.

professors Boris Murmann, Jeff Weldon and Jennifer Ott led 糖心视频鈥檚 successful effort to become part of the network, which spans nine western states and Hawaiʻi. The initiative aims to better connect students with educational opportunities, hands-on training, internships and industry partnerships while aligning university programs with the needs of employers.

“This partnership gives our students the chance to receive training in technologies that are shaping the future while building careers in a rapidly expanding industry,” said 糖心视频 Mānoa Dean Brennon Morioka. “By connecting Hawaiʻi with a broader regional ecosystem, we can help develop homegrown talent, strengthen innovation across the islands and ensure our graduates are prepared to make an impact wherever their careers take them.”

The effort comes as demand for skilled workers continues to outpace supply. A May 2026 analysis by the SEMI Foundation and McKinsey projected a shortage of between 127,000 and 157,000 semiconductor workers nationwide by 2030, highlighting the need for expanded education and workforce development programs.

糖心视频鈥檚 participation builds on its growing leadership in microelectronics. In 2024, the university joined a Stanford University and University of California, Berkeley-led initiative that gives students experience with the complete chip development process, from circuit design to manufacturing and testing. For more on 糖心视频鈥檚 microelectronics internship, .

By joining PINES, 糖心视频 students will have greater access to regional collaborations and career pathways while helping strengthen Hawaiʻi鈥檚 role in the nation鈥檚 expanding semiconductor ecosystem. The partnership will also give 糖心视频 faculty access to shared curriculum, educational resources and best practices developed by universities and industry leaders across the network.

Related 糖心视频 News stories:

• 糖心视频 microelectronics program builds pipeline of homegrown talent, October 9, 2025
• $15.3M funding fuels microelectronics innovation, August 27, 2024
• 糖心视频 professor aims to develop microchips for future, diversify economy, March 25, 2024

The received high marks in the , earning recognition for its international research excellence and academic performance.

糖心视频 Mānoa ranked in the top 2.6% internationally and top 3.3% nationally. 糖心视频 Mānoa placed No. 84 in the nation () and No. 643 globally () in the rankings released on June 17 HST, June 18 BST.

QS measured performance across areas including academic reputation, employer reputation, research impact, international engagement, sustainability, faculty-student ratio and employment outcomes. According to QS, 糖心视频 Mānoa‘s strongest performance areas included its international research network, citations per faculty, international faculty and academic reputation.

“These recognitions reflect the dedication of our faculty, students and staff to advancing knowledge that serves Hawaiʻi, the Pacific and communities around the world,” incoming 糖心视频 Mānoa Chancellor and interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “At 糖心视频 Mānoa, we are committed to providing opportunities for students to learn through discovery, tackle complex challenges and contribute meaningful solutions that make a difference locally and globally.”

Other recent rankings

糖心视频 Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

• 2026–27 U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities rankings, June 16, 2026
• 2026 U.S. News and World Report鈥檚 Best Graduate Schools rankings, April 8, 2026
• 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject, March 25, 2026
• 2025 U.S. News and World Report best online programs, January 27, 2026
• 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, January 21, 2026

This article by Native Hawaiian Initiative Alakaʻi (coordinator) at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 Kamakanaokealoha Aquino was first published in .

A new graduate certificate in will be offered at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补. A partnership between the Department of Urban and Regional Planning in the College of Social Sciences and the Kamakak奴okalani Center for Hawaiian Studies in the Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge, this graduate-level certificate offers students and professionals an in-depth understanding of Indigenous Peoples, processes, and practices to enrich urban and regional planning.

Through planning and several consultations over the past 2 years, Priyam Das, a professor in urban and regional planning, and Konia Freitas, a specialist in Hawaiian studies, developed a program that will prepare students to engage respectfully with Indigenous worldviews, knowledge systems, and methodologies; to apply Indigenous and Hawaiian-informed approaches to land use, sustainability, housing, and community development; and to center planning practices around core values such as pilina, kuleana, and aloha, with a focus on ethics, equity, and inclusion.

Students and professional planners will be equipped with culturally grounded tools to navigate complex land-use, social, and environmental challenges. This certificate requires the completion of six courses: one required course in the foundations of Indigenous planning; one capstone course on an individual project of analysis, plan preparation, policy, and program evaluation; and selection of four elective courses from planning, Hawaiian studies, geography, law, natural resource management, political science, or Pacific Island Studies.

This new graduate certificate is the latest collaboration between the urban and regional planning and Hawaiian studies departments, which began in 2017, when both departments signed a memorandum of agreement allowing urban and regional planning graduate students to enroll in designated Hawaiian studies courses with prerequisites waived.

Then, in Fall 2022, a bachelor鈥檚-to-master鈥檚 degree pathway was established. Students can pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Hawaiian studies through a master鈥檚 degree in urban and regional planning within a shorter timeframe of 5 years by double-counting up to three courses at the undergraduate tuition rate. Students are able to save money and time to enter the workforce.

These programs will help build capacity in the planning workforce in Hawaiʻi and across the Pacific that centers Indigenous values, concepts, and methodologies in the field of planning.

The has been recognized among the world鈥檚 leading universities in the released on June 16, reflecting its strong research performance and academic reputation. In addition, two subjects at 糖心视频鈥檚 flagship campus placed in the world鈥檚 top 50 and another four were ranked in the world鈥檚 top 150.

Overall, 糖心视频 Mānoa placed in the top 2% internationally and top 4.3% nationally. 糖心视频 Mānoa came in at No. 110 in the nation () and No. 482 worldwide ().

Several disciplines were highly ranked in the best global universities subject rankings:

• No. 20—marine and freshwater biology
• No. 42—meteorology and atmospheric sciences
• No. 77 (tie)—space science
• No. 90—geosciences
• No. 140 (tie)—arts and humanities
• No. 144—ecology

The rankings assessed universities largely on research performance, global and regional reputation, publications and citations.

“These recognitions reflect the dedication of our faculty, students and staff to advancing knowledge that serves Hawaiʻi, the Pacific and communities around the world,” incoming 糖心视频 Mānoa Chancellor and interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “At 糖心视频 Mānoa, we are committed to providing opportunities for students to learn through discovery, tackle complex challenges and contribute meaningful solutions that make a difference locally and globally.”

The U.S. News and World Report鈥檚 Best Global Universities rankings are designed to help prospective students compare institutions worldwide while highlighting universities with strong research programs and global impact.

Other recent rankings

糖心视频 Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

• 2026 U.S. News and World Report鈥檚 Best Graduate Schools rankings, April 8, 2026
• 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject, March 25, 2026
• 2025 U.S. News and World Report best online programs, January 27, 2026
• 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, January 21, 2026

Students from Kapolei and Radford High Schools got a firsthand look at careers in public health and social work during a visit to the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 .

The students toured campus, met with faculty and students, and learned about academic and career pathways. Organizers said the initiative helps address workforce shortages in public health and social work by introducing students to career pathways that are often less familiar than other health professions.

Kapolei students Alina Follante-Makekau and Faith Madison Antonio, members of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi Student Advisory Board, helped organize the visit through their school’s Career and Technical Education pathway and the chamber’s workforce development program, with support from Sophia Wibholm, the chamber’s associate director of education.

“This event was so fun and can definitely serve as a model for how we regularly engage our local high school students,” said Yuka Polovina, a faculty member in the . “I was so impressed with the organization and professionalism of the students—they came prepared with insightful questions about what it’s like to be in public health and social work.”

“These opportunities to engage high school students with college opportunities ground us in why we became educators—to broaden perspectives and help students see themselves in careers they may not have considered,” said Courtney Suma, Kapolei High School Career Academy Coordinator. “More importantly, in collaboration with our Chamber of Commerce partner and the 糖心视频, they support our community’s need for a strong, prepared workforce in public health and social work.”

Expanding opportunities

The program is expected to expand to additional schools, with another visit planned in fall 2026. Educators interested in organizing a tour may contact Wendy Lum at swhub@hawaii.edu.

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (ICS) students showcased innovative solutions to real-world challenges during their Spring 2026 Capstone Project Day in May 2026.

The event featured poster presentations and demonstrations from undergraduate and graduate students who spent the semester collaborating with government agencies, private industry, nonprofit organizations and 糖心视频 departments on projects designed to address practical needs across Hawaiʻi and beyond.

Projects ranged from integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools for legislative operations and developing cybersecurity training platforms for critical infrastructure systems to creating immersive educational experiences, analyzing environmental and fisheries data, tracking coffee provenance through blockchain technology and applying AI to agricultural research.

Capstone teams partnered with organizations including the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives, Department of Defense, MITRE, Business Solution Technologies, Pacific Economics, Kahuku Apps, Blockchain in Paradise and the Waikīkī Aquarium. Additional collaborations involved 糖心视频 Mānoa鈥檚 College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, Shidler College of Business, College of Engineering and College of Natural Sciences.

“Technology evolves quickly, but curiosity, creativity and collaboration remain essential skills,” said ICS Department Chair Guylaine Poisson. “These projects give students an opportunity to explore emerging technologies while developing the judgment and leadership abilities that will help them make meaningful contributions throughout their careers.”

Classroom knowledge, professional workplaces

The gives students opportunities to work directly with clients, define project requirements, develop software solutions and present their results to stakeholders. The experience mirrors professional workplace environments while allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to meaningful community, industry and government challenges.

Project Day also featured presentations from the Naval Information Warfare Center internship program at Kapiʻolani Community College and video games developed by students in the department鈥檚 Video Game Design courses.

The capstone program continues to serve as a bridge between the university and industry partners, providing organizations with innovative solutions while helping students build technical, communication and project management skills through hands-on experience.

The Department of Information and Computer Sciences is housed in 糖心视频 Mānoa .

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa graduate students across a wide range of disciplines took their research beyond the classroom this spring, translating complex ideas into hands-on experiences for Oʻahu middle school students through the inaugural Graduate Research Outreach Workshop (GROW).

The three-week program in April brought together a cohort of 10 students to strengthen their ability to communicate research in clear, engaging ways for non-specialist audiences. Participants learned to summarize their work in jargon-free language, discuss its real-world importance and create interactive exhibits that make research accessible to the public.

The workshop culminated in a research outreach fair at Waipahu Intermediate School, where approximately 60 students in career and technical student organization programs explored exhibits led by the graduate students. Waipahu Intermediate faculty advisers and school administrators also attended the event, which highlighted higher education opportunities and showcased the diverse research taking place at 糖心视频.

“Research has the greatest impact when people can understand it and connect it to their own lives,” 糖心视频 Mānoa Fellowships, Scholarships, and Professional Development Coordinator Kristen Connors said. “GROW gave our graduate students the opportunity to practice an essential professional skill while also building meaningful relationships with young learners who may one day pursue their own paths in higher education and research.”

The program was organized by the , and Interim Assistant Vice Provost for Student Academic Success Amy Hubbard, Hamilton Library and the .

Beyond developing communication skills, the program aimed to build stronger connections between the university and the community while encouraging younger students to see themselves as future researchers, innovators and problem-solvers.

A post-program evaluation found participants responded positively to the experience. All respondents said the workshop met their expectations and that they would recommend it to others. Most also reported feeling more prepared and confident explaining their research through writing, visuals and conversations with public audiences.

Students from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo have started a medicinal garden on campus as an integral part of several sustainable gardens used as hands-on labs. The goal is to explore the medicinal plants of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region through the involvement of agriculture students, the university community and several community groups.

Led by Norman Arancon, professor of horticulture and the college鈥檚 director, the builds on years of hands-on learning in which students in his sustainable agriculture course have managed campus garden plots using sustainable growing practices.

“Our students [are] learning how to propagate and identify if some of our plants have some medical constituent compositions,” said Arancon. “It鈥檚 exciting. The students are not just learning from us. We also get some planting materials from the community and insights on what we can grow that they think will be to them.”

Lavender, thyme and learning

Arancon鈥檚 sustainable agriculture class (AG 230) developed three plots in the garden with medicinal plants such as thyme, ginger, tobacco, turmeric and lavender. Students in a weed science course (HORT 481) were challenged to identify plants commonly considered weeds and research their potential medicinal value.

As a culminating project, students transformed common weeds into medicinal products, including a tea made from invasive honohono grass traditionally used to support respiratory health.

Community and collaboration

The medicinal garden is a collaborative effort involving the agriculture college, and .

Pharmacy students examine the plants鈥� medicinal compounds, while the Hawaiian language college brings in community healers to share traditional knowledge of local and native plants.

“We hope healers from the community can also provide seminars on how to use the plants properly and prepare them for use at home,” Arancon said. “I鈥檇 love for more classes to be involved with the project in the future, such as introductory courses on horticulture or animal science, to learn about health benefits for farm animals or pets.”

—by Samantha Dane

For more go to .

Local food entrepreneurs are getting a major boost to expand their products into large retail stores. A $25,000 grant from the Ulupono Fund at the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation is lowering barriers for a dozen local businesses to use the state鈥檚 first commercial-scale high pressure processing (HPP) system.

The cutting-edge food preservation technology is housed at Leeward Community College鈥檚 (WVAPDC). It utilizes extremely high water pressure to eliminate harmful pathogens and spoilage microorganisms without heat, preservatives or additives. This unique process extends shelf life while fully preserving food freshness, flavor and nutritional quality.

The funding subsidizes up to $3,000 per company to offset the costly validation testing required to verify that HPP-treated products meet commercial food safety standards. These steep upfront costs often pose a significant barrier for small local producers looking to scale up production.

“贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 long-term sustainability depends on strong local food systems and the entrepreneurs who drive them,” said Keith DeMello, senior vice president of communications and external affairs at Ulupono Initiative. “Programs like this help local producers transform Hawaiʻi-grown ingredients into value-added products that can reach more markets, creating new opportunities for farmers, food makers and our communities.”

Boosting local food systems

The center celebrated this investment with a ceremony on June 5 honoring Da Tomato Guy, a local salsa company and the first business to complete the validation process using the grant.

“I鈥檓 grateful to the Ulupono Initiative for the support, which helps small businesses like mine grow beyond local markets and start reaching more customers,” said Danny Rudometkin, owner of Da Tomato Guy. “It鈥檚 exciting to think about our salsa being available in stores so more people across Hawaiʻi can enjoy it.”

The facility represents a collaborative investment bridging education, government and community resources.

“This support from the Ulupono Fund helps us expand access to specialized capabilities like HPP and strengthen the support system available to 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 food producers,” said Carlos Pe帽aloza, chancellor of Leeward CC and interim chancellor of University of Hawaiʻi鈥揥别蝉迟 Oʻahu.

Speakers at the celebration included Hawaiʻi State Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz; Dane Wicker, deputy director of the Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism; Dana Okano, program director at the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation; and Chris Bailey, WVAPDC manager.

Honolulu Community College鈥檚 construction and trades programs received a $30,000 donation from Ward Village that will provide essential tool kits for students and updated educational resources. This contribution is part of a $120,000 charitable initiative the company announced on June 2, along with the grand opening of The Park Ward Village.

“We are deeply grateful for Ward Village鈥檚 investment in the future of our construction and trades students,” said Honolulu CC Chancellor Karen C. Lee. “Providing our learners with high-quality tools, equipment and educational resources is crucial to their education, and this support helps ensure they are well-prepared for successful careers in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 workforce.”

Other gift recipients included Residential Youth Services & Empowerment in support of its Beretania Street capital project, Aloha for Hawaiʻi for Kona low flood recovery assistance, and Re-Use Hawaiʻi for sustainability-focused reuse efforts serving Kakaʻako and Ward Village.

Adjacent to Victoria Ward Park, The Park Ward Village includes 546 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, as well as more than 30,000 square feet of new retail and dining. It is Ward Village’s ninth residential tower.

Spring 2026 graduates of the (GES) undergraduate program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa took with them a bachelor鈥檚 degree and real-world, hands-on experiences with research that benefits communities and ecosystems in Hawaiʻi and far beyond.

Through the GES program in the at the 糖心视频 Mānoa (SOEST), students including Makana Andrade and Micah Soriano, engaged in original research, wrote a senior thesis and presented their findings at a research symposium.

“I congratulate all our spring graduates on successfully completing their required faculty-mentored thesis experience,” said Michael Guidry, chair of the GES Program. “As with all our GES graduates and their thesis work, Makana鈥檚 and Micah鈥檚 findings demonstrate how the research efforts of 糖心视频 Mānoa undergraduates provide new insights and solutions to important issues and train the next generation of problem solvers.”

Makana Andrade

Andrade was born and raised on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. During his second year of transfer to 糖心视频 Mānoa, he started working on his thesis with his mentor, Travis Idol, associate professor in the in the 糖心视频 Mānoa . His thesis focused on the response of Acacia koaia, a tree endemic to Hawaiʻi, to nursery practices done on similar species, specifically Acacia koa. Andrade鈥檚 study examined koaiʻa’s growth patterns from seed to seedling to determine its preferred soil type, nutrient uptake, and watering requirements, in an effort to ensure they are readily available for population revitalization.

After graduation, Andrade hopes to continue pursuing his passion for the conservation of Hawaiian endemic species and working in the wilderness.

Micah Soriano

As a GES student with a passion for chemistry, Soriano reached out to SOEST oceanography professor Nick Hawco and joined the Hawco Lab the summer after his sophomore year. Since then, Soriano has helped with various projects, gaining valuable experience. For his senior research thesis, Soriano explored how vitamin B12 availability in the Southern Ocean limits how effectively diatoms, a type of phytoplankton, can process and use essential metals for growth.

After graduation, he plans to work for a year or two before continuing his academic studies.

.

Beginning this fall, Hawaiʻi Community College鈥檚 in Honokaʻa will offer a new pathway for North Hawaiʻi students to begin college close to home through the “First Year Here at K艒” 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 K艒 provides students in this region the opportunity to begin their college journey close to home while saving time and money,” said Sandy Ott, K艒 Education Center鈥檚 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 H膩m膩kua Coast residents

The initiative was developed in response to community conversations and the growing need for accessible higher education opportunities along the H膩m膩kua 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 K艒 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 K艒, students may continue their studies at Hawaiʻi CC鈥檚 Manono campus in Hilo or the P膩lamanui campus in Kona, depending on their academic program and personal circumstances.

“My hope is that ‘First Year Here at K艒’ 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 , or contact Ott by email cdott@hawaii.edu or phone (808) 775-8890.

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 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 environment and public health.

“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 .

Three students from the are spending one year focusing on critical marine policy issues in Washington, D.C. representing the (Hawaiʻi Sea Grant) as 2026 .

Gabrielle Ellis

completed her PhD in biological oceanography in spring 2025, for which she received the Mirikitani Outstanding Dissertation Award. Her dissertation provides baseline ecological descriptions of remote and unexplored habitats of the deep sea, and considers how resilient these habitats are to natural variation and human-induced impacts.

“If I have learned anything through my research as a deep-sea scientist, it is the power of transparent, long-term data in elevating science and protecting important ecosystems,” said Ellis. “I am so excited to witness this through NOAA鈥檚 Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Program, and I am honored to be working with the international and multistakeholder network of the Arctic Research Program.”

Jonathan Rosen

began his career as a Peace Corps volunteer as a coastal resource manager, and continued this work in Hawaiʻi supporting the restoration of Hawaiian fishponds and monitoring endangered species in the remote atolls of Papahānaumokuākea. He earned his master鈥檚 degree in marine biology as a NSF Graduate Research Fellow studying the impacts of marine heatwaves on fish physiology.

“To me, this feels like a once in lifetime opportunity to expand my experiences and expertise by working alongside the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ecological Services Headquarters,” Rosen said. “Through this fellowship I hope to apply my experience in conservation, research and communication towards the implementation of legislation on national conservation priorities, including the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.”

Sarah Woo

is currently a PhD candidate in the Natural Resources and Environmental Management Department at 糖心视频 Mānoa focusing on collaborative community-based research, management and governance. Her graduate research is based in Kāneʻohe Bay, working alongside the Heʻeia National Estuarine Research Reserve and regional generational lawaiʻa (fishers), marine scientists who work in the Bay, and resource management agencies.

“I feel extremely grateful to have been selected to represent Hawaiʻi as a Knauss Legislative Fellow in Sen. Brian Schatz鈥檚 office focusing on topics such as oceans, climate, fisheries, and water, and assisting with appropriations and science legislation,” said Woo. “Growing up in the Pacific Northwest鈥檚 Washington, I never expected to live and work in Washington, D.C., but am excited for this new adventure to learn about the federal government so that I can come back home to Hawaiʻi after and apply what I have learned to support community needs.”

For more information, .

For Windward Community College veterinary technology students, job searching doesn’t come after earning a diploma. The path to employment is fast-tracked thanks to the annual Perfect+Match networking event, which connects first-year students with top clinics, often creating employment opportunities before they finish their studies.

The most recent event, held on May 5, did not disappoint. Class president Ashleigh Long met Kenny Lum, director of human resources and marketing at Veterinary Solutions, and walked away from the event with both an internship and a job offer.

This immediate employment success is a hallmark of Windward CC‘s AVMA-accredited —the only one of its kind in Hawaiʻi. The program replaces uncertainty with expertise, ensuring graduates are job-ready from day one.

Real-world training

Students dive into intensive, real-world training, tackling everything from surgical assistance and radiology to specialized exotic animal nursing. It was a transformative journey for second-year student Maluhia MacPherson, who grew up loving animals on a farm.

MacPherson said, “I overcame my fear of placing an IV catheter with the support of my instructors, classmates and lots of hands-on experience.”

Windward CC graduates approximately 20 highly skilled veterinary paraprofessionals each year.

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&#8212By Carolynn Yamada

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 honored outstanding cadets during its annual awards ceremony on May 7, recognizing achievement, leadership and dedication throughout the academic year.

About 20 cadets from the battalion鈥檚 132 members received awards for demonstrating excellence in academics, military training, community service and leadership. The recognition reflects the program鈥檚 ongoing commitment to developing future Army officers and leaders.

“These awards celebrate more than individual achievements; they recognize the teamwork our cadets demonstrated over the past two semesters,” said Patrick Kelley, professor of military science. “I am proud of them and excited to witness them transform into the next generation of America鈥檚 leaders.”

糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel attended the ceremony and congratulated cadets for their leadership, discipline and commitment to service.

“I am incredibly proud of our 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 ROTC program and its 112-year legacy of developing generations of servant-minded cadets and officers,” Hensel said. “Keep leading the way. Ikaika Imua (Go forward with strength)!”

Warrior Battalion leaders expressed appreciation for cadre, families, alumni and supporters whose mentorship and encouragement help cadets succeed on campus and in military training.

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The University of Hawaiʻi is extending 糖心视频 Maui College鈥檚 successful statewide across all 10 糖心视频 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. 糖心视频 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 糖心视频Kumu.org.

Eliminating financial barriers

Guided by the mission, “I ulu n艒 ka l膩l膩 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 糖心视频 Community College and seamlessly transfer to a four-year 糖心视频 campus”—including 糖心视频 Hilo, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and 糖心视频 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 糖心视频 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.”

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Esports Director Nyle Sky Kauweloa delivered a keynote address at the 2026 Academic Esports Seminar (AES), one of the largest gatherings of esports researchers in the world, bringing international attention to Hawaiʻi鈥檚 expanding role in esports education, research and industry development.

Held over three days in May 2026 at the University of Agder in Grimstad, Norway, the conference brought together approximately 50 researchers, educators, industry leaders and practitioners from around the globe to explore esports鈥� connections to education, health, policy, innovation and digital society.

Hawaiʻi鈥檚 unique position in global esports collaboration

Kauweloa, who also participated in a panel on esports, multiculturalism and diplomacy, delivered a keynote presentation focused on how island communities such as Hawaiʻi can play a unique role in shaping the future of global esports by fostering collaboration, cultural exchange and innovation across international networks.

“Hawaiʻi and the University of Hawaiʻi are helping shape the future of esports on a global scale,” Kauweloa said. “The conversations taking place at AES show that esports is no longer viewed as a niche activity, but as an emerging industry and research field. 糖心视频 is building partnerships, creating opportunities for students and contributing knowledge that is helping position Hawaiʻi as a leader in this space.”

The three-day seminar featured scholars and practitioners from countries across Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, with research sessions examining topics ranging from grassroots esports development and student learning to health, inclusion and international collaboration.

Organized by the Future Lab for Research in Academic Esports, AES 2026 included seven research sessions, three keynote presentations and three international panels focused on the future of esports and its impact on digitally connected communities.

糖心视频 Esports is one of the nation鈥檚 leading collegiate esports programs, with more than 100 student-athletes competing nationally and internationally. This academic year, 糖心视频 Mānoa鈥檚 Rocket League team captured a national championship in its first season of competition.

糖心视频 the 糖心视频 esports team鈥檚 and pages. More stories on 糖心视频鈥檚 esports program.