Kauaʻi Community College will initiate a phased reopening beginning Monday, September 14, with all in-person and online classes resuming on Tuesday, September 15, following recovery efforts from Hurricane Lowell. Gov. Green has approved the modified reopening plan, which ensures campus facilities are safe, fully functional and clean before welcoming students back.

Phased reopening timeline

• Campus closed through Sunday, September 13: The campus remains closed to all non-essential personnel while facilities and IT staff work to restore power stability, service HVAC systems, repair a broken water line, clear downed trees and clean indoor facilities.
• Monday, September 14 (Faculty and Staff Only): The campus opens for employees to reconnect, assess physical spaces, troubleshoot moisture and air conditioning systems, and prepare.
• Tuesday, September 15 (Students Return): The campus opens fully for standard operations, and all in-person and digital instruction resumes.

Academic adjustments, support

Campus leadership emphasized that the health, safety, well-being and academic success of the campus community remain the top priorities during this transition:

• Academic flexibility: Chancellor Margaret Sanchez assured the campus community that leadership and faculty will work collaboratively to address missed instructional time, assignments and academic deadlines once conditions stabilize.
• Workplace accommodations: Employees navigating personal property damage, family commitments or community disaster recovery efforts that prevent returning on Monday are encouraged to reach out directly to their supervisors.
• Cross-campus support: Kauaʻi CC has coordinated across the University of Hawaiʻi System, to create flexibility for Kauaʻi CC students enrolled in online courses hosted by other 糖心视频 campuses who missed classes or assignments during the closure. The vice chancellor鈥檚 office is also prepared to advocate on behalf of affected students.

糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 CTAHR

The 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience鈥檚 Lihue office has had power restored and will reopen on Monday. The Wailua facility is still without power. Updates will be provided to that team.

The University of Hawaiʻi is proposing a new four-year tuition schedule that would keep undergraduate tuition unchanged at all 10 campuses for the first two years, followed by increases beginning in academic year (AY) 2029–30. The current schedule expires at the end of AY 2026–27. The proposal is on the agenda for the September 17 Board of Regents meeting for informational purposes only; no action will be taken.

The proposed schedule would cover AY 2027–28 through AY 2030–31, replacing the current schedule that expires at the end of AY 2026–27. The exception to the two-year freeze is tuition at the professional pharmacy program at 糖心视频 Hilo鈥檚 Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, where tuition would increase 5% annually beginning in AY 2027–28 to address operational needs and accreditation requirements.

Proposed tuition rates

At 糖心视频鈥檚 four-year campuses, undergraduate students pay a flat full-time tuition rate once they enroll in 12 credits per semester and can take additional credits at no additional tuition cost.

糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

• AY 2027–28 and 2028–29: No increase
• AY 2029–30: 5% increase; resident undergraduate tuition increases from $11,760 to $12,360 annually
• AY 2030–31: 5% increase; resident undergraduate tuition increases to $12,984 annually
• The increases apply to undergraduate, graduate and professional tuition rates.

糖心视频 Hilo

• AY 2027–28 and 2028–29: No increase for undergraduate and graduate tuition
• AY 2029–30: 3% increase; resident undergraduate tuition increases from $7,632 to $7,872 annually
• AY 2030–31: 3% increase; resident undergraduate tuition increases to $8,112 annually
• Nonresident undergraduate tuition would increase by the same percentage.
• Graduate and graduate nursing tuition would remain unchanged for all four years.
• 糖心视频 Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy
  • 5% annual tuition increase in each of the four years
  • The additional revenue would support accreditation requirements, faculty and staff, research resources, technology, facilities and other operational needs.

糖心视频 West Oʻahu

• AY 2027–28 and 2028–29: No increase
• AY 2029–30: 3% increase; resident undergraduate tuition increases from $7,632 to $7,872 annually
• AY 2030–31: 3% increase; resident undergraduate tuition increases to $8,112 annually
• Nonresident undergraduate tuition would increase by the same percentage.

糖心视频 community colleges

• AY 2027–28 and 2028–29: No increase in lower-division tuition
• AY 2029–30: Resident lower-division tuition increases from $131 to $135 per credit
• AY 2030–31: Resident lower-division tuition increases to $139 per credit
• For a student taking 24 credits annually, tuition would increase from $3,144 today to $3,336 by AY 2030–31鈥攁n increase of $192.
• Upper-division tuition would increase at the same levels as 糖心视频 Hilo and 糖心视频 West O驶ahu.
• Summer school tuition for Hawaiʻi residents, reduced in 2025 to match the regular resident tuition rate, would continue at the same rate as resident lower-division tuition, including the proposed increases.

A decade of relatively flat tuition

糖心视频 tuition has remained relatively flat for a decade while operating costs have continued to rise. Recent increases in state funding have largely supported budget restorations, construction and facility improvements and negotiated salary increases, while tuition revenue has not kept pace with inflation and rising operational costs.

The proposal is intended to address those rising costs while maintaining affordability for Hawaiʻi students. About 90% of 糖心视频 community college graduates and 65% of graduates from the four-year campuses complete their degrees without student loan debt.

Public review and approval process

Chancellors across the 糖心视频 System notified their campus communities about the proposal and the start of the review process on September 11. The formal public review period begins September 18, followed by open public meetings on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Kauaʻi and Oʻahu from October 5–16. Feedback may be provided at the public meetings or submitted online, with details to be announced when available. A summary of public feedback and any revisions to the proposal are scheduled to be presented October 29, with the 糖心视频 Board of Regents considering the final proposal on November 19.

If approved, the new schedule would be filed with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor by December 1 and take effect in fall 2027.

Kauaʻi Community College will remain closed through Friday, September 11, due to damage and other impacts from Hurricane Lowell. In-person and online classes were canceled for the remainder of the week, and employees were told not to report to campus unless specifically directed to do so.

Campus officials are assessing damage and determining what work is needed before the campus can safely reopen. Students and employees are asked to stay away from campus while damage assessments and recovery work continue.

In a message to the campus sent on September 8, Chancellor Margaret Sanchez said, “We understand that students and faculty will have questions about missed class time, assignments, deadlines and other academic matters. We will work together to determine how those issues will be addressed once conditions stabilize and will provide additional guidance as soon as possible.”

糖心视频 campuses and facilities on Oʻahu reopened September 9, following precautionary closures on September 8.

糖心视频 leadership and emergency management teams continue to coordinate with state and county officials. Students and employees should monitor their email, 糖心视频 RAVE emergency alerts and official campus communication channels for the latest updates.

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms the workforce and daily life, the University of Hawaiʻi is making AI education available to everyone with a new, free online course designed for the people of Hawaiʻi and beyond.

Artificial Intelligence for Hawaiʻi is an open-access, self-paced course that provides foundational AI knowledge and practical skills while addressing responsible and ethical use through a Hawaiʻi lens. Free and available to anyone (no 糖心视频 affiliation or login required), the course is part of 糖心视频鈥檚 broader effort to serve as a statewide leader and trusted resource as AI reshapes education, business, government and the workforce.

Demand for AI skills is surging globally, making broad access to AI education increasingly important. Eighty percent of hiring managers consider AI skills a priority when evaluating candidates, according to CNBC, and 60% of employers are already assigning interns projects involving AI tools, according to the National Association of Colleges + Employers. 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel says 糖心视频 has both an opportunity and a responsibility to help Hawaiʻi navigate this transformation.

“AI is transforming the way we work, learn and live, and Hawaiʻi cannot afford to sit on the sidelines,” Hensel said. “糖心视频 has both an opportunity and a responsibility to help our state lead through this change. That means making AI education accessible to everyone and giving people the practical skills to use these tools effectively, responsibly and in ways that reflect 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 values.”

Demystifying AI

Hosted on the , the self-paced course uses instructional videos, Hawaiʻi-based examples and hands-on activities to make AI understandable and useful for people at all levels of experience. It is designed not only for 糖心视频 students and employees, but for anyone who wants to better understand and use AI, from educators and government employees to small business owners, nonprofit organizations and individual community members.

The course was also informed by 糖心视频 experts in Hawaiian values, culture, language and ʻike Hawaiʻi. A 糖心视频 Task Force on Hawaiian Values and Culture examined issues unique to the development and use of AI in Hawaiʻi, including appropriate protocols for how ʻike and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi resources should be used and what kinds of information should, and should not, be contributed to AI systems.

The 12 chapters take participants from basic AI literacy to practical applications:

• Chapters 1–3: AI fundamentals — How AI and machine learning work, along with key issues including bias, fairness and transparency.
• Chapters 4–6: Responsible AI and stewardship — Ethical AI use for individuals and organizations, AI鈥檚 environmental impact and opportunities to support conservation and climate resilience.
• Chapters 7–9: Education and strategy — How AI is changing teaching, learning, academic integrity and organizational operations.
• Chapters 10–12: Workplace and industry — Practical AI skills, including advanced prompting, and applications in Hawaiʻi industries such as tourism and agriculture.

“This course empowers our 糖心视频 campuses and local communities to actively shape how we use AI to make our island home better,” said Gloria Niles, 糖心视频 chief academic technology innovation officer. “By focusing our exploration on transparency and responsible deployment within a Hawaiʻi context, we can thoughtfully integrate these technologies while honoring our core values.”

Building 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 AI capacity

AI for Hawaiʻi is part of a broader 糖心视频 strategy to help prepare the state for an AI-augmented future and serve as a trusted resource for individuals, educators, businesses, government agencies and communities navigating the rapidly evolving technology.

Through the OneAI Hub, 糖心视频 is bringing together AI education, training and resources, including AI Communities of Practice and the AI 2 Xcelerate program. The university鈥檚 broader AI strategy encompasses governance, curriculum, workforce development, research and operations.

糖心视频 is also expanding the use and understanding of AI across its 10 campuses, including AI-powered student advising and 24/7 chatbots, faculty development through EL3vate and AI Innovation@RISE, which connects students across the 糖心视频 System with local industries to address real-world needs.

The free AI for Hawaiʻi course is available now through the . No 糖心视频 affiliation or login is required.

The University of Hawaiʻi is asking the community to weigh in on proposed updates to the , which outlines the process for 糖心视频 management of Maunakea lands.

The proposed updates would align portions of the plan with /, as amended, which established the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority (MKSOA) and changed the framework for future management of Maunakea.

Under the amended Act 255, all existing 糖心视频 plans and administrative rules remain in effect during the transition to MKSOA management until they are replaced by plans and rules adopted by MKSOA.

糖心视频 is asking the public to review and provide feedback on the proposed updates through September 16, 2026. The public can comment directly on the proposed revisions through an online engagement platform, which also includes answers to frequently asked questions.

More information on the public feedback process is below:

Proposed update

The 糖心视频 Board of Regents directed the university administration in February 2026 to update the Master Plan to be consistent with Act 255. Key elements of the proposed revisions include:

• Updating sections related to site reuse, including guidelines for new astronomy facilities.
• Updating sections related to guidelines for new astronomy facilities on previously used sites.
  The revisions would be limited to the 糖心视频 Master Plan and do not call for new land use or new development. No revisions to the are proposed. 糖心视频 remains committed to having no more than nine observatories after 2033 and to keeping the existing decommissioning process and plan unchanged.

The proposed revisions are intended to apply broadly to potential future astronomy projects and are focused on bringing the current 糖心视频 Master Plan into alignment with state law.

“Maunakea is important to many people for many different reasons, and hearing from the community is an integral part of this process,” said Greg Chun, executive director of the . “We invite the community to take some time to review the proposed revisions, ask questions and share their manaʻo, their perspectives with us.”

Public feedback encouraged

The online platform allows community members to review the specific pages proposed for revision and leave comments directly alongside the text. The proposed additions and deletions are shown within the plan so users can see exactly what language is being considered.

Comments submitted through the site will be considered as the proposed revisions move through the review process. The public will have the opportunity to provide in-person and written testimony at the upcoming public meetings:

• September 8:
• September 10:

The proposal will also have to be approved by the 糖心视频 Board of Regents. The Master Plan update is following the review process established in the 2022 Master Plan. That includes review by the Center for Maunakea Stewardship鈥檚 advisory groups, opportunities for public input, review by MKSOA and consideration by the 糖心视频 Board of Regents.

Aloha 糖心视频 驶辞丑补苍补,

When we announced the implementation of the updated free expression policy and procedures (Time, Place and Manner Policy or TPM) on an interim basis on July 1, we intended to provide clear, viewpoint-neutral guidelines that would protect expressive rights while ensuring our campuses remain safe, accessible and functional for teaching and learning. There is no question that free speech, academic freedom and robust intellectual debate are the lifeblood of our 10-campus system.

The interim TPM policy and procedures are the product of significant outreach, education and engagement with our campus community and others over the last year, as our resource website shows. During this time, we have heard extensive feedback from students, faculty and staff across our campuses, and the policy has undergone significant revisions in response to these conversations.

Since the implementation, we have heard concerns from some members of our community that the interim rules, particularly around parameters such as the 25-foot building setbacks, the 60-decibel noise thresholds and chalking feel overly restrictive and could discourage expressive activity. At the University of 贬补飞补颈驶颈, our community has a rich, proud history of peaceful protest. It is essential that our policies not only withstand constitutional scrutiny on paper, but also maintain the trust and confidence of the people they govern.

Your concerns have been heard. I am directing the withdrawal of the interim TPM policy and procedures, effective immediately. We will return to our pre-interim guidelines (the 2014 version of Executive Policy 10.206, 鈥淔ree Expression on University Campuses鈥�) while we continue our conversations together and identify a new path forward.

This pause will allow us to build on the consultation already completed and more effectively build a TPM policy with our community. We are committed to striking the right balance between protecting active learning environments and honoring our historical role as a forum for moral and political expression from all vantage points and perspectives.

During the remainder of this semester, we will proceed as planned to host open, in-person listening sessions to ensure everyone has the opportunity to share their concerns, ideas and suggestions.

I want to thank everyone who has stepped forward to share their perspectives, write letters and participate in this debate. Your engagement is a powerful demonstration of the academic freedom and active civic participation that makes the University of 贬补飞补颈驶颈 so special.

Let us continue to engage in a constructive, respectful dialogue that models the very best of who we are as an institution.

With warm aloha,
Wendy Hensel
糖心视频 President

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel presented a series of proposed organizational changes designed to elevate the voices of the university鈥檚 seven community colleges, strengthen systemwide academic planning and create what she described as a more unified student success ecosystem.

Hensel outlined the changes to the 糖心视频 Board of Regents (BOR) at its August 20 meeting at Kauaʻi Community College in her presentation, “Final Reorganizational Directives for the University of Hawaiʻi System.” The proposed plan for discussion would eliminate the Office of the Vice President for Community Colleges. All seven community college chancellors would then report directly to the president and serve alongside the chancellors of 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, 糖心视频 Hilo and 糖心视频 West Oʻahu on the president鈥檚 executive cabinet.

Elevating the voices of the community colleges

Over the next few months, Hensel will discuss the proposal with campus governance groups and the broader campus communities, receive feedback and consider that input as the proposal moves forward.

The plan is intended to be “an amplification of the community colleges, not a diminution of those community colleges, and I just can鈥檛 say that strongly enough,” Hensel told the BOR. The proposal would elevate “the voices of the community college chancellors so they are sitting at the table with the four-year chancellors and directly contributing to the decisions we are making for the entire university.”

Hensel said the proposal responds to feedback from the community college chancellors, who expressed a desire for a more direct role in systemwide planning and decision-making. The new reporting structure is intended to increase the voice and accountability of each campus while strengthening communication and collaboration across all 10 campuses. The proposal was developed following multiple conversations with administrators, faculty and staff across the community colleges over the last eighteen months.

Hensel made clear the proposed administrative change would eliminate an administrative layer but would keep intact the support structure serving the community colleges.

“We are not eliminating the critical work that is being done or the people who are doing it,” Hensel said. “We are taking those essential functions and placing them where they can be more fully integrated with the academic and administrative work of the entire system.”

Under the proposal, community college academic affairs—including student support, institutional effectiveness, workforce innovation and academic support services—would move as a unit under the Office of the Vice President for Academic Strategy. Community college administrative functions, including budget, human resources and facilities, would transition as a unit to the Office of the Vice President for Administration.

The reporting-line changes and elimination of the vice president position will be discussed over the fall semester, with the intent of reaching a conclusion by the end of 2026. A second phase, beginning in spring 2027, would include more detailed work and consultation within reporting structures to determine how to maximize collaboration and effectiveness of the new teams.

Separating 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and system leadership

Hensel also highlighted the July 2026 separation of 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and 糖心视频 System operations as a major step toward the new organizational structure.

Before the separation, the 糖心视频 president also carried many of the responsibilities traditionally assigned to the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor. With Vassilis Syrmos now serving as the dedicated 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor, Hensel said the president鈥檚 office can focus more fully on statewide academic, workforce, operational and financial strategies while ensuring balanced attention across all 10 campuses.

The new governance boundaries assign Hensel responsibility for systemwide integration, long-term statewide alignment and fiduciary oversight. Syrmos is responsible for the day-to-day academic operations, student experience, research enterprise and physical infrastructure of the flagship campus.

“Having a dedicated chancellor at 惭腻苍辞补 allows that campus to receive the focused leadership it deserves, while allowing the president to look across the entire state and ask what every campus and every community needs from the University of Hawaiʻi,” Hensel said.

Exploring a West Oʻahu regional model

The university is also examining opportunities for greater coordination between 糖心视频 West Oʻahu and Leeward Community College, which have been operating under the interim dual leadership of Chancellor Carlos Pe帽aloza since January 2026.

The pilot is exploring how the two campuses can better serve the rapidly growing West Oʻahu region through shared resources, coordinated academic offerings and streamlined pathways that allow students to move more easily from associate to bachelor鈥檚 degree programs. Hensel emphasized that no final outcome has been predetermined.

“This is an exploration,&lrdquo; she said. “The purpose is to determine whether there are opportunities to create stronger academic pathways, use resources more effectively and provide students with a more integrated experience. We will follow the evidence and the input we receive rather than begin with a predetermined answer.”

A formal recommendation on the future structure is expected in early 2027.

Elevating academic technology and Native Hawaiian leadership

Additional changes include permanently placing the Office of Academic Technology and Innovation under the Office of the Vice President for Academic Strategy. The move is intended to better align academic technology, online education and instructional innovation with the university鈥檚 broader academic and student-success strategy.

Hensel is also proposing to elevate the director of Hawaiʻi Papa o Ke Ao to an assistant vice president and executive director position reporting directly to the president. The change will formally embed Native Hawaiian perspectives and the university鈥檚 commitment to becoming a model Indigenous-serving institution within the executive leadership structure.

Together, the changes are intended to create clearer responsibilities and a leadership structure centered on 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 excellence, community college parity, integrated administrative support, holistic academic strategy and cultural authority.

Building a statewide student ecosystem

Hensel said the reforms are the culmination of two years of systemwide conversations that started before her arrival about how 糖心视频鈥檚 administrative structure can better advance its mission and serve students.

“How do we create an infrastructure that outlives independent personnel changes?” Hensel asked. “Too often, academic administrations are built around particular individuals and personal relationships. We need an integrated architecture that does not depend on who happens to be sitting in a particular chair, but instead supports collaboration and student success over the long term.”

Hensel said a more integrated system can improve course sharing, transfer pathways and access to academic programs while establishing a common standard of care for students regardless of which 糖心视频 campus they attend.

“This is not about making every campus the same,” Hensel said. “It is about preserving the identity and strengths of each campus while building the connections that allow us to serve students and the state far more effectively as one university.”

University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents (BOR) Chair Lauren Akitake outlined her priorities for the year ahead, emphasizing student success, greater collaboration across the 10-campus system and preparing 糖心视频 for Hawaiʻi‘s future.

Akitake, who was elected chair in July, delivered the remarks at the BOR‘s August meeting at Kauaʻi Community College as part of a new agenda item focused on the BOR‘s direction for the coming year.

“Our role as Regents is to set strategic direction, provide oversight, ask questions and support President Hensel as she leads the University,” Akitake said.

糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel is scheduled to present her strategic priorities to the BOR at its September 17 meeting. Akitake said the Board’s work should be guided by several overarching themes, beginning with student success—from recruiting students and helping people across Hawaiʻi understand 糖心视频 as a pathway to opportunity and a stronger future, through enrollment, navigating 糖心视频, transferring, graduating and finding meaningful opportunities after graduation.

She also emphasized strengthening 糖心视频 as one University while recognizing the distinct communities, missions and strengths of each of its 10 campuses. Akitate said her recent experiences at 糖心视频 Maui College and Kauaʻi Community College reinforced the strong sense of community and pride of place that makes each campus unique.

Akitake also highlighted the Board’s responsibility to keep sight of who it serves.

“The University of Hawaiʻi is one of Hawaiʻi‘s extraordinary public assets,” she said. “It belongs to the people of Hawaiʻi, changes lives and strengthens communities, and we have a responsibility to ensure it remains strong, innovative and prepared to serve Hawaiʻi for generations to come.”

Akitake also called on the Board to “prepare for the future, not simply manage the present,” citing artificial intelligence, demographic shifts, workforce needs, cybersecurity, technology and a changing economy.

“We need to be asking what Hawaiʻi will need from 糖心视频 five, 10, and 20 years from now—and making decisions today that prepare us for that future,” Akitake said.

Committee priorities

She is working closely with committee chairs and vice chairs to understand their priorities and vision and align their work with the Board’s broader goals. Akitake also outlined the work ahead for the BOR‘s six committees:

• Committee on Independent Audit & Risk: Continue oversight of 糖心视频‘s internal and external audit functions with increased emphasis on enterprise risk management. The BOR has approved 16 internal audit projects, including systemwide reviews of construction project management, information security and Title IX.
• Kuleana & Community Engagement Committee: Advance the Kuleana Imperative’s 18-month action plan and metrics and further develop the BOR‘s new community engagement responsibilities. The committee, chaired by Regent Keola Whittaker, begins its work October 1.
• Governance Committee: Oversee implementation of the BOR‘s April 2026 committee restructuring, including confirming the committees’ new charges and completing remaining bylaws work. The committee will also establish a regular process for reviewing bylaws and policies and follow up on the 2025 Board self-assessment.
• Student Success Committee: Focus on the full student journey, from recruitment and enrollment through graduation and beyond. The committee will also look at opportunities to further support 糖心视频 Athletics and student-athletes, building on strong support among Regents and the new leadership of Chair Keith Amemiya and Vice Chair Makai Freitas.
• Committee on Facilities & Long Range Planning: Chaired by Regent Neil Abercrombie, the committee will focus on 糖心视频‘s long-term infrastructure and capital priorities, including developing strategies to address the deferred maintenance backlog and planning for future campus facility needs.
• Finance & Investment Committee: Continue oversight of 糖心视频‘s financial position, investments and long-term financial sustainability while also engaging with Hensel’s planned investment of more than $100 million and a new financial policy approach that connects budget decisions with strategic priorities.

“These committees give us a way to take the broader questions we are asking as a Board and turn them into focused oversight, decisions and action throughout the year,” Akitake said.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel is moving 糖心视频 toward a more coordinated approach to managing its financial resources, with the 10 campuses sharing risk and investing collectively in priorities that benefit students across the system.

Hensel outlined the approach during her presentation “Collaborative Strategic Investment: A New Paradigm for 糖心视频” to the 糖心视频 Board of Regents on August 20 at Kauaʻi Community College, describing it as part of a larger shift toward operating 糖心视频 as one university system rather than 10 largely independent campuses.

“What we have is a very decentralized 10-campus system, which means that we are often pulling in different directions in ways that compete with each other that are not optimal,” Hensel said.

The new approach is built around what Hensel described as a “we rather than I” philosophy鈥攎aintaining the individual identities and priorities of each campus while taking greater advantage of the financial strength of the entire 糖心视频 System.

Historically, campuses have largely managed their own reserves, tuition balances and financial risks. That meant campuses generally had to respond on their own to challenges such as enrollment declines while also funding many of their own strategic priorities. It has also contributed to significant differences across the system, with some campuses accumulating substantial cash balances while others have had fewer resources available.

Across the system, campuses have held a fluctuating total of about $200 million in unutilized cash balances. Hensel described having those resources as a “gift” compared with universities across the country facing structural deficits and other significant financial challenges. The opportunity now, she said, is to put more of those resources to work for 糖心视频 students, faculty and staff.

“We are moving from ‘preserve’ and ‘defend’ capital to ‘deploy’ and ‘anticipate’ the future so that we can meet the needs of the moment that we’re in,” Hensel said.

Sharing risk across 10 campuses

One major step has already been taken. 糖心视频 has consolidated approximately $156 million that had been held as reserves at individual campuses into a single systemwide reserve. Instead of each campus carrying its financial risk alone, the university now has a shared safety net that can be used when significant needs or emergencies arise anywhere in the 10-campus system.

糖心视频 is taking a similar approach to excess tuition balances. Campuses will retain 20% of their tuition cash balances, preserving resources for campus-specific priorities and needs beyond their normal annual operating expenses. Funds above that level at the close of each fiscal year will be redirected to key strategic investments across the university. The approach follows existing state law that directs excess tuition funds to be returned to the system annually for strategic use.

The goal, Hensel said, is not simply to shift money from one campus to another, but to use 糖心视频鈥檚 collective resources where they can have the greatest impact while preserving appropriate campus autonomy. The approach supports Hensel鈥檚 broader goal of establishing a more consistent standard of care for students across the 10 campuses. A student, faculty or staff member鈥檚 access to basic technology, services and support should not depend on the financial condition of their particular 糖心视频 campus.

Investments will focus on needs that are difficult for individual campuses to address on their own effectively and efficiently, such as modernizing Wi-Fi infrastructure across all 10 campuses and establishing a regular, equitable replacement schedule for technology such as laptops. By acting collectively, these improvements can be secured at a lower cost and result in greater strategic impact across the system.

The shift is part of a larger change in how 糖心视频 approaches budgeting and planning鈥攃onnecting financial decisions more directly to the priorities of the university鈥檚 strategic plan and using the collective resources of the 10–campus system to better serve students across Hawaiʻi.

Aloha 糖心视频 Mānoa ʻohana,

Welcome to the start of the 2026–27 academic year! After the relative quiet of summer, it is great to see the campus once again abuzz with the sights and sounds of students, faculty, and staff in motion.

While we were fortunate that Tropical Storm Lala and Moke did not severely impact our campus, I would like to take a moment to thank our dedicated staff at 糖心视频 Mānoa for their efforts to ensure that our campus remained safe and open for business.

With new and exciting new facilities coming online soon, like the Kūlia i ka Nuʻu Student Success Center, as well as the expanded McCarthy Mall and Paradise Palms gathering spaces, we are looking forward to creating an even more vibrant campus experience for everyone.

As we get settled in for the new semester, I want you to know that we will begin work on a new and bold strategic plan that will help to solidify 糖心视频 Mānoa as the premier flagship campus of Hawaiʻi and to make our campus an even better place to learn, work, live, and play. To do so, we are going to need your input, so please be on the lookout for opportunities to participate in this very important process. I eagerly anticipate your feedback as my listening tour across campus units and departments continues. Please also join us for an Open Forum on Thursday, October 1, from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Campus Center Ballroom. I look forward to engaging with you there.

We all are fortunate to be able to live and work in a special place that is firmly rooted in place-based values that are unique to Hawaiʻi. Let us keep that close to our hearts and minds as we all strive to make this another great year at 糖心视频 Mānoa.

Mahalo,
Vassilis L. Syrmos
Chancellor, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel highlighted the start of the 2026–27 academic year, 糖心视频鈥檚 second-highest extramural funding total in history and the leadership transition at Hawaiʻi Community College during her August report to the 糖心视频 Board of Regents (BOR). The report was delivered at the August 20 BOR meeting at Kauaʻi Community College.

Hensel reported that 糖心视频 secured $647.3 million in extramural funding in fiscal year 2026, the second-highest total in university history and the fifth consecutive year above $500 million. She also provided an update on the leadership transition at Hawaiʻi CC, where Interim Vice President for Community Colleges and 糖心视频 Maui College Chancellor Lui Hokoana is serving as interim chancellor while 糖心视频 prepares an interim chancellor for the campus and the launch of a national search for a permanent leader.

Hensel also highlighted 糖心视频鈥檚 inaugural AI Institute Day, which brought together 546 participants from across the 糖心视频 System on August 11, and the launch of the 鈥橞ows Athletics Club and Shoji Society, two new initiatives designed to strengthen annual and transformational giving to 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Athletics.

Finally, Kauaʻi CC鈥檚 Justin Seto was recognized with the 糖心视频 President鈥檚 Award for Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance for his dedication, technical expertise and “campus-first” approach.

• Enrollment and start of fall semester ()
• Leadership retreat and strategic investments ()
• Hawaiʻi CC leadership transition ()
• FY26 extramural funding ()
• 鈥橞ows Athletics Club and Shoji Society ()
• AI Institute Day and strategic AI investments ()
• 糖心视频 News highlights
  • 糖心视频 Community Colleges ranked 11th best ()
  • Kauaʻi CC, Kauaʻi Community Correctional Center partnership ()
  • Kauaʻi CC Summer Institute Pāpala Lele Internship ()
• President鈥檚 Award for Excellence ()

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The University of Hawaiʻi is exploring a new leadership structure that would more fully integrate the seven community colleges into the 10-campus 糖心视频 System while strengthening the voice of individual campuses.

Under the proposal, the seven community college chancellors would report directly to 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel rather than to the vice president for community colleges. The concept is outlined in a joint message from Hensel and the community college chancellors to faculty, staff and administrators.

The proposed change follows the separation of the 糖心视频 System president and 糖心视频 Mānoa chancellor roles and is intended to provide the community colleges, 糖心视频 Hilo and 糖心视频 West Oʻahu greater parity in attention and representation at the System level.

“This shift streamlines communication by removing organizational layers, giving chancellors a direct role in systemwide decision-making and a stronger voice regarding the specific needs and priorities of their campuses,” the joint message states.

The proposal would maintain the administrative and academic support structures currently serving the seven community colleges. Community college administrative affairs functions, including budget, human resources and facilities, would report to the System vice president for administration, while academic affairs functions would continue to be coordinated through the System vice president for academic strategy.

Any additional structural changes would be developed through conversations and consultation with the affected units. The proposed structure is intended to strengthen student success, improve 糖心视频’s responsiveness to Hawaiʻi’s workforce needs and increase coordination across the 10-campus system.

“We are committed to a collaborative exploration of this path and listening to our campus communities to ensure any changes ultimately strengthen our service to the people of Hawaiʻi,” Hensel and the chancellors said.

The complete joint message is below.

Joint Statement from President Hensel and the 糖心视频 Community College Chancellors

Aloha faculty, staff and administrators,

We write today to share with you that the University of Hawaiʻi is exploring a new leadership structure to integrate our seven community colleges more fully into the 糖心视频 System. This proposal aims to strengthen the voice of each campus while maintaining the coordination and shared services that have served our communities for over 20 years.

Under this concept, community college chancellors would report directly to the 糖心视频 president instead of the vice president for community colleges. This shift streamlines communication by removing organizational layers, giving chancellors a direct role in systemwide decision-making and a stronger voice regarding the specific needs and priorities of their campuses. This move in part was made possible by the separation of the roles of system president and 糖心视频 Mānoa chancellor, which was intended to create parity of time and attention at the System for the community colleges, Hilo and 糖心视频 West Oʻahu.

Importantly, the proposed change would not dismantle the administrative and academic support structures serving the seven community colleges.

Community colleges administrative affairs—including budget, human resources and facilities—would transition to reporting directly to the System’s vice president for administration. Community college academic affairs functions—including institutional effectiveness, academic support, student support and workforce-related programs—would remain coordinated under the System’s vice president for academic strategy. Any changes in structure that follow this integration would be the product of conversations and consultation among those in the particular unit.

These changes are intended to maximize impact and effectiveness without diminishing the distinct identity or mission of individual campuses. The benefits of a more integrated 10-campus system are significant:

• Enhanced Student Success: Improved administrative coordination will facilitate smoother transfer pathways, aligned advising and expanded access to academic and workforce programs.
• Workforce Responsiveness: A unified administrative structure strengthens 糖心视频’s ability to create a single “front door” for industry, respond quickly to employer needs and connect students with vital local career training.
• Systemwide Synergy: Reducing administrative layers improves communication and coordination across all campuses, strengthening our community colleges in executing our shared statewide mission.

We are committed to a collaborative exploration of this path and listening to our campus communities to ensure any changes ultimately strengthen our service to the people of Hawaiʻi.

Mahalo for your time and attention, and for your continued dedication to our students, 糖心视频 and the people of Hawaiʻi.

Wendy Hensel – 糖心视频 President

Lui Hokoana – 糖心视频 Maui College Chancellor, Interim Vice President for Community Colleges, Hawaiʻi Community College Interim Chancellor

Karen Lee – Honolulu Community College Chancellor

Misaki Takabayashi – Kapiʻolani Community College Chancellor

Margaret Sanchez – Kauaʻi Community College Chancellor

Carlos Pe帽aloza – Leeward Community College Chancellor, 糖心视频 West Oʻahu Interim Chancellor

Ardis Eschenberg – Windward Community College Chancellor

The University of Hawaiʻi hosted its inaugural AI Institute Day at the 糖心视频 Mānoa Campus Center Ballroom. Co-sponsored by the Office of the President and the State of Hawaiʻi Workforce Development Council, the gathering drew 158 in-person and 388 virtual participants across the 糖心视频 System on August 11. The event was structured to help the university transition from isolated, individual AI experimentation to coordinated, systemwide innovation.

AI Institute Day welcomed guest speaker Asim Ali, executive director of Auburn University’s Biggio Center and board president of UPCEA, an online and professional education association. Ali urged attendees to look past the technical hype of “prompt engineering” and instead approach AI as an ongoing, conversational dialogue. He highlighted the role of humans in training and refining generative AI, noting that “until we get to a system that’s able to teach itself… humans are still absolutely needed.”

Ali also introduced the concept of “unbundling” professional work into automated, augmented and human-only tasks. Citing data from tech consulting company Accenture and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Ali predicted that by 2030, a third of workforce tasks will fall into each of these categories. He emphasized that technology is only beneficial if it frees up time for high-value human interaction rather than simply creating more work.

“There’s a lot of noise out there that is going to have almost no impact on your work, and you don’t have to know the daily update of everything that’s happening in the AI world,” said Ali. “But there are a few things that are grounded truths that aren’t going to change anytime soon that are fundamental parts of how the technology works that will endure and it is good and it is safe to invest your time in.”

$100 million investment

糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel described AI as “an infusion that touches all things” that will fundamentally reshape 糖心视频 operations, teaching and thinking. She announced a planned investment of approximately $100 million across 糖心视频 to boost student success, infrastructure and AI capabilities.

“We are either going to lean into this change and shape it and brand it and focus on who we are as a community and make it work or we’re going to constantly be waving in the wind as these things roll out and find ourselves in a defensive posture,” Hensel said.

To coordinate this scale, Hensel revealed 糖心视频 is hiring its first Associate Vice President for Workforce Development. This joins strategic partnerships with Google, Microsoft and MIT, alongside current initiatives such as the free, 12 chapter courses, a centralized and faculty curriculum incentives.

Honolulu Community College has appointed Sara M. Butler as vice chancellor of academic affairs (VCAA), effective August 5, 2026.

As VCAA, Butler will serve as Honolulu CC‘s chief academic officer, overseeing instructional programs, academic support services, curriculum and accreditation efforts, and working closely with Chancellor Karen Lee and campus leadership to advance the college’s academic mission.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Butler to Honolulu CC and excited she has joined our team,” Lee said. “She brings a wealth of experience in curriculum development, accreditation, strategic enrollment and student success initiatives. Her proven ability to build strong, collaborative relationships across faculty, staff and community partners will elevate our students鈥� experiences and create opportunities for their future.”

Helping students achieve their goals

Throughout her career, Butler has led work in strategic enrollment management, dual enrollment expansion, distance education, program review and outcomes assessment, and accreditation. She has also worked with Indigenous-serving institutions, including the California Indian Nations College.

“I am truly honored and grateful to join the Honolulu CC ʻohana. I am looking forward to learning from my colleagues, the students and community partners so that I can support Honolulu CC鈥檚 dedicated faculty and staff as they play a pivotal role in helping our students achieve their academic and professional goals,” Butler said.

New leader鈥檚 experience

Butler brings almost two decades of academic experience, having taught in the City University of New York, California State University, and University of California systems. She began her full-time teaching career in the California Community College system, earning tenure as a political science professor at College of the Desert in Palm Desert.

Her administrative career started as a dean at College of the Desert. In 2022, Butler served concurrently as both dean of social sciences and arts and interim vice president of instruction. She later served as dean of academic affairs at Santa Ana College. She is joining Honolulu CC from Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa, where she was dean of languages, arts and academic support.

Butler holds a PhD and MA in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a BA in history and political science from the College of Staten Island.

University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 leaders gathered for the annual , a three-day professional development event designed to support department chairs, deans, directors and other academic leaders while fostering collaboration across the flagship campus. The conference was organized by the .

The conference featured strategic sessions focused on leadership development, student success, institutional effectiveness and emerging challenges in higher education. The opening “Meet the Cabinet” panel featured 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Chancellor Vassilis L. Syrmos, incoming Interim Provost Denise Konan and members of the university’s leadership team, including Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Nikki Chun, Chief Business Officer Sandy French, Interim Director of the System Hawaiʻi Papa O Ke Ao and 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office Noelani Goodyear-Kaopua, Interim Vice Provost for Academic Excellence Laura Lyons, Interim Vice Provost for Student Success Kap膩 Oliveira and Interim Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship Robert Wright. The panel discussed the university’s future direction, priorities and opportunities.

‘New level of operational effectiveness’

Hensel reflected on her 18 months serving in the dual role of 糖心视频 president and 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor, describing the transition to dedicated campus leadership as an opportunity for 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 to define its future while remaining closely connected to the 10-campus 糖心视频 System.

“I think it’s the moment for 惭腻苍辞补 to chart its vision, which is a really exciting thing,” Hensel said. “This campus is extraordinary, and I learned a lot about the work that we do here and the excellence to come. The future for 惭腻苍辞补 as part of the 10-campus system is increased impact. We can work together effectively to create an entirely new level of operational effectiveness, impact and efficiency for our students.”

Syrmos, , shared his vision for the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 campus as Hawaiʻi‘s flagship university and announced plans to begin a refreshed strategic planning process this fall with broad campus participation.

“惭腻苍辞补 should and will be a premier global flagship institution for our students, faculty and the state of Hawaiʻi,” Syrmos said. “It is a great opportunity to create our own identity while working collaboratively with the other nine sister campuses to advance the future of our students and our state.”

Syrmos also highlighted the experience of the leadership team supporting the campus during a period of transition and expressed enthusiasm about working with Konan who officially starts as interim provost on August 7.

“I am very excited that we are returning back to having not just a chancellor, but also a provost,” Konan said. “That is a huge investment in 惭腻苍辞补 and one that we should embrace. I am the direct interface with the deans, with the chairs and with the academic campus. This is something I know very well because I’ve been a chair, and I’ve been a dean.”

Leadership team addresses key campus issues

During the question-and-answer session, attendees engaged the leadership team on a wide range of issues affecting the future of 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补. Topics included:

• Leadership priorities
• 糖心视频‘s budget model and fiscal planning
• Academic quality and student success
• Native Hawaiian advancement
• Research competitiveness
• Administrative technology systems
• Global engagement

Discussions also explored enrollment trends, online education, international partnerships and efforts to strengthen 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补’s position as a leading research university in the Asia-Pacific region.

Syrmos also provided an update on efforts to develop a new budget model for 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补. The proposed approach would combine historical funding allocations with performance-based measures and is expected to involve extensive engagement with campus stakeholders before implementation.

“That discussion has started, but it’s going to take a lot of work, and it’s going to take a lot of time,” Syrmos said. “As Denise is getting in as provost, she will be the leader on that project.”

The Leading with Excellence Conference was created to provide current and aspiring academic leaders with practical tools, leadership development opportunities and a forum to share ideas and best practices.

As the University of Hawaiʻi continues to enhance its digital learning infrastructure, a new tool is rolling out this fall 2026 to support academic integrity and student flexibility. The new tool will allow educators to conduct online proctored exams and quizzes across the 糖心视频 10 campus system.

The new online proctoring tools by Honorlock will be integrated directly into Lamakū, the university’s learning management system. Because it integrates directly into Lamakū, 糖心视频 students do not need to create a separate account, schedule appointments or commute to a physical testing center to take their assessments.

The platform’s 24/7 availability is designed to accommodate the varied lives of modern distance-learning students.

“This provides students in online courses the flexibility to complete their exam when it best fits their schedule, during the exam window established by the course instructor,” said 糖心视频 Chief Academic Technology Innovation Officer Gloria Niles.

Exam proctoring options

Most exams will utilize Honorlock鈥檚 automated, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven online proctoring tool. In these AI-only sessions, the software records the test-taker’s webcam, microphone and screen without the presence of a real-time human monitor. The AI flags specific behaviors—such as talking, looking away from the screen, accessing search engines, or using unauthorized devices—and compiles a report for the instructor’s review and discretion.

For exams requiring higher security, an “AI + Live Pop-In” version is also available. This upgraded option includes a human proctor who monitors the AI session in real-time and may intervene with the student if a potential violation is detected. Instructors seeking to use the Live Pop-In version must get approval from their 糖心视频 campus leadership due to a per-student charge to the campus, which cannot be passed on to the student. Regardless of the proctoring version used, the instructor retains full authority to make final decisions on any flagged behaviors.

Training and resources

To prepare for this rollout, the developed an Honorlock resource and practice exam, available for self-enrollment in the Lamakū Discover area. This allows both faculty and students to experience the AI-only tool in a low-pressure environment. For ongoing assistance, Honorlock technical support is available to test-takers 24/7/365 via email and live chat.

The University of Hawaiʻi is inviting nominations and self-nominations for the position of interim chancellor to lead Hawaiʻi Community College during the national search for a permanent chancellor. This follows the retirement of Chancellor Susan Kazama on July 31 after more than 40 years of service to the University of Hawaiʻi.

The decision comes after 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel and Interim Vice President for Community Colleges Lui Hokoana hosted a campus forum on July 9 to discuss the college’s leadership transition, where approximately 80 attendees participated in person, and another 100 joined via Zoom. Faculty, staff, students, administrators, and community members provided additional feedback through an online form, resulting in more than 40 written responses.

“As promised, we carefully considered the feedback regarding the three leadership options presented during the forum,” said Hensel and Hokoana in a July 21 email to the campus. “Based on the strong support expressed during the forum and through written comments, we will appoint a dedicated interim chancellor focused exclusively on Hawaiʻi Community College while the search for a permanent chancellor begins.”

Until the interim chancellor is appointed, Hokoana will provide leadership for the campus.

Ideal candidates

The university seeks candidates with a 糖心视频 affiliation and significant leadership or administrative experience. Ideal candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting Hawaiʻi CC‘s students, faculty, and staff while understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges facing the college and Hawaiʻi Island.

The selected interim chancellor will be eligible to apply for the permanent position once the national search commences in the upcoming academic year. Self-nominations must include a brief statement of interest (one page or less) and a current curriculum vitae. Qualified nominees will be contacted to confirm their interest.

Nominations and self-nominations should be submitted by July 31 to ur@hawaii.edu.

The University of Hawaiʻi and the University Laboratory School (ULS) have finalized a new facilities use and occupancy agreement, cementing their shared commitment to Hawaiʻi students and educators.

The agreement establishes an initial three-year term through June 30, 2029, with a mutual option to extend for an additional five years through June 30, 2034. This arrangement ensures operational stability for the Lab School and aligns with its upcoming charter renewal cycle.

“The University Laboratory School has been an integral part of the University of Hawaiʻi since 1931, serving as both a laboratory for educational innovation and an important member of our university community,” 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel said. “This agreement demonstrates that we can be responsible stewards of university resources while strengthening a partnership that benefits students, educators and our broader community.”

ULS Principal A. Keoni Jeremiah noted that the agreement marks an important milestone for the school.

“We are grateful for the open line of communication and collaborative spirit that made this agreement possible. This agreement strengthens our longstanding partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi and provides a strong foundation for continued collaboration with the College of Education and the broader university community. We look forward to building on this relationship in the years ahead through our shared commitment to our students, our communities, and advancing education and research in service to the people of Hawaiʻi.”

Ensuring a smooth transition

Under the agreement, 糖心视频 will continue providing land and facilities without charging standard rental fees. However, ULS will transition to covering its direct operating expenses, including utilities, internet and custodial services, which the university previously subsidized.

To ensure a smooth transition, these cost-recovery payments will be phased in over three years: 50% in the first year, 75% in the second year and 100% in the third year. The Lab School will also assume responsibility for day-to-day maintenance and capital repairs for its buildings, granting the institution greater operational flexibility while clearly defining institutional responsibilities.

Expanded collaboration

Looking forward, 糖心视频 Mānoa‘s College of Education and the University Laboratory School plan to expand their academic collaboration through a separate agreement.

The agreement followed collaborative discussions involving Jeremiah, his leadership team and the school’s governing board.

“This is exactly the kind of outcome we strive for—one where we work through complex issues together, find common ground and create solutions that position both institutions for long-term success,” Hensel added.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel presented a comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) strategy to the (BOR) on July 16 at 糖心视频 Mānoa, detailing a bold vision to accelerate AI training and adoption across the university system and serve the needs of Hawaiʻi.

Likening the technology to “the new electricity,” the presentation emphasized the urgency to prepare Hawaiʻi’s workforce for a rapidly shifting landscape. Hensel highlighted industry statistics, noting that one-third of entry-level jobs now require AI skills, and 80% of hiring managers consider AI competency a priority when evaluating candidates.

“Because this is here, it is going to radically transform what we do, and the failure to talk about it as an institution of higher education means that we will constantly be reacting rather than setting the course for our students, our faculty, staff and the state,” said Hensel during her presentation at the BOR meeting.

To meet this demand, the university has adopted a holistic approach to AI that spans governance, curriculum, workforce development, research and operations. A cornerstone of this approach is the newly adopted 糖心视频 AI Policy, which establishes guidelines for the “responsible and ethical use of AI technologies,” promoting transparency, accountability and fairness across the university community. To implement this vision, 糖心视频 has formed a dedicated AI Task Force focused on Hawaiian culture and values, ethics and governance, and curriculum and pedagogy.

More than 100 AI-infused courses

The university currently boasts more than 100 new or AI-infused courses and has launched new AI certificates, concentrations and programs at 糖心视频 Hilo, 糖心视频 Mānoa, 糖心视频 Maui College, 糖心视频 West Oʻahu and Honolulu Community College. Furthermore, nearly 100 instructors from across the system have been supported in developing and incorporating AI-related assignments into their classes.

The university is also prioritizing hands-on experiential learning. Initiatives such as EL3vate provide intense faculty professional development to weave AI and design thinking into course curricula, while AI Innovation@RISE offers students systemwide opportunities to work directly with industry partners on real-world tech needs in Hawaiʻi.

Beyond the 10 campus system, 糖心视频 is providing resources to the public. The is a free, open-access, 12-chapter foundational course offering training and applied learning for communities across the islands. 糖心视频 is collaborating with tech companies such as Google and Microsoft, and is proposed as a regional anchor to adapt AI curriculum co-created with MIT. All of these tools, community practices and resources are centralized on the .

“It’s going to happen whether we embrace it or not, and the important thing is that we decide how we deploy it and use it through a position of information and knowledge, and not reacting to the winds of change,” said Hensel during her presentation.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel provided an update to the 糖心视频 Board of Regents (BOR) on recent leadership transitions in her report at the July 16 monthly meeting.

The updates included changes at Hawaiʻi Community College, 糖心视频 Mānoa and the VP of Academic Strategy. Hensel discussed next steps for the University Laboratory School partnership, the interim adoption of the Time, Place and Manner policy, and the modernization of student housing, and highlighted several bright spots across the 糖心视频 campuses, including the demolition of Hale Noelani to make way for modern student housing, massive research milestones at the 糖心视频 Cancer Center, and a $5-million investment in 糖心视频 Athletics.

She also recognized 糖心视频 recipients of the 2026 Governor’s Awards for Distinguished State Service, including the Employee of the Year, Manager of the Year, and Team of the Year.

• Hawaiʻi CC chancellor transition ()
• 糖心视频 Mānoa leadership and VP of Academic Strategy updates ()
• University Lab School agreement ()
• Time, Place and Manner policy update ()
• Hale Noelani demolition ()
• Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center and NIH funding ()
• NIL funding commitments for 糖心视频 Athletics ()
• Governor’s Awards ()