The University of Hawaiʻi is inviting students, faculty and staff across its 10-campus system to participate in the 2026 糖心视频 System AI Survey to better understand how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used and what support the university community needs.

The 15–20-minute research survey is open to current 糖心视频 students, faculty and staff age 18 and older, regardless of their experience with AI.

“Whether you use AI regularly, have stopped, or have never used it, your perspective is welcome,” the research team said in an email invitation to the 糖心视频 community.

Survey findings will help inform future 糖心视频 training, policies and access to AI technology, while supporting research on AI adoption and continued use.

Participation is voluntary, with no compensation, and participants may stop without penalty. Responses will be reported in aggregate. The survey requires a 糖心视频 account sign-in but is configured not to store participants’ names, 糖心视频 email addresses or usernames with their answers. Signing in is not consent; participants review the consent information before deciding whether to participate.

The research team includes principal investigator Sukhwa Hong of 糖心视频 Hilo, and 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补’s Mahdi Belcaid and Jason Leigh.

The survey will remain open through December 31, 2026.

For questions about the study, contact Sukhwa Hong at sukhwa@hawaii.edu.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel highlighted her annual campus visits, the proposed tuition schedule, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Homecoming and recent university achievements during her October 22 report to the 糖心视频 Board of Regents (BOR) at Honolulu Community College.

Hensel shared that she has completed seven of her 10 annual campus visits, meeting directly with students, faculty, staff and Native Hawaiian representatives alongside members of her leadership team. She also provided an update on the proposed tuition schedule, which is expected to return to the Board for consideration on November 19.

Hensel celebrated the return of a full week of 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Homecoming festivities, highlighted recent national recognition for 糖心视频 campuses and praised Kapiʻolani CC for preparing and delivering meals to Kauaʻi CC students recovering from Hurricane Lowell.

• Campus visits update ()
• Proposed tuition schedule ()
• 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Homecoming and Athletics Giving Week ()
• 糖心视频 News highlights
  • JABSOM national recognition ()
  • University rankings ()
  • 糖心视频 ʻohana supports Kauaʻi CC following Hurricane Lowell ()

Stay connected with President Wendy Hensel by following her on , , and

Donnette Leilani (Lei) Kapono has been appointed interim chancellor of Hawaiʻi Community College, effective November 2, 2026. Kapono, who previously spent eight years at the college, will serve for one year or until a permanent chancellor is selected. Kapono’s appointment is subject to the required publication in the 糖心视频 Board of Regents agenda for the October 22 meeting. 糖心视频 Vice President for Community Colleges Lui Hokoana has been serving as acting chancellor.

Kapono brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, workforce development and community engagement, including leadership positions at both Hawaiʻi CC and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

“Lei knows Hawaiʻi Community College, understands the communities it serves and brings a wealth of leadership experience across the 糖心视频 System,” said Hokoana in an email to the campus announcing the appointment (email is below). “Her commitment to student success, workforce development and community partnerships makes her well-suited to lead the college during this important transition.”

Kapono previously served at Hawaiʻi CC from 1998 to 2006 in the Office of Continuing Education and Training, advancing through administrative and project leadership positions to become a faculty member and program coordinator.

Following her tenure at Hawaiʻi CC, Kapono held leadership positions at 糖心视频 Hilo, including associate director of Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language, interim executive assistant to the chancellor and, most recently, interim vice chancellor for student affairs.

Kapono assumes leadership as Hawaiʻi CC works to strengthen campus operations, support faculty and staff, and expand educational and workforce opportunities for Hawaiʻi Island residents. The 糖心视频 Community Colleges System Office will continue providing support in key areas, including human resources, procurement and leadership development.

National search for permanent chancellor

A national search for Hawaiʻi CC‘s permanent chancellor is underway, with a 13-member screening committee representing a broad cross-section of the college and community. The committee includes representatives from administration, faculty, students, student affairs, academic affairs, academic support, administrative services, the Hoʻolulu Council and the broader Hawaiʻi Island community.

The search process includes a review of applications, candidate interviews and public forums to provide opportunities for campus and community input. While the timeline remains tentative, the initial interviews are expected in December, with finalist interviews and public forums planned for January 2027. A recommendation to 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel is anticipated in early 2027, with the goal of bringing an appointment before the 糖心视频 Board of Regents in February.

Email message to campus

Aloha Hawaiʻi Community College Kauhale,

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Donnette Leilani (Lei) Kapono as Interim Chancellor of Hawaiʻi Community College, effective November 2, 2026. Lei will serve for one year or until a permanent Chancellor is selected, whichever occurs first.

Lei brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, workforce development, and community engagement. More importantly, Lei is no stranger to Hawaiʻi Community College. She is returning to an institution where she spent eight years helping expand educational opportunities and strengthen partnerships throughout Hawaiʻi Island.

From 1998 to 2006, Lei served in several capacities at Hawaiʻi Community College’s Office of Continuing Education and Training, progressing from administrative and project leadership positions to a faculty member and program coordinator. During her tenure, she played an important role in developing and administering education and workforce training programs designed to respond to the needs of Hawaiʻi Island’s communities.

Her work included administering a federally funded rural development initiative that supported workforce and economic development across the island. She helped establish and coordinate training opportunities in agriculture, healthcare, construction, hospitality, industrial technologies, and education. Among her many contributions were partnerships to expand nursing and radiologic technology training, agricultural education, construction trades training, and community-based learning opportunities in rural areas.

Lei’s work at Hawaiʻi Community College reflected a fundamental principle of our community college mission: bringing education and workforce opportunities directly to the communities we serve, particularly those with limited access to traditional higher education. Her experience building partnerships with employers, government agencies, and community organizations will be particularly valuable as we continue strengthening the College’s role in Hawaiʻi Island’s educational and economic future.

Following her service at Hawaiʻi Community College, Lei continued her career at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, serving in several leadership and administrative positions, including Associate Director of Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language, Interim Executive Assistant to the Chancellor, and most recently, Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. These experiences have further strengthened her understanding of institutional operations, student success, shared governance, and the importance of Hawaiian language and culture in higher education.

Over the past several months, I have had the opportunity to work with many of you and have developed a greater appreciation for the commitment and dedication of the Hawaiʻi Community College Kauhale. I also recognize that the College has faced challenges and that there is important work ahead. I believe Lei’s familiarity with the College, her knowledge of Hawaiʻi Island, and her extensive experience within the University of Hawaiʻi System position her well to provide the leadership needed during this transition.

As Lei assumes responsibility for the day-to-day leadership of the College, the 糖心视频 Community Colleges System Office will continue to provide support, particularly in human resources, procurement, and leadership development. Our goal is to work collaboratively with Lei and the campus to strengthen operations, support our faculty and staff, and ensure that our students remain at the center of everything we do.

The recruitment for a permanent Chancellor is also moving forward. We are committed to conducting a thorough and inclusive search that will identify the best possible leader for Hawaiʻi Community College’s future.

I want to extend my sincere mahalo to the entire Kauhale for your patience, professionalism, and dedication to our students during this transition. It has been a privilege to serve as your Acting Chancellor, and I look forward to continuing to support Hawaiʻi Community College in my role as Interim Vice President for Community Colleges.

Please join me in welcoming Lei home to Hawaiʻi Community College. I encourage everyone to extend their aloha and support as she begins this important leadership responsibility. Her appointment will become official after the appointment is published in the 糖心视频 Board of Regents agenda in October.

Me ke aloha pumehana,

Lui K. Hokoana, EdD
Acting Chancellor, Hawaiʻi Community College
Interim Vice President for Community Colleges
University of Hawaiʻi

Students, faculty, and staff across the University of Hawaiʻi‘s 10 campuses now have access to Microsoft 365 completely free of charge, expanding essential technology resources while delivering greater value through a new systemwide agreement.

Supported by 糖心视频‘s Strategic Initiative Fund, the new Microsoft@糖心视频 service provides access to and app downloads for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive cloud storage, and Microsoft Copilot Chat, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that helps users summarize information, brainstorm ideas, create content and analyze data, along with many other applications and services.

“This is exactly what we mean by creating a Common Standard of Care across our 10 campuses,” said 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel. “Every student and employee deserves access to the tools and technology they need to succeed, regardless of which campus they attend or work at. By leveraging the strength of our university system, we are expanding opportunities, making smarter use of public resources and preparing our students for success in the workforce.”

The expanded access gives students hands-on experience with software widely used by employers across industries. Developing proficiency in these tools will help students build practical skills that translate directly to the workplace.

More access for the same cost

The agreement qualifies 糖心视频 for Microsoft’s second-highest discount tier, reducing licensing costs to the university by approximately 14%. This allows 糖心视频 to provide Microsoft 365 at no cost to all eligible students, faculty and staff for about the same cost previously spent on limited faculty and staff coverage.

“By approaching technology investments as one university system, we’re able to stretch our resources further and deliver better services across all 10 campuses,” said Brad Christ, 糖心视频 Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer.

Microsoft@糖心视频 is available immediately to active 糖心视频 faculty, staff and credit students via using their 糖心视频 email address. Email services remain on Google@糖心视频 Gmail.

More technology improvements underway

Other key IT projects supporting 糖心视频鈥檚 Common Standard of Care initiative include:

• Faster Wi-Fi: A $5 million investment will install or replace nearly 3,900 wireless access points across all 糖心视频 campuses by late summer 2027. Thanks to a 40% systemwide discount, the extra savings will allow coverage to be expanded even further.
• : Complimentary access to the industry-leading software development platform for students and staff to host, manage

Laura E. Lyons has been selected as the vice provost for academic excellence (VPAE), with her appointment effective October 22, 2026, following notice at the next meeting.

Lyons has served as interim VPAE since August 2021. She originally joined 糖心视频 Mānoa in 1993 as an assistant professor in the Department of English, eventually advancing to a professor in 2011. She has held a variety of leadership roles at 糖心视频 Mānoa, including interim associate vice chancellor for academic affairs (2019–21) and interim dean of the College of Languages, Linguistics & Literature (2016–20).

“Dr. Lyons brings an extraordinary depth of institutional knowledge and administrative leadership to the role,” 糖心视频 Mānoa Interim Provost Denise Eby Konan said. “Throughout her more than 30 years, she has demonstrated integrity and kuleana as a dedicated professor and campus administrator. While serving as interim VPAE, she navigated 糖心视频 Mānoa faculty and academic programs through significant times of change.”

As the deputy academic officer and senior policy advisor to the provost, Lyons will continue to provide leadership for academic planning, program development and cross-campus academic initiatives. She will also continue to work closely with the deans and directors to ensure that 糖心视频 Mānoa attracts and retains excellent faculty and its offerings remain high-quality, interdisciplinary, and responsive to campus and state needs.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve in this role, and I look forward to working with the chancellor and provost to continue to deepen academic excellence at 糖心视频 Mānoa while also responding to the challenging and complex landscape of higher education,” Lyons said.

Units under the VPAE include the Office of General Education, Honors, Interdisciplinary Studies, ROTC programs, Academic Personnel, and Faculty Development and Support.

University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 Chancellor Vassilis L. Syrmos will host a Campus Forum on Wednesday, October 21, from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Campus Center Ballroom. During the event, Syrmos will present his vision for strengthening 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 role as a premier global public flagship university and outline key priorities, including student success, academic and research excellence, and organizational agility. The forum is an important component of 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 inclusive, campus-wide effort to develop its next five-year strategic plan.

“It is an exciting time at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 as we prepare to embark on a wonderful opportunity to shape our future as a premier global public flagship,” said Syrmos. “Through the important voices of our campus stakeholders, we are seeking to establish a roadmap that will refine our identity, align our resources around shared goals, and elevate the common standard of care for our students.”

The session will be (Password: 127984). Campus members are encouraged to .

The Campus Forum aligns with an ongoing series of Listening Tours, where Syrmos is meeting with colleges, schools and units such as facilities and student housing to listen, learn and gather feedback directly from those on the frontlines.

The University of Hawaiʻi Fiscal Services Office has updated the internal financial operations to the Kuali Cloud (eKFS) in October to streamline processes and improve how employees use the system.

eKFS is an upgrade of the former on-premises Kuali Financial System managed by the Fiscal Services Office, which records and manages all of the financial transactions and fiscal activity for all of the 糖心视频 campuses. Other 糖心视频 systems (Banner Student, PeopleSoft Human Resources, eTravel, RC糖心视频 FIS, etc.) also interface with eKFS.

“Moving to eKFS gives our employees greater ability to securely access the financial tools they need, wherever they work,” said Vice President for Budget and Finance/Chief Financial Officer Luis Salaveria. “With technology improving and advancing quickly, we are making everyday financial processes easier and supporting our employees across the University of Hawaiʻi.”

The new cloud-based eKFS system allows users to log in securely without a VPN or designated workstation, which allows more flexibility for remote work. A cloud system also means updates can be made available more efficiently to all users. The new eKFS is designed to improve workflow featuring a modern user layout with simplified navigation and improved search capabilities.

“糖心视频 is a large, complex institution,” said Vice President for Information Technology Brad Christ. “We want to ensure eKFS meets the needs of our 糖心视频 employees who support university operations across all campuses and facilities.”

The process to transition to eKFS began in late 2025 with multiple units testing and troubleshooting the system before releasing it to the 10 campuses. For administrative staff using the new system, there will be Q&A sessions, October 12–16, with morning and afternoon options. Session links are below, including the passcode for access.

• 10–11 a.m.
  • Passcode: 495625
• 2–3 p.m.
  • Passcode: 170991

The University of Hawaiʻi held the first of four public meetings on October 6 at 糖心视频 Mānoa on a proposed resident and non-resident tuition schedule for the next four academic years, beginning in fall 2027. About 30 people attended in person, and another 128 joined online.

Under the proposal, undergraduate tuition would remain unchanged at all 10 糖心视频 campuses for the first two years, academic years 2027–28 and 2028–29, with the exception of the 糖心视频 Hilo School of Pharmacy. Tuition increases ranging from 2% to 5%, depending on the campus, would begin in AY 2029–30. More details on the proposal.

“糖心视频 has kept tuition nearly flat for about a decade, despite inflation,” said Kim Siegenthaler, interim vice president for academic strategy and senior advisor to the president.

“State support has increased since fiscal year 2022 and 2023, but those increases have mainly been to restore prior reductions to meet collective bargaining increases, and to cover temporary hazard repayments. So our tuition revenues have not kept pace with operational need, which is why we’re now proposing increases,” she said.

Six people testified at the October 6 meeting, all in opposition to the proposal, including 糖心视频 Mānoa senior Alia Ancheta.

“I have people I care about that have to prioritize working full time because they simply cannot afford tuition,” Ancheta said. “Also, having to decide whether you should study for classes, or work more hours to be able to pay for tuition. I strongly believe education should be free and accessible to everyone, especially locals and Native Hawaiian students. I hope all of you truly think about how your decisions impact my generation and future generations that plan to attend your campuses.”

Testimony can be submitted in person or online at any of the three remaining public meetings. Written testimony can also be submitted at any time through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, October 22.

Upcoming meetings

• 糖心视频 Hilo
  Wednesday, October 14, 10–11:30 a.m.
  Student Services Center, W201
  To join via Zoom, please register in advance at .
• Kauaʻi Community College
  Thursday, October 15, 9:30–11 a.m.
  OCET Room 106C/D
  To join via Zoom, please register in advance at .
• 糖心视频 Maui College
  Tuesday, October 20, noon–1:30 p.m.
  Kaʻaʻike Building, Room 105 BCD
  To join via Zoom, please register in advance at .

The public review period began September 18. A summary of public feedback and any revisions to the proposal are scheduled to be presented October 29. The public will have another opportunity to provide testimony when the 糖心视频 Board of Regents considers the final proposal, currently scheduled for its November 19 meeting.

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

Applying to the University of Hawaiʻi just got easier.

糖心视频 has launched , a single undergraduate application for all 10 campuses that replaces a patchwork of separate applications and accounts previously used by prospective students.

The new system is now available for students applying for fall 2027 and represents the latest in a series of 糖心视频 initiatives aimed at removing barriers, simplifying access to higher education and improving the student experience.

“For too long, we have expected students to understand our organizational structure and navigate multiple systems just to apply to a University of Hawaiʻi campus. ApplyHawaiʻi changes that,” 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel said. “Every way we can reduce barriers to higher education is critically important. We want to make it seamless and easy for students to connect with us, explore their options and find the 糖心视频 campus and program that are right for them.”

Learn more and apply at

Previously, prospective students navigating the application process could encounter as many as four different application pathways across the 糖心视频 System, with separate applications and accounts depending on the campus or program. With ApplyHawaiʻi, students interested in any of 糖心视频鈥檚 seven community colleges or three four-year universities can now start with one common application.

ApplyHawaiʻi serves degree-seeking undergraduate applicants, including first-time freshmen, transfer and returning students, as well as Early College program for high school students and Direct2糖心视频 initiative for public high school seniors. Graduate programs and 糖心视频 Mānoa Outreach College programs will continue to use their existing application processes.

The launch builds on 糖心视频鈥檚 ongoing efforts to make college more accessible and easier to navigate. Those efforts include Direct2糖心视频, which provides eligible Hawaiʻi public high school seniors with a simplified pathway to admission across the 糖心视频 System, and new initiatives to make it easier for 糖心视频 Community College students to transfer to four-year campuses.

ApplyHawaiʻi is also the first step toward a modernized, systemwide enrollment technology ecosystem that will provide a foundation for better connecting recruitment, admissions and communications so prospective students can have a more seamless experience from their first interaction with 糖心视频 through enrollment.

“This is much bigger than replacing an application,” Hensel said. “We are removing unnecessary complexity and building a university around the needs of our students. ApplyHawaiʻi is another important step toward a more connected, accessible and student-centered University of Hawaiʻi.”

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has saved $6 million in Hawaiian Electric (HECO) utility costs, while a 糖心视频 system-wide solar maintenance initiative is delivering $1 million per year in future energy savings across all 10 campuses. Detailed in the university鈥檚 , these milestones reflect ongoing efficiency retrofits, campus infrastructure upgrades, and an effort to restore solar power production across the campuses. These savings are an important part of the university鈥檚 effort to move toward its “net zero” goal by 2035 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“This progress is a credit to the teams across our university who are finding creative, cost-effective ways to advance our net-zero goals,” said Jan Gouveia, 糖心视频 vice president for administration. “By reducing energy use, restoring renewable energy systems and maximizing our existing resources, we are generating significant savings while reducing our environmental impact and creating a more sustainable university.”

Modernizing infrastructure, slashing demand

At 糖心视频 Mānoa, the campus has steadily decreased its reliance on the HECO electricity supply. While increased on-site renewable power has contributed, the primary driver of the $6 million in savings comes from ongoing energy efficiency improvements and advanced controls for lighting and building air conditioning systems.

“As we repair and replace aging infrastructure, we enhance operations, improve campus experience, and reduce waste,” said 糖心视频 Director of Sustainability Miles Topping. “A big mahalo to our dedicated facilities management teams, campus chancellors and vice chancellors, and procurement officers across the 糖心视频 System who made these accomplishments possible.”

Campus improvements are visible across 糖心视频 Mānoa, notably through comprehensive light-emitting diode (LED) lighting replacements for street lights and parking lots. Additionally, sustainability principles are woven into new construction and major facility overhauls through award-winning Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified building standards. Notable projects include the Isabella Aiona Abbott Life Sciences Building, Bachman Hall, Sinclair and the Snyder replacement building.

糖心视频 Mānoa has successfully reduced its peak utility demand by more than 16% compared to 2016 levels. Peak demand management is critical because it reduces the instantaneous electrical load the campus draws from HECO. By easing strain on the local electrical grid during high-use periods, 糖心视频 Mānoa helps HECO accommodate additional capacity for other renewable energy customers across Oʻahu.

$1M annual savings

In addition, 糖心视频鈥檚 System-wide Photovoltaic (PV) Maintenance Program is generating more than $1 million in annual future energy savings. Over previous years, PV systems installed across 糖心视频‘s 10 campuses were unmaintained, leading many to underproduce energy.

By repairing these assets, the program has brought megawatts of solar capacity back online, producing renewable energy directly on 糖心视频 campuses.

“PV systems, like any other building system, require annual maintenance to ensure it operates at 100%. This PV maintenance program has demonstrated this success and all campuses are extremely happy with the results,” Topping said.

The University of Hawaiʻi is making a $123-million strategic investment across its 10 campuses, funding more than 100 initiatives of the 糖心视频 Strategic Plan aimed at improving student success, meeting Hawaiʻi‘s workforce needs, advancing research and innovation, fulfilling 糖心视频‘s kuleana (responsibility) to Native Hawaiians and modernizing university operations.

The investments will be made over the next two to three years and represent a new approach to how 糖心视频 puts its financial resources to work. President Wendy Hensel and 糖心视频 Vice President for Budget and Finance and Chief Financial Officer Luis Salaveria, working with campus and system leadership, evaluated needs across the entire 10-campus system and prioritized investments that can have the greatest impact for students and Hawaiʻi, rather than relying primarily on the traditional campus-by-campus approach.

“We have spent considerable time identifying our priorities and determining where the University of Hawaiʻi can have the greatest impact. Now we are putting the resources behind those priorities and moving from planning to execution,” Hensel said. “This is an extraordinary opportunity to make a meaningful, lasting difference for our students, strengthen our campuses and help address some of Hawaiʻi‘s most pressing needs.”

Hensel and Salaveria presented the strategic investment initiative and explained 糖心视频鈥檚 new budget process during a hybrid public forum on Monday, September 28. Just under 400 people attended the forum in person or tuned in to the livestream.

• Budget and Strategy Town Hall Fall 2026 presentation slides

A disciplined, systemwide approach

糖心视频 evaluated 425 requests totaling more than $635 million before approving $123 million in one-time strategic investments. The proposals were developed by campuses, vice presidential offices and advisory groups, and each group had the opportunity to meet with the President and CFO to advocate for their initiatives. Priority was given to those proposals most closely aligned with 糖心视频 strategic priorities and capable of producing long-term benefits.

“This was a very selective process,” said Salaveria. “We wanted to make strategic investments that would move the university forward and help hedge against financial challenges we know are coming. The goal is to put these resources to work with a clear purpose.”

About 75% of the investment will support initiatives that benefit all 10 campuses, with a focus on student success, workforce development, and modern technology and artificial intelligence. About 25% is directed to individual campus priorities.

Five areas of strategic impact

The $123 million investment advances five university strategic priorities:

• Develop successful students—approximately $79 million
• Enhance and modernize university operations—approximately $60 million
• Meet Hawaiʻi‘s workforce needs—approximately $21 million
• Innovation and research—approximately $15 million
• Fulfill 糖心视频‘s kuleana to Native Hawaiians and Hawaiʻi—approximately $10 million

Because many projects advance more than one strategic priority, the five investment categories overlap and represent approximately $185 million in combined impact from the $123 million investment.

Investing in student success

The largest area of strategic impact is approximately $79 million connected to student success, with a focus on recruiting and retaining students, improving transfer among 糖心视频 campuses, removing barriers to completing degrees and addressing basic needs.

The investments support 糖心视频‘s Common Standard of Care, an effort to establish a consistent baseline of proactive student support across all 10 campuses so that where a student attends does not determine the level of support they receive.

Among the investments are $2.9 million to expand the Hawaiʻi College and Career Navigator Program, $1 million for a systemwide transcript evaluation platform to streamline the transfer of credits, $230,000 to advance academic advising and $300,000 for Mālama Kauhale, which allows students to earn food vouchers through campus service.

“Every student is our student,” Hensel said. “Whether someone attends one of our community colleges or a four-year campus, they should have access to the fundamental support, technology and opportunities they need to succeed. By working as one system, we can remove barriers that no campus should have to solve alone.”

The investments are also part of a coordinated enrollment strategy as 糖心视频 prepares for a projected decline in the number of Hawaiʻi high school graduates in the coming years.

Meeting Hawaiʻi‘s workforce needs

Approximately $21 million in strategic impact is aligned with Hawaiʻi‘s current and future workforce needs, particularly in fields where the state faces critical shortages, and 糖心视频 has opportunities to expand successful programs.

The goal is a more coordinated systemwide approach to workforce development, including a single “front door” for employers and industry partners and greater use of real-time labor market information to align academic programs with workforce needs.

Investments include $500,000 for the SteppingBlocks AI Platform (connecting higher education and workforce outcomes), $150,000 for a unified employer intake system, $1.37 million to expand diagnostic medical sonography (sound wave imagery) at Kapiʻolani Community College and $500,000 to expand teacher education pathways across the 10-campus system.

“Our intent is to fuel responsive workforce development across the 10-campus system,” Hensel said.

Modernizing the university

Approximately $60 million in strategic impact is connected to improving and modernizing 糖心视频 operations, including major investments in technology, cybersecurity and administrative systems.

Projects include approximately $4.9 million in systemwide wireless upgrades, more than $6.7 million for firewalls and cybersecurity audits, $6 million to modernize 糖心视频‘s human resources data system, $5 million for a new systemwide budget management platform and $2 million to establish a systemwide Office of Compliance.

The systemwide approach is intended to reduce duplication, establish common standards and leverage 糖心视频‘s purchasing power.

“Instead of 10 individual campuses looking at wireless upgrades, why not do that from a system level?” Salaveria said. “Economies of scale, purchasing power, standardization of protocols鈥攁ll of these different things just make sense.”

Investing in research and Hawaiʻi‘s economy

Approximately $15.5 million in strategic impact is aligned with research, innovation and economic diversification.

Projects include $3 million for intellectual property protection, $3 million for an AI Institute Hub, investments in secure research environments and $5 million for an Advanced Manufacturing Hub, including laboratory renovations intended to position 糖心视频 to compete for tens of millions of dollars in potential federal grants.

The AI investment is part of a broader effort to responsibly and ethically integrate artificial intelligence throughout 糖心视频‘s curriculum, research and operations while expanding AI education and training for Hawaiʻi.

The investments are also intended to build 糖心视频‘s capacity to attract outside funding and support emerging industries in Hawaiʻi, including advanced manufacturing, technology and climate resilience.

Fulfilling 糖心视频‘s kuleana to Native Hawaiians and Hawaiʻi

Approximately $10.4 million in strategic impact will advance 糖心视频‘s commitment to becoming a Native Hawaiian place of learning.

The investments include dedicated spaces across campuses for student success and cultural programming; $600,000 to develop a framework for embedding Native Hawaiian priorities into university governance and budgeting; and professional development to strengthen culturally responsive teaching.

The plan includes funding for dedicated Native Hawaiian Places of Learning and specialized student-support spaces on each 糖心视频 campus, along with expanded Native Hawaiian student services and systemwide kuleana initiatives.

Where the money comes from

The one-time investments are being funded primarily through university cash balances that grew during and following the COVID-19 pandemic, when federal relief funding helped support operations while 糖心视频 implemented significant cost-saving measures, including restrictions on hiring and travel and the postponement of major purchases.

糖心视频 will continue to maintain appropriate reserves for financial stability and unexpected needs.

The investment is part of a broader change in how 糖心视频 manages its financial resources. Instead of viewing needs primarily through individual campus budgets, 糖心视频 is taking a systemwide approach when doing so can reduce duplication, increase purchasing power and provide infrastructure and services more efficiently.

The investments are also structured to avoid creating significant new recurring costs.

From planning to execution

Hensel directed campus and system leaders earlier this year to identify high-impact investments capable of producing lasting benefits without creating new recurring financial obligations. Routine repairs, replacement of lost grant funding and normal operating expenses were not the focus.

With the priorities established and funding identified, the focus now shifts to execution and accountability, including measuring whether the investments deliver the intended results for students, the university and Hawaiʻi.

“This is not about spending money because it is available,” Hensel said. “It is about making disciplined choices and putting our resources to work where they can have the greatest impact. We are investing in our students, in Hawaiʻi‘s workforce and economy, and in a stronger and more resilient University of Hawaiʻi.”

Campuses closed

• 糖心视频 Hilo and Hawaiʻi CC, Thursday and Friday
• 糖心视频 Maui College, Friday
• 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 CTAHR offices on those islands

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hawaiʻi Community College and other 糖心视频 units on Hawaiʻi Island will be closed Thursday and Friday, September 23—24, as Tropical Storm Nolo approaches the state and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane.

糖心视频 Maui College and other 糖心视频 units in Maui County will be closed Friday.

The closures include 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience extension offices on Hawaiʻi Island and Maui.

Gov. Josh Green ordered state offices and public schools on Hawaiʻi Island and in Maui County to close on those days.

According to the Central Pacific Hurricane Center’s latest update, Nolo has strengthened south of Hawaiʻi Island and is moving in a west-northwest direction. The storm is expected to make a sharp turn to the north late Wednesday and rapidly intensify into a hurricane within the next 24 hours and could become a major hurricane by this weekend.

The current forecast has Nolo bringing heavy rain and strong winds to Hawaiʻi Island as early as Thursday. However, the storm’s exact path and strength remain uncertain.

Hurricane watch issued

A hurricane watch is in effect for Hawaiʻi County, meaning hurricane conditions are possible.

Heavy rain, damaging winds, flooding, mudslides, high surf and dangerous rip currents could affect parts of the state. Hawaiʻi Island and Maui County face the greatest risk of life-threatening flooding.

A storm surge of 1–3 feet could cause coastal flooding in Hawaiʻi County. Large and dangerous waves could worsen flooding along the coast. Power outages are also possible.

糖心视频 leaders continue to closely monitor the storm.

The welcomed 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel and members of her leadership team on September 22 with oli (chant) and freshly strung lei pua kalaunu (crown flower) and vibrant orange native kou blossoms plucked from trees on campus. The traditional greeting opened a day of wide-ranging conversations about the campus’s strengths, challenges and future.

Although Hensel has made several visits to 糖心视频 Hilo over the past year, this daylong visit offered a deeper look at the campus and served as the first stop in her latest round of focused visits to all 10 糖心视频 campuses.

• Related 糖心视频 News: Windward CC visit concludes President Hensel’s 2025 糖心视频 campus tours, March 25, 2025

When Hensel first toured campuses and education centers across the 糖心视频 system after first taking office in January 2025, she expressed her intention to return regularly to stay connected with students and employees and better understand each campus’s needs.

“There’s no substitute for talk story and being able to really get into the stories of Hilo,” said Hensel. “The work that’s being done here is incredible, and the opportunities for where we can go next as a system are phenomenal. Together, we’re stronger than any individual campus.”

A day of listening

Hensel was joined by five 糖心视频 leaders: Jan Gouveia, vice president for administration; Chad Walton, vice president for research and innovation; Kim Siegenthaler, senior advisor and interim vice president for academic strategy; Luis Salaveria, vice president for budget and finance and chief financial officer; and Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua, interim director of Hawaiʻi Papa O Ke Ao.

Together, they met with students, campus leaders and employee groups, including the Hanakahi Council, 糖心视频 Hilo’s Native Hawaiian faculty and staff caucus. Hensel also answered questions during an open campus conversation and joined 糖心视频 Hilo’s fall welcome.

Investing in 糖心视频 Hilo

Hensel shared an overview of $123 million in funded work across the 糖心视频 System for the 2026–27 academic year.

At 糖心视频 Hilo, planned investments include a new coordinator to support second-year students, faster campus internet, building repairs and dedicated spaces for Native Hawaiian students. The campus will also receive funding for efforts to help more students remain in college and graduate.

“Having President Hensel here gives her a chance to see our campus up close and hear directly from the people who know it best,” 糖心视频 Hilo Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin said. “These conversations help her understand both our strengths and our challenges, and how the system can support and uplift our campus.”

President Hensel campus visit schedule

• September 29: Leeward CC
• October 7: 糖心视频 West Oʻahu
• October 8: Honolulu CC
• October 13: 糖心视频 Maui College
• October 16 : Kapiʻolani CC
• October 21: Hawaiʻi CC
• October 27: Kauaʻi CC
• November 10: Windward CC
• December 8: Waiʻanae Moku
• December 9: 糖心视频 Mānoa

As the University of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 new director of emergency management/university resilience, Jerusha Kasch is focused on strengthening preparedness across the 10-campus system and giving the 糖心视频 community the tools and training to respond when crises occur.

Kasch, who joined 糖心视频 in July 2026, brings extensive emergency management experience and higher education leadership, most recently serving as director of emergency management at Rice University.

Her first-year priority is to listen, learn and understand 糖心视频鈥檚 operations, essential functions and risks before strengthening emergency plans and processes across the system. She plans to expand training and exercises, establish a coordinated incident management team and help students and employees develop skills to handle crises.

“This is where many organizations miss the true benefit of a resiliency program because we have defaulted to calling it “emergency management,” Kasch said. “This position isn’t just about managing emergencies. It is about understanding our organizational mission, how to accomplish the mission safely, effectively, and with the intended outcomes––even when there are risks and hazards that will occur.”

Through these initiatives, she envisions a fully empowered university community equipped with a robust structure and the confidence to navigate future crises effectively.

Drawn to 糖心视频鈥檚 unique challenge

糖心视频 marks the fifth emergency management or organizational resilience program Kasch has helped build or expand and the third specifically in higher education. The complexity of a statewide university system spread across multiple islands was part of what attracted her to 糖心视频.

“I love a complicated challenge,” Kasch said. “When I started looking into the University of Hawaiʻi as an organization—combined with the unique complications of a small island-big ocean and limited resources—I was hooked.”

Kasch served at Rice University for nine years, bringing nearly 20 years of emergency management experience and more than 14 years in higher education leadership. Before higher education, Kasch worked as an emergency manager for the government and across emergency medical services, law enforcement, hospitals and clinical care. She is a certified emergency manager and holds a master鈥檚 degree in criminology with a focus on emergency management from Portland State University and an executive certificate in public leadership from Harvard University.

“I love teaching people how to be the best versions of themselves, even when the worst is happening around them, and helping them understand the true power in collaborative teamwork,” Kasch said.

The University of Hawaiʻi has announced that Denichiro “Denny” Otsuga has been appointed as director of the (OIC), which is housed under the , effective September 21.

In his new role, Otsuga will be responsible for the management of intellectual property and 糖心视频-developed technology assets, including engaging researchers to identify promising innovations and helping guide those innovations through intellectual property protection, licensing and other commercialization pathways. He will also be responsible for technology evaluation and marketing, venture creation, promoting industry engagement and the development of commercial partnerships to help stimulate economic growth.

Otsuga will also oversee efforts to help educate and mentor 糖心视频 faculty, students, researchers and alumni to successfully navigate the complex commercialization process through OIC and 糖心视频鈥檚 suite of accelerator and innovation-based programs and initiatives.

“What excites me most is the extraordinary opportunity to build on 糖心视频鈥檚 research strengths and ongoing innovation efforts to expand the translation of new knowledge into practical solutions, new ventures and meaningful partnerships,” said Otsuga. “I look forward to working alongside faculty, students, staff, industry and community partners to strengthen pathways for 糖心视频 innovations and expand their economic and societal impact for Hawaiʻi and beyond.”

Decades of experience

Otsuga comes to 糖心视频 after most recently serving as an independent advisor in university technology transfer, venture creation, equity financing for technology startups and innovation ecosystem development. His 20-plus years of combined experience includes stops as chief investment officer for Kobe University and Kobe University Innovation, Inc.; vice president of Colorado State University Ventures, Inc.; executive director of the Technology Commercialization Office at the University of Kentucky; founding director of the Technology Transfer Office at South Dakota State University; and as licensing manager of the Technology Transfer Office at the University of Utah.

“Denny鈥檚 diverse background in science, university tech transfer and venture capital experience will help to serve as a catalyst to turn our laboratory breakthroughs into market-ready solutions,” said 糖心视频 Vice President for Research and Innovation Chad B. Walton. “His understanding of the unique language spoken by researchers and commercial investors will be invaluable in our push to establish a knowledge-based economy for the state, and at the same time, helping to develop solutions that can be used here and around the world.”

Otsuga earned his bachelor of science in biology and PhD in molecular genetics from the University of Utah. A Registered Technology Transfer Professional, Otsuga has authored technology transfer and policy publications, presented at the Association of University Technology Managers and the University Network of Innovation and Technology Transfer, and served as a reviewer for the National Science Foundation鈥檚 I-Corps and the U.S. Department of Agriculture鈥檚 Small Business Innovation Research and Sun Grant programs.

In a historic milestone for the University of Hawaiʻi System, 100% of available performance funding—totaling $6,208,198—has been awarded across all 10 糖心视频 campuses for Academic Year 2025–26 under a revised transitional framework.

This marks the first time in the history of 糖心视频 performance funding that 100% of potential funds were awarded to campuses. In comparison, under the previous historical framework, only 49% of available performance funds would have been distributed for Academic Year 2025鈥�26. Designed to bridge the gap between historical practices and the finalized fiscal year (FY)27 vision, the transitional model used for this year is based on a new two-part funding structure that rewards both sustained progress on core student success metrics and proactive institutional innovation.

These resources will empower campus leadership to invest in initiatives that maintain and expand upon these positive outcomes.

Understanding the funding model

The FY26 performance allocation combines two integrated methodologies:

1. Segmented Lifecycle Model (Performance Pool: $3,795,621 awarded)

Recognizing that student success occurs along a continuum, a campus’s potential performance pool allocation ($4,966,558 total systemwide) is divided into two equal 50% allocations:

The Early Progression Pool (50%): Evaluates onboarding, credit momentum across full-time, part-time, and transfer cohorts, first-year retention rates, and gateway English and Mathematics completion rates.

The Long-Term Attainment Pool (50%): Evaluates how many students graduate within 6 years for a 4-year university and 3 years for a community college graduation rates, articulation and transfer rates, and median alumni earnings five years post-graduation.

Evaluations are grounded in three sequential three-year rolling averages (2021–23, 2022–24 and 2023–25) to reward sustained performance trajectories rather than single-semester variances.

2. Pillar-Activation Model (Innovation & Scaling Pool: $2,412,577 awarded)

Unawarded balance from the performance pool was combined with innovation funds to form a $2.41-million Innovation & Scaling Award pool. This pool rewards high-impact engagements aligned with the university’s Common Standard of Care pillars—including structured first-year support, academic design, career-oriented learning, proactive advising, financial wellness and outreach.

Campus allocations and strategic highlights

糖心视频 Mānoa ($2,564,257 total)

• Segmented Lifecycle Award: $1,971,127
• Innovation & Scaling Award: $593,130

Leeward Community College ($825,794 total)

• Segmented Lifecycle Award: $524,927
• Innovation & Scaling Award: $300,867

Honolulu Community College ($594,824 total)

• Segmented Lifecycle Award: $219,052
• Innovation & Scaling Award: $375,772

糖心视频 West Oʻahu ($448,293 total)

• Segmented Lifecycle Award: $279,865
• Innovation & Scaling Award: $168,428

Kapiʻolani Community College ($431,441 total)

• Segmented Lifecycle Award: $206,638
• Innovation & Scaling Award: $224,803

糖心视频 Maui College ($397,098 total)

• Segmented Lifecycle Award: $144,762
• Innovation & Scaling Award: $252,336

糖心视频 Hilo ($350,990 total)

• Segmented Lifecycle Award: $127,954
• Innovation & Scaling Award: $223,036

Hawaiʻi Community College ($222,634 total)

• Segmented Lifecycle Award: $150,281
• Innovation & Scaling Award: $72,353

Kauaʻi Community College ($207,405 total)

• Segmented Lifecycle Award: $95,929
• Innovation & Scaling Award: $111,476

Windward Community College ($165,462 total)

• Segmented Lifecycle Award: $75,086
• Innovation & Scaling Award: $90,376

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel highlighted 糖心视频‘s response to recent severe weather events, efforts to simplify the application process for prospective students and an upcoming public forum on the university’s new budgeting process and $123-million strategic investment initiative during her September report to the 糖心视频 Board of Regents (BOR).

Hensel delivered the report at the September 17 BOR meeting at Leeward Community College’s Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center. She began by recognizing 糖心视频 teams who helped campuses respond to an unusually active year of severe weather, most recently Hurricane Lowell. The storm caused significant damage and prolonged power outages on Kauaʻi, forcing Kauaʻi Community College to close for a week before reopening to students on September 16.

Hensel also provided an update on fall enrollment, highlighted the October 1 launch of Apply Hawaiʻi, a single undergraduate application for all 10 campuses, and announced a September 28 public forum on 糖心视频‘s budget and $123 million strategic investment initiative.

• Severe weather response and emergency preparedness ()
• Fall 2026 enrollment ()
• Apply Hawaiʻi launch ()
• Direct2糖心视频 expansion to all 10 campuses ()
• Time, Place and Manner policy update ()
• September 28 budget and $123-million strategic investment forum ()
• 糖心视频 News highlights
  • Inaugural Waiʻanae EMT program ()
  • Hawaiʻi CC $920,000 NSF drone technology grant ()
  • Kalaeloa Hybrid Reef Project ()

Stay connected with President Wendy Hensel by following her on , , and

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo鈥檚 Fiscal Year has been released.

The report highlights student success, new academic programs, faculty and staff achievements, impactful research, scholarships, community outreach, alumni accomplishments and campus improvements.

One area of focus is adapting academic programs to meet 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 evolving workforce needs.

“Across disciplines and programs at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, we are implementing new workforce-related initiatives to keep current with the rapid pace of workforce needs and changes,” said Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin.

New programs include an online pathway for law enforcement officers to earn bachelor鈥檚 degrees in administration of justice, a doctor of pharmacy online track, business programs focusing on artificial intelligence, a revised certificate in digital art and more.

The report also highlights the work being done to strengthen 糖心视频 Hilo as a Hawaiian place of learning, reflecting Hawaiʻi, its people, history, cultures, and natural environment.

—By Susan Enright

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel and Vice President for Budget and Finance and CFO Luis Salaveria will host a hybrid public forum on Monday, September 28, to discuss 糖心视频‘s budget, current financial status and $123 million in strategic investments planned over the next several years.

Hensel and Salaveria will provide an overview of the university’s new budgeting process, the strategic investments and 糖心视频‘s financial request to the Hawaiʻi State Legislature for Fiscal Year 2028. The presentation will be followed by an open question-and-answer session for in-person and virtual participants.

“It is important that our campus community understand both how we made these important financial decisions and the plan for investing $123 million in support of our strategic goals over the next several years,” Hensel said in an email to the 10 campuses announcing the forum. “This is an important step in moving from planning to execution—aligning our resources with our priorities and being transparent and accountable about how we make those decisions.”

糖心视频 Budget and Strategic Investment Public Forum

• Monday, September 28, 4:30 p.m.
• BOR Conference Room (Kiawe), Bachman Hall 106, 糖心视频 Mānoa
• In person and online
• Participants can using password 902892.

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.