As a fourth-generation farmer, University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 (TIM School) alumna Kylie Matsuda-Lum sees her role at Kahuku Farms as more than carrying on a family business. Located on Oʻahu‘s North Shore, the farm represents more than 100 years of hard work, resilience and connection to ʻ膩ina. Today, it has grown into a vibrant gathering place with a farm caf茅, retail products and agritourism experiences rooted in food, community and local agriculture.

“We often say that while ‘farm-to-table’ has become popular these days, in our case, we brought the tables to the farm,” she said.

Matsuda-Lum, along with her husband and sister, saw carrying on the family farm as both an honor and a responsibility. They also understood that sustaining the business would require diversification.

Farming in Hawaiʻi comes with many risks, from rising costs and unpredictable weather to tight margins, infrastructure challenges and food waste. To keep the farm moving forward, they knew they needed to get creative.

Opening the farm caf茅 gave the family a way to reduce waste, highlight what they were already growing and turn imperfect produce into something meaningful and delicious. A slightly bruised banana could become a smoothie, a curved eggplant could find its way into a veggie panini and extra lilikoi could become the family鈥檚 lilikoi butter, along with jams, dressings and chocolate made from cacao grown on the farm.

Beyond offering fresh food and value-added products, the family wanted to create connection. That passion ultimately became Kahuku Farms鈥� mission: connecting food, people and ʻ膩ina through authentic farming experiences. Matsuda-Lum says agritourism has become a meaningful way to share the story of local agriculture while helping create a more sustainable future for Kahuku Farms.

Matsuda-Lum鈥檚 commitment to Hawaiʻi‘s visitor industry was recognized earlier this year at the college鈥檚 annual Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism gala, where she was inducted into the TIM Alumni Hall of Honor. She credits her TIM School experience with helping her build a strong foundation in hospitality, business and leadership. It also helped her see the value and potential in her family鈥檚 business.

“Most importantly, it gave me the confidence to step into a leadership role and pursue ideas that weren鈥檛 always traditional, but felt authentic to our family, our farm and our vision for the future,” she said.

For the entire story and more stories like this, .

Two researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (SOEST) have been selected to receive National Science Foundation (NSF) EPSCoR Research Fellows awards.

The awards will support Helen Janiszewski of the and Lenore Pipes of the (PBRC) as they develop new directions in fiber-optic geophysical sensing and reconstructing ancient marine ecosystems.

“What鈥檚 exciting about these fellowships is that they give Helen and Lenore the opportunity to take their research in new directions and build on that work at SOEST,” said Rebecca Chung, SOEST director of research development, who worked with Janiszewski and Pipes on developing their fellowship proposals.

Turning submarine cables into seismic sensors

Janiszewski, an associate professor of earth sciences, will lead a project focused on distributed acoustic sensing (DAS)—a technology that enables telecommunications fiber-optic cables to function as dense, continuous arrays of seismic sensors. This work has potential applications for earthquake and tsunami hazard research in Hawaiʻi.

Despite Hawaiʻi sitting at the nexus of the Pacific submarine cable network, local DAS infrastructure and expertise remain limited. Janiszewski aims to establish the technical and collaborative foundation necessary to develop DAS capability at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, enabling her to lead fiber-optic sensing research and education in Hawaiʻi and the broader Pacific. Janiszewski will use the pilot data to build an initial seismic event catalog for the Hawaiʻi region, establishing workflows that can be expanded to additional cable systems as they become available.

Unlocking biological history from ancient marine sediments

Pipes, an assistant professor in PBRC, will develop computational methods to recover biological information from ancient DNA preserved in seafloor sediments, helping to reconstruct past marine communities and build historical baselines for understanding how ocean biodiversity responds to climate change.

In standard marine environments, ancient DNA preserved in deep-sea sediments degrades into extremely short, damaged fragments. Current methods can mistake that damage for evolutionary change, making it difficult to accurately identify the organisms represented in the samples. Pipes will develop new computational methods that account for ancient DNA damage. The approach could recover highly degraded genetic material.

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John J. Stephan, a pioneering University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 emeritus professor of history whose scholarship advanced understanding of Russia鈥檚 role in Asia, died August 12, 2026.

Stephan came to Hawaiʻi in 1964 after studying Russian and Japanese at Harvard. At 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, his interest in the Russian Far East grew through a course taught by Russian history professor John A. White and an intellectual community that included Patricia Polansky, now Hamilton Library鈥檚 Russian Bibliographer.

Stephan taught history at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 from 1970 until his retirement in 2001, producing influential scholarship focused on Russia in Asia. His books included Sakhalin: A History (1971), The Kuril Islands: Russo-Japanese Frontier in the Pacific (1974) and The Russian Far East: A History (1994).

He also served as founding director of the Center for the Soviet Union in the Asia-Pacific Region, established at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 in 1986 and later renamed the Center for Russia in Asia.

Landmark work published in Russian

Months before his death, Stephan received copies of a new Russian-language edition of Sakhalin: A History. The books arrived at Hamilton Library in December 2025 after being printed in Beijing, a route necessitated by disrupted U.S.-Russia postal connections amid the war in Ukraine.

During the Soviet era, Sakhalin: A History was denounced and restricted from general use. After the Soviet Union collapsed, portions were serialized in an independent Sakhalin newspaper.

“It is especially meaningful that John lived to see Sakhalin: A History translated into Russian,” Polansky said. “That a work once suppressed in the Soviet Union has now been published in Russian is a remarkable testament to the lasting importance of his research.”

Hamilton Library legacy

For more than two decades, Stephan supported Hamilton Library collections reflecting his scholarly interests and Hawaiʻi鈥檚 connections to Asia and the Pacific.

“John understood the importance of libraries because he knew firsthand how much they could shape a scholar鈥檚 work,” Polansky said.

Honolulu Community College Hawaiian Studies Assistant Professor Kaʻiulani Murphy was one of six captains and navigators inducted as a Pwo Navigator in July during a sacred ceremony held on Oʻahu. Pwo is among the highest honors in traditional wayfinding, recognizing decades of ocean navigation, leadership and dedicated service.

Navigators from Satawal, Micronesia, representing the Weriyaeng School of Navigation, conducted the ceremony. The observance honored the training lineage of the late Pwo Master Navigator Mau Piailug, whose teachings revived traditional navigation in Hawaiʻi and throughout Polynesia, and who inducted Hawaiʻi鈥檚 first five Pwo Navigators on Satawal in 2007.

Kuleana to teach

For Murphy, who has navigated the open ocean for more than 20 years aboard the iconic voyaging canoe 贬艒办奴濒别ʻ补, the title is deeply tied to her duty as an educator.

“All of us who have the privilege to voyage have a kuleana (responsibility) to teach and share. I鈥檓 grateful for my mentors and the opportunity to share this ʻike (knowledge) as a kumu at Honolulu CC and at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, where I took Hoʻokele (voyaging) courses from Professor Lilikal膩 Kameʻeleihiwa,” Murphy said.

Murphy began her voyaging journey in 1997 as a student at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 before first sailing aboard 贬艒办奴濒别ʻ补 in 1998. Since 2008, she has taught Hawaiian astronomy, navigation and voyaging skills at Honolulu CC, and also teaches at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补. Through online and in-person instruction, nighttime observational labs and hands-on sailing, Murphy guides the next generation of wayfinders.

Leadership for the future

As one of four women inducted in the first Pwo ceremony ever conducted in Hawaiʻi, Murphy hopes their journey inspires future voyagers.

Pwo Navigator and Polynesian Voyaging Society CEO Nainoa Thompson said, “This induction of six new Pwo in Hawaiʻi is a statement of the advancement of leadership in voyaging. It鈥檚 a graduation of six leaders who will lead voyaging into the next 50 years.”

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Darren Lerner, director of , consortium director of the and interim associate dean for research in the , was honored at the Governor’s Awards for Distinguished State Service as the 2026 Manager of the Year. Lerner, other award winners and nominees were recognized with a ceremony at the State Capitol by Gov. Josh Green on September 15. Members of Lerner’s Sea Grant team accepted the award for him, while he was working in Seattle.

Lerner was recognized for transformational leadership that has strengthened Hawaiʻi Sea Grant and expanded its impact across the university and the state. He has overseen more than $100 million in extramurally funded projects focused on improving the resilience of Hawaiʻi’s and the Pacific’s coastal ecosystems and communities. His leadership through periods of uncertainty has allowed the program to continue growing while supporting research, education and community partnerships that address critical environmental challenges.

“Honestly, as I鈥檝e said to the team, who went to the event and received the award on my behalf, I am just floored, really floored,” said Lerner. “And you know, beyond that, and the team gives me a hard time for saying it, but it鈥檚 all them. There鈥檚 no way I would even be considered in this position if it wasn鈥檛 for our team at Sea Grant.”

The awards honor the state’s executive branch employees and managers who exemplify the highest caliber of public service and dedication to serving the people of Hawaiʻi.

In addition to Lerner, Kapiʻolani Community College’s Darsh Davé and the Hawaiʻi Papa o ke Ao Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office were selected as the 糖心视频 nominees for the Governor’s Awards for Distinguished State Service.

Commendation letter from Gov. Green

September 15, 2026

I commend you for being selected as the 2026 State of Hawaiʻi Manager of the Year, in recognition of your visionary leadership, innovative program development, and unwavering commitment to advance community-centered coastal resilience throughout Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.

Under your leadership, the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program has become a national model for integrating cutting-edge coastal research with meaningful public service. Your efforts secured a historic $68.5 million grant to advance climate resilience through the restoration of traditional Hawaiian moku systems and expanded initiatives that combat marine debris, strengthen fisheries education, and expand research capacity across the Pacific.

Your service spans across Hawaiʻi and the nation, including directing the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center and serving as Interim Associate Dean for Research in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology. You led projects leveraging over $80 million to restore over 1,000 acres of coastal habitats, educated thousands of students, and engaged residents statewide. As President of the Sea Grant Association, you advanced Hawaiʻi’s priorities nationally and championed Indigenous leadership in federal science policy.

Prioritizing workforce development, you developed specialized fellowships that train and foster the next generation of local coastal leaders. National reviewers recognized your mentorship as a best management practice model for building engaged, interdisciplinary teams.

I express my deepest gratitude for your extraordinary contributions, steadfast guidance, and enduring impact on coastal resilience, education, and community well-being across the State. Congratulations on your achievements, and best wishes as you continue your outstanding service.

Mahalo,

JOSH GREEN

Governor, State of Hawaiʻi

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 Athletics Department announced Eric Okasaki as the recipient of the Spirit of the Rainbow Award.

The Spirit of the Rainbow Award was established to honor longtime athletics department staff members who demonstrated exceptional service and unwavering dedication to the department. The award recognizes individuals who spent at least 25 years in a support staff position and have retired from the university.

“Eric embodies everything the Spirit of the Rainbow Award stands for,” said Deputy Athletics Director Lois Manin. “For over four decades, he was a pillar of our department, working tirelessly to ensure our student-athletes were healthy, safe and supported. His legacy is felt not just in the championships he helped make possible, but in the countless lives he touched as a mentor, leader and friend.”

Okasaki’s history with the university spanned a total of 46 years, beginning as a junior varsity baseball player at 糖心视频in 1973. He went on to spend 43 years as an athletic trainer at 糖心视频, which included 35 years serving as the head athletic trainer.

During his distinguished career, Okasaki served as the trainer for the 1980 College World Series baseball team, the 1992 Holiday Bowl championship team, the historic 2007 Sugar Bowl team and the 2010 College World Series softball team.

In retirement, he regularly attends games and serves as a trustee for the Dr. Alvin and Monica Saake Foundation, one of 10 charter members of the Shoji Society.

Okasaki will be presented with the honor during the Green and White Celebration on October 16 at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.

Read more at .

The fall convocation at Leeward Community College signaled more than just the start of a new academic year. It also marked a celebration of cultural legacy.

In a heartfelt tribute, the campus community officially presented an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to Kumu Robert Uluwehion膩puaikaw膿kiuokalani Cazimero, a master of hula and Hawaiian music whose influence has deepened the University of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 connection to ʻike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian knowledge).

The honorary degree was first approved by the 糖心视频 Board of Regents in April, following a request from Leeward CC Chancellor Carlos Pe帽aloza.

“I鈥檓 humbled with insurmountable gratitude,” said Cazimero. “I was taught, from small kid time, that it鈥檚 better to give than to receive; to always put others first and to just be grateful for what you have in life. So this is a wonderment.”

Full circle

Cazimero has shared his time and expertise with generations of students through guest lectures, workshops, performances and mentorship across all 10 糖心视频 campuses.

The convocation ceremony on August 19 brought this legacy full circle as he received the honor surrounded by Regent Laurie Tochiki, Pe帽aloza, and former haum膩na (students) including Keala Chock, Leeward CC vice chancellor for academic affairs.

“It was a meaningful way to begin the year by honoring someone who represents excellence, service, and a deep commitment to Hawaiʻi and its people. Robert鈥檚 life and work reflect many of the values we hope to instill in our students,” Chock reflected.

“I am grateful to the many people who have supported me and my life鈥檚 work. For the kind words shared with me and the letters of support from family and friends, mahalo a nui me ke aloha e (many thanks, with aloha),” Cazimero added.

—By Devon Bedoya

A University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo undergraduate earned national recognition for her commitment to making a positive difference in her community. Puna resident Lexy Kaye Ramos was selected for Campus Compact鈥檚 2026–2027 Newman Civic Fellows cohort, a national fellowship that supports students with strong potential for civic leadership and community engagement.

“I don鈥檛 fit the traditional image of a leader, but my commitment to my community has driven meaningful change,” said Ramos, who was born into poverty and grew up in a rural barangay, or village, in the Philippines before moving to Hawaiʻi Island in elementary school.

Leadership through service

Ramos, a junior at 糖心视频 Hilo, is a major with a minor and holds a 3.98 GPA. She serves as a third-year Bonner Student Leader with 糖心视频 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 and was also an active member of the campus鈥� chapter of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)鈥揊uture Health Professionals.

Dedicated to addressing health disparities and expanding access to care, she logs hundreds of service hours each year through community-based health education and outreach initiatives. Recently, Ramos and her Bonner cohort conducted a semester-long participatory action research project, facilitating student focus groups to evaluate students鈥� sense of belonging and presenting actionable recommendations to campus leadership.

Aspiring to become a culturally-competent physician, Ramos views medicine and civic action as inseparable.

“My family often says an Ilokano proverb, ‘Ti tao nga nakaam-ammo ti rigat, isu ti makaawat ti padana,’ meaning those who understand hardship understand others. Meaningful change begins at the intersection of personal experience and community need, and I will continue working alongside others to address barriers that shape health and opportunity,” said Ramos, who believes healthcare access shapes how we live with dignity and security.

Leading with kuleana

In nominating Ramos for the fellowship, 糖心视频 Hilo Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin praised her hard work, humility and dedication.

“Lexy embodies the university鈥檚 commitment to kuleana (responsibility) through service-centered leadership and community engagement. She views leadership not as authority, but as a shared responsibility to bring people together across differences and create meaningful change,” Irwin said.

Coming home was never just a career move for Kelly Luis, it was a mission. After leaving NASA鈥檚 Jet Propulsion Laboratory to join the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, she is now redefining marine science by uniting satellite-level precision with the deep wisdom of the Hawaiian creation chant, Kumulipo.

For Luis, a Kamehameha Schools Maui graduate, Columbia University alumnus, and former NASA researcher, 糖心视频 Hilo offered something no other institution could match.

“I never dreamed of going to NASA. The thing I dreamed about is coming home to serve,” Luis said. “To return home for this type of mission is so humbling, and I feel very grateful.”

Biocultural vision

At 糖心视频 Hilo, Luis is a new marine science assistant professor at the helping connect advanced marine science with ancestral Hawaiian knowledge. Her experience includes using satellites and NASA research to map coral reefs and study coastal water quality.

“Kelly brings a unique expertise that will help us connect emerging technologies with place-based knowledge,” said Marine Science Chair John H. R. Burns.

In her Hawaiian coral reefs course, Luis pairs scientific classifications with the Kumulipo creation chant, helping students understand the ocean through multiple perspectives.

“I hope I鈥檓 opening the doors for many others to follow,” Luis said.

The University of Hawaiʻi celebrates September 2026 faculty and staff anniversaries.

40 years

Pak, Andrew
Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

30 years

Aquino, Encarnita N
Procurement/Property Management Specialist, 糖心视频 Maui College

Lee, Edmond W L
Program Manager, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Lewis, Wayne S
Professor, Honolulu CC

Solis, Ron D
Associate Professor, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

More anniversaries
August 2026
July 2026
June 2026
More anniversary lists

20 years

Barnett, Jennifer P
Assistant Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Ching, Sheri G G
Administrative Officer, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Dawrs, Stuart V
Librarian, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Gal, Roy R
Associate Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Harbin, Donna M
Professor, 糖心视频 Maui College

Kawabata, Kevin Y
IT Manager, Leeward CC

Langford, Richard A
Professor, 糖心视频 West Oʻahu

Miller-Cabasug, Ina
Associate Professor, Honolulu CC

Newhouse, Kimberley K
Instructor, 糖心视频 Maui College

Pagano, Ian S
Assistant Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Sagapolutele, Marlene E
Administrative and Fiscal Support Specialist, Honolulu CC

Snyder, Derek S
Dean, 糖心视频 Maui College

Su, Shan
Administrative Officer, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Takamure, Christy L
Professor, Leeward CC

10 years

Ae, Kimberly K A
Administrative Officer, 糖心视频 West Oʻahu

Barko, Valerie A
County Administrator, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Blamey, Thomas L
Assistant Professor, 糖心视频 Maui College

Bolosan, Rowell
Janitor, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Costa, Crystal A
Program Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Davis, Katherine F
Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Deng, Youping
Professor, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Higa, Chloe N S
Fiscal Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Kennedy, Kelly L M
Associate Professor, Leeward CC

Kephart, Tennille A
Administrative Officer, 糖心视频 Hilo

McGuire, John H
Building Maintenance Worker, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Mehan, Robin M
Janitor, 糖心视频 Hilo

Messinger, Thane J
Instructor, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Niblock, Gerald M
Electrician, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Okamoto, Scott K
Researcher, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Sanchez Guerrero, Eileen R L
Educational Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Shima, Brandon H L
Project Manager, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Soma Turek, Kelsey T
Fiscal Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Strong-Ruiz, Kenisha M
Instructor, Leeward CC

Taira, Derek S
Associate Professor, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Uehara, Darren K
Janitor, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

West, Kristi L
Associate Researcher, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Yoshikawa, Kristy K M
Associate Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

A University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 nursing professor is helping shape how the next generation of health care providers learns about reproductive health.

Molly Altman, associate professor and PhD Program director at the (SONDH), is the lead editor of the fifth edition of Gynecologic Health Care: With an Introduction to Prenatal and Postpartum Care, a widely used textbook for nurse-midwives, nurse practitioners and other health care professionals.

The new edition adds expanded coverage of abortion, early pregnancy loss, trauma-informed care (prioritizes patient safety and support) and reproductive justice (the right to control one’s own reproductive health decisions). It also examines the history of nursing and midwifery and how inequities in health care have shaped patient experiences.

Altman brings more than 20 years of experience as a certified nurse-midwife and more than a decade of teaching experience. Her research focuses on reducing inequities in reproductive health care, including racism and bias in clinical settings.

She joined 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 in 2024 and has continued her work to strengthen nursing education and research. She recently helped relaunch SONDH‘s PhD program, which prepares nurse scientists to address health challenges in Hawaiʻi and beyond.

Altman edited the new edition with Ellen Solis, associate professor and Nurse Midwifery DNP Program director at the University of Washington. The textbook is published by Jones & Bartlett Learning.

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Six University of Hawaiʻi community college students have been awarded the 2026 Servco Technical Education Program (STEP) scholarship that provides tuition and hands-on career development for the next generation of automotive technicians.

The scholarships from Servco Pacific Inc. support students pursuing their automotive technology degrees at four 糖心视频 campuses: Leeward Community College, Honolulu Community College, Kauaʻi Community College and the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College.

The 2026 recipients are:

• Josiah Tania, Leeward CC
• Justin Ryan Abad, Leeward CC
• Bronson Okamura, Honolulu CC
• Cyrus Medverd, Honolulu CC
• Joshua Galiza, Kauaʻi CC
• Robbiel Lyndon Fronda, 糖心视频 Maui College

Pipeline of skilled technicians

“STEP is one of the most direct ways we invest in the future of our workforce,” said Lance Ichimura, senior vice president of automotive distribution at Servco. “As our industry evolves, developing local talent ensures Servco and Hawaiʻi have a strong pipeline of skilled technicians for years to come.”

The program, which has partnered with local community colleges since 1991, covers tuition and books for recipients. Students also gain part-time paid employment at Servco as technician apprentices and receive mentorship from the company鈥檚 technical training team. Upon completing their associate degrees and securing a technician position at Servco, recipients are also eligible for funding for tools.

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alumna Martha Carrell was drawn to ideas and to people who explored them. She enjoyed conversations that moved easily between subjects, from philosophy to everyday habits, and she made space for others to join in. In classrooms, living rooms or public media, she brought people together, asking questions and letting discussion unfold.

“She was fierce, complex, determined and smart,” said Diane Smith, a close friend and trustee of Carrell鈥檚 estate. “For many years we were members of a small discussion group that met monthly and picked a different topic every month, such as quantum physics, diets, solar energy, or the nature of faith. What a great ride that was.”

Smith met Carrell in retirement. Their group鈥檚 conversations could be lively and contentious, but they were always educational. This approach carried through Carrell鈥檚 work. Born and raised in Honolulu, she earned her bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in speech at 糖心视频 Mānoa. Her career spanned public broadcasting, education and communications, and she worked for PBS stations and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Carrell produced in Hawaiʻi and, unsatisfied with the final scene, stepped in to perform a hula herself. She also taught speech and coached debate, bringing the same focus on clarity and exchange into the classroom. In later years, this instinct found a home at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at a university in Las Vegas. Her classes became some of the most popular in the program.

Supporting future students

Her lifelong connection to communication now continues through an estate gift establishing the at 糖心视频 Mānoa. The fund supports students in the in the School of Communication and Information, within the 糖心视频 Mānoa , with a preference for Hawaiʻi residents with financial need.

“In an era where digital noise often replaces meaningful connection, teaching human communication skills to our students is more essential than ever for individual success and a healthier society,” said Hye-ryeon Lee, former 糖心视频 Mānoa communicology department chair. “Martha鈥檚 life clearly illustrates this point, and we are tremendously grateful for her vision and generosity. This scholarship will provide our communicology students with financial support so that they can fully focus on their academic and professional growth.”

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Paul Wermager, a retired University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 science librarian who spent decades researching and championing the legacy of pioneering chemist Alice Augusta Ball, died August 2, 2026.

I believe that Alice Ball鈥檚 greatest gift to humanity was hope.
—Paul Wermager

Wermager served at 糖心视频 for 20 years, retiring in 2010 as head of the Science and Technology Department at . Before becoming a librarian, he worked as an intensive care unit nurse and pharmacist, and earned a master’s degree in public health.

“I liked finding answers to new things, and with a science background, I thought it was a good fit,” Wermager told 糖心视频 News in 2024 about becoming a librarian.

Researching a forgotten scientist

That curiosity led Wermager into a decades-long effort to restore the story of Ball, a 糖心视频 alumna whose groundbreaking work developing an injectable treatment for Hansen’s disease had been largely forgotten.

His interest began with a question from a 糖心视频 professor about whether there was a chaulmoogra tree on campus. After learning of the tree’s connection to Hawaiʻi‘s Hansen’s disease history, Wermager began researching Ball. He described the work as a giant jigsaw puzzle, with pieces of her life scattered across historical records.

His research eventually connected him with Stan Ali, a retired Baltimore resident who had independently rediscovered Ball’s story while researching Black people in Hawaiʻi. The two shared information about Ball and helped piece together her life and accomplishments.

“I finally got enough to envision what she was like,” Wermager told , describing the research process that led him to see Ball as a “very caring and giving” person.

Wermager contributed a chapter about Ball to the 2005 book They Followed the Trade Winds, gave presentations, and co-authored a scholarly paper on her contributions. After retiring, he continued working on a comprehensive biography and was still seeking a publisher when he died.

Kimberley Haines, a former Hamilton Library colleague who became a close friend, regularly heard updates about the project, noting he never stopped seeking answers about Ball’s life.

Keeping Ball’s legacy alive

Wermager’s commitment to Ball extended beyond his research. In 2017, he established the Alice Augusta Ball Endowed Scholarship to support underrepresented minority students pursuing science at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补. The scholarship reflected his own experiences; he wrote that his family struggled financially and that others helped him complete his education, motivating him to provide similar opportunities to students. To date, 12 students were awarded the scholarship.

Wermager brought Ball’s story to wider audiences and the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 campus. He co-produced the film The Ball Method and, in 2018, collaborated with librarian Monica Ghosh and artist Chad Kikuchi on a plaque and portrait honoring Ball, now displayed in the Science & Technology Reading Room near the life-sized bronze bust unveiled in 2024.

In 2024, Wernager and former 糖心视频 President David Lassner submitted the nomination that led the American Chemical Society to designate her “Ball Method” a National Historic Chemical Landmark. The designation was celebrated at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 in February 2026.

“Paul’s curiosity, tenacity and intellectual rigor were on full display through his work over these last many years to bring to light the story of one of the great scientists of the 20th century, Alice Augusta Ball,” Lassner said. “Paul’s work demonstrated how a dedicated scholar could rediscover a lost slice of history so that all of us can now celebrate her remarkable life and contributions.”

Hamilton Library Russian Bibliographer Patricia Polansky, added, “Paul was a stalwart colleague. At one point he had outlined a novel about Soviet spying, but his work on Alice Ball took precedence. That work, along with his contribution to documenting our library’s history, form a lasting legacy.”

Polansky noted in 2008, Wermager compiled . “His extensive work in the archives provided not only the story of our science and technology services, but also a broader picture of Hamilton Library’s history,” she said.

Wermager often spoke of Ball not only as a pioneering scientist but as someone whose life could inspire others. In 2022, he wrote in , “I believe that Alice Ball’s greatest gift to humanity was hope.”

For decades, Wermager worked to ensure that Ball’s story would not disappear again. Although his biography remains unpublished, his research, scholarship and advocacy helped restore her contributions to the history of 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and gave generations of students an opportunity to learn from her legacy.

Take a closer look at many of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 rising leaders, and you鈥檒l find a common connection: the University of Hawaiʻi. This year鈥檚 Pacific Business News 40 Under 40 list is a striking example. Half of the honorees have ties to 糖心视频.

Two of them are current 糖心视频 employees serving Central and West Oʻahu communities: Darian Padilla, the 糖心视频 Foundation鈥檚 director of development for 糖心视频 West Oʻahu and Leeward Community College, and Hailey Zhou, product development manager at Leeward CC鈥檚 Wahiaw膩 Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC).

Darian Padilla

Padilla builds philanthropic partnerships for both campuses, connecting people and resources with opportunities that strengthen education, support workforce development and serve Hawaiʻi鈥檚 communities.

“Being named to PBN鈥檚 40 Under 40 is both humbling and meaningful,” Padilla said. “I don鈥檛 see it as an individual achievement. Instead, I accept it on behalf of the many people who have guided, supported and inspired me along the way.”

She added, “Working with 糖心视频 has shown me that meaningful impact is rarely the result of one individual. It comes from people coming together around a common purpose and investing in the success of others.”

Hailey Zhou

Zhou leads product development initiatives at the WVAPDC, where she has supported more than 150 Hawaiʻi food entrepreneurs to commercialize their products. She secured funding from the Ulupono Initiative for a dozen clients and assisted a Hawaiʻi baby food product in earning a 2026 NEXTY Award.

“Being named to PBN鈥檚 40 Under 40 is incredibly meaningful because it recognizes not just my individual accomplishments, but the work happening across Hawaiʻi food ecosystem,” Zhou said. “My work at Leeward Community College and the WVAPDC has given me the platform and freedom to be innovative in designing solutions that meet the needs of the communities we serve.”

20 out of 40

糖心视频鈥檚 connection to the 2026 40 Under 40 class extends across the 10-campus system. Eighteen additional honorees are 糖心视频 alumni:

• Davin Aoyagi (BA 鈥�13, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—senior manager of government relations, Turo
• Joseph Castaneda (BBA 鈥�11, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—principal broker, REMAX Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu
• Louie Gangcuangco (MS 鈥�20, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—medical doctor and HIV specialist, Waikiki Health
• Cosmo Hirai (BA 鈥�13, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—bishop, Hawaiʻi T艒daiji Temple
• Chanel Josiah (AA 鈥�18, Leeward CC)—chief operating officer, Hawaiʻi Community Lending
• Katie Kaahanui (BA 鈥�21, 糖心视频 West Oʻahu)—director, Safe & Sound Westside, Department of the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney
• Jai Keep-Barnes (BA 鈥�10; JD 鈥�17, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—partner, Lung Rose Voss Wagnild
• K. Sean Kekina (BS 鈥�12, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—deputy administrator and chief operating officer, Office of Hawaiian Affairs
• Kris Kokame (MBA 鈥�17, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—Hawaiʻi lead, external affairs, AES Hawaiʻi
• Richmond Luzar (BA 鈥�20, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—principal, Aura Strategies LLC
• Marc Malate (BA 鈥�12; MSW 鈥�17; MURP 鈥�18, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—licensed clinical social worker, Marc Joseph Malate
• Kelsey Nishi Darling (attended 糖心视频惭腻苍辞补)—founder and executive director, Make Lemonade Project; owner, calligrapher and graphic designer, Hawaiʻi Calligraphy
• Jordan Odo (MBA 鈥�17, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—first vice president and compliance associate, American Savings Bank
• Nahelani Parsons (JD 鈥�17, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—founder and president, Pacific Government Relations
• Keane Santos (BBA 鈥�10, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—vice president, product strategy department manager, Hawaiʻi State Federal Credit Union
• Sara Strona (JD 鈥�14; MBA 鈥�15, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—director, Starn O鈥橳oole Marcus & Fisher, A Law Corporation
• Cody Winchester (MURP 鈥�18, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—community resilience planning manager, G70
• Jamie Yoshikane (JD 鈥�13, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补)—assistant general counsel, Hawaiʻi Gas

As these leaders continue to drive change across every sector of our islands, they serve as a powerful reminder of 糖心视频鈥檚 role in cultivating leaders who are building a bright future for Hawaiʻi.

—By Devon Bedoya

A vibrant new mural inside the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 Bookstore is welcoming students with a colorful tribute to the campus community and its rich botanical landscape.

Created by 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 alumna and local artist Rachel Radona, the mural draws inspiration from the hundreds of plant species found across campus. More than a collection of flowers and trees, the artwork reflects the stories, cultures and experiences that make up the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 community.

“Art is about stories and moʻolelo,” Radona said. “Every student is different, comes from different backgrounds and comes from different cultures. Every plant and student has a different story to share.”

Inspired by campus

Before putting paint on the wall, Radona spent time exploring the university’s plant map and learning about the species that grow throughout campus. The mural features plants including the silk floss flower, k艒奴 and ʻulu trees,
each chosen for its connection to 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and the stories they represent.

One of Radona’s favorite elements is the 驶ulu, which she said symbolizes community resilience through its place in Hawaiian moʻolelo. She also incorporated the kōū flower, a plant traditionally associated with welcoming guests, to help create an inviting atmosphere for everyone who enters the bookstore.

Throughout the mural, bold colors and flowing shapes reflect Radona’s artistic style. She hopes the finished piece encourages students to pause, notice the plants around them and discover something new about the campus.

Art that brings people together

Although painting the mural was rewarding, Radona said the interactions with students, faculty, staff and families became the most memorable part of the project.

“That’s what art is all about,” Radona said. “Whether it’s music, whether dancing or it’s painting, you’re supposed to share with one another.”

A recent 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 graduate, Radona said returning to campus to create the mural felt especially meaningful. She hopes the artwork reflects the welcoming spirit of the university while giving students another place where they can see themselves represented.

She also believes public art plays an important role on a college campus by giving people another way to express themselves and connect with others.

“It’s so important,” Radona said. “We are all trying to make our way, find our way in college. Art is mine. But I know so many wonderful people here who found their voice in so many other things.”

As students return for the fall semester, the mural will serve as a lasting reminder that every member of the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 community has a story to tell and that those stories help shape the campus experience.

“ʻAʻohe puʻu kiʻekiʻe ke hoʻ膩ʻo ʻia e piʻi”—“No cliff is so tall that it cannot be scaled.”

That message of perseverance now greets students inside the student lounge, where third-year student Tatiyana “Tati” Nero transformed a blank wall into a colorful celebration of Native Hawaiian culture, campus pride and determination.

Symbol of resilience

The ʻ艒lelo noʻeau, or Hawaiian saying/proverb, is at the heart of Nero鈥檚 mural in the section of the Campus Center student lounge known as the Box Office. The design features the koaʻe kea, Kauaʻi‘s CC鈥檚 mascot, along with tribal-inspired designs and naupaka kahakai, a native coastal plant.

Nero chose the ʻ艒lelo noʻeau specifically with the koaʻe kea in mind. The native seabird is known for soaring and nesting along steep sea cliffs, making it a fitting symbol for overcoming challenges.

“I wanted this to be a reminder of perseverance to students at Kauaʻi CC,” Nero said.

Stepping beyond comfort

The mural represents a major artistic leap for Nero. Although she has long been known as an artist, her previous work focused almost exclusively on black-and-white hyper-realism.

“At first I was hesitant because I don鈥檛 paint or work with color,” Nero said. “This was definitely a learning experience for me.”

Nero was first approached about creating the mural in summer 2025 as part of an effort to make the student lounge a more lively and welcoming space. She spent nearly a month developing the final design, and the project took about seven months to complete. With help from her art instructor, siblings and student government colleagues, the mural was unveiled February 4, 2026.

“I was given the space, and I kind of just wanted to bring life to the campus,” Nero said.

Born and raised in Anahola, Nero is pursuing a degree in Hawaiian Studies and plans to enter the nursing program. She also serves as an at-large senator in student government, where she works to empower Native Hawaiian students, veterans, students with disabilities and international students.

She said, “I’m committed to voicing the concerns of our students and ensuring that their college experience at Kauaʻi CC is gratifying.”

The University of Hawaiʻi named Justin Seto as the 2026 recipient of the President鈥檚 Award for Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance. He was recognized at the Board of Regents鈥� (BOR) meeting at Kauaʻi Community College on August 20.

Seto was honored for his vital work at Kauaʻi CC. He has played a critical role in keeping campus operations running smoothly during periods of transition and operational challenge, and continues to ensure the safety and comfort of students, faculty and staff.

“It鈥檚 just for everybody, you know,” Seto said. “I enjoy doing my work and doing the job. I enjoy working together with my crew. We鈥檝e got a good crew out here, and we have a lot of support. We just take pride in the work that we do here at the community college. I really appreciate it.”

Beyond his daily duties, Seto is known for his 鈥渃ampus first鈥� philosophy and proactive mindset. He is appreciated for his willingness to go above and beyond, continually contributing to the long term sustainability and improvement of the Kauaʻi CC campus.

Through his dedication to his job at Kauaʻi CC, Seto helps to create a learning and working environment that supports excellence and embodies the values of 糖心视频.

Established in 1986, the President鈥檚 Award for Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance recognizes an employee throughout the 糖心视频 System who exemplifies dedication and excellence in supporting campus facilities.

As one of the most influential scientists in tropical climate dynamics worldwide, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Professor Tim Li was by the American Meteorological Society. Fellows are elected based on “outstanding contributions to the atmospheric or related oceanic or hydrologic sciences or their applications during a substantial period of years.”

“It is meaningful to be recognized by the scientific community for hard work and research accomplishments,” said Li, who is also with the (IPRC) in the .

Li鈥檚 research focuses on various aspects of tropical meteorology and climate dynamics, including the dynamics of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, Madden-Julian Oscillation, tropical cyclones, Asian-Australian monsoon, climate change and more.

His recent studies focus on understanding the onset diversity of El Niño and La Niña, super El Niño and multi-year La Niña formation, and extreme weather events. In his research he utilizes observational data analyses alongside theory, numerical model experiments and climate model simulations.

Li has published 470 professionally referred research papers and a book, with 28,000 citations and a h-index of 91. In recognition of scholarly contributions that expand the boundaries of knowledge and enrich the lives of students and the community, he received 糖心视频 Board of Regents Excellence in Research Award in 2019. He was of the Asia-Oceania Geoscience Society in 2025.

“Tim Li has made many significant contributions in tropical meteorology and climate dynamics, and he exemplifies excellence in research and education at 糖心视频,” said Malte Stuecker, director of IPRC.

University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 gerontologist Christy Nishita of the in the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health has been selected as a by the Eisner Foundation, earning national recognition for her work advancing intergenerational connections and strengthening Hawaiʻi’s communities.

Nishita coordinates and co-founded the , a statewide network of more than 300 organizations dedicated to engaging older adults as contributors, mentors and community leaders. Her work focuses on aging, workforce development and intergenerational programs that strengthen Hawaiʻi‘s communities.

“I am deeply honored to join this inspiring cohort of Eisner Prize Fellows and look forward to creating meaningful intergenerational opportunities that make a lasting difference in Hawaiʻi‘s communities,” said Nishita.

Preparing Hawaiʻi’s future workforce

As part of the fellowship, Nishita will launch her project, Intergenerational Resilience Corps: Wisdom to Workforce, which will bring together k奴puna (older adults) and high school and university students to develop a curriculum and microcredential in aging and community resilience.

By combining the lived experiences of k奴puna with student learning, the initiative will prepare future professionals to better support k奴puna and Hawaiʻi’s communities before, during and after natural disasters.

The project builds on Nishita’s Youth Leaders in K奴puna Health (YLKH) microcredential program which gave seven high school students hands-on experience working with nursing and activities staff at Arcadia Senior Living this summer. Students learned about aging through a strengths-based approach, created service-learning projects that benefited k奴puna at Arcadia, and earned a 糖心视频 issued . YKLH provides early proof of concept for the intergenerational, workforce-building model Nishita will expand through her Eisner Prize project.

“This cohort reflects just how far the idea of intergenerational connection can stretch: into dance, radio, civic life, disaster resilience, and even role-playing games,” said Trent Stamp, CEO of The Eisner Foundation. “Each of these Fellows is building something rooted in their own community, and we’re proud to support their efforts to bring their vision to life.”

Nishita is one of six fellows selected from a highly competitive national applicant pool for yearlong fellowship, which supports leaders developing innovative approaches to fostering intergenerational connection. Each fellow receives a $10,000 stipend and up to $40,000 in project funding.

The Eisner Prize Fellowship recognizes leaders developing innovative, community-based solutions that foster meaningful connections across generations. Nishita’s project reflects that mission by helping equip the next generation of community professionals with the knowledge and skills to build a more resilient Hawaiʻi.