—West; Western Maui.

More ʻ艑lelo of the Week

“Kaulana nui loa ʻo Mokuʻula i Maui Komohana i kona kapu loa. (Mokuʻula Western Maui is very famous due to its sacredness.)”

—Melelani Seiki, he haumāna ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language student), Ke Kulanui Kaiāulu o Honolulu a me Ke Kulanui Kaiāulu o Maui (Honolulu Community College and 糖心视频 Maui College)

For more information on other elements of the definition and usage, go to the 糖心视频 Hilo .

Born and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, Jaydee Ah Sing’s decision to attend the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo wasn’t just a choice—it was a calling. A proud graduate of 奥补颈腻办别补 High School, Ah Sing is deeply rooted in her community.

“I only applied to 糖心视频 Hilo,” she shared with a laugh. “I love it here in Hawaiʻi, and I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.”

This spring, Ah Sing crosses the stage as a Chancellor Scholar, graduating with a bachelor of arts in and an certificate. Her journey demonstrates the profound impact of 糖心视频 Hilo’s close-knit academic environment, where local students can flourish and give back to the very islands that raised them.

Turning point

Ah Sing’s path shifted from pediatric medicine to education after discovering she was uneasy around blood. Her mentors, professors Kerri Inglis and Michele Ebersole, helped guide her to her true passion. She ultimately pursued history, leaning into her deep love for the subject.

Her dedication has led to remarkable achievements. Ah Sing recently won the Best Undergraduate Paper Prize at the Phi Alpha Theta regional conference in Hawaiʻi. Her senior thesis challenged established narratives about the iconic Kalaupapa Lighthouse. After a profound field study experience in Kalaupapa with Inglis, Ah Sing discovered moʻolelo (stories) of 叠辞办颈办奴尘补苍辞尘补苍辞, a shape-shifting dog protector of the peninsula.

“There was this entire history that people of Molokaʻi seem to know about, but others don’t get to experience because it had been displaced by this western form of historiography, which is history written by historians,” explained Ah Sing, who went to Kalaupapa over Spring Break and discovered evidence of the remnants of a heiau honoring Boki.

Service driven

Ah Sing’s passion for Hawaiian history and education translates directly into her career goals. Since high school, she has worked as a paraprofessional tutor at Keaʻau Elementary School, serving underprivileged students.

“I want to be the kind of teacher who goes above and beyond for my students,” she said.

She won’t have to wait long to achieve that dream. This July, Ah Sing will begin the at 糖心视频 Hilo.

For more, go to .

The University of Hawaiʻi community gathered for a virtual keynote exploring the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) on April 27. The event drew interest across the system, hosting nearly 500 attendees online.

Microsoft’s AI Innovation Officer Michael J. Jabbour led the session, focusing on human-centered organizational transformation and the intersection of human and AI in education and healthcare.

糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel opened the webinar stating: “At the University of Hawaiʻi, we recognize the question is not whether we will embrace AI, but how we will do so. As you know, we’ve been setting up a systemwide AI initiative and conversation that we launched last year that we will scale significantly in the year ahead to educate our community on AI. As an example of this you may know we recently launched artificial intelligence for Hawaiʻi course which is a free 12-chapter interactive course accessible through the .”

A central theme of Jabbour’s presentation was the importance of maintaining human direction as AI capabilities rapidly expand. He warned that while AI can generate an infinite amount of output, humans must stay driven by actual outcomes. To foster critical thinking, especially among students, Jabbour shared how he encourages his own children to interact with AI models by instructing them to “teach me, don’t tell me,” ensuring that users maintain active agency.

“The only thing I ask you to consider, whether it’s with an AI or it’s with a human, is to think before you ask,” Jabbour said. “Because if you’re throwing ideas out there and asking the AI before you’ve thought, the AI‘s thinking now becomes your thinking and you don’t get a choice.”

Looking ahead, Jabbour noted that up to 70% of every hour worked could soon be automated, and that models are quickly matching human intelligence in specific tasks. With more than 60% of employers indicating they will not hire individuals lacking AI skills, he stated that educational institutions must adapt to avoid a big skills gap in training the up and coming workforce.

When asked how students can prepare for a workforce heavily impacted by AI, Jabbour highlighted adaptability, curiosity and human connection. He advised that the future of work will rely less on manual tasks and more on the human ability to clearly express goals and direct outcomes alongside AI.

The recording will be linked here when it’s available online.

Melissa Mayo’s path to graduation is one of profound resilience, love and the power of perseverance. This spring, as she crosses the stage at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo with her bachelor’s degree in , a minor in , and a , she represents a statistical triumph. Less than four percent of youth who experience the foster care system go on to earn a bachelor’s degree.

“I would say proud, excited, nervous, surreal, but grateful,” Mayo shared when asked what words describe how she feels about her upcoming graduation. “I’m proud to be that person for my family.”

Mayo entered the foster care system at age 13. After graduating from Hilo High in 2017, she immediately enrolled at 糖心视频 Hilo. However, life soon demanded more of her. At just 20, she adopted her 7-year-old niece. Shortly after, she took in two older nieces who had also entered the foster care system.

Priorities, goals

Balancing full-time advocacy work with the profound responsibility of raising her family, Mayo had to put school on hold in 2022.

“I knew school was important. I knew that finishing my degree was going to get me to where I wanted to be,” she explained. “But I also had to take care of my family at the same time.”

Mayo’s professional work is as inspiring as her personal life. Working two jobs, she serves as a lived-experience advocate at the Children’s Law Project of Hawaiʻi, collaborating with guardians ad litem to determine the best interests of youth in care. She also works as a Pilina Circle Specialist at EPIC ʻOhana, facilitating crucial peer support and family meetings for foster youth.

These experiences clarified her ultimate dream: to become an attorney to advocate for children in the foster care system.

“I have witnessed first-hand how legal advocacy really makes a difference in kids’ lives, in parents’ lives, and in families’ lives,” Mayo said.

When Mayo returned to 糖心视频 Hilo to finish her degree, she found an academic home that embraced her journey without judgment. She credits the unwavering support of the political science department, specifically professors Su-Mi Lee and Sarah Marusek, for helping her navigate her return.

For more, go to .

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa professor David Ho was selected as a lead author for the on carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS). The report will give guidance to countries regarding how to estimate and report the emissions they manage through those methods as part of their national greenhouse gas inventories.

CDR and CCUS are tools to help countries achieve their emissions and climate targets, and the diversity of approaches to remove and capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere are growing fast.

“However, countries currently lack consistent, scientifically rigorous guidance on estimating and reporting the emissions they manage through these technologies in their national greenhouse gas inventories,” said Ho. “Without that, it’s very difficult to hold anyone accountable or to determine whether CDR and CCUS are actually delivering on their promises. This methodology report is about building the foundation to get the accounting right so that progress in CDR and CCUS is real and verifiable.”

The current federal administration withdrew the U.S. from the IPCC process earlier this year, creating a gap in U.S. expert representation in the IPCC. An observer organization nominated Ho so that U.S.-based expertise could still contribute to this report.

“The IPCC has brought together lead authors from a wide range of disciplines and geographies, and the conversations are already substantive and rigorous,” Ho said. “There’s a real shared sense that this report matters, that it will shape how governments think about CDR and CCUS for years to come. It’s a significant commitment, but one I think is genuinely worth making.”

The first lead author meeting was held in Rome, Italy, in April. More than 150 experts, selected by the IPCC Task Force Bureau, are participating in the writing process.

For more information, .

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and Hawaiʻi Community College co-hosted , a dynamic, multi-day Earth Day celebration. Guided by the theme “Huli ka lima i lalo, ola” (hands that are turned down to do work, bring life), the event featured demonstrations, conservation efforts and speaker presentations designed to encourage the community to m膩lama ʻ膩ina (care for our land).

A centerpiece of the celebration took place on L膩 Honua (Earth Day) at 糖心视频 Hilo featuring an Earth Day Fair for K–12 students and a Conservation Career Fair for college students.

Amy Fullerton, a second-grade teacher from 笔腻丑辞补 Elementary School, emphasized the necessity of the event. “We need to teach the students about how important our earth is because it’s their future.”

Students were thrilled to engage in interactive activities outside the traditional classroom setting. From building their own water systems to learning about how camouflage helps animals in the wild to creating artwork using traditional Hawaiian materials and methods.

For 糖心视频 Hilo faculty, engaging with the keiki provided a joyful change of pace. Professor Kerri Inglis spent the morning teaching children how to make ti leaf lei. Representing Hui M膩lama Makanalua, an organization dedicated to honoring and remembering the residents of Kalaupapa on Molokaʻi, Inglis reflected on the university’s long-standing tradition to mark L膩 Honua.

“We’ve all come to really appreciate our connections, and so taking the time once a year to celebrate Earth Day is important,” said Inglis, who chairs the Social Sciences Division in the . “It’s an opportunity to express gratitude for where we are and recognize that we’re responsible not just to this island, but our Earth is an island that we need to take care of as well.”

For more, go to .

Explore tropical plants and garden collections as the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo invites the public to celebrate National Public Garden Day on Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m. to noon at the botanical garden on campus. The event is part of National Public Gardens Week, May 8—17.

The 糖心视频 Hilo Botanical Garden will offer three free guided tours highlighting various aspects of tropical gardening. Guests will learn from experts and discover what makes this garden a vital part of the local community.

• 9 a.m.—Ancient Survivors: The Secret World of Cycads: A journey through a world-class collection of prehistoric plants, focusing on the biology and conservation of the ancient Zamia genus.
• 10 a.m.—Living Galleries: The Art and Engineering of Bromeliads: An exploration of epiphytes and their unique water-trapping adaptations in rainforest environments.
• 11 a.m.—Princes of the Tropics: A Journey through the Palms: A showcase of palm diversity, from the soaring heights of Pigafetta filaris to the Licuala genus and the evolutionary story of the native Hawaiian Loulu.

Established in 1990, the 糖心视频 Hilo Botanical Garden was recognized as an accredited garden by Botanic Gardens Conservation International in December 2024.

Related story: Botanical Garden at 糖心视频 Hilo earns global recognition, January 2025

“The is dedicated to plant conservation, research and education,” said founder Don Hemmes. “Featuring an impressive collection of cycads, bromeliads and palms, the garden serves as a valuable resource for the community and contributes to global plant conservation initiatives.”

The botanical garden is open daily and free to the public. For more information, contact Robert Talbert at talbertr@hawaii.edu.

University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa setter Tread Rosenthal was named Big West Men鈥檚 Volleyball Player of the Year, as voted by the league鈥檚 head coaches.

He becomes the fifth Rainbow Warrior to earn the honor, joining recent winners Jakob Thelle and Rado Parapunov. 糖心视频 M膩noa鈥檚 five all-time awards are the most in the conference.

Rosenthal led the Rainbow Warriors to the Big West regular season title with a 9鈥�1 record, ranking first in the conference and third nationally in assists per set (10.63), while directing the nation鈥檚 No. 4 offense.

A semifinalist for AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association) National Player of the Year, Rosenthal earned a record 11 Big West Setter of the Week honors this season and has 23 for his career. He was also named first-team all-conference for the third straight year after helping 糖心视频 finish runner-up at the Big West Championship against Long Beach State.

The Rainbow Warriors look ahead to the NCAA championship tournament where they are seeded No. 2 and received a bye into the regional final on May 2 at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. They will play the winner of USC and Belmont Abbey.

Read more at .

Faculty from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (ICS) presented two peer-reviewed papers at the (ICSE 2026) and related events, April 12–18, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Mobile app accessibility

ICS Assistant Professor Anthony Peruma presented “” in the ICSE 2026 Research Track, co-authored with ICS master鈥檚 alumnus Amila Indika and Professor Rick Kazman from the .

The study examines how mobile app developers approach accessibility across platforms such as iOS and Android. Drawing on a mixed-methods survey of 110 mobile app developers across 43 countries, the research identifies how platform ecosystems, developer experience, organizational constraints and technical limitations shape accessibility practices.

The findings show that while developers recognize the importance of accessibility, accessibility-related testing is often performed late in the development process. The study also revealed meaningful differences in accessibility practices between iOS and Android platforms and across developer experience levels, offering actionable guidance for more inclusive app development.

Improving security for shared software packages

At the Cooperative and Human Aspects of Software Engineering conference, which was co-located with ICSE, ICS Assistant Professor Italo Santos presented the paper “.” The paper was co-authored by Peruma, ICS master鈥檚 student Truman Choy and ICS master鈥檚 alumnus Gerald Lee.

This research investigates how developers who maintain packages in the Node Package Manager (npm) ecosystem—a platform for sharing and managing JavaScript software packages—perceive and address security. Through a survey of 75 npm package developers, the study examines their security practices, the tools they use, barriers to implementing stronger security measures and recommendations for enhancing the security of the npm ecosystem.

The findings highlight concerns such as supply chain attacks, dependency vulnerabilities, malicious code, alert fatigue and false positives, while also identifying opportunities for better detection tools, clearer documentation, stronger account protections and expanded security education.

“Together, these two papers reflect 糖心视频 Mānoa鈥檚 growing contributions to software engineering research, particularly in areas where technical systems intersect with people, organizations and society,” Peruma said. “Our work aims to understand the real-world challenges developers face and provide practical guidance for building software that is more accessible, secure and beneficial to the broader community.”

ICSE is widely recognized as the leading international venue for software engineering research, bringing together researchers, practitioners and educators from around the world to discuss advances, challenges and emerging trends in the field. Acceptance into the ICSE main research track is highly competitive, making the showing a notable achievement for 糖心视频 Mānoa.