Meet University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa alumnus Colby Takeda, who is the CEO and cofounder of Pear Suite, an AI-enabled healthcare company supporting community health workers, doulas and community-based organizations. He oversees operations, marketing, sales, health plan partnerships and national expansion efforts.

Prior to his current position, Takeda worked at Blue Zones Project and The Plaza Assisted Living. He earned his master’s degree in business administration from Shidler College, as well as a master’s degree in public health from the University of California, Berkeley, and his bachelor’s degree from Willamette University.

Tell us about a day at the office.

“In the early days, we had only a few employees. I was doing everything from onboarding new customers to providing direct services to community members in need. Today, we have over 60 employees, so I’m focused on building great teams, driving the company’s vision and working on creative ideas that could reshape how community-based healthcare is delivered and scaled. At the same time, there are still some tactical things that I still like to do, such as designing new marketing campaigns, mentoring student interns and attending industry conferences.”

What did Shidler teach you?

“Shidler’s MBA program and opportunities through PACE () gave me exposure to nearly every aspect of building and leading an organization. Shidler also gave me the confidence to think bigger. Growing up in Hawaiʻi, it can sometimes feel like transformative innovation only happens elsewhere, but Shidler reinforced that it’s possible to build ambitious, nationally impactful companies while staying deeply connected to your community and values.”

What made Shidler memorable?

“Entering the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship’s Venture Competition. Our company was called Pear at the time, and we had already started gaining traction with customers, funding and strong outcomes, so we were convinced we’d do well. Instead, we didn’t even qualify for the finals. It was the first major rejection we faced, and it became an important lesson in resilience. Since then, we’ve faced countless setbacks, but our ability to adapt, iterate and keep moving forward has been one of the biggest drivers of our growth.”

What should students know?

“I’d encourage students to say yes to opportunities, even when they feel uncertain or unconventional. Some of the most impactful experiences in my career came from taking chances on things that didn’t fit a traditional path. It’s also important to invest in relationships early. Hawaiʻi is an incredibly connected community, and the people you meet through Shidler, internships, jobs and professional organizations can become lifelong mentors, collaborators and friends.”

For the entire Q&A and more alumni stories like this, .

legend and 11-year Major League Baseball veteran Kolten Wong has been named special advisor to .

In this role, Wong will serve as a trusted advisor, ambassador and resource for both the athletics department and the Rainbow Warrior baseball program. He will work directly with Athletics Director Matt Elliott and the department’s senior leadership team on special projects, while also serving as a key asset for baseball head coach Rich Hill’s program in the areas of recruiting, player development and community outreach.

“Kolten Wong embodies everything that makes Hawaiʻi Athletics special,” Elliott said. “Few individuals understand the privilege and responsibility of wearing Hawaiʻi across their chest like Kolten does. His big-league pedigree, character and genuine love for this community will make an immediate impact on our student-athletes as they strive for excellence both on and off the field.”

Wong’s appointment brings one of the most decorated figures in Hawaiʻi sports history back to 糖心视频 Mānoa. A member of the 糖心视频 Sports Circle of Honor Class of 2025, Wong’s extensive experience at the highest level of professional baseball will provide invaluable guidance for current student-athletes, prospective recruits and administrative leadership.

“I鈥檓 excited for the opportunity to give back to the University of Hawaiʻi and a baseball program that means so much to me,” Wong said. “I want to use the knowledge, experience and relationships I鈥檝e built throughout my career to help our players develop, both on and off the field.”

All-American, 1st-round draft pick

During his collegiate career with the Rainbow Warriors from 2009 to 2011, Wong established himself as one of the greatest players in program history. The Hilo native was a first-team All-American in 2011 and a Freshman All-American in 2009, earning three consecutive all-conference and all-region honors while guiding 糖心视频 Mānoa to back-to-back Western Athletic Conference titles in 2010 and 2011.

Selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft, Wong went on to an outstanding 11-year Major League career with the Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Dodgers.

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University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa alumna Kaya Ishimine has been on a career fast track since she was a student. She began working at the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi while completing her undergraduate studies in marketing and management.

After graduating, she was promoted to manager of marketing and the Young Professionals (YP) Program, later rising to associate executive director. In July, just two years after graduation, Ishimine stepped into the role of executive director of the program she was first drawn to for the opportunity to learn from high-achieving young adults.

Along the way, she has helped strengthen a growing network of young professionals across the state while finding her own voice as an emerging leader.

“No one knows young professionals better than young professionals,” she said.

Ishimine鈥檚 daily work aligns closely with her background in marketing and management. She works across programming, social media, email, website management, graphic design, meetings and event coverage for both YP and the broader Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi.

Growth, collaboration

Since the YP Program first started in 2011, it has grown to more than 600 members. The program now includes 15 committees, giving members more opportunities to lead, serve and create programming that reflects their interests. For the past two years, Shidler College and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi have collaborated on joint networking opportunities that bring alumni and YP members together.

Over the past four years, Ishimine has built strong relationships with members, board leaders and colleagues. She said the people she works with energize her, along with the creative freedom to turn ideas into reality.

Early in her career, she has been recognized for her impact, including being named a Pacific Business News Inno Under 25 honoree in 2025. Ishimine said the recognition was unexpected but meaningful, and credits mentors and colleagues with helping her build confidence along the way.

Looking back, Ishimine said Shidler College helped prepare her to step into leadership early in her career. Group projects and presentations taught her how to collaborate, communicate and share ideas with confidence, while her marketing courses shaped the way she approaches campaigns and event promotions.

For the entire story and more stories like this, .

Chu Hong was named the 2027 Hawaiʻi state teacher of the year by the Hawaiʻi Department of Education (HIDOE). An educator in HIDOE for 22 years, Hong was selected out of more than 13,000 educators, including 15 and the charter school teacher of the year.

Hong, who earned her (MEdT) degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa , teaches at Kaimuk墨 High School where she developed her school鈥檚 agriculture, food and natural resources pathway, and expanded their garden into a smart farm. Before becoming an agriculture teacher, she taught mathematics and language arts.

“Whether I was teaching English or mathematics, I always tried to help students understand the real-world applications of what they were learning,” Hong said. “I wanted students to be actively engaged in their learning, to have voice and choice in their work, and to see themselves as partners in the learning process.”

糖心视频 M膩noa education shapes teaching philosophy

Of her time in the MEdT program, Hong said it helped shape the educator she has become, giving her a foundation in relationships and the practice of teaching that she continues to draw on today.

The College of Education instilled in me a foundation that has guided my teaching throughout my career.
—Hong

“The College of Education instilled in me a foundation that has guided my teaching throughout my career,” Hong said. “I especially remember learning about inquiry-based and place-based curriculum and the importance of making learning authentic and relevant to students鈥� lives.”

It is these principles that she has incorporated into her work developing a career and technical education program in which her students engage in authentic, interdisciplinary projects that connect science, mathematics, entrepreneurship and sustainability to real-world challenges.

Influenced by numerous educators throughout her life鈥攆rom 糖心视频 M膩noa communicology Professor and Interim Assistant Vice Provost Amy Hubbard, English Professor Candice Fujikane and philosophy Professor Thomas Jackman to her College of Education professors and coordinators鈥擧ong said each of them inspired her through their leadership and encouragement to take risks.

“The lessons I received at 糖心视频 M膩noa remain relevant to my work today, and the people who have influenced me continue to remind me that good teaching requires both preparation and humility,” Hong said.

Read the entire story on the .

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa鈥檚 hosted its 34th Hall of Honor Awards on October 8 at the Sheraton Waikiki. The event celebrated distinguished business professionals who exemplify excellence in their fields, while raising funds to support the college. This year鈥檚 celebration brought together more than 400 guests to recognize the 2026 cohort and raised more than $400,000 thanks to the generosity of local businesses and the community.

The four newest inductees into the Hall of Honor include:

• Brian Bowers, MBA 鈥�96—president, Bowers + Kubota
• David Morimoto, BBA 鈥�91—vice chairman and chief operation officer, Central Pacific Financial Corp. and Central Pacific Bank
• Julie Nakayama, BBA 鈥�94—vice president and chief financial officer, Kyo-ya Management Co. Ltd.
• Patrick Ogawa, BBA 鈥�82—global lead client service partner and senior consulting partner, Deloitte Consulting

“Our four honorees represent what is possible with a Shidler education,” Shidler College Acting Dean Jing Ai said. “Through their leadership, accomplishments and service, they have made a difference in their communities, while continuing to strengthen the connection between our college and the world around us. Their stories also give our students something powerful to aspire to.”

Ai also shared several highlights reflecting the college鈥檚 continued momentum, including a 13% year-over-year increase in undergraduate enrollment at the . Shidler College was also ranked No. 23 in the nation for international business and No. 129 (tied) among 535 undergraduate business programs in the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings.

“We are deeply grateful to our alumni, donors, business partners and friends for their continued belief in our students and our mission,” Ai said. “Their support enables us to attract exceptional faculty, expand meaningful opportunities for our students and continue strengthening Shidler鈥檚 impact and reputation here in Hawaiʻi and around the world.”

Premier fundraising event

The Hall of Honor Awards serve as the premier fundraising event in collaboration with the Shidler College of Business Alumni Association. Proceeds from the evening benefit the college, extending to student programs, scholarship opportunities, faculty research, alumni engagement and special initiatives.

Shidler alumna and 2014 Hall of Honor recipient Gina Mangieri emceed the event. Bowers + Kubota, Deloitte, Central Pacific Bank, First Hawaiian Bank and Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts served as presenting sponsors, while Jay H. Shidler served as contributing sponsor and The Queen鈥檚 Health System as platinum sponsor. Pacific Business News was the media sponsor. If you would like to support Shidler College, contact Jennifer Lieu, director of development, at Jennifer.Lieu@uhfoundation.org or (808) 956-3597. For a full list of past honorees, visit the .

Human rights lawyer and climate justice advocate Julian Aguon, an alumnus of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa , has been named to the , TIME鈥檚 annual list recognizing 100 rising leaders shaping the future and defining the next generation of leadership.

Aguon was selected in the Innovators category for his groundbreaking work advancing climate justice and the rights of Pacific Island nations and communities. TIME100 Next recognizes individuals across five categories: Artists, Phenoms, Leaders, Advocates and Innovators.

In his TIME100 Next profile, Aguon is recognized for serving as lead counsel to the Republic of Vanuatu in the landmark climate proceedings before the International Court of Justice, which resulted in a unanimous 2025 advisory opinion on countries鈥� legal obligations to address climate change.

“It鈥檚 an honor to be included. And a little wild, if I鈥檓 gonna be honest,” said Aguon. “But it鈥檚 also heartening to see how wide their conception of influence is at TIME. I鈥檓 not the first from the climate justice movement to make the list, and I hope not to be the last. Climate change is the defining challenge of our time, and so we need every single light shone on it, with a view toward widening our collective vision and our sense of what is possible.”

More on Aguon

A 2009 graduate of the 糖心视频 law school, Aguon is an internationally recognized human rights lawyer and founder of Blue Ocean Law, a law firm based in Guam that works across the Pacific on issues of self-determination, environmental justice and Indigenous rights.

The TIME100 Next recognition follows several major honors for Aguon and his work. In 2025, Aguon and the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change received the Right Livelihood Award for their efforts to bring the call for climate justice before the world鈥檚 highest court.

“Julian Aguon鈥檚 recognition as a TIME100 Next 2026 honoree celebrates an international leader whose courageous advocacy has expanded our sense of what can be achieved by presciently harnessing the power of human rights, environmental justice and Indigenous wisdom,” said 糖心视频 law school Dean Camille Nelson. “For our students and community, he is an inspiring example of what is possible when excellence is fortified by conviction, compassion and a profound sense of responsibility to others and the planet.”

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Isaiah Nichols-Floyd dreamed of Japan long before arriving in Honolulu to pursue his global MBA at the University of Hawaiʻi at . He was first exposed to Japanese culture as a child through video games, anime and film. As his interest grew, he decided to study Japanese in high school.

Years later, he earned his undergraduate degree in applied economics from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and began a career as an analyst for a software company with an office in Japan. Around the same time, he began researching ways he could live and work in Japan, turning his longtime interest into a professional goal. After exploring graduate school options, he landed on Shidler College鈥檚 global MBA because of its Japan track.

A pivotal moment during his graduate studies came when he began a month-long internship with Japan Airlines鈥� Innovation Lab. It was his first time visiting his dream destination and provided the Japanese workplace and cultural experience he was looking for.

“The experience helped solidify my goal of living and working in Japan,” he said.

During his time at Shidler, Nichols-Floyd took Japanese language classes at 糖心视频 M膩noa as required for the global MBA Japan track. The courses proved extremely valuable as he prepared to move to Japan. He also completed his capstone project as a consultant with a local company, an experience that helped him apply coursework to real-world business situations while gaining practical experience.

Nichols-Floyd is continuing to build on his college experiences and is now employed full time with SOLIZE PARTNERS in its strategic planning department, where he works across global marketing and communications and corporate strategy. In his daily work, he collaborates with stakeholders in different regions and departments to create cohesive messaging across countries. Although the language barrier can be a challenge at times, he appreciates his coworkers鈥� efforts to communicate with him and help him navigate the workplace.

For the entire story and more stories like this, .

For University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa alumna Brandy Shimabukuro, even the best-planned day can change in a minute. She may begin her morning focused on social media strategy, media relations or executive communications, only to shift gears when a cruelty case, emergency response or sudden influx of animals takes precedence. In those moments, her work becomes more than messaging. It becomes a way to build trust, inspire action and help animals across Oʻahu find care, safety and, ideally, a loving home.

As director of communications and marketing at the Hawaiian Humane Society, Shimabukuro leads work across social media, graphic design, website management, media relations, crisis response and strategic campaigns for pets who are harder to place. The role blends storytelling, strategy and care in service of animals and the community.

One of her most impactful campaigns was the opening of the Kosasa Family Campus at Hoʻopili, a five-acre property with a 27,000-square-foot shelter dedicated to the behavioral, medical and socialization needs of thousands of animals each year.

Bringing ‘work’ home

Shimabukuro says one of the most rewarding aspects of her work is the part she often takes home: fostering. Through the organization’s Itty Bitty Kitty Committee, she volunteers with neonatal kittens that require around-the-clock care. Her community engagement team has also fostered nearly 40 dogs and cats in the office, giving pets who struggle in the shelter environment a calmer place to decompress. For Shimabukuro, watching those animals grow, heal and come out of their shells is when she feels closest to the organization’s mission.

One of the most difficult aspects of her job is communicating the complexity of animal welfare with honesty and empathy. Shimabukuro’s approach is grounded in listening, transparency and trust, especially when issues are emotional or difficult to explain.

“The most meaningful measure of success, for me, is whether the work we do changes what’s possible for the animals in our care and the community we serve,” Shimabukuro said.

Looking back, Shimabukuro credits Shidler College not only for the business foundation that shaped her career, but also for the relationships and leadership experiences that stayed with her long after graduation. Her advice to students is simple: show up, get involved, take ownership and stay connected.

For the entire story and more stories like this, .

As a fourth-generation farmer, University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa (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, .

A colorful, crispy new snack inspired by the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa is hitting the shelves.

Hawaiian Chip Company launched M膩noa Mix, an officially licensed 糖心视频 snack featuring a “rainbow” blend of taro, golden sweet potato, purple sweet potato and kettle-style potato chips.

Locally sourced

The company sources Okinawan purple sweet potatoes from Hawaiʻi Island鈥檚 H膩m膩kua Coast and Kauaʻi, while its orange sweet potatoes are grown on Hawaiʻi Island. Locally grown taro is also used.

“Creating this special 糖心视频 M膩noa mix felt like a natural fit for us,“ said Jimmy Chan, CEO of Hawaiian Chip Company. “As a proud 糖心视频 M膩noa graduate, seeing our product hit the shelves is really a full-circle moment.”

The M膩noa Mix will be available at the 糖心视频 M膩noa Bookstore and football game concession stands, as well as select local and online retailers.

More than 100 University of Hawaiʻi alumni, supporters and friends came together in Northern California for 鈥楤ows in the Bay: The Official University of Hawaiʻi Weekend. The events were designed to strengthen alumni connections and celebrate 糖心视频 pride, and were made possible through a collaboration between 糖心视频 M膩noa Athletics, the 糖心视频 Foundation and the 糖心视频 Office of Alumni Relations.

“The Bay Area is home to a vibrant community of 糖心视频 alumni, and gatherings like this provide an opportunity to stay connected to one another and to the university,” said Gerry Somers of the 糖心视频 Alumni Association Bay Area Chapter. “No matter how long we’ve been away from campus, there’s a special bond that brings us together.”

The weekend kicked off with the 糖心视频 Alumni and Friends Pau Hana at The Alexandria at San Carlos on August 27. Attendees reconnected with fellow alumni, met members of the 糖心视频 community and heard updates from university leadership. 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel and 糖心视频 M膩noa Chancellor Vassilis Syrmos joined guests for an evening of conversation and networking, highlighting the university鈥檚 momentum and commitment to its alumni 驶ohana (family).

The weekend continued with the 鈥楤ows Pre-Game Rally ahead of the 糖心视频 football game against Stanford on August 29. Hensel and Athletics Director Matt Elliott gathered with attendees before walking over to the stadium for the game. The rally highlighted the strong bonds of the 糖心视频 驶ohana, bringing together alumni and supporters from near and far.

This was the latest event hosted by the 糖心视频 Office of Alumni Relations to expand engagement opportunities both in the Hawaiian Islands and beyond. For many attendees, the weekend provided an opportunity to foster meaningful connections with fellow alumni and the university itself.

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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A vibrant new mural inside the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa Bookstore is welcoming students with a colorful tribute to the campus community and its rich botanical landscape.

Created by 糖心视频 M膩noa 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 M膩noa 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 M膩noa 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 M膩noa 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 M膩noa community has a story to tell and that those stories help shape the campus experience.

— Emili Phomsouvanh

Equipped with cutting-edge marine robotics, hyperspectral imagers and aerial drones, five University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (MOP) alumni reunited aboard the R/V Searcher in June for a 22-day expedition into Papahānaumokuākea. Their mission was to deploy advanced autonomous systems to combat an invasive macroalgae called Chondria tumulosa.

The expedition highlights the impact of 糖心视频鈥檚 50-year-old undergraduate program, proving how MOP produces scientists, engineers and leaders who work fluently across disciplines, agencies and oceans.

“We have a unique opportunity to work with brilliant marine roboticists to develop tools to help combat one of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 most mysterious and potentially devastating marine macroalgae species, Chondria tumulosa,” said Chief Scientist Keolohilani H. Lopes Jr., a MOP alumnus and 糖心视频 Mānoa PhD candidate.

High-tech tools, interagency collaboration

The voyage brought together diverse expertise to monitor and protect fragile ecosystems. Three advanced marine robotic packages—equipped with computer vision cameras, a hyperspectral imager and an environmental DNA (eDNA) profiler—were provided by Matthew Dunbabin鈥檚 lab at Queensland University of Technology. Meanwhile, PhD student Anna Baker Mikkelsen of the Climate Resilience Collaborative (CRC) led aerial mapping of Sand Island at Kuaihelani (Midway) using a drone.

Shellie Habel, a coastal geologist with the CRC and , served as primary drone pilot for aerial mapping. At Manawai (Pearl and Hermes Atoll), the team conducted aerial operations over shallow reef flats to supplement in-water surveys of macroalgae. The team also evaluated shoreline changes at Tern Island and East Island of Lalo (French Frigate Shoals) to support research led by Sara Kahanamoku and Haunani Kane at 糖心视频 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 (SOEST).

Decades of trust, leadership

Crucial permit compliance, field safety, and historical context were overseen by MOP alumnus Jason Leonard, Marine Operations Coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration鈥檚 (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary. Leonard, who has visited the sanctuary for more than 25 years, credited MOP and its Quantitative Underwater Ecological Surveying Techniques field program with preparing exceptional marine field personnel.

糖心视频 Mānoa MOP Coordinator Jeff Kuwabara also served as expedition photographer.

“What made this expedition possible wasn’t just funding or equipment,” Kuwabara said. “It was a network of trust built over decades, by people who trained together, dove together, and learned to work across disciplines before they ever had professional titles. That network is MOP‘s quiet legacy: not a single discovery or expedition, but a generation of professionals who know how to collaborate because they were taught to from the start.”

What is the most important trait of a journalist? It鈥檚 helpful to be a strong communicator. But ask editors and newsroom leaders what professional strengths are highly valued, and the answers include tenacity, curiosity and, perhaps foremost, someone with high ethical standards who is meticulous about fact-checking.

In May 2024, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser found someone who fit the bill. Victoria Budiono, a 糖心视频 M膩noa double major in and , was hired as a reporter only a year after graduation. That鈥檚 partly because the now 23-year-old alumna held multiple internships and freelance opportunities while enrolled at the .

“We couldn鈥檛 be prouder of Victoria, or more grateful to 糖心视频, for preparing one promising student after another for our annual winter and summer internships,” said Dan Nakaso, Star-Advertiser capitol bureau chief. “Victoria quickly earned a reputation as a promising, smart, curious and respectful journalist who understood the importance of double- and triple-checking facts. Now she鈥檚 a general assignment reporter covering personal tragedies, triumphs and everything in between.”

Budiono grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia, and came to 糖心视频 M膩noa after working on school newsletters and magazines from elementary through high school.

“I鈥檝e always loved writing, talking to people and hearing their stories,” she said. “Through reporting, I saw how these stories could bring attention to issues that often went unnoticed, especially in Indonesia, where many topics are considered taboo, and people are often taught not to air their ‘dirty laundry.’”

Her passion for journalism grew throughout her three years at 糖心视频 M膩noa and beyond through multiple learning experiences at news organizations and a nonprofit, including:

• A semester-long internship at Hawaiʻi Business Magazine, during which she contributed to a “My Jobs” series on people with unusual careers. She later returned as a freelance writer, producing feature stories that earned her a Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Hawaiʻi Chapter award.
• Freelancing at Honolulu Magazine and its sister company, Frolic Hawaiʻi, where she wrote articles and did social media posts for the food and lifestyle website.
• A five-month internship at the Aloha Harvest marketing/communications department, where she helped to write reports, update mailing lists and produce a newsletter for the food rescue nonprofit.
• Working at Honolulu Civil Beat through an SPJ summer internship, specializing in general reporting assignments.
• A five-month internship with the 厂迟补谤-础诲惫别谤迟颈蝉别谤鈥檚 Capitol Bureau, which transitioned into a full-time job as a general assignment reporter once the legislative session ended.

Budiono said she enjoys the eclectic nature of her work.

“Because I don鈥檛 cover a single beat, I am constantly learning about new topics and meeting people from different backgrounds,” she said. “On any given day, I might be reporting on government issues, housing, insurance, education or community events鈥攕ubjects I knew very little about beforehand.”

Read more about Budiono鈥檚 journalism journey on the .

Join our University of Hawaiʻi ʻohana to shop local and celebrate 糖心视频 alumni small businesses at the 5th annual 糖心视频 Alumni Makers鈥� Market at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikīkī on July 29, 6–9 p.m.

The signature event showcases food, drinks and products from alumni-owned and led small businesses.

and include unlimited access to food and drink stations, and the opportunity to purchase merchandise.

Presented by the 糖心视频 Office of Alumni Relations, in partnership with the 糖心视频 Alumni Association, a portion of proceeds will go toward benefiting student needs across the 10-campus 糖心视频 system.

More information can be found at the .

Participating food and beverage vendors include:

• BeerLab Hawaii
• Bite Logic
• KCCAKESS
• Kai Vodka
• Kapa Hale
• Kapiʻolani Community College Culinary/Jason Peel
• Little Plum/Uncle Paul鈥檚 Corner Store
• Makanai
• PILI Group
• Pono Potions
• Pop Culture Artisan Pops
• Rainbow Drive-In
• Summer Club
• The Lei Stand
• The Pau Hana Co.

Participating marketplace vendors include:

• Arii Jewelry
• Art by Sachiko
• Aunty Kendra鈥檚
• Choco Leʻa
• Churro鈥檚 Fish Market
• David Shepard Hawaiʻi
• Hawaii Confectionery
• Hawaiian Pie Co.
• Huff n Puff
• Kailua Honey
• Kaululani Florals
• Mari鈥檚 Garden
• Okonokai
• Old Queen Street Stadium
• Ports + Paws
• Premier Barbershop
• Red Thread Artistry
• Sweet Enemy Clothing
• Ten Tomorrow
• Touch A Heart
• Urban Cowboy
• Wailana Hawaiʻi Art
• Welo Creations

The University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa’s (JABSOM) is helping strengthen Guam’s future physician workforce by mentoring the next generation of aspiring doctors.

One of them is Eduardo Biala Jr., a recent graduate whose journey to medicine was inspired by watching family members travel off island to access specialty care.

“Seeing my family members navigate healthcare, having to go off-island to seek whatever specialty care they needed and being exposed to that is what kind of got me interested in medicine and I took a leap of faith,” Biala said.

That leap led him from the University of Guam to JABSOM through the ʻImi Hoʻōla Program. Now he mentors students on the same path through Chålan Åmte, a nonprofit founded by JABSOM students and alumni to support aspiring physicians from Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Building Guam鈥檚 next healthcare generation

Current JABSOM student Mason Caldwell, Chålan Åmte’s executive director, said the organization has grown into a network of physicians, medical students and pre-medical students committed to strengthening Guam’s healthcare workforce.

“The direct translation of Chålan Åmte is ‘a pathway to healing’ and that鈥檚 one of the things that we鈥檙e trying to solidify and make sure it will continue after us,” Caldwell said.

Members mentor students through the medical school application process and regularly return home to connect with aspiring physicians.

For Caldwell, Chålan Åmte is creating the support system many of its members never had. Instead of relying on word-of-mouth or internet searches, today’s pre-medical students can connect with mentors early and receive guidance throughout the application process. He hopes Chålan Åmte will continue serving as a resource for future physicians while strengthening connections between Guam, the Marianas and JABSOM.

Biala noted that despite the physical distance, he remains deeply connected to the island and finds the work of Chålan Åmte highly rewarding.

“For me, when I hear that they got into JABSOM, I think ‘Yes! You鈥檙e going to love it there!’” he said.

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Three Hawaiʻi educators, including University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (COE) alumni Kawika Gonzales and Leah Aiwohi, were named finalists in the Presidential AI Challenge for their work advancing responsible artificial intelligence (AI) education. As national finalists and winners of the regional competition, they received a monetary prize and access to web-based resources.

Empowering students through responsible AI

Along with colleague Chloe Sato, the educators were recognized in Washington, D.C., for Global Innovation Race Hawaiʻi, a statewide program that teaches high school students how to use AI responsibly while addressing real-world community challenges.

Gonzales, who earned a master of education in learning design and technology and a certificate in online learning and teaching from 糖心视频 Mānoa, said the program encourages students to think beyond simply using AI tools.

“Teaching our students how to use AI is no longer enough,” Gonzales said. “We also need to teach them when to use it, why to use it, and whether it should be used at all.”

Aiwohi, who earned a bachelor of education and professional diploma in elementary education from the College of Education, said her preparation at 糖心视频 continues to shape her teaching decades later.

“Although I graduated from the College of Education more than 36 years ago, the lessons that have stayed with me are not tied to specific textbooks or technologies; they are the enduring principles of effective teaching,” Aiwohi said.

The program connects students across Hawaiʻi to collaborate on community-based projects using design thinking and responsible AI, helping prepare the next generation of ethical technology leaders.

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For more on how Gonzales is inspiring his haumāna (students) on Molokaʻi, see this 糖心视频 News story.

Whether you recognize his voice from Spectrum Sports broadcasts, his face from local television newscasts, or his name from the award-winning production company RKT Media, Ryan Kalei Tsuji seems to be everywhere. But before he was an Emmy-winning CEO, a protocol officer for the governor, or the owner of a booming cocktail bar, Tsuji鈥檚 dynamic journey began at the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa.

Growing up as a sports fan in Hilo, Tsuji wanted to be a TV reporter and always dreamed of attending 糖心视频. Driven by this passion, he earned bachelor鈥檚 degrees in communications and political science in 2007, followed by a master鈥檚 degree in public administration in 2009. During his time at 糖心视频 M膩noa, he also worked his way up from a manager to an assistant coach for the nationally ranked Rainbow Wahine volleyball team under legendary coach Dave Shoji.

“I was like Van Wilder, I was at 糖心视频 for eight years getting all these different degrees because 糖心视频 was paying for it,” said Tsuji. “It was an opportunity for me to just really be a part of the University of Hawaiʻi system and I just loved my experience and time there.”

Tsuji parlayed his education into a multi-faceted career. He launched the video production company RKT Media in 2016, co-hosts the interactive program Spotlight Now, and has been recognized with multiple honors, including being named to Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40. In 2022, he opened The Lei Stand, a bar and lounge, in Chinatown. Now located in Waik墨k墨, The Lei Stand will be expanding to the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

Celebrating alumni entrepreneurship

The Lei Stand is one of nearly 40 vendors confirmed for the 5th Annual 糖心视频 Alumni Makers鈥� Market on Wednesday, July 29, at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The event is dedicated to showcasing food, drinks and products from alumni-led businesses. .

“It鈥檚 a great way to reconnect with former alumni, but also an opportunity to just really be proud of where we came from and all the talent that stayed here in Hawaiʻi and is giving back to the community,” Tsuji said.

Presented by the 糖心视频 Office of Alumni Relations in partnership with the 糖心视频 Alumni Association, a portion of the proceeds will go toward addressing current 糖心视频 student needs statewide. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, email .