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

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

Elevating the voices of the community colleges

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Separating 糖心视频 M膩noa and system leadership

Hensel also highlighted the July 2026 separation of 糖心视频 M膩noa and 糖心视频 System operations as a major step toward the new organizational structure.

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

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

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

Exploring a West Oʻahu regional model

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

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

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

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

Elevating academic technology and Native Hawaiian leadership

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

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

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

Building a statewide student ecosystem

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Committee priorities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sharing risk across 10 campuses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Elected chair of the (BOR) on July 2, Lauren Akitake became the first woman from the neighbor islands to lead the university’s governing board. She presided over her first meeting as chair on July 16, beginning her leadership of the 11-member board responsible for setting policy and providing oversight for 糖心视频‘s 10-campus system.

Akitake serves alongside 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel, marking the first time women are leading both the university’s governing board and administration.

“Chair Akitake brings a deep commitment to public service, a strong connection to our communities and a thoughtful approach to leadership,” said 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel. “Her experience as a regent, educator and attorney provides a strong foundation for this important role. I look forward to working alongside her as we continue advancing the University of Hawaiʻi‘s mission and creating opportunities for our students, faculty, staff and communities across the state.”

Since joining the BOR in 2023 representing Maui County—with a term running through 2028—Akitake has taken on increasing leadership responsibilities before being elected chair. She previously chaired the BOR Committee on Institutional Success, helping oversee policy discussions and recommendations that support 糖心视频‘s mission and strategic priorities.

Akitake’s election also follows a transition for the BOR, which welcomed five new members at its July 16 meeting. She said she looks forward to working with the new regents, who bring experience and fresh perspectives as the board continues guiding 糖心视频‘s future.

Rooted in Maui, connected to 糖心视频

Akitake, who was born and raised in Waiehu, Maui, shared how her background brought her to this role.

“To say this is an honor is an understatement,” she said. “I was shaped by my community, my public school teachers, and the values I learned at home. I carry that foundation with me, and it is what brought me to this seat today. This is more than an honor. It is a responsibility to serve the University of Hawaiʻi system—our students, faculty, staff and the communities we are entrusted to serve across Hawaiʻi and beyond.”

At the center of our work must be our students鈥攖heir experience and their success鈥攚hile supporting their academic and life journey.
—Lauren Akitake

Akitake taught business law at from 2015 to 2021, and currently serves as the first executive director and legal counsel for the Maui County Board of Ethics and was a per diem District Court judge for the Second Circuit.

With nearly two decades of legal experience—including work in civil litigation, estate planning, trust administration and guardianship proceedings—she earned her bachelor’s degree from Pomona College, a master’s degree from the University of Stirling, and her juris doctor from the University of Kansas, having completed her third year at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补’蝉 .

As BOR chair, Akitake will help guide 糖心视频‘s strategic direction while keeping students central to the board’s efforts.

“At the center of our work must be our students—their experience and their success—while supporting their academic and life journey,” Akitake said. “I look forward to working with you to strengthen this university—not only as a place of learning, but as a destination for world-class research, academics, athletics, innovation and service to our communities.”

Darsh Davé, Darren Lerner and the Hawaiʻi Papa o ke Ao Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office have been selected as the University of Hawaiʻi‘s nominees for the Governor’s Awards for Distinguished State Service. The award honors the state’s executive branch employees and managers who exemplify the highest caliber of public service and dedication to serving the people of Hawaiʻi. 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel made the announcement during the (BOR) meeting on July 16 at 糖心视频 Mānoa.

“We never give enough appreciation for the hardworking faculty and staff around the university, and so it really is a pleasure for me to identify a few employees and a few groups whose dedication and achievements have earned well deserved recognition,” Hensel said at the BOR meeting.

Employee of the Year: Darsh Davé

Darsh Davé, human resources manager at , was named 糖心视频‘s 2026 Employee of the Year. He was recognized as a trusted resource who helps the campus navigate complex personnel matters while supporting effective operations. Davé has improved service delivery by addressing long-standing process challenges, streamlining faculty payment workflows and strengthening coordination across departments.

He was also recognized for his leadership during a high-risk campus incident, helping de-escalate the situation so a major campus event could continue safely. Through mentoring colleagues, supporting workforce initiatives and promoting professional development, Davé has made lasting contributions to the college community.

Manager of the Year: Darren Lerner

Darren Lerner, director of , consortium director of the and interim associate dean for research in 糖心视频 Mānoa‘s , was named the university’s 2026 Manager of the Year. He was recognized for transformational leadership that has strengthened Hawaiʻi Sea Grant and expanded its impact across the university and the state.

Lerner 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.

Team of the Year: Hawaiʻi Papa o ke Ao Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office

The Hawaiʻi Papa o ke Ao Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office Team was recognized as 糖心视频‘s 2026 Team of the Year. The team was honored for advancing the university’s goal of becoming a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning through strategic planning and the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation framework. By building strong relationships across campuses and breaking down institutional silos, the team has helped strengthen Indigenous-centered practices throughout the university.

Its efforts have contributed to major accomplishments, including securing a $68.5-million National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration award and advancing the “Aloha Begins with Us” movement, helping foster a more connected, resilient and culturally grounded university community.

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

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

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

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

The 糖心视频 Board of Regents (BOR) elected Lauren Akitake as chair for the 2026–27 academic year and welcomed five new members during a special meeting on July 2 at 糖心视频 Mānoa. Akitake was elected by a vote of seven to four.

Akitake was appointed to the board in 2023 and represents Maui County. The BOR governs the 糖心视频 10-campus system and is responsible for policy direction, financial oversight and long-term strategic planning. As chair, she will preside over board meetings and work closely with 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel and fellow regents to help guide the university’s strategic priorities.

“This is more than an honor. It is a responsibility to serve the University of Hawaiʻi system—our students, faculty, staff and the communities we are entrusted to serve across Hawaiʻi and beyond,” said Akitake (the complete statement is included below). “At the center of our work must be our students—their experience and their success—while supporting their academic and life journey.”

The board also elected former Chair Gabriel Lee as first vice chair and newly appointed Regent Keith Amemiya as second vice chair. Both will serve one-year terms during the 2026–27 academic year.

Five new regents begin service

The new leadership takes office alongside five newly appointed regents, making this one of the board’s largest transitions in recent years.

Joining the 11-member governing board are Keith Amemiya, Marie Laderta, Makai Freitas, Keola Robert Whittaker and student Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee. Together, the new regents bring expertise in higher education, business, finance, law, labor, public service and student leadership.

Amemiya, a 糖心视频 Mānoa graduate and senior vice president at Central Pacific Bank, previously served as BOR executive administrator and secretary.

Laderta has nearly three decades of public service experience, including leadership roles with the state Department of Human Resources Development, Department of Taxation and the Department of the Attorney General.

Freitas is a Hawaiʻi Island labor leader with more than two decades of experience with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, where he has led workforce development initiatives and labor negotiations. He also serves as the West Hawaiʻi representative on the Hawaiian Homes Commission.

Whittaker is a Maui-based land use attorney with experience in environmental and regulatory law and a longtime community volunteer.

Gee, an honors student at 糖心视频 Mānoa majoring in international business and finance, has served in state and county youth leadership roles and will represent students across the 糖心视频 system.

The 11-member board is composed of volunteer regents representing every county in Hawaiʻi, including five members from the City and County of Honolulu, two each from Hawaiʻi and Maui counties, one from Kauaʻi County and one student regent.

Akitake’s statement after being elected BOR chair

“To say this is an honor is an understatement. I was born and raised in Waiehu, on Maui, and I was shaped by my community, my public school teachers, and the values I learned at home. I carry that foundation with me, and it is what brought me to this seat today.

This is more than an honor. It is a responsibility to serve the University of Hawaiʻi system—our students, faculty, staff, and the communities we are entrusted to serve across Hawaiʻi and beyond.

I often ask a simple question: Where are we going? My hope is that, as a board, we continue to answer that question together—clearly, consistently and with purpose—so that our decisions are connected, not piecemeal, and that we are moving in one direction. I am grateful to be doing this work with five new regents who bring experience and fresh perspectives, and I look forward to working with all of you.

At the center of our work must be our students—their experience and their success—while supporting their academic and life journey. I look forward to working with you to strengthen this university—not only as a place of learning, but as a destination for world-class research, academics, athletics, innovation and service to our communities. Thank you for this honor. I will not take it lightly, and I look forward to the work ahead.”

The (BOR) honored four departing members in resolutions recognizing their service to the university during a special meeting on July 2.

Regents Joshua Faumuina, William “Bill” Haning III, Wayne Higaki and Diane Paloma were honored for their leadership and contributions to the during their time on the board.

Joshua Faumuina

Appointed as student regent in 2024, Faumuina became the first student regent elected as a board officer, serving as second vice chair. A graduate of Kapiʻolani Community College, 糖心视频 M膩noa and the William S. Richardson School of Law, he also mentored STEM students, supported community college initiatives and provided pro bono legal assistance.

William “Bill” Haning III

An Oʻahu regent appointed in 2021, Haning brought decades of experience in medicine, education and military service. An emeritus professor of psychiatry at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, he chaired the Intercollegiate Athletics Committee and served as vice chair of the Research and Innovation and Student Success committees.

Wayne Higaki

Higaki concluded one of the board’s longest tenures after first being appointed in 2014 to represent Hawaiʻi Island. He served two terms as board vice chair and chaired both the Budget and Finance and Independent Audit committees.

Diane Paloma

Appointed in 2021, Paloma brought extensive healthcare and nonprofit leadership experience to the board. She chaired the Budget and Finance and Kuleana committees and served as vice chair of the Planning and Facilities Committee.

The resolutions express the Board of Regents’ gratitude for each regent’s dedicated service and lasting contributions to the university and the state.

Read the full BOR resolutions honoring Joshua Faumuina, William “Bill” Haning III, Wayne Higaki and Diane Paloma.

Keola Robert Whittaker was appointed to the (BOR) on June 26, 2026, by Gov. Josh Green, pending confirmation by the Hawaiʻi State Senate. Whittaker will represent Maui County through June 30, 2030, filling the seat vacated by Kuiokalani Gapero following his resignation.

Born and raised in Honolulu, Whittaker has lived on Maui since 2020. A land use attorney, he represents clients on development projects, environmental review under the Hawaiʻi Environmental Policy Act and regulatory matters involving state and county land use agencies.

“I understand the unique challenges facing communities on Maui, Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi, and the transformative role the University of Hawaiʻi can play in their future,” Whittaker said. “I will strive to bring a neighbor island perspective that is essential to the governance of a university system that serves the entire state.”

More about Whittaker

Whittaker also serves on the boards of Habitat for Humanity Maui and Wave of Harmony, a foundation that supports performing arts education, cultural programs and youth development. He previously served as board president of the First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles and on the board of Outright International, a global nonprofit that advances human rights for LGBTQ+ people.

Whittaker earned a BA from Whitman College, an MA from Reed College and a JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He is completing a Master of Divinity degree at Starr King School for the Ministry, where he serves as student body president.

More about the BOR

The BOR governs the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system and is responsible for policy direction, financial oversight and long-term strategic planning. The board consists of 11 non-compensated volunteer members representing every county in the state, including five from the City and County of Honolulu, two each from Hawaiʻi and Maui counties, one from Kauaʻi County and one 糖心视频 student.

Gov. Josh Green appointed University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa undergraduate student Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee to the (BOR), subject to confirmation by the Hawaiʻi State Senate. Gee replaces Regent and JD candidate Joshua Faumuina, whose term ends in June 2026. If confirmed, Gee will serve a two-year term beginning on July 1, 2026.

“I鈥檓 honored to serve University of Hawaiʻi students from all islands and campuses, and I look forward to ensuring their voices are heard while working alongside the Board of Regents,” Gee said. “I鈥檝e always been passionate about youth empowerment, and I hope to further that work through my role as the new student member of the Board of Regents.”

An Honors student at 糖心视频 Mānoa, Gee is pursuing an and double major from the , with a minor in from the . Born and raised in South Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island, he graduated as valedictorian from Kealakehe High School in 2024.

Gee has held leadership roles at both the county and state levels, serving as inaugural chairperson of the County of Hawaiʻi Youth Commission and as a treasurer of the Hawaiʻi State Youth Commission, where he helped develop youth policy and advised government leaders. His experience also includes work on sustainability and education initiatives with Hawaiʻi Green Growth and cultural programming through Traditions Hawaiʻi.

As a Villars Institute Fellow, Gee participated in a 2025 expedition to Antarctica as the only American selected for the international mission led by polar explorer Robert Swan. During the expedition, he joined scientists, educators and young leaders in research activities and live educational broadcasts with classrooms around the world, promoting climate stewardship and raising awareness about the importance of protecting Antarctica. He also was selected for the World Affairs Councils of America Student Scholars Program and appeared in the PBS documentary series “Rethinking Higher Ed.”

• Related 糖心视频 News story: Antarctica to Mānoa: 糖心视频 student joins global effort to protect a fragile continent, December 16, 2025

The BOR is responsible for overseeing the 10-campus 糖心视频 system, including policy direction, financial oversight and long-term strategic planning. The BOR is the governing body of 糖心视频 and consists of 11 non-compensated volunteer members. Representation includes five from the City and County of Honolulu; two from Hawaiʻi County; two from Maui County; one from Kauaʻi County and one 糖心视频 student.

The University of Hawaiʻi System has announced the appointment of Brad Christ as vice president for information technology and chief information officer (CIO), effective May 23. The appointment was officially approved by the Board of Regents (BOR) at its May 21 meeting.

“I am honored to step into this role,” said Christ. “I look forward to collaborating on and building upon the technology initiatives we have already launched across the system, further modernizing our cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity protections, and ensuring that our students, faculty, and staff have the innovative tools they need for success.”

Prior to this, Christ served as the 糖心视频 System鈥檚 associate vice president and deputy CIO. Over the past year in that role, he made an immediate and significant impact through strategic leadership, generating tangible results for the university. Through his review of major ITS systems and contracts over this past year, he identified $327,000 in direct savings for the current and future fiscal years. Furthermore, Christ has advanced critical digital transformation efforts across all campuses, including leading the impending system-wide launch of a Microsoft 365 environment to provide AI-enabled tools to students, faculty and staff, as well as securing system-wide access to GitHub Enterprise at no cost to the university. He has also accelerated 糖心视频‘s cloud strategy and actively supported 糖心视频 Mānoa’s work to become a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning.

“Christ stepped forward to lead stabilization efforts during a critical period, improving communication, strengthening community engagement, and driving resolution of major system deficiencies,” 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel wrote in a letter to the BOR. “His calm, hands-on leadership has been instrumental in restoring confidence and improving service delivery.”

Christ brings 25 years of experience in higher education information technology to his new role. Before joining 糖心视频, he served as the CIO for Eastern Washington University for more than seven years, while concurrently acting as the interim associate vice president for facilities and athletic facilities during the final 18 months of his tenure. His career also includes seven years as CIO for Southern Oregon University and 13 years at Augsburg University, where he advanced through multiple roles from technician to director.

A native of Minnesota, Christ earned his master鈥檚 degree in planning and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in political science from the University of Minnesota. Additionally, he served in the Minnesota Army National Guard for nine years.

Christ is involved with organizations such as EDUCAUSE, Internet2 and the Northwest Academic Computing Consortium, where he serves as a co-manager of the organization’s cybersecurity program. For the last 13 years, he has also served as an accreditation evaluator for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Gov. Josh Green appointed Makai Freitas to the (BOR), subject to confirmation by the Hawaiʻi State Senate. Freitas represents Hawaiʻi County and will replace Regent Wayne Higaki whose term ends in June 2026.

Freitas is a distinguished labor leader with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, with more than 20 years of expertise in organizational leadership and workforce advocacy. Throughout his career, he has spearheaded complex negotiations and strategic workforce development initiatives that have strengthened economic opportunities for thousands of families across Hawaiʻi.

Freitas has a proven track record of cross-sector collaboration, working with educators, public agencies and community organizations to build pipelines from the classroom to the workforce.

“I am honored to be appointed to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents and grateful for the opportunity to serve our students, faculty, staff and communities,” Freitas said. “Higher education plays a vital role in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 future. I look forward to strengthening the university鈥檚 mission of teaching, learning and community service.”

Freitas also serves as the West Hawaiʻi representative on the Hawaiian Homes Commission within the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

A graduate of the University of Arizona, Freitas brings his statewide advocacy and local community insight to the board. He resides in Waimea with his wife, Aulani, and their two daughters, Wailea and Mahina.

The BOR is responsible for overseeing the 10-campus 糖心视频 system, including policy direction, financial oversight and long-term strategic planning. The BOR is the governing body of 糖心视频 and consists of 11 non-compensated volunteer members. Representation includes five from the City and County of Honolulu; two from Hawaiʻi County; two from Maui County; one from Kauaʻi County and one 糖心视频 student.

Freitas will serve a term as prescribed by law, pending Senate confirmation.

The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents (BOR) said 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel “exceeded our expectations” in her annual performance evaluation for academic year 2026–2027, shared at the May 21 BOR meeting held at 糖心视频 West Oʻahu. Regents praised Hensel, who began serving as 糖心视频 president on January 1, 2025, for her leadership during her first year and expressed confidence in the university鈥檚 continued progress.

“Over the past year, President Wendy F. Hensel has demonstrated proactive and highly engaged leadership during her early tenure at the University of Hawaiʻi,” said BOR Chair Gabriel Lee in a statement following the evaluation (full statement below). “She has successfully prioritized extensive internal and external stakeholder engagement, navigated significant legislative and budgetary challenges, and launched comprehensive evaluations of system-wide structures.”

The board highlighted several accomplishments during Hensel鈥檚 first year, including securing 糖心视频鈥檚 state budget, leading a successful athletics director search, deploying systemwide student success technologies, increasing access to 糖心视频 for Hawaiʻi public high school students through Direct2糖心视频, and advancing an artificial intelligence integration strategy. Regents also acknowledged major operational challenges the university faced during the evaluation period, including the transition to the new Banner student information system, cybersecurity issues and rapidly shifting federal policies affecting higher education.

“Moving forward, we ask that her focus shift to finalizing major reorganizational goals—such as completing the separation of the Mānoa and System leadership—implementing a new strategic budget model, standardizing student care, completing the health campus consolidations and elevating workforce development,” the statement said.

It concluded with the board expressing appreciation for Hensel鈥檚 leadership and optimism for the future.

“The Board of Regents is grateful for her leadership and performance. She exceeded our expectations and we look forward to continued progress together.”

President’s performance evaluation statement from the Board of Regents

May 21, 2026

“Over the past year, President Wendy F. Hensel has demonstrated proactive and highly engaged leadership during her early tenure at the University of Hawaiʻi. She has successfully prioritized extensive internal and external stakeholder engagement, navigated significant legislative and budgetary challenges, and launched comprehensive evaluations of system-wide structures.

Key achievements include securing our state budget, executing a successful Athletic Director search, deploying system-wide student success technologies, increasing access to 糖心视频 from our public high schools through Direct2糖心视频, and advancing a robust Artificial Intelligence integration strategy.

The University has faced distinct operational challenges, including a difficult Banner transition, continued cyber-security challenges, and near-daily disruptions from shifting federal executive orders.

Moving forward, we ask that her focus shift to finalizing major reorganizational goals—such as completing the separation of the Mānoa and System leadership—implementing a new strategic budget model, standardizing student care, completing the health campus consolidations, and elevating workforce development.

The Board of Regents is grateful for her leadership and performance. She exceeded our expectations and we look forward to continued progress together.”

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel highlighted a new scholarship for community college transfer students, reflected on the conclusion of the legislative session, provided an update on the 糖心视频 M膩noa chancellor search and celebrated recent athletic successes, including a national championship, during her monthly report to the 糖心视频 Board of Regents (BOR). The update was provided at the May 21 BOR meeting at 糖心视频 West Oʻahu.

Among the highlights, Hensel announced the new Next Step Scholarship, which will provide eligible 糖心视频 Community College students up to $2,000 to continue their education at a 糖心视频 four-year campus. She also discussed key legislative measures affecting 糖心视频, including proposals involving tuition and fee reserves and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) funding for athletics.

Hensel shared that the 糖心视频 M膩noa chancellor search remains on track, with a finalist expected to be named in June. She also outlined a new strategic budgeting process designed to better align future investments with 糖心视频 priorities and student success.

The report also included congratulations to more than 5,340 spring graduates across 糖心视频鈥檚 10 campuses, recognition of the 糖心视频 M膩noa men鈥檚 volleyball team for winning the NCAA national championship and praise for 糖心视频 employees who helped raise more than $51,800 and collect 3,300 pounds of food during the 2026 Hawaiʻi Foodbank Campaign.

• 糖心视频 graduation ceremonies ()
• Next Step Scholarship ()
• Legislative session recap ()
• Name, Image and Likeness legislation ()
• Budget planning process ()
• 糖心视频 M膩noa chancellor search update ()
• Athletics recap ()
• 糖心视频 Kudos: Hawaiʻi Foodbank Campaign ()

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel presented a coordinated effort to better align strategy and budgeting across the 10-campus system to the 糖心视频 Board of Regents on April 16.

Hensel framed alignment as a core governance issue, emphasizing that strategic priorities must be consistently reflected in how resources are allocated in the budget, how campuses are evaluated and how leaders are reviewed.

A structured approach

Hensel highlighted challenges that are common in multi-campus systems, where individual campuses tend to operate separately. When alignment is weak, she said, strategic plans often sit on the shelf.

The result can be a system that underperforms despite strong individual efforts. Leadership, she noted, must regularly navigate tensions between aligning the 10 campuses while still allowing for individual campus missions to be pursued.

“We want an aligned system where we鈥檙e all moving in the same direction, but there are differentiated missions on each campus and specific priorities on each campus,” Hensel said. “We, as a group of 10 [campuses], have agreed on the major objectives that have let us have significant impact over time.”

To address those issues, the university is implementing a coordinated process centered on key areas:

• Strategic action plans: annual plans tied directly to system and campus priorities, with defined outcomes, teams and resources.
• Budget transparency: a clearer, multi-year budgeting process aligned with strategic goals rather than historical funding patterns.
• Incentives: performance-based funding and stipends to encourage innovation, collaboration and student success.
• Accountability: a standardized set of performance metrics and regular campus reviews to track progress and inform leadership evaluations.

The system also plans to expand leadership evaluations for officers, chancellors and administrators, including potential 360-degree reviews, and increase transparency through regular performance reporting.

Continuous improvement

Hensel concluded by emphasizing that alignment is not a one-time effort but an ongoing cycle of planning, measurement and adjustment.

“In order to move from a very decentralized approach to strategy across the 10 [campuses]; by setting alignment as a goal up front, it really enables the entire strategic plan to be executed,” she said.

The goal, she noted, is a more cohesive system that better serves students and the state.

A master of hula and Hawaiian music whose influence spans generations, Robert Uluwehion膩puaikaw膿kiuokalani Cazimero will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University of Hawaiʻi.

The Board of Regents approved the honor at its April 16 meeting at , following a request from Chancellor Carlos Pe帽aloza. The degree will be formally conferred during Leeward CC鈥檚 fall convocation.

“I never really thought about this before, and to have it happen in such a truly beautiful, humbling—and even overwhelming—way, I鈥檓 grateful,” said Cazimero. “I鈥檓 really happy to be here.”

糖心视频 ties and cultural impact

Cazimero is widely recognized for his leadership of H膩lau N膩 Kamalei o L墨l墨lehua and his influence on generations of haum膩na (students), as well as his celebrated career in Hawaiian music. His work has helped strengthen the continuity and global reach of Hawaiian cultural traditions.

Throughout his career, he has been a steadfast partner to 糖心视频, supporting its mission to nurture knowledge, improve cultural identity and inspire future generations. Across 糖心视频鈥檚 10 campuses, he has shared his time and expertise through guest lectures, workshops, performances and mentorship rooted in a deep sense of kuleana (responsibility).

“His engagement with our campus community has provided students, faculty and staff with meaningful opportunities to learn directly from a master practitioner whose work bridges ancestral knowledge and contemporary expression,” said Keala Chock, a former student and Leeward CC vice chancellor for academic affairs.

Related story: Legendary musician Robert Cazimero opens exhibit with Windward CC students, January 2026

Cazimero鈥檚 engagement at Leeward CC reflects an enduring partnership in cultural learning and mentorship, helping to deepen students鈥� experiences with ʻike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian knowledge). He is also the featured artist in Ke Kilo Lani, an exhibition presented by Windward CC that highlights his life, legacy and contributions through immersive cultural storytelling.

During the meeting, Regent Neil Abercrombie shared an emotional memory of seeing Cazimero perform for the first time at 糖心视频 M膩noa鈥檚 Andrews Amphitheatre in the 1970s. Regent Diane Paloma also noted that she was among his students, reflecting his lasting impact as an educator and mentor.

The honorary doctorate recognizes individuals of national or international distinction whose contributions have had a significant impact in areas such as business, public service or scholarship.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the 糖心视频 Board of Regents on state legislative measures on tuition and fee reserves during her monthly report at the board鈥檚 April 16 meeting at Kapiʻolani Community College.

Hensel noted that the Legislature continues to consider proposals related to tuition and fee reserve balances and that the university is developing reinvestment plans to strengthen advising and student support services and expand statewide online learning opportunities. She added that the university is having productive conversations with legislators and recognizes the challenges they face in balancing many urgent needs for Hawaiʻi鈥檚 people this year.

Her report also highlighted record breaking systemwide participation in 糖心视频 Giving Day, which generated more than $1.3 million from more than 1,580 gifts across the 10 campuses.

Hensel concluded by congratulating the No. 6 ranked 糖心视频 M膩noa women鈥檚 water polo team on advancing to its third consecutive NCAA national championship tournament appearance after .

• Legislative update: tuition and fee reserves ()
• 糖心视频 Giving Day breaks record ()
• Rainbow Wahine water polo ()

Gov. Josh Green appointed Keith Amemiya and Marie Laderta to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents (BOR), subject to confirmation by the Hawaiʻi State Senate.

“Keith and Marie are exactly the kinds of leaders we need guiding the future of our 糖心视频 system,” said Green. “Keith brings a deep understanding of the university from the inside, along with strong ties to our business and education communities. Marie has dedicated her career to public service and brings a wealth of experience in government operations and accountability. Together, they will help ensure 糖心视频 continues to serve our students, strengthen our workforce and drive innovation across our state.”

Amemiya and Laderta replace regents Diane Paloma and William F. Haning III whose terms end in 2026.

Amemiya brings decades of leadership experience across Hawaiʻi’s legal, financial and education sectors. He currently serves as Senior Vice President at Central Pacific Bank and previously held leadership roles with Tradewind Group and the Hawaiʻi High School Athletic Association. Amemiya also has direct experience with the 糖心视频 system, having served as executive administrator and secretary to the BOR.

“As a proud University of Hawaiʻi graduate, I’m honored to be nominated by Governor Green to the Board of Regents,” said Amemiya. “糖心视频 is integral to the success of our state, especially our younger generations and I’m thus committed to best ensuring a strong higher educational system with opportunities for all if confirmed by the legislature.”

Laderta brings nearly three decades of public service experience in Hawaiʻi state government and the judiciary. She has served as deputy attorney general, deputy director of the Department of Taxation and Director of the Department of Human Resources Development. She currently serves on the Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board, adjudicating workers’ compensation appeals.

“I am humbled and grateful to Governor Green for my appointment as regent to the 糖心视频 system,” said Laderta. “I look forward to being given the opportunity to help steward higher education for the benefit of the institution, its students, faculty, employees and stakeholders.”

The BOR is responsible for overseeing the 10-campus 糖心视频 system, including policy direction, financial oversight and long-term strategic planning. The BOR is the governing body of 糖心视频 and consists of 11 non-compensated volunteer members. Representation includes five from the City and County of Honolulu; two from Hawaiʻi County; two from Maui County; one from Kauaʻi County and one 糖心视频 student.

Amemiya and Laderta will serve terms as prescribed by law, pending Senate confirmation.