Column by University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Chancellor Lui Hokoana was published by on August 27, 2026.

This past Monday, our quiet summer campus awakened to the sounds we love to hear—new and returning students buzzing from class to class, the former just starting their higher education journeys, the latter continuing on their certificate and degree paths already in progress. Many of us work during the summer, of course, preparing for the new Fall semester. That work culminates with Convocation.

The definition of “convocation” is “a ceremonial assembly of members of a college or university.” We’re not quite so formal around here. For us, it’s a time to reunite. It’s a joy to watch as faculty, staff, and administrators arrive at our Paʻina Building greeting colleagues they may not have seen in several months. Asking about families and vacations and this year, making sure all neighbors, friends, and loved ones are safe in the wake of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Lala.

We always begin gatherings with a chant called “Laukanaka.” It was composed by former Hawaiian Studies Professor Kiʻope Raymond to commemorate the completion of the rock wall you see at the entrance to our college. Basically, it means that by always standing tall and working together, we grow and help others to grow in many ways.

Then we celebrate colleagues. We acknowledge retirees—I like to say those are the folks with the biggest smiles on their faces in the photos we project on the screen!—and those with 10 and 20 years of service to our college.
We introduce new employees. It is a particular thrill to welcome back our own graduates in new roles. Recent Automotive Technology graduate Jaden Givensel is now a faculty member in that same department and Koa Johnson is now a part-time Fashion Technology Lecturer. Michelle Hutaff, a 2003 LPN (Nursing) Program graduate is now a Registered Nurse who has joined our Campus Health Center team.

We always take a look at enrollment numbers as we approach a new semester. They could be better but there are always bright spots. Last-minute registration is common. And we’re confident Early College – high school students taking ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵMC courses—and Continuing Education enrollments will have increased.

Budget numbers can be numbing, especially to creative folks. But not to our new Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services, Cheryl Reeser. She loves those numbers and was happy to report that our college is operating with a surplus.

Often, there’s real news to report at Convocation. And this Fall, it’s pretty big news. ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ is exploring a proposal to integrate the seven community colleges into the 10-campus system and, with that, institute a new leadership structure. The Vice President for Community Colleges position would be eliminated and community college chancellors would report directly to the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ President.

The primary goal is to optimize program delivery and student mobility by enhancing curricular cohesion and seamless transfer, promoting collaborative program and course sharing, avoiding duplication of effort, offering a unified academic experience, and providing a common standard of care for our students. We are also looking to maximize strategic progress with unified priorities and decision-making, clearer priorities, and a broader focus on statewide workforce and research needs.

The community colleges would have increased voice and accountability, retain efficient shared functions, have integrated strategic leadership, communication and collaboration across all campuses, and provide for enhanced compliance and policies.

There will be challenges, of course—preserving the identity and strength of each campus, engaged decision making, costs associated with restructuring and implementation, and resistance from stakeholders. These and others that will surely surface are and will continue to be addressed by the Chancellors and the President as discussions continue over the next several months. The bottom line is that the solution lies squarely with what is determined to be the very best for our student outcomes.

Sometimes Convocation is when we present the germ of a great idea and that was the case last week. Kendal Living & Learning Community is a university-connected model that combines healthy aging, lifelong learning, and intergenerational engagement. We here in Hawaiʻi know better than most the value of our kÅ«puna and if we can, in the future, use our college assets to foster purpose, wellness, and connection, it is definitely something worth exploring. And we are.

With the business concluded, we always end Convocation in the most traditional island way – we all have lunch together.

For complete information about ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Maui College, please visit

Lui K. Hokoana is Chancellor of the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College. Kaʻana Manaʻo, which means “sharing thoughts,” is scheduled to appear on the fourth Thursday of each month. It is prepared with assistance from ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Maui College staff and is intended to provide the community of Maui County with information about opportunities available through the college at its Kahului campus and its education centers.

(Hawaiʻi P–20) will launch the first of its three-part “Fund Your Future” webinar series, beginning Tuesday, August 18, to assist local families with planning and preparation for continuing education or career training after high school graduation. All events are free of charge and available to all families regardless of where the student plans to attend college.

“Hawaiʻi high school seniors and their families are encouraged to attend one session from each part of the Fund Your Future series to get a complete outlook of the many sources of financial aid available to local students, and how to pay to further your education after high school primarily using grants, scholarships, or other sources of financial aid,” said Lynsey Bow, postsecondary readiness director for Hawaiʻi P–20. “College in Hawaiʻi can be affordable, and local help is available to help families navigate this process.”

• Part 1: —Learn how to access more than $150 billion in federal grants, loans, and other financial aid, along with more than $70 million in scholarships awarded annually to Hawaiʻi students. Financial aid is available for students attending two- and four-year colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools, supporting a wide range of post-high school education and career pathways. The first free workshop will be held Tuesday, August 18, 6–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. .
• Part 2: —Hear from experts representing Sallie Mae, the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, and the University of Hawaiʻi System as they discuss scholarship opportunities available to Hawaiʻi students, regardless of family income. Participants will also receive tips for using scholarship search tools and writing strong scholarship essays. The first of two virtual workshops will take place Thursday, November 5. .
• Part 3: Statewide virtual FAFSA completion workshops—Attendees will be able to ask questions and review the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2027–28 award year. These events will be held November through January, and registration will open soon. Federal Student Aid has announced that the FAFSA for the 2027–28 award year will become available October 1.

“While the FAFSA has been simplified and is now faster and easier to complete than in previous years, families should use the time before October 1 to gather any necessary financial information and supporting documentation,” said Frank Green, financial aid and FAFSA outreach specialist for Hawaiʻi P–20. “Completing the FAFSA is required for many local and national scholarships, so we encourage students to apply early and take advantage of every financial aid opportunity for which they are eligible, while ensuring they have access to the resources they need to succeed.”

Families across the state are invited to send any questions about the college planning process, financial aid, or the FAFSA by emailing FAFSA@Hawaii.edu. All emails will be answered within 24 hours by a local financial aid specialist.

For a complete listing of upcoming college planning webinars, .

Four University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges received funding for technology projects that include equipping testing centers, upgrading computer labs and leveraging advanced technologies to engage community members in non-credit financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs. The (PCATT) awarded technology grants totaling $75,000 to Hawaiʻi CC, Kauaʻi CC, Leeward CC and Windward CC.

“These grants will support non-credit technology courses across the state and bolster the great work that is already being done by the continuing education divisions at the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Community College System,” says Dan Doerger, PCATT director. “Our goal is to continue to provide learning opportunities that empower our non-credit students to achieve their career goals.”

Campus initiatives include:

• : iPads and innovative apps to enhance educational opportunities. These tools will support programs in 3D modeling and hands-on learning for middle and high school students, while also providing professional development for Hawai‘i Department of Education teachers to incorporate these technologies into future courses.
• : Apple product classes, refreshing computer labs, and offering Geographic Information Systems (GIS) courses, ensuring the campus can better serve a diverse community.
• : Expanding CompTIA instruction by certifying a Pearson Vue testing facility and upgrading classroom instructional resources.
• : Enhancing and expanding its successful entrepreneurship and financial literacy program targeting K–12 students. With updated equipment and increased group work center capacity, the campus will aim to double their outreach, providing students with hands-on experience in creating and marketing their own products, while learning valuable business skills.

PCATT is a consortium of the seven ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Community Colleges dedicated to advancing technology education. It offers a wide array of training programs and resources designed to empower students and professionals to keep pace with the ever-evolving tech industry. PCATT fosters innovation and skill development, preparing individuals for successful careers in technology-driven fields across the Pacific region and beyond.

World-renowned taiko artist Kenny Endo will offer a series of taiko drumming classes at Kapiʻolani Community College in collaboration with the and the starting on September 8. The classes are open to the public and are for various ages and skill levels.

For more information or to register, visit .

“Taiko Center of the Pacific is happy and honored to once again offer our taiko classes at Kapiʻolani Community College,” said Endo. “Taiko is a wonderful activity which combines mind, body and spirit. People of all ages, please join us, as It’s never too late or never too early to learn and enjoy this cultural artform.”

Taiko, a traditional Japanese form of ensemble drumming, is celebrated for its powerful rhythms, dynamic performances and deep cultural heritage. The classes will serve a wide range of participants, from beginners eager to learn the basics to advanced drummers seeking to refine their skills. Students will explore various aspects of taiko, including performance techniques, cultural significance and community engagement.

The course offerings will include specialized classes such as Taiko for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, family-friendly sessions, and intensive performance training for those aspiring to showcase their talents on stage. Prices vary depending on the class.

In addition to acquiring new skills, participants will join a vibrant community of taiko enthusiasts, where they can deepen their appreciation for this dynamic art form and support personal growth.

With more than 50 students obtaining their (CDL) during the pandemic, has become one of the state’s leaders in training truck drivers, and preparing students for the state licensing exam. The program reached a new milestone and is now listed on the (FMCSA) . This ensures that all CDL curricula, facilities, instructors, vehicles and state licensing requirements are in compliance with the new Entry-Level Driver Training final rule imposed by the FMCSA.

The new rule goes into effect on February 7, 2022, and changes the education requirements for anyone who wants to obtain a CDL, upgrade a CDL, or obtain a passenger, school bus or hazmat endorsement. To comply with the rule, individuals will have to successfully complete a training program provided by a school or other entity on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.

Hawaiʻi State CDL Examiner Monica Iras said, “The new rule will help promote safer and more knowledgeable truckers.”

Leeward CC Instructor Mike Scully, who teaches and coordinates the Commercial Motor Vehicle Series offered through the , worked tirelessly to ensure the program met the rigorous standards put in place by the new rule.

“Adding the new ‘theory-based curriculum’ was very challenging,” Scully said.

He developed an online course that covers the five core areas mandated, encompassing 30 modules of required learning. Previously, trucking students were educated on how to obtain their license and drive safely. Now, with the theory-based curriculum, trucking students will be introduced to every facet of being a truck driver, including: their rights, the laws, penalties if a violation is committed, environmental issues, safe driving techniques, trucking skills and more.

• Related ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ News story: Commercial truck driver training at Leeward CC on a roll, July 7, 2021

Adding more in-person instruction to the existing training would have meant a longer duration to complete the program and higher tuition. To mitigate this, the new theory-based portion is offered online through Laulima, the University of Hawaiʻi’s online class portal. For more information visit the program website, or contact Scully at mscully@hawaii.edu.

Interested Hawaiʻi residents who are unemployed or underemployed may qualify for full tuition funding for this and other industry training at the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Community Colleges through the program.

—By Tad Saiki

Educational specialists from ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±â€™s prisons acquired refreshing new techniques and insights after a one-day training session with a instructor this summer. Like other industries, correctional facilities throughout the state experienced lockdowns and program cancellations due to COVID-19. This was especially challenging for educational staff who had to continue to deliver programs and services for the incarcerated population.

The State of Hawaiʻi Corrections Program Services-Education Branch, in partnership with the Leeward CC’s (OCEWD), provided a day-long training for education specialists, supervisors and select staff from statewide correctional facilities in June.

“Working at a correctional facility can at times be draining,” said Halawa Correctional Facility Education Supervisor Roseann Propato. “The ‘Train the Trainer’ session was helpful in getting to know more about my peers, realizing the value in the work we do, and renewed my sense of purpose.”

Drawing from 24 years of diverse experience, Leeward CC instructor Loretta Chen created an engaging, activity-filled day that included: “The Power of Perspective,” “Design Thinking and Active Empathy”, “From Broadway to Boardroom” (team building, singing and skits), and viewing of Chen’s short film The Secrets to Happiness (shot entirely in Bhutan, with a heartwarming message of the importance of gratitude and humility synonymous with the espousal of the aloha spirit).

“I enjoyed our all-day training session with Dr. Loretta. She taught me the absolute most important trait when communicating with anyone—empathy. Dr. Loretta’s emotional intelligence is impressively beyond reproach,” said Francis Taele, education supervisor at the Women’s Community Correctional Center.

Chen is now teaching entrepreneurship, customer service and financial literacy courses in ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±â€™s correctional facilities. These programs can be designed to suit most organizational needs.

or call (808) 455-0477 to learn more about OCEWD’s customizable training (for a variety of industries).

The University of Hawaiʻi was awarded $2.3 million by the to help increase the number of low-income and first-generation middle and high school students in the Windward Oʻahu community in postsecondary education.

The Soar Higher grant will support activities to build college and career aspirations, increase academic readiness, and provide support to students in navigating their educational journey. The grant aims to help eliminate achievement gaps among groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

The grant builds upon the success of , a statewide grant from the U.S. Department of Education to improve access to and success in higher education at high-poverty middle and high schools statewide. GEAR UP Hawaiʻi has been serving Hawaiʻi’s low-income youth since 2000, impacting an estimated 35,000-plus students statewide.

“We are committed to working with partners to advance educational equity in the Windward Oʻahu community,” said Stephen Schatz, executive director of . “This is going to be a team effort, and we will focus on students who need help the most.”

“We know the best path to household stability runs through a two- or four-year degree. But it’s still far too difficult for young people to get to and through college. We hope this four-year investment will double the number of public school graduates in Windward Oʻahu that earn a degree or certificate,” said Alex Harris, vice president for programs at Harold K.L. Castle Foundation.

Reaching new heights

Under the Soar Higher grant, the Windward community will utilize a coordinated, regional grades “6–16” approach to provide students with developmentally appropriate support to help them successfully complete high school, then enroll and persist in college. Windward area high schools will work with their feeder middle schools and to develop and implement a vertically-aligned, comprehensive college and career program that will provide counseling and support for students to explore career interests, improve their academic preparation, engage in work-based learning opportunities, and ultimately transition successfully through the 6–16 pipeline to eventually attain their career goals.

“Our goal is to empower our students with the knowledge and skills they need to create their own post-secondary plan,” said Bernie Tyrell, principal of Castle High School. “We are grateful for the generous support of the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation to continue this work that we have started in building career pathways, and we will use these funds to support the implementation of our plans so that our students can succeed after high school.”

“Through Soar Higher, Harold K.L. Castle Foundation has brought us together to support our ʻopio, this next generation, to achieve their career goals through education. This not only leverages the strengths of our Koʻolau communities, where we all work together to create better tomorrows for our children, but also grows the dreams of our children, which are the dreams of what we will become as communities,” said Windward CC Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg.

“Short-term training for a lasting career” is what Leeward Community College’s (CMV) series provides students, according to instructor Mike Scully.

This program, offered through Leeward CC’s (OCEWD), prepares participants for their commercial driver’s license (CDL) in just seven weeks.

Scully is a prime example of how this program can quickly help an individual launch a new career as a truck driver. Formerly a culinary faculty who was reassigned to OCEWD, he decided to take the class (with no previous truck driving experience) with the hopes of becoming an instructor.

“I envisioned this as an opportunity to contribute to our program and help those in the community,” he said.

Setting an example

While working full-time as a coordinator, Scully was eventually able to obtain his Class A CDL license, including all of the CDL endorsements (a total of 11 tests), and land a job driving tractor-trailers for Y. Hata & Co., Ltd. This job gives him road experience that adds value to his classes.

As an educator, and motorcycle safety instructor for eight years, Scully’s skill as a teacher is proven as all 13 of the students from his last three classes have obtained their CDL licenses and six more will be taking their tests in a few weeks. Many of these students were displaced workers who took advantage of funding from the O‘ahu Back to Work initiative, or the American Job Center on Oʻahu, which covered the cost of tuition.

For Kahalepuna “Puna” Tani, this class came at just the right time.

“It was one of the only (CDL) classes running at the time. They were quick to respond and were willing to take me,” Tani said. “With funding through the American Job Center, I was able to take this class. My experience was awesome. Mike did an awesome job of training us. To me, anyone could pass the class if they put in the time and effort.”

It didn’t take long for Tani to find work, landing a full-time position at J&M Cesspool and Septic Pumping, LLC as a truck driver.

Industry partnerships

With so many applicants from Leeward CC trying for a CDL license, the State CDL Licensing Office took notice. Lead examiner Monica Irlas now visits the Leeward CC campus to speak to Scully’s classes, offering them an educational interaction instead of just meeting them in a testing situation.

Being in the industry has also allowed Scully to develop partnerships with employers. He is currently training technicians and marketing staff from International Trucks of Hawaii to obtain their CDL license, and he is working on expanding into Class B CDL training this summer with several businesses. Having these partnerships also allows him to connect his students with possible future employers.

“CDL drivers are working every day and keeping the island going during this pandemic,” Scully said. “Many displaced workers are realizing that they will always have a job if they can obtain their CDL.”

For more information visit the (CMV) program website, or contact Mike Scully at mscully@hawaii.edu.

, formerly the Office of Continuing Education and Training at , is diversifying and updating its course offerings in response to the impact of COVID-19. EDvance provides lifelong learning opportunities to all ages by offering courses and programs that include non-credit courses, workshops and customized training for businesses and industries, workforce training and other activities to enhance local economic development efforts.

“Society has suddenly become more accepting of not only online learning, but the delivery of prepared meals, contactless retail, remote meetings, flexible schedules, home-life balance and mental health, data-driven health prevention, remote workforce collaboration and digital currency,” Jim Fong, director of research and strategy at the University Professional and Continuing Education Association, .

EDvance is preparing for wide-ranging change with educational programming that is immediately applicable and locally relevant. The Hawaiʻi CC office aims to leverage existing talent and expertise in the community, making it accessible to everyone. With the right people teaching the right courses in the right format, EDvance can safely and effectively address the issues facing our community:

• Parents need educational activities for keiki.
• Kupuna need vital connections to the community.
• Unemployed workers need training and development.
• Businesses need assistance to adapt and adjust.
• Non-profits and government need to be informed and responsive.

EDvance has bold goals to meet the community’s needs, but requires passionate people to be successful. No previous teaching experience is required.

“We want to invest in you, from on-going coaching and training to networking and relationship-building,” said Jessica Yamamoto, EDvance director.

Join the EDvance instructor pool and share your skills or expertise with the community in a new or existing course. EDvance’s instructor pay starts at more than $30 an hour. To find out more or to begin the recruitment process, , call (808) 934-2700 or email edvance@hawaii.edu.

’s William Castillo has been named as a fellow for the ACTE 2020 Postsecondary Leadership Success Program. The (ACTE) leadership program selected 20 participants nationwide for the 2019–2020 cohort.

Castillo is the workforce development coordinator at Leeward CC’s . He has more than 13 years of experience in education and non-profit organizations with an emphasis on adult education. William volunteers as the treasurer for Hawaiʻi ACTE and enjoys event planning and writing about food.

The Postsecondary Leadership Success Program provides professional and career growth opportunities to the next generation of leaders in career and technical education (CTE) at nonprofits and postsecondary institutions offering CTE programs.

This is ACTE’s second cohort of CTE postsecondary professionals in leadership development activities. These activities include creating a personal development plan, attending virtual and in-person professional development sessions, sharing best practices with the field and engaging with a mentor. The goal of the program is to help participants develop and refine their skills in CTE organizational leadership and management; build critical skills in communication, collaboration, networking, problem solving and use of time/resources; and hone their ability to facilitate institutional change. The program also includes a research study to help determine what efforts best contribute to leadership development among postsecondary CTE professionals and the creation of resources that can be widely distributed to support others in the field.

ACTE is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education.

—By Kathleen Cabral

is offering two apprenticeship programs for food service employees to raise their level of skills, productivity and retention.

Hawaiʻi Cook Apprenticeship Program

The first program, , will begin its fourth round of classes on April 26. This culinary apprenticeship program has successfully graduated 200 apprentices during its first three sessions. Participants should be currently working in a food-service position or be willing to be placed into a position in the industry to take part in the program.

Employees of food-service establishments may be referred by their employers to receive 210 hours of quality culinary instruction, at no cost to the employer or apprentice. Participants receive the equivalent of $1,638 worth of instruction (13 credits at $126 a credit for local tuition at Kapiʻolani CC) for free. This opportunity is ideal for anyone in the culinary industry who has never had the opportunity to attend a college-level culinary class.

Cook apprentices will participate in 30 weeks of training. They will attend a six-hour,in-person, hands-on culinary instruction lab class each week at the Kapiʻolani campus on Basics of Cooking (either Fridays or Sundays) and take classes on ServSafe food safety, culinary nutrition, menu planning and overall food service.

Hawaiʻi Restaurant Manager Apprentice Program

The second program, the new , offers its first round of classes starting April 22. This program offers anyone who is either currently working as a restaurant manager, or would like to be elevated into that position, five (5) free online classes: manager level ServSafe food safety, hospitality human resources, restaurant management, restaurant marketing and controlling food service costs.

This program is available to anyone statewide. Classes are taken online, and testing can be done at University of Hawaiʻi testing centers on any island. This program offers an incredible opportunity for anyone in restaurant management or someone who would like to move up the career ladder.

Both programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship USA State Expansion Grant, issued to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Workforce Development Division Office.

To qualify, applicants must be at least 17 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, possess a speaking and reading ability essential for personal and coworker safety on the job, be physically capable of performing the essential functions of a professional kitchen (for cooks) and have current TB clearance and MMR inoculations.

Space is limited for both programs, which are filling up quickly. Employers are encouraged to contact Program Coordinator Marcus Fikse as soon as possible via email at marcusjt@hawaii.edu or by calling (808) 734-9477.

The is offering a from the nationally recognized Product Safety Alliance (PSA). Learn about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rules, good agricultural practices, and co-management of natural resources and food safety.

The certification course will take place May 24, 8:30 a.m.—5 p.m. at the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Maui College Laulima Building 105. For fees and registration visit the .

Food safety and modernization requirement

The PSA grower training course satisfies the FSMA produce safety requirement that states “At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.”

After attending the entire course, participants will be eligible to receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) that verifies they have completed the training course. To receive an AFDO certificate, a participant must be present for the entire training and submit the appropriate paperwork to their trainer at the end of the course.

The PSA grower training course

The trainers will spend approximately seven hours of instruction time covering:

• Introduction to produce safety
• Worker health, hygiene, and training
• Agricultural water (Part I: Production water; Part II: Postharvest water)
• Postharvest handling and sanitation
• How to develop a farm food safety plan

In addition to learning about produce safety best practices, key parts of the FSMA produce safety rule requirements are outlined within each module. There will be time for questions and discussion, so participants should come prepared to share their experiences and produce safety questions.

For more information on the FSMA and the PSA, visit the .

For more information or questions, please email Nicolette van der Lee or call (808) 984-3300.

On September 16, Office of Continuing Education and Workforce Development () held a grand opening for their new complex of buildings and new location.

The new OCEWD complex conatins one administrative office building and two instructional buildings with six classrooms and six labs. In addition, OCEWD now has a new commercial driving license training range and a refurbished motorcycle-training range.The building of the HART Rail Station on the west side of campus was the catalyst for the OCEWD move, now located on the diamond head end of campus. Representatives from more than 34 community partner organizations attended and toured the new facilities.

More about the Office of Continuing Education and Workforce Development

OCEWD began as the Office of Special Programs and Community Services in 1969. Its purpose was to be a true partner with the community. OCEWD’s annual enrollment of 4,000 in non-credit workforce development and personal enrichment programs is an important force in fulfilling the educational needs of the Leeward and Central Oahu community.

OCEWD is highly flexible and quick to meeting the business community needs with respect to new and incumbent workers. Programs and classes are available in computer education, business education, electrical technology, process technology, advance automation, mechatronics, facilities maintenance and repairs, nurse aide, long term care, first aid, medical coding, medical reimbursement, patient services representative, commercial motor vehicle operator, forklift operator, and professional development. All of these workforce programs are selected for their higher wage employment opportunities. In order to enhance quality and assurance, many of these programs come with national and State of Hawaii credentials.

—By Kathleen Cabral

For more event photos visit Leeward CC’s .

The Hawaiʻi Community College is offering a non-credit Process Technology and General Maintenance program at the Hawaiʻi CC Hilo campus. The program runs from August 30 to December 22 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5:30–7:45 p.m.

Hawaiʻi CC has partnered with local industry and commercial entities to develop this 17-week/112-hour program that will provide the required training and hands-on experience for entry-level positions in process technology departments and building maintenance. Wages for these types of positions vary and depend on experience, but they can be in the range of $15 to $18 per hour.

Process technology is at the heart of any industry involved in the production of consumer goods from raw material as well as the treatment and handling of materials and wastes within the utilities, manufacturing and commercial building sectors. The duties of a process technician vary widely, but generally, the primary duty of any process technician is to optimize a specialized process and keep it on track, even if problems arise.

Enrollment information

Interviews and pre-registration will be held Wednesdays, July 27, and August 3, 10 and 17 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Hilo at the Hawaiʻi CC campus. Enrollment is limited to 12 students.

The tuition is $1,595 with a $1,000 tuition reimbursement sponsored by . The reimbursement will be paid upon successful completion of the program.

For more information, contact Richard Cowan at (808) 934-2692 or rcowan3@hawaii.edu.

—By Thatcher Moats

Steve Auerbach was named the new director of the at .

PCATT is a consortium of the and is responsible for collaborating with industry to develop and provide training in advanced technology, which enhances educational and workforce development programs and initiatives in the State of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Rim. Auerbach’s unit also oversees management and operations of continuing education and lifelong learning programs of the college working with other college divisions to develop non-credit activities that lead into credit pathways.

“It is an exciting time for me to be joining the University of Hawaiʻi Community College System. I am thrilled to be returning home and am honored to work with the talented faculty, staff and students here at Honolulu CC along with its unique position to broaden access to higher education in Hawaiʻi, regionally, and internationally,” shares Auerbach.

Honolulu CC Chancellor Erika L. Lacro shares, “PCATT is positioned uniquely in Hawaiʻi to support advanced technology throughout the Pacific. Director Auerbach is a great fit to move PCATT forward and to expand our reach into local industries. It is a great honor to have him join our team.”

More about Steve Auerbach

Auerbach previously served in a variety of senior executive positions for . During his 20 year career with HP he worked in educational services, sales, business development, marketing, product development and global business unit management. Most recently he was leading HP’s printing and personal systems group accessories and internet services global business unit in San Diego, California focused on incubating, launching and commercializing innovative products and services.

He served as an entrepreneur in residence for -business creation and development program, and is also serving as a mentor for , a leader in workplace mentoring using an innovative platform leveraging data, technology and workforce science to dramatically improve workforce development.  

“I am excited about Honolulu’s new hybrid/EV courses that were recently added covering basic electrical theory, wiring diagram and schematic use, Digital Voltage Ohm Meter (DVOM), oscilloscope methods and electrical system diagnosis. This is just an example of the many new and exciting program offerings we have as part of our automotive technology curriculum within the continuing education and lifelong learning at the college.”

Auerbach, studied at the University of Oregon and earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Hawaiʻi.

—By Billie Lueder