The and the entire Rainbow Warrior family mourn the passing of legendary former head football coach June Jones. Jones died October 29 in Oregon at the age of 73.

One of the most towering figures in 糖心视频 and Hawaiʻi sports history, Jones revitalized the 糖心视频 football program, leading the Rainbow Warriors to unprecedented heights while impacting the lives of countless players.

Jones鈥� deep connection to the islands began long before his historic coaching tenure. He first arrived at 糖心视频 Mānoa in 1973, transferring from Oregon to play quarterback for the Rainbow Warriors. Decades later, he returned to his alma mater. Taking over as head coach in 1999, Jones inherited a team that had gone 0-12 the previous year. In his very first season, he orchestrated the greatest single-season turnaround in NCAA football history at the time, leading the Rainbow Warriors to a 9-4 record and an Oʻahu Bowl victory.

Over nine seasons at 糖心视频 Mānoa, Jones became the winningest head football coach in 糖心视频 history, compiling a 76-41 record. His mastery of the run-and-shoot offense electrified Aloha Stadium, turning it into one of the most celebrated environments in college football.

The pinnacle of his tenure came in 2007, when he guided 糖心视频 to an undefeated 12-0 regular season, an outright Western Athletic Conference championship, and a historic appearance in the Sugar Bowl. In all, Jones led 糖心视频 to six bowl appearances, going 4-2 in postseason contests, and two conference titles (1999, 2007).

Jones mentored some of the most prolific players in college football history, including quarterback Timmy Chang, who became the NCAA鈥檚 all-time leading passer before following Jones鈥� footsteps as Rainbow Warrior head coach in 2022. Fellow quarterback Colt Brennan earned iconic status setting multiple school and NCAA records during a decorated career that saw him become the school鈥檚 first and only Heisman Trophy finalist in 2007.

Jones, Brennan and the 2007 糖心视频 football squad have all been inducted into the 糖心视频 Circle of Honor.

Information regarding memorial services and ways to honor Jones鈥� legacy will be announced in the coming days.

Statement on behalf of 糖心视频 Athletics

“The University of Hawaiʻi Athletics ʻohana is deeply saddened by the passing of former head football coach June Jones. Coach Jones was a true visionary who elevated the Rainbow Warrior football program to unprecedented heights while serving as an incredible ambassador for the university.

Upon arriving in Mānoa in 1999, Coach Jones didn’t just rebuild a program; he restored the community’s pride in Rainbow Warrior football. From orchestrating the greatest single-season turnaround in NCAA history to leading 糖心视频 to an undefeated regular season and a Sugar Bowl appearance in 2007, his tenure will be forever remembered for the joy the Warriors provided for countless fans throughout the state of Hawaiʻi and beyond.

The current coaching staff’s inclusion of several former 糖心视频 players, including head coach Timmy Chang, speaks to Coach Jones’ fierce belief in Hawaiʻi‘s talent and potential. His legacy is forever woven into the fabric of our university and 糖心视频 Athletics.

The 糖心视频 ʻohana extends its heartfelt condolences, thoughts, and aloha to Coach Jones’ family, friends, and the numerous student-athletes whose lives he forever changed.”

Timmy Chang, 糖心视频 football head coach and former Rainbow Warrior quarterback

“Words can’t express the sorrow I feel today. Coach Jones was a father figure, a mentor, and a visionary who revolutionized the game. He believed in a young kid from Hawaiʻi and gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to run his offense. And his impact didn’t stop when my playing days ended. He guided me every step of the way as I transitioned into coaching, always making time to share his wisdom and support me when I took over this program. He put Hawaiʻi football on the map and showed us all what was possible. We lost a true legend today, but I will spend the rest of my career trying to honor his legacy, his passion for this university, and the Aloha he shared with everyone he touched. My deepest condolences go out to his ʻohana and all those who he impacted.”

Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green

“June was an exceptional human being. He was a motivator of young people and he was a winner. He won big moments for us, and that put us into the spotlight. June has put his arms around a lot of people in the state of Hawaiʻi; a lot of players, a lot of businesses, and he was very kind to me over the years, reaching out and giving advice to people in different disciplines. He is one of Hawaiʻi‘s legends.”

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi (former 糖心视频 player and coach)

“The 2007 season and making the Sugar Bowl, that went over what anybody ever thought was possible. That just shows you what is possible when someone can achieve that. I was on the field for the game (against) the University of Washington. We were down 21 points, not once but twice, and still came back to win against a very formidable opponent. That kind of coaching and who he was was very, very special. He leaves an incredible legacy here. June was very special, we will miss him, but his legacy will live on.”

Patricia “Pat” Saiki, a University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 alumna whose decades of public service left a lasting impact on higher education and politics in Hawaiʻi, died on September 30, 2026. She was 96.

Born in Hilo in 1930, Saiki graduated from Hilo High School before earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree from 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 in 1952. She began her career as a teacher before entering politics and serving in both the Hawaiʻi State House and Senate.

Her work in public service included helping advance the development of Kapi驶olani Community College at its Diamond Head campus.

Historic career in public service

Saiki was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1986, becoming the first Republican and second woman elected to represent Hawaiʻi in Congress since statehood. She served two terms from 1987 to 1991.

During her time in Congress, Saiki helped build Republican support for the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which provided an official federal apology and payments to surviving Japanese Americans who had been incarcerated by the U.S. government during World War II. Saiki later recalled that the issue was personal because a cousin in California was among those incarcerated.

After leaving Congress, Saiki served as administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration under President George H.W. Bush.

Preserving her legacy at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Saiki鈥檚 connection to 糖心视频 continued through her decision to donate records from her public service career to Hamilton Library.

The Patricia F. Saiki Papers are housed in 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 Hawaiʻi Congressional Papers Collection and primarily document her years in Congress and at the Small Business Administration. The collection includes congressional records, photographs, campaign materials and audiovisual resources that provide researchers with a firsthand record of her career.

Saiki began donating materials in 2005, with the majority of her papers arriving in 2007. Her collection joins the records of other members of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 congressional delegation preserved at Hamilton Library, helping document Hawaiʻi鈥檚 role in national policymaking.

Chris Conybeare, professor emeritus at the , Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, human rights attorney and former television journalist died on September 20, 2026. He dedicated decades to public interest media, labor education and civil rights.

Conybeare served on the faculty at 糖心视频 West Oʻahu, where he developed impactful broadcast productions through the (CLEAR).

Previous to 糖心视频, Conybeare worked at Hawaiʻi Public Television (then known as PBS Hawaii). In 1981 he became producer/host of 鈥攁 groundbreaking co-production with 糖心视频 dedicated to Hawaiʻi鈥檚 labor movement. At PBS Hawaii, Conybeare also served as co-executive producer of the international news program Asia Now, produced in partnership with Japan’s NHK and PBS KCTS Seattle.

Among his most notable productions with longtime collaborator Joy Chong-Stannard was , detailing the life of the legendary Hawaiʻi labor leader and 糖心视频 regent. Conybeare, who considered McElrath a personal hero, viewed the project as both a tribute to her legacy and a message of compassion and courage for future generations. The film earned national public broadcast distribution, airing on PBS stations across the country in 2026.

He served as executive producer for . Narrated by Jake Shimabukuro, the documentary illuminating the lives of Japanese plantation workers in Hawaiʻi was screened at the Smithsonian Institution鈥檚 National Museum of American History in 2017.

Through his work with Rice and Roses and other labor productions, Conybeare helped establish a digital moving image archive documenting Hawaiʻi‘s plantation and working-class history that is included in located at 糖心视频 West Hawaiʻi.

In a message to the 糖心视频 West Oʻahu faculty and staff, Interim Chancellor Carlos Pe帽aloza wrote, “Chris was a man of immense warmth, intellect, and courage. He believed fiercely in the power of giving a voice to the voiceless, and he mentored many within our community with that same guiding passion. His presence on our campus and his contributions to the preservation of our working-class history will never be forgotten.”

Media reform advocate

Beyond filmmaking, Conybeare was a steadfast advocate for democratic broadcasting and media reform. As president of Media Council Hawaii, he collaborated with 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 journalism faculty and Common Cause Hawaii to challenge local television news consolidation and analyze campaign advertising on local airwaves.

Retired 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Professor Gerald Kato said Conybeare was very much like his hero, McElrath.

“Like AQ, Chris had boundless energy spent fighting for social justice and believing that free speech meant speaking up for the underdog and protecting the public interest in an honest and independent press,” Kato wrote. “Among other things, Chris had a deep interest in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 social and political history. He believed the news media, when it works in the public interest, is a means of documenting that history. In one of our last conversations, Chris talked about what we could do to make Hawaiʻi a better place for journalism and for preserving the public memory. I鈥檒l miss those conversations.”

In a 2011 examining the uncertain future of local broadcast stations, Conybeare underscored the vital role of local media control: “We know from national studies that local ownership provides the best local coverage of communities, and I would hope that local owners would step up to the plate.”

A former Fulbright Scholar on the faculty of Marmara University in Istanbul, Turkey, Conybeare worked with the Press Council of Turkey and studied press freedom in Turkey and transitional democracies in the region.

Dedication to human rights

Throughout his life as an educator, attorney and advocate, Conybeare remained dedicated to human rights at home and abroad. He and his partner of 48 years Kathryn Braun, a distinguished professor in 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 Department of Public Health Sciences at the , were true global citizens.

Braun said, “Over the years, we visited all seven continents and more than 120 countries. Chris worked in Latin America and Africa, as well as in Turkey and Japan.”

The couple recently established an

The fund will provide emergency assistance to students facing unexpected financial hardships, helping cover such urgent needs as food, transportation, technology and tuition gaps.

“We would like to provide a small amount of assistance when it鈥檚 needed to help students keep going,” Conybeare said when the fund was announced.

—By Kelli Abe Trifonovitch

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

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

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

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

Landmark work published in Russian

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

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

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

Hamilton Library legacy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Researching a forgotten scientist

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keeping Ball’s legacy alive

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

University of Hawaiʻi librarian Bronwen “Bron” Solyom spent more than 37 years preserving Hawaiʻi鈥檚 cultural heritage, strengthening internationally recognized collections, and mentoring generations of librarians, students and scholars. She died in Honolulu on May 23, 2026, at the age of 81.

Related: Bronwen Solyom: Passionate curator of Jean Charlot collection

Solyom鈥檚 colleagues, friends, family and researchers gathered in Hamilton Library鈥檚 Hawaiian & Pacific Collection Reading Room on July 17 to celebrate a life defined by curiosity, generosity and scholarship. Guests included Solyom鈥檚 husband, Garrett Solyom, friend Maya Soetoro-Ng, and Jean Charlot Foundation President Allison Wong.

Many colleagues and friends also shared memories of Solyom鈥檚 impact at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补.

A lasting legacy at Hamilton Library

Solyom was best known for her work as curator of the , an internationally recognized archive documenting religious art, Mexican art, Hawaiʻi artists and other unique cultural materials. From 2003 to 2016, she organized and preserved the collection, created finding aids, mentored interns and assisted researchers from around the world.

“Bron鈥檚 lasting and most excellent contribution not only to the university, but to the scholarly world, will be what she did as curator of the Charlot Collection,” said Russian Collection Librarian Patricia Polansky. “Scholars from around the world visit to use these materials. Bron has mentored countless numbers of interns from the library school and the museum studies program.”

Solyom also helped establish Hamilton Library鈥檚 , writing a white paper that encouraged former members of Congress to donate their papers and helped build a resource that now includes the papers of most of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 former members of Congress since statehood.

Solyom鈥檚 Hamilton Library colleagues recognized her contributions with the Nina D.P. Horio Award for Excellence in Librarianship upon her retirement in 2016. Through the collections she preserved, the librarians she mentored and the scholars she inspired, her legacy will continue to shape Hamilton Library and 糖心视频 for generations.

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A new endowed scholarship at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补驶s John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) honors the legacy of Caroline Chang, a devoted pediatrician and mentor who was dedicated to mentoring the next generation of physicians. Chang, 43, died in May after an 18-month battle with stage four breast cancer.

Established by her family, the will support JABSOM medical students pursuing pediatrics, reflecting the mentorship and commitment that defined Chang’s career as chief of pediatrics for Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi.

“She just really loved mentoring medical students,” said Jennifer Loh, Chang’s sister-in-law and longtime colleague who serves as chief of endocrinology at Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi. “She wanted to help grow people who might be interested in pediatrics.”

Supporting the next generation of pediatricians

The scholarship aims to ease financial barriers for students considering the specialty.

“Pediatrics is often one of the lower-paid medical specialties, which can create financial barriers for students,” Loh said. “This scholarship offers support to those passionate about the field, while honoring the qualities Caroline embodied.”

At her core, Loh said Chang驶s qualities were brilliance and steadiness.

“She was incredibly bright and hardworking,” she said. “But what made her stand out was that calm, can-do attitude. No drama. You could bring her a problem, and she’d say, ‘We’ll figure it out. We驶ll get it done.’”

For Loh and her brother, Jeff, who was Chang驶s husband, the endowment preserves Chang’s memory for her three children.

“I wanted her to be remembered,” Loh said. “I want her kids to know her as a physician as well as their mom.”

Support the and .

Former Hawaiʻi Gov. George R. Ariyoshi died on April 19, 2026, at the age of 100. As Hawaiʻi鈥檚 third and longest-serving governor (1973–1986), and the first Asian-American elected to a governorship in U.S. history, Ariyoshi left an indelible mark on both the nation, state and the University of Hawaiʻi.

Ariyoshi鈥檚 connection to 糖心视频 began early in his academic journey—he attended 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 before transferring to Michigan State University. In 2009, he was named a distinguished 糖心视频 alumnus. He received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 in 1986. Throughout his remarkable career in public service, his leadership continually intersected with and championed the university鈥檚 research and educational missions.

‘Quietly and effectively’

His campaign slogan touted him as working “quietly and effectively” for Hawaiʻi. During his time in office, Ariyoshi played a pivotal role in advancing critical health research at 糖心视频. He notably signed the legislation that created the , working alongside former director Lawrence Piette. This foundational legislative support helped the grow into the world-class, NCI-designated research institution it is today.

Ariyoshi鈥檚 visionary approach to international relations laid the groundwork for expanding 糖心视频‘s global academic footprint. Drawing on his family鈥檚 roots, he spearheaded the creation of the Hawaiʻi-Fukuoka sister-state relationship more than three decades ago—Hawaiʻi鈥檚 first sister-state international relationship. This enduring diplomatic tie directly paved the way for system-wide international agreements between 糖心视频 and the Fukuoka-based Tsuzuki Education Group, enriching student exchange and collaborative research in fields such as sustainability, traditional medicine and disaster resilience.

Reflecting on Ariyoshi鈥檚 monumental impact, Gov. Josh Green said in a statement: “Governor Ariyoshi devoted his life to Hawaiʻi with humility, discipline and an unwavering sense of responsibility to the people he served. He led our state during a pivotal moment with quiet strength and integrity, and his legacy as a trailblazer and public servant will endure for generations. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones.”

Pacific connections

Ariyoshi also played (EWC). In 1975, he worked with the Hawaiʻi State Legislature to establish the center as an independent educational nonprofit corporation. He served as a member of its Board of Governors from 1995 to 2003, including six years as chair.

EWC Board of Governors Chair John Waiheʻe served as Hawaiʻi鈥檚 lieutenant governor under Ariyoshi from 1982 to 1986 before succeeding him as governor.

“George Ariyoshi was a leader of deep integrity and vision who understood the importance of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 connections across the Pacific,” Waiheʻe said in a statement. “His support for the East-West Center and the Pacific Islands Development Program reflected his lifelong commitment to bringing people together in pursuit of shared progress.”

Ariyoshi is survived by his wife Jean, daughter Lynn, and sons Ryozo and Donn.

Franklin Kuo, a pioneering engineer whose work helped lay the foundation for modern wireless communications, died April 14. He was 91.

Kuo, a professor emeritus in electrical and computer engineering at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, co-developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s with colleague Norman Abramson. The system, launched in 1971, was the world鈥檚 first wireless packet network and introduced protocols that underpin technologies such as ethernet and wi-fi.

Educated in electrical engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Kuo began his career at Bell Laboratories in the early 1960s, conducting research in computer communications. He joined 糖心视频 Mānoa in 1966 as a full professor, where his work on ALOHAnet helped place the university on the global map in networking innovation.

“This is a profound loss for our college and the global engineering community,” College of Engineering Dean Brennon Morioka said. “Frank鈥檚 vision and leadership helped establish a culture of bold, boundary-pushing research at 糖心视频 Mānoa that continues to inspire our faculty and students today. His legacy lives on in the spirit of innovation that defines who we are. Both Frank and his wife Dora have been valuable members of our Engineering ʻohana.”

Related 糖心视频 News stories on ALOHAnet:

• 50 years of ALOHAnet honored, new endowed scholarship announced, June 16, 2021
• Pioneering wireless technology ALOHAnet honored as engineering milestone, October 13, 2020

Kuo also authored some of the earliest books in the field, including one of the first texts on computer communication networks published in 1972. Beyond academia, Kuo served as director of information systems at the Pentagon in the Office of the Secretary of Defense in the late 1970s. He later led networking and information systems projects at SRI International, contributing to early architecture for the National Science Foundation鈥檚 network, a precursor to today鈥檚 internet infrastructure.

He was a member of national advisory efforts on high-performance computing and consulted for federal science and technology initiatives. In 1994, he co-founded a wireless communications company focused on mobile messaging technologies. Kuo was an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers fellow and a recipient of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Award.

A celebration of life is expected in May.

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Larry Price, a celebrated University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa scholar-athlete, coach and longtime supporter of the university, is remembered for a life that bridged athletics, education and service to the community. Price died March 27, at the age of 91.

Price distinguished himself as a leader on the football field at 糖心视频 Mānoa, becoming the only player in program history to be elected team captain three consecutive years from 1962 to 1964. He later earned recognition as one of the greatest players in school history, including selection to the program’s all-time team and designation as “Rainbow of the Decade” for the 1960s. He also played in three Hula Bowl games and signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Rams.

Price’s impact at 糖心视频 extended well beyond his playing days. After earning his bachelor’s degree in recreation leadership in 1967 and a master’s degree in educational administration in 1971 from the 糖心视频 Mānoa College of Education, he returned to campus to mentor the next generation. He served as head men’s volleyball coach from 1969 to 1972, resident manager of the athletic dormitory and later head football coach from 1974 to 1976. During his tenure as head coach, 糖心视频 became an NCAA Division I member, changed its nickname to the Rainbow Warriors, introduced the “Hula-T” formation, and on September 13, 1975, christened the newly-built 50,000-seat Aloha Stadium against Texas A&I.

“I’ve considered all of the people I went to school with my friends forever,” Price said in a . “The faculty took particularly good care of me,” he added, specifically pointing to his “favorite faculty member,” Harold St. John, from whom he took a botany course.

In the classroom and across campus, Price was equally dedicated. He went on to earn a doctorate in education from the University of Southern California and completed postdoctoral work at Stanford University, while also serving as an assistant professor at Chaminade University of Honolulu. At 糖心视频, he later led the Small Business Management Program, continuing his commitment to education and professional development.

His legacy includes a lasting connection to the broader Hawaiʻi community. Price built a distinguished career in media, joining KSSK Radio and becoming a familiar voice to generations of listeners. As a television journalist with KITV4, he earned national recognition for his documentary work. Price was also known for his sports commentary and his signature “katoosh!” call.

Throughout his life, Price remained closely tied to 糖心视频. He was a , and 1989 糖心视频 Distinguished Alumni Award honoree. Price was also a life member of the 糖心视频 Alumni Association with the 糖心视频 Mānoa Letterwinners Club and College of Education Alumni Association.

—By Marc Arakaki

The University of Hawaiʻi community mourns the loss of distinguished alumna and trailblazing political leader Colleen Hanabusa, who passed away in March.

Born and raised on the Leeward Coast in Waiʻanae, Hanabusa was a proud three-time graduate of 糖心视频 Mānoa. She earned her bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees from the university before receiving her law degree from the in 1977, which launched her early career as a labor attorney.

Her dedication to the university and its students continued later in her career. In December 2015, the 糖心视频 Mānoa College of Social Sciences announced Hanabusa鈥檚 selection as Lecturer and Daniel K. Inouye 糖心视频ing Scholar. Taking on a joint appointment between the public policy center and the political science department, she taught a spring 2016 course focused on civil liberties in times of crisis.

Hanabusa鈥檚 statewide legacy in public service is historic. She served in the Hawaiʻi State Senate from 1999 to 2010, representing her home community on the Waiʻanae Coast. During this time, she made history as the first woman to serve as president of the Hawaiʻi State Senate, known for wielding her power collaboratively to support her community. She then represented 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015, and again from 2016 to 2019.

Hanabusa is remembered for her effectiveness in strengthening national defense, preserving natural resources, advancing Native Hawaiians, and protecting civil rights. After her time in Congress, she continued her public service as chair of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board.

To honor her decades of dedicated service, Gov. Josh Green ordered U.S. and Hawaiʻi state flags to be flown at half-staff statewide.

Visionary architect Francis S. Oda, a University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 distinguished alumnus who played a key role in shaping the 糖心视频 School of Architecture, died on February 14, 2026.

Oda was instrumental in developing the Doctor of Architecture program at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补. His contributions included his service as an adjunct associate professor of the 糖心视频 School of Architecture and as a 惭腻苍辞补 Forum Fellow. He also helped with the 糖心视频 Long Range Development Program.

“Francis was such a monument in the field. A one-time architect for the University, he oversaw the development of many of the institution鈥檚 now seminal buildings. With G70, he extended Hawaiʻi鈥檚 influence worldwide,” said Professor Bill Chapman, former dean of the School of Architecture. “He was a true gentleman, who embraced his responsibilities to the wider community.”

Oda was a co-founder of Hawaiʻi design firm G70, where he guided the company for more than 50 years. His work and mentoring of generations of professionals helped shape Hawaiʻi鈥檚 built environment, reflecting his deep respect for culture, community and place.

“Francis was more than one of our founders—he was a mentor, spiritual father and source of inspiration for everyone who had the privilege of working with him,” said Linda Miki, CEO of G70. “His legacy lives on in our G70 ʻOhana, our projects and our commitment to serving Hawaiʻi and beyond with integrity and care.”

A Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, Oda received numerous accolades, including the Gordon Bradley Humanitarian Award and induction into the Hawaii Business Hall of Fame. His award-winning projects include the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele, Hanauma Bay Nature Center, and master plans for the City of Kapolei.

Internationally, he designed projects such as Bora Bora Resort, French Polynesia, Roches Noires Smart City, Mauritius and Place Jacques Chirac, Papeete, French Polynesia, and Heaven鈥檚 Gate, Fernie, British Columbia, Canada. Oda was also a senior pastor and board chair of New Life Church Honolulu.

He is survived by wife Caroline and children, Reid and Nalani. A celebration of life service will be held on April 25, 2026, at the First Assembly of God – Red Hill, Moanalua. as it becomes available.

Walton K.T. Shim, Hawaiʻi鈥檚 first pediatric surgeon and a longtime professor of surgery and pediatrics at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 (JABSOM), died in November 2025 at his family home in Montana. He was 94.

Over the span of his long career, he trained residents, mentored future surgeons and helped raise the standard of pediatric care statewide.

Born and raised in Hawaiʻi, Shim attended Dartmouth College and Columbia University School of Medicine before completing surgical training in Chicago. Shim returned to Hawaiʻi in 1967 determined to build pediatric surgery as a specialty so children could receive complex care without leaving the islands. For many years, he was the only pediatric surgeon statewide.

In addition to his faculty role at JABSOM, Shim held multiple leadership positions at Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children, including division chief of pediatric surgery and chief of staff. He was also a founding member of the Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons.

A doctor who never delayed

“There鈥檚 all sorts of ways you can delay seeing patients,” said his wife, Vicki Shim. “He never did that. In other words, if somebody came into the ER or someone like Dr. Boychuk called him, he was there, right away.”

That dedication was felt at home as well. “I remember them calling him late at night on the phone,” said daughter Jennifer Shim. “He actually had his own telephone line installed just for emergencies…I realize it now as an adult.”

Shim is survived by his wife, four children, six grandchildren and generations of patients whose lives he helped save.

“Dr. Shim was a pioneer in pediatric surgery whose contributions to the field left a lasting impact,” said Russell Woo, professor of surgery at JABSOM and associate dean for clinical programs at Hawaiʻi Pacific Health. “His legacy of caring, skill and dedication to the children of Hawaiʻi is a high bar for all of us who follow in his footsteps.”

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The University of Hawaiʻi is mourning the death of Faith 狈腻濒补苍颈 Kanakaʻole, a revered kumu hula, cultural leader and 糖心视频 Hilo alumna who also served as a former faculty member at Hawaiʻi Community College, and whose life鈥檚 work profoundly shaped Hawaiian cultural practice and Indigenous education across Hawaiʻi and beyond.

Born on March 19, 1946, and raised in Hilo, Kanakaʻole died peacefully at her home on January 3, surrounded by family. She leaves behind a legacy deeply rooted in ʻike k奴puna (ancestral knowledge), artistic excellence and an unwavering commitment to ensuring Hawaiian culture remains a living, evolving practice.

Kanakaʻole was part of an extraordinary lineage. The daughter of Luka and the legendary kumu hula and educator Edith Kanakaʻole, she stood in the fifth iteration of a direct line of kumu hula within a family whose traditions span eight generations. As the youngest of six siblings, she was part of an ʻohana whose influence on Hawaiian studies and cultural preservation is unparalleled.

She stepped into the kuleana (responsibility) as kumu of H膩lau o Kekuhi alongside her sister, Pualani Kanakaʻole Kanahele, and later with her niece, Huihui Kanahele-Mossman. A guardian of the ancient ʻai haʻa (hula danced with bended knees) style, Kanakaʻole helped elevate hula as a classical art form while grounding it firmly in , genealogy and ceremony.

Hilo roots

A graduate of 糖心视频 Hilo, Kanakaʻole studied art history in the early 1970s during the same period her mother was pioneering Hawaiian studies courses on campus.

Together with her husband, Sig Zane, Kanakaʻole co-founded Sig Zane Designs in 1985, helping build a globally recognized brand rooted in Hawaiian values and cultural integrity.

After years devoted to family and co-founding one of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 most recognized fashion lines, she returned to 糖心视频 Hilo and earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in art in 2001.

“狈腻濒补苍颈 was an extraordinary cultural leader and 糖心视频 Hilo alumna whose dedication to perpetuating Hawaiian knowledge touched countless lives,” said 糖心视频 Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin. “Her work elevating hula and Hawaiian cultural practices helped shape the broader movement toward indigenous education 鈥� a movement that has profoundly influenced our university鈥檚 mission.”

Merrie Monarch icon

Kanakaʻole鈥檚 leadership extended far beyond campus. In 1993, she and her sister were named National Heritage Fellows by the National Endowment for the Arts, the nation鈥檚 highest honor in folk and traditional arts. She was also deeply connected to the Merrie Monarch Festival, serving as a respected judge for more than two decades.

“It鈥檚 a sad day for hula,” said Luana Kawelu, Merrie Monarch Festival president and 糖心视频 Hilo alumna. “She was reviewing plans for this year鈥檚 presentation just three days before she passed. That鈥檚 how committed she was to hula and to Merrie Monarch.”

Kanakaʻole

The Kanakaʻole family legacy is visible throughout 糖心视频 Hilo, from Edith Kanakaʻole Hall and its iconic mural to the Hale Kanakaʻole Fund, established with the 糖心视频 Foundation to support Native Hawaiian students across the 糖心视频 System.

• Related 糖心视频 News story: Hundreds celebrate Edith Kanakaʻole at 糖心视频 Hilo, May 9, 2023

“Our ʻohana has lost a treasured kumu and cultural icon,” said ʻohana member and Interim Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Lei Kapono. “Through generations of haum膩na—many of them 糖心视频 Hilo students—Aunty 狈腻濒补苍颈 ensured that traditional knowledge thrives as lived practice, not merely performance.”

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Note: Doug Dykstra鈥檚 Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Windward Community College, in Hale ʻAkoakoa 101鈥�105.

Douglas Dykstra, former chancellor of Windward Community College, died on September 20, 2025. He was 77. Known for his warmth, humor and deep compassion, Dykstra led Windward CC from 2009 until his retirement in 2018, shaping the campus into a vibrant college serving the Windward region and beyond.

“Doug was an incredibly kind man; his kindness walked in front of him into every room,” current Windward CC Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg shared in a message to the campus community. “His leadership style was gentle and compassionate, but still decisive. Doug worked hard to be transparent and understanding. … He really knew us. He took the time, cared and had insight into humanity.”

• More on Dykstra: New Childcare Center breaks ground at Windward CC, April 11, 2017

According to an article published when he retired, Dykstra was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and raised in New York. He was deeply influenced by his father, a Columbia University linguistics professor whose career brought the family to Kabul, Afghanistan, and eventually to Hawaiʻi. After earning a master’s degree in history from Kent State University and later a second master’s degree in education from 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, Dykstra began teaching history at 糖心视频 community colleges, most notably at Leeward CC, where he later became an administrator. In 2004, he was appointed vice chancellor for academic affairs at Hawaiʻi CC, a role that prepared him for the chancellorship at Windward.

A ‘gentleman giant’

At 6 feet 4 inches tall, with a trademark broad smile, Dykstra quickly became a familiar presence at Windward CC. Students, faculty and staff fondly remembered his mix of humor, humility and fierce advocacy for the college. According to the article, during the 2012 accreditation process, Dykstra personally authored a 20-plus page response that turned a sanction into a commendation.

• More on Dykstra: Windward chancellor shaves head for the hungry, April 29, 2013

Colleagues often described him as a “gentleman giant,” one who could be both a soft-hearted listener and a strong, decisive leader when needed. He was known to show up at countless campus events, always asking after students and colleagues, making sure they felt seen and supported.

Eschenberg, who succeeded him as chancellor, called Dykstra an inspiring mentor when he retired. “Doug is unafraid. He bases decisions on what best serves our college and promotes student success, never on what is easiest. … Doug is a leader. He has made each of us better by working together.”

Dykstra retired in 2018 to spend more time swimming, traveling and reading, and to be with his wife, Elitte. He is survived by Elitte and their son, Nathan.

“Doug made an outsized impact through his caring and love,” Eschenberg said. “As those who knew him and benefitted from his leadership, we carry on that legacy of caring and compassion.”

Kevin Michael Kelly, 66, passed away peacefully at home in Kailua, Oʻahu on July 30, 2025 after a long battle against cancer. Kelly was an integral part of the University of Hawaiʻi for more than three decades, contributing his vision, leadership and good humor to marine technology, maritime security and research administration.

Kelly attended SMU in Dallas and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1982 with a bachelor of science in geology. He went on to study oceanography at San Diego State University. Then, in a move that would determine the course of Kelly鈥檚 life, one of his professors recommended him to a colleague at 糖心视频 Mānoa. Kelly accepted the offer in Hawaiʻi, earning a master of science in oceanography in 1988.

Over the next three decades Kelly transitioned into a highly successful career at 糖心视频, including as the managing director of the . Kelly鈥檚 wide-ranging work included business development for marine technology, maritime security, the administration and management of large scientific grants, and liaising with legislative bodies and government agencies.

“Many of us knew Kevin not only for his professional excellence but also for his warmth, curiosity, and kindness,” said (SOEST) Dean Chip Fletcher. “He inspired and connected people wherever he went—whether in the field, at a meeting, or over a shared laugh.”

After retiring from the university in 2020, Kelly devoted himself to the North Shore Economic Vitality Partnership, continuing his lifelong commitment to innovation and community. He recognized the need to help area residents to become more significant in the state鈥檚 economy. The North Shore Economic Vitality Partnership is a non-profit dedicated to promoting economic growth from within the region using community-driven solutions. Today it is a thriving organization, leading the effort to document and improve the region鈥檚 entire food system to maintain agriculture as an economic pillar in the region鈥檚 economy.

His impact was as wide-ranging as it was lasting, and he will be deeply missed by many, including his wife, family and many friends.

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John Morton, whose innovative and strategic leadership and nearly five decades of service transformed the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges and left a profound impact on higher education across the islands, died on August 15, 2025. He was 78.

Morton鈥檚 career at 糖心视频 began in 1970, when a chance visit to Leeward Community College led to an unexpected job offer. He started as a faculty member teaching chemistry and political science and quickly found his life鈥檚 calling in the mission of community colleges.

Over the next 49 years, Morton rose through the ranks鈥攕erving as provost of Kapiʻolani Community College for two decades, leading the planning and construction of the Diamond Head campus, and later becoming vice president for 糖心视频鈥檚 seven community colleges, serving up to 34,000 students annually. He oversaw major capital projects such as the Hawaiʻi CC Pālamanui campus and the Culinary Institute of the Pacific, while spearheading initiatives to expand financial aid, increase student success and strengthen workforce development.

• Related 糖心视频 News story: Mahalo John Morton for almost 50 years of service, May 23, 2019

“John was a remarkable thinker, leader and human being,” said 糖心视频 President Emeritus David Lassner. “His positive impact on 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 community colleges, 糖心视频 System and the entire state is immeasurable. I am incredibly fortunate that this truly wise man was my colleague and my friend.”

Morton championed educational access and equity, especially for underrepresented communities. He played a key role in supporting the Hawaiʻi Promise scholarship program and the HINET workforce and education support initiative. Native Hawaiian enrollment and graduation rates doubled under his leadership.

“John was not only a brilliant mind, but also a visionary and inspiring leader,” said Michael Unebasami, emeritus 糖心视频 Community Colleges associate vice president for administrative affairs. “As the vice president for the 糖心视频 Community Colleges, his forward-thinking ideas reshaped the way we teach and learn, leaving a legacy that will continue to guide our community colleges for years to come.”

Commencement ceremonies were highlights for Morton. When he retired in 2019, he recalled one Molokaʻi Education Center celebration where three generations of a single family graduated together.

“To have that kind of an impact on a family across multiple generations鈥eally captures what community colleges are about and what they do to contribute to the state and its people,” he said.

Inspirational leader, generous mentor

Morton often described his career as grounded in social justice, committed to the principle that higher education should be available to all.

“The idea that the benefits of higher education should accrue to all Hawaiʻi citizens was a radical notion when we were created in 1964,” he wrote in his retirement message. “But we have demonstrated that given the opportunity and the right support our students, who historically had been largely excluded, both desired to attend college and could succeed when given the chance.”

Colleagues across the 糖心视频 system remembered Morton with admiration and gratitude.

“John Morton was a visionary leader for the 糖心视频 community colleges, relentlessly championing their vital role in providing a college education for all Hawaiʻi residents,” said Honolulu CC Chancellor Karen Lee. “But he was also a brilliant, kind and generous mentor, who will be dearly missed. His passing is not only a loss for 糖心视频 but also a loss for Hawaiʻi.”

糖心视频 Maui College Chancellor Lui Hokoana said, “John was a staunch advocate for the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges and their open admissions philosophy. I personally witnessed the power of this vision firsthand—when colleges exist in every community throughout Hawaiʻi, they open doors of opportunity for countless people. John also recognized the gap in financial aid access and challenged us to expand opportunities for students. Under his leadership, financial aid access grew exponentially, and barriers for underrepresented populations, including Native Hawaiians, were addressed and remedied. John was a true visionary, and Hawaiʻi is a better place because of his work, leadership and service.”

Hawaiʻi Community College Chancellor Susan Kazama, who was hired by Morton at Kapiʻolani CC in 2001, said “John was an exceptional leader for the community colleges, leaving a lasting legacy through his initiatives to enhance educational programs for all children in Hawaiʻi. He truly embodied the spirit of ‘Kūlia i ka nuʻu,’ striving for the highest for the betterment of everyone in our islands. His commitment to education has made a significant impact on our community and will continue to inspire future generations.”

Morton is survived by his wife Willow, daughter Kimi, and grandchildren Indiana and Sawyer.

Mahalo John Morton for almost 50 years of service

Popular and loved University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 head cashier Aunty Eloise Luzader died on February 15, at 96. Luzader is remembered for her warm and welcoming personality as she greeted students and customers at the 肠补蹿茅 for nearly 30 years.

Luzader retired from Gateway House 肠补蹿茅 at 95-years-old and stated that the students her favorite part of her job. She viewed them as her grandbabies, effortlessly remembering the names of thousands of them and making them feel her care and aloha. In addition to her cashiering duties, she also served as an unofficial matchmaker of 惭腻苍辞补, bringing together three successful couples.

To return Luzader鈥檚 love, students would bring her gifts and lei, take and share photos with her, and most importantly, spend time with her even after they graduated from 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补.

“She always put a smile on my face, always said hello, always hugged me. She鈥檚 pretty much family to me now,” said alumna Taylor Hiraga at Luzader鈥檚 retirement celebration. “Here at Gateway Caf茅, Aunty Eloise is a staple—she鈥檚 the face of Gateway Caf茅 and she鈥檚 always been for the last 30 years.”

An adventure-filled life

Luzader鈥檚 son, Gary, compiled photo galleries of her well-documented life in a . He shared major moments, from her growing up in Hilo, to journeying to New York, to her return to Hawaiʻi while she ultimately discovered the activities she loved most.

“She was funny, she was generous, and she was loving,” wrote Gary. “She drove me nuts like no other person could, and she also loved me like no other person could鈥hat鈥檚 what ‘moms’ do I guess. When I look back at her life through the photos, Mom鈥檚 life was incredible.”

Luzader spent much of her life exploring the world and different job opportunities that allowed her to interact with others. She touched ground in countries in almost every continent and touched the hearts of those she met while doing sales work. Aside from family and friends, her main constant was dancing.

“Mom had a passion for dancing鈥ny kind of dancing,” Gary wrote. “Mom danced well into her 90s. Even in her final days when she couldn鈥檛 even walk, Mom would talk about dancing one day again鈥� She will鈥�”

Former President Donna M. Howard died on May 1. Howard led the organization from 1994 to 1999, during a pivotal period that shaped its long-term success.

With vision, collaboration and a deep belief in the power of education, Howard transformed the 糖心视频 Foundation.

“Donna will be remembered by many for all she did for 糖心视频 leading our foundation at a critical time when we were becoming serious about creating a culture supportive of philanthropy,” said 糖心视频 President Emeritus David Lassner. “She continued to be a great supporter of 糖心视频 even after she retired. When I was appointed president, she was one of the first people to open her home to introduce me to community members who could help, and she continued to be there for us whenever we needed assistance.”

Howard believed philanthropy was about trust and relationships. She listened to donors, understood their motivations and connected them with meaningful opportunities. She also energized alumni and business partnerships, while championing transparency and accountability. Her leadership boosted donor confidence and the foundation鈥檚 community profile.

Giving back to 糖心视频

Her work translated into lasting benefits for 糖心视频 students, faculty and research. She later established the Howard-Carhart Scholarship Endowment for Maui students, citing her appreciation for the university鈥檚 role in her family鈥檚 lives.

“My daughter and I both earned our master鈥檚 degrees from 糖心视频,” she said. “The university has given us much, and we are grateful.”

Colleagues remember Howard as warm, strategic and inspiring.

“Donna had a leadership style that made everyone feel valued,” said Jere Nakamura, director of gift processing at 糖心视频 Foundation. “She led with a smile and made us feel part of something meaningful.”

When she left to lead the Kapiʻolani Health Foundation in 1999, the 糖心视频 Foundation was a more resilient organization, ready to support the university for generations. Her legacy continues in the strengthened culture of philanthropy she helped create.