As the economy rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence (AI), the Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training (PCATT) is bolstering local workforce readiness. The University of Hawaiʻi Community College consortium hosted the PCATT AI Summit 2026: AI for Action and Impact at the Ala Moana Hotel June 4–5, bringing together industry leaders, educators and 糖心视频 professionals to tackle the evolving technological landscape.

Celebrating PCATT‘s 25th anniversary, the summit focused on four core pillars: Trust in AI, AI & The Future of Work, Public/Social Interest in AI, and The Mechanics of AI. The event emphasized the necessity of collaboration between local businesses and schools to advance AI literacy and create stable economic pathways in the islands.

糖心视频 System Senior Advisor to the President Kim Siegenthaler opened the gathering, emphasizing how artificial intelligence is actively reshaping Hawaiʻi‘s economy and workforce alignment.

Keynote speakers included Chris Barton, creator of Shazam (a breakthrough music recognition mobile application), and Dave Free of the Cisco Networking Academy, who offered strategies for innovation and adapting education training to rapid technological change.

Building a resilient workforce

“I was inspired by the discussions on finding the balance between leveraging AI‘s power while maintaining ethical standards and human connection,” said attendee Alexi Drouin. “As AI continues to change how we learn and work, it’s clear that our adaptability and human insights are more valuable than ever.”

For industry experts, the summit highlighted the necessity of bridging the gap between classroom training and real-world application.

“Attending the PCATT AI Summit was an incredible opportunity to engage with Hawaiʻi‘s tech educators and industry leaders,” noted Branden Baker of Intech Hawaiʻi. “Discussing how we can safely leverage AI to build a resilient workforce and diversify Hawaiʻi‘s economy is vital to our collective future.”

Lakshanya Krishnarajan, a healthcare IT professional, added, “The sessions provided deep insights into how AI is transforming education, cybersecurity and workforce development. From learning about trust in AI models to seeing real-world demos of how we can build practical digital prototypes, this summit provided actionable steps to bring back to our community.”

This week鈥檚 糖心视频 News Image of the Week is from Kauaʻi CC marketing staff member Caitlin Fowlkes.

Fowlkes shared: “Kauaʻi Community College culinary students learn how to carve ice sculptures.”

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A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the 糖心视频 ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next 糖心视频 News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

• .

Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other 糖心视频 connection. By submitting your image, you are giving 糖心视频 News permission to publish your photo on the 糖心视频 News website and 糖心视频 social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.

—Humpback whale, forcing up the water like waves hitting a reef, reef flats.

More ʻ艑lelo of the Week

“E ola i ke kai ma ka leo o n膩 kohol膩 (The sea is alive with the voices of the humpback whales).”

—Hunter Landt, he haumāna ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language student), Ke Kulanui Kaiāulu o Honolulu (Honolulu Community College)

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

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.

Local food entrepreneurs are getting a major boost to expand their products into large retail stores. A $25,000 grant from the Ulupono Fund at the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation is lowering barriers for a dozen local businesses to use the state鈥檚 first commercial-scale high pressure processing (HPP) system.

The cutting-edge food preservation technology is housed at Leeward Community College鈥檚 (WVAPDC). It utilizes extremely high water pressure to eliminate harmful pathogens and spoilage microorganisms without heat, preservatives or additives. This unique process extends shelf life while fully preserving food freshness, flavor and nutritional quality.

The funding subsidizes up to $3,000 per company to offset the costly validation testing required to verify that HPP-treated products meet commercial food safety standards. These steep upfront costs often pose a significant barrier for small local producers looking to scale up production.

“贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 long-term sustainability depends on strong local food systems and the entrepreneurs who drive them,” said Keith DeMello, senior vice president of communications and external affairs at Ulupono Initiative. “Programs like this help local producers transform Hawaiʻi-grown ingredients into value-added products that can reach more markets, creating new opportunities for farmers, food makers and our communities.”

Boosting local food systems

The center celebrated this investment with a ceremony on June 5 honoring Da Tomato Guy, a local salsa company and the first business to complete the validation process using the grant.

“I鈥檓 grateful to the Ulupono Initiative for the support, which helps small businesses like mine grow beyond local markets and start reaching more customers,” said Danny Rudometkin, owner of Da Tomato Guy. “It鈥檚 exciting to think about our salsa being available in stores so more people across Hawaiʻi can enjoy it.”

The facility represents a collaborative investment bridging education, government and community resources.

“This support from the Ulupono Fund helps us expand access to specialized capabilities like HPP and strengthen the support system available to 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 food producers,” said Carlos Pe帽aloza, chancellor of Leeward CC and interim chancellor of University of Hawaiʻi鈥揥别蝉迟 Oʻahu.

Speakers at the celebration included Hawaiʻi State Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz; Dane Wicker, deputy director of the Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism; Dana Okano, program director at the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation; and Chris Bailey, WVAPDC manager.

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on June 5, 2026.

Aloha University of Hawaiʻi ʻohana,

I am pleased to share that the University of Hawaiʻi has officially welcomed three outstanding individuals to our senior leadership team following recent Board of Regents action and appointments. Each brings deep experience, a strong commitment to our mission and an exciting vision for helping move our 10-campus system forward.

Please join me in welcoming:

Vassilis Syrmos

Vassilis Syrmos, who was unanimously approved by the Board of Regents as the next chancellor of 糖心视频 Mānoa. A dedicated member of the 糖心视频 community for 35 years, Vassilis brings deep institutional knowledge and strong leadership experience as he leads our flagship campus into its next chapter.

Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua

Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua, who was appointed interim director of the System Hawaiʻi Papa O Ke Ao and 糖心视频 Mānoa Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office. Noe brings extensive experience in education, governance and community engagement and will help continue advancing our work as a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning.

Brad Christ

Brad Christ, who officially assumed the role of vice president for information technology and chief information officer. Brad has played a key role in strengthening technology, cybersecurity and digital transformation efforts across 糖心视频 and will help guide the university’s continued modernization efforts. Read more.

I am thrilled to welcome Vassilis, Noe and Brad to our leadership team. I know each will help take our university to the next level in their respective areas and strengthen the important work happening across all 10 campuses.

Please join me in congratulating and warmly welcoming them to these important roles.

With aloha,
Wendy Hensel
糖心视频 President

The University of Hawaiʻi has officially posted the job description for a highly anticipated, newly created position: the associate vice president (AVP) for workforce development. Serving as the primary architect for a cohesive workforce strategy across all 10 糖心视频 campuses, this leader will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academia and industry to meet the pressing labor needs of the State of Hawaiʻi.

The establishment of this position is a major priority for 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel. During her inaugural systemwide address, Hensel stressed the need to move at the “speed of business” and create one centralized place for industry partners to engage with 糖心视频.

“We must build an integrated ecosystem with employers that brings them into our curriculum and into the classroom,” Hensel said. “This new associate vice president for workforce development will really own this initiative, ensuring we answer the call of Hawaiʻi‘s business and industry, and move our strategic agenda forward in a targeted, coordinated way.”

Unified programs, enhanced pathways

Reporting to the vice president for academic strategy, the new AVP will lead the development of a systemwide “Workforce Master Plan” that aligns directly with Hawaiʻi‘s economic priorities.

By unifying credit and non-credit programs, the AVP will enhance career pathways, allowing learners to move fluidly from short-term training to advanced degrees. Furthermore, they will expand opportunities for work-based learning, apprenticeships and applied research by formalizing agreements with private sector partners and large state employers.

Candidates must possess a minimum of eight years of progressive leadership experience in workforce development, economic development or higher education administration. The search is now underway, with the continuous application review process set to begin on June 15, 2026.

This week鈥檚 糖心视频 News Image of the Week is from 糖心视频 Hilo’s Camryn Hilder, an undergraduate majoring in animal health and management in the College of Agriculture Forestry and Natural Resource Management.

Hilder shared: “Episode 43 of K墨lauea鈥檚 eruption showered Hilo in a light dusting of Pele鈥檚 hair. Despite the elements, life continues on the farm…This photo shows one of the horses, Dundee, standing beneath an eerie red sun, its color caused by the plume of volcanic ash.”

Previous Images
Championship trophy tour
Time flies
Shakas up!
Got rice?
Everybody chill
All Images of the Week

Send us your image!

A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the 糖心视频 ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next 糖心视频 News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

• .

Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other 糖心视频 connection. By submitting your image, you are giving 糖心视频 News permission to publish your photo on the 糖心视频 News website and 糖心视频 social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.

The University of Hawaiʻi is extending 糖心视频 Maui College鈥檚 successful statewide across all 10 糖心视频 campuses to combat the critical teacher shortage across the islands. This systemwide collaboration offers a clear and supported pathway for Hawaiʻi residents to earn their elementary education teacher license, including tuition-free courses.

The Hoapili program, launched in 2023, has already demonstrated its effectiveness by helping more than 60 students earn their teacher licensure and education fields. The initiative has served more than 360 students, attracting non-traditional students such as long-term substitute teachers, educational assistants, emergency hires, and parents in both Hawaiian and English educational contexts. 糖心视频 is scaling this proven model statewide to “grow our own” kumu (teachers) on every island.

A dedicated program coordinator and campus counselors work one-on-one with students to build a tailored academic plan. To learn more or apply, visit 糖心视频Kumu.org.

Eliminating financial barriers

Guided by the mission, “I ulu n艒 ka l膩l膩 i ke kumu”—Our keiki grow because of their kumu,” the pathways program is designed to eliminate common financial and geographical barriers. Core courses toward elementary education teacher licensure are offered tuition-free and delivered entirely online, with classes intentionally scheduled during after-work hours to accommodate full-time working adults balancing busy lifestyles.

Students can enroll full- or part-time, and there are no prerequisites required to join. The program also provides free substitute teaching certifications and free para-educator testing (ParaPro Assessment) for those seeking immediate entry into the workforce. Participants can start at any 糖心视频 Community College and seamlessly transfer to a four-year 糖心视频 campus”—including 糖心视频 Hilo, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and 糖心视频 West Oʻahu—to complete a bachelor of education degree in elementary education.

“The Hoapili program began as a way to provide a bridge to teacher licensure for individuals who are passionate about education but unable to attend college in the traditional sense,” said Lui Hokoana, interim vice president for the 糖心视频 Community Colleges. “Expanding this proven, Maui-born solution to all 10 campuses allows us to scale our efforts and build a robust, sustainable pipeline of local teachers for schools across the state.”

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.

The University of Hawaiʻi celebrates June 2026 faculty and staff anniversaries.

40 years

Domingo, Eunice M
Administrative Assistant, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

30 years

Hironaka, Tom M
Financial Aid Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Richman, Nurney H
IT Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

20 years

Carbone, Michele
Researcher, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Dodo-Aguilar, Sherrie
Videographer, 糖心视频 System

Hino, Candice N
Fiscal Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Hottenstein, Crystalyn L
Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Inouye, Mary E
Administrative and Fiscal Support Specialist, Kapiʻolani CC

Lam, Carolina G
Assistant Specialist, 糖心视频 Hilo

Nacis, Marissa C
Account Clerk, Hawaiʻi CC

Nariyoshi, Janine Y
Administrative and Fiscal Support Specialist, 糖心视频 System

Soares, Princess K
Institutional/Policy Analyst, Leeward CC

Velasco, Rouel G
Junior Specialist, 糖心视频 West Oʻahu

10 years

Burns, Vincent H
Program Manager, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Carlos, Brandon M
Student Services Specialist, Leeward CC

Christensen, Ma Felicitas M
Human Resources Specialist, 糖心视频 West Oʻahu

Dang, Chayne K
Media Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Isawa, Jenine M
Fiscal Specialist, Leeward CC

Kolish, Dustin W
University Security Officer, 糖心视频 Hilo

Mandryk, Carole A
Program Manager, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Osorio, Jamaica H
Associate Professor, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Pouliquen, Yan F M
University Security Officer, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Renio, Linda A K
Human Resources Specialist, Kapiʻolani CC

Sakamoto, Sharon S
Administrative and Fiscal Support Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Sales, Todd H
Air Conditioning Mechanic, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Siegman, William D
Instructor, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Toda, Nelson M
Safety/Security Specialist, Leeward CC

Topping, Miles Q
Director of Energy Management, 糖心视频 System

Tsukida, Gary M
Environmental and Health Safety Specialist, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补

Wang, Xinyan
Administrative Officer, 糖心视频 Hilo

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes the global job market, the University of Hawaiʻi is taking a leading role in preparing the state’s workers for an evolving economy. 糖心视频 has officially partnered with the State Workforce Development Council and Imua ʻOnipaʻa (a Hawaiʻi-based non-profit) for a four-part symposium series titled, “The AI Transformation: Preparing Hawaiʻi鈥檚 Workforce for the Future.”

The second event of the series, “The AI transformation: Preparing Hawaiʻi鈥檚 workforce for the future ” is tentatively scheduled for June 25, 2026, at Honolulu Community College from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. “Building an AI ready workforce in Hawaiʻi” will focus on the business case for responsible AI adoption, including industry-specific opportunities and risks, workforce impacts, and recommendations for Hawaiʻi鈥檚 education and training providers. Attendance is capped at 100 and 糖心视频 faculty, staff and administrators are encouraged to attend.

糖心视频‘s participation alongside partners such as the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and Department of Accounting and General Services underscores the university’s vital function as the engine of Hawaiʻi‘s workforce development.

“The University of Hawaiʻi is proud to partner with the State Workforce Development Council on this critical initiative,” 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel said. “Preparing our local workforce for the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence is essential for Hawaiʻi鈥檚 economic resilience. As the state’s primary provider of higher education, 糖心视频 plays a central role in ensuring our training programs equip residents with the skills and AI literacy needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy.”

Bennette E. Misalucha, executive director of the State Workforce Development Council within the Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, highlighted the necessity of cross-agency collaboration.

“Hawaiʻi has an opportunity not simply to react to the AI transformation, but to thoughtfully prepare our workforce, institutions, and communities to harness AI in ways that strengthen economic resilience and preserve our shared values,” Misalucha said. “The AI Symposium Series was created to bring together our relevant stakeholders to better understand this moment of change, and to ensure that Hawaiʻi is prepared not only for the future of technology, but for the future of its people.”

The first session “Where is AI and where is it going” was held in April at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. Experts from the guided attendees through the complex landscape of AI data and policy challenges, privacy frameworks, and AI‘s projected impacts on daily life, work, and sociopolitical power dynamics.

糖心视频 System Director of Workforce Development Christine Beaule said, “The State Workforce Development Council鈥檚 AI Workforce Readiness series addresses some of the most pressing challenges and promising opportunities to our communities and state. AI will impact us all in ways we can only imagine at the moment; it is our kuleana to prepare our students for the future of work, lifelong learning and ethical, engaged citizenship.”

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa鈥檚 “Our Team, Hawaiʻi鈥檚 Team” trophy tour brought the NCAA Men鈥檚 Volleyball National Championship trophy to 糖心视频 campuses and community locations across Oʻahu following the Rainbow Warriors鈥� national title victory earlier this month.

The tour began at 糖心视频 Mānoa on May 20 with stops at Bachman Hall and Hawaiʻi Hall, and on May 22 at the 糖心视频 Mānoa Bookstore, giving students, faculty and staff opportunities to take photos with the trophy and celebrate the program鈥檚 third NCAA championship.

“It was really cool,” said Colleen Licudine, a 糖心视频 Mānoa employee and Rainbow Warrior volleyball fan who saw the trophy at Bachman Hall. “A lot of 糖心视频 pride. My dad went to school here too, and so basically my whole life I鈥檝e been watching games from back when even Dave Shoji was coach. Seeing the men鈥檚 team rise up and be really successful in their program too, it鈥檚 been really, really nice.”

The trophy later visited Leeward Community College and 糖心视频 West Oʻahu on May 27, and Windward CC, Kapiʻolani CC and Honolulu CC on May 28, as part of a systemwide effort to thank the 糖心视频 community for its support throughout the volleyball season.

“It was so cool,” said Shanelle Bartlett, Kapiʻolani CC student and 糖心视频 fan. “The trophy is a symbol of how much effort these boys have put in to bring a championship back to our community and to the Hawaiian Islands and I feel like people underestimate us because of where we鈥檙e from. But this is a symbol showing how we are really powerful even from a small community like this.鈥�

“Hoʻomaikaʻi iā ʻoukou no ko kākou lanakila ʻana! (Congratulations on your win!),” said Windward CC Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg. “We’re so proud of the 鈥楤ows and their win for the NCAA championship. Congratulations!”

One of the attendees who made a stop at Kapiʻolani CC was former 糖心视频 men鈥檚 volleyball player from the 1970s Dalwyn Wong.

“This is great. It鈥檚 really good to see,” Wong said. “The program has come a long way. I saw the last championship trophy and the games a few years ago. To see it again this year, oh man, a pretty good feeling. I鈥檓 proud of the program and proud of all the players and coaches.”

Other stops throughout the week included Honolulu Hale, Hawaiʻi State Capitol, Hawaiian Airlines, Skyline, local businesses, corporate partners and community events across Oʻahu. Additional events across the state are being planned, including other 糖心视频 campuses.

“It really is gratifying to see how much joy and pride people take into, not only men’s volleyball but all the accomplishments in the athletic department,” said Charlie Wade, 糖心视频 Mānoa men鈥檚 volleyball head coach. “Getting a chance to share this beautiful piece of art that symbolizes something really significant accomplishment, it鈥檚 pretty cool.”

The Rainbow Warrior men鈥檚 volleyball team captured the NCAA Men鈥檚 National Collegiate Volleyball Championship on May 11 after defeating UC Irvine in four sets. The title marked the program鈥檚 third national championship and its first since back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022.

The trophy tour was organized by the 糖心视频 Mānoa Athletics Department as a way to share the championship celebration with fans, students, faculty, staff and community supporters throughout Hawaiʻi.

“Our team, Hawaiʻi‘s team, isn’t a slogan. It’s what we’ve really bought into and we want people to know that this championship is for them too,” said Eric Mathews, 糖心视频 Mānoa athletics director of marketing and fan experience. “This isn’t just something at Mānoa. This isn’t just something for the team. This is the entire community. This is for the entire state. It’s for the entire 糖心视频 System that we have.”

The University of Hawaiʻi has launched the Next Step Scholarship to encourage 糖心视频 Community College students who earned an associate degree during the 2025–26 academic year—or completed enough credits in an eligible pathway or major—to continue their education at one of the university鈥檚 four-year campuses. Eligible students from one of 糖心视频鈥檚 seven community colleges are already automatically accepted to a 糖心视频 four-year school through a streamlined process that waives the application fee and eliminates the need to submit a new application.

Now, through the Next Step Scholarship, students enrolled full time (12 or more credits) during the fall 2026 semester at 糖心视频 Hilo, 糖心视频 Mānoa, 糖心视频 Maui College or 糖心视频 West Oʻahu will receive a $2,000 scholarship, while part-time students enrolled in 6 to 11 credits will receive $1,000.

“Transitioning to a four-year university is a significant milestone, and we are committed to making that next step as seamless and affordable as possible,” said 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel. “These students have already demonstrated their commitment and academic readiness through their success at our community colleges. The Next Step Scholarship helps ensure finances do not stand in the way of completing their degrees and achieving their goals.”

Encouragement to continue education

All 糖心视频 associate degree graduates who qualified for automatic admission were emailed information about the new scholarship on May 15. The scholarship has been automatically awarded to 438 students who had already begun the transfer process, while another 1,156 students are eligible.

“For students who were automatically admitted but have not yet committed to a 糖心视频 four-year campus, we hope this scholarship provides an added incentive to continue their education,” said Hensel. “This scholarship is one example of the new strategies we are testing to expand access, increase enrollment, strengthen educational attainment and help build the workforce our state needs. It is good for our students and good for Hawaiʻi.”

All students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if they have not already done so. While FAFSA is not required to receive the Next Step Scholarship, it can unlock additional federal, state and institutional financial aid that may be combined with the scholarship.

Students with questions about their automatic admission or the enrollment process are encouraged to contact the admissions office at their chosen 糖心视频 four-year campus.

This week鈥檚 糖心视频 News Image of the Week is from the Our Team, 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 Team Trophy Tour, which began at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, following the Rainbow Warrior men鈥檚 volleyball team鈥檚 NCAA national championship victory. The tour will make stops across Oʻahu at 糖心视频 campuses and other community locations. 糖心视频s to Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and Kauaʻi are also being planned.

Previous Images
Time flies
Shakas up!
Got rice?
Everybody chill
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All Images of the Week

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A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the 糖心视频 ʻohana!

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—To embrace with arms, as in a hug, or holding an infant.

More ʻ艑lelo of the Week

“笔奴濒颈办颈 wau i kaʻu mau keiki i k膿l膩 me k膿ia l膩. (I embrace my children every day.)”

—LaurieAnn Takeno, he haumāna ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language student), Ke Kulanui Kaiāulu o Honolulu (Honolulu Community College)

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

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.

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instructor Ian Kekaimalu Isami Lee has sailed far and wide aboard the vessel Hōkūleʻa. Now, the and alumnus uses the experiences gained on open waters in his class on the basic principles and theories of modern non-instrument navigation, the same navigation used on the Hōkūleʻa.

“It brings a lot of context for my students because when we talk about things or when I try to explain things to them,” Lee said. “I tell them stories of things that I have personally experienced. That brings it to life for them, and it makes it easier for them to understand the concepts.”

After graduating from Leeward CC with an associate鈥檚 degree in liberal arts in 2011, Lee enrolled at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补. In 2014 Lee sailed from Samoa to Aotearoa and in 2017 from Tahiti to Hawaiʻi aboard Hōkūleʻa.

His master鈥檚 thesis revolved around voyaging and canoe culture. The journeys were instrumental in his growth as a person and navigator, allowing him to share experiences with his ancestors who crossed the sea thousands of years prior. Lee earned bachelor鈥檚 (2014) and master驶s (2017) degrees in Hawaiian studies.

Community on campus

It was not always smooth sailing. After spending his first semester skipping classes, Lee says he found community at Leeward CC. This inspired him to engage more in his studies and take advantage of free tutoring and other support.

“I just found myself having a blast and learning along the way,” said Lee. “It was the community that I surrounded myself with. We had the program Hālau ʻIke O Puʻuloa, which is now known as Kīpuka, Native Hawaiian Student Services. There were so many people who created a very comfortable environment. That made me not want to leave.”

Lee remembers being greeted with a smile and treated with aloha on campus, which felt like a home away from home. Now, he tries to encourage his students to build community.

“My students do their course in groups, they do everything as a group,” Lee said. “I try to shift their thinking to a broader, global thinking that all of our actions are interconnected and affect each other. If we all thought that way, I think this world would be a much better place.”

A group of c from Leeward Community College is preparing to travel to Lyon, France, next summer for an immersive educational experience in one of the world鈥檚 most celebrated culinary destinations.

The trip, scheduled for summer 2027, will allow eight students to experience French cuisine, culture and culinary traditions firsthand while learning from chefs and food professionals in what has been called the gastronomic capital of France.

“For me, when it comes to France, the number one thing I can think of is the pastries they have,” said culinary student Rhiannah Khimberlie Mae Ulit. “As someone interested in baking, I鈥檓 most excited to see and learn authentic and new techniques they have in that field.”

Student Ralf Adriane Bartolome said the opportunity represents more than just international travel.

“France has one of the most significant influences in the culinary world,” Bartolome said. “Traveling to France would give me the chance to learn more about their cuisine and other culinary techniques that they use.”

Advancing global culinary education

The France trip advances Leeward CC鈥檚 growing emphasis on global culinary education, following last year鈥檚 visit to Japan鈥攖he program鈥檚 first international learning opportunity for students. To build on that momentum, the department hosted a fundraiser in March to help cover expenses for the trip to France.

These opportunities complement the hands-on training students already receive, and expose students to experiences that cannot be replicated in a classroom setting.

“One of the strengths of our program is the variety of extracurricular activities we can provide to the students,” said Matt Egami, culinary arts program coordinator. “This gives them opportunities to experience the industry and the world in ways they may not have thought possible before.”

Egami added, “The inspiration and passion that this will unlock in our students will hopefully encourage them to believe in an expanded realm of possibilities for themselves.”

To support the student trip to France, donate to the .

—by Devon Bedoya