—Mongoose.

More ʻ艑lelo of the Week

“Ua holo ka Manakuke ma luna o ke alanui (The Manakuke ran across the road).”

—Noel Mendoza, 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 .

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.”

Windward Community College gave artist Shar Tuiʻasoa a foundation, offering the accessibility and community support, which helped her define her path as a world-class illustrator. For Tuiʻasoa, of Punky Aloha Studio, Windward CC was more than just a school—it felt like a second home or “warm blanket.”

The college was also a hub of creativity that proved pivotal in her artistic journey. Since earning her art certificate in 2024, she has created vibrant work for global giants including Apple, Disney, Pixar and more.

“Community college gave me a place to land. It was a chance for me to try a few different things without having to fully commit, and really learning to enjoy that part of academia,” Tuiʻasoa said. “Having college outreach and the professors on campus really being involved and encouraging us, that was something I just wasn鈥檛 used to.”

The foundation formed at Windward CC continues to fuel her professional work, as she practices with her paints, exploring color theory.

“All of that really stems from that deeper understanding that Professor Snowden Hodges gave to us that he really instilled in us,” she said. “You鈥檙e surrounded by other people who are creative, like-minded people, and we kind of just gathered together and made a family.”

5th annual 糖心视频 Alumni Makers鈥� Market

In 2026 Tuiʻasoa is bringing that connection to the 5th Annual 糖心视频 Alumni Makers鈥� Market—an event dedicated to showcasing food, drinks and products from alumni-owned and -led businesses. Her design features the official colors of all 10 campuses and aims to capture a sense of place and of home.

“I鈥檓 so proud to have gone to Windward CC to be a part of the 糖心视频 system. Just being able to continue being a part of that family, being in community with fellow alum, it just feels like a very full circle moment,” Tuiʻasoa said.

The 5th Annual 糖心视频 Alumni Makers鈥� Market is set for Wednesday, July 29 at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waik墨k墨. , and include unlimited access to food and drink stations, and the opportunity to purchase merchandise.

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

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.”

Previous Images
Dundee under a K墨lauea sun
Championship trophy tour
Time flies
Shakas up!
Got rice?
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.

—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 .

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.

Honolulu Community College鈥檚 construction and trades programs received a $30,000 donation from Ward Village that will provide essential tool kits for students and updated educational resources. This contribution is part of a $120,000 charitable initiative the company announced on June 2, along with the grand opening of The Park Ward Village.

“We are deeply grateful for Ward Village鈥檚 investment in the future of our construction and trades students,” said Honolulu CC Chancellor Karen C. Lee. “Providing our learners with high-quality tools, equipment and educational resources is crucial to their education, and this support helps ensure they are well-prepared for successful careers in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 workforce.”

Other gift recipients included Residential Youth Services & Empowerment in support of its Beretania Street capital project, Aloha for Hawaiʻi for Kona low flood recovery assistance, and Re-Use Hawaiʻi for sustainability-focused reuse efforts serving Kakaʻako and Ward Village.

Adjacent to Victoria Ward Park, The Park Ward Village includes 546 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, as well as more than 30,000 square feet of new retail and dining. It is Ward Village’s ninth residential tower.

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

Beginning this fall, Hawaiʻi Community College鈥檚 in Honokaʻa will offer a new pathway for North Hawaiʻi students to begin college close to home through the “First Year Here at K艒” program. Participating students will also have access to academic advising, tutoring, student support services, and small class sizes without the need for a long commute.

The program allows students to complete their first year of general education courses locally through face-to-face morning classes designed to assist students balancing academics, work, family and community commitments. The program also gives students an opportunity to explore future academic and career pathways while completing transferable general education coursework.

“The First Year Here at K艒 provides students in this region the opportunity to begin their college journey close to home while saving time and money,” said Sandy Ott, K艒 Education Center鈥檚 campus operations coordinator. “This program creates a supportive transition into college life while allowing students to stay connected to their families, community and local support systems.”

• Applications for the fall 2026 semester are due August 1.

Helping H膩m膩kua Coast residents

The initiative was developed in response to community conversations and the growing need for accessible higher education opportunities along the H膩m膩kua Coast. By offering full-time enrollment options locally, the program aims to help students build confidence, form meaningful relationships with classmates and instructors, and receive the support needed during the critical first year of college.

“First Year Here at K艒 reflects our commitment to meeting students where they are geographically, academically and personally,” said Jace Saplan, Hawaiʻi CC dean of liberal arts and sciences. “This initiative allows students to begin with foundational general education courses that can move with them into many different majors, while also building relationships with faculty, counselors, staff and community partners.”

The pilot program is designed to serve up to 20 students during its first year. After completing their first year at K艒, students may continue their studies at Hawaiʻi CC鈥檚 Manono campus in Hilo or the P膩lamanui campus in Kona, depending on their academic program and personal circumstances.

“My hope is that ‘First Year Here at K艒’ becomes a clear invitation for students to see Hawaiʻi Community College as part of their community, and to see their own education as something that can grow from these opportunities,” said Saplan.

To learn more about the program visit the , or contact Ott by email cdott@hawaii.edu or phone (808) 775-8890.

Hawaiʻi Community College Chancellor Susan Kazama will step down on July 31 to retire, concluding a 40-year career with the University of Hawaiʻi that has spanned five campuses and nearly every level of higher education leadership.

Kazama, a Hilo native was appointed as the permanent chancellor of Hawaiʻi CC in July 2024 after serving a year in an interim capacity. She is retiring in part to spend more time caring for her elderly parents.

“Returning home to lead a college in the community that raised me has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Kazama shared in a message to the campus. “Looking back on four decades at the University of Hawaiʻi, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve students and communities across our state, and especially for the chance to return home to lead Hawaiʻi Community College.”

“Mahalo to Chancellor Kazama for her dedication and service to the University of Hawaiʻi and her steadfast leadership at Hawaiʻi Community College,” said Interim Vice President for the 糖心视频 Community Colleges Lui Hokoana. “Susan鈥檚 deep roots on Hawaiʻi Island and her commitment to building pilina (relationship) have profoundly elevated the campus and its students. We are deeply grateful for her dedication and wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement.”

Advancing Hawaiʻi CC

During her time as interim and permanent chancellor, Kazama steered the college through a period of growth, stability and renewed momentum. Under her leadership, Hawaiʻi CC rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic, achieving an 8.7% increase in enrollment, record-high student retention and success rates, and a full seven-year reaffirmation of accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

Her tenure reflected a strong commitment to student success, workforce development and community engagement. She expanded educational opportunities at the Pālamanui campus and Kō Education Center, launched the college鈥檚 first drone certification program, supported multiple butchery cohorts, and helped secure scholarship funding through community partnerships.

Among her most significant accomplishments was securing an agreement for a 16-acre land acquisition dedicated to sustainable agriculture, creating new opportunities for hands-on learning while supporting food security and workforce development on Hawaiʻi Island.

She also strengthened community relationships, expanded philanthropic support, and helped advance Hawaiʻi CC鈥檚 mission as a premier Native Hawaiian-serving institution rooted in culture, innovation and opportunity.

A career of service

Born and raised in Hilo, Kazama graduated from Waiākea High School before earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

Her 糖心视频 career began in the libraries at Maui Community College and Honolulu Community College before she joined 糖心视频 Mānoa鈥檚 Hamilton Library. She later served as library and learning resources director at Kapiʻolani Community College and went on to hold senior leadership positions across the 糖心视频 System, including interim vice chancellor for academic affairs at both Kapiʻolani CC and Honolulu CC.

Nationally recognized for her expertise in accreditation, Kazama served as a commissioner, vice chair and chair of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, helping shape accreditation standards and policy for community colleges throughout the western United States and Pacific region.

Throughout her career, Kazama focused on strengthening student success, institutional effectiveness and community partnerships, leaving a lasting impact on 糖心视频 and the students it serves.

“What I leave with most strongly is this lesson: the leadership of a kauhale (village) means we must work together on behalf of student success, trust, culture and institutional transformation,” Kazama said. “The things that matter most can never rest on the shoulders of a single person. They require all of us.”

An interim chancellor for Hawaiʻi CC will be announced in the weeks ahead to ensure a smooth transition.

As Hawaiʻi works to eliminate more than 83,000 cesspools by 2050, Hawaiʻi Community College and the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College are preparing the workforce needed to help make it happen. The colleges launched the Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Specialist Certificate, a one-year program preparing students for careers in cesspool conversion and sustainable wastewater installation.

The 23-credit certificate combines coursework in design, construction and sustainability with experiential learning. As demand grows, this program builds the local workforce vital for protecting 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 environment and public health.

“I really enjoy the mix of theoretical and practical information that the course provides. We’ve learned about how various wastewater treatment systems operate, and also have had many opportunities to learn from professionals in the field, and visit various facilities,” said student Marina Kukso. “I hope to join the wastewater industry after this program, so this certificate has been the perfect springboard to help me fulfill my goals.”

Flooding, aging infrastructure, need for professionals

Recent flooding events have highlighted the vulnerabilities of aging infrastructure, underscoring the urgent need for skilled professionals to replace systems and meet the 2050 mandate.

“The cesspool issue is complex, and will require a multitude of different stakeholders working together to find solutions,” said Charlotte Cheek, project coordinator and Hawaiʻi CC instructor. “The certificate was created in response to the growing need for more wastewater professionals in our communities. The courses educate students about the issues and solutions and connect them with wastewater professionals all over Hawaiʻi.”

Financial assistance is available. For more details, email Cheek at cheekc@hawaii.edu or visit the .

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.

Chiara Logli, assistant professor and institutional assessment specialist at Honolulu Community College, has won a Fulbright U.S. Scholar award in higher education for the 2026–27 academic year. Granted by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, the Fulbright award underscores Logli鈥檚 standing as a world-class educator.

As part of the award, she will teach courses on research design and conduct a study examining how universities in India balance local traditions with global perspectives in higher education. Hosted by JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research in Mysuru, India, the project will culminate in a comparative study of higher education systems in India, the U.S. and Indonesia.

This research stems from her deeper passion for exploring how universities are shaped by the communities and cultures around them. In particular, she is drawn to India鈥檚 dynamic higher education system, which reflects both deep traditions and rapid innovation.

“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Logli,” Chancellor Karen C. Lee said. “It is an immense honor to join the legacy of the Fulbright Program in promoting collaboration across borders. She will be able to share the unique strengths of higher education in Hawaiʻi with colleagues abroad and bring back her learnings about India to enrich our campus community.”

Logli holds an MA in political science and a PhD in education with a specialization in international cultural studies. In addition to the Fulbright award, Logli has received recognition and previous awards from the East-West Center, Rotary International, USAID, United States Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships, United States-Indonesia Society and the European Union Leonardo da Vinci Program.

Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program is one of the world鈥檚 most respected international exchange programs, operating in more than 160 countries. Fulbright alumni include 46鈥痟eads of state or government,鈥�63鈥疦obel Laureates,鈥�93鈥疨ulitzer Prize winners,鈥�83鈥疢acArthur Fellows, and countless leaders across sectors鈥痑nd industries worldwide.

For Windward Community College veterinary technology students, job searching doesn’t come after earning a diploma. The path to employment is fast-tracked thanks to the annual Perfect+Match networking event, which connects first-year students with top clinics, often creating employment opportunities before they finish their studies.

The most recent event, held on May 5, did not disappoint. Class president Ashleigh Long met Kenny Lum, director of human resources and marketing at Veterinary Solutions, and walked away from the event with both an internship and a job offer.

This immediate employment success is a hallmark of Windward CC‘s AVMA-accredited —the only one of its kind in Hawaiʻi. The program replaces uncertainty with expertise, ensuring graduates are job-ready from day one.

Real-world training

Students dive into intensive, real-world training, tackling everything from surgical assistance and radiology to specialized exotic animal nursing. It was a transformative journey for second-year student Maluhia MacPherson, who grew up loving animals on a farm.

MacPherson said, “I overcame my fear of placing an IV catheter with the support of my instructors, classmates and lots of hands-on experience.”

Windward CC graduates approximately 20 highly skilled veterinary paraprofessionals each year.

To learn more, .

&#8212By Carolynn Yamada

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 Honolulu City Council honored Windward Community College Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg on May 14 for her leadership in expanding educational opportunities across Koʻolaupoko (the area from Kualoa to Waimanalo) and all of Hawaiʻi.

During the presentation at Honolulu Hale, Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina praised Eschenberg for strengthening Windward CC鈥檚 community connections and advancing educational pathways. Since 2019, Eschenberg has expanded Early College, strengthened ties with Hawaiian immersion schools, and increased access for first-generation, Native Hawaiian and underserved students.

“This is such an unexpected honor,” said Eschenberg. “I鈥檓 thankful to Councilwoman Kiaʻāina for this kind recognition and incredibly thankful for our entire community that makes this work possible. Each accomplishment noted was made possible by an entire community coming together鈥攐ur students, staff and faculty, our legislators, federal grantors, the Koʻolaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, high schools, business groups, Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, so many individuals and organizations in our community make things happen.”

Prison education, performing arts, more

Key Windward CC achievements included establishing H膩naiaulu, the University of Hawaiʻi System鈥檚 only Hawaiian immersion childcare center. Kiaʻāina also recognized the college鈥檚 efforts for incarcerated students through the Puʻuhonua program, which launched the associate in Hawaiian studies degree at Halawa Correctional Facility. Windward CC further serves the community through academic programs such as veterinary technology and the Conservatory of Performing Arts.

Eschenberg is actively involved in the Windward community, participating in neighborhood board meetings and fostering partnerships with local schools and businesses. She has also been recognized as the Kāneʻohe Neighborhood Board鈥檚 2025 Person of the Year.

“Being able to serve the Koʻolau community is itself an honor,” Eschenberg said.

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.”