—Name, term, title.

More ʻ艑lelo of the Week

Check back for more ʻ艒lelo Hawaiʻi.

—Moanikeʻala Nabarro, Office of Communications, Ke Kulanui o Hawaiʻi ma Mānoa (University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa)

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

The University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa 19th annual Medical Diagnosis and Treatment (MDT) program gave high school students the opportunity to experience life as a medical student.

Throughout the week-long program from July 6 to 10, 84 students worked through medical scenarios they might encounter as physicians.

This year, students experienced a new addition to the program.

Bryan Brown, assistant professor of medicine, introduced a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired learning activity that transformed cardiovascular disease into an interactive adventure. Students worked together to battle characters representing diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol and heart disease. Brown鈥檚 goal was to make complex medical concepts memorable by combining storytelling with active learning.

Donor support made it possible for 12 neighbor island students from Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, 尝腻苍补ʻ颈, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island to participate this year.

Charlotte Jo, a student at Wai膩kea High School, hopes to take what she’s learning back to Hawaiʻi Island.

“I’m hoping to learn more so I can come back, serve my community, and really help out our healthcare system,” she said. “We really need it, especially here on the Big Island.”

Nineteen years after the MDT program began, many of its participants have gone on to become medical students. The hope for the program is to leave high-school students inspired to volunteer in hospitals, seek out shadowing opportunities, and continue exploring healthcare.

.

—Paddle (As a canoe).

More ʻ艑lelo of the Week

“E kaup膿 aku n艒 i ka hoe a k艒聽mai (Put forward the paddle and draw it back).”

—Lanakila Grosse, 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 .

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel presented a comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) strategy to the (BOR) on July 16 at 糖心视频 Mānoa, detailing a bold vision to accelerate AI training and adoption across the university system and serve the needs of Hawaiʻi.

Likening the technology to “the new electricity,” the presentation emphasized the urgency to prepare Hawaiʻi’s workforce for a rapidly shifting landscape. Hensel highlighted industry statistics, noting that one-third of entry-level jobs now require AI skills, and 80% of hiring managers consider AI competency a priority when evaluating candidates.

“Because this is here, it is going to radically transform what we do, and the failure to talk about it as an institution of higher education means that we will constantly be reacting rather than setting the course for our students, our faculty, staff and the state,” said Hensel during her presentation at the BOR meeting.

To meet this demand, the university has adopted a holistic approach to AI that spans governance, curriculum, workforce development, research and operations. A cornerstone of this approach is the newly adopted 糖心视频 AI Policy, which establishes guidelines for the “responsible and ethical use of AI technologies,” promoting transparency, accountability and fairness across the university community. To implement this vision, 糖心视频 has formed a dedicated AI Task Force focused on Hawaiian culture and values, ethics and governance, and curriculum and pedagogy.

More than 100 AI-infused courses

The university currently boasts more than 100 new or AI-infused courses and has launched new AI certificates, concentrations and programs at 糖心视频 Hilo, 糖心视频 Mānoa, 糖心视频 Maui College, 糖心视频 West Oʻahu and Honolulu Community College. Furthermore, nearly 100 instructors from across the system have been supported in developing and incorporating AI-related assignments into their classes.

The university is also prioritizing hands-on experiential learning. Initiatives such as EL3vate provide intense faculty professional development to weave AI and design thinking into course curricula, while AI Innovation@RISE offers students systemwide opportunities to work directly with industry partners on real-world tech needs in Hawaiʻi.

Beyond the 10 campus system, 糖心视频 is providing resources to the public. The is a free, open-access, 12-chapter foundational course offering training and applied learning for communities across the islands. 糖心视频 is collaborating with tech companies such as Google and Microsoft, and is proposed as a regional anchor to adapt AI curriculum co-created with MIT. All of these tools, community practices and resources are centralized on the .

“It’s going to happen whether we embrace it or not, and the important thing is that we decide how we deploy it and use it through a position of information and knowledge, and not reacting to the winds of change,” said Hensel during her presentation.

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

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

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

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

—Wild ginger.

More ʻ艑lelo of the Week

“Nui n膩 ʻawapuhi i koʻu m膩la (There is plenty of ginger in my garden).”

—Haʻaheo, 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 .

Join our University of Hawaiʻi ʻohana to shop local and celebrate 糖心视频 alumni small businesses at the 5th annual 糖心视频 Alumni Makers鈥� Market at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikīkī on July 29, 6–9 p.m.

The signature event showcases food, drinks and products from alumni-owned and led small businesses.

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 proceeds will go toward benefiting student needs across the 10-campus 糖心视频 system.

More information can be found at the .

Participating food and beverage vendors include:

• BeerLab Hawaii
• Bite Logic
• KCCAKESS
• Kai Vodka
• Kapa Hale
• Kapiʻolani Community College Culinary/Jason Peel
• Little Plum/Uncle Paul鈥檚 Corner Store
• Makanai
• PILI Group
• Pono Potions
• Pop Culture Artisan Pops
• Rainbow Drive-In
• Summer Club
• The Lei Stand
• The Pau Hana Co.

Participating marketplace vendors include:

• Arii Jewelry
• Art by Sachiko
• Aunty Kendra鈥檚
• Choco Leʻa
• Churro鈥檚 Fish Market
• David Shepard Hawaiʻi
• Hawaii Confectionery
• Hawaiian Pie Co.
• Huff n Puff
• Kailua Honey
• Kaululani Florals
• Mari鈥檚 Garden
• Okonokai
• Old Queen Street Stadium
• Ports + Paws
• Premier Barbershop
• Red Thread Artistry
• Sweet Enemy Clothing
• Ten Tomorrow
• Touch A Heart
• Urban Cowboy
• Wailana Hawaiʻi Art
• Welo Creations

In a major step toward expanding educational access and affordability, Gov. Josh Green signed into law HB 2338 CD1 as Act 235, providing critical updates to the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges鈥� . The new law removes the program’s “last-dollar” restriction, allowing students to keep more of their additional scholarship resources while the state continues to cover up to 95% of tuition. As a result, students can use federal Pell Grants and private scholarships to help pay for essential living expenses and basic needs costs such as housing, food, transportation and other education-related costs.

The program’s impact is reflected in the experiences of students such as Kapiʻolani CC student Kanako Horner. “The Hawaiʻi Promise Program has lifted the majority of the financial burden associated with my education, allowing me the opportunity to explore my career goals and further my education.”

While Hawaiʻi Promise is one of 38 statewide Promise programs nationwide, it was previously the only one that required outside grants and scholarships to be deducted from a student’s state award.

“This legislation is a vital change that will directly support more residents across our islands,” said Lui Hokoana, interim vice president for the 糖心视频 Community Colleges. “By restructuring the award to maximize a student’s total financial aid, they can now use additional scholarship resources for essential costs like housing, food and transportation—making a college education more affordable for local families.”

Act 235 builds upon the Hawaiʻi Promise Program’s proven track record of helping local residents pursue higher education despite Hawaiʻi high cost of living.

Proven impact and academic excellence

In academic year 2024–25, the Hawaiʻi Promise Program demonstrated its impact:

• Distributed $5.69 million to 1,941 recipients, with an average award of $2,933.
• Served the 22% of recipients who demonstrated financial need but did not qualify for federal Pell Grants.
• Recipients earned more credits on average (17.9 vs. 13.0) and maintained higher GPAs (2.89 vs. 2.73) than their non-recipient peers.

Long-term outcomes

Since 2017, the Hawaiʻi Promise Program has served 11,921 recipients, achieving a 70% overall success rate鈥攄efined as earning a degree or certificate, transferring to a four-year institution or remaining actively enrolled. Just 30% of recipients have stopped out, meaning they are no longer enrolled and have not yet completed a credential, a rate well below the national average of 45%.

Hawaiʻi is strengthening one of its most effective college affordability initiatives, ensuring the Hawaiʻi Promise Program can help even more residents complete their education while supporting the state’s workforce and economic future.

The University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa has begun demolishing two buildings at the five-building, three-story Hale Noelani student housing complex, marking another step in the university’s long-term effort to modernize campus housing and enhance the student residential experience.

Demolition of Buildings C and D began on July 6 and is expected to be completed by mid-August, before the start of the fall 2026 semester. The project is overseen by the 糖心视频 M膩noa Office of Campus Operations and Facilities (COPF) and the 糖心视频 Office of Project of Delivery, and includes demolition of the structures, removal of debris and preparation of the site for future use.

The university continues to evaluate options for the remaining three buildings (A, B and E), including renovation or demolition, as it works to realize the highest and best use of the Hale Noelani site in support of its long-term student housing strategy.

“Providing high-quality housing is an important part of the student experience and one of my highest priorities as chancellor,” 糖心视频 M膩noa Chancellor Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “The university has made good progress over the past four years modernizing our residential communities, and this project allows us to continue building on that momentum. Clearing this site creates new opportunities to better serve our students for generations to come.”

Constructed in 1977, the Hale Noelani complex once provided approximately 530 apartment-style beds for students. Demolition of Buildings C and D permanently removes 174 of those beds. The complex has been vacant since 2017 after university officials determined that returning it to service would have required extensive infrastructure upgrades, including replacement of the aging plumbing system, at a time when student enrollment was declining.

Expanding housing

During that period, the student housing inventory has been increased by the 糖心视频 Foundation through innovative public-private partnerships (P3s) that did not rely on state funding. The Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center opened in 2023 as one of Hawaiʻi‘s first successful P3 projects, adding 325 student housing beds along with innovation and entrepreneurship spaces. In 2025, Hale Haukani became the university’s second P3 housing community, adding 558 apartment-style beds, study rooms, retail space, a childcare center and community gathering areas.

Together, the two projects increased 糖心视频 M膩noa’s housing inventory to more than 4,000 beds, the largest residential capacity in university history.

Investing in the future of campus housing

While expanding housing capacity, 糖心视频 M膩noa has also made significant investments in the long-term planning of its existing residence halls. Beginning in 2023, the 糖心视频 Office of the Vice President for Administration led a comprehensive effort to modernize and strengthen the university’s student housing program, including the development of a seven-year capital improvement plan for residence halls. The plan aims to bring 95% of residence halls into fair or better condition by fiscal year 2028 and extend the useful life of existing housing facilities by an additional 20–30 years.

The university is also contracting with a planning consultant to develop a comprehensive Student Housing Plan that aligns with the university’s mission and strategic goals.

“We’re taking a broader look at the future of student housing that will address current challenges and anticipate future student housing needs,“ said David Akana, interim director of Student Housing Services. “This comprehensive Student Housing plan will help guide long-term decisions while ensuring our residence halls continue to foster community, support academic success and enhance the overall student experience for future generations of students.”

The university also partnered with an independent financial consultant to develop a long-term financial model that aligns housing rates with the costs of operating, maintaining and renewing residence halls, helping ensure the program’s long-term financial sustainability.

Improving the student experience

Student Housing Services and COPF also made significant investments to enhance students’ day-to-day living experience, from modernizing common spaces to upgrading residence hall rooms and infrastructure.

One of the most visible projects was the 2024 renovation of the lobbies and common areas in the four 13-story Hale Aloha Towers, home to 1,040 first-year students each year, about one-fourth of the approximately 4,000 students living in 糖心视频 M膩noa housing.

More than 1,400 new energy-efficient MicroFridges鈥攃ombination microwave and refrigerator units鈥攚ere installed in student rooms and suite areas across nearly all residence halls, except Hale Wainani Apartments. Every student room has also received a new mattress, while more than 300 wireless access points have improved Wi-Fi coverage and reliability throughout the residence halls.

Behind the scenes, crews repaired or replaced more than 300 windows, bed frames, plumbing fixtures and air-conditioning units while expanding preventive maintenance and security upgrades throughout the residence halls. The university also replaced more than 1,300 smoke detectors and installed new water bottle filling stations across campus housing.

Additional improvements include new community furniture, eco-friendly dining initiatives, updated laundry equipment, improved move-in experiences, and the addition of a Starbucks at Gateway Caf茅, creating additional spaces for students to gather, study, and build community. Feedback from residents has informed many of these improvements and will continue to be solicited to ensure investments align with students鈥� needs and expectations.

The ʻohana came together to chart the path forward during a special campus forum on July 9 addressing the upcoming chancellor transition. Held in the campus cafeteria and virtually via Zoom, the event drew about 80 attendees in person and 100 online. 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel and Interim Vice President for Community Colleges Lui Hokoana led the listening session, aiming to gather feedback to inform decisions regarding interim leadership.

With Chancellor Susan Kazama set to retire on July 31, the forum focused on protecting the college’s strong momentum. Three options were presented for community feedback: having the vice president for community colleges temporarily step in, appointing a dedicated interim chancellor focused solely on Hawaiʻi CC, or exploring a temporary, unified islandwide leadership structure with 糖心视频 Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin.

Guided by student success

Hensel emphasized that the ultimate choice will be guided by shared voices, stability and student success.

Hensel said. “Our priority today is to listen. We want to ensure that whatever path we choose for our interim leadership honors your kuleana (responsibility) to place and keeps our students first.”

Engagement was high, with participants submitting dozens of questions both in advance and during the live event. Topics covered institutional autonomy, transparent communication and the selection timeline.

The forum marks the beginning of an open conversation. 糖心视频 leadership will now use the community’s feedback to appoint an interim leader, ensuring continuous support for the campus before launching a full search for Hawaiʻi CC‘s permanent chancellor.

This year鈥檚 University of Hawaiʻi foodbank drive raised $53,810 in monetary donations and 6,146 pounds of food for 2026. According to Hawaiʻi Foodbank, the university鈥檚 contribution equals more than 120,800 meals.

This year鈥檚 donations of 517,177 meals across the City, State and 糖心视频 exceeded Hawaiʻi Foodbank鈥檚 goal of 510,000 meals, marking an outstanding accomplishment.

“The 糖心视频 ʻohana showcased incredible compassion and generosity that will make a major impact on the community and those in need,” said 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel. “I would like to thank everyone who helped to make this happen.”

The issue of hunger continues to be a major challenge facing the community, affecting those most vulnerable. The contributions will provide vital support to those who need it most.

Whether you recognize his voice from Spectrum Sports broadcasts, his face from local television newscasts, or his name from the award-winning production company RKT Media, Ryan Kalei Tsuji seems to be everywhere. But before he was an Emmy-winning CEO, a protocol officer for the governor, or the owner of a booming cocktail bar, Tsuji鈥檚 dynamic journey began at the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa.

Growing up as a sports fan in Hilo, Tsuji wanted to be a TV reporter and always dreamed of attending 糖心视频. Driven by this passion, he earned bachelor鈥檚 degrees in communications and political science in 2007, followed by a master鈥檚 degree in public administration in 2009. During his time at 糖心视频 M膩noa, he also worked his way up from a manager to an assistant coach for the nationally ranked Rainbow Wahine volleyball team under legendary coach Dave Shoji.

“I was like Van Wilder, I was at 糖心视频 for eight years getting all these different degrees because 糖心视频 was paying for it,” said Tsuji. “It was an opportunity for me to just really be a part of the University of Hawaiʻi system and I just loved my experience and time there.”

Tsuji parlayed his education into a multi-faceted career. He launched the video production company RKT Media in 2016, co-hosts the interactive program Spotlight Now, and has been recognized with multiple honors, including being named to Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40. In 2022, he opened The Lei Stand, a bar and lounge, in Chinatown. Now located in Waik墨k墨, The Lei Stand will be expanding to the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

Celebrating alumni entrepreneurship

The Lei Stand is one of nearly 40 vendors confirmed for the 5th Annual 糖心视频 Alumni Makers鈥� Market on Wednesday, July 29, at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The event is dedicated to showcasing food, drinks and products from alumni-led businesses. .

“It鈥檚 a great way to reconnect with former alumni, but also an opportunity to just really be proud of where we came from and all the talent that stayed here in Hawaiʻi and is giving back to the community,” Tsuji said.

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 .

A traditional oli ceremony welcomed Vassilis L. Syrmos as the new chancellor of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Members of the campus community chanted Welina Mānoa to greet and welcome him into the role.

Syrmos began his tenure as 糖心视频 Mānoa chancellor after being unanimously approved by the 糖心视频 Board of Regents on June 4 following a nationwide search. 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel recommended him for the position.

“It is the pinnacle of the journey both professionally and personally. My family, my kids grew up here. The state has been my home for 35 years,” Syrmos said. “I want to give a big thanks to President Hensel for entrusting me to do this job. This is a really important job within the 糖心视频 System and the 10 campuses. It is an honor.”

As chancellor, Syrmos serves as chief executive officer of 糖心视频 Mānoa, overseeing academic affairs, research, student success, enrollment and administrative operations for the university鈥檚 flagship campus. He reports to the 糖心视频 president and serves on the president鈥檚 senior leadership team.

Syrmos emphasized 糖心视频 M膩noa鈥檚 role as a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning, underscoring the university鈥檚 responsibility to ground research and education in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 values and communities. His priorities include strengthening student success, supporting faculty and staff, and advancing 糖心视频 Mānoa鈥檚 research and innovation efforts.

He plans to spend his early months in the role visiting schools, colleges and units across campus to listen and learn directly from students, faculty and staff. Syrmos has described 糖心视频 Mānoa鈥檚 long-term trajectory as becoming a global public flagship university rooted in academic excellence, talent retention and world-class research, with a focus on creating an environment where faculty and students can thrive and innovate.

Syrmos joined 糖心视频 Mānoa more than 35 years ago as a faculty member in the College of Engineering and has since held multiple leadership roles across the university. Most recently, he served as interim provost beginning in July 2025.

Prior to that, he served 12 years as vice president for research and innovation and eight years as associate vice chancellor for research at 糖心视频 Mānoa. In those roles, he helped guide long-range research strategy, contributed to record extramural funding growth and supported initiatives to strengthen research infrastructure and partnerships.

Read more about Chancellor Syrmos at these 糖心视频 News stories:

• Meet Vassilis L. Syrmos: A life shaped by innovation, mentors and a passion for 糖心视频 Mānoa
• Leading 糖心视频 Mānoa forward: Chancellor Vassilis L. Syrmos
• A New Chapter: Defining Our Future

Stay connected with Chancellor Syrmos by visiting and following him on , and .

Four years after launching an effort to address Hawaiʻi鈥檚 rural healthcare needs, the first Kauaʻi Medical Training Track (KMTT) cohort has officially graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa (JABSOM).

The graduation marks a historic milestone for Kauaʻi and the state. Funded by a $10 million commitment from Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg, the multi-pronged program was established in 2022 to combat neighbor island physician shortages and improve the health and wellness of Kauaʻi鈥檚 families.

KMTT graduates will complete their residency programs before returning to Kauaʻi to practice medicine.

The trailblazing class of 2026

The 2026 graduating cohort includes five newly minted doctors who have deep ties to the neighbor islands and a dedicated focus on community health: Kirra Borrello (internal medicine, UCLA), (pediatrics, UC Irvine), Erin Evangelista (OBGYN, Loma Linda University), Brent Fujimoto (orthopedic surgery, 糖心视频) and Ivana Yoon (primary care, 糖心视频).

Through Chan and Zuckerberg鈥檚 gift, the program fully covered the cohort’s tuition, fees, transportation and lodging for all four years of medical school in exchange for a commitment to return to Kauaʻi after residency and serve the community as physicians for at least four years. This comprehensive support allowed the students to focus entirely on their rigorous training and hands-on clinical rotations at Kauaʻi鈥檚 local healthcare centers.

“When we started this journey in 2022, I was incredibly excited to learn medicine from the very people who inspired me—including my childhood pediatrician, who became my preceptor,” said Emoto, who was raised on Kauaʻi. “Today, that excitement has evolved into a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude. We have built strong relationships with our community clinics and patients, and we are ready to give back to the communities that shaped us.”

Related 糖心视频 News story: Medical training track have prolonged, impactful presence on Garden Isle

A focus on rural medicine

The program was designed to immerse these new doctors in the nuances of rural medicine. Over the past four years, the students worked alongside Kauaʻi‘s medical community, transforming from eager first-year students into confident, community-focused physicians.

Travis Hong, director of rural training at JABSOM, oversaw the cohort’s progression from their welcome reception at Gaylords in 2022 to their graduation stage today.

“It was wonderful to see our cohort start off as brand-new medical students, grow throughout the years, gain clinical skills. and integrate into the community,” said Hong. “To see them really get to know their preceptors, work alongside them and finally graduate as physicians has been an incredible thing to witness. This is exactly how we build a sustainable, compassionate healthcare workforce for Hawaiʻi.”

“The success of the Kauaʻi Medical Training Track serves as a powerful proof-of-concept for the rest of the state,” said Sam Shomaker, dean of JABSOM. “As Hawaiʻi‘s only medical school, JABSOM plays a vital and unique role in solving our statewide physician shortage. By proving we can successfully train and retain doctors directly within a rural setting, we now have a replicable model that we hope to expand to Maui, Hawaiʻi Island and Molokaʻi. This is how we ensure that all communities across our state have access to exceptional, locally rooted care.”

With subsequent cohorts already training behind them, the pipeline of locally tied, rural-focused doctors is officially flowing, promising a healthier future for Kauaʻi and all of Hawaiʻi.

Trauma from vehicle collisions caused the majority of documented deaths for the Pueo (Hawaiian short-eared owl), according to a led by researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. The findings represent the most extensive mortality assessment to date for this culturally significant raptor, which is native to the Hawaiian Islands.

The study was conducted by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management (NREM) in the (CTAHR). Researchers analyzed 32 years of records (1993–2024) from 10 organizations across the islands.

Researchers compiled 242 documented Pueo mortalities and found that trauma accounted for 62% of deaths. Within those cases, two-thirds were linked to vehicle collisions or occurred in close proximity to roadways. Wind turbines represented 13% of trauma-related deaths, while other identified causes included emaciation and disease.

“Our findings highlight that many Pueo deaths may be preventable,” said Melissa Price, an NREM professor and senior author of the study. “Reducing vehicle collisions and increasing awareness about rodenticide use can help all of us support Pueo conservation. This work is dedicated to University of Hawaiʻi alumnus Stephanie Bell, whose work on this project for her undergraduate senior thesis made this statewide assessment possible.”

Complex factors in wildlife deaths

While trauma was often the immediate cause of death, researchers noted that many birds suffered from underlying health issues, including parasites, emaciation or suspected exposure to rodenticides.

“Wildlife mortality is often complex,” said Thierry Work of the U.S. Geological Survey, a collaborator on the study. “Perhaps owls are more likely to forage along roadsides because that is where prey are easily available, or other underlying conditions increase their risk of collision. Without systematic necropsies and toxicology testing, it can be difficult to untangle these contributing factors.”

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Olivia Wang noted, “This study adds to a growing body of research that indicates many native bird species in Hawaiʻi are killed by vehicle and infrastructure collisions. Understanding the magnitude of impact of these threats helps us identify areas to target management and outreach efforts so we can minimize and mitigate the various threats Pueo face.”

The study provides the first statewide synthesis of Pueo mortality, identifying critical areas for future research and conservation action. While the number of reported mortalities has increased over time, researchers suggested this could reflect improved reporting efforts, more cars on the road or faster driving speeds. A statewide assessment of Pueo population size is a critical next step to understand how this level of mortality might affect the population over time.

—Handsome, pretty, lovely of fine appeareance; a handsome or fine looking person.

More ʻ艑lelo of the Week

“He nohea ʻoe i kuʻu maka (You are lovely in my eyes).”

—Kealiʻi DeMello, 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 .

Guided by new leadership and competing under a unifying theme, the produced a historic 2025–26 season highlighted by championship moments, including a statewide celebration of a national title.

“Our Team, Hawaiʻi鈥檚 Team” was introduced shortly after Matt Elliott鈥檚 appointment as athletics director in June 2025, and 糖心视频 teams delivered moments that resonated throughout the state over the course of the sports calendar.

A Christmas Eve miracle to capture the Hawaiʻi Bowl title highlighted the fall season and the men鈥檚 basketball team claimed the program鈥檚 first Big West Championship title and accompanying NCAA Tournament appearance in a decade in March 2026. 糖心视频 dominated in the pool with the men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 swimming and diving teams sweeping the Big West championships while the Rainbow Wahine water polo team went undefeated in conference play for a third straight year.

The Rainbow Warrior volleyball team then asserted its claim to dynastic status by capturing the program鈥檚 third national championship within the last six years. The title run included the program鈥檚 first NCAA Tournament match on its home court at a sold-out Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center and concluded with rousing victories over Long Beach State and UC Irvine.

Along the way from the soccer team鈥檚 opener in mid-August through the NCAA Track and Field First Round in late May, 糖心视频 student-athletes continued to rack up national and conference honors, including Kansei Matsuzawa becoming the first consensus All-American in the football program鈥檚 109 years of competition.

The department also bid aloha to three longtime coaches with Robyn Ah Mow (women鈥檚 volleyball), Laura Beeman (women鈥檚 basketball) and Andy Johnson (sailing) stepping away from their roles. The 2025–26 campaign also marked the farewell season to the Big West for 14 teams before joining the 糖心视频 football team in the Mountain West effective July 1.

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The has received a $630,000 estate gift—the largest in the history of the —to establish the center鈥檚 first permanent endowment, ensuring long-term support for student writing services. The gift was directed by historian Lisa Olsen Tait in honor of her late aunt, LaRene Despain, an English professor who co-founded the Writing Center in the 1970s.

The endowment provides stable, ongoing funding to expand tutoring, outreach and support services, particularly for first-generation and international students. Writing centers are often among the most heavily used academic resources on campus, offering one-on-one guidance that helps students succeed across disciplines.

“This historic gift ensures the Writing Center will continue to be a vital resource, helping students from all backgrounds find their voices and strengthen their writing,” said Peter Arnade, dean of the .

A legacy of teaching and mentorship

Despain joined 糖心视频 Mānoa in 1972 while completing her PhD at the University of Connecticut and became an early leader in the emerging field of composition studies. She advocated for a collaborative, student-centered approach to writing, emphasizing drafting, peer feedback and mentorship over rigid instruction.

“The 鈥�70s and 鈥�80s were a formative time in English studies, and LaRene was on the cutting edge of that movement,” Tait said. “Her work shaped how writing was taught, including her textbook Writing: A Workshop Approach, which I used in my own teaching.”

Beyond the classroom, Despain was known for her commitment to students and colleagues, particularly through her work at the Writing Center.

“The Writing Center became a really important place for LaRene,” Tait said. “She valued the opportunity to work one-on-one with students and to mentor both writers and tutors.”

Expanding impact for future students

Leaders say the new endowment will allow the Writing Center to grow its reach and deepen its impact across campus.

“This gift gives us the ability to build partnerships, expand outreach and create resources we鈥檝e long envisioned,” said assistant professor of English Isaac Wang, who also serves as the director of the Writing Center. “It allows us to turn ideas into reality.”

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Science educators around the world will get a front-row seat to groundbreaking research and innovation from the University of Hawaiʻi during a free virtual unconference showcasing Hawaiʻi science excellence.

For the first time, is partnering with —an educational technology company that creates tools and resources to support hands-on STEM learning—to present the 16th annual on July 22 and 23, connecting thousands of teachers worldwide with 糖心视频 scientists and other experts through interactive online sessions.

Session topics will include astronomy, forest ecology, volcanology, ocean sensing, wayfinding, marine biology, environmental science and coastal monitoring. 糖心视频 Mānoa will be represented with the (including , and ), , and , along with 糖心视频 Hilo’s . , chief evangelist of Canva and , will be a keynote speaker.

Attendees will be in one Zoom room, with the goal of creating a collaborative experience throughout the day. Unlike a traditional conference, an unconference emphasizes interactive, participant-driven discussions and collaboration, allowing attendees to engage directly with presenters and one another rather than simply listening to lectures. Professional development certificates are provided for all attendees and video recordings of all sessions are available afterwards.

Amazing science, amazing educators

More than 22,000 educators signed up for the event last year, and organizers are aiming for more than 20,000 this year. ScIC is designed for teachers, however, anyone interested in STEM topics are welcome to join.

“As part of our mission to connect University of Hawaiʻi research and innovation with K–12 classrooms, it was an easy decision to partner on Science Is Cool,” STEM Pre-Academy Director Lauren Kaupp said. “We鈥檙e excited for teachers both locally and globally to see some of the amazing science that happens every day across Hawaiʻi.”

Kanesa Seraphin, director of the 糖心视频 Sea Grant Center for Marine Science Education, will be sharing her work, including .

“I am really excited about this event because it is so interactive; we get to talk live and take audience questions—and it鈥檚 going to be huge!” Seraphin said.

Former University of Hawaiʻi leader Kaiwipunikauikawēkiu Punihei Lipe, who recently headed the , received a rare honor when she introduced Hawaiʻi-born former U.S. President Barack Obama at the grand opening of his presidential library in Chicago on June 18.

Drawing on her Native Hawaiian roots, Lipe opened with a message about connection.

“Where I come from, to introduce someone means we have pilina, a connection,” she said. “If this man walked into my home, my children would call him Uncle. Because we are both keiki o ka ʻāina, children of Hawaiʻi.”

Lipe was selected for the honor after years of leadership in education, community engagement and Indigenous advocacy.

In 2019, Lipe was one of 200 emerging leaders selected for the Obama Foundation’s Asia-Pacific leadership program, where she participated in discussions with Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama and other leaders on values-based leadership and social change.

She recently transitioned from 糖心视频 to become poʻo kula (head of school) at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama where she will support and serve students and educators across the K–12 campus.

• Related 糖心视频 News article: 糖心视频 leader selected for role at KS Kapālama, April 2, 2026

Draped in lei, Lipe reflected on a shared kuleana, describing a sacred responsibility passed from one generation to the next in Obama’s one hānau (birth sands) to care for people “we will never meet.”

Lipe said Obama鈥檚 call to build ‘a space of new possibilities’ led her to reflect on ʻike k奴puna (ancestral wisdom) and the lessons of the ʻaʻaliʻi, an Indigenous plant in Hawaiʻi known for surviving harsh conditions

“A native plant renowned for its versatility and tenacity,” Lipe said, later sharing an ʻōlelo noʻeau (Hawaiian proverb), “He ʻaʻaliʻi kū makani mai au; ʻaʻohe makani nāna e kūlaʻi, I am a wind withstanding aʻaliʻi; no gale can topple me over.” She described the plant as deeply rooted, resilient through storms and drought, and responsive to change.

For Lipe, those qualities embody the spirit of Obama’s signature “Yes We Can” message, one rooted in hope, resilience and perseverance.

The ceremony also featured an emotional speech from Michelle Obama and musical performances by Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder.

The Barack Obama Presidential Center is a museum, library and educational nearly 20-acre campus in Chicago that celebrates the life, legacy and presidency of Barack Obama.