Three years after the August 2023 wildfires on Maui, substantial steps forward have been made, but important gaps remain, according to a new report from the (UHERO) released on August 11. Housing has stabilized for many affected families, with more households in permanent homes, and some able to return to their communities. But employment and incomes have moved little over the past year. The report presents findings from the Maui Recovery Survey, an ongoing survey of people who lived, worked, or owned a business in West Maui or Kula at the time of the disaster.

Key findings from the August 11 report:

• Displacement has declined modestly. The share of households no longer displaced rose modestly over the past year, and fewer are displaced from both their home and West Maui. Of those displaced from both their home and West Maui in early 2025, about one in six have returned to West Maui but not yet to their home. Displacement also continues to extend beyond the burn area, where the share displaced from their home but remaining in the same area has risen.
• Housing stability has continued to improve. Homeownership has recovered slightly from 38% to 42%. For some, relief programs met needs that predated the fires. About 60% of those who were unhoused or in informal arrangements before the disaster had a rental by 2025, and a further 20% by 2026. About two-thirds of fire-affected households now live in permanent housing, up from just over half in early 2025. Households are also moving far less than in the first two years, and among those still in temporary arrangements the share at the same address for more than a year has tripled to almost two-thirds. However, overall rates of temporary and unstable housing remain elevated.
• Rental costs have eased for smaller properties, but remain heightened for larger units. Median rent for studios and one-bedrooms has fallen to roughly its pre-fire level by May 2026. Rents for larger units have stayed broadly flat and well above pre-disaster levels. Overall, almost half of fire-affected renters now pay less than before the fires (largely because of rental assistance), but at the same time almost 40% pay more. The share of households receiving full or near-full rental assistance has been cut by more than half, from 37% in January 2025 to 15% in May 2026.
• Employment continues to be an area of limited progress. 42% of fire-affected people work full-time, unchanged from a year earlier and still well below the 62% who did so before the fires. Unemployment has fallen from 10% to 8%, but exits from the labor market through retirement or no longer seeking work have risen from 26% to 30%. Even among working-age people, more than one and a half times as many are out of the labor force as before the disaster. Among people employed in the visitor industry before the fires, about two-thirds still work in the sector, with little change over the last year.
• Poverty levels have risen since the wildfires, but some improvements are emerging. The share of households in poverty has declined modestly over the past year but remains markedly above pre-fire levels, and most households are still poorer than before. The share of households above but near the poverty threshold has increased the most after the wildfires, but it has also been on a downward trajectory in the last few months.
• Unmet needs have declined slightly, but assistance has fallen substantially. Financial assistance remains the most frequently reported need. FEMA assistance has been cut in half over the last year and a half. Other government assistance has also declined, and only half as many people now receive help from community organizations compared with the start of 2025. About half of fire-affected people received no assistance of any kind in May 2026, almost double the share a year earlier. Some of this decline may reflect households regaining stability, but the scale suggests assistance has likely also fallen for households who still need it.

With support from the , UHERO will continue to monitor and analyze the progress of the recovery in its fourth year.

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UHERO is housed in �鶹��ýMānoa’s .

In �鶹��ý County, a new Extension Master Food Volunteers program is filling a void in community food education by training volunteers to deliver practical, research-based food education to keiki, adults, families and kūpuna. A team of Extension agents at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa finished training 15 community members in May.

“The reason we did it was that we could not meet the demand for cooking and nutrition education in the community, especially after federal funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) ended,” said Marielle Hampton, a UH Extension agent who leads the initiative along with Extension Agents Heather Greenwood and Hallie Cristobal. “There was so much interest in it and so much need for it, both for adults and for kids as a life skill.”

The program uses curriculum adapted from North Carolina State University and connects �鶹��ý with a growing national network of Master Food Volunteer programs. This pilot project was supported by an impact grant from the County of �鶹��ý Department of Research and Development.

Meeting communities where they are

The program provides culturally relevant, realistic guidance rather than rigid diets. Instead of asking families to eliminate traditional foods or adopt unfamiliar diets, volunteers teach manageable, nutritious changes.

“White rice is a great example,” she said. “We’re not going to come in and tell people they need to stop eating white rice. What we might suggest instead is, ‘Oh, could you add edamame to your white rice to add a little bit more fiber and protein?’”

Hampton added that in an era dominated by internet nutrition trends and misinformation, providing science- and evidence-based education helps community members wisely evaluate their food choices.

Reaching keiki, families, kūpuna

Greenwood brings expertise in working with kūpuna while Hampton and Cristobal focus on families and youth, with an emphasis on teens who can build lifelong cooking skills. Building on the early success of the �鶹��ý Island pilot, the team has submitted a federal grant application to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture with plans to expand the program to Maui and Kauaʻi.

Honolulu Community College has appointed Sara M. Butler as vice chancellor of academic affairs (VCAA), effective August 5, 2026.

As VCAA, Butler will serve as Honolulu CC‘s chief academic officer, overseeing instructional programs, academic support services, curriculum and accreditation efforts, and working closely with Chancellor Karen Lee and campus leadership to advance the college’s academic mission.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Butler to Honolulu CC and excited she has joined our team,” Lee said. “She brings a wealth of experience in curriculum development, accreditation, strategic enrollment and student success initiatives. Her proven ability to build strong, collaborative relationships across faculty, staff and community partners will elevate our students’ experiences and create opportunities for their future.”

Helping students achieve their goals

Throughout her career, Butler has led work in strategic enrollment management, dual enrollment expansion, distance education, program review and outcomes assessment, and accreditation. She has also worked with Indigenous-serving institutions, including the California Indian Nations College.

“I am truly honored and grateful to join the Honolulu CC ʻohana. I am looking forward to learning from my colleagues, the students and community partners so that I can support Honolulu CC’s dedicated faculty and staff as they play a pivotal role in helping our students achieve their academic and professional goals,” Butler said.

New leader’s experience

Butler brings almost two decades of academic experience, having taught in the City University of New York, California State University, and University of California systems. She began her full-time teaching career in the California Community College system, earning tenure as a political science professor at College of the Desert in Palm Desert.

Her administrative career started as a dean at College of the Desert. In 2022, Butler served concurrently as both dean of social sciences and arts and interim vice president of instruction. She later served as dean of academic affairs at Santa Ana College. She is joining Honolulu CC from Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa, where she was dean of languages, arts and academic support.

Butler holds a PhD and MA in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a BA in history and political science from the College of Staten Island.

University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa running back and return specialist Cam Barfield has been selected to the

Barfield, a senior from Las Vegas, enters his third season as a Rainbow Warrior. Last year he earned all-Mountain West second team honors as a kick returner. He was also a crucial piece in the �鶹��ýoffense, starting three games at running back.

Now in its 17th season, the Paul Hornung Award is given annually to the most versatile player in college football by the Louisville Sports Commission in memory of the late football legend and Louisville native Paul Hornung. Barfield is just one of two players from the Mountain West Conference selected to the watch list.

The winner of the Paul Hornung Award will be honored at the annual dinner in Louisville, Kentucky in March 2027.

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The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (CTAHR) signed a memorandum of understanding with Nani Mau Gardens to expand agricultural education, research and community outreach on �鶹��ý Island. The 22-acre botanical site in Hilo will serve as an outdoor classroom and research facility for CTAHR students, faculty and the �鶹��ý Island community.

“This agreement connects our academic, research, and extension programs with a magnificent botanical resource on �鶹��ý Island,” said CTAHR Dean Parwinder Grewal. “Our students will be trained in real-world settings, while our faculty work alongside community partners to address urgent agricultural challenges facing tropical island ecosystems.”

“Nani Mau has been part of Hilo’s story for more than 50 years,” said Cindy Cui, CEO of Nani Mau Gardens. “Working with CTAHR lets us preserve this landmark while giving it a new purpose: teaching the next generation how to care for our water, our plants and our island.”

More than 2,000 species of tropical plants

Founded in 1970, Nani Mau Gardens houses more than 2,000 species of tropical plants, including flowering trees, palms, fruit crops and native Hawaiian flora. Under the agreement, CTAHR faculty and Cooperative Extension agents will use the botanical grounds for workshops and field research on pest management, soil health, biosecurity and plant propagation techniques suited to island microclimates.

In addition to student learning, the collaboration will support workforce development across the local agricultural sector. CTAHR and Nani Mau Gardens plan to host joint public events, workshops for local farmers and educational tours for school groups throughout the year.

The University of �鶹��ý at Hilo men’s and women’s soccer programs earned 2025–26 United Soccer Coaches College Team Academic Awards for their achievements in the classroom.

Both Vulcan teams posted cumulative grade point averages of 3.0 or higher to qualify for the national recognition.

UH Hilo was among 777 college soccer teams nationwide to receive the honor, including 326 men’s and 451 women’s programs. The university was also one of just 175 schools nationwide to have both its men’s and women’s soccer teams recognized.

For more information, visit the .

University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa researchers are working to determine whether �鶹��ý-grown eucalyptus could become a reliable source of lumber for construction, helping reduce the state’s reliance on imported building materials while supporting healthier forests.

The project, led by Jun Wang, an assistant professor in the , received a $300,000 USDA Forest Service Wood Innovation Grant to establish the engineering standards needed for eucalyptus to be used in structural applications.

Establishing construction possibilities

Although �鶹��ý has more than 34,000 acres of managed eucalyptus plantations, the wood is rarely used in construction because engineers and builders lack the design data needed to certify it for structural use. If successful, the research could create new opportunities for �鶹��ý’s forestry and wood products industries while reducing shipping costs, supply chain risks and carbon emissions associated with importing lumber. Researchers also say putting more eucalyptus to use could encourage better forest management by reducing excess wood that can contribute to wildfire fuel.

The research team will work with state agencies, forest landowners and industry partners to harvest trees, produce lumber and test its strength and durability. The findings will help establish engineering design values needed for commercial construction and could lay the groundwork for future engineered wood products made in �鶹��ý.

“Our goal is to determine whether a resource that’s already growing in �鶹��ý can safely be used to build the homes, schools and infrastructure our communities need,” Wang said. “If we can provide the engineering data the construction industry needs, we can help create a more resilient local building supply while giving our students the opportunity to solve real challenges facing �鶹��ý.”

Student involvement

The research also will benefit students. Wang’s team received an $8,000 American Society for Engineering Education grant to incorporate �鶹��ý-grown eucalyptus into civil engineering courses. The new curriculum will give students hands-on experience evaluating sustainable building materials by comparing locally grown eucalyptus with conventional construction materials.

Students will examine factors such as structural performance, carbon emissions and local sourcing while participating in research that addresses �鶹��ý’s unique environmental and construction challenges. Many members of the research team are UH students from �鶹��ý who are helping develop solutions that could benefit the state’s future infrastructure and economy.

Jennifer D. Small Griswold, professor in the at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa, was honored with the by the American Meteorological Society (AMS). The department is in the (SOEST). The award is given annually to an individual in recognition of sustained outstanding teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and/or graduate or post-doctoral levels and the impact this individual has had on students.

The AMS announcement noted that with this award “for visionary, inclusive, innovative teaching that bridges atmospheric science with culture, place, and community, and for sustained mentorship that empowers students across disciplines and backgrounds.”

Griswold teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on weather, climate, Pacific climates, programming for meteorologists and satellite remote sensing, as well as seminar courses. She also mentors students through engaging research projects as they pursue bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

Teaching through place

“I believe students learn best when they can connect what they’re learning to the world around them,” Griswold said. “Living in �鶹��ý provides an incredible opportunity to teach through place, so I also incorporate local and Pacific perspectives into my courses, helping students understand how weather and climate influence communities, cultures, and the environment.”

Griswold works to ensure her students feel seen and supported, whether in an introductory undergraduate course or a graduate seminar in meteorology.

“I enjoy teaching students with a wide range of backgrounds—from those taking their very first science course to graduate students preparing for research careers,” Griswold said. “I want all students to feel that they belong in science, so I’m constantly looking for new ways to engage different learning styles and help students build confidence alongside technical skills. My goal is to help every student develop the skills and confidence to understand the atmosphere and apply that knowledge to real-world challenges.”

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The , in partnership with the , is launching the ’Bows Athletics Club, a new fundraising and membership program designed to strengthen support for UH student-athletes while giving fans more flexibility in how they invest in the future of �鶹��ý Athletics.

Beginning July 1, 2027, the ’Bows Athletics Club will replace the H-Club Athletic Fund and serve as the primary annual giving program for UH Athletics. While the new program officially launches in 2027–28, contributions and pledges made between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027 will count toward ’Bows Athletics Club membership status and benefits, allowing supporters to begin earning membership status and benefits now.

Supporters can begin participating and earning membership status today

The new model allows supporters to direct their gifts to the teams, programs and student-athlete initiatives they care about most while earning benefits and recognition through a single, streamlined system.

The launch comes at a pivotal time for college athletics. As programs across the country navigate rapid changes in recruiting, student-athlete support and competition, private philanthropy is playing an increasingly important role in helping universities provide opportunities and resources for student-athletes to succeed.

At UH, support through the ’Bows Athletics Club will help fund resources that directly impact nearly 500 Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Wahine student-athletes, including academic support services, nutrition programs, equipment, travel, training resources and other initiatives that contribute to success in competition, the classroom and the community.

For generations, Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Wahine teams have united �鶹��ý. The ’Bows Athletics Club creates a new opportunity for fans, alumni and supporters statewide to invest in the success of UH student-athletes and help ensure a strong future for �鶹��ý Athletics.

“The ’Bows Athletics Club is about making it easier for people to support UH Athletics in the ways that matter most to them,” UH Mānoa Athletics Director Matt Elliott said. “Whether you’ve been a supporter for years or you’re making your very first gift, every contribution helps create opportunities for our student-athletes. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported UH Athletics over the years, and we hope even more people will join us as we continue building Our Team, �鶹��ý‘s Team.”

The program aligns UH Athletics with best practice fundraising models used by Division I athletics programs across the country while providing greater flexibility and transparency for donors.

’Bows Athletics Club membership benefits

Membership levels begin at $100 and are based on total annual giving. Supporters who contribute at least $100 to an individual sport also become members of that team’s booster club.

Depending on their giving level, members may receive benefits such as priority access to postseason tickets, invitations to exclusive events (including unique merchandise opportunities), hospitality experiences, eligibility to purchase reserved parking and other gameday opportunities. UH Athletics will be introducing additional member benefits over time, including exclusive merchandise opportunities available only to club members.

Annual Giving Membership levels include:

Booster $100

All-Conference: $500

All-American: $2,000

Champion: $5,000+

Donors who contribute $10,000 or more annually will receive additional recognition and status, with details to be announced in the days to come.

Loyalty points system rewards long-term support

A new loyalty points system that will complement the ’Bows Athletics Club recognizes both longtime supporters and new members. Points are earned through charitable giving, season ticket purchases and years of loyalty to UH Athletics.

The system will help determine priority access to postseason tickets, future ticket and seat relocation opportunities, and future seat selection opportunities at the new Aloha Stadium. While ’Bows Athletics Club annual membership levels are based on giving during the previous academic year, loyalty points recognize long-term support by incorporating eligible contributions and season ticket history dating back to 2001.

Early participation benefits

2026–27 H-Club members will automatically receive All-Conference status during the ’Bows Athletics Club inaugural 2027–28 academic year, ensuring a smooth transition as supporters become familiar with the new program.

Fans, alumni and supporters are encouraged to become part of the ’Bows Athletics Club and help support the next generation of Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Wahine student-athletes.

Additional information about membership levels, benefits and giving opportunities is available through .

For more, .

This announcement comes as UH Athletics is celebrating a historic 2025–26 season heading into the 2026–27 season. Milestones from last year include:

• Men’s volleyball captured its third national championship in six years, cementing the Rainbow Warriors’ place among the nation’s elite programs.
• Men’s basketball won its first Big West Championship in a decade and returned to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 10 years.
• Football capped a 9-4 season with a �鶹��ý Bowl championship, giving the Rainbow Warriors their third consecutive bowl victory.
• UH teams combined for five Big West championships, including titles in men’s and women’s swimming and diving, men’s basketball and women’s water polo.
• Kansei Matsuzawa became the first consensus All-American in the 109-year history of UH football, adding another milestone to a season filled with historic accomplishments.
• UH Athletics enters a new era with continuity and new leadership, with contract extensions for football coach Timmy Chang, baseball coach Rich Hill and men’s basketball coach Eran Ganot, as well as the addition of Laura Beeman to the senior leadership team as associate athletics director for student-athlete success.

University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa leaders gathered for the annual , a three-day professional development event designed to support department chairs, deans, directors and other academic leaders while fostering collaboration across the flagship campus. The conference was organized by the .

The conference featured strategic sessions focused on leadership development, student success, institutional effectiveness and emerging challenges in higher education. The opening “Meet the Cabinet” panel featured UH President Wendy Hensel, UH Mānoa Chancellor Vassilis L. Syrmos, incoming Interim Provost Denise Konan and members of the university’s leadership team, including Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Nikki Chun, Chief Business Officer Sandy French, Interim Director of the System �鶹��ý Papa O Ke Ao and UH Mānoa Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office Noelani Goodyear-Kaopua, Interim Vice Provost for Academic Excellence Laura Lyons, Interim Vice Provost for Student Success Kapā Oliveira and Interim Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship Robert Wright. The panel discussed the university’s future direction, priorities and opportunities.

‘New level of operational effectiveness’

Hensel reflected on her 18 months serving in the dual role of UH president and UH Mānoa chancellor, describing the transition to dedicated campus leadership as an opportunity for UH Mānoa to define its future while remaining closely connected to the 10-campus UH System.

“I think it’s the moment for Mānoa to chart its vision, which is a really exciting thing,” Hensel said. “This campus is extraordinary, and I learned a lot about the work that we do here and the excellence to come. The future for Mānoa as part of the 10-campus system is increased impact. We can work together effectively to create an entirely new level of operational effectiveness, impact and efficiency for our students.”

Syrmos, , shared his vision for the UH Mānoa campus as �鶹��ý‘s flagship university and announced plans to begin a refreshed strategic planning process this fall with broad campus participation.

“Mānoa should and will be a premier global flagship institution for our students, faculty and the state of �鶹��ý,” Syrmos said. “It is a great opportunity to create our own identity while working collaboratively with the other nine sister campuses to advance the future of our students and our state.”

Syrmos also highlighted the experience of the leadership team supporting the campus during a period of transition and expressed enthusiasm about working with Konan who officially starts as interim provost on August 7.

“I am very excited that we are returning back to having not just a chancellor, but also a provost,” Konan said. “That is a huge investment in Mānoa and one that we should embrace. I am the direct interface with the deans, with the chairs and with the academic campus. This is something I know very well because I’ve been a chair, and I’ve been a dean.”

Leadership team addresses key campus issues

During the question-and-answer session, attendees engaged the leadership team on a wide range of issues affecting the future of UH Mānoa. Topics included:

• Leadership priorities
• UH‘s budget model and fiscal planning
• Academic quality and student success
• Native Hawaiian advancement
• Research competitiveness
• Administrative technology systems
• Global engagement

Discussions also explored enrollment trends, online education, international partnerships and efforts to strengthen UH Mānoa’s position as a leading research university in the Asia-Pacific region.

Syrmos also provided an update on efforts to develop a new budget model for UH Mānoa. The proposed approach would combine historical funding allocations with performance-based measures and is expected to involve extensive engagement with campus stakeholders before implementation.

“That discussion has started, but it’s going to take a lot of work, and it’s going to take a lot of time,” Syrmos said. “As Denise is getting in as provost, she will be the leader on that project.”

The Leading with Excellence Conference was created to provide current and aspiring academic leaders with practical tools, leadership development opportunities and a forum to share ideas and best practices.

University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa swimming and diving head coach Steve Allnutt announced the hiring of QiongJie “Ajie” (Huang) Drew as the program’s new men’s and women’s diving coach. Drew’s addition to the coaching staff marks a return to her alma mater where she established herself as one of the most decorated Rainbow Wahine divers in program history.

“We are thrilled to bring Coach Ajie into our team,” Allnutt said. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the diving world ranging from the NCAA system, to international competition and elite American competition. Our swimming-and-diving team will greatly benefit from her attitude and passion for people and excellence. As an alumna and UH Circle of Honor member, Coach Ajie knows how to find success at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex, and we’re proud to have her as the leader for our divers.”

“I am truly humbled and honored to once again be a part of the University of �鶹��ý swimming and diving program,” Drew said.

Drew, a 2013 inductee into the UH Sports Circle of Honor, became �鶹��ý‘s first national champion in diving when she won the 1-meter springboard title at the 2005 NCAA Championships. Across three seasons with the Rainbow Wahine, she earned eight NCAA All-America honors, placing third in the 1-meter in 2006 and fourth in the 3-meter in 2005.

Read more at .

The University of �鶹��ý at Hilo women’s soccer team has been named the winner of the 2025–26 Pacific West Conference Women’s Team Community Engagement Award after completing 637.5 hours of community service during the year.

The Vulcans volunteered across campus, at local schools and throughout the Hilo community. Their service included Mālama ʻĀina Day, where they picked up trash and planted kalo, along with the Merrie Monarch Festival, Boo at the Zoo and Special Olympics. The team also read to elementary students on Dr. Seuss Day and supported Team IMPACT and Unity Prom.

On campus, student-athletes helped with Move-in Day and health fairs. They also gave back to the local soccer community by assisting with tournaments at Waiākea High School, the Nā Hoa Cup and Mini Big Tournament.

“Excellence at UH Hilo extends far beyond the pitch, and this recognition highlights our student-athletes’ dedication to giving back and making a meaningful impact throughout the community,” UH Hilo Athletics Director Patrick Guillen said.

The honor follows UH Hilo’s PacWest Team Engagement Award for 2024–25.

“What was most rewarding was to observe the growth of our student-athletes over the course of the year,” Head Coach Gene Okamura said. “They took initiative, demonstrated accountability and built meaningful relationships across all of these experiences.”

For more information, visit the .

A physician wellness program founded by University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (JABSOM) emeritus professor of psychiatry William “Bill” Haning has earned national recognition for its work supporting �鶹��ý’s healthcare professionals.

Puʻulu Lapaʻau, �鶹��ý‘s physician health program, successfully completed the Federation of State Physician Health Programs’ (FSPHP) Performance Enhancement and Effectiveness Review (PEER™), becoming one of the first 10% of physician health programs nationwide—and only the fifth in the country—to achieve the distinction.

The recognition validates Puʻulu Lapaʻau‘s commitment to providing healthcare professionals, including UH faculty and students, with nationally recognized support for their health, wellness and resiliency. The PEER™ review evaluates physician health programs against national best practices for clinical care, policies and organizational effectiveness, helping ensure healthcare professionals receive high-quality, confidential support while protecting patient safety.

“This recognition reflects years of dedication to building a program that supports �鶹��ý’s healthcare professionals with compassion, confidentiality and accountability,” said Haning, who founded Puʻulu Lapaʻau in 2006. “There was no certainty whatsoever as to the potential for success—or for that matter, any longevity developing out of this. To see Puʻulu Lapaʻau recognized as one of the nation’s leading physician health programs is incredibly rewarding.”

Puʻulu Lapaʻau provides confidential support for physicians and other licensed healthcare professionals experiencing burnout, mental health challenges, substance use disorders and other concerns that may affect their well-being or ability to practice. The nonprofit also promotes wellness initiatives that help healthcare professionals remain healthy throughout their careers.

“If we have healthcare providers who are truly healthy themselves, that’s huge,” said Geri Young, assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at JABSOM and executive director of Puʻulu Lapaʻau. “Healthcare professionals are just as vulnerable to stress and burnout as anyone else—perhaps even more so. The PEER™ review will strengthen our ability to support �鶹��ý’s healthcare professionals and, ultimately, the patients they serve.”

Haning brings decades of experience in medicine, education and military service. He recently served on the UH Board of Regents from 2021–2026.

Puʻulu Lapaʻau stands ready to come alongside our local healthcare professionals experiencing burnout or struggling with work – life balance. If you or someone you know could benefit from Puʻulu Lapaʻau’s confidential services, visit the , or call (808) 593-7444.

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To support community-engaged design, outdoor recreation and conservation initiatives across �鶹��ý and the Pacific region, the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa was awarded a $439,576 grant by the National Park Service (NPS).

The grant spans the next three academic years. The funding will directly support Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) graduate students as they conduct collaborative design research focused on public parks, trail systems and conservation projects.

Up to two graduate assistants per year, mentored by faculty members, will provide technical assistance to state, municipal, non-profit and community groups requesting design support. This initiative addresses both past and future technical assistance requests to the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program.

Real-world impact for students and communities

The project offers MLA students a unique hands-on opportunity to work directly with public and non-profit partners to develop natural, cultural and historical resource design projects outside the classroom, all while receiving financial support for their education.

Judith Stilgenbauer, professor of landscape architecture, serves as the principal investigator for the initiative. Stilgenbauer was instrumental in bringing the grant to the School of Architecture, leveraging UH‘s existing �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ����ﲹ�����ھ��� Islands Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit master agreement.

“In my view, it goes to show how incredibly relevant landscape architecture is as an academic discipline and profession when it comes to providing design services that increase community and environmental resilience,” said Stilgenbauer.

She noted that during her 14 years at UH, small specialized degree programs in the School of Architecture have rarely secured federal funding of this magnitude dedicated primarily to graduate student support.

Work under the new grant will be carried out in close collaboration with NPS partners. Initial project selections and student hiring will begin in the coming months.

The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa women’s soccer team will open the 2026 season at the new on-campus field.

Phase I of the on-campus field was recently completed. Temporary bleachers and other necessary infrastructure to accommodate teams and spectators will be installed.

The team will move from Waipiʻo Peninsula Soccer Stadium and play its first seven matches on the Mānoa campus. A potential return to Waipiʻo Stadium will be considered when Mountain West competition begins in October.

UH’s season opener is August 13 vs. Texas Tech at 4 p.m. as part of the three-team, two–day OUTRIGGER Soccer Kickoff tournament.

Admission to matches at the on-campus field is free. Applicable parking fees apply.

Read more at .

Incarcerated individuals on Kauaʻi have a transformative pathway toward workforce readiness and higher education, through a new partnership between Kauaʻi Community College and the Kauaʻi Community Correctional Center (KCCC).

This summer, Kauaʻi CC Carpentry Instructor Duke Lang led a cohort of 16 students at KCCC through a carpentry microcredential offered by the college’s Office of Continuing Education and Training (OCET). Participants gained practical experience by constructing a new classroom and office space, a project designed to resolve the shortage of secure instructional areas at the facility.

For student Stephen Spigner, who is nearing his release, the program served as a critical turning point.

“It seems sort of like a miracle,” Spigner said. “It’s really divine timing that this program is being offered while I’m here.”

Laying the foundation

Upon completing the microcredential, students earn credit for foundational coursework. This allows them to bypass introductory classes if they enroll in the college’s associate in applied science in carpentry program after their release.

“We’re hoping to give them a different opportunity when they get out from doing their time here,” Lang said. “The feedback they’re giving me is, ‘Wow, I can really see how this can be useful. When I get out, I think I’m going to come see you.’”

Kauaʻi CC Chancellor Margaret Sanchez said the lack of a secure space for classes at KCCC has been a hurdle, but with the completion of the classroom, the partnership can continue to grow.

“The students are learning hands-on to provide a classroom space to increase future educational opportunities at KCCC,” Sanchez said.

‘Knowledge is power’

The initiative is building bridges to long-term stability.

“The students are engaged,” said KCCC Educational Specialist Darcy Yamamoto. “They’re asking questions. They are diligent about coming to class. We’re hoping they will have an idea of what they want to do or the path that they need to be on.”

OCET Education Specialist Pomai Burkart added, “There’s a sense of dignity these students are going to have when they leave KCCC,” she said. “Knowledge is power, and you can’t take knowledge away from someone.”

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—By Caitlin B. Fowlkes

Critical research on the green sea turtle population has earned University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa marine biology PhD candidate Josefa Muñoz, the 2025–26 Dr. Clifford K. Mirikitani, MD, JD & John M. Mirikitani, JD, PhD Outstanding Dissertation Award from the .

Using field observations, satellite tracking and genetic analysis, Muñoz followed green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) from nesting and mating sites in the Mariana Archipelago to feeding grounds up to 2,500 kilometers away across the Pacific Ocean. Her dissertation provides some of the first detailed information about the little-studied population of green sea turtles that nest in the Mariana Archipelago.

Filling knowledge gaps

Muñoz’s studies are the first to document the mating patterns, movements and migrations of the estimated 100 green turtles that nest in the Mariana Archipelago. Her work fills knowledge gaps for the endangered Central West Pacific green turtle population, which has been classified as “data deficient” for over a decade.

“Sefa identified a major gap in the scientific understanding of green sea turtles that inhabit the Central-West Pacific,” said Brian Bowen, Muñoz’s advisor and researcher at the . “She used a combination of field work, advanced genetics, and satellite telemetry to resolve the nesting biology and migratory habits of Guam’s turtle population. She met the turtles on the beach, and then went from their inner cells to outer space in a quest to resolve the scientific facts about these sea turtles.”

Critical conservation framework

This research provides the framework needed for conservation efforts to protect vulnerable sea turtles from climate impacts and local threats.

“Receiving the Mirikitani Outstanding Dissertation Award is a profound honor that represents stewardship for my home islands in the Marianas and a tribute to the many mentors who guided and supported me along the way,” Muñoz said. “Overcoming a pandemic, typhoons, and remote fieldwork to build this dataset was a monumental challenge, but the effort was entirely worth it to help learn more about and better protect this small population of sea turtles.”

The Dr. Clifford K. Mirikitani, MD, JD & John M. Mirikitani, JD, PhD Outstanding Dissertation Award is given annually to one UH Mānoa PhD student whose dissertation demonstrates exceptional originality, significance and scholarly achievement. Nominations for the 2026–27 award will open in early fall with the deadline of October 15. More information can be obtained on the .

Three University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa women’s soccer players have been selected to the Mountain West Preseason Player Watch List ahead of the Rainbow Wahine’s first year in the conference. Senior forward Anuhea Aluli, senior midfielder Izzy Ayala and junior goalkeeper Kennedy Justin were recognized on the league’s preseason list.

The Wahine also checked in at No. 6 in the preseason coaches’ poll.

The selections underscore a talented roster that boasts both extensive collegiate experience and local championship pedigree. Justin, a former first-team all-region selection, has already established herself as one of the region’s elite goalkeepers after a historic freshman campaign and a sophomore year in which she was named to the Hermann Trophy Watch List.

Ayala, the heart of the Rainbow Wahine midfield, enters her senior year after playing nearly every minute of the 2025 season. Aluli, an Oʻahu native, joins the Rainbow Wahine rotation as a senior transfer from Oakland, bringing a wealth of Division I experience and a pedigree as a goal-scoring threat.

The Rainbow Wahine open the 2026 regular season vs. Texas Tech on August 13 as part of the OUTRIGGER Soccer Kickoff.

Read more at .

The seven University of �鶹��ý Community Colleges, UH Hilo and UH West Oʻahu have extended their application deadline to August 14, giving prospective students additional time to apply and begin classes this fall. UH Mānoa’s application deadline has passed, but all students who have been accepted are encouraged to enroll and register for classes.

Apply, explore programs or connect with an enrollment specialist

Fall classes begin August 24.

“Many people assume they have missed their opportunity once summer is coming to an end, but that is simply not the case,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a working adult or someone ready to return to college, there is still time. We want to help you take that next step because there is a place for you at UH.”

Students can choose from nearly 200 degree, certificate and career and technical education programs across the 10-campus UH System, with day, evening, online and hybrid options designed to fit a variety of schedules, career goals and life circumstances. Whether students are looking to start college, prepare for a new career, earn a credential or continue toward a bachelor’s degree, there are still opportunities to begin this fall.

Affordable, flexible and worth the investment

A UH education is more affordable than many people realize. Most UH students graduate debt free, with about 90% of UH Community College graduates and nearly 70% of graduates from UH‘s four-year campuses completing their degrees without student loan debt. Eligible community college students may also qualify for the �鶹��ý Promise Program, which helps cover direct education costs for tuition, fees and books.

“There has never been a better time to invest in yourself,” said Lui Hokoana, interim vice president for the UH Community Colleges. “Whether your goal is to earn a degree, gain workforce credentials, transfer to a four-year university or explore a new career, we are ready to help you get started.”

A UH education remains one of the best investments students can make in their future. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree, associate degree or career and technical certificate often see the benefits right away, earning higher wages when they enter the workforce while building toward lifetime earnings that can exceed $2 million more than those of someone without a college education. They also enjoy greater career opportunities, stronger job security and increased access to benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans and paid leave.

Personalized support every step of the way

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to maximize course options and allow time to complete financial aid, academic advising, registration and other enrollment steps before classes begin on August 24. Students do not have to navigate the process alone. Enrollment specialists are available to provide personalized assistance with applying, financial aid, advising, registration and preparing for the first day of class.

To apply, explore programs or connect with an enrollment specialist, visit applytouh.org.