(�鶹��ý P–20) will launch the first of its three-part “Fund Your Future” webinar series, beginning Tuesday, August 18, to assist local families with planning and preparation for continuing education or career training after high school graduation. All events are free of charge and available to all families regardless of where the student plans to attend college.

“�鶹��ý high school seniors and their families are encouraged to attend one session from each part of the Fund Your Future series to get a complete outlook of the many sources of financial aid available to local students, and how to pay to further your education after high school primarily using grants, scholarships, or other sources of financial aid,” said Lynsey Bow, postsecondary readiness director for �鶹��ý P–20. “College in �鶹��ý can be affordable, and local help is available to help families navigate this process.”

• Part 1: —Learn how to access more than $150 billion in federal grants, loans, and other financial aid, along with more than $70 million in scholarships awarded annually to �鶹��ý students. Financial aid is available for students attending two- and four-year colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools, supporting a wide range of post-high school education and career pathways. The first free workshop will be held Tuesday, August 18, 6–7:30 p.m. via Zoom. .
• Part 2: —Hear from experts representing Sallie Mae, the �鶹��ý Community Foundation, and the University of �鶹��ý System as they discuss scholarship opportunities available to �鶹��ý students, regardless of family income. Participants will also receive tips for using scholarship search tools and writing strong scholarship essays. The first of two virtual workshops will take place Thursday, November 5. .
• Part 3: Statewide virtual FAFSA completion workshops—Attendees will be able to ask questions and review the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2027–28 award year. These events will be held November through January, and registration will open soon. Federal Student Aid has announced that the FAFSA for the 2027–28 award year will become available October 1.

“While the FAFSA has been simplified and is now faster and easier to complete than in previous years, families should use the time before October 1 to gather any necessary financial information and supporting documentation,” said Frank Green, financial aid and FAFSA outreach specialist for �鶹��ý P–20. “Completing the FAFSA is required for many local and national scholarships, so we encourage students to apply early and take advantage of every financial aid opportunity for which they are eligible, while ensuring they have access to the resources they need to succeed.”

Families across the state are invited to send any questions about the college planning process, financial aid, or the FAFSA by emailing FAFSA@Hawaii.edu. All emails will be answered within 24 hours by a local financial aid specialist.

For a complete listing of upcoming college planning webinars, .

The has been ranked the in the nation by personal-finance website WalletHub. The 2026 study evaluated statewide systems across key metrics of cost and quality, including tuition rates, graduation rates and student-to-faculty ratios.

With seven campuses across the state—�鶹��ý CC, Honolulu CC, Kapiʻolani CC, Kauaʻi CC, Leeward CC, UH Maui College and Windward CC—the system offers more than 100 academic and career-focused programs.

Prospective students looking to live and thrive in �鶹��ý can choose from high-demand, high-growth pathways designed to provide higher pay, better work/life balance and career advancement. Options include a career-laddered nursing program at multiple campuses (from certified nurse aides to registered nurses), Windward CC‘s hands-on Veterinary Technology program, or Honolulu CC’s robust trades and technology programs, which feature information technology, automotive technology, and a welding program designed to meet American Welding Society entry-level standards.

“Our high national ranking is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff who make our campuses so special,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a working adult, or ready to return to college, there is still time. We have extended our fall application deadline to August 14. You can still take that next step and join us this fall.”

‘Especially attractive option’

Ninety percent of UH Community College graduates complete their degrees debt-free. Many are supported directly by the �鶹��ý Promise Program, which covers direct education costs including tuition, fees and books for eligible local residents.

There’s still time to enroll for the fall semester. . Classes begin August 24.

The UH Community Colleges offer day, evening, online and hybrid options designed to fit a variety of schedules, career goals and life stages.

WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo said, “Community colleges are an especially attractive option this year as many families deal with inflated prices.”

Educational benefits

A UH education remains one of the best investments students can make in their future. Graduates with an associate degree or career and technical certificate often earn higher wages when they enter the workforce than those without.

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. Enrollment specialists are available to provide personalized assistance with applying, financial aid, advising, registration and preparing for the first day of class.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

More than 100 students gathered at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� for the 2026 Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Symposium, showcasing research and creative work projects that addressed some of today’s most pressing challenges, from preserving �鶹��ý‘s history to restoring fragile ecosystems.

Hosted by the (UROP), the annual symposium provides students with an opportunity to present mentored research and creative work while sharing their discoveries with the UH community. This year’s event featured 96 projects presented by undergraduate students from UH ����ԴDz�, local high schools and universities across the country.

“The SURE Symposium gives students the opportunity to share months of dedicated work while building confidence as scholars and communicators,” said Creighton Litton, director of UROP. “It’s always exciting and rewarding to see their initial curiosity develop into mentored projects that can make a meaningful impact in �鶹��ý and beyond.”

Research begins with questions

During her keynote address, UH President Wendy Hensel encouraged students to embrace curiosity and see research as a way to serve their communities.

“One of the greatest misconceptions about research is that it begins with answers,” Hensel said. “In reality, research begins with questions. Questions like: What if? Why? How can we do better?”

She emphasized that the university’s role extends beyond creating new knowledge. Through undergraduate research and creative work, students learn to think critically, solve complex problems and contribute to �鶹��ý and beyond.

Preserving �鶹��ý‘s history

Among the presenters was Amy Li, a rising junior at Kalani High School, whose project explored mold identification in library environments.

Li’s research focuses on identifying specific mold contaminants that threaten historical collections, allowing preservation professionals to develop more targeted mitigation strategies. The work could help protect irreplaceable documents, including plantation-era records that tell �鶹��ý‘s story.

“In a sense, this is keeping �鶹��ý‘s historical narrative alive,” Li said.

She added that the research is especially relevant in �鶹��ý, where the humid climate creates ideal conditions for mold growth and increases the importance of preserving archival collections.

Restoring island ecosystems

UH ����ԴDz� student Lina Claire Reyes, a rising junior majoring in natural resources and environmental management (NREM), studied the recovery of native cactus populations on an uninhabited island in the Galápagos after years of damage caused by invasive feral goats. Her research provides new insights into how native plants regenerate over time following disturbances, and highlights how those findings could help guide restoration efforts in �鶹��ý and on islands globally.

“I think it’s really important to be looking at invasive species… in hopes of restoring these amazing landscapes to what they once were,“ Reyes said. “That can be applied in the Galápagos and also in �鶹��ý.”

Discovery with impact

Throughout the symposium, students presented projects spanning environmental science, healthcare, artificial intelligence, Hawaiian history and cultural preservation. While the topics varied, they shared a common goal: using curiosity to better understand the world and improve their communities.

For more information on SURE Symposium and other undergraduate research and creative work opportunities at UH ����ԴDz�, visit the or reach out to urop@hawaii.edu.

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its (VEMBA), marking a quarter century of preparing business leaders and strengthening economic and educational ties between �鶹��ý and Vietnam.

To mark the milestone, hundreds of alumni representing all 33 VEMBA cohorts joined faculty, university leaders and distinguished guests at anniversary celebrations in Vietnam. Held in both Hanoi, where the program welcomed its first cohort, and Ho Chi Minh City, where it later expanded to meet growing demand, the events honored a quarter century of academic excellence, international partnership and leadership development.

Since its founding in 2001, VEMBA has graduated more than 1,000 business leaders who now serve in executive roles across Vietnam and beyond.

“The VEMBA program is the only program of its kind and has established itself as a leader in executive education in Vietnam,” said Shidler College of Business Dean Vance Roley. “As we celebrate this milestone, we also look toward the future by expanding our impact throughout Southeast Asia while continuing to strengthen the global network that has become one of VEMBA‘s greatest strengths.”

Bold vision to a nationwide network

VEMBA traces its roots to a 1997 United States Agency for International Development-funded initiative that brought Shidler faculty to Vietnam to help train business educators as the country transitioned to a market economy. That effort inspired the creation of Vietnam’s first Executive MBA program offered by an American university. The inaugural cohort welcomed 29 executives in Hanoi in 2001, followed by the program’s expansion to Ho Chi Minh City in 2007. In 2024, VEMBA evolved into one nationwide cohort, further strengthening connections among executives across the country.

Today, more than 1,000 graduates from 33 cohorts representing 21 countries comprise one of Vietnam’s most influential executive leadership networks. Alumni serve as CEOs, founders and senior executives across major industries.

Tung Bui, professor of information technology management, Matson Navigation Company Chair of Global Business and longtime faculty director of VEMBA, noted that the program has grown alongside Vietnam’s own economic transformation.

“Twenty-five years ago, the primary concern of VEMBA students was how to optimize operations, improve accounting systems and refine internal human resource management,” Bui said. “Today, our executives are thinking much bigger and looking outward. The most vibrant classroom discussions now revolve around artificial intelligence, global branding, exports and navigating international supply chains.”

For the entire story and information on how to support the Shidler College of Business, .

Recap video of the event in Ho Chi Minh City

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s (RoSE) is celebrating one of the most successful years in the student engineering organization’s history after earning international recognition, competing on the world stage and expanding its portfolio of aerospace projects.

Over the past spring and summer, the student-led team represented UH ����ԴDz� at several 2026 events:

• University Rover Challenge World Finals (27th out of 116 teams) International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Foundation Excellence in Systems Engineering Award (finalist)
• Project PETAL at NASA’s Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts–Academic Linkage (RASC-AL) Forum

“Our team has grown tremendously in size, number of projects and student ambition throughout the past year,” said Micah Tajiri, project manager for the University Rover Challenge team. “We’re proud to represent UH ����ԴDz� and excited to keep building on this momentum.”

Competing among the world’s best

From May 27 to 30, Team RoSE competed at the University Rover Challenge World Finals at the Mars Desert Research Station in Hanksville, Utah.

The team’s rover featured a robotic arm, autonomous navigation system, science payload and communications platform designed and built by students.

The rover team’s work also earned recognition beyond the competition. Team RoSE was named one of just 13 finalists from more than 100 teams worldwide for the inaugural INCOSE Foundation Excellence in Systems Engineering Award, recognizing its systems engineering approach and performance during the competition.

Building Beyond the Rover

Team RoSE‘s success extended beyond the rover program.

Project PETAL was selected as one of 14 finalists from more than 150 applicants nationwide for NASA‘s RASC-AL Forum, where students presented a scalable lunar power management and distribution system to NASA engineers and industry professionals.

Project PETAL became the first multi-campus student-led engineering project involving students from UH ����ԴDz� and UH Hilo, while the organization established new business and marketing training opportunities for students.

Team RoSE also completed the latest iteration of the UH Advanced Balloon Satellite, which now features autonomous recovery capabilities, and launched CapM74, a new student project focused on developing a low-cost astrophotography telescope in partnership with the Institute for Astronomy.

Team RoSE is one of more than 20 (VIP) housed in the . VIPs connect undergraduate students with faculty-led research teams, giving students hands-on experience through long-term, project-based work alongside graduate researchers and faculty mentors.

The team’s work is supported by the College of Engineering and the , whose support helps provide students with opportunities to design, build and compete on national and international stages.

University of �鶹��ý–West Oʻahu faculty have advanced international research and practice on preparing food systems for climate-related disasters, pandemics and other interconnected disruptions through the completion of the Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems special research topic, “,” now published as an open access e-book that can be downloaded.

“Universities create their greatest value by translating recent scientific knowledge into practical action. This research topic, our �鶹��ý disaster preparedness study, and the Resilient by Design initiative demonstrate a knowledge-to-action model that connects research, community partnerships and public policy to build resilient agri-food systems,” said Albie Miles, associate professor of sustainable community food systems.

Miles, who is also the co-director of the UH’s Ke Ō Mau Center for Sustainable Island Food Systems, served as lead associate editor for Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. This collection, which comprises 14 articles by 61 authors, has already garnered more than 98,000 views and downloads.

Need for improved preparedness

The research is particularly relevant for �鶹��ý. Recent history has illustrated the fragility of local food access, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the devastating 2023 Lahaina wildfires and frequent severe weather. The publication explores these types of vulnerabilities while offering evidence-based strategies for disaster preparedness, recovery and adaptation.

A recurring theme in the research is the need for improved household preparedness. A previous by UH West Oʻahu Professor Konstantinos Zougris and Miles found that only 12% of 1,006 surveyed �鶹��ý households maintained the state recommended 14-day supply of food, water and essential medicine. This finding underscores the necessity of strengthening household preparedness as a foundation for broader food system resilience.

The project also dovetails with the Resilient by Design: Reimagining Pacific Food Systems initiative that focuses on transforming Pacific food security, climate adaptation, and regional sovereignty. As a co-lead on the project’s steering committee, Miles helped bridge global resilience science with Pacific Island priorities to strengthen partnerships across the region.

For two Kapiʻolani Community College students, studying �鶹��ý’s kōlea (Pacific golden plovers) took them from campus to the birds’ Arctic breeding grounds in Alaska.

In late June, Kealaokalani Kaaloa and Thor Donola traveled to Nome, Alaska, as �鶹��ý Audubon Society Kōlea Quest scholarship recipients.

“One thing that was really put into perspective for me is just how little we truly know about bird species,” said Kaaloa, a biology major. “Just the concept of the kōlea migrating to Alaska was too vast to really grasp how incredible the journey really is, until you put yourself on a plane and actually go to Alaska.”

Over five days, the group observed at least 15 kōlea, documented 70 Arctic bird species and explored the Bering Strait region. The Kapiʻolani CC students also shared their �鶹��ý-based research with fellow participants.

Recommended by Kapiʻolani CC professor of biology and ecology Wendy Kuntz, who organized and led the trip, Kaaloa and Donola became the college’s eighth and ninth participants in the Kōlea Quest program since 2023.

“Observing kōlea on their summer breeding grounds and experiencing the tundra helps students to connect the questions we explore together at Kapiʻolani CC to the broader story of migration and conservation, and to the biological and cultural ties between �鶹��ý and Alaska,” Kuntz said.

Sharing culture

At a Katirvik Cultural Center gathering, Kaaloa offered traditional chants, including Kū Ka ʻ������, “Transformed Waterworn Stones,” composed by Kapiʻolani CC Vice Chancellor ����ɲ�ʻ�� Napoleon, to elders of the King Island community.

“Through sharing our culture together, I’ve come to realize that the most important thing one must do to keep their culture and their history alive is to have pride in it,” said Kaaloa. “When songs and art are continued through the youth, the culture will continue to live.”

The students will conduct future kōlea counts in �鶹��ý, support community outreach events and visit classrooms to share their experience. Their participation was made possible through �鶹��ý Audubon Society scholarships, with airfare funded by the Kapiʻolani CC Lunalilo Scholars Program (which offers scholarships, mentoring and a strong support network).

—By Lisa Yamamoto

What began 15 years ago as a federally funded research, training and outreach program has grown into an uplifting public health movement across the Pacific. The (CHL), based at the University of �鶹��ý at ��ā�ԴDz�’s , is celebrating a decade and a half of pioneering work in childhood nutrition, health, and community empowerment.

The center launched in 2011 with a $25 million USDA grant to create partnerships and build capacity across the region. Since then, it has worked with communities to improve the health and nutrition of thousands of children in �鶹��ý, Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Freely Associated States in Micronesia.

Putting communities first

“Our whole philosophy is really around promoting health and finding things that work, to always focus on the positive,” said Rachel Novotny, director of CHL. “The real work is with people: collaborating with communities on new playgrounds, adopting new policies about what kinds of foods are in schools, and working with kids on how to garden and grow their own fruits and vegetables, for example.”

A signature of CHL‘s impact is its . National health surveys often overlook �鶹��ý and the remote Pacific jurisdictions; the center stepped in to track data on children’s diets, physical activity and early physical signs of conditions like prediabetes.

A global success story

CHL has accomplished something rare: proven success in lowering childhood obesity. Participating communities saw a 4% drop in child overweight and obesity rates during the two-year program compared to non-participating areas. Six years later, that difference widened to 12%, showing the program’s long-term power.

The program has also become a centerpiece for mentoring and professional development for community health. Former CHL staffers and students now serve as deans, directors and lead researchers throughout the Pacific and the world, multiplying the positive impact on global food security.

CTAHR Dean Parwinder Grewal noted, “This is a remarkable example of a collaborative innovation success story, where CTAHR faculty have taken an impactful, community-based and data-driven approach to address nutritional security challenges in �鶹��ý and the Pacific. I commend Rachel for her leadership in building such a broad coalition to conduct place-based research while also training the future workforce.”

“One of our advisors said to me, ‘You know, Rachel, this isn’t so much a research trial anymore, it’s a movement,’” Novotny said. “I considered that a positive thing. It’s true that we’re after real societal change, and I think we have been able to accomplish that because of the people and the communities.”

Longtime leader Denise Eby Konan has been selected as interim provost, with her appointment set to take effect on August 7 following notice at the next meeting. UH ����ԴDz� Chancellor Vassilis L. Syrmos appointed Konan to serve as the campus’ chief academic officer while a national search is conducted for a permanent provost.

Konan has served as dean of the since 2012, leading 11 academic departments that deliver nearly a fifth of the degrees offered at UH ����ԴDz�. She joined the university in 1993 as an assistant professor of economics and has since held several senior leadership positions, including interim chancellor and interim assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs. Altogether, she brings 19 years of executive leadership experience and 33 years of service at UH ����ԴDz�.

“Dr. Konan is an accomplished academic leader whose deep understanding of UH ����ԴDz� and unwavering commitment to our students, faculty and staff make her exceptionally well suited for this role,” Syrmos said. “As we prepare for the fall semester and continue advancing our vision for UH ����ԴDz� as a premier global public flagship university, I am confident her experience, collaborative leadership and dedication to academic excellence will help move the campus forward.”

Interim provost kuleana (responsibilities)

As interim provost, Konan will oversee the university’s academic enterprise, including enrollment management and student success, and the development of key performance indicators for UH ����ԴDz�’s new strategic plan.

“It is an honor to serve UH ����ԴDz� in this capacity,” Konan said. “I look forward to working alongside our faculty, staff, students and campus leadership to strengthen academic excellence, expand opportunities for student success and build on the many strengths that make UH ����ԴDz� a world-class university. Together, we will continue advancing our mission of education, research and service for �鶹��ý and the broader Pacific region.”

An internationally recognized economist, Konan has conducted research and consulted on international trade and economic policy throughout Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. She has served as a consultant to the World Bank, the Council on Foreign Relations, the Arab League and multiple national governments. She is also president of the �鶹��ý Asia Pacific Institute and the Northeast Asian Economic Forum.

In addition to her leadership of the College of Social Sciences, Konan is an Economic Advisor to the Republic of Palau for the U.S. Department of Interior and a research fellow with the UH Economic Research Organization.

Details on a search for a permanent provost will be announced at a later date.

Student innovators at the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE) showcased their business evolution during a PACE Entrepreneurs event in July. Program organizers emphasized that the core objective was helping participants transition their projects forward.

“If the students came in here with an idea, the goal was to launch a minimum viable product (the most basic version of a new product),” said PACE Entrepreneur-in-Residence Jeff Hui. “If you had a product, the goal was to get customers. Everyone was supposed to get to the next phase, and everyone accomplished that.”

PACE is a unit of the Shidler College of Business at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� that coordinates and offers educational opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation and commercialization to students at all 10 campuses throughout the UH system.

Recent UH ����ԴDz� marketing graduate Keʻalohilani Bloom, founder of Brightness of Heaven Co., said, “With this program, I was able to go from just an LLC (limited liability corporation) with no products or designs to the end where I could launch my products.”

Featured student ventures

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  Bloom’s venture bridges the gap between mature, premium, versatile style and Christian apparel. Reflecting on her time in the program, Bloom noted her progression from having a non-functional website to debuting 11 products.
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  Sarah Benimana, a PhD student in tropical plant and soil science who is also pursuing a master’s degree in urban and regional planning, introduced this agricultural recycling concept. She was struck by how much imported food ends up in local landfills, while local livestock and aquaculture industries struggle with mainland feed costs. Her venture has already secured small-scale production equipment and a manufacturing space at the Wāhiawa Value-Added Product Development Center.
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  Business students Macy Ferguson and Sophia Franco developed Kumulink to streamline the fragmented systems used to monitor Individualized Education Plans for special education students within the �鶹��ý Department of Education. The team highlighted that special education teachers currently navigate four to five systems to document data, communicate with families and track progress. Kumulink has established an active data-sharing agreement draft with the Maui complex area and aims to initiate a school pilot program this academic year.
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  Ernest Bethe IV, a graduate student finishing his coursework in urban and regional planning, designed Kumu Planning Systems to help government agencies efficiently track and report on municipal plans. The software leverages AI to extract goals and metrics out of massive planning documents. Bethe reported that the venture has pivoted successfully to a service-based platform model, capturing multiple beta testing agreements and closing a $4,500 conversion with the Commission on Water Resource Management.



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  Dounya Bilal introduced her bespoke floral studio, Orchid Mantis, which focuses on artistic custom installations, and community workshops. Moving away from a background in architecture, Bilal generated $4,000 in seasonal sales and secured an upcoming installation layout for a local fashion show.
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  Studi Bunni is a live task-management and productivity web application featuring interactive dress-up elements, micro-breaks and journaling features tailored to alleviate academic stress. The developer, Tawanza Farmer, shared that before entering the cohort, the project had stalled at the wireframe (early layout) stage. Gaining structural motivation from PACE peers, Farmer successfully finalized studibunni.com.
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  Gray Stetcher presented Tesray Technologies, an AI workflow automation company executing specialized digital receptionist and onboarding tools for professional practices. Stetcher explained that while Tesray’s software logic applies to multiple spaces, market research led to targeting legal practices, since law firms demonstrated immediate operational interest and a strong willingness to pay for administrative time-saving solutions.

Organizers praised the summer cohort’s high productivity and outcomes. A larger collective showcase featuring these teams, alongside alumni and new groups, is tentatively scheduled for December.

UH ����ԴDz�’s Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) has received a transformative $3 million gift from the estate of philanthropist Ina Goodwin Tateuchi.

“Ina always wanted to build bridges between Japan and America,” said James Hurdelbrink, president of the Tateuchi Foundation. “She’d be glad to know that the work will continue and is in good hands.”

The gift will ensure the Center for Japanese Studies continues to foster the study of Japan across academic disciplines. “We are profoundly grateful to the estate of Ina Goodwin Tateuchi for providing this vital contribution, which will allow the Center to remain a vibrant hub for academic programming concerning Japan,” said Peter Arnade, dean of the UH ����ԴDz� College of Arts, Languages & Letters.

Supporting the next generation of scholars and �鶹��ý’s Japan-ready workforce

The gift establishes the Tateuchi Memorial Endowed Scholarship fund that will provide essential support to select undergraduate students at UH ����ԴDz� who are pursuing Japanese language majors or Asian studies with a focus on Japan. Additionally, the scholarship is open to students in other disciplines who demonstrate a strong interest in Japanese studies within their major.

“Our Center for Japanese Studies is the coordinating center for everything relating to Japanese studies at UH ����ԴDz�,” said Mark Levin, CJS director and professor at UH William S. Richardson School of Law. “Undergraduates represent the foundation for everything we do. This scholarship award will provide to multiple recipients coverage for full-tuition and related expenses, fostering workforce development for the state and populating the academic community across disciplinary boundaries into the future.”

“This extraordinary endowment enables our undergraduate students to focus on their education as they develop advanced Japanese language skills and the multi-cultural fluency that UH ����ԴDz� is known for in Japanese studies,” said Joan Pan, CJS associate director. “We are excited for this opportunity to build upon our existing foundation of over 100 years of Japanese studies in the university’s history since Dr. Tasuku Harada arrived in Honolulu from Japan in 1920.”

A century of Japanese studies

UH ����ԴDz� has been engaged with Japanese studies for more than a century. In 1920, the university appointed Tasuku Harada, the former president of Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan, as its first professor of Japanese studies, helping pioneer the academic study of Japan in American higher education. Today, UH ����ԴDz� offers one of the nation’s most comprehensive Japanese studies programs, with courses spanning language, history, politics, law, religion, literature, and the arts.

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The (CIP) at Kapiʻolani Community College has opened applications for two advanced culinary courses focused on whole-animal butchery, smoking, curing and sausage making. The first-of-its-kind training is part of a Workforce Development Program partnership with the Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

Applications are open through August 21. To learn more or apply, visit .

These five-day, hands-on training sessions are offered at CIP, and were developed specifically for �鶹��ý’s culinary industry using ingredients and resources available in the state. Full tuition scholarships are available to help upskill �鶹��ý’s culinary professionals without leaving the islands.

“�鶹��ý is home to incredible culinary talent, and our goal is to expand opportunities for chefs to continue learning and growing without leaving the islands,” said Grant Itomitsu, Kapiʻolani CC Culinary Arts Department chair. “By bringing nationally recognized instructors together with our local culinary community, we’re giving chefs the advanced skills to grow their careers and strengthen their kitchens. This program helps advance more sustainable and ethical practices while shaping the future of regional cuisine.”

Cohort 23: Butchery & Whole Animal Utilization (Part 1)

• September 14–18, 2026: Participants will develop essential knife and fabrication skills while learning primal and sub-primal breakdown, nose-to-tail cooking and methods for improving yield and reducing waste.

Cohort 24: Smoke & Sausage: The Craft and Science of Preserving Meat (Part 2)

• September 21–25, 2026: Participants will explore the techniques behind smoking, curing, dehydration and sausage production by preparing jerky, fresh and cured sausages, and smoked meats.

Both cohorts are led by CIA chef educator George Shannon and nationally recognized butcher Bryan Mayer, a staff member and instructor at Kapiʻolani CC.

Applications are open through August 21. To learn more or apply, visit .

Eligibility and scholarships

Applicants must be 18 or older, a �鶹��ý resident or active military member stationed in �鶹��ý, and have at least three years of professional culinary experience. Scholarships, valued at $1,500, are funded by the �鶹��ý Ag & Culinary Alliance (HACA) CIP x CIA Workforce Development Scholarship Fund and the State of �鶹��ý.

To support this initiative through a charitable gift to the scholarship fund, contact HACA Vice President Aya Leslie at aya@hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com.