As the 2026 World Cup draws millions of spectators to stadiums across North America, the University of �鶹��ý’s (NDPTC) is training emergency managers, first responders, transportation agencies and stadium operators on risk management and preparedness for extreme weather events.

NDPTC is a Congressionally-authorized, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funded national center which is part of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium. Based at the UH Mānoa and funded by FEMA and the U.S. Department of Transportation, the training courses on “Extreme Weather Preparedness for World Cup Cities” was developed by subject matter experts in extreme weather, urban planning, transportation, emergency managers and stadium operations in U.S. host cities.

Managing potential extreme weather threats

The training focuses on assessing and mitigating risks associated with extreme heat, lightning, tornadoes, flash flooding and wildfire smoke. Participants learn to use publicly available data, planning tools and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to improve understanding of extreme weather risk and prioritize actions to increase safety and security for large-scale events.

“Large public events require organizations to prepare for hazards that can change rapidly and affect transportation systems, critical infrastructure and public safety,” said Karl Kim, professor of urban and regional planning in the UH Mānoa and founding executive director of NDPTC. “Our role is to equip planners and decision-makers with practical tools and evidence-based strategies so they can anticipate risks and respond effectively when conditions change.”

The work involves downscaling climate and extreme weather models to the specific times and locations for the games and identifying protective actions to reduce harm to spectators and those participating in the World Cup. With teams and fans coming from different countries, there are many challenges with communications and coordination. NDPTC uses AI to support readiness and for different applications in urban planning and disaster management. Kim said that since many people are using AI, it is important to incorporate these tools into the work on risk management.

Extending NDPTC‘s impact beyond the tournament

The effort builds on NDPTC‘s broader mission of strengthening disaster resilience nationwide. Working with partners through the Pacific Southwest Region University Transportation Center and Federal Railroad Administration Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Safety Improvements program, the center develops risk assessment tools and provides training for emergency managers, first responders and community leaders across the country.

The World Cup training is updated regularly as guidance, operational requirements and weather conditions evolve. The curriculum also contains lessons learned from NDPTC‘s broader work in disaster preparedness and risk management. Since its establishment, the congressionally authorized center has trained more than 75,000 first responders and emergency managers nationwide, reinforcing UH’s role as a leader in disaster preparedness education and applied research.

The World Cup weather preparedness and latest recording of the training on NDPTC’s are available for the public.

A recent study by researchers at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa and Washington State University shows how fathers pass on traits influenced by their environment to their children. The research provided new data refining the mechanistic basis of paternal epigenetic inheritance.

The team was spearheaded by Monika Ward of the (JABSOM) and Wei Yan of Washington State University, whose work offers new insight into how these hereditary signals function.

, the study challenges the idea that sperm pick up this vital environmental information while maturing in a specific part of the male reproductive system called the epididymis. Instead, researchers found that mature sperm lack the specific mitochondrial DNA (genetic material for cell energy) required to facilitate this process, suggesting the information is set earlier while the sperm is still in the testes.

How testes help pass on traits

To test this, researchers fed male mice a high-fat diet. They then used a specialized fertilization technique to create offspring using both early-stage sperm from the testes and fully mature sperm. They discovered that the early sperm passed on traits from the father’s diet just as effectively as the mature sperm did.

“This work is a perfect example of how assisted reproduction technologies can be used to advance understanding of key processes in male reproduction,” said Ward, a researcher in the and professor of anatomy, biochemistry and physiology.

Related UH News story: UH researchers advance study of key male fertility gene

By using a direct injection technique with early-stage sperm, the team proved that sperm do not need to mature in the epididymis to pass on environmental information.

The study also clarified the amount of mitochondrial DNA in sperm. By testing sperm at various stages, the team confirmed that this material is progressively removed during development, leaving mature sperm almost entirely without it. They also found that small RNA, which carries genetic information, is primarily set during development in the testes.

The findings support a framework in which environmentally responsive molecular information is programmed during sperm development in the testes and later delivered to the egg by mature sperm depleted of mitochondrial DNA.

“The founder of our institute, Ryuzo Yanagimachi, was a pioneer who first developed many of the techniques used in modern IVF,” said Ward. “This study is a great example of how his legacy and our expertise continue to lead to new scientific discoveries.”

A University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa research team has received advanced computing hardware through the to support work on artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation wireless communication technologies.

Led by Assistant Professor in collaboration with Associate Professor , the team was selected to receive four NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell graphics processing units. The high-performance computer processors will support research on AI, next-generation wireless networks, cybersecurity and other emerging communication technologies. The computing resources will strengthen UH Mānoa’s research capabilities while expanding opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in AI and wireless networking technologies.

“Our goal is to build wireless systems that are not only faster but also smarter and more adaptable to real-world environments,” Xue said. “These new computing resources will accelerate our research while giving students valuable experience with the tools that are shaping the future of communications and AI.”

Practical solutions, wireless networks

The project is part of UH Mānoa’s growing efforts in communications, cyber-physical systems and networked infrastructure. Through collaborations with academic and industry partners, the research team aims to develop practical solutions for future wireless networks while addressing challenges relevant to �鶹��ý’s transportation, logistics and critical infrastructure sectors.

Part of the team’s research focuses on creating digital models of smart ports that combine wireless sensing, AI-powered radio access networks and real-time infrastructure monitoring. The technology could help improve operations at ports and other large transportation hubs, where moving vehicles, shipping containers and changing conditions can interfere with wireless signals.

The research also supports broader efforts to improve connected infrastructure with potential applications in transportation systems, logistics and other environments that rely on dependable communication networks.

Beyond advancing research, the NVIDIA award will provide new opportunities for workforce development by allowing students to work directly with cutting-edge computing technology used in industry and academia.

University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa graduate students across a wide range of disciplines took their research beyond the classroom this spring, translating complex ideas into hands-on experiences for Oʻahu middle school students through the inaugural Graduate Research Outreach Workshop (GROW).

The three-week program in April brought together a cohort of 10 students to strengthen their ability to communicate research in clear, engaging ways for non-specialist audiences. Participants learned to summarize their work in jargon-free language, discuss its real-world importance and create interactive exhibits that make research accessible to the public.

The workshop culminated in a research outreach fair at Waipahu Intermediate School, where approximately 60 students in career and technical student organization programs explored exhibits led by the graduate students. Waipahu Intermediate faculty advisers and school administrators also attended the event, which highlighted higher education opportunities and showcased the diverse research taking place at UH.

“Research has the greatest impact when people can understand it and connect it to their own lives,” UH Mānoa Fellowships, Scholarships, and Professional Development Coordinator Kristen Connors said. “GROW gave our graduate students the opportunity to practice an essential professional skill while also building meaningful relationships with young learners who may one day pursue their own paths in higher education and research.”

The program was organized by the , and Interim Assistant Vice Provost for Student Academic Success Amy Hubbard, Hamilton Library and the .

Beyond developing communication skills, the program aimed to build stronger connections between the university and the community while encouraging younger students to see themselves as future researchers, innovators and problem-solvers.

A post-program evaluation found participants responded positively to the experience. All respondents said the workshop met their expectations and that they would recommend it to others. Most also reported feeling more prepared and confident explaining their research through writing, visuals and conversations with public audiences.

at the University of �鶹��ý–W����� Oʻahu was selected to be a featured contributor to “,” an exhibit curated by the Society of American Archivists (SAA) to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

The national online repository tells the story of our country in documents, according to the SAA website. Sourced from institutions across the U.S. and internationally, the collection aims to highlight the full range of America’s documentary heritage and the role archives have played in preserving and understanding our history.

ʻUluʻulu staff nominated , a film from its collection. Produced in 1987, the film features Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) discussing the contemporary meanings of mana (spiritual power) and kuleana (responsibility), and remains a valuable resource, offering profound insights into the Hawaiian Renaissance, its unresolved issues, and its enduring legacy.

“When the call for submissions came for this exhibit, I knew that it was important for ʻUluʻulu to participate so that we could share a perspective of U.S history from the viewpoint of �鶹��ý and our communities,” said Janel Quirante, head archivist at ʻUluʻulu.

The challenge was choosing just one film to represent their collection.

Native Hawaiian voices live on

“ʻUluʻulu staff voted and we enthusiastically selected Hawaiian Soul from the Victoria Keith Productions Collection to represent us and to highlight the exhibit theme of Unfinished Revolutions,” Quirante said. “Hawaiian Soul was produced in 1987, but its message of what it means to be Native Hawaiian in contemporary America still resonates today.”

Filmmaker Victoria Keith produced, directed and edited Hawaiian Soul, which was co-produced by Naomi Sodetani.“I consider the selection of Hawaiian Soul for this special ‘250 for the 250th’ exhibit to be the honor of a lifetime!” Keith said. “To think this documentary, produced nearly 40 years ago, is going to be made visible again for new generations is an amazing experience.”

Keith added, “Mahalo to the ʻUluʻulu staff for such wonderful support, and of course to the amazing people who shared their manaʻo (ideas) in the video. May their voices live on and be shared through this significant historic exhibit! I am thrilled and excited to be a part of it!”

For more visit .

—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

The television series, produced by the (�鶹��ý Sea Grant), took home 10 Telly Awards, the world’s largest honor for video and television across all screens, including a gold Telly for (PMDP). This year, the Telly Awards received more than 13,000 entries from across the globe.

The 47th annual Telly Awards Judging Council, who select the winning entries, features more than 250 expert judges from Google, Home Box Office (HBO), British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Netflix and more.

“Papahānaumokuākea is more than a protected area, it is a living ancestral and ecological system, connecting people, species, and place across the paeʻāina,” said James Morioka, executive director of PMDP. “Partnering with the Voice of the Sea team on this special episode, sharing our work with the viewers, and being recognized with a Gold Telly helps us continue supporting vulnerable wildlife, restoring sensitive habitats, and perpetuating Hawaiian culture.”

“The level of competition is so high, I’m incredibly excited to win a Gold Telly Awards with our partners and show off the amazing footage PMDP collected,” said Kanesa Duncan Seraphin, Voice of the Sea host and co-producer. “Winning nine more awards is just spectacular!”

Gold and silver winner

shares what it is like to remove massive amounts of plastic pollution from Papahānaumokuākea, the 582,570 square miles of coral reefs, atolls, and aquatic habitat of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The episode was awarded a gold Telly in the not-for-profit category, and a silver Telly in nature & wildlife.

“Working as a storyteller in Papahānaumokuākea means being trusted to share places and stories that most people will never experience firsthand,” said Andrew Sullivan-Haskins, Emmy-award winning conservation expedition photographer with PMDP. “It’s not just about doing the work, it’s about helping people understand why these environments matter.”

Silver and bronze winner

musically celebrates �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s seas that combines science, art, culture and the �鶹��ý Symphony Orchestra. It was awarded a Silver Telly in the Culture & Lifestyle category, and a bronze Telly in music, dance & performance.

Multiple bronze winner

visits the north shore of Oʻahu, where oral histories inform the revitalization of this rich community resource; the episode also visits the Center for Oral History at UH Mānoa to learn about cataloging �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s past. The episode took home bronze Tellys in the educational institution and history categories.

Silver winners

shares information about ciguatera poisoning, the seafood illness that comes from toxins produced by microscopic algae in warm, nearshore waters, and the research that aims to help people eat safe seafood. It was awarded a silver Telly in public interest & awareness.

looks at the future of aquaculture at the �鶹��ý Ocean Science and Technology Park at Keāhole Point, on �鶹��ý Island—where unique seawater facilities support more than 50 cutting-edge tenants, including Blue Ocean Mariculture, Symbrosia and Cyanotech. The episode was awarded a silver Telly in sustainability.

Bronze winners

reviews aquaculture jobs and internships, from innovative fish mariculture and traditional fishponds in �鶹��ý, to village-level aquaponics in American Samoa. The episode was awarded a bronze Telly in education & training.

shares information on the different types of estuary systems in �鶹��ý, how the Division of Aquatic Resources Estuary Team monitors estuaries, the importance of estuaries for protecting critical fisheries habitat, and why Waimea River on the west side of Kauaʻi is such a special place. The episode was awarded a bronze Telly in sustainability.

–By Cindy Knapman

University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa junior pitcher Isaiah Magdaleno has been named a Perfect Game Third-Team All-American, becoming the first Rainbow Warrior to earn All-America honors since 2020 and the first following a full season since 2011.

Magdaleno is just the second UH player to receive Perfect Game All-America recognition and the 18th Rainbow Warrior all-time to earn All-America honors from a major college baseball organization.

The Los Angeles native finished his junior season among the nation’s leaders in several categories, ranking fifth in WHIP (0.92), sixth in hits allowed per nine innings (5.38) and 13th in ERA (2.36). He recorded a 7-5 record with 116 strikeouts over 95.1 innings in 15 starts.

Magdaleno was dominant down the stretch, posting a 0.83 ERA over the final month of the season and throwing two complete-game, one-hit shutouts. He also earned First-Team All-Big West and ABCA (American Baseball Coaches Association) Second-Team All-West Region honors after recording a 1.47 ERA in conference play.

His performance helped lead a UH pitching staff that finished the regular season ranked third nationally and first in the Big West with a 3.44 team ERA.

Two University of �鶹��ý at Hilo baseball student-athletes have been named to the 2026 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team, recognizing their combined success in academics and athletics.

Junior communication majors Noah Darnell of Phoenix, Arizona, and Hunter Gatti of Riverton, Utah, earned the honor for the 2026 season.

The CSC Academic All-District program recognizes student-athletes who maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher while making significant contributions to their team’s success during the season.

Academic All-District honorees advance to the national CSC Academic All-America ballot, where student-athletes are considered for additional recognition based on their academic and athletic achievements.

For more information, visit the .

Students from the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo have started a medicinal garden on campus as an integral part of several sustainable gardens used as hands-on labs. The goal is to explore the medicinal plants of �鶹��ý and the Pacific region through the involvement of agriculture students, the university community and several community groups.

Led by Norman Arancon, professor of horticulture and the college’s director, the builds on years of hands-on learning in which students in his sustainable agriculture course have managed campus garden plots using sustainable growing practices.

“Our students [are] learning how to propagate and identify if some of our plants have some medical constituent compositions,” said Arancon. “It’s exciting. The students are not just learning from us. We also get some planting materials from the community and insights on what we can grow that they think will be to them.”

Lavender, thyme and learning

Arancon’s sustainable agriculture class (AG 230) developed three plots in the garden with medicinal plants such as thyme, ginger, tobacco, turmeric and lavender. Students in a weed science course (HORT 481) were challenged to identify plants commonly considered weeds and research their potential medicinal value.

As a culminating project, students transformed common weeds into medicinal products, including a tea made from invasive honohono grass traditionally used to support respiratory health.

Community and collaboration

The medicinal garden is a collaborative effort involving the agriculture college, and .

Pharmacy students examine the plants’ medicinal compounds, while the Hawaiian language college brings in community healers to share traditional knowledge of local and native plants.

“We hope healers from the community can also provide seminars on how to use the plants properly and prepare them for use at home,” Arancon said. “I’d love for more classes to be involved with the project in the future, such as introductory courses on horticulture or animal science, to learn about health benefits for farm animals or pets.”

—by Samantha Dane

For more go to .

Tectonic stress along the San Andreas and San Jacinto fault systems in Southern California has now reached, and in some places exceeded, the highest levels seen in the past 1,000 years, according to research led by Earth scientists at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa. The study, published in , has direct implications for seismic hazard assessments in one of the most densely populated and infrastructure-critical corridors in the U.S.

“Our results show that stress levels on multiple fault segments are now at or above the highest values seen in the past millennium and that the region may be capable of a large through-going rupture involving both fault systems,” said lead author Liliane Burkhard, research affiliate in the at the UH Mānoa and scientist at the University of Bern, Switzerland. “We also found that Cajon Pass may act as an ‘earthquake gate’: sometimes blocking large ruptures from crossing between the faults, and sometimes allowing them to pass through and involve both systems in a single event.”

1,000 years of earthquake history

The researchers built a physics-based computer model that simulates how stress builds up and releases along the southern San Andreas and San Jacinto fault systems, including at Cajon Pass, which is a critical junction between the two fault systems. They fed the model a 1,000-year record of earthquake history of the region reconstructed from geological evidence such as radiocarbon dating of displaced sediments and tree-ring records. By running this simulation forward to the present day, they estimated how much stress has built up.

“The conditions that determine whether the ‘earthquake gate’ at Cajon Pass opens or stays closed appear to be related to how closely the stress levels on the two fault systems are aligned with each other at the time of rupture,” Burkhard said. “Right now, with stress at historically high levels across the region and more than 160 years elapsed since the last major rupture, the system is in a critically loaded state.”

Results from this study suggest that the stress that would normally be released in large earthquakes has continued to accumulate and is now at unprecedented levels. Perhaps most importantly, the study showed that Cajon Pass could facilitate a joint rupture of both the San Andreas and San Jacinto faults simultaneously, which is a scenario that could be significantly more damaging than a single-fault event, and one that affects densely populated areas including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and the Coachella Valley.

Improving earthquake hazard research

This kind of physics-based stress modeling can help refine seismic hazard assessments and inform infrastructure planning, emergency preparedness, and building codes in the region. Additionally, the modeling framework used in this study is applicable to other complex fault junctions globally, so the researchers are interested in developing it as a reusable tool for multi-fault hazard assessments.

“This is not a prediction of when an earthquake will happen,” Burkhard said. “However, studies like this are important contributions to national and global earthquake hazard research in that we are using rigorous, quantitative science to better understand the risk facing millions of people. What we can say is that the system is critically stressed, and that physics-based models like this one give us a clearer picture of the range of scenarios we should be prepared for. That information matters for hazard assessments, infrastructure planning, and emergency preparedness.”

Additional authors of the study include researchers from Northern Arizona University, University of Bern, U.S. Geological Survey and University of California, San Diego.

Five prominent �鶹��ý donors and organizations are making a transformative $5-million commitment to the via the to support name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes and help ensure the long-term success and national relevance of UH Mānoa Athletics.

The commitment will provide $1 million annually over the next five years for NIL support, helping UH Mānoa retain homegrown talent, recruit high-level student-athletes and provide equitable, Title IX-compliant opportunities across sports in an increasingly competitive Division I athletics environment. It will also strengthen a program that generates statewide pride, visibility and meaningful economic impact for �鶹��ý.

The five contributors, each committing $200,000 annually for five years, are Bank of �鶹��ý, First Hawaiian Bank, Matson, and longtime UH supporters and community leaders Jack Tsui and Walter Dods.

“This extraordinary commitment reflects something that has always made �鶹��ý special: people who deeply believe in UH and understand the important role athletics plays in bringing our community together,” said UH Mānoa Director of Athletics Matt Elliott. “College athletics has changed, and our objective is to adapt in a way that reflects the values of this university and our state. Our goal is to build a stable, student-centered foundation that supports academic success, competitive excellence and responsible NIL opportunities while ensuring UH Mānoa remains ‘Our Team, �鶹��ý’s Team.’”

Changing college athletics landscape

As NIL compensation has become a standard component of Division I athletics nationwide, universities across the country—including every member of the Mountain West Conference, which UH Mānoa will officially join as a full member on July 1—have committed significant resources to support student-athletes. University leaders estimate UH Mānoa needs approximately $5 million annually in NIL support to remain competitive in the Mountain West and on the national stage.

UH Athletics has united �鶹��ý communities during moments of triumph in just the last year—from the men’s volleyball national championship and men’s basketball’s return to the NCAA Tournament after winning the Big West title, to football’s thrilling �鶹��ý Bowl victory over Cal before a sold-out crowd at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex and a national television audience that peaked at 3 million viewers.

University leaders say those moments of shared pride underscore the broader value athletics brings to �鶹��ý: creating connection, visibility and economic impact beyond campus. A 2015 study by the UH Mānoa Shidler College of Business, based on a $35 million athletics budget at the time, found UH Athletics generated $66 million in direct spending, produced $128 million in statewide business sales, generated approximately $7 million in tax revenue and supported more than 860 jobs across �鶹��ý. An updated economic impact study evaluating the department’s current contribution to the state economy is nearing completion and expected by the end of August.

Beyond its statewide impact, athletics creates meaningful educational opportunities, with nearly 500 student-athletes participating in UH Mānoa programs and more than 170 degrees earned by student-athletes last year.

�鶹��ý leaders unite behind UH Athletics

The donors said they recognize college athletics has fundamentally changed and believe �鶹��ý must adapt to ensure local student-athletes can continue representing their home state at the highest levels. Several said broader support—from the private sector, community and eventually the state—will be needed to ensure UH remains competitive nationally.

Longtime UH Athletics partner Jim Polk, president and chief executive officer of Bank of �鶹��ý, said the new commitment builds on the bank’s longstanding support for UH student-athletes and the broader university community.

“Bank of �鶹��ý has proudly supported UH Athletics for many years because we believe in the important role it plays in developing student leaders and bringing our communities together,” Polk said. “This commitment builds on that longstanding partnership and helps ensure UH student-athletes have the resources to succeed in a changing collegiate athletics environment. UH student-athletes represent the best of �鶹��ý, and supporting them strengthens opportunities for young people while fostering pride across our state.”

Bob Harrison, chairman, president and chief executive officer of First Hawaiian Bank, said the university’s athletics program represents �鶹��ý in ways that extend far beyond wins and losses.

“First Hawaiian Bank has long supported the University of �鶹��ý because of the important role it plays in developing future leaders and strengthening our communities,” Harrison said. “Athletics is an important part of the university experience, creating opportunities for student-athletes while helping foster pride, engagement and visibility for the university. We are proud to support UH and invest in the success of its student-athletes, helping create opportunities for them to grow as leaders while representing our university and our state.”

Matt Cox, chairman and CEO of Matson, said creating a competitive NIL program at UH is needed to help keep local student athletes in �鶹��ý.

“University of �鶹��ý is a pillar of our community, and it’s critical that it remains competitive at the highest levels,” Cox said. “Today, that requires establishing a strong NIL foundation that will help UH attract and retain top local talent, and we need to start now.”

Jack Tsui, longtime UH supporter and chair of the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation and former First Hawaiian Bank president said that the private sector has an important role to play in assisting the UH athletics department to continue to be competitive.

“My wife Frances and I are honored to participate in the fundraising project for NIL,” said Tsui. “We hope that our commitment will encourage other donors, large and small, UH supporters, business and community leaders to stand up and be counted so that UH can continue to be competitive and thrive.”

Walter Dods, former chief executive officer of First Hawaiian Bank and one of the university’s most prolific philanthropic supporters, said the changing landscape of college athletics requires �鶹��ý to act.

“People can certainly have different opinions about whether college athletes should be compensated, but the reality is already here,” Dods said. “Every school we compete against is investing in NIL, and if we want �鶹��ý teams to remain competitive and our student-athletes to stay home, then we—the state, the private sector and the broader community—need to step up in some way. We understand the pressures on the Legislature and that everyone is asking for support. That is part of why the five of us decided to act now and help create a foundation others can build on.”

Building a foundation for the future

Without a stable NIL foundation, UH leaders say the university risks losing local talent, widening recruiting gaps and falling behind in a rapidly evolving Division I athletics landscape.

UH President Wendy Hensel said the $5-million commitment provides an important foundation for UH Mānoa Athletics, while emphasizing that broader support will ultimately be needed to sustain long-term success.

“We are deeply grateful to Bank of �鶹��ý, First Hawaiian Bank, Matson, Jack Tsui and Walter Dods for stepping forward with this extraordinary commitment to our student-athletes and the future of UH Mānoa Athletics,” Hensel said. “College athletics has fundamentally changed, and this investment helps ensure UH can continue to retain �鶹��ý student-athletes and remain competitive while creating benefits that extend well beyond campus—from student success and statewide pride to the significant economic impact for our state.”

Elliott said the commitment represents a strong start, but emphasized continued investment will be critical to building long-term success.

“I genuinely believe we are only scratching the surface of what UH Athletics can become,” Elliott said. “If we build this foundation the right way—with support from philanthropy, corporate partners and ultimately the state—we can retain local student-athletes, compete at a high level and continue creating opportunities for student-athletes who want to stay home, earn their degrees and represent �鶹��ý the right way.”

Elliott added that UH Mānoa Athletics plans to launch a new giving society later this year to honor the individuals and organizations helping strengthen opportunities for student-athletes and support the department’s long-term future.

“The five leadership commitments announced today serve as an inspiring foundation for the giving society and underscore the momentum building for Our Team, �鶹��ý’s Team.”

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from Kauaʻi CC marketing staff member Caitlin Fowlkes.

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

Previous Images
Dundee under a Kīlauea sun
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All Images of the Week

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

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

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

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

More ʻŌlelo of the Week

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

—Hunter Landt, he haumāna ʻōlelo �鶹��ý (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 UH Hilo .

University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa junior pitcher Isaiah Magdaleno has been named to the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Second-Team All-West Region team following a standout 2026 season.

Magdaleno is the first Rainbow Warrior pitcher to earn all-region honors since 2018 and the first UH player recognized since 2024.

The right-hander finished the season with a 2.36 ERA, 116 strikeouts and a 0.92 WHIP across 95.1 innings, ranking among the nation’s leaders in multiple pitching categories. He was especially dominant late in the season, posting a 0.83 ERA in May and throwing two complete-game, one-hit shutouts.

A First-Team All-Big West selection, Magdaleno recorded a 1.47 ERA in conference play and became the first player since 2018 to earn three consecutive Big West Pitcher of the Week honors.

After moving from closer to Friday-night starter, Magdaleno helped lead UH Mānoa pitching staff that finished the regular season ranked third nationally with a 3.44 team ERA.

Gov. Josh Green appointed University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa undergraduate student Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee to the (BOR), subject to confirmation by the �鶹��ý State Senate. Gee replaces Regent and JD candidate Joshua Faumuina, whose term ends in June 2026. If confirmed, Gee will serve a two-year term beginning on July 1, 2026.

“I’m honored to serve University of �鶹��ý students from all islands and campuses, and I look forward to ensuring their voices are heard while working alongside the Board of Regents,” Gee said. “I’ve always been passionate about youth empowerment, and I hope to further that work through my role as the new student member of the Board of Regents.”

An Honors student at UH Mānoa, Gee is pursuing an and double major from the , with a minor in from the . Born and raised in South Kohala on �鶹��ý Island, he graduated as valedictorian from Kealakehe High School in 2024.

Gee has held leadership roles at both the county and state levels, serving as inaugural chairperson of the County of �鶹��ý Youth Commission and as a treasurer of the �鶹��ý State Youth Commission, where he helped develop youth policy and advised government leaders. His experience also includes work on sustainability and education initiatives with �鶹��ý Green Growth and cultural programming through Traditions �鶹��ý.

As a Villars Institute Fellow, Gee participated in a 2025 expedition to Antarctica as the only American selected for the international mission led by polar explorer Robert Swan. During the expedition, he joined scientists, educators and young leaders in research activities and live educational broadcasts with classrooms around the world, promoting climate stewardship and raising awareness about the importance of protecting Antarctica. He also was selected for the World Affairs Councils of America Student Scholars Program and appeared in the PBS documentary series “Rethinking Higher Ed.”

• Related UH News story: Antarctica to Mānoa: UH student joins global effort to protect a fragile continent, December 16, 2025

The BOR is responsible for overseeing the 10-campus UH system, including policy direction, financial oversight and long-term strategic planning. The BOR is the governing body of UH and consists of 11 non-compensated volunteer members. Representation includes five from the City and County of Honolulu; two from �鶹��ý County; two from Maui County; one from Kauaʻi County and one UH student.

Five University of �鶹��ý at Hilo softball student-athletes have been named to the 2026 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team, recognizing their combined academic and athletic success.

The honorees are sophomore accounting major Mariah Antoque, senior business administration-management major Madi Lee, junior accounting major Keʻalohi Markham, sophomore-redshirt communication major Janessa Santos and senior business administration-finance major Lexie Tilton.

The CSC Academic All-District program honors student-athletes who maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher while making significant contributions to their teams during the season.

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The University of �鶹��ý is set to play a pivotal role in a new national effort to strengthen America’s seafood supply and expand sustainable aquaculture. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced the creation of the Cooperative Institute Fostering Aquaculture Research and Markets (CIFARM).

Funded by an initial $13.5 million investment for its first year, this five-year cooperative institute aims to harness partnerships with researchers to unlock the potential of U.S. marine aquaculture. The University of New Hampshire will serve as the host institution, with UH participating as one of five core consortium members in this competitive national program.

The UH research team is being led by Associate Professor Chatham Callan out of the UH Hilo (PACRC). Callan is joined by co-investigators Professor Maria Haws of PACRC, Associate Research Professor Erik Franklin of the in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology at UH Mānoa, and �鶹��ý Sea Grant Associate Director for Extension Darren Okimoto and several other UH Faculty partners.

“Being selected as a core member of CIFARM is a testament to the decades of world-class aquaculture research happening right here in �鶹��ý,” said Callan. “Through our partnerships with Native Hawaiian communities, we draw on a tradition of ocean stewardship and fishpond engineering that stretches back centuries. Our UH team is excited to bring that unique Pacific perspective and expertise to the national stage. By focusing on cutting-edge tech, environmental forecasting, and real-world marine demonstration projects, we are actively building the blueprint for a more resilient, self-sufficient seafood industry.”

$24B in imported seafood annually

CIFARM‘s core mission is to solve real-world challenges affecting seafood producers and consumers while reducing the nation’s reliance on imported seafood. Currently, Americans consume more than $24 billion in imported seafood annually, with approximately half estimated to be farmed overseas. By advancing domestic aquaculture, CIFARM aims to bolster national food security, create jobs and uplift coastal economies in complement to wild-capture fisheries.

The UH team will contribute to a broad range of research priorities. CIFARM researchers will investigate scientific solutions that can be leveraged for industry advancement. Key focus areas include engineering and technology development, artificial intelligence for aquaculture, environmental observations and forecasting, and marine aquaculture demonstration projects. The consortium will also conduct critical risk management, vulnerability analyses and seafood market research. The Hawaii team will also partner with USAPI researchers, including University of Guam Sea Grant and the in FSM to extend CIFARM’s reach throughout the Pacific.

“This partnership underscores the University of �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s vital role in advancing sustainable aquaculture systems that directly impact our global food supply,” said Norman Arancon, director of the UH Hilo College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management. “We have always championed practical, impactful science. Through CIFARM, our researchers and students will be at the forefront of a $13.5 million national effort, utilizing �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s unique seascape to drive economic growth, bolster food security, and train the next generation of leaders in sustainable marine aquaculture.”

�鶹��ý is uniquely positioned for this work. The state is already home to Blue Ocean Mariculture in Kona, currently the only offshore fish farm in the U.S., providing a vital real-world connection to the consortium’s demonstration and commercialization goals.

In addition to University of New Hampshire and UH, the network includes �鶹��ý Sea Grant, New Hampshire Sea Grant, the University of Miami, Florida Sea Grant, the University of Southern Mississippi, the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute and California Sea Grant.

University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa students and faculty traveled to Kohala High School on �鶹��ý Island, where they learned from and taught one another alongside high school students.

“We often tell our candidates to be teacher leaders, and this collaborative field trip gave them the opportunity to demonstrate their leadership,” said Associate Professor Vail Matsumoto. “They shared their expertise in AI with the Kohala students and faculty and then learned from the school in return. It was a win-win situation, and any time work is fun, it’s yet another win.”

Kohala students taught the College of Education secondary and elementary teacher candidates in (MEdT) about welding, construction, farming, and a variety of other Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The cohort, as part of the trip in April, worked with the Kohala yearbook class on AI tools and conducted two afterschool professional development sessions for faculty on AI tools.

Future focus

“Hearing student and teacher testimonies help me to picture what I can do in the future to support my students,” said Kaylie Hayashida who is earning her MEdT with a focus on secondary Japanese. “For high school students, I think this field trip gave them the opportunity to not only showcase the work they’re doing, but practice important life skills such as presentational speaking and interpersonal skills.”

Matsumoto was accompanied by Assistant Professor Stacy George, who helped organize the trip, as well as Assistant Professor Waynele Yu and MEdT Program Chair Stephanie Furuta. Two MEdT graduates, Dean Snelling and Jackie Meggs, partnered with the College of Education to make the joint venture possible. The collaboration was also supported by the UH Women’s Campus Club.

“As a future science teacher, I appreciate how Kohala High School integrates useful life skills with an education that encourages students to thrive in the directions that their choices take them,” said MEdT student Anna Karsin who attended high school on �鶹��ý Island. “Seeing the place-based learning and practical employment of community resources while hearing from the students as they shared their capstone senior projects was incredible.”

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The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (CTAHR) connected with hundreds of community members at the 17th annual Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair on May 30, sharing resources focused on agriculture, food security, youth development and community resilience.

Held at the War Memorial Special Events Field, the event brought together farmers, families and agricultural organizations from across Maui County. CTAHR faculty and extension agents showcased programs that support local food production, health and education throughout �鶹��ý.

Hands-on resources promote resilience

At the CTAHR Community Resilience booth, Extension Agent Heather Greenwood shared resources to the Sage Heart program, an initiative funded by the Maui County Department of Agriculture that promotes wellness through growing kitchen herbs and encourages healthier eating habits for keiki.

Junior Extension Agent Gwen Morinaga-Kama shared a collection of limu (seaweed) gathered from Maui shorelines and discussed efforts to restore a traditional limu fishery in partnership with the Kēōkea Farm Lots Association.

Edible Crops Extension Agent Rosemary Gutierrez-Coarite provided information on local turmeric production and distributed planting materials for four turmeric varieties, along with virus-free banana seedlings to help combat banana bunchy top virus.

Maui County Youth Development Extension Agent Nancy Ooki highlighted opportunities through the �鶹��ý 4-H program, including sustainable gardening activities, cultural food education and the upcoming teen disaster preparedness training.

Maui AgFest 2026 was co-presented by the Maui County Farm Bureau and the County of Maui Department of Agriculture.

Thousands of travelers pass through Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport every day, but few may realize the vibrant mural in Lobby Four welcoming them was created by a recent University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa graduate balancing double majors, cheerleading and a dream project years in the making.

Just weeks after graduating with degrees in and , (CALL) graduate Rachel Radona is already leaving her mark on �鶹��ý through a large-scale mural installation celebrating aloha, community and island life.

“It was definitely an ‘oh my gosh’ moment,” Radona said. “This is crazy.”

The opportunity came after Radona completed one of her early mural projects at the UH Federal Credit Union branch in Kapolei. Soon after, she received a call about a possible airport mural project from people who had been following her work.

Although several artists were considered through a selective process, Radona’s vision stood out. Her mural centers around plumeria flowers, symbolizing �鶹��ý’s welcoming spirit and lei-giving tradition.

“The whole lobby theme was about flowers and aloha,” she said. “People associate plumeria with giving and receiving lei, and that’s what the airport is all about.”

Aloha through art

Known for her graffiti-style art, Radona adapted her style to fit the project’s vibrant Hawaiian aesthetic while still bringing her own creative vision to life.

“I really wanted to embrace the feeling of getting a fresh lei,” she said. “The flowers are just so bright, and you can vividly smell everything and feel all of the aloha and mālama (care) that was put into making it.”

While completing the mural, Radona balanced the project alongside two majors and UH Mānoa cheerleading. Still, she said the experience never felt like work.

“It honestly wasn’t that challenging when you love what you’re doing,” she said.

Now, as thousands of travelers pass through the airport, Radona hopes the mural reminds people that �鶹��ý’s true beauty comes from its people.

— by Willow Hutchison