The University of �鶹��ý celebrates April 2026 faculty and staff anniversaries.

30 years

Ninomiya, Marsha S
Administrative Assistant, UH ����ԴDz�

Thompson, Erin N K
Professor, Leeward CC

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20 years

Asiatico, Carolina V
Administrative Assistant, UH ����ԴDz�

Hawajska-Waters, Anna B
Instructor, UH ����ԴDz�

Kashigi, Greg K
Educational Specialist, Honolulu CC

Naʻauao, Perri K C
Budget Analyst, UH System

Pasternak, Deanna C
System Administrator, UH System

Sylva, Leon R
Janitor, Honolulu CC

Yabe, Michael T
Observatory Supervisor, UH ����ԴDz�

10 years

Hamakawa, Summer
Office Assistant, �鶹��ý CC

Hasegawa, Matthew K
Educational Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Isabel, Keani K
Student Services Specialist, UH Hilo

Kamaka, Nathan M
Research Associate, UH ����ԴDz�

Kasahara, Brian T
University Security Officer, UH Maui College

Kubo, Kelvin K
Air Conditioning Mechanic, UH Hilo

Pabingwit, Shawna M M
Institutional/Policy Analyst, UH Maui College

Peacock, Daniel L
Library Assistant, UH ����ԴDz�

Quinajon Takara, Rachel A
Educational Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Rucker, Barbara L
Administrative and Fiscal Support Specialist, UH Maui College

Sabado, Mackathy G
Fiscal Specialist, UH Hilo

Stanley, Margaret L
Bookstore Manager, UH ����ԴDz�

Stenstrom, Nicole N
Instructional and Student Support Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Takayama, Brandi J E
Office Assistant, Honolulu CC

The , a beacon of marine education and conservation for over a century, is marking its 122nd anniversary in March. Under the new leadership of Interim Director Judy Lemus, the institution is embarking on a period of revitalization, with innovative exhibits, strategic collaborations, and a continued commitment to the unique aquatic ecosystems of �鶹��ý and the tropical Pacific.

The aquarium will host a 122nd birthday celebration on March 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day kicks off with a community coastal cleanup followed by a suite of family-friendly activities.

A new chapter

Lemus brings a wealth of experience in marine facility management, research, and education. Lemus served for four years as the interim director of the (HIMB) within the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (SOEST) and is currently the interim associate dean for academic affairs in SOEST. Her primary focus at the aquarium is on operational improvements and enhancing the institutionʻs role in education, marine conservation, collaborative research, and community engagement.

“Managing the Waikīkī Aquarium is about more than just animal husbandry; it’s also about our engagement with the public and contribution to conservation of Pacific species, and our role as a public outlet for UH research,” said Lemus. “As we celebrate 122 years, we are not just honoring our history, but building the systems, facilities, and stories that will carry us through the next century.”

One major accomplishment under her leadership has been the successful return of Hōʻailona, the beloved Hawaiian monk seal, to his refurbished enclosure.

New and upcoming exhibits:

• The Aquaculture Tank: In partnership with Biota, a local aquaculture company, this exhibit will feature fish and coral raised entirely in aquaculture facilities at the Oceanic Institute and Waikīkī Aquarium. This “no-collection” model highlights sustainable trade and will also showcase 3-D structures from HIMB researcher Josh Madin’s Lab that facilitate coral growth.
• The Edge of Reef Redesign: Formerly an iconic outdoor exhibit, the Edge of Reef was dismantled to make way for a critical infrastructure project. A redesign is planned for this exhibit with support from UH, the �鶹��ýFoundation, and the Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium.
• New Tank for Mullet and More: The large tank that previously featured mullet, a species revered in �鶹��ý as a staple food and in loko ʻia (Hawaiian fishpond) aquaculture, is being dismantled to make way for a modern habitat. The new enclosure may house mullet and possibly other compatible species such as rays or sea turtles.
• The aquarium is planning new collaborations with a variety of UH faculty and labs to help bring their work to broader audiences.
• AZA Accreditation: The aquarium is starting a Pathway Toward Membership program with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the gold standard in accreditation for zoos and aquariums, with the goal of achieving AZA accreditation for Waikīkī Aquarium in about 5 years.

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The University of �鶹��ý celebrates March 2026 faculty and staff anniversaries.

40 years

Cowie, Antoinette
Researcher, UH ����ԴDz�

30 years

Blackstad, Dannette K
Account Clerk, Kauaʻi CC

Gorham, Peter W
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Ishida, Ross J
Network Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Yamauchi, Wendy T N
Educational Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

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20 years

Caires, Helena F M
Janitor, UH ����ԴDz�

Egan, Leeanne S
Associate Professor, Leeward CC

Kojima, Dina Y
Fiscal Specialist, UH System

Oshiro, Tavia A K S
Environmental and Health Safety Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Perry, Anthony J
Educational Specialist, Kauaʻi CC

Soares, Mitchell K
Associate Professor, �鶹��ý CC

Yoza, Brandon A
Environmental and Health Safety Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

10 years

Ahn, Hyeong J
Associate Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Fujioka-Sok, Clare J
Assistant Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Imai, Jonathan M
Scientific Instrument Technician, UH ����ԴDz�

Lawes, Christina M
Educational Specialist, Windward CC

Lucas, Dyanna H
Janitor, UH ����ԴDz�

Oshiro-Chin, Kortne
Fiscal Specialist, UH System

Polgar, Noemi
Assistant Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Quemado, Melvin J K
Security Admin, UH System

Uranaka-Yamashiro, David R
Assistant to Senior Executive, Honolulu CC

Wright, Kyle W
Janitor, UH ����ԴDz�

Yamada, Carolynn M
Marketing Specialist, Windward CC

Yoneishi, Nicole M
Research Associate, UH ����ԴDz�

The University of �鶹��ý celebrates February 2026 faculty and staff anniversaries.

50 years

Ota, Sharon H S
Professor, Honolulu CC

40 years

Cowie, Lennox L
Researcher, UH ����ԴDz�

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30 years

Caraang, Crizaldrin M
IT Specialist, Leeward CC

Hanson, Mark T
Professor, UH West Oʻahu

20 years

Carrillo, Guillermina P
Janitor, UH ����ԴDz�

Freitas, Antoinette L
Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Fujii-Miller, Kilohana E U
Institutional/Policy Analyst, UH Maui College

Gong, Qun
IT Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Ho, Shanna M
Fiscal Specialist, UH System

Kaufusi, Pakieli H
Assistant Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Lau, William W C
Network Specialist, Honolulu CC

Mock, Noel T L
Bookstore Manager, UH ����ԴDz�

Naʻauao, Perri K C
Budget Analyst, UH System

Nishida, Susan S
Academic and Student Affairs Program Officer, UH System

Nishie, Cathy S
Office Assistant, �鶹��ý CC

Unten, Tim T
Administrative Officer, UH ����ԴDz�

10 years

Eli Jr., Frederick P
Janitor, UH ����ԴDz�

Fernandez, Freddie B
Auxiliary and Facilities Services Officer, UH ����ԴDz�

Fowler, Shawnie C K
Operations Coordinator, UH System

Honjo, Jill R
Human Resources Specialist, UH System

Kawakami, Chad K
Associate Professor, UH Hilo

Komenaka, Richard T
Fiscal Specialist, UH System

Kubo, Reid A
IT Specialist, UH Hilo

Maingano, Shepherd
Associate Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

McFeeley, Bryson K
IT Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Sunada, Cynthia T
Operations Coordinator, UH ����ԴDz�

Yoshina, Joy S
Institutional/Policy Analyst, UH Hilo

The University of �鶹��ý celebrates January 2026 faculty and staff anniversaries.

30 years

Davidson, Elizabeth J
Associate Dean, UH ����ԴDz�

Laycock, Steven W
Professor, Leeward CC

Liu, Royd Q Y
IT Manager, UH System

Nakasone, Sharisse A
Fiscal Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Yoshioka, Carl T
Registered Engineer, UH System

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20 years

Booth, Charles D
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Gasmen, Imelda F
Instructor, UH ����ԴDz�

Hernandez Jr, Rogelio R
UH Head Tennis Coach (Women), UH ����ԴDz�

Hurwitz, Eric L
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Jarrett, Joseph T
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Jun, Soojin
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Kubo, Mark Y
Agricultural Research Technician, UH ����ԴDz�

Latner, Janet D
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Lau, Wilson W S
IT Specialist, UH System

Li, Yiqing
Professor, UH Hilo

Makanui Jr, Bernard H
Building Maintenance Worker, UH Hilo

Ott, Sandra L
Assistant Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Takasugi, Fumiko
Professor, Honolulu CC

Toma, Sandee N
Administrative and Fiscal Support Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Yuan, Sarah C W
Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

10 years

Borling, Kumalani P K
University Security Officer, UH Hilo

Bruno, Michael
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Castillo, Jose D
Building Maintenance Worker, Kauaʻi CC

Collier, Eric S
Educational Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Darrah, Jennifer
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Dudoit Jr, Theodore
Carpenter, UH ����ԴDz�

Gazan, Leah R
Instructor, Kapiʻolani CC

Grove, Nicole S
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Grube, Talon L S
University Security Officer, �鶹��ý CC

Haggerty, Natalie K
Assistant Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Johnson, Darrell
University Security Officer, UH West Oʻahu

Kantar, Michael B
Researcher, UH ����ԴDz�

Kaohu, Zachery G L
Janitor, Honolulu CC

Kim, Yujin
Educational Specialist, Kapiʻolani CC

Liao, Pei-Chin L
Immigration Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Miller, Lisa J
Associate Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Millett, Eve N F
Assistant Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Mu, Xiaoxin
Assistant Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Nii, Robert T
Assistant Professor, Kauaʻi CC

Pakele, Lee T
Administrative and Fiscal Support Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Rajagopalan, Krishnakumar
Assistant Researcher, UH ����ԴDz�

Sakakibara, Yurie
Office Assistant, UH ����ԴDz�

Sasaki, Davin Y
Technology Transfer Specialist, UH System

Shiroma, Amy L
Assistant Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Stevens, David J
Assistant Professor, Kapiʻolani CC

Tran, Thanh V T
Administrative Officer, UH ����ԴDz�

Ueki, Scott J
Janitor, Kapiʻolani CC

Watanabe, Brenda I T
Assistant Professor, �鶹��ý CC

Yanuaria, Christopher D
Student Services Specialist, UH Maui College

The (PCATT), a consortium of the University of �鶹��ý Community Colleges, has made a significant impact on local workforce development, with more than 16,524 students served through more than 1,816 classes since 2020. This demonstrates the center’s crucial role in providing advanced technology training across the region as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Core offerings, including certifications in networking, computer programming, software development, cloud computing, and cyber security, remain strong and continually updated. PCATT is also the sole �鶹��ý-based sponsor offering a state-verified registered apprenticeship in information technology, providing a vital “earn-while-you-learn” pathway for residents to upskill.

Technology education leader

More than two decades after starting up PCATT remains a leader in providing high-quality, industry-relevant technology education, equipping local professionals with skills for high-demand careers. PCATT also operates a Cisco Networking Academy Support Center and Instructor Training Center for the Central Pacific (including �鶹��ý, Guam, American Samoa, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Fiji).

PCATT continues to expand into cutting-edge fields, including a new AI for workforce pathway with training in generative AI and machine learning. This forward-looking approach will be highlighted at the PCATT Summit 2026: AI for Action and Impact in June 2026.

Director Dan Doerger said, “For 25 years, PCATT has helped shape �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s technology workforce—and with its continued innovation and partnerships, the next 25 promise to be even more transformative.”

The University of �鶹��ý celebrates December 2025 faculty and staff anniversaries.

40 years

Inoshita, Denise M
Legal Secretary, UH System

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20 years

Aguiran, Wayne Y
Professor, UH Maui College

Arriba, Melissa B
Admissions Specialist, Leeward CC

Butler, Rhett G
Researcher, UH ����ԴDz�

Chun, Steven C T
System Administrator, UH ����ԴDz�

Duran, Bradley L C
IT Specialist, UH Maui College

Ho, Shanna M
Fiscal Specialist, UH System

Hsiao, Ya-Wen
IT Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Inouchi, Michele M K
Administrative Officer, UH ����ԴDz�

Knapman, Lucinda
Assistant Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Oshiro, Carol T
Program Manager, UH ����ԴDz�

Shohet, Ralph V
Professor UH ����ԴDz�

Takamatsu, Reid A
Student Services Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

10 years

Chow, Sharene K
Administrative Fiscal Support Specialist, UH System

Jarneski, Royden J
University Security Officer, �鶹��ý CC

Matsu, Cami Lyn T
Fiscal Specialist, UH System

Meyer, Manulani J
Associate Specialist, UH West Oʻahu

Murashige, Ward T
Agricultural Research Tech, UH ����ԴDz�

Nuesca Franco, Allyson
Student Services Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Pacheco, Rennette K
Administrative Assistant, �鶹��ý CC

Pokipala, Christopher J
Associate Professor, Leeward CC

Poy, Jean E K B
Public Information Specialist, UH Hilo

Sy, Angela U
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Uyeda, Richard I
System Administrator, UH System

Yaplag, Michael C
Building and Grounds Custodian, UH Hilo

The University of �鶹��ý celebrates November 2025 faculty and staff anniversaries.

40 years

Kamiya, Kathleen C
Administrative Assistant, UH System

Murakami, Ricky R
Power Mower Operator, UH ����ԴDz�

Williams, Gwen E
Professor, Leeward CC

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30 years

Sheriff, Richard C
Auxiliary and Facilities Services Officer, UH ����ԴDz�

Tani, Jacqueline N
Operations Coordinator, UH ����ԴDz�

20 years

Franklin, Erik C
Associate Researcher, UH ����ԴDz�

Fukui, Junko
Administrative Assistant, UH ����ԴDz�

Judd, Robert K
Groundskeeper, UH ����ԴDz�

Macuno Jr, Francisco P
Air Conditioning Mechanic, UH ����ԴDz�

Nakama, Kelli S
Student Services Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Nakoa, Michaelyn N
Assistant to the Senior Executive, Kapiʻolani CC

Radovich, Theodore J
Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Remigio, Ronald
Auxiliary and Facilities Services Officer, UH ����ԴDz�

Sabagala, Misty N
Janitor, UH ����ԴDz�

Yamane, Aaron M
IT Specialist, UH System

Zane, Christopher K M
Network Specialist, UH System

10 years

Allen, Ryan M
Janitor, Windward CC

Atwood, Brianne M
Administrative Officer, UH ����ԴDz�

Baldos, Orville C
Associate Researcher, UH ����ԴDz�

Bali, Rhunoel C
Janitor, Leeward CC

Berce, James A
Janitor, UH Maui College

Brown, Hillary A M
Academic Support Specialist, Honolulu CC

DePonte, Jeffrey K
Videographer, UH System

Fichtman, Stanford
Program Specialist, Kapiʻolani CC

Furuto Jr, Gordon T
IT Specialist, UH System

Gray, Sidney L
Electrician, UH ����ԴDz�

Hirayama, Iris H M
Fiscal Specialist, UH Hilo

Larican Jr., Oscar C
Account Clerk, UH Hilo

Postmus Jr., Jeremy S
University Security Officer, Leeward CC

Teruya, Kristi Anne E
Instructor, Honolulu CC

Tran, Richard
IT Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Upano, Alicia M
Publications Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Viloria, Marlon P
University Security Officer, UH ����ԴDz�

Sixty years after welcoming its first class, the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s (JABSOM) continues to shape the future of health care in �鶹��ý, training generations of doctors grounded in science, service and aloha.

To mark the milestone, more than 500 students, alumni, faculty, staff and community partners gathered at The Royal Hawaiian on October 11 for the celebration.

Since opening its doors in 1965, JABSOM has trained more than 3,000 doctors. Today, about half of all practicing physicians in �鶹��ý are JABSOM graduates or faculty members—underscoring the school’s deep connection to the community it serves.

JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker reflected on the school’s remarkable growth and enduring sense of community.

“When I was a medical student, we had around 60 students in a class. Now we’re up to 77. Twenty–four hundred applicants apply for those 77 spots—so we’re doing something right,” Shomaker said. “This medical school has grown out of the community, and �鶹��ý is all about aloha. Our medical school is all about aloha.”

Honoring excellence in medicine

The evening included the inaugural JABSOM Distinguished Alumni Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions in medicine and community health. for his groundbreaking cancer and nuclear testing research in the Pacific. for her leadership in reproductive rights and women’s health advocacy.

As �鶹��ý’s only medical school, JABSOM continues to fulfill its mission to serve the entire state by expanding training opportunities across the islands. New residency programs are being established on the neighbor islands to strengthen local healthcare access.

To capture the spirit of the school, JABSOM’s Media and Communications team debuted , a video series highlighting the people and values that define the institution. Ryan Keliʻi Shontell, Geri Young, Venkataraman Balaraman and Keolamau Yee were featured in short vignettes showcasing JABSOM’s locally focused research, rural education programs and the emphasis on delivering care with aloha.

A celebration of aloha and legacy

The event also included a hula performance by second-year medical students Kaela Akina-Magnussen, Lincoln Hunt, Trini Leung, Aljay Carnate Jr., Karina Sharma, Kasey Emoto and Kalpana Balaraman, who danced to Ke Alaula by the Mākaha Sons.

The evening concluded with a . Shimabukuro is married to Kelly Yamasato, a 2005 JABSOM alumna and current OBGYN faculty member.

“The role of JABSOM is so critical in �鶹��ý,” UH President Wendy Hensel said. “The work they’ve done touches everyone who lives here and reaches far beyond the islands. We’re so proud to be part of JABSOM at UH, and I don’t think there are any limits to where they can go next.”

The University of �鶹��ý celebrates October 2025 faculty and staff anniversaries.

20 year

De Mello, Gavien R
Janitor, UH Hilo

Eugenio, Marina R
Janitor, Kauaʻi CC

Fujimoto, Baron K
IT Specialist, UH System

Hafalia, Aeza Mae B
Educational Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Isa-Atta, Michelle C
Administrative Officer, UH System

Kaneshiro, Emi M L C
Satellite Campus Manager, Leeward CC

Lipe, Kaiwipunikauikawēkiu
University Academic Affairs Program Officer, UH ����ԴDz�

Mandryk, Gregory B
Database Administrator, UH System

Matsushima, Cathleen S
Auxiliary and Facilities Services Manager, UH ����ԴDz�

Shigemura, Renae H L
Certified Athletic Trainer, UH ����ԴDz�

Soon, Reni A
Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Sumiye, Lisa K
Accountant, UH System

Wakita, Marissa M H
Student Services Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�

Wong, Kendall O L
IT Specialist, UH System

Yamauchi, Yasuhiro
Junior Researcher, UH ����ԴDz�

Yonemoto, Kory M
Administrative Officer, UH System

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10 years

Ballao, Kealii
Academic Support Center Coordinator, UH Maui College

Camacho, Nitaya P
Administrative Officer, UH ����ԴDz�

Inouye Jr., Daniel Ken
Institutional/Policy Analyst, UH West Oʻahu

Ota Jr., Charles M
University Security Officer, UH ����ԴDz�

Riley, Lorinda M N M
Associate Professor, UH ����ԴDz�

Yamasaki, Jodi H
Administrative and Fiscal Support Specialist, UH ����ԴDz�