Chris Ibarra’s journey from student to teacher is one fueled by perseverance, passion and a commitment to his community. The �鶹��ý Island native graduated from Konawaena High School in 2000 and completed the two-year automotive program at in Hilo in 2002, under instructors Ken Shimizu and Harold Fujii.

Today, Ibarra is giving back by teaching the next generation of mechanics through a partnership that he helped to establish between the �鶹��ý Department of Education (DOE) and .

Through Early College, students at Kelakehe High School can earn college credits toward a degree in from �鶹��ý CC–������������Գܾ�.

Kalei Haleamau-Kam, director of �鶹��ý CC–������������Գܾ�, said “The enrollment numbers have grown in Automotive Technology, and the program is going strong because of the internal support that the DOE has given the program and the partnership of the workforce community. The Automotive Technology model has inspired other programs, such as offering Culinary Academy classes at Konawaena, a sustainability certificate at Kohala, and others in the making.”

The rough road to teaching

Post-graduation, Ibarra’s early career included a short stint at Island Chevrolet and years alongside his father at Randy’s Repair.

After working as a mechanic for Nanea Golf Club, Ibarra’s former high school teacher, Butch Hughes, asked him for help with a truck—reigniting his connection to teaching. Ibarra started as a part-time teacher at Kealakehe in 2007 and was hired full-time as a temporary emergency hire the following year.

The road to becoming a certified teacher wasn’t easy, and Ibarra squeezed by for about seven years. He eventually earned his alternative Career and Technical Education certification in 2016 through Leeward Community College after multiple attempts at the exams.

“So many Leeward CC and Kealakehe teachers were rooting for me and helping me,” he said.

Driving futures forward

On the cusp of his sixth year of teaching through the Early College program at �鶹��ý CC–������������Գܾ�, Ibarra is seeing the impact firsthand. About a dozen of his students graduated in May.
“We do a lot of high tech stuff,” Ibarra said. “And the kids, that’s where they find their home—in auto shop. They’re good with their hands. They’re smart kids. They’re really good kids.”

Despite the challenges and pay cut that came with switching from the private sector to teaching, Ibarra knows he’s where he belongs.

“I had students graduate, and I see them in the community,” Ibarra said. “It’s worth a lot more than the pay.”

Through his dedication, Ibarra is proving that giving back can drive futures forward.

�鶹��ý Community College’s is the only auto body program in the University of �鶹��ý Community College system, carrying on a legacy of craftsmanship, innovation and career readiness that began in 1966.

The program, which has graduated almost 1,000 technicians, is helping to sustain �鶹��ý Island’s transportation trades community, and has experienced a notable rise in women’s enrollment.

“The shop feels like family. We all have fun, we work on cars … but we do work,” said first-year student Aysia Lee. “My favorite part of this class is pretty much the finish-up work. I like to paint and buff the entire car—preparing it for the customer, cleaning it up.”

The comprehensive training covers all aspects of collision repair and refinishing, including welding, air conditioning systems, steering and suspension, brakes, interior work, glass installation and automotive detailing. Another first-year student, Beauden Hancock, said the experience has been invaluable.

“�鶹��ý CC’s Auto Body program has taught me to be on my feet and prepared for this fast-paced industry that’s always evolving,” Hancock said. “I’ve been in the shop since day one and it’s been a great experience. I’ve always loved working in auto body, I always took shop classes in high school. I’m glad to be here.”

Blending the best of old and new

The program, now led by Associate Professor Garrett Fujioka—a �鶹��ý CC alumnus—blends the best of “old-school” precision and “new-school” technology. Fujioka and Assistant Professor Colby Koreyasu bring modern industry experience directly to the students.

“[We] both came from the industry, so we bring all the modern technology and methods we use in our own shops directly into the classroom,” Fujioka said. “But we still hold on to the old-school principles—the foundation skills and the attitude—that make a great body technician. Our students come out of here with basic skills that can take them anywhere in the industry—collision repair, insurance estimating, paint supply, or even auto mechanics.”

He noted that most students find local work due to high demand. The instructors also collaborate closely with other transportation programs across the UH Community College System.

“We might be the only auto body program, but the other campuses—Honolulu CC, Leeward, Kauaʻi, Maui—they all support us. We have camaraderie,” Fujioka said. “We’re lucky to be part of the transportation ʻohana.”

For more go to .

Leeward Community College is earning accolades for leadership in career and technical education (CTE). Three faculty and staff members recently received awards—two at the state level and one at a national conference—underscoring the college’s commitment to excellence in preparing �鶹��ý’s workforce.

At the 2025 �鶹��ý Association for Career & Technical Education (�鶹��ý ACTE) State Conference on April 11, at Windward CC, Nolan Miyahara and Blake Hunrick were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Miyahara, program coordinator for Leeward CC’s Automotive Technology program, was named Postsecondary Teacher of the Year. Under his guidance, the program has thrived and is home to the state’s only Ford Automotive Student Service Educational Training program, which offers students manufacturer-specific instruction, access to advanced diagnostic tools, and paid internships with Ford dealerships.

Hunrick, who has served as a counselor at Leeward CC for more than 30 years, received the Counseling and Career Development Professional of the Year award. Hunrick is known for his deep dedication to student success, helping thousands of learners navigate educational and career pathways through personalized support and CTE guidance.

National award

National recognition followed just days later when Matthew Egami, a culinary arts instructor, received the Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Recognition Award from the American Association of Community Colleges at its annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 16. The award honors faculty who go above and beyond to support students inside and outside the classroom. Egami is a key contributor to Leeward CC’s acclaimed Culinary Arts Program, which trains students in both foundational and advanced culinary techniques and provides hands-on experience through the college’s fine dining restaurant, The Pearl.

“These awards reflect the strength and depth of our CTE programs, which are designed to equip students with the real-world skills they need to succeed in today’s economy,” said Ron Umehira, dean of Career and Technical Education at Leeward CC.

—By Tad Saiki

Eight automotive mechanics technology students took the fast lane to graduation on May 14, as members of an innovative pilot program—the first of its kind in the State of �鶹��ý. Just one year after high school, these students graduated from the in Kona with Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in (AMT).

They now have college degrees and work experience, and are ready for a job market where there is strong local demand for their skills.

“It was a really great experience,” said graduate Titon Riveira. “I learned a lot of things, and it woke me up to the automotive world.”

The graduates were part of the Kealakehe High School (KHS) Automotive Mechanics Early College Pilot Program, which was launched in 2019 to meet the needs of local students and the Kona community.

The program helped Ken Takeishi attain a long-held goal.

“It came by really fast,” said Takeishi. “I’m excited though because I finally have a degree from college, and I always dreamed of having a degree from college.”

More highlights from the commencement ceremonies and our amazing graduates

The program is a partnership between �鶹��ý P–20 Partnerships in Education, KHS, �鶹��ý CC and Kona automotive businesses.

“This program is a creative solution that provides West �鶹��ý youth with valuable training in a skilled trade while also supporting the needs of local businesses,” said Raynette “Kalei” Haleamau-Kam, director of �鶹��ý CC–������������Գܾ�. “It was truly a community effort. Mahalo to everyone involved.”

Jump start in high school

The AMT Early College program gave these students a jump start on their college degrees while they were in high school. They began earning credits toward their college degrees in 2019 as juniors at KHS; they completed approximately half the degree requirements by the time they graduated from high school in 2021; and this past academic year, they completed their AAS degrees through a combination of work-based learning at Kona automotive shops and classes at �鶹��ý CC–������������Գܾ�.

Early College classes—which allow high school students to take classes that satisfy requirements for both a high school diploma and a college degree—have become widespread in recent years. What makes the AMT Early College program unique is that it is Career and Technical Education (CTE) focused, is cohort-based, and prepares students for specific careers for which there is a demonstrated need in the community.

�鶹��ý CC Chancellor Rachel Solemsaas said the AMT program is part of a growing trend at �鶹��ý CC to offer more Early College CTE programs, in order to support �鶹��ý Island’s high school seniors’ college and career plans.

“On the initial implementation of Early College, we noticed we were not reaching as many non-college-going high school students as we wanted,” said Solemsaas. “By offering Early College Career and Technical Education programs like Automotive Mechanics Technology to the high schools, we can reach a different population of students, who can see a college pathway is attainable for them, and provide a boost to their college and career journeys.”

In addition to the AMT students, 18 students from Kaʻū High School are receiving certificates in Agriculture from �鶹��ý CC this year. �鶹��ý CC’s Early Childhood Education program has also partnered with local high schools on the , and there are conversations about adding more Early College pathways in carpentry and the culinary arts.

The ultimate goal, Solemsaas said, is to increase the rate at which �鶹��ý Island high school graduates attend college and improve their career mobility by allowing them to earn degrees and certificates.

Collaboration key to success

Chris Ibarra, a KHS and �鶹��ý CC Automotive Mechanics Instructor, said the Kona businesses were essential partners and gave students valuable experience.

“The businesses and relationships we made in the community were a big help, because the students got the full experience of a shop with the hands-on learning and added pressure that comes with it,” Ibarra said.

Funding for the partnership is supported by �鶹��ý Community Foundation, GEAR UP �鶹��ý, the Stupski Foundation, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, �鶹��ý 3R’s and the Ēlama Project.

After Chase Fernandez received his �鶹��ý CC diploma, the graduate gave a big mahalo to everyone involved.

“Thank you, everybody, for your support and trying to get us through this program,” said Fernandez. “I know it wasn’t easy. Much aloha to everyone who helped get us to this point.”

—By Thatcher J. P. Moats

A donated, first generation Toyota Prius hybrid has been transformed into an invaluable teaching tool with the help of University of �鶹��ý Maui College students. After the car was donated during the holiday recess, program coordinator Lawrence Martinson and two student assistants went to work.

“We were able to pull the engine and transmission out of the car, clean it and cut away the case to create what’s called a cutaway model,” said Martinson. “A Prius, of course, is a hybrid and it’s much easier to teach how the electric motors drive the vehicle in conjunction with the gas engine when you can see the internal components without the casing.”

Cutaway models typically sell for about $30,000. Beyond the cost savings, the experience of pulling out the engine and transmission, cleaning everything, cutting it and rebuilding to create the model was “very cool because it’s an example of our students applying their learning now to also benefit future students,” said Martinson.

The students are enthusiastic about the project, the future of automotive technology and their place in it.

“I believe that hybrid and electric vehicles will become an average thing within the automotive industry. Hybrid vehicles are becoming more common, they already make turbocharged hybrid motors,” said student Jordan Rodrigues. “I believe within the near future they will design a hybrid diesel motor. Also the technology in inverters and batteries will advance and last longer, proving more efficient.”

Aukai Vista, another student, said, “This was a fun project to work on. I think hybrid vehicles will become more popular in the future. And with the amount of new technology coming out, there will be also more self-driving cars available.”

This semester, the class is also working on a cutaway model of a Honda CVT (continuously variable transmission).

“Up until this point, we’ve been teaching with virtual aids,” said Martinson. “Having models makes all the difference.”

Follow the UH Maui College Automotive Technology program on and on .

Four Leeward Community College students have been awarded the Ford Automotive Student Service Education Training (ASSET) scholarship from the . Devin Caringer, John Paul Fua, Toby Samsal and Candra Urban each received a $2,000 scholarship to assist with the completion of their academic studies.

Ford offers this scholarship to automotive technology students who have demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to education. To qualify for the scholarship, students must meet a minimum GPA requirement, be enrolled in the ASSET program and be sponsored as an ASSET intern by a Ford or Lincoln dealer.

ASSET is a statewide program sponsored by Ford Motor Company, Ford and Lincoln/Mercury Dealers and Leeward CC. Leeward CC’s ASSET program provides the student with a unique two-year work-study experience which leads to an AAS in automotive technology. The program is designed to develop entry-level service technicians, proficient in the latest automotive service technology, for Ford and Lincoln/Mercury dealerships.

“We are especially grateful to Ford for their strong commitment and partnership with Leeward Community College. Ford ASSET Scholarship for the advancement of our students in pursuing their automotive technology degree at Leeward CC is further strengthening our partnership,” said ASSET Instructor Jeff Eligio. “These scholarship awards meet a critical need for our students, and it came at a perfect time during these trying times.”

Caringer was also selected for the Grainger’s Tools for Tomorrow scholarship program. Caringer received a $2,000 scholarship, and upon graduation, he will receive a full toolkit to jump start his career.

, a local distributor of products used to maintain, repair or operate facilities, offers the scholarship for tuition and books to 250 outstanding students each year at 125 community colleges across the country. Grainger partners with community colleges to help students get the education and resources they need to successfully join the workforce.

A Leeward Community College major has won a 2019 Servco Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP) Scholarship.

Leeward student Christopher Cummings will receive a scholarship, a $2,000 tool kit and part-time employment with Toyota Hawaii as a technician apprentice. Automotive students Noel Hirata and Joel Flores were finalists for the scholarship.

The highly competitive scholarship program requires students to meet a minimum GPA requirement just to qualify to participate. The students then take a Toyota mechanical aptitude assessment and answer questions for a panel of four judges on the selection committee.

T-TEP first started at ’s Automotive Technology Program in September 1991 and is supported by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) and Servco. In May 2018, Toyota Hawaii expanded the program, donating more than $80,000 worth of training aids to Leeward CC’s Automotive Technology program in the first year, with additional equipment to be added every year after.

As part of the program, Automotive Technology students at Honolulu CC and Leeward CC are eligible for a T-TEP scholarship, which includes a scholarship toward the student’s automotive AAS degree. The T-TEP Scholarship Program has supported more than 50 students to graduation, with nearly half currently employed with Toyota Hawaii dealerships. In addition, three former graduates are now instructors serving in University of �鶹��ý Community Colleges.

—By Kathleen Cabral

�鶹��ý Community College will host its 2nd Annual �鶹��ý CC Auto Body Repair and Painting Auto Show on Saturday, July 7. The event begins at 10 a.m. with live entertainment on the �鶹��ý CC Manono campus back parking lot in Hilo.

The event will showcase a variety of vehicles, including race cars, classics, imports, cruisers and trucks. Car enthusiasts from VW Pickers, �鶹��ý Classic Cruizers and more will also be there. The car show is free and open to the public.

The fun-filled family day will also feature a lineup of local live bands, door prizes, refreshments and ʻonolicious bentos from Cousins Seafood and Bento. Any proceeds will benefit �鶹��ý CC’s Auto Body Repair and Painting Program.

The �鶹��ý CC Auto Body Repair and Painting Car Show event will end at 2 p.m. with an impressive vehicle startup and roll-out parade.

For more information, go to the .

The 2017 auto show

—By Thatcher Moats

is the latest campus to partner in Technical Education Program (T-TEP). Under the new agreement, Toyota �鶹��ý will donate more than $80,000 worth of training aids to Leeward CC’s in the first year, with additional equipment to be added every year after. Students at Leeward CC will also be eligible to apply for a T-TEP scholarship, which includes a full scholarship for the student’s remaining college education, a $2,000 tool kit, and part-time employment with Toyota �鶹��ý as a technician apprentice.

“We’d like to extend a sincere mahalo to Toyota �鶹��ý for this exciting partnership,” said Manny Cabral, chancellor of Leeward CC. “The high-level training opportunities, valuable student scholarships and generous donation of training tools will further enhance Leeward CC’s Automotive Technology Program.”

T-TEP first started at Honolulu Community College’s Automotive Technology Program in September 1991 and is supported by Toyota Motor Corp. and , the Toyota, Lexus and Subaru distributor for �鶹��ý.

The high-level training opportunities, valuable student scholarships and generous donation of training tools will further enhance Leeward CC’s Automotive Technology Program.
—Manny Cabral

“We are excited to expand our T-TEP Program to Leeward CC,” said Glenn Inouye, senior vice president of Servco, representing Toyota �鶹��ý. “We have seen a lot of success at Honolulu CC, thanks to the dedicated instructors, and look forward to a long-term relationship with Leeward CC as well.”

Since its inception in 1991, T-TEP has supported 47 students to graduation, with nearly half currently employed with Toyota �鶹��ý dealerships. In addition, three former graduates are now instructors in University of �鶹��ý Community Colleges. Currently, there are three scholarship students who are apprentice technicians employed at Servco. One will be graduating in May and has been interviewed for a full-time position at a Toyota �鶹��ý dealership.