A master of hula and Hawaiian music whose influence spans generations, Robert Uluwehionāpuaikawēkiuokalani Cazimero will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University of �鶹��ý.

The Board of Regents approved the honor at its April 16 meeting at , following a request from Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza. The degree will be formally conferred during Leeward CC’s fall convocation.

“I never really thought about this before, and to have it happen in such a truly beautiful, humbling—and even overwhelming—way, I’m grateful,” said Cazimero. “I’m really happy to be here.”

UH ties and cultural impact

Cazimero is widely recognized for his leadership of Hālau Nā Kamalei o Līlīlehua and his influence on generations of haumāna (students), as well as his celebrated career in Hawaiian music. His work has helped strengthen the continuity and global reach of Hawaiian cultural traditions.

Throughout his career, he has been a steadfast partner to UH, supporting its mission to nurture knowledge, improve cultural identity and inspire future generations. Across UH’s 10 campuses, he has shared his time and expertise through guest lectures, workshops, performances and mentorship rooted in a deep sense of kuleana (responsibility).

“His engagement with our campus community has provided students, faculty and staff with meaningful opportunities to learn directly from a master practitioner whose work bridges ancestral knowledge and contemporary expression,” said Keala Chock, a former student and Leeward CC vice chancellor for academic affairs.

Related story: Legendary musician Robert Cazimero opens exhibit with Windward CC students, January 2026

Cazimero’s engagement at Leeward CC reflects an enduring partnership in cultural learning and mentorship, helping to deepen students’ experiences with ʻike �鶹��ý (Hawaiian knowledge). He is also the featured artist in Ke Kilo Lani, an exhibition presented by Windward CC that highlights his life, legacy and contributions through immersive cultural storytelling.

During the meeting, Regent Neil Abercrombie shared an emotional memory of seeing Cazimero perform for the first time at UH ����ԴDz�’s Andrews Amphitheatre in the 1970s. Regent Diane Paloma also noted that she was among his students, reflecting his lasting impact as an educator and mentor.

The honorary doctorate recognizes individuals of national or international distinction whose contributions have had a significant impact in areas such as business, public service or scholarship.

University of �鶹��ý President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the UH Board of Regents on state legislative measures on tuition and fee reserves during her monthly report at the board’s April 16 meeting at Kapiʻolani Community College.

Hensel noted that the Legislature continues to consider proposals related to tuition and fee reserve balances and that the university is developing reinvestment plans to strengthen advising and student support services and expand statewide online learning opportunities. She added that the university is having productive conversations with legislators and recognizes the challenges they face in balancing many urgent needs for �鶹��ý’s people this year.

Her report also highlighted record breaking systemwide participation in UH Giving Day, which generated more than $1.3 million from more than 1,580 gifts across the 10 campuses.

Hensel concluded by congratulating the No. 6 ranked UH Mānoa women’s water polo team on advancing to its third consecutive NCAA national championship tournament appearance after .

• Legislative update: tuition and fee reserves ()
• UH Giving Day breaks record ()
• Rainbow Wahine water polo ()

Gov. Josh Green appointed Keith Amemiya and Marie Laderta to the University of �鶹��ý Board of Regents (BOR), subject to confirmation by the �鶹��ý State Senate.

“Keith and Marie are exactly the kinds of leaders we need guiding the future of our UH system,” said Green. “Keith brings a deep understanding of the university from the inside, along with strong ties to our business and education communities. Marie has dedicated her career to public service and brings a wealth of experience in government operations and accountability. Together, they will help ensure UH continues to serve our students, strengthen our workforce and drive innovation across our state.”

Amemiya and Laderta replace regents Diane Paloma and William F. Haning III whose terms end in 2026.

Amemiya brings decades of leadership experience across �鶹��ý’s legal, financial and education sectors. He currently serves as Senior Vice President at Central Pacific Bank and previously held leadership roles with Tradewind Group and the �鶹��ý High School Athletic Association. Amemiya also has direct experience with the UH system, having served as executive administrator and secretary to the BOR.

“As a proud University of �鶹��ý graduate, I’m honored to be nominated by Governor Green to the Board of Regents,” said Amemiya. “UH is integral to the success of our state, especially our younger generations and I’m thus committed to best ensuring a strong higher educational system with opportunities for all if confirmed by the legislature.”

Laderta brings nearly three decades of public service experience in �鶹��ý state government and the judiciary. She has served as deputy attorney general, deputy director of the Department of Taxation and Director of the Department of Human Resources Development. She currently serves on the Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board, adjudicating workers’ compensation appeals.

“I am humbled and grateful to Governor Green for my appointment as regent to the UH system,” said Laderta. “I look forward to being given the opportunity to help steward higher education for the benefit of the institution, its students, faculty, employees and stakeholders.”

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.

Amemiya and Laderta will serve terms as prescribed by law, pending Senate confirmation.

The Candidate Advisory Council (CAC) for the has presented a list of three candidates to Gov. Josh Green to fill one �鶹��ý Island seat for a five-year appointment beginning July 1, 2026, subject to confirmation by the state Senate. The finalists are:

• Chad Cabral
• Makai Freitas
• Wendy Laros

Finalist biographies are available at the Candidate Advisory Council website (PDF).

“The Candidate Advisory Council members extend their sincere appreciation to all the individuals who took the time to apply to serve as a University of �鶹��ý Regent,” said CAC Chair Brigitte Yoshino. “While the selection was difficult due to the quality of the candidates, we are pleased to submit these names for consideration to the governor and the state senate.”

Candidate lists are compiled after a comprehensive review and selection process, which is solely and exclusively merit-based and according to procedures set forth in state statutes and the council’s administrative rules.

The Board of Regents is the governing body of UH and consists of eleven (11) volunteer members. Representation includes five (5) from the City and County of Honolulu; two (2) from �鶹��ý County; two (2) from Maui County; one (1) from Kauaʻi County; and one (1) UH student.

Members of the CAC serve voluntarily and are not paid.

The Candidate Advisory Council (CAC) for the has presented a list of four candidates to Gov. Josh Green to fill one student seat for a two-year appointment beginning July 1, 2026, subject to confirmation by the state Senate. The finalists are:

• Jenny Brown
• Olivia Frances Chung
• Eric Pomaikai Gee
• Raiyan Rafid

Finalist biographies are available at the Candidate Advisory Council website (PDF).

“The Candidate Advisory Council members were extremely pleased with the caliber of students applying to serve on the University of Hawai‘i Board of Regents,” said CAC Chair Brigitte Yoshino. “While it was a difficult decision, the CAC members believe any of the four candidates chosen to be finalists will serve the university well and are delighted to submit these names for consideration to the governor and the state senate.”

Candidate lists are compiled after a comprehensive review and selection process, which is solely and exclusively merit-based and according to procedures set forth in state statutes and the council’s administrative rules.

The Board of Regents is the governing body of UH and consists of eleven (11) members. Representation includes five (5) from the City and County of Honolulu; two (2) from �鶹��ý County; two (2) from Maui County; one (1) from Kauaʻi County; and one (1) UH student.

Members of the CAC serve voluntarily and are not paid.

The University of �鶹��ý Board of Regents approved awarding an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to Walter A. Dods Jr., recognizing his decades of leadership in �鶹��ý’s business community, his extensive philanthropic impact and his longstanding commitment to the university.

The regents voted at the board’s March 19 monthly meeting, held at Leeward Community College. The honorary degree will be formally conferred during the UH ����ԴDz�’s spring 2026 commencement ceremony, where Dods will also serve as commencement speaker.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to the University of �鶹��ý and the regents for this recognition,” said Dods after the vote. “UH has played an important role in my life, and it has been a privilege to support the university and its students over the years. I share this honor with the many people who have inspired me and worked alongside me to strengthen our community.”

Alumnus, business leader, philanthropist

A 1967 graduate of UH ����ԴDz�’s Shidler College of Business, Dods is widely regarded as one of �鶹��ý’s most influential business leaders. Over a 36-year career at First Hawaiian Bank, he rose from an entry-level role to chairman and CEO.

“Walter Dods represents the very best of what the University of �鶹��ý hopes to inspire in its graduates: leadership, service and an unwavering commitment to community,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “His impact on �鶹��ý’s economic development is profound, but equally important is his lifelong dedication to giving back and creating opportunities for others. He has opened doors for generations of students and strengthened this university in lasting ways.”

Deep UH support

His ties to UH span nearly five decades. Dods has been a donor since 1975 and previously served as president of the UH Foundation Board of Trustees. He chaired the university’s 1998 Campaign for �鶹��ý, which raised $116 million, and currently serves as campaign chair for the ongoing $1-billion “For UH, For �鶹��ý” fundraising effort.

His personal philanthropy includes a $5-million gift to support student innovation and entrepreneurship at UH Mānoa, resulting in the naming of the Walter Dods Jr. RISE Center, as well as a $1-million endowed scholarship supporting immigrant students and their children.

Dods has previously been recognized with the UH Distinguished Alumni Award and the Shidler College of Business Hall of Honor Award.

The honorary doctorate recognizes individuals of national or international distinction whose contributions have had a significant impact in areas such as business, public service or scholarship. Regents cited Dods’ extraordinary career and enduring commitment to the university and the state as meeting and exceeding those standards.

University of �鶹��ý President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the UH Board of Regents (BOR) on the UH Mānoa chancellor search and progress on the eBanner student information system transition in her monthly report during the board’s March 19 meeting.

Hensel delivered her report virtually from Portland, Oregon, where the UH Mānoa Rainbow Warriors men’s basketball team prepared to compete in the first round of the NCAA Division I Tournament.

Hensel also recognized a $1.2-million NASA-funded research project led by UH Hilo focused on coastal resilience, as well as UH Maui College’s Hale ����貹ʻ�� (small structures) program, which is supporting wildfire recovery efforts while providing hands-on workforce training opportunities.

• UH Mānoa chancellor search ()
• eBanner update ()
• UH Mānoa basketball, Go ʻBows! ()
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• UH Maui Hale ����貹ʻ�� (small structures) program ()

The Candidate Advisory Council (CAC) for the University of �鶹��ý Board of Regents (BOR) has presented a list of candidates to Gov. Josh Green to fill two Honolulu County seats for 5-year appointments, beginning July 1, 2026, subject to confirmation by the �鶹��ý State Senate.

The finalists are:

• Keith Y. Amemiya
• Benjamin A. Kudo
• Marie C. Laderta
• Ryan C. Mandado
• Kathryn S. Matayoshi

Finalist biographies are available online.

The CAC began accepting applications to fill these vacancies in early Fall by recruiting individuals and contacting and encouraging government, business and community leaders to nominate candidates. The council also placed print advertisements encouraging applications.

Applications were thoroughly and comprehensively reviewed and screened by all CAC members. The CAC is statutorily responsible for conducting recruitment efforts, accepting and screening applications, interviewing candidates and submitting to the governor the names of nominees willing to serve as regents of the UH System, which is a voluntary non-compensated public appointment.

Candidate lists are compiled after a comprehensive review and selection process, which is solely and exclusively merit-based and according to procedures set forth in state statutes and the council’s administrative rules.

“The Candidate Advisory Council members extend their sincere appreciation to all the individuals who took the time to apply to serve as a University of �鶹��ý Regent,” said CAC Chair Brigitte Yoshino.We are pleased to submit these names for consideration to the governor and the state senate.”

The BOR is the governing body of the 10-campus UH System, the sole provider of public higher education in the state and consists of 11 members. Representation includes five members from the City and County of Honolulu, two from �鶹��ý County, two from Maui County, one from Kauaʻi County and one University of Hawai‘i student.

Members of the CAC serve on a voluntary basis.

Cancer patients traveling off-island for treatment. Kūpuna waiting months to see a neurologist. Rural communities struggling to access behavioral health and addiction services. These challenging realities are driving the University of �鶹��ý Board of Regents request for $3,724,600 to expand �鶹��ý’s healthcare workforce and improve access to care across the islands.

The funding would support UH’s new Health Science and Healthcare Interdisciplinary Workforce Initiative, a coordinated hire request that would add 18.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) clinician and faculty positions across five health sciences units to address severe shortages in high-need medical fields, including cancer, neurology and dementia, and behavioral health integration and addiction medicine.

“UH has a kuleana to the people and ʻāina of �鶹��ý, and that responsibility drives us to focus on solutions that make a real difference in our communities,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “By strengthening our healthcare workforce, we can train more providers and expand access to care for kupuna and families across all islands.”

Expanding the healthcare pipeline, patient care

The coordinated hire would add clinician faculty who both train future healthcare providers and deliver direct patient care in rural and underserved communities across the state.

“The goal is to improve access to care across all islands by providing direct clinical services and addressing shortages in underserved communities,” said UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “This coordinated request for positions will increase the workforce pipeline by training more doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and other health providers essential to providing high quality care for patients with dementia, addictions, or other behavioral health challenges.”

Addressing high-priority health needs

The initiative spans five UH units—UH ����ԴDz�’s , the , the , the , and the UH Hilo —and focuses on clinician leaders and researchers working with state and health system partners through community-based, interprofessional approaches aligned with legislative priorities.

Funding would be directed toward three high-priority health areas identified as critical needs for the state:

• Cancer ($1,674,400; 6.35 FTE): Establishing an accredited hematology-oncology fellowship and expanding clinical research capacity.
• Neurology and Dementia ($1,162,200; 7.40 FTE): Creating an accredited neurology residency program and expanding the Kūpuna Workforce Innovation Hub.
• Behavioral Health Integration and Addiction Medicine ($888,000; 4.75 FTE): Expanding the Education and Research Center of Addiction Medicine and enhancing telehealth services.
• Beyond direct patient care, the initiative would support statewide continuing education in dementia care and behavioral health–primary care integration, consistent with �鶹��ý State Department of Health and legislative priorities.

Targeted request in a tight budget climate

The initiative is one of two high-priority items in UH’s $18.8 million supplemental operating budget request () for fiscal year 2026–27, introduced amid slowing state revenue growth.

“We purposefully limited the request to major strategic items that are time-sensitive and provide essential benefits to both the state and the university,” said UH Vice President for Budget and Finance Luis Salaveria. “Given the current fiscal climate, this approach allows UH to focus its resources on areas where the need is greatest, and the impact on �鶹��ý’s communities will be most immediate.”

University of �鶹��ý President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the UH Board of Regents (BOR) on the Inaugural President’s 10-Campus Address, the start of the 2026 Legislative session and the UH Mānoa chancellor search during her President’s Report at the board’s first meeting of 2026 held at Windward Community College on Thursday, January 15.

Hensel also highlighted the launch of a strategic exploration of a unified vision for UH West Oʻahu and Leeward Community College; the success of the AI chatbots, now available across all UH campuses; and increase in applications attributed to the Direct2UH initiative, which aims to give �鶹��ý public high school students a more seamless transition from high school to higher education.

• Inaugural 10-campus Address ()
• 2026 Legislative season underway ()
• Federal update ()
• New student information system ()
• UH Mānoa chancellor search ()
• Leeward CC/UH West Oʻahu exploration ()
• AI chatbots success ()
• Direct2UH update ()
• UH Mānoa recognition ()