Tori Kiliʻohu Cashman Valdez has spent her years at the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo training in everything required to care for the ʻāina (land)—studying ʻōlelo �鶹��ý (Hawaiian language) over late nights with fellow haumāna (students) at the campus’ , then analyzing aerial imagery the next morning in the .

This spring 2026, she graduates with a double major in and , headed into a master’s program where the full breadth of her training meets a single research focus.

For Valdez, the choice to pursue two seemingly different degrees was a natural extension of her upbringing in Waimea, �鶹��ý and Kailua, Oʻahu.

“We very intimately see the connection between the condition of our ʻāina and its impact on our livelihoods,” she explained.

This “ʻāina-first” perspective is what led her to UH �ᾱ����’s , where she found a community dedicated to the perpetuation of culture.

“We cannot care for ʻāina in �鶹��ý without that ʻike (knowledge) about language, about culture, about people, about history,” Valdez said.

Valdez said she was deeply inspired by her ʻōlelo �鶹��ý class with associate professor of Hawaiian language and literature, Kumu Hiapo Perreira, whose passion for language unlocked a desire for her to find even more meaningful ways to solidify the intersection of ʻike �鶹��ý (Hawaiian knowledge) in and across all areas of life in �鶹��ý—including her interest in science.

Valdez’s time at UH Hilo has been defined by rigorous academic achievement and high-level research. Working in the under geography and environmental science Professor Ryan Perroy, she has utilized aerial imagery for coconut rhinoceros beetle detection and presented her findings at the �鶹��ý Conservation Conference.

Despite a grueling schedule—often reaching 18 credits per semester in order to complete her double major within four years—Valdez found her “home away from home” through Kīpuka.

“Hilo takes care,” she noted, reflecting on nights spent playing music and speaking ʻōlelo �鶹��ý with friends. “Hilo makes it easier [to be away from home].”

Valdez’s journey at UH Hilo doesn’t end with her undergraduate degrees. She has already been accepted into the master’s program, where she will use LIDAR, a laser-based mapping technology to protect cultural historic sites from climate change.

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.

For Lauro Delos-Santos Jr., graduating from Honolulu Community College in 2026 with an associate of arts degree in Hawaiian Studies is more than just an achievement—it’s a life-changing triumph he never imagined.

Before enrolling at Honolulu CC, Delos-Santos and his wife were living at the Keahou Emergency Homeless Shelter. In September of 2020, a team from Honolulu CC’s Hawaiian Center visited the shelter to teach Hawaiian studies. For 12 weeks, Delos-Santos engaged in Hawaiian history, mythology, navigation, biology, politics, hula and even taro growing. By the end of the program, he was invited to consider returning to school—with financial aid support.

‘You can do it’

Meet more amazing UH graduates

Despite initial hesitation—Delos-Santos had been recently released from prison, was on probation, and had a history as a convicted felon—Niuhelewai Program Specialist Kapulani Tuifanu and Native Hawaiian Counselor Kahale Saito persisted. They kept telling him, “You can do it.” They guided him through financial aid applications, course selection and introduced him to computers—something Delos-Santos had never used before.

With financial aid and careful planning, Delos-Santos was able to save money, obtain a driver’s license, buy a car, secure an apartment, and obtain a GED. He got his identifications in order, registered to vote, and maintained sobriety—milestones he once thought impossible.

“Ever since I came to Honolulu CC, nothing but good things have happened,” he said. “Angelic forces definitely were involved here. I’m so grateful.”

Six months after Delos-Santos started at Honolulu CC, he was given early release from probation, and his felony convictions were exonerated due to good behavior.

Hawaiian Studies helped Delos-Santos find himself through learning about his Hawaiian culture—gaining confidence, engaging with the community, and exploring self-discovery and wellness. He continued to see his substance abuse counselor, whom he credits as one of the influential factors in his recovery.

Helping others

Delos-Santos’ commitment extends beyond academics. He serves as a peer mentor at the Hawaiian Center, seeking to aid other students. He also led the Honolulu CC Math Society as 2024 president, preparing fellow students for quizzes and exams.

“Now, I want to be the person who helps others, like how I’ve been helped,” he said.

Delos-Santos credits much of his success to the supportive culture at Honolulu CC.

“Anytime you need some help with anything, you can find it here. It’s just like home,” he said. “You can always come here, and you’ll be taken care of.”

Delos-Santos will attend the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� in fall 2026 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies with a focus on child and family services. His goal is to earn a master’s degree and become a licensed social worker, giving back to the community that supported him.

He has advice for current and prospective students, “If you have doubts, remember these four words: ‘You can do it!’ The support you need is here.”

—By Iris Greges

This article by Native Hawaiian Initiative Alakaʻi (Coordinator) at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� Kamakanaokealoha Aquino was first published in .

As we begin this new year, let us take a moment to reflect on 2025. During the 2024-2025 academic year, the University of �鶹��ý awarded 2,086 degrees and certificates to Native Hawaiians. As of fall 2025, there are 12,618 Native Hawaiians enrolled.

There are so many accomplishments by students, faculty, staff, and administrators, to programs, community outreach, and engagement to highlight. Here are a few:

• Hear from Native Hawaiian community college students fulfilling their kuleana: Cathryn Krueger, �鶹��ý CC; Kamananui Anderson, Honolulu CC; Melanie Camat, Kapiʻolani CC; Hiʻilani Cremer, Kauaʻi CC; Stevie Puna, Leeward CC; ʻAleʻa Kimokeo, UH Maui College; Kauakaweli Haili-Nakamoto, Windward CC.
• UH Hilo honored Mary Kawena Pukui with a panel that coincided with Women’s History Month and her posthumous selection as a 2025 honoree for the U.S. Mint’s Native American $1 coin.
• The Hawaiian collection at the UH Hilo Edwin H. Moʻokini Library was named the Edith Kanakaʻole Hawaiian Collection.
• UH West Oʻahu hosted a two-day ʻAha Hoʻoponopono with 300 haku hoʻoponopono, social sector professionals, aloha ʻ�徱�Բ� practitioners, and community members.
• UH ����ԴDz�’s Hawaiian Theatre program celebrated its 10th anniversary with its latest Hawaiian language production Puana, and an invitation to perform at the Kia Mau international Indigenous-led performing arts festival in Aotearoa.
• Windward CC extended its Hawaiian studies program to paʻahao incarcerated at the Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona, with 25 students enrolled in their first course.
• Haʻina Ko Wehi: Celebrating West Maui in Mele a project by students from UH Maui College’s Institute of Hawaiian Music was named Compilation Album of the Year at the 2025 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.
• Honolulu Community College hosted a two-day Indigenous education symposium ʻAha Kūkalahale 2025, uplifting Hawaiian knowledge funded by the Kūkalahale Title III Grant and in partnership with Kanaeokana and Pacific Rim Concepts.
• UH ����ԴDz� Native Hawaiian Student Services’ Hawaiian Youths Abroad program Japan took a cohort of 13 students and 6 faculty/staff to explore Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, while retracing connections between the Hawaiian Kingdom and Japan.
• Kuiokalani L. Gapero succeeded Ernie Kaʻaumoana Wilson Jr. to the UH Board of Regents for a 5-year term.
• Winners of the Board of Regents Medal for Excellence in Teaching included: Mapuana Antonio (public health associate professor, UH ����ԴDz�); Ashlee Kalauli (math instructor, �鶹��ý CC); Tracie Kuʻuipo Losch (Hawaiian studies professor, Leeward CC); Mehana Kaʻiama Makaʻinaʻi (Hawaiian studies instructor, UH ����ԴDz�); Peter Kalawaiʻa Moore (Hawaiian studies professor, Windward CC); and Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio (political science associate professor, UH ����ԴDz�).
• Kenny Kaʻaiakamanu-Quibilan received the UH ����ԴDz� Pākela Award for being an outstanding academic advisor.
• Shayla Spotkaeff, a business management major and undergraduate research assistant at the Center for Oral History received the UH ����ԴDz� Student Employee of the Year Award.
• Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law at UH ����ԴDz� William S. Richardson School of Law celebrated 20 years.

For years, U.S. military bombs thundered across Kahoʻolawe, ripping into its red earth and poisoning its seas. For Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians), the damage cut deeper. Ancestors honored the island as a physical form of Kanaloa, the god of the ocean, navigation, marine life and deep ancestral knowledge. In 2026, fifty years after a daring landing helped stop the bombing, the (PKO) is marking an anniversary that reshaped �鶹��ý with the University of �鶹��ý serving as a key place where many movement leaders emerged.

Davianna McGregor, UH Mānoa professor emerita, remembers when the struggle for Kahoʻolawe first arrived on campus was urgent and deeply personal.

“One day, after the first landing on Kahoʻolawe, �鶹��ý musician George Helm and Dr. Noa Emmett Aluli showed up at my class in the George Hall auditorium and asked to speak to my students about Kahoʻolawe,” said McGregor who co-founded the university’s department. “Their powerful message resonated with my students and they were inspired to get involved in the movement to stop the bombing and military use of Kahoʻolawe.”

That moment helped ignite student activism across the UH Mānoa campus. Haumāna (students) circulated petitions in classes, set up educational tables at Campus Center, and organized rallies and concerts including one featuring the then-emerging Makaha Sons of Niʻihau and Helm.

Kahoʻolawe Nine

On January 4, 1976, Helm, Aluli and seven others had evaded a U.S. Coast Guard blockade to land at Kūheʻeia on Kahoʻolawe. Known as the Kahoʻolawe Nine, their act of bold defiance sparked the formation of the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana and the modern movement. Their courage led to tangible change. The bombing of Kahoʻolawe ended in 1990. In 1994, the island was returned to the State of �鶹��ý, held in trust under state law for a future sovereign Hawaiian entity, setting a precedent for halting military destruction of Indigenous lands.

“We formed an ʻohana to protect the island and to heal her wounds,” McGregor said, “and elevate the island once again into the sacred Hawaiian cultural center that it had been under our ancestors.”

The movement came at a devastating cost. Helm and Maui native Kimo Mitchell were lost at sea while carrying out efforts to support the occupation of Kahoʻolawe. Their disappearance deeply affected many in �鶹��ý and strengthened PKO‘s commitment to aloha ʻāina for generations.

Stewardship in action

That commitment also took root physically at at UH Mānoa, established largely by PKO members and ʻōlelo �鶹��ý (Hawaiian language) practitioners. Guided by including Uncle Harry Mitchell of Keʻanae (Kimo Mitchell’s father), students learned that caring for land and caring for people are inseparable. Today, the continues to reinforce student learning in the realm of Hawaiian traditional practices of kalo (taro) farming.

That legacy also continues through ceremony and education on Kahoʻolawe. Kaliko Baker, associate professor at the UH Mānoa Center for Hawaiian Language, leads the annual ceremonies for the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana, honoring Hawaiian deity Lono and maintaining the kapu of ceremony upheld to this day. Since 2014, Baker has also helped spearhead Kawaihuelani’s I Ola Kanaloa program, taking Hawaiian language students from UH Mānoa, Hilo and Maui to Kahoʻolawe each year.

“It’s important that UH students continue the pilgrimage to Kahoʻolawe and experience the kapu that has driven the movement to stop the bombing and reestablish Kānaka Maoli education and practice on island,” said Baker who first traveled to Kahoʻolawe as a student in McGregor’s ethnic studies course. “Student access to Kahoʻolawe invigorate the of each and every student who makes the journey, which in turn builds the mauli of the .”

Laʻa, Maʻa, Paʻa

As PKO marks its 50th anniversary, leaders are calling for Laʻa, Maʻa and Paʻa (to sanctify, sustain and solidify). The framework is both belief and action, guiding how Kahoʻolawe is protected and how future generations carry the work forward.

Half a century after the landing, the island no longer trembles with bombs. Where explosions once echoed, there are now footsteps, ceremony and learning.

—By Moanikeʻala Nabarro

A legacy of leadership in student affairs continues at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�, as interim associate vice provost Erin Kahunawaikaʻala Wright joins a distinguished line of UH leaders recognized nationally as by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).

Past UH ����ԴDz� recipients include Amy Agbayani, Doris Ching, Jan Javinar, Lori Ideta and Christine Quemuel, trailblazers whose work helped pave the way for generations of educators and student advocates.

Wright, who serves as interim associate VP for and Dean of Students, was honored this year for her sustained contributions to service, teaching, leadership and mentoring. She says the recognition is not just her own, but a reflection of the collective work of the UH community toward student success, especially those leaders also recognized as Pillars of the Profession.

“It’s a kind recognition of the work I’ve invested in student affairs and higher education…I’m proud, and honestly, very surprised to get it. It’s humbling to be recognized,” Wright expressed.

A journey of discovery

A fourth-generation kamaʻ�徱�Բ� (native) of Kalihi, and a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, Wright admits she was not a strong student growing up. She says her academic journey changed course when she discovered (Hawaiian language) and courses at UH ����ԴDz�.

“Once I got into nā mea �鶹��ý (all things Hawaiian), I felt like, ‘Oh, I could really do well,’ because it was something that I was interested in and I felt motivated by,” she said.

That experience reshaped how she viewed the power of education, and later inspired her to make higher education more accessible for Native Hawaiians and other underrepresented students (haumāna).

Dedicated to student success

Wright began her career at UH ����ԴDz� in 2008 as the founding director of and later served as an associate professor of in the . There, she taught courses and published on research design, research methodologies and Indigeneity in higher education. For her, the work she does at the university is deeply personal.

“The reward is knowing higher education can change lives,” she explained. “Not just for the individual, but for that student’s entire family and community.”

Two alumnae have earned the state’s highest accolades for teaching. J. Elise Hannigan was named the state’s teacher of the year, and Claire Ann Kalaunuola Domingo was named the state’s charter school teacher of the year. Both were recognized at a ceremony at Washington Place on September 19.

Teacher of the Year: J. Elise Hannigan

Keaaʻau High School educator J. Elise Hannigan (UH Hilo, teaching certificate ‘13 and MEd ‘21) was named the 2026 �鶹��ý State Department of Education’s (DOE) Teacher of the Year, earning top recognition amongst more than 13,000 educators statewide.

“Little-kid me would never have believed this was possible,” Hannigan said. “More than anything, it shows that with hard work—and the support of people around you—amazing things are possible.”

Hannigan has spent 13 years at Keaaʻau High, first as an English teacher and now as the freshman academy coordinator. DOE officials and colleagues said her leadership has transformed the campus experience—reviving the school’s Summer Bridge program, mentoring seniors who guide incoming students and helping Keaaʻau earn national certification as a Model Academy.

“With teaching, of course, there are good days and bad days—but there is never a time when I feel like I’m in the wrong place or doing the wrong thing,” said Hannigan, who made the switch from a career in ophthalmology.

Charter School Teacher of the Year: Claire Ann Kalaunuola Domingo

Claire Ann Kalaunuola Domingo (UH Hilo, BA Hawaiian studies ‘97 and teaching certificate from the Kahuawaiola Indigenous Teacher Education Program ‘99) was honored as the 2026 �鶹��ý Charter School Teacher of the Year. Domingo has worked at Ke Kula ʻo Samuel M. Kamakau LPCS for the past 25 years. She said the school’s nuʻukia or vision—“E mālama ʻia ana ka mauli ola o kākou mai kēlā hanauna a i kēia hanauna (Our spirit of being is nurtured from generation to generation)”—guides her teaching practice.

Each day begins with kilo (careful observation of the natural world) as students count lehua blossoms or feed the school’s goats—a practice she says helps her kindergarteners recognize their own development.

“I would like my students to love learning—in school, with their families, everywhere,” said Domingo.

UH �ᾱ����’s lasting impact

Both Hannigan and Domingo credit UH �ᾱ����’s unique combination of offering a world-class education with personal connections that provide ongoing support for their success.

“All the beautiful relationships I made at UH Hilo have continued throughout my career wherever I have gone,” described Domingo.

Hannigan agreed, saying the strong foundation she built at UH Hilo has empowered her to serve her school and community.

“One of the things that I love about UH is that the connections last forever. We still talk, we still check in with each other, we have each other’s resources available to our students,” said Hannigan. “I’m really appreciative of that.”

Hannigan will represent �鶹��ý in the National Teacher of the Year program in Washington, D.C., next spring.

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Powerful ea (sovereignty, life, breath) activations (interactive exhibits) honoring Hawaiian history, resilience and culture are transforming the libraries at Honolulu, Kapiʻolani and Windward Community Colleges this fall.

“The word ‘activations’ is deliberate, chosen as a call to activate—to activate ea, ʻike (knowledge), ʻōlelo �鶹��ý, community, consciousness, each other,” said Erica T. Dias, Kapiʻolani CC �鶹��ý-Pacific resources librarian. “Rather than viewing as static displays, the ea activations are designed to stir reflection, dialogue and engagement.”

Cindy Texeira, �鶹��ý specialist librarian at Windward CC, added, “By sharing these activations in our libraries, we hope to bring ʻŌiwi voices to the forefront while deepening the sense of place that guides our work.”

The series features three major works that rotate through the campuses:

Luka Keʻelikōlani

Honors Princess Ruth Keanolani Kanāhoahoa Keʻelikōlani, who embodied unwavering commitment to ʻōlelo �鶹��ý (Hawaiian language), tradition, and her people.

• Honolulu CC: September 15–October 10
• Windward CC: October 13–November 6

���� Hoʻihoʻi Ea (Hawaiian Restoration Day)

A journey centered on Kamehameha III, Kauikeaouli, and his vision of an independent lāhui (nation).

• Kapiʻolani CC: September 15–October 10
• Honolulu CC: October 13–November 6

Ka Malu ʻUlu o Lele

Explores Lahaina’s sacred history and cultural resilience.

• Windward CC: September 15–October 10
• Kapiʻolani CC: October 13–November 6

A ‘call to action’

“This is more than just a display with the powerful moʻolelo (stories) and imagery, it hit me as a call to action,” said Honolulu CC student Hanalei Chai. “Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani stood firm for our identity, and her courage awakened me to do the same.”

Manuwai Peters, facilitator of Kanaeokana, a network of more than 170 schools and organizations dedicated to excellence in Hawaiian education, said, “We echo our excitement with this new usage of the activations at our community college libraries.”

Windward CC Cohort & Online Programs Counselor Māhiehie Garrett added, “In a time where being Hawaiian is being challenged (again), it is empowering to walk around campus and be engulfed in experiences where being Hawaiian is not only appreciated but celebrated. We cannot control how our students feel about themselves as Hawaiians off-campus, but we can ensure that the interactions they have on campus make them proud of who they are and of their lāhui (people, nation).”

The initiative began at a (culture-based professional development) training, where Windward CC librarians reflected on ways to indigenize library spaces. Guidance from Kanaeokana facilitator Makana Garma helped shape the direction of the ea activations, which are scheduled to proceed to additional UH campuses in spring 2026.

Jonathan Kay Kamakawiwoʻole Osorio has worn many pāpale (hats)—historian, award-winning musician, advocate, kumu (teacher) and dean. After nearly a decade guiding the at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�, he is stepping away from administration and back into the classroom, where his career began more than 30 years ago.

“I consider the last eight years maybe the most blessed time of my life. The things I learned, about how a university operates, how to work with people around me that didn’t see eye to eye with what we were trying to do, how to be persuasive, all of those things were really amazing to me,” said Osorio.

The kānaka ʻō���ɾ� (Native Hawaiian) scholar became dean in 2017 at age 68, following years of service as a professor and director of the . During his tenure, �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ���Գܾ����� strengthened its reputation as the nation’s only college of Indigenous knowledge at a Research I university.

In 2024, the school earned a 10-year renewal of accreditation from the , a testament to its role in preserving and revitalizing Hawaiian language, culture and values.

Related UH News stories:

• Indigenous educators engage in ʻ�徱�Բ�, ʻike at UH ����ԴDz�, October 1, 2024
• UH haumāna explore Kalākaua and Hawaiian Kingdom’s legacy in Japan, May 27, 2025

Full circle return

While proud of these milestones, Osorio expressed his heart has always been in teaching.

“It’s time to go back to teaching and let a younger, more vigorous and eager person take this job on. And I know it will be a blessing to that person whoever it is.”

Osorio, born and raised in Hilo, �鶹��ý, began teaching in 1991 as an instructor at . He joined UH ����ԴDz� in 1994 and advanced from assistant to full professor of Hawaiian studies. His scholarship has shaped the field of 19th-century Hawaiian political and social history, while his music, recognized with a lifetime achievement award from the �鶹��ý Academy of Recording Arts in 2019, remains beloved across the islands.

A search committee has been formed to find Osorio’s successor, and the position is expected to be filled by August 2026. The committee will be chaired by Kapā Oliveira, UH ����ԴDz� interim vice provost for , and a former professor at �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ���Գܾ�����

The Kumulipo, a 2,102-line genealogy oli (chant) rarely heard in its entirety, will echo across the grounds of ʻIolani Palace for the first time in decades. Among the many voices bringing the oli to life is Kalei Nuʻuhiwa, a lecturer at �鶹��ý Community College–Pālamanui. The highly anticipated on September 14, is free and open to the public and part of festivities this Kepakemapa (September), co-sponsored by the at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�.

Nuʻuhiwa, a respected scholar of Kaulana Mahina (Hawaiian lunar calendar), explained that the Kumulipo is a pule hoʻolaʻa aliʻi (prayer to sanctify aliʻi). It links Native Hawaiians of today to more than 100 generations of their ancestors, reaching back to the time of source darkness, the birth of the universe. The Maui native and her haumāna (students) are among 66 chanters joining nā kumu hula (masters of hula) Kamuela Chun, Kalani Akana, Mehanaokalā Hind and Kaponoai Molitau. The last time the Kumulipo was recited in full was in 1999.

Echoes of resilience

The chant, which begins at 5:30 p.m. at dusk, will honor Queen Liliʻuokalani, who translated the Kumulipo while imprisoned inside the Palace.

“I think at that time she was probably depressed and trying to find answers for what happened to her and looking into the Kumulipo for hints of overcoming some of those challenges,” said Nuʻuhiwa. “She probably also wanted to help Hawaiians remember who they were, who they are and who they can become.”

More than 500 people are expected to gather for the historic performance, presented in collaboration with The Friends of ʻIolani Palace.

“We (The Friends of ʻIolani Palace) are so proud to kōkua the venue for this amazing event,” said Paula Akana, executive director of The Friends of ʻIolani Palace. “Queen Liliʻuokalani translated the Kumulipo into English while she was imprisoned here. It is a remarkable work that not only speaks to our Queen’s knowledge; but also to the brilliance of Indigenous knowledge.“

Stirring the naʻau (inner knowing)

Among the sections of the Kumulipo Nuʻuhiwa and her haumāna will present is the portion recounting the creation of stars and planets. She hopes the full journey of the oli experience will stir something deep in those who listen.

“Maybe inspiration to do something they’ve been thinking about doing. Just kind of dropping the barrier and going for it and moving forward with your own personal growth and then collective growth is what I hope happens.”

Nuʻuhiwa noted that the Kumulipo event falls under the Hawaiian moon phase ʻOlepau, one of the Kanaloa moons. In Hawaiian tradition, these moons are believed to strengthen connections to ancestors and reopen the foundations that ground and guide us.

Event highlights (All events are free and open to the public.)

• September 17 and 19—Kahiki: Native Hawaiians Abroad
  September 17: Virtual program from San Diego, CA
  September 19: Live and virtual program from Iosepa, Utah
• September 26—Holoholo Honolulu: Historic Health Sites Tour
  Ride through Honolulu on a double-decker bus and discover stories of health, community and aloha.
• September 27—Hoʻōla: History of Hawaiian Health, Virtual Presentation
  Explore �鶹��ý’s historic health responses and resilience.

For the full schedule, visit .

This article by Native Hawaiian Engagement Director at the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo Pelehonuamea Harman was first published in .

This summer, University of �鶹��ý at Hilo served as a cultural and intellectual bridge between the New Directions in the Humanities international conference and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

These two global events—centered on Indigenous knowledge, language revitalization, and the role of youth in shaping culture—highlighted UH �ᾱ����’s leadership at the intersection of scholarship, ʻike kupuna, and community.

Held at UH Hilo and chaired by Dr. Patsy Y. Iwasaki, the New Directions in the Humanities conference marked the first time this prestigious gathering was hosted in �鶹��ý. Previous locations included Paris and Rome, with Lisbon, Portugal, set to host next.

The conference opened with a kīpaepae welcome ceremony, grounding guests in the spirit of the land and people of �鶹��ý.

Under the theme “Oceanic Journeys,” scholars, students, and cultural practitioners explored the humanities through a Pacific lens. Presentations spanned topics from language reclamation and Indigenous storytelling to cultural continuity and place-based education. A field trip to the luapele—the volcanic landscape sacred to Pele—provided an experiential learning opportunity rooted in Hawaiian ways of knowing and deepened participants’ understanding of the connection between land, language, and identity.

UH Hilo faculty, staff, and students played central roles sharing research, performing mele and oli, and engaging in cross-cultural dialogue. The conference affirmed UH �ᾱ����’s strength as an Indigenous-serving institution committed to community-centered and place-based education.

Weeks later, UH �ᾱ����’s voice resonated from the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where university representatives participated in the 2025 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Under the theme “Youth and the Future of Culture,” the �鶹��ý delegation led the Language Reclamation Program. Representatives from UH Hilo leadership, , , Ke Kula ʻo ����ɲ���ī�ǰ첹�����Ծ�ʻō���ʻ��, and the National Native American Language Resource Center shared mele, oli, hula, and strategies for revitalizing ʻōlelo �鶹��ý.

A key facilitator for the folklife festival was UH Hilo alumnus Hālena Kapuni-Reynolds who serves as a curator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. His leadership helped ensure that Indigenous voices from �鶹��ý were highlighted with respect and authenticity on this national stage.

Visitors to the �鶹��ý tent participated in intergenerational dialogue and hands-on activities, learning how language restoration is deeply tied to land, education, and cultural identity. In a powerful gesture of continuity, several “Oceanic Journeys” attendees visited the �鶹��ý tent to thank the UH Hilo delegation for extending the spirit and ʻike of the conference to the nation’s capital.

Whether we are hosting a conference as kamaʻ�徱�Բ� at our own university or attending as malihini at a national gathering, our relationship to �鶹��ý remains central to who we are and how we engage. In every setting, we carry this ʻike (knowledge), aloha, and the values rooted in this ʻāina with us.

These gatherings affirmed a shared vision: that the humanities are most powerful when grounded in place, lived experience, and Indigenous knowledge systems. UH �ᾱ����’s presence at both events underscored its commitment to cultivating future cultural leaders—those who carry tradition forward while envisioning and shaping a resilient future.

Kaina Makua wasn’t seeking the spotlight when he showed up at a state canoe paddling regatta in 2019. The alumnus was there doing what he loved, coaching Waimea High School’s paddling team. But among the crowd that day was actor Jason Momoa, who saw something more: the future face of a king.

That night, Momoa approached Makua with a bold idea, asking if he’d consider playing legendary �鶹��ý ruler Kamehameha the Great in an upcoming film. Makua, a Kauaʻi native laughed it off, unsure if the Hollywood star was serious.

But Momoa didn’t forget.

“Three years later in 2022 he called me up and said, ‘I told you, I told you,’ and I was like, ‘What did you tell me?’” Makua said with a laugh. “He said, ‘I told you you are going to play Kamehameha.’”

Makua stars alongside Momoa in Chief of War, an Apple TV+ series premiering August 1. The series tells the story of Kaʻiana, a Kauaʻi aliʻi (high-ranking chiefs or royalty) and warrior who opposes Kamehameha’s push to unify the Hawaiian Islands. Filmed in �鶹��ý and New Zealand, the series also brings to life other key aliʻi figures from that era, such as Kahekili and Kaʻahumanu.

A path of purpose

Makua, a trained ʻōlapa hula (hula dancer), was hesitant at first, not having an acting background. His days were already full–dedicating his life to empowering ʻōpio (youth) in west Kauaʻi through ʻāina (land) rehabilitation and food system revitalization centered around kalo (taro) through his nonprofit, .

Related story: Q&A: Exploring Chief of War with UH kumu, July 2025

After deep reflection and guidance, he eventually embraced the role. He dove deep into research and his own genealogy, which connects him to Kamehameha through his father’s side. Along the way, Makua developed a deeper view of the revered aliʻi, often admired, but also questioned for his approach.

“Coming from his perspective and stepping into this leadership role, it was clear that he did what was necessary for �鶹��ý, not for himself,” Makua said.

He discovered parallels in his own life.

“If you’re a real leader and you’re really making change…you understand the kuleana (responsibility) and the weight of that. You’re always going to get ridiculed, you’re always gonna be under the microscope.”

On set, Makua often found himself surrounded by hundreds of crew members working behind the scenes to bring the historical drama to life. But when the cameras rolled, he leaned into something deeply personal, his own life experiences.

“It’s all everyday emotions for all of us. I mean we all get that. We go up and down. We go left and right. We spin around in circles,” Makua said. “Being around other actors and watching them made my job feel way easier to settle into.”

Healing through ʻāina

Makua carries that same sense of purpose into his work off-screen. Within the past decade, he’s poured his mana (strength) into growing his nonprofit, expanding from 10 to nearly 100 acres of restored agricultural ʻāina across four sites on Kauaʻi and Oʻahu. More than 3,500 ʻōpio have taken part in its ʻāina-based education programs. Through its commercial brand, Aloha Aina Poi Co., the group processes and distributes more than 70,000 pounds of fresh poi across �鶹��ý each year.

“It’s more apparent how disconnected we are as a people, not even as Hawaiians just as human beings. And it’s only getting worse. Kumano I Ke Ala is here to uplift our people and to help save the world through aloha ʻāina work, love of the land,” Makua said.

Lessons from Kānewai

Much of what he now teaches ʻōpio, especially about the many varieties of kalo and traditional planting techniques, comes from the time he spent immersed at , the taro patches next to the . Makua often reflects with gratitude on the ʻike (knowledge) passed down to him during his time at UH Mānoa where he earned a BA in and an MA in and (Hawaiian language).

Sharing moʻolelo

As for his acting debut on the upcoming tv series, Makua hopes it opens doors for native peoples.
“I hope that Indigenous populations that we have across the world understand this is a foot in the door. It’s not going to end here. I hope they understand that it’s not just for �鶹��ý, this for all Indigenous people because we all get moʻolelo (stories). This is how we all can share.”

—By Moanikeʻala Nabarro

In honor of Mahina ʻŌlelo �鶹��ý (Hawaiian Language Month), University of �鶹��ý at �ᾱ����’s Native Hawaiian engagement director, Pelehonuamea Harman, highlights key Hawaiian language milestones in her latest ʻŌlelo Resource of the Month column, exploring Native Hawaiian protocols, traditions and Indigenous learning practices.

Aloha Mahina ʻŌlelo �鶹��ý! (Happy Hawaiian Language Month!)

Pepeluali (February) in �鶹��ý has become synonymous with the Hawaiian language. You may have attended a festival or a concert this month where you heard people speaking in Hawaiian. The State of �鶹��ý is one of three states that have officially recognized languages besides English. (The other two being South Dakota and Alaska.)

Here is a timeline of significant milestones in Hawaiian language in �鶹��ý, with key events related to the UH System.

1820: Introduction of Written Hawaiian

• Protestant missionaries introduced the Latin alphabet to �鶹��ý, creating the foundation for written Hawaiian. This marks the beginning of Hawaiian language preservation in a written form. Citation: .

1834: First Hawaiian-Language Newspaper Published

• The first Hawaiian-language newspaper, , was published. It helped promote literacy in Hawaiian.

1896: Language Ban in Schools

• The Republic of �鶹��ý passed Act 57, an as a medium of instruction in public schools. This marked the beginning of a significant decline in the use of Hawaiian.�鶹��ý

1919: The Hawaiian Dictionary Published

• In 1919, Mary Kawena Pukui and Samuel Elbert published in the first comprehensive dictionary of the Hawaiian language. It was republished several times with a revised and enlarged edition published in 1991.
• Mary Kawena Pukui and Samuel Elbert published Hawaiian Dictionary: Hawaiian-English English-Hawaiian (), the first comprehensive dictionary of the Hawaiian language. It was crucial in preserving the language in its written form.

1921: Hawaiian Language Courses at UH ����ԴDz�

• UH ����ԴDz� began offering Hawaiian language courses, signaling the start of formal efforts to teach Hawaiian at the university level.

1985: Establishment of Hawaiian Studies Department at UH ����ԴDz�

• The was established at UH ����ԴDz�, offering a Bachelor of Arts in Hawaiian.

1997: Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani at UH Hilo

• , the College of Hawaiian Language, was established at UH Hilo, making it the first college in the world to offer higher education in an Indigenous language.

2006: Hawaiian Language Dissertation

• The was completed at the UH ����ԴDz�, highlighting the language’s academic capability.

2007: Doctoral Program in Hawaiian Language at UH Hilo

• UH Hilo began offering a , advancing the language’s use in academia and scholarly research.

Harman joined UH �ᾱ����’s Office of the Chancellor in June 2024 as part of the growing �鶹��ý Papa o Ke Ao team established throughout the 10-campus UH System to develop, implement and assess strategic actions to enhance the higher education needs of Native Hawaiians.

For more ʻŌlelo �鶹��ý milestones, go to .

Windward Community College is extending its Hawaiian studies program to men from �鶹��ý incarcerated at Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona. Partnering with the �鶹��ý Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Windward CC aims to provide educational opportunities to the more than 900 men who are housed there to reduce overcrowding in �鶹��ý prisons.

The program, launched in 2017, first served students at the �鶹��ý Youth Correctional Facility and the Women’s Community Correctional Center. In 2022, it expanded to Halawa Correctional Facility.

This spring, 25 students at Saguaro are enrolled in their first course. Windward CC faculty and staff work to make learning engaging and relevant.

“By having someone in front of you that looks like you and talks like you and has similar stories helps you continue that spark to move forward and finish,” said instructor William Cook.

Challenges include lockdowns, staff shortages, limited learning materials and inconsistent technology access. Windward CC is planning to expand course offerings so students can complete an associate degree while in Arizona.

Creating pilina, connections, to home

Windward CC Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg founded the program as part of the college’s mission to serve Native Hawaiians, who are overrepresented in the prison system. The Arizona expansion is funded by a federal grant for Native Hawaiian-serving institutions. The University of �鶹��ý, Gov. Josh Green’s administration, and �鶹��ý State Legislature have supported the program with three permanent staff positions.

“We’re reinforcing who they are, and even more so in Arizona, we’re creating this pilina—connection—for them, with their home,” said Eschenberg.

A newly published study confirms that wastewater from cesspools and the Hilo sewage treatment plant is reaching nearshore waters, impacting coral reefs and potentially human health. The findings are the result of two years of research by UH Hilo marine scientists and students, who used dye tracer tests to track sewage movement.

“We found dye emerge at the shoreline every time,” said Steve Colbert, UH Hilo associate professor of . “And the water moved fast, one to two football fields [in length], including end zones, each day.”

‘Pilau meter’

The project began after Keaukaha residents raised concerns about strong sewage odors and possible health risks from pollution. Lead researcher Shayla Waiki, a former UH Hilo graduate student, focused her thesis on tracking sewage in Keaukaha. Waiki is now a natural resources specialist with the Army National Guard and plans to apply to UH ����ԴDz�’s this year.

Using water samples and the “Pilau-meter,” a public reporting tool for bad smells at Puhi Bay, researchers confirmed what the community suspected—sewage is present, and it’s traveling through groundwater quickly. Pilau is the Hawaiian word for stink, rotten, foul.

UH Hilo researchers found that sewage in Keaukaha’s coastal waters is moving faster than previously recorded in �鶹��ý. They stress that Hilo should be a top priority for cesspool conversion to prevent further contamination.

Health and environmental risks

Keaukaha, home to �ᾱ����’s sewage treatment plant, also has numerous cesspools near the shoreline. Wastewater from these systems can introduce harmful bacteria and pollutants into coastal waters, raising concerns about infections such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among residents.

The study’s findings are already driving action.

“Results from this research have been shared with the community and �鶹��ý county, and are being used by the county to help prioritize locations for sewer line expansion in Hilo as part of the statewide effort to transition away from cesspools,” said Tracy Wiegner, a professor at UH Hilo who co-authored the study.

Team effort

The study was a collaboration between �鶹��ýHilo faculty and students, including former graduate students Joseph Nakoa and Devon Aguiar, and marine science undergraduates Nicolas Storie and Ashlynn Overly. Today, they are continuing environmental work in doctoral programs and conservation efforts across �鶹��ý.

UH Hilo marine science undergraduates Darienne Kealoha, Kaitlin Villafuerte, Finn Reil and Brooke Enright, and graduate student Walter Boger also contributed to the study. Other co-authors include Karla McDermid (marine science professor, UH Hilo), Noe Puniwai ( associate professor, UH ����ԴDz�) and Craig Nelson ( professor, UH ����ԴDz�).

.

—By Susan Enright

Hawaiian Telcom is partnering with Windward Community College’s program to give employees an opportunity to earn an associate in arts (AA) degree in Hawaiian studies, reinforcing its commitment to lifelong learning, innovation, and �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s culture.

The �鶹��ýloa program is immersive and accelerated, allowing students to earn their AA degree within two years. The program is designed with flexibility in mind, offering an entirely online format with eight-week courses taken in a cohort model. This structure enables students to focus on two classes at a time, making it ideal for working professionals.

“We are so happy to partner with Hawaiian Telcom for this program,” said Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg. “Together, Windward CC and Hawaiian Telcom are answering people’s desire for ʻike �鶹��ý (Hawaiian knowledge) and empowering employees to serve our pae ʻāina (island chain) well.”

Two possible pathways

�鶹��ýloa provides two pathways: a traditional route for those with no prior college coursework and a modified path for those who already have degrees or credits. The program’s credits are transferable to a bachelor’s degree. A key benefit is the in-state tuition available to Native Hawaiians residing on the continental U.S., making it accessible and affordable.

Hawaiian Telcom employees union employees who complete pre-approved courses with a passing grade will be eligible for 85% tuition reimbursement, while non-union employees can receive up to $5,250 in tuition reimbursement annually. Eligible employees must work at least 16 hours per week and have three years of service with the company.

This partnership aligns with the mission of the �鶹��ýloa program—to reconnect Native Hawaiians and those interested in Hawaiian culture with their heritage.

More than 300 middle and high school students visited in November for Lā Kūʻokoʻa, which was first celebrated in 1843 to commemorate Great Britain and France signing a proclamation that recognized the independence of the Kingdom of �鶹��ý.

The students came from Waimea High School, Kapaʻa High School, Ka ʻOhā, Kanuikapono, Kawaikini, and Ke Kula o Niʻihau. They rotated between films, activities such as kuʻi kalo (pounding poi), playing kōnane (a board game), and making kapa (traditional Native Hawaiian bark cloth), presentations and makahiki (Hawaiian festival) games.

“We choose to honor Lā Kūʻokoʻa as a way to instill national pride in our people and because it is a powerful expression of aloha ʻāina (patriotism),” Assistant Professor Pualiʻiliʻimaikalani Rossi-Fukino said. “Kauaʻi Community College has celebrated Lā Kūʻokoʻa for 10 years. We want our students and our campus to honor and uplift the Hawaiian culture, its history and traditions. It also provides a way to teach our students about Hawaiian history, language, art and traditions.”

Kauaʻi CC Hawaiian Club students partnered with the nonprofit Supporting the Language of Kauaʻi, along with Nā Pua Noʻeau (a �鶹��ýcenter to increase educational enrichment opportunities for Native Hawaiian children), Kanaeokana (a Kauaʻi CC library), and Kawaikini to put on the event, which was also supported by a Kaiāulu grant from Kamehameha Schools.

In a significant step to increase Native Hawaiian student enrollment and graduation rates at the University of �鶹��ý, a new program tailored for Hawaiian immersion students is paving the way for future leaders. The year-round initiative, Nā ʻŌpio Kaʻapeha, opens the door for haumāna in grades 6–12 to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) pathways within higher education.

In early October, 17 haumāna from Kula Kaiapuni schools across Oʻahu, �鶹��ý Island, and Maui recently returned from an inspiring free five-day huakaʻi (field trip) to California. Hosted by and State of �鶹��ý Department of Education Office of Hawaiian Education, haumāna engaged in hands-on STEAM experiences at Disney’s Imagination Campus and iconic museums, enhancing their research skills related to ʻāina (land).

“We want to inspire Hawaiian immersion students through exceptional opportunities that are rooted in the richness of Hawaiian language and culture,” said Kinohi Gomes, director at Nā Pua Noʻeau UH ����ԴDz�. “By bridging their middle and high school education with postsecondary and career pathways, it can open doors to a wealth of university and community resources.”

Creating Hawaiian leaders

Launched in fall 2023, the NPN program’s theme, ʻĀina Kau I Ka Wēkiu—Our Pristine Uplands, encouraged students to set goals and develop perspectives as future leaders and caretakers of �鶹��ý’s natural resources. Monthly huakaʻi focused on the history and significance of various wahi pana (storied places) on their islands, allowing haumāna to connect ʻāina-based learning with real-world experiences at UH campuses.

“Makemake au e hoʻomau i ke aʻo ʻana no �鶹��ý a no laila, e komo ana au i ka mekia o ʻike �鶹��ý. (I see myself majoring in Hawaiian studies because I want to continue learning and better understand �鶹��ý),” said Kaleonahe Paleka, a junior at Ke Kula Kaiapuni O Ānuenue.

This past June, nearly 100 Native Hawaiian students participated in NPN’s two-week Summer Institute at UH ����ԴDz�, where they engaged in hands-on activities ranging from brain anatomy to lei making.

For 11th grader Kekaimalino Yanagi, the trip to California reshaped his approach to college applications.
“Noʻu ke kula nui, kamaʻilio lākou e pili ana i ka hoʻohana i nā mea i loaʻa ʻoe. E like me ka kumu, ke kumu kākoʻo, kou a…nā papa tuta, no ka mea, kōkua lākou iā ʻoe, kēlā kā lākou hana, kā lākou ʻoihana. (It helped me understand what resources I should use like my teachers or my counselor. And how I should go to them for help instead of trying to do it by myself),” Yanagi said.

NPN, which is part of the campus’ and , has run programs for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade since its inception in 1989.

Amidst today’s global climate crisis, �鶹��ý’s sustainable development challenges are being exacerbated by rising sea levels, environmental degradation and depletion of natural resources, which are amplifying strains on energy sources, increasing costs, and the state’s dependence on imported goods and industries such as tourism and construction.

However, long before the advent of today’s model of an extractive linear economy, �鶹��ý operated on a unique ancestral circular economy that embraced a “give, take, regenerate” model that sustained an isolated island civilization for centuries.

Recognizing the significance and values of this ancestral circular economy, the University of �鶹��ý is developing a first-of-its-kind ��ōʻ���� ke Aloha ʻĀina Center for the Ancestral Circular Economy & Justice under the leadership of Professor Kamanamaikalani Beamer, director of the UH ����ԴDz� , and the Dana Naone Hall Endowed Chair in Hawaiian Studies, Literature and the Environment.

His lab, ��ōʻ���� ke Aloha ʻĀina—which loosely translates to “center for ancestral circular economy and justice,” like the upcoming center that it will serve—is paving the way toward this new paradigm for UH. Through annual summits and publications, his team of graduate students and mentees are helping to catalyze local research, advocacy and partnerships, while fostering international collaborations.

“�鶹��ý is an ideal setting for implementing and studying sustainable development, and circular economy principles and practices,” said Beamer. “Our isolation and finite resources offer a controlled environment to rapidly assess the impact of environmental changes. But more importantly, our rich ancestral knowledge and values-based circular economy practices can serve as blueprints for universal application for other community-based circular economies around the world.”

This topic was featured in the 2023 UH Innovation Conference x Piʻo Summit.

For more on the UH ��ōʻ���� ke Aloha ʻĀina Center for the Ancestral Circular Economy & Justice, . Noelo is UH’s research magazine from the .