—Fun; to have a good time.

More ʻŌ������� of the Week

“E leʻaleʻa kēlā lā me kēia lā. (Everyday should be fun.)”

—Maluhia Nahuina, he haumāna ʻŌ������� �鶹��ý (Hawaiian language student), Kulanui Kaiāulu o Honolulu (Honolulu Community College)

For more information on other elements of the definition and usage, go to the UH Hilo .

Aloha UH ʻohana,

As the 2026 legislative session enters its final month, the �鶹��ý State Legislature is preparing to begin conference committee meetings to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of key bills. Given the challenges the state is facing in light of diminishing tax revenues and economic pressures resulting from both national and international events, there will be many competing positions for a finite amount of state resources. One of the most important aspects of this process is the state budget bill, HB1800 HD1 SD1, which will determine funding levels for state departments, including the University of �鶹��ý.

Conference committee negotiations between the House Finance and Senate Ways and Means committees will shape the final outcome for both operating and capital improvement appropriations across state government. Like other departments, UH will be closely monitoring these discussions as agreements are reached.

Supplemental operating budget

Since it was approved by the UH Board of Regents in November, the university’s supplemental operating budget request has advanced through several stages of the legislative process. The regents approved a request totaling $18.8 million in additional general funds for Fiscal Year 2027.

The House of Representatives completed its draft budget (HD1) in March and allocated $11.5 million toward UH priorities. Most recently, the Senate passed its version of the budget (SD1), which reduced general fund support for the university by $1.7 million compared with the House version. The Senate also added $5.7 million of special fund appropriations—adding programs to UH’s budget through appropriations from the Tuition and Fees Special Fund.

With conference committee negotiations about to begin, the following table compares the Board of Regents request with the governor’s proposal and the House and Senate versions of the operating budget:

Operating Comparison

Items in purple are Special Funded, not General Funded.

*SD1 moves $20.2 million in General Funds out of UOH100 (UH ����ԴDz�) into a new Program ID UOH120 (CTAHR)
**In total for UH: 124 General Fund Permanent FTEs, 13.15 General Fund Temporary FTEs, 24 Special Fund Permanent FTEs, 2 Federal Fund Permanent FTEs, and 22 Revolving Fund Permanent FTEs

GM2 and GM5 were two budget Governor’s Messages sent by the Governor to the Legislature that added these items to his official budget request.

Capital improvement program (CIP) budget update

For the supplemental capital improvement projects (CIP) budget, UH requested $283.1 million in additional General Obligation (GO) bond funding for FY27 to support capital renewal, deferred maintenance and modernization projects across the 10-campus system. Debt service for GO bonds are paid by the state’s general fund.

The governor’s budget included $137.3 million of this request. The House draft budget (HD1) increased GO bond support to $219.3 million. The Senate draft (SD1) reduced GO bond funding by $9.5 million and proposed appropriating $161.5 million from the UH special funds, including the Tuition and Fees Special Fund to support capital projects. UH President Hensel discussed the issue broadly at the April 16 UH Board of Regents meeting, .

The following table summarizes the CIP comparison between the Board of Regents request and the governor, House and Senate versions of the budget:

CIP Comparison

Items in purple are Special Funded, not General Funded.

What happens next

As conference committees begin their work, members will be negotiating across a wide range of priorities beyond the UH budget. Because many conference committee decisions occur late in the session, final outcomes typically become clear closer to adjournment.

The �鶹��ý State Legislature is scheduled to adjourn on May 8, 2026. I will provide an update after the session concludes to share the final outcomes for the university.

Mahalo for your continued support of our students, campuses and the mission of the University of �鶹��ý.

Luis P. Salaveria
Vice President for Budget and Finance / Chief Financial Officer
University of �鶹��ý

The University of �鶹��ý community is invited to a virtual keynote exploring the intersection of technology and human potential, featuring Microsoft’s AI Innovation Officer Michael J. Jabbour. The session will dive into the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and its transformative implications for the future of education and healthcare.

.

Event details:

• Speaker: Michael J. Jabbour (AI Innovation Officer, Microsoft, Office of the CTO)
• Date: Monday, April 27
• Time: 12–1:30 p.m.

About the keynote:

Jabbour leads research in human-AI collaboration, biologically inspired AI, and the future of work. A recognized leader in large-scale organizational transformation, he previously served as CIO/CTO for several New York City agencies, including the Department of Education. He is a regular guest lecturer at top universities.

What you will discover:

• AI fundamentals: Explore the transformative world of Artificial Intelligence, including its uncharted propensity to “hallucinate.”
• Revolutionizing education: Learn how AI can revolutionize education by enhancing teaching and learning experiences with cutting-edge tools and personalized methodologies.
• Practical integration: Dive into the potential of AI to automate routine tasks, stimulate collaborative learning, and foster bespoke educational journeys.
• Actionable insights: Equip yourself with practical use cases and insights on seamlessly integrating AI into your classroom or institution, paving the way for a future where education is intuitively tailored, engaging, and impactful.

The UH community is encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to hear from a national leader in AI innovation and explore how these emerging technologies are shaping the future of education and healthcare.

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’

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

The University of �鶹��ý Community Colleges has launched a highlighting real student transfer journeys across the UH System—demonstrating how starting at a community college can lead to careers in law, technology, education and beyond.

Featuring alumni from all seven campuses, the series shares stories of students who built their foundation at a UH Community College before transferring to a four-year UH campus. Profiles include:

• a first-generation student who began at �鶹��ý CC and is now pursuing a PhD in ʻŌ������� �鶹��ý (Hawaiian language) at UH Hilo
• a Honolulu CC student who went on to UH ����ԴDz�ʻs Richardson Law School
• a Kapiʻolani CC graduate who transferred to UH ����ԴDz�’s School of Engineering, carrying over all credits, and graduating with no debt.

Flexible online programs

The series also highlights the convenience of UH System online programs, allowing students to stay connected to their communities, and complete UH West Oʻahu degrees from Maui and Kauaʻi without relocating.

“Our community colleges are where many students begin—offering affordable, flexible access to higher education,” said Lui Hokoana, interim vice president for UH Community Colleges. “With clear transfer pathways to our four-year universities and personalized support, students can move forward with confidence and achieve their goals.”

Whether pursuing ʻŌ������� �鶹��ý, education, law or technology, the message across every story is the same: you don’t need to have everything figured out to begin. At the UH Community Colleges, students can start where they are—and go beyond.

The full video series is available on website.

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 ����ԴDz� 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 ()

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from UH ����ԴDz�.

Aloha Bash is on Friday! Students from all UH campuses are welcome, so featuring Grant Nakasone for more info! (No students were harmed in the making of this video.)

Previous Images
Mōʻī Wahine
Cleaning up
Through the water
Breeze block
Shark tag
All Images of the Week

Send us your image!

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

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

• .

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

At the Merrie Monarch Festival, hula’s most celebrated stage, one hālau‘s story of change and renewal rose to the top in 2026.

Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua earned top honors at the 63rd annual competition in Hilo, sweeping major categories. The group earned first-place finishes in kāne (men) overall, kāne ʻauana (modern hula), and both wāhine (women’s) kahiko (ancient hula) and kāne kahiko.

The hālau is led by Kumu Hula Robert Keano Kaʻupu IV, a graduate of Honolulu Community College.

“I’m still in shock,” Kaʻupu said. “I’m not surprised because they worked hard and they did exactly what they needed to do, but I’m in shock. This year more than ever it was the purpose of the journey, more than the destination. And so I am really appreciative for the recognition. There are no words to really describe what I feel.”

Turning point

The win followed a year of deep change.

Kaʻupu and Kumu Hula Lono Padilla founded the hālau together. In 2025, Padilla stepped away for personal reasons. The departure reshaped the Oʻahu hālau.

Kaʻupu described it as a time of upheaval. One that pushed both him and his haumāna (students) to reflect and rebuild.

“That’s part of the process,” he said. “Acknowledging the catastrophe, acknowledging the upheaval, acknowledging the overturn. Our lives were deconstructed and now let’s find the processes to reconstruct, rebuild, regenerate, re-energize.”

That idea guided their performances at this year’s festival.

Hulihia, overturning

Kaʻupu chose mele (songs) that mirrored both his experience and that of his hālau. Their performances centered on hulihia, a Hawaiian concept that speaks to overturning and transformation.

In the kahiko category, the wāhine performed hula kālaʻau (dancing stick) to Kau Kahaʻea Ke Ao Uahi I Luna. The mele is a creation story, where akua (deities) shape a submerged island still forming off �鶹��ý Island.

Kaʻupu‘s kāne followed with Hulihia Ka ʻĀpapa Ka Unu Koʻakoʻa O Ka Moana. Their performance evoked the ocean floor shifting and fire rising from below, as life emerges through heat and pressure.

Together, the pieces reflected a simple truth that change can be destructive, but it also creates space for renewal.

UH roots

Kaʻupu, a Keaukaha native, attended UH Hilo before moving to Oʻahu. He continued his studies at Honolulu CC, entering the cosmetology program and graduating in 2007.

“I thought I knew how to do hair until I went through the program,” he said. “They just expedited and transcended the technical skills for me. I am super, super grateful for that.”

For years, those skills helped shape his presence at Merrie Monarch, where he handled his dancers’ hair and makeup, an important part of the competition’s scoring. He also designs every costume, sketching ideas by hand before working with a seamstress to bring them to life. However, for each of his Miss Aloha Hula contestants, he sews each piece himself.

In many ways, that same cycle of creating, overturning and rebuilding reflects where Kaʻupu stands now, as he continues to grow into his role.

“Trust your gut, trust your kūpuna (elders),” he said. “Find the things that serve you and let go of the things that don’t. There’s always regeneration. You just have to trust the process.”

—by Moanikeʻala Nabarro

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.