This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from Kauaʻi CC marketing staff member Caitlin Fowlkes.

Fowlkes shared: “Kauaʻi Community College culinary students learn how to carve ice sculptures.”

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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.

—Humpback whale, forcing up the water like waves hitting a reef, reef flats.

More ʻŌlelo of the Week

“E ola i ke kai ma ka leo o nā koholā (The sea is alive with the voices of the humpback whales).”

—Hunter Landt, he haumāna ʻōlelo �鶹��ý (Hawaiian language student), Ke Kulanui Kaiāulu o Honolulu (Honolulu Community College)

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

Gov. Josh Green appointed University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa undergraduate student Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee to the (BOR), subject to confirmation by the �鶹��ý State Senate. Gee replaces Regent and JD candidate Joshua Faumuina, whose term ends in June 2026. If confirmed, Gee will serve a two-year term beginning on July 1, 2026.

“I’m honored to serve University of �鶹��ý students from all islands and campuses, and I look forward to ensuring their voices are heard while working alongside the Board of Regents,” Gee said. “I’ve always been passionate about youth empowerment, and I hope to further that work through my role as the new student member of the Board of Regents.”

An Honors student at UH Mānoa, Gee is pursuing an and double major from the , with a minor in from the . Born and raised in South Kohala on �鶹��ý Island, he graduated as valedictorian from Kealakehe High School in 2024.

Gee has held leadership roles at both the county and state levels, serving as inaugural chairperson of the County of �鶹��ý Youth Commission and as a treasurer of the �鶹��ý State Youth Commission, where he helped develop youth policy and advised government leaders. His experience also includes work on sustainability and education initiatives with �鶹��ý Green Growth and cultural programming through Traditions �鶹��ý.

As a Villars Institute Fellow, Gee participated in a 2025 expedition to Antarctica as the only American selected for the international mission led by polar explorer Robert Swan. During the expedition, he joined scientists, educators and young leaders in research activities and live educational broadcasts with classrooms around the world, promoting climate stewardship and raising awareness about the importance of protecting Antarctica. He also was selected for the World Affairs Councils of America Student Scholars Program and appeared in the PBS documentary series “Rethinking Higher Ed.”

• Related UH News story: Antarctica to Mānoa: UH student joins global effort to protect a fragile continent, December 16, 2025

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.

Honolulu Community College’s construction and trades programs received a $30,000 donation from Ward Village that will provide essential tool kits for students and updated educational resources. This contribution is part of a $120,000 charitable initiative the company announced on June 2, along with the grand opening of The Park Ward Village.

“We are deeply grateful for Ward Village’s investment in the future of our construction and trades students,” said Honolulu CC Chancellor Karen C. Lee. “Providing our learners with high-quality tools, equipment and educational resources is crucial to their education, and this support helps ensure they are well-prepared for successful careers in �鶹��ý’s workforce.”

Other gift recipients included Residential Youth Services & Empowerment in support of its Beretania Street capital project, Aloha for �鶹��ý for Kona low flood recovery assistance, and Re-Use �鶹��ý for sustainability-focused reuse efforts serving Kakaʻako and Ward Village.

Adjacent to Victoria Ward Park, The Park Ward Village includes 546 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, as well as more than 30,000 square feet of new retail and dining. It is Ward Village’s ninth residential tower.

This message was shared with the students, faculty and staff of the 10-campus University of �鶹��ý system on June 5, 2026.

Aloha University of �鶹��ý ʻohana,

I am pleased to share that the University of �鶹��ý has officially welcomed three outstanding individuals to our senior leadership team following recent Board of Regents action and appointments. Each brings deep experience, a strong commitment to our mission and an exciting vision for helping move our 10-campus system forward.

Please join me in welcoming:

Vassilis Syrmos

Vassilis Syrmos, who was unanimously approved by the Board of Regents as the next chancellor of UH Mānoa. A dedicated member of the UH community for 35 years, Vassilis brings deep institutional knowledge and strong leadership experience as he leads our flagship campus into its next chapter.

Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua

Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua, who was appointed interim director of the System �鶹��ý Papa O Ke Ao and UH Mānoa Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office. Noe brings extensive experience in education, governance and community engagement and will help continue advancing our work as a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning.

Brad Christ

Brad Christ, who officially assumed the role of vice president for information technology and chief information officer. Brad has played a key role in strengthening technology, cybersecurity and digital transformation efforts across UH and will help guide the university’s continued modernization efforts. Read more.

I am thrilled to welcome Vassilis, Noe and Brad to our leadership team. I know each will help take our university to the next level in their respective areas and strengthen the important work happening across all 10 campuses.

Please join me in congratulating and warmly welcoming them to these important roles.

With aloha,
Wendy Hensel
UH President

The University of �鶹��ý has officially posted the job description for a highly anticipated, newly created position: the associate vice president (AVP) for workforce development. Serving as the primary architect for a cohesive workforce strategy across all 10 UH campuses, this leader will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between academia and industry to meet the pressing labor needs of the State of �鶹��ý.

The establishment of this position is a major priority for UH President Wendy Hensel. During her inaugural systemwide address, Hensel stressed the need to move at the “speed of business” and create one centralized place for industry partners to engage with UH.

“We must build an integrated ecosystem with employers that brings them into our curriculum and into the classroom,” Hensel said. “This new associate vice president for workforce development will really own this initiative, ensuring we answer the call of �鶹��ý‘s business and industry, and move our strategic agenda forward in a targeted, coordinated way.”

Unified programs, enhanced pathways

Reporting to the vice president for academic strategy, the new AVP will lead the development of a systemwide “Workforce Master Plan” that aligns directly with �鶹��ý‘s economic priorities.

By unifying credit and non-credit programs, the AVP will enhance career pathways, allowing learners to move fluidly from short-term training to advanced degrees. Furthermore, they will expand opportunities for work-based learning, apprenticeships and applied research by formalizing agreements with private sector partners and large state employers.

Candidates must possess a minimum of eight years of progressive leadership experience in workforce development, economic development or higher education administration. The search is now underway, with the continuous application review process set to begin on June 15, 2026.

Chiara Logli, assistant professor and institutional assessment specialist at Honolulu Community College, has won a Fulbright U.S. Scholar award in higher education for the 2026–27 academic year. Granted by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, the Fulbright award underscores Logli’s standing as a world-class educator.

As part of the award, she will teach courses on research design and conduct a study examining how universities in India balance local traditions with global perspectives in higher education. Hosted by JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research in Mysuru, India, the project will culminate in a comparative study of higher education systems in India, the U.S. and Indonesia.

This research stems from her deeper passion for exploring how universities are shaped by the communities and cultures around them. In particular, she is drawn to India’s dynamic higher education system, which reflects both deep traditions and rapid innovation.

“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Logli,” Chancellor Karen C. Lee said. “It is an immense honor to join the legacy of the Fulbright Program in promoting collaboration across borders. She will be able to share the unique strengths of higher education in �鶹��ý with colleagues abroad and bring back her learnings about India to enrich our campus community.”

Logli holds an MA in political science and a PhD in education with a specialization in international cultural studies. In addition to the Fulbright award, Logli has received recognition and previous awards from the East-West Center, Rotary International, USAID, United States Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships, United States-Indonesia Society and the European Union Leonardo da Vinci Program.

Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program is one of the world’s most respected international exchange programs, operating in more than 160 countries. Fulbright alumni include 46 heads of state or government, 63 Nobel Laureates, 93 Pulitzer Prize winners, 83 MacArthur Fellows, and countless leaders across sectors and industries worldwide.

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from UH Hilo’s Camryn Hilder, an undergraduate majoring in animal health and management in the College of Agriculture Forestry and Natural Resource Management.

Hilder shared: “Episode 43 of Kīlauea’s eruption showered Hilo in a light dusting of Pele’s hair. Despite the elements, life continues on the farm…This photo shows one of the horses, Dundee, standing beneath an eerie red sun, its color caused by the plume of volcanic ash.”

Previous Images
Championship trophy tour
Time flies
Shakas up!
Got rice?
Everybody chill
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.

The University of �鶹��ý is extending UH Maui College’s successful statewide across all 10 UH campuses to combat the critical teacher shortage across the islands. This systemwide collaboration offers a clear and supported pathway for �鶹��ý residents to earn their elementary education teacher license, including tuition-free courses.

The Hoapili program, launched in 2023, has already demonstrated its effectiveness by helping more than 60 students earn their teacher licensure and education fields. The initiative has served more than 360 students, attracting non-traditional students such as long-term substitute teachers, educational assistants, emergency hires, and parents in both Hawaiian and English educational contexts. UH is scaling this proven model statewide to “grow our own” kumu (teachers) on every island.

A dedicated program coordinator and campus counselors work one-on-one with students to build a tailored academic plan. To learn more or apply, visit UHKumu.org.

Eliminating financial barriers

Guided by the mission, “I ulu nō ka lālā i ke kumu”—Our keiki grow because of their kumu,” the pathways program is designed to eliminate common financial and geographical barriers. Core courses toward elementary education teacher licensure are offered tuition-free and delivered entirely online, with classes intentionally scheduled during after-work hours to accommodate full-time working adults balancing busy lifestyles.

Students can enroll full- or part-time, and there are no prerequisites required to join. The program also provides free substitute teaching certifications and free para-educator testing (ParaPro Assessment) for those seeking immediate entry into the workforce. Participants can start at any UH Community College and seamlessly transfer to a four-year UH campus”—including UH Hilo, UH Mānoa and UH West Oʻahu—to complete a bachelor of education degree in elementary education.

“The Hoapili program began as a way to provide a bridge to teacher licensure for individuals who are passionate about education but unable to attend college in the traditional sense,” said Lui Hokoana, interim vice president for the UH Community Colleges. “Expanding this proven, Maui-born solution to all 10 campuses allows us to scale our efforts and build a robust, sustainable pipeline of local teachers for schools across the state.”

The University of �鶹��ý System has announced the appointment of Brad Christ as vice president for information technology and chief information officer (CIO), effective May 23. The appointment was officially approved by the Board of Regents (BOR) at its May 21 meeting.

“I am honored to step into this role,” said Christ. “I look forward to collaborating on and building upon the technology initiatives we have already launched across the system, further modernizing our cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity protections, and ensuring that our students, faculty, and staff have the innovative tools they need for success.”

Prior to this, Christ served as the UH System’s associate vice president and deputy CIO. Over the past year in that role, he made an immediate and significant impact through strategic leadership, generating tangible results for the university. Through his review of major ITS systems and contracts over this past year, he identified $327,000 in direct savings for the current and future fiscal years. Furthermore, Christ has advanced critical digital transformation efforts across all campuses, including leading the impending system-wide launch of a Microsoft 365 environment to provide AI-enabled tools to students, faculty and staff, as well as securing system-wide access to GitHub Enterprise at no cost to the university. He has also accelerated UH‘s cloud strategy and actively supported UH Mānoa’s work to become a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning.

“Christ stepped forward to lead stabilization efforts during a critical period, improving communication, strengthening community engagement, and driving resolution of major system deficiencies,” UH President Wendy Hensel wrote in a letter to the BOR. “His calm, hands-on leadership has been instrumental in restoring confidence and improving service delivery.”

Christ brings 25 years of experience in higher education information technology to his new role. Before joining UH, he served as the CIO for Eastern Washington University for more than seven years, while concurrently acting as the interim associate vice president for facilities and athletic facilities during the final 18 months of his tenure. His career also includes seven years as CIO for Southern Oregon University and 13 years at Augsburg University, where he advanced through multiple roles from technician to director.

A native of Minnesota, Christ earned his master’s degree in planning and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Minnesota. Additionally, he served in the Minnesota Army National Guard for nine years.

Christ is involved with organizations such as EDUCAUSE, Internet2 and the Northwest Academic Computing Consortium, where he serves as a co-manager of the organization’s cybersecurity program. For the last 13 years, he has also served as an accreditation evaluator for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes the global job market, the University of �鶹��ý is taking a leading role in preparing the state’s workers for an evolving economy. UH has officially partnered with the State Workforce Development Council and Imua ʻOnipaʻa (a �鶹��ý-based non-profit) for a four-part symposium series titled, “The AI Transformation: Preparing �鶹��ý’s Workforce for the Future.”

The second event of the series, “The AI transformation: Preparing �鶹��ý’s workforce for the future ” is tentatively scheduled for June 25, 2026, at Honolulu Community College from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. “Building an AI ready workforce in �鶹��ý” will focus on the business case for responsible AI adoption, including industry-specific opportunities and risks, workforce impacts, and recommendations for �鶹��ý’s education and training providers. Attendance is capped at 100 and UH faculty, staff and administrators are encouraged to attend.

UH‘s participation alongside partners such as the �鶹��ý Department of Education, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and Department of Accounting and General Services underscores the university’s vital function as the engine of �鶹��ý‘s workforce development.

“The University of �鶹��ý is proud to partner with the State Workforce Development Council on this critical initiative,” UH President Wendy Hensel said. “Preparing our local workforce for the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence is essential for �鶹��ý’s economic resilience. As the state’s primary provider of higher education, UH plays a central role in ensuring our training programs equip residents with the skills and AI literacy needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy.”

Bennette E. Misalucha, executive director of the State Workforce Development Council within the �鶹��ý Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, highlighted the necessity of cross-agency collaboration.

“�鶹��ý has an opportunity not simply to react to the AI transformation, but to thoughtfully prepare our workforce, institutions, and communities to harness AI in ways that strengthen economic resilience and preserve our shared values,” Misalucha said. “The AI Symposium Series was created to bring together our relevant stakeholders to better understand this moment of change, and to ensure that �鶹��ý is prepared not only for the future of technology, but for the future of its people.”

The first session “Where is AI and where is it going” was held in April at the �鶹��ý State Capitol. Experts from the guided attendees through the complex landscape of AI data and policy challenges, privacy frameworks, and AI‘s projected impacts on daily life, work, and sociopolitical power dynamics.

UH System Director of Workforce Development Christine Beaule said, “The State Workforce Development Council’s AI Workforce Readiness series addresses some of the most pressing challenges and promising opportunities to our communities and state. AI will impact us all in ways we can only imagine at the moment; it is our kuleana to prepare our students for the future of work, lifelong learning and ethical, engaged citizenship.”

An innovative University of �鶹��ý research team is using trail cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) to better understand how much fog contributes water to native ecosystems and groundwater recharge. Led in part by Honolulu Community College Professor John DeLay, the project focuses on Mount Kaʻala, ��ʻ�����’s highest peak and an essential watershed.

“If we can keep the project going long enough, we might be able to detect a change in the lifting condensation level—affecting the extent of cloud and fog at the canopy level,” DeLay said.

Recharging the aquifer

Supported by the UH Office of Innovation and Commercialization, the system has achieved up to 93% accuracy in identifying fog conditions across different sites in both day and night conditions. This allows researchers to build long-term records of fog frequency and examine how moisture patterns vary.

“Not only is it really important for these ecosystems, which have fragile native species that need a lot of moisture and water, it’s also recharging out water budgets and our aquifer,” said Joel Nicolow, a UH Mānoa graduate research assistant in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology.

Turning to AI

Historically, measuring this critical moisture required highly specialized personnel and expensive, complex equipment. The team turned to technology for a solution.

“We wanted to look at using cameras as a much more scalable, cost-effective approach,” explained researcher Dylan Giardana of the UH Mānoa Water Resources Research Center. “We use a machine learning model to classify all the images that we’re getting from these trail cameras.”

Their analysis shows that fog frequency jumps dramatically from about 10% at an elevation of 600 meters to 70% at the 1,200-meter summit. Understanding these patterns is essential as climate change and invasive species threaten natural watersheds. Long-term data may also help land managers in adapting conservation strategies.

The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa’s “Our Team, �鶹��ý’s Team” trophy tour brought the NCAA Men’s Volleyball National Championship trophy to UH campuses and community locations across Oʻahu following the Rainbow Warriors’ national title victory earlier this month.

The tour began at UH Mānoa on May 20 with stops at Bachman Hall and �鶹��ý Hall, and on May 22 at the UH Mānoa Bookstore, giving students, faculty and staff opportunities to take photos with the trophy and celebrate the program’s third NCAA championship.

“It was really cool,” said Colleen Licudine, a UH Mānoa employee and Rainbow Warrior volleyball fan who saw the trophy at Bachman Hall. “A lot of UH pride. My dad went to school here too, and so basically my whole life I’ve been watching games from back when even Dave Shoji was coach. Seeing the men’s team rise up and be really successful in their program too, it’s been really, really nice.”

The trophy later visited Leeward Community College and UH West Oʻahu on May 27, and Windward CC, Kapiʻolani CC and Honolulu CC on May 28, as part of a systemwide effort to thank the UH community for its support throughout the volleyball season.

“It was so cool,” said Shanelle Bartlett, Kapiʻolani CC student and UH fan. “The trophy is a symbol of how much effort these boys have put in to bring a championship back to our community and to the Hawaiian Islands and I feel like people underestimate us because of where we’re from. But this is a symbol showing how we are really powerful even from a small community like this.”

“Hoʻomaikaʻi iā ʻoukou no ko kākou lanakila ʻana! (Congratulations on your win!),” said Windward CC Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg. “We’re so proud of the ‘Bows and their win for the NCAA championship. Congratulations!”

One of the attendees who made a stop at Kapiʻolani CC was former UH men’s volleyball player from the 1970s Dalwyn Wong.

“This is great. It’s really good to see,” Wong said. “The program has come a long way. I saw the last championship trophy and the games a few years ago. To see it again this year, oh man, a pretty good feeling. I’m proud of the program and proud of all the players and coaches.”

Other stops throughout the week included Honolulu Hale, �鶹��ý State Capitol, Hawaiian Airlines, Skyline, local businesses, corporate partners and community events across Oʻahu. Additional events across the state are being planned, including other UH campuses.

“It really is gratifying to see how much joy and pride people take into, not only men’s volleyball but all the accomplishments in the athletic department,” said Charlie Wade, UH Mānoa men’s volleyball head coach. “Getting a chance to share this beautiful piece of art that symbolizes something really significant accomplishment, it’s pretty cool.”

The Rainbow Warrior men’s volleyball team captured the NCAA Men’s National Collegiate Volleyball Championship on May 11 after defeating UC Irvine in four sets. The title marked the program’s third national championship and its first since back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022.

The trophy tour was organized by the UH Mānoa Athletics Department as a way to share the championship celebration with fans, students, faculty, staff and community supporters throughout �鶹��ý.

“Our team, �鶹��ý‘s team, isn’t a slogan. It’s what we’ve really bought into and we want people to know that this championship is for them too,” said Eric Mathews, UH Mānoa athletics director of marketing and fan experience. “This isn’t just something at Mānoa. This isn’t just something for the team. This is the entire community. This is for the entire state. It’s for the entire UH System that we have.”

The University of �鶹��ý has launched the Next Step Scholarship to encourage UH Community College students who earned an associate degree during the 2025–26 academic year—or completed enough credits in an eligible pathway or major—to continue their education at one of the university’s four-year campuses. Eligible students from one of UH’s seven community colleges are already automatically accepted to a UH four-year school through a streamlined process that waives the application fee and eliminates the need to submit a new application.

Now, through the Next Step Scholarship, students enrolled full time (12 or more credits) during the fall 2026 semester at UH Hilo, UH Mānoa, UH Maui College or UH West Oʻahu will receive a $2,000 scholarship, while part-time students enrolled in 6 to 11 credits will receive $1,000.

“Transitioning to a four-year university is a significant milestone, and we are committed to making that next step as seamless and affordable as possible,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “These students have already demonstrated their commitment and academic readiness through their success at our community colleges. The Next Step Scholarship helps ensure finances do not stand in the way of completing their degrees and achieving their goals.”

Encouragement to continue education

All UH associate degree graduates who qualified for automatic admission were emailed information about the new scholarship on May 15. The scholarship has been automatically awarded to 438 students who had already begun the transfer process, while another 1,156 students are eligible.

“For students who were automatically admitted but have not yet committed to a UH four-year campus, we hope this scholarship provides an added incentive to continue their education,” said Hensel. “This scholarship is one example of the new strategies we are testing to expand access, increase enrollment, strengthen educational attainment and help build the workforce our state needs. It is good for our students and good for �鶹��ý.”

All students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if they have not already done so. While FAFSA is not required to receive the Next Step Scholarship, it can unlock additional federal, state and institutional financial aid that may be combined with the scholarship.

Students with questions about their automatic admission or the enrollment process are encouraged to contact the admissions office at their chosen UH four-year campus.

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from the Our Team, �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s Team Trophy Tour, which began at UH Mānoa, following the Rainbow Warrior men’s volleyball team’s NCAA national championship victory. The tour will make stops across Oʻahu at UH campuses and other community locations. Visits to �鶹��ý Island, Maui and Kauaʻi are also being planned.

Previous Images
Time flies
Shakas up!
Got rice?
Everybody chill
J-Pop Demon Killaz
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.

—To embrace with arms, as in a hug, or holding an infant.

More ʻŌlelo of the Week

“��ū�����쾱 wau i kaʻu mau keiki i kēlā me kēia lā. (I embrace my children every day.)”

—LaurieAnn Takeno, he haumāna ʻōlelo �鶹��ý (Hawaiian language student), Ke Kulanui Kaiāulu o Honolulu (Honolulu Community College)

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

The University of �鶹��ý at ��ā�ԴDz�’s (CTAHR) celebrated the faculty, staff and community leaders who advance the college’s vision of a more resilient �鶹��ý at its 2026 CTAHR Banquet in May. The high-energy night showcased collective work to strengthen the state’s food security, ecosystems and local communities.

Top honors for community, alumni leadership

The college presented its highest honor, the Ka Lei Hano Award, to State Senator Donovan Dela Cruz. A longtime champion for local agriculture, Dela Cruz was recognized for securing support for the reopening of the Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center and his leadership in developing the Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center, among many accomplishments.

Professor Ganesan Srinivasan was named the 2026 CTAHR Outstanding Alumnus. Currently serving as the dean of communication and services programs at Honolulu Community College, Srinivasan was honored for his acclaimed career in maize breeding and marrying high-level scientific research with the practical needs of local farmers.

• Related UH News stories: CTAHR honors Honolulu CC dean with Outstanding Alumnus Award

Visit the CTAHR website for the complete list of the , including faculty, staff and student honorees.

A highlight of the evening were presentations by the student winners of the Showcase & Research Symposium. Attendees talked with the students about their award-winning posters, illustrating the cutting-edge research from the next generation of scientists within the college.

Honoring an icon

The evening also featured a special recognition of Surajit “S.K.” De Datta and his wife, Vijji, for establishing an endowed scholarship for CTAHR students. De Datta, a world-renowned scientist known for his pioneering work during the Green Revolution, was also honored as the college renamed its primary conference room in Gilmore Hall in honor of the couple’s legacy.

“Our students are the heart of this college,” CTAHR Dean Parwinder Grewal said at the banquet. “Tonight is as much about celebrating their future as it is our current achievements. Their energy and their passion for a more resilient �鶹��ý are what drive us forward every day.”

Gov. Josh Green appointed Makai Freitas to the (BOR), subject to confirmation by the �鶹��ý State Senate. Freitas represents �鶹��ý County and will replace Regent Wayne Higaki whose term ends in June 2026.

Freitas is a distinguished labor leader with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, with more than 20 years of expertise in organizational leadership and workforce advocacy. Throughout his career, he has spearheaded complex negotiations and strategic workforce development initiatives that have strengthened economic opportunities for thousands of families across �鶹��ý.

Freitas has a proven track record of cross-sector collaboration, working with educators, public agencies and community organizations to build pipelines from the classroom to the workforce.

“I am honored to be appointed to the University of �鶹��ý Board of Regents and grateful for the opportunity to serve our students, faculty, staff and communities,” Freitas said. “Higher education plays a vital role in �鶹��ý’s future. I look forward to strengthening the university’s mission of teaching, learning and community service.”

Freitas also serves as the West �鶹��ý representative on the Hawaiian Homes Commission within the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

A graduate of the University of Arizona, Freitas brings his statewide advocacy and local community insight to the board. He resides in Waimea with his wife, Aulani, and their two daughters, Wailea and Mahina.

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.

Freitas will serve a term as prescribed by law, pending Senate confirmation.

The Kona Low storm in March left many residents on the North Shore of Oʻahu devastated, with catastrophic flooding in the Haleʻiwa and Waialua areas. Among the hardest-hit locations was Otake Farms, situated where the Kaukonahua River overflowed its banks, submerged homes and destroyed vital property. In the wake of this disaster, students from Honolulu Community College’s Diesel Mechanics (DISL) and Fire and Environmental Response (FIRE) programs stepped out of the classroom to provide a critical lifeline to the local community.

The ‘Cavalry’ arrives: Students restore vital equipment

For the seven family farmers at Otake Farms, restoring machinery was the top priority. The storm’s intensity had pushed muddy water above engine levels, severely damaging both mechanical and electronic systems.

Just weeks before graduation, Honolulu CC students applied their skills in a high-stakes “real-world exam,” repairing nine flooded tractors in a challenging field environment. Led by Associate Professor Bobby Salvatierra, the group mobilized twice in April to perform essential technical recovery steps:

• System inspections: Checking engines for structural integrity.
• Fluid remediation: Bleeding water from systems and replacing contaminated fuel and filters.
• Mechanical restoration: Cleaning intake systems and pulling injectors to resolve hydrostatic locked engines.
• Electrical recovery: Recharging batteries and testing damaged electrical systems.

“Today was an awesome day sharing our talent with people in need,” said Salvatierra.

The effort was a resounding success, resulting in the restoration of several major tractors.

“Before, I didn’t know what to do. The job was too big,” said Reun Ath Tab, a farmer. “But now I have my tractor. I feel good.”

First responders in training: The program’s community impact

While the students focused on machinery, students provided essential boots-on-the-ground support for residents near the Waialua River and Long Bridge area.

Transitioning from classroom theory to hands-on emergency response, the class received approval to assist families—including many first responders. Working alongside instructors, recruit training officers and the National Guard, the students tackled the grueling physical labor of recovery, including:

• Manual labor: Shoveling tons of mud from homes and properties.
• Resource support: Donating essential supplies, such as Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) bars and boots, to residents in need.
• Problem solving: Overcoming field challenges, such as equipment failures, to ensure the work continued.

For students Ryoma Sears and Evan Moon, the experience was more than just training; it was an opportunity to integrate with the community they will soon serve as professional firefighters.

Restoring hope, honing skills

These recovery initiatives were made possible through the support of the Honolulu CC administration and generous contributions from industry partners. Bacon International and Allied Machinery provided thousands of dollars in parts and technical assistance to ensure the tractors could return to the fields.

Through these collaborative efforts, Honolulu CC students have not only honed their professional skills but have also helped to restore hope to the North Shore, proving they are ready to meet the challenges of their future careers and their community.