Deep cultural ties between �鶹��ý and French Polynesia were highlighted during French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson’s visit to the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s on February 25.

While in Honolulu for , hosted by the East-West Center, Brotherson made time to connect with UH ����ԴDz�, including a visit to the library’s internationally recognized collections.

Pacific Collection librarians Eleanor Kleiber and Stu Dawrs, along with Hawaiian Collection Librarian and department chair Jodie Mattos, showcased rare and historic materials related to French Polynesia. Items included: 18th-century works from Captain Cook’s voyages, 1844 correspondence from the Queen of Tahiti to King Kamehameha III, signed editions of �鶹��ý’s Story by Queen Liliʻuokalani, and two editions of Brotherson’s own novel, Le Roi absent (The Missing King).

“It was an honor to welcome President Brotherson, and a joy for us to share items from our collections that highlight the historical and cultural connections between �鶹��ý and French Polynesia,” said Kleiber. “He seemed to appreciate seeing these items our library has curated to represent the strong connections between our islands.”

University Librarian Clem Guthro added, “Our collections are vast, global and contain a multitude of treasures that support research, scholarship and teaching. Welcoming visitors from abroad to our collections extends their global reach. Visitors like President Brotherson become our ambassadors; sharing their experiences with our library when they return home, and knowing we are a resource to them.”

Brotherson has served as president since 2023 and is known for promoting sustainable development, cultural preservation and regional cooperation across the Pacific.

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More than 200 high school students of Pacific Islander heritage gathered at the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo on October 18, for the annual Pacific Youth Empowerment for Success (PacYES) conference, a day devoted to motivate, inspire, and prepare the teenagers for college and career opportunities while fostering cultural connections within their own communities.

Themed Interweaving Generations, Connecting Skills and Heritage, this year’s event encouraged students to dream big while staying rooted in who they are. From hands-on workshops to cultural ceremonies, PacYES 2025 offered a glimpse of higher education grounded in community.

“We pride ourselves on being one of the most diverse campuses in the country,” UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin said during opening remarks. “Today you will hear about the rich array of opportunities before you. Listen with intention…you have teams of people ready and waiting to help you realize those dreams.”

Special guest Hilda Heine, President of the Marshall Islands, delivered a keynote that mixed in Gen Z slang to challenge students to recognize that leadership and impact often begin with small, intentional steps.

“Big moves start with small moves, no cap!” she told the crowd, encouraging students to take meaningful steps rooted in purpose and culture.

Workshops and resource fair

Workshops throughout the day blended career readiness with cultural grounding. In one session, participants planted coconut and breadfruit saplings on campus under the guidance of UH Hilo alumnus Jermy Uowolo, vice president of Micronesians United—Big Island.

A lively resource fair followed, connecting students with mentors, colleges, and community organizations ready to support their journeys.

Student reflections

The day ended with a student reflection panel and closing remarks from former �鶹��ý County Mayor Mitch Roth, who has supported PacYES since its start in 2010. Each student wrote their dream on a star and placed it on a banner, symbolizing the Pacific Islander tradition of navigating by the sea and the stars.

—By Neilynn Domnick/PacYes

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The University of �鶹��ý received two privately funded grants totaling more than $1.5 million from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to tackle pressing health disparities across rural �鶹��ý and the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands. Through community-centered health care and policy research, the projects aim to improve access, quality and coordination of care in some of the most medically underserved areas in the country and Pacific Islands.

“The Helmsley Charitable Trust is committed to ensuring that people in rural and remote communities can access the care they need and deserve,” said Walter Panzirer, a trustee for the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “These grants reflect that commitment by supporting the University of �鶹��ý’s efforts to conduct rigorous, community-informed research that leads to practical, culturally responsive solutions. We are proud to support the University of �鶹��ý to help strengthen health care systems across �鶹��ý and the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands, where the need is great and the opportunity for impact is profound.”

Assessing health care delivery

The first grant of $1.15 million will support a two-year, in-depth health policy and health care delivery system assessment in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Led by UH’s , (RHRPC), and at the (JABSOM), the initiative will work closely with territorial health leaders and community stakeholders to map systemic gaps, develop culturally relevant solutions, and produce technical reports and policy briefs for action at the local, national and philanthropic levels.

From strengthening emergency medical services and interisland transport to improving cancer care, telehealth and workforce development, the project will uncover new opportunities to address long-standing inequities and build more resilient systems of care throughout the Pacific.

“The cross-university team that came together in this proposal, including Co-Principal Investigators Aimee Grace (RHRPC), Neal Palafox and Lee Buenconsejo-Lum (JABSOM), is seeking to model next generation transdisciplinary opportunities to advance health and wellbeing research in Pacific Islands communities and honor UH’s continuing kuleana (responsibility) to the Pacific Islands region in which we are located,” said Principal Investigator Alexander Mawyer, director of the Center for Pacific Islands Studies.

Recommendations for rural health

The second grant—$383,844 over two years—focuses on opportunities to improve health in �鶹��ý through policy changes. It will enable RHRPC to examine the state’s health care and emergency response systems, particularly in underserved communities across the islands, and identify barriers to optimal health and health care. Areas of focus will include cardiac care, telehealth, cancer care, emergency medical services, and more. The team will engage key stakeholders through site visits and compile policy options to address identified barriers at multiple levels, including federal, state, local, community and philanthropy.

“This generous grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust represents a pivotal opportunity to focus on the policy drivers of health across our state,” said Grace, RHRPC principal investigator and UH Strategic Health Initiatives director. “By focusing on the unique challenges faced by �鶹��ý’s rural populations, we aim to develop targeted and impactful policy recommendations that will ultimately strengthen the health and well-being of all �鶹��ý residents.”

Together, the two projects demonstrate UH’s growing impact as a regional leader in rural health innovation and its deep commitment to uplifting community-driven policy solutions that create lasting change for the people of �鶹��ý and the Pacific Islands.

“We are grateful to the Helmsley Charitable Trust for enabling us to assist key policymakers with important research that will go towards improving health care access in our state and Pacific Island communities,” said Interim UH Vice President for Research and Innovation Chad Walton. “Private investments like these further validate the quality and trust in the UH research enterprise, and help to keep us on course in this challenging federal funding environment.”

The ’s nearly 20-year involvement in a national effort to support underrepresented students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has come to an end, following the termination of federal funding for the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program.

Since 2006, UH Hilo has led the Islands of Opportunity Alliance, using LSAMP support to provide mentorship, research stipends and academic pathways for Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and first-generation college students.

Over the years, LSAMP empowered nearly 400 UH Hilo students—and more than 1,300 across the region—through transformative experiences that propelled many into graduate programs and leadership positions in �鶹��ý‘s STEM workforce. Until its recent termination, the grant also supported students at UH ����ԴDz�, UH West Oʻahu, Chaminade, �鶹��ý Pacific University, the University of Guam and numerous community colleges throughout the Pacific.

“LSAMP helped me connect my cultural identity to scientific research,” said Shania Tamagyongfal, a Yapese student who earned both her undergraduate degree in anthropology and master’s in heritage management at UH Hilo. “It gave me the confidence to lead, collaborate, and pursue work that matters to my community. Losing this program is a real setback for students like me.”

Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin noted that LSAMP “embodied our commitment to creating pathways for historically underserved students in higher education. It not only supported academic success but also helped our students see themselves as scientists, researchers and leaders. Its legacy will remain part of how we move forward.”

Keaholoa STEM Scholars Program also impacted

The termination also affects the Keaholoa STEM Scholars Program, a UH Hilo initiative that blends Hawaiian values with scientific education, offering students a culturally grounded space to explore STEM.

“Programs like Keaholoa and LSAMP help our students see that science can reflect their culture, language and values,” said Keaholoa Program Manager Keala Campbell. “That connection empowers them, not just to succeed academically, but to lead in ways that honor who they are. We’re committed to finding ways to keep that momentum going.”

Next steps

UH Hilo leadership remains committed to building on the foundation LSAMP and Keaholoa established—finding new ways to support students, advance equity in STEM, and honor the programs’ enduring impact.

“The community we’ve built around these programs is strong,” said LSAMP Program Director Joseph Genz, “and we’re doing everything we can to keep that momentum going.”

‘Not in alignment with current NSF Priorities’

On May 2, 2025, UH Hilo received official notice from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that LSAMP funding would be terminated, effective immediately, representing a loss of nearly $2.3 million in support over the next five years. The NSF offered the following justification for its decision: “termination of certain awards is necessary because they are not in alignment with current NSF Priorities.”

LSAMP joins a growing list of federally funded programs across the UH system affected by evolving national grant priorities—more than 80 programs have been impacted to date.

The University of �鶹��ý is part of a new Pacific initiative focused on regional collaboration among emerging leaders in the Pacific in vital areas including natural resource economics and management, climate resilience, sustainable food systems, renewable energy development, water security, waste management, and more.

The University of the South Pacific was awarded a $5 million grant from the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs to establish a resilience and adaptation fellowship program with UH and other partner institutions. President Joe Biden officially announced the grant as part of the .

A UH delegation met with a group from the University of the South Pacific in June 2024 to help launch this new initiative. The UH delegation included UH President David Lassner, UH ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno, UH ����ԴDz� Interim Christopher Sabine, and UH ����ԴDz� (CTAHR) Climate and Agroforestry Extension Specialist Ashley McGuigan, who also serves as the �鶹��ý U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands Coordinator for the .

“This collaboration represents a pivotal step in nurturing the next generation of Pacific leaders equipped to tackle climate challenges,” Lassner said. “Weʻre sharing knowledge, ideas and experience across the Pacific to create a more sustainable and resilient future for our region.”

Bruno added, “The Pacific Islands are on the frontlines of climate change, and this partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to actionable solutions. Through this program, we’re investing in the human capital that will drive sustainable development and ensure the long-term prosperity of Pacific communities.”

The delegations discussed ways to implement the interdisciplinary program, including helping to facilitate PhD students from the University of the South Pacific and its 12 member countries (Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu) to come to UH to be co-supervised by UH faculty to help develop capacity related to climate adaption, mitigation and resilience in the Pacific. This program is also intended to help support the exchange of UH faculty to the University of the South Pacific.

The University of the South Pacific has also received funding from Aotearoa, New Zealand, a significant contributor to climate change research and action, to establish a center that will contribute to improved institutional capability and evidence-based decision-making in the Pacific region, fostering climate resilience and driving ambitious and innovative action on climate change. UH and the University of the South Pacific also discussed ways both institutions can collaborate and partner under this new center, including via a developing climate partnership with the USDA and CTAHR.

More opportunities related to this project will be announced at a later date.

Kathlina Martin, an alumna of the at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�, is helping to bring Micronesian culture to global audiences through her involvement with , a traveling theatre company.

Martin’s connection to theater emerged from her desire to preserve Micronesian cultural narratives. Inspired by TeAda Productions’ mission to amplify marginalized voices, she found their community-driven storytelling approach reminiscent of the sipai (skits) she performed growing up. TeAda produces plays that address health, education and social justice issues.

Born on the island of Piis Paneu in Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia, Martin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Guam and later earned her master of social work from UH ����ԴDz� in 2011. She taught high school for three years before moving to �鶹��ý, and currently works with immigrant communities as a migrant education specialist for Pacific Resources for Education and Learning. Her work helps connect migrant families to community resources such as resource fairs, job fairs and food banks.

Dual roles bridge past and present for Pacific Islanders

After attending a community engagement workshop for TeAda Productions’ play Nothing Micro About Micronesia, Martin was invited to join the cast. She plays Tinana, the grandmother, and Mama Kiwin, who uses magic to control the elements. The play has been performed in several cities and is scheduled for upcoming showings, including at the Pacific Youth Empowerment for Success conference on �鶹��ý Island in October.

“There’s nothing micro about Micronesia. Just look at it. You have almost over two hundred thousand people throughout and a large ocean that they use as their highway, even today,” Martin said. “There are big moments of our [geographic region of Micronesia] history that most everyone knows about too, whether it’s the bombing of the Marshall Islands or the famous navigators with their advanced charts.”

Theresa Kreif, director of Pacific Pathways & Workforce Development Initiatives at the Thompson school, praised Martin’s innovative approach to advocacy.

“Kathy’s investment in showcasing the cultural strengths of Micronesia-connected communities through theater increases the visibility of their numerous contributions and ensures a space where culture is celebrated,” she said.

Through her work as a social worker and her volunteerism in community theater, Martin aspires to highlight the wisdom, strength and resiliency of Micronesia, fostering a sense of familial unity akin to her island upbringing.

—By Maria Pou

The and UH ����ԴDz� played significant roles in the 13th (FestPAC), the largest gathering celebrating Indigenous Pacific Islanders worldwide that was held in �鶹��ý in June 2024.

The opening and closing ceremonies were held at the Stan Sheriff Center at UH ����ԴDz�. Both events buzzed with vibrant energy as more than 2,000 delegates from 27 Pacific Island nations, including �鶹��ý offered song, chants and dances to officially begin and end the event.

“Our university is honored to have served as a base, marking the beginning and end of such an anticipated event that is put on across the Pacific in an effort to preserve traditional practices and rich heritage of Indigenous arts,” said UH President David Lassner. “The diversity and creativity showcased by each participating nation throughout FestPAC has been truly inspiring.”

Throughout the 10-day islandwide festival, the UH ����ԴDz� campus served as a home base for 1,527 delegates who stayed in student housing facilities. During FestPAC, UH ����ԴDz� and UH West Oʻahu hosted a series of events, including performances and symposia open to the public. On June 10 and 11, Lassner spearheaded a two-day Pacific Higher Education Summit at the East-West Center. Leaders from more than 20 universities across the Pacific gathered to discuss mutual concerns regarding education access, broadband connectivity, and universities’ roles in addressing climate change and sustainability.

At UH West Oʻahu’s Campus Courtyard, audiences were treated to free performances showcasing traditional music and dances from Australia, the Federated States of Micronesia, Taiwan, French Polynesia, Niue, Norfolk Island, Guam, and Wallis and Futuna.

The Marine Education Training Center at also hosted traditional waʻa (canoes) that carried in representatives from various Pacific nations.

Hoʻoulu Lāhui: Regenerating Oceania

Organizers selected this year’s festival theme, Hoʻoulu Lāhui: Regenerating Oceania. In ʻōlelo �鶹��ý (Hawaiian language), Hoʻoulu lāhui means “to grow the nation.” FestPAC’s mission is to revive and sustain traditional practices and knowledge.

Originating in 1972, the festival rotates its host nation every four years and has grown into the largest of its kind, attracting participants from nations across the Pasifika (Pacific) such as American Samoa, Cook Islands, Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

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The University of �鶹��ý–West Oʻahu will feature cultural performances from various Pacific nations as one of the venues for the (FestPAC), the world’s largest celebration of Indigenous Pacific Islanders taking place at multiple venues across Oʻahu. The FestPAC opening and closing ceremonies will be held at UH ����ԴDz� in the Stan Sheriff Center.

The events at UH West Oʻahu will be held 3–8 p.m. on Monday, June 10, and Thursday, June 13, and will showcase performers from nations including Australia, the Federated States of Micronesia, Taiwan, French Polynesia, Niue, Norfolk Island, Guam, and Wallis and Futuna.

“We’re looking forward to having the UH West Oʻahu campus serve as one of our performance venues for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture,” said FestPAC director Aaron J. Salā, who is also a program director at UH West Oʻahu. “We encourage the public to attend these free events, and we hope to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for residents and visitors to celebrate and immerse themselves in this important celebration of culture and arts.”

UH West Oʻahu guests are invited to bring mats and small beach/lawn chairs, and spread out across the Campus Courtyard (between buildings C, D and E). Da Spot will be open for food, and snacks and drinks will also be sold at the Outdoor Learning Space. No coolers or alcohol, please.

Tentative schedule of UH West Oʻahu performances

Monday, June 10
3 p.m.—�鶹��ý: UH West Oʻahu Welcome
3:30 p.m.—Australia
4:30 p.m.—The Federated States of Micronesia
5:30 p.m.—Taiwan
6:30 p.m.—Wallis and Futuna

Thursday, June 13
3 p.m.—�鶹��ý: UH West Oʻahu Welcome
3:30 p.m.—French Polynesia
4:30 p.m.—Niue
5:30 p.m.—Norfolk Island
6:30 p.m.—Guam

FestPAC events at UH ����ԴDz�

The FestPAC opening ceremony will be held at the Stan Sheriff Center on June 6 from 4 to 9 p.m. The Sheriff Center will also host the ecumenical service on Sunday, June 9 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and the closing ceremony on Sunday, June 16 from 3 to 5 p.m.

UH ����ԴDz� is also providing on campus housing for about 1,600 FestPAC delegates during the festival, and UH President David Lassner is hosting a Pacific Higher Education Summit on June 10 and 11 at the East-West Center.

Hoʻoulu Lāhui: Regenerating Oceania

The theme selected for the 13th FestPAC is Hoʻoulu Lāhui: Regenerating Oceania. Hoʻoulu lāhui means “to grow the nation.”

The 10-day islandwide festival will bring together more than 2,500 delegates—artists, cultural practitioners, scholars and officials—from 28 Pacific nations, such as American Samoa, Cook Islands, Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

More than 50 programs and events, including a Festival Village and Marketplace at the �鶹��ý Convention Center, conferences and symposia, live performances, cultural workshops, hands-on demonstrations, films, storytelling and more, will promote cultural exchange, appreciation and celebration.

For more information about FestPAC, visit . Learn more about FestPAC events at .

A new bi-weekly podcast has set sail to showcase the voices of Oceania’s people, artists and scholars. Launched this spring from the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s (CPIS), the debut episode of , aired on February 27 and attracted hundreds of listeners.

The new podcast is recorded in cutting-edge facilities at UH ����ԴDz�’s and hosted by CPIS Associate Professor Tarcisius “Tara” Kabutaulaka and Kenji Cataldo, a graduate assistant at CPIS.

“I hope listeners will learn more about Oceania, Pacific Island cultures, about the issues that are important to Pacific Islanders, and the challenges and opportunities they face in the 21st century,” said Kabutaulaka. “It is also about understanding and learning from the past in order to ‘way find’ into the future.”

The premiere episode featured interviews with past and present CPIS faculty, including CPIS Director Alexander Mawyer, Emeritus Professor Terence Wesley-Smith and Professor Katerina Teaiwa, a CPIS alumna now teaching at the Australian National University. Each discussed the significance of the Pacific Islands studies department which is centered around encompassing a deeper understanding of Oceania, a region consisting of Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.

• Related UH News story: 1st Indigenous woman named top Australian university teacher, March 21, 2022

“After months of preparation for the launch, it’s exciting to see the strong response to our first episode across Oceania, the U.S., and even other parts of the world,” said Cataldo. “Dr. Tara has had the vision for this project for some time, and the time now is right. Dr. Tara says, the currents are flowing!”

Listeners can catch Oceania Currents on and podcasts. A new episode posts every other Tuesday. It also airs on every other Thursday, 8–9 a.m. and on East-West Center’s , a collaborative project supported by the Pacific Islands Development Program and CPIS.

CPIS is housed in the UH ����ԴDz� .

A new for the Territory of American Samoa was released to the public, enabling the community to visualize how the shoreline is likely to change from coastal flooding, sea-level rise, hurricane storm surge and high tides.

The visualization tool will be an essential component in future planning to assess the short and long-term impacts of rising seas and to minimize the risks to coastal communities, infrastructure and the environment.

A partnership of organizations at the University of �鶹��ý developed the American Samoa Sea Level Rise Viewer over the course of two years, with the (PacIOOS) preparing the platform for the (UHSLC) using funding from the (PI-CASC) and local extension facilitation from (�鶹��ý Sea Grant).

While there are other sea-level rise viewers throughout the continental U.S. and �鶹��ý, this mapping tool is of particular importance to American Samoa. Local sea levels have been rising from climate change effects at rates 2.8 times faster than the global average. Beyond that, ever since a devastating 2009 earthquake and tsunami, American Samoa has been actively sinking. This sinking, called subsidence, contributes even more relative change in water levels, with estimates suggesting roughly twice as much total sea-level rise, for these islands, by 2060 than what is predicted from climate effects alone.

Kelley Anderson Tagarino, �鶹��ý Sea Grant extension agent based at the , along with local colleagues began to notice a distinct increase of sea levels in tide gauge data, beginning at the time of the 2009 earthquake. She ultimately created a partnership to develop an interactive tool demonstrating sea-level rise projections, engaging Phil Thompson, director of UHSLC, and his PI-CASC graduate scholar Carla Baizeau and the PacIOOS team.

Tagarino said, “I sought funding for a sea-level rise viewer to empower our community to plan for our future. Now, everyone can use the viewer to zoom in to specific areas and even individual homes, which is critical to developing resilience plans at the village level.”

The sea-level rise viewer is already being used to inform the design of the new Pago Pago airport terminal buildings.

Threatening natural, cultural resources

Beyond critical infrastructure, the high rates of sea-level rise also threaten natural and cultural resources, agriculture, water resources, critical habitat and much more.

Alphina Liusamoa, a turtle biologist with the , is thrilled to find areas with important ecological zones included, like sea turtle nesting beaches on outer islands. “This is incredibly valuable as it allows us to comprehensively assess the risk of rising sea levels to these important nesting habitats. The tool’s interactive nature provides a valuable opportunity for education and outreach, and it can assist us in implementing conservation measures to protect these fragile ecosystems.”

Baizeau traveled from �鶹��ý to join Tagarino and present the sea-level rise viewer to community leaders and other officials throughout the territory, and at Amerika Samoa’s 2nd Annual Disaster Resilience Summit in September.

“I was lucky enough to go to American Samoa and meet with the village chiefs and students,” said Baizeau. “Everyone was very interested in learning how to use the viewer so they can start planning for their future. It has been really gratifying to be part of this project, and I hope to continue to improve on the work we’ve started.”

Future plans for the tool include adding the effects of wind and wave activity.

For more information, contact: Kelley Anderson Tagarino (kelleyat@hawaii.edu); Cindy Knapman (lknapman@hawaii.edu); Rachel Lentz (rlentz@hawaii.edu) or info@PacIOOS.org.