Chris Ibarra’s journey from student to teacher is one fueled by perseverance, passion and a commitment to his community. The �鶹��ý Island native graduated from Konawaena High School in 2000 and completed the two-year automotive program at in Hilo in 2002, under instructors Ken Shimizu and Harold Fujii.

Today, Ibarra is giving back by teaching the next generation of mechanics through a partnership that he helped to establish between the �鶹��ý Department of Education (DOE) and .

Through Early College, students at Kelakehe High School can earn college credits toward a degree in from �鶹��ý CC–������������Գܾ�.

Kalei Haleamau-Kam, director of �鶹��ý CC–������������Գܾ�, said “The enrollment numbers have grown in Automotive Technology, and the program is going strong because of the internal support that the DOE has given the program and the partnership of the workforce community. The Automotive Technology model has inspired other programs, such as offering Culinary Academy classes at Konawaena, a sustainability certificate at Kohala, and others in the making.”

The rough road to teaching

Post-graduation, Ibarra’s early career included a short stint at Island Chevrolet and years alongside his father at Randy’s Repair.

After working as a mechanic for Nanea Golf Club, Ibarra’s former high school teacher, Butch Hughes, asked him for help with a truck—reigniting his connection to teaching. Ibarra started as a part-time teacher at Kealakehe in 2007 and was hired full-time as a temporary emergency hire the following year.

The road to becoming a certified teacher wasn’t easy, and Ibarra squeezed by for about seven years. He eventually earned his alternative Career and Technical Education certification in 2016 through Leeward Community College after multiple attempts at the exams.

“So many Leeward CC and Kealakehe teachers were rooting for me and helping me,” he said.

Driving futures forward

On the cusp of his sixth year of teaching through the Early College program at �鶹��ý CC–������������Գܾ�, Ibarra is seeing the impact firsthand. About a dozen of his students graduated in May.
“We do a lot of high tech stuff,” Ibarra said. “And the kids, that’s where they find their home—in auto shop. They’re good with their hands. They’re smart kids. They’re really good kids.”

Despite the challenges and pay cut that came with switching from the private sector to teaching, Ibarra knows he’s where he belongs.

“I had students graduate, and I see them in the community,” Ibarra said. “It’s worth a lot more than the pay.”

Through his dedication, Ibarra is proving that giving back can drive futures forward.

For Drew Camacho, the journey from addiction to academic success has been transformative. A former heroin user, the �鶹��ý Island native spent more than a decade in a destructive cycle of substance abuse, felony charges and incarceration.

“Looking back, I think I’ve always kind of had issues with substance abuse. No outlets, no real support,” Camacho said. “And as a local boy, like our culture—we don’t talk about these kinds of things. We don’t tell anybody, ‘Hey, I need help.’”

After serving 16 months in prison for multiple violations, Camacho was given an unexpected opportunity that changed his life—a chance to enroll in a treatment program at Bridge House in Kailua-Kona. During his time at Bridge House, Camacho worked on his recovery in a 7-acre lychee farm and in the garden. However, when it was time to transition out of treatment, Camacho was unsure of his next step. That’s when a counselor introduced him to .

Pālamanui gives ‘peace’

Camacho enrolled there in 2021, initially pursuing a certificate in substance abuse counseling, while working at Bridge House. However, after experiencing burnout, he pivoted to liberal arts and found his true passion in caring for the land, with the help of mentors such as lecturer Richard Stevens and academic advisor Kalei Haleamau-Kam, who is now the director of �鶹��ý CC–Pālamanui.

After taking a history class from Stevens that emphasized love of and service to the land, Camacho started working in the campus’ botanical garden.

“I started learning about my (Hawaiian) culture, and doors just started opening,” Camacho said. “And I love that place. It gives me peace.”

He teared up, describing Stevens as a father figure and a friend, whom he joins with in the lava fields and the trees of the Pālamanui Forest Preserve for conservation work almost every week.

Camacho said, “He’s lived an amazing life, and he’s passed on some of his morals and his values and his mindset to me to just keep going and take care of the land, and how important our land is.”

Stevens described Camacho as someone “solid” who impressed him from their first meeting.

“Whether in the classroom, or in the field preserving and restoring the endangered Hawaiian lowland dry forest and ancient Hawaiian trail system, Drew is there, not only backing up all that we do, but leading the way,” said Stevens. “He is a dynamic, humble and natural leader with a personal quest for excellence combined with an immense love and devotion to the ʻaina, the culture and his ‘team’ of classmates, teachers and community members.”

Haleamau-Kam added, “I am proud of Drew’s educational success. Watching him grow, push through challenges, and stay true to his goals has been nothing short of inspiring.”

Captain of the ‘Dream Team’

Camacho’s determination and resilience have inspired many around him. It is no surprise that he was selected to be the student speaker at Pālamanui’s commencement ceremony on May 17.

Stevens said, “I have been keeping in mind a ‘Dream Team’ of the top students I’ve had in almost 40 years of teaching—absolutely the most brilliant in the classroom and the most valuable in the field. Drew is the captain of that team.“

In the future, Camacho plans to take more classes in and pursue a bachelor’s degree online at UH Hilo through the UH education center at Pālamanui. His dream is to have a community-based substance abuse treatment center that focuses on reconnecting people to the land through growing food, agroforestry and farming.

Meet more amazing UH spring graduates

He has a message for his fellow graduates that resonates from his life experiences and from his heart.

“For those who are graduating, that’s a testament to the courage to keep going and the willingness to trudge through adversity,” Camacho said. “That’s pretty much my message—to continue, and don’t stop. This is not the end. This is just one chapter in the beginning of a new journey.”

—By Kelli Abe Trifonovitch

Susan Kazama has been recommended to be the next chancellor by University of �鶹��ý Vice President for Community Colleges Erika Lacro to UH President David Lassner. Her effective date of appointment is July 19, 2024.

“Susan Kazama is a home-grown chancellor who is dedicated to serving the diverse communities of the �鶹��ý Island,” said Lacro. “She brings her broad experience and commitment to the University of �鶹��ý to the position, and she will continue the work of this past year of reaching out to the local employers to ensure �鶹��ý Community College is training students for the local workforce needs.”

Kazama has been serving as the interim chancellor at �鶹��ý CC since July 1, 2023. She began her work in the UH system in 1987, starting as a librarian at UH Maui College and Honolulu CC. She spent 12 years at UH ����ԴDz�’s Hamilton Library before accepting the library director position at Kapiʻolani CC in 2001. She served as interim vice chancellor for academic affairs at Kapiʻolani CC and Honolulu CC until 2021, when she became a program coordinator for continuing education at Kapiʻolani CC. She also served on the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges for seven years, including three years as the chair, past chair and vice chair.

“I am so grateful to have this opportunity to return home and serve the kauhale (group of houses comprising a Hawaiian home) and the community that I grew up in,” Kazama said. “�鶹��ý Community College offers not only access to higher education, but also workforce training for our community members who want to reskill and upskill for a higher paying job. I look forward to working with the dedicated faculty, staff, administrators and our community, to continue supporting our students and ensuring everyone who wants to pursue higher education has the opportunity to do so.”

Kazama is a product of public education in �鶹��ý. Born and raised in Hilo, she graduated from Waiākea High School and earned a masters in library science and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UH ����ԴDz�.

In a fitting tribute, the main entry road to has been officially named after the late Rockne Freitas, the former �鶹��ý CC chancellor who played a major role in developing the campus on �鶹��ý Island. Before Pālamanui opened in August 2015, West �鶹��ý had been the only major population center in the state without a permanent facility for higher education.

A dedication ceremony that included kīpaepae—a ceremony for the introduction and transition into new spaces—was held on February 10, when the new Rockne Freitas Way sign was also unveiled.

Raynette “Kalei” Haleamau-Kam, director of �鶹��ý CC–������������Գܾ�, knew Freitas for decades and worked with him when he served as chancellor at �鶹��ý CC.

“I would like to mahalo Rockne for his leadership and tenacity to not give up on our community. Now it is up to us to continue his vision and preserve his legacy,” said Haleamau-Kam. “He would extend his hand to those in the back row, encouraging them to step forward and embrace greater opportunities to service the community. I am a testament to Rockne’s dedication to pulling people from the shadows and urging them to make a bigger impact.”

The UH Board of Regents approved the honorific naming in August 2023. Freitas, who died in 2022, served in many leadership roles at UH, including as �鶹��ý CC chancellor from 2004 to 2010. He was a driving force in securing funding and establishing the partnerships that would enable the �鶹��ý CC–������������Գܾ� campus to be built.

When he served as chancellor of �鶹��ý CC, Freitas spurred Taupouri Tangarō, the current director of Hawaiian culture and protocols engagement for �鶹��ý CC and UH Hilo, to develop the kīpaepae. The ceremony is now requested to enrich special occasions and events about 50 times a year.

“Rockne did not lead from a distance, from behind closed doors. Rockne was in our offices, our classrooms, in our ceremonies,” said Tangarō. “It was clear, always, how proud he was of how we intersected Hawaiian culture and academics. Rockne’s famous saying, ‘What’s good for the Hawaiian is good for the world!” is true! When aloha is our anchor and our lead, nature smiles, and we smile. This is Rockne’s way!”

The symbolism of the naming of Rockne Freitas Way resonated with his family, who said that Freitas believed that education was a path forward.

“He said to be a lifelong learner. Every day you should be learning something different, and through that process of education, you are also building relationships. It was of huge importance to us growing up,” recalled son Makai Freitas.

Son Makoa Freitas said, “The legacy I would think he would want is one of education. How life really is all about education and through education you can change lives and you can do things for the better.”

�鶹��ý CC–������������Գܾ� offers associate degrees and certificate programs. The campus also serves as a , with more than 60 certificates, bachelor’s degrees and graduate degrees from campuses across the UH system.

—By Kelli Abe Trifonovitch

The main entry road to in North Kona, �鶹��ý is now “Rockne Freitas Way,” named in honor of the late �鶹��ý CC chancellor who played a major role in developing the campus.

The University of �鶹��ý Board of Regents (BOR) approved the honorific naming at the August 17 board meeting. Freitas’ sons, Makai and Makoa, both testified in support of the measure.

“Dad believed in education,” said Makai Freitas at the meeting. “He believed education was a path forward, so the (symbolism) of Rockne Freitas Way resonates a lot for us.”

�鶹��ý CC–Pālamanui opened its doors in 2015 after years of planning and construction. The new campus is also home to the �鶹��ý and created a permanent home for higher education in West �鶹��ý, which had been one of the most underserved regions of the state.

Freitas, who died in 2022, served in many leadership roles at UH, including as �鶹��ý CC chancellor from 2004 to 2010. He was a driving force in securing funding and establishing the partnerships that would allow the �鶹��ý CC–Pālamanui campus to be built.

“While at �鶹��ý Community College, he had a vision on ways to help the youth of West �鶹��ý and inspired the community to make the campus at Pālamanui a reality,” said Interim �鶹��ý CC Chancellor Susan Kazama in her testimony to the BOR. “His legacy is his strong advocacy and advancement of Native Hawaiians and other underserved populations. His impact on our college will always be felt. Naming the entryway after Rockne Freitas is an appropriate honor to preserve his legacy.”

Following his All-Pro career as an NFL lineman, Freitas served in several administrative roles during a 23-year career at the University of �鶹��ý. He was a pioneer in Native Hawaiian advancement, including as a leader in establishing �鶹��ý Papa O Ke Ao, a plan for UH to become the model Indigenous-serving higher education institution in the state and the nation.

Raynette “Kalei” Haleamau-Kam, the director of �鶹��ý CC–Pālamanui, has worked at the college for more than 30 years and has seen up close the transformation brought about through Freitas’ efforts.

“I would like to mahalo Rockne for his leadership and tenacity to not give up on our community,” said Haleamau-Kam. “Now it is up to us to continue his vision and preserve his legacy.”

�鶹��ý CC plans to host an event later in the semester to celebrate the honorific naming.

�鶹��ý CC–Pālamanui offers affordable, accessible higher education pathways for West �鶹��ý residents with associate degrees and certificates in nursing, culinary arts, natural science, liberal arts, Hawaiian studies and more. The degrees prepare students to enter the workforce right after graduation or transfer to a bachelor’s degree program to continue their studies.

The University Center, West �鶹��ý provides access and support for local students who want to enroll in online and hybrid bachelor’s and graduate degree programs from UH four-year campuses.

Susan Kazama has been appointed interim chancellor of effective July 1. Kazama replaces Rachel Solemsaas, who stepped down as chancellor in June after serving for seven years. The search for a permanent chancellor will begin in the fall 2023 semester with the convening of a selection committee. The search process is expected to run through 2024, with a target of having a permanent chancellor in place by July 2024.

The interim appointment of Kazama was made by University of �鶹��ý Acting Vice President for Community Colleges Della Teraoka after a solicitation for qualified candidates and candidate review. The appointment was then approved by UH President David Lassner and publicly posted.

“Susan has demonstrated her leadership in various roles in the community colleges, and she is committed to working with the administrative team, faculty, staff and community to ensure the college is meeting the needs of students while preparing them for the workforce on �鶹��ý island,” Teraoka said.

Kazama has worked in the UH system since 1987, starting as a librarian at UH Maui College and Honolulu CC. She spent 12 years at UH Mānoa’s Hamilton Library before accepting the library director position at Kapiʻolani CC in 2001. She served as interim vice chancellor for academic affairs at Kapiʻolani CC and Honolulu CC until 2021, when she became a program coordinator for continuing education at Kapiʻolani CC. She also served on the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges for seven years, including three years as the chair, past chair and vice chair during a turbulent time for the commission.

She is a product of public education in �鶹��ý. Born and raised in Hilo, Kazama is a proud graduate of Waiākea High School and earned a masters in library science and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UH Mānoa.

Efforts to protect tropical lowland dry forest in North Kona recently got a big boost as and the state D (DLNR) finalized an agreement to conserve a 706-acre parcel adjacent to the Pālamanui campus.

The Pālamanui Forest Preserve is home to a critically endangered type of ecosystem in �鶹��ý as less than 5% of tropical lowland dry forest remains since human settlement, according to experts.

Under the agreement, �鶹��ý CC–Pālamanui and the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) will collaborate to protect the area from various threats, such as wildfire and destructive animals, while using it as a living laboratory for students and community members.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the DLNR and DOFAW to protect and restore this threatened ecosystem,” said �鶹��ý CC Chancellor Rachel Solemsaas. “This conservation effort will contribute to carbon sequestration to combat climate change, create unique learning opportunities for the local community, and more. �鶹��ý Community College is committed to the principle of mālama ʻāina, and this project is one way we’re putting that value into action.”

Living laboratory

�鶹��ý CC–Pālamanui lecturer Richard Stevens has been taking his students and the community to the preserve to help with reforestation efforts for years.

In spring 2022, he took his History 151 students to gather seeds from ancient wiliwili trees to take to the State Tree Nursery. After the seeds are grown into young plants, some will be replanted around the “parent” trees as part of reforestation efforts.

“I think that having access to this land helps build relationships and helps community building within the school,” said student Jordyn Picadura.

Picadura said Stevens tried to instill a sense of responsibility in his students to take care of the land and give back.

Stevens said, “It will be part of the reforestation of the drylands here, which is our long-term objective to bring back the lowland dry forest to its former glory.”

For his dedication to nature conservation, Stevens was the from the U. S. Department of the Interior.

Gov. Ige plants tree

On June 24, Gov. David Ige got a close-up look at the Pālamanui living laboratory and planted another tree to count toward the to plant, restore and conserve 100 million trees around the islands by 2030.

That same day, the governor visited the campus, where Elliot Parsons of the UH Regional Species and Climate Change Management Network showed him the garden named “The forest of loved souls,” where native trees are being planted to increase their numbers.

Parsons said, “We need trees, the Earth needs trees, this island needs trees. When you have a personal connection with the trees you are planting, it takes it to an even deeper level.”

• Related UH News stories:
  • 706-acre Pālamanui forest preserve a ‘living laboratory,’ November 30, 2021
  • Ancient trail at �鶹��ý Community College–Pālamanui mapped, December 15, 2015

Former UH vice president for student affairs Doris Ching remembers Rockne Freitas

Rockne Freitas was a man dedicated to educational opportunity and success for all students and, especially, for Native Hawaiians and other student populations previously underserved and underrepresented in higher education. Whether he served the University of �鶹��ý as associate athletics director, vice president for university relations, or chancellor of a community college or four-year campus, Rockne never wavered from his advocacy for the educational success of Native Hawaiians—historically, one of the most underserved and underrepresented populations in higher education. His vision was to inspire Native Hawaiian students’ academic success as a means to elevate the economic and leadership status of Native Hawaiians in the State of �鶹��ý.

As associate athletics director, Rockne initiated the Student Athlete Guidance Education program to help student athletes succeed both in athletics and in academics. As vice president for university relations, Rockne—with the vice president for student affairs—visited every public high school on Oʻahu, �鶹��ý Island, Kauaʻi, and Maui and met with school administrators, college counselors and athletics directors to strengthen school-college relations and gain insights into how the University of �鶹��ý could more effectively serve students as they transitioned from high school to college.

• Related UH News:
  In Memoriam: Pioneering Native Hawaiian educator and athlete Rockne Freitas, June 14, 2022
  Statement by former UH President Albert Simone, June 14, 2022
  UH statement on the death of Rockne Freitas, June 9, 2022

More importantly, Rockne envisioned the University of �鶹��ý as the world’s model Indigenous-serving higher education institution in leadership development and community engagement, gaining Hawaiian culture and language parity for Native Hawaiians. He was instrumental in the development and adoption of the �鶹��ý Papa O Ke Ao Plan in 2012. As chancellor of �鶹��ý Community College and UH West Oʻahu, Rockne implemented the �鶹��ý Papa O Ke Ao Plan as he developed programs and steeped the campuses with Native Hawaiian culture and values. He furthered his vision with the buildout of the Pālamanui campus, a previously underserved region in higher education on the west side of �鶹��ý Island. Today, his expansion of UH West Oʻahu with programs, faculty and staff, and state-of-the-art facilities such as the Creative Media Center is a center of higher education access for the population on the westside of Oʻahu so that it is no longer a historically underserved area in higher education.

Rockne Freitas’ legacy is his strong advocacy, actions and accomplishments for the advancement of Native Hawaiians and other underserved and underrepresented populations with opportunities to succeed academically, financially, culturally and in leadership in the university and in the community for current and future generations.

—Doris Ching, former UH vice president for student affairs, associate dean of the UH ����ԴDz� College of Education and UH West Oʻahu interim vice chancellor

Eight automotive mechanics technology students took the fast lane to graduation on May 14, as members of an innovative pilot program—the first of its kind in the State of �鶹��ý. Just one year after high school, these students graduated from the in Kona with Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in (AMT).

They now have college degrees and work experience, and are ready for a job market where there is strong local demand for their skills.

“It was a really great experience,” said graduate Titon Riveira. “I learned a lot of things, and it woke me up to the automotive world.”

The graduates were part of the Kealakehe High School (KHS) Automotive Mechanics Early College Pilot Program, which was launched in 2019 to meet the needs of local students and the Kona community.

The program helped Ken Takeishi attain a long-held goal.

“It came by really fast,” said Takeishi. “I’m excited though because I finally have a degree from college, and I always dreamed of having a degree from college.”

More highlights from the commencement ceremonies and our amazing graduates

The program is a partnership between �鶹��ý P–20 Partnerships in Education, KHS, �鶹��ý CC and Kona automotive businesses.

“This program is a creative solution that provides West �鶹��ý youth with valuable training in a skilled trade while also supporting the needs of local businesses,” said Raynette “Kalei” Haleamau-Kam, director of �鶹��ý CC–������������Գܾ�. “It was truly a community effort. Mahalo to everyone involved.”

Jump start in high school

The AMT Early College program gave these students a jump start on their college degrees while they were in high school. They began earning credits toward their college degrees in 2019 as juniors at KHS; they completed approximately half the degree requirements by the time they graduated from high school in 2021; and this past academic year, they completed their AAS degrees through a combination of work-based learning at Kona automotive shops and classes at �鶹��ý CC–������������Գܾ�.

Early College classes—which allow high school students to take classes that satisfy requirements for both a high school diploma and a college degree—have become widespread in recent years. What makes the AMT Early College program unique is that it is Career and Technical Education (CTE) focused, is cohort-based, and prepares students for specific careers for which there is a demonstrated need in the community.

�鶹��ý CC Chancellor Rachel Solemsaas said the AMT program is part of a growing trend at �鶹��ý CC to offer more Early College CTE programs, in order to support �鶹��ý Island’s high school seniors’ college and career plans.

“On the initial implementation of Early College, we noticed we were not reaching as many non-college-going high school students as we wanted,” said Solemsaas. “By offering Early College Career and Technical Education programs like Automotive Mechanics Technology to the high schools, we can reach a different population of students, who can see a college pathway is attainable for them, and provide a boost to their college and career journeys.”

In addition to the AMT students, 18 students from Kaʻū High School are receiving certificates in Agriculture from �鶹��ý CC this year. �鶹��ý CC’s Early Childhood Education program has also partnered with local high schools on the , and there are conversations about adding more Early College pathways in carpentry and the culinary arts.

The ultimate goal, Solemsaas said, is to increase the rate at which �鶹��ý Island high school graduates attend college and improve their career mobility by allowing them to earn degrees and certificates.

Collaboration key to success

Chris Ibarra, a KHS and �鶹��ý CC Automotive Mechanics Instructor, said the Kona businesses were essential partners and gave students valuable experience.

“The businesses and relationships we made in the community were a big help, because the students got the full experience of a shop with the hands-on learning and added pressure that comes with it,” Ibarra said.

Funding for the partnership is supported by �鶹��ý Community Foundation, GEAR UP �鶹��ý, the Stupski Foundation, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, �鶹��ý 3R’s and the Ēlama Project.

After Chase Fernandez received his �鶹��ý CC diploma, the graduate gave a big mahalo to everyone involved.

“Thank you, everybody, for your support and trying to get us through this program,” said Fernandez. “I know it wasn’t easy. Much aloha to everyone who helped get us to this point.”

—By Thatcher J. P. Moats

A $500,000 grant awarded to the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo will fund a pilot program that will partner student peer mentors with faculty to grow and secure the pipeline to college for youth on �鶹��ý Island.

Oak Foundation seeded the innovative tiered program being developed at the Center for Place-Based Socioemotional Development, also known as The Hilo Center. The grant was recently awarded to the �鶹��ý Island campus program by the Oak Foundation Fund at the �鶹��ý Community Foundation. Oak Foundation, which is based in Geneva, Switzerland, has invested in a number of other �鶹��ý Island community programs, including the 13th year program at .

“Support for this new program demonstrates Oak Foundation’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of �鶹��ý Island youth and a continued investment in higher education,” said UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin. “We all benefit from strengthening the university’s connection to the community and from building the pipeline to college and helping students succeed.”

The tiered mentoring program is modeled after a number of successful student-led and partnership mentoring models. It also derives from previous research on student support conducted by Margary Martin, executive director of the Hilo Center and an associate professor in UH Hilo’s School of Education, who will lead the program.

Martin said the COVID-19 pandemic has isolated students from their peers and professors and noted that even though classes are starting to resume in person, many students are choosing to stay online, which may have a direct impact on their college experiences, mental health and success.

“That sense of belonging and relationships are two of the strongest predictors for persisting with college and graduation rates,” she said. “We’re trying to create this whole pipeline of students, families and local communities to create these supportive networks.”

Building blocks

According to Martin, one of the most important aspects of the new program is that it is led by students as opposed to faculty. It is designed to cultivate the leadership skills of both the mentors and the mentored. Research shows students tend to seek different kinds of advice from their peers rather than from their faculty mentors, often reaching out more to their peer mentors much more than faculty.

The UH Hilo pilot program will pair students with both peer and faculty member mentors throughout a two-year period. In addition, they will participate in workshops of interest and ‘ohana events and complete an annual community service project. Martin envisions participating students who were mentored eventually becoming mentors themselves to the program’s following cohort.

This spring, Martin will be recruiting student and faculty mentors and building a network. She plans to launch the program next fall with 10 faculty mentors, 10 student mentors and 50 student mentees, to build a “scaffolding” upon which the program can grow and expand.

Three student leaders have been chosen to co-construct the program and help recruit the student mentors for the paid positions. Leadership development training will begin this winter. The plan is to expand the program to high schools, where student mentors can help other students make a successful transition to college and create a strong network of support and pipeline for local students.

is gaining a neighboring 706-acre forest preserve that will be an important outdoor learning area for students and the community.

The Pālamanui Campus Preserve project has received the green light from the state Board of Land and Natural Resources, which authorized a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the University of �鶹��ý and the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) to collaboratively manage the lowland dry forest area next to the North Kona campus. The parties are in the process of completing the MOU.

Richard Stevens, a history lecturer at �鶹��ý CC – Pālamanui who has helped lead the project, said it’s a huge step toward protecting a critical environment.

“The most endangered ecosystem in �鶹��ý is the lowland dry forest, and in fact the lowland tropical dry forest is the most endangered ecosystem worldwide,” Stevens said. “In other words, this type of forest all over the world has almost completely disappeared, so this is hugely important ecologically to preserve what remains and restore what is gone.”

Stevens has been taking students and community members into the forest for years to help clear trails, gather seeds to propagate native plants and to connect students’ study of history to a real place. He said the Pālamanui Campus Preserve features ancient Hawaiian trails, archaeological sites, and beautiful wiliwili trees, lama trees and other species that make it a place rich with opportunity for education and inspiration.

Indigenous wisdom

“This is the practice of Indigenous wisdom, to restore and protect and assist the ʻāina, to help it recover,” said Stevens.

Student Hiwa Campbell, who is studying liberal arts at �鶹��ý CC – Pālamanui, said time spent in the forest preserve supports academics, but has also reminded her of values such as patience that carry over into the rest of her student life.

“The forest preserve would be a huge resource for agriculture, forestry, possibly botany,” Campbell said. “But also, in the action of restoring and perpetuating something, it gives students a sense of place and belonging and teaches values that sometimes academics doesn’t teach us.”

�鶹��ý CC has existing programs in and that could potentially use the preserve as a learning resource.

“These two academic programs align perfectly with this unique outdoor laboratory, which creates potential opportunities for them to expand and grow in West �鶹��ý,” said Raynette “Kalei” Haleamau-Kam, interim director of �鶹��ý CC – Palamanui.

Elliott Parsons, a natural area reserves specialist with DOFAW, said the collaboration with �鶹��ý CC – Pālamanui is a natural fit.

“Having a 706-acre dry forest preserve as a living laboratory for students is the perfect place to engage student curiosity, allow students to gain practical skills in conservation and resource management, and teach students about the incredible endemic biodiversity of the Hawaiian Islands and how to protect it,“ Parsons said. “UH is playing a vital role in training the next generation of conservation leaders, and there is therefore great overlap in the educational and resource protection missions of both UH and DOFAW.”

.

—By Thatcher J. P. Moats

The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching is awarded by the Board of Regents as tribute to faculty members who exhibit an extraordinary level of subject mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness and creativity, and personal values that benefit students.

Bradley Ashburn, Mark Branner, Paul Briggs, Terrence Bruns, Jane Jaeeun Chung-Do, Tanya Dean, Derrick Higginbotham, Kimberly Koide Iwao, Karen Kamahele, Justina Taft Mattos, Wendy Meguro, Mary Mostafanezhad, Trenton Niemi, Wayde Oshiro and Scott Rowland received the 2021 award.

Bradley Ashburn, UH West Oʻahu

Bradley Ashburn is an assistant professor of chemistry at the . His research group focuses on the synthesis and biological evaluation of novel antiparasitic and antifungal compounds.

Many of his former students and researchers have gone on to graduate from professional healthcare programs locally and across the nation. Mentoring students in their journey through academia and beyond is the highlight of his career.
“His positive energy makes class very fun and enjoyable, especially since organic chemistry is a course many students are nervous about and dread taking,” a student said.

After postdoctoral research at UH ����ԴDz�, he spent 10 years at Leeward Community College where he rose to the rank of associate professor teaching biochemistry and organic chemistry coursework. In August 2019, Ashburn embarked on an exciting new adventure joining the dynamic faculty at UH West Oʻahu.

Mark Branner, UH ����ԴDz�

Mark Branner is an assistant professor of theatre and dance in the UH ����ԴDz� . He approaches every professional task with vision, energy and compassion, “traits that define him as a superlative teacher,” according to one of his colleagues.

To Branner, the best teaching, theatrical directing and leadership all pose the question: “How can I benefit you and help you succeed?” and then offer everything possible in service to that. Students view him as the heart and soul of Theater for Young Audiences, and they strive to meet the challenges he sets, earning many awards, fellowships and positions in the profession.

A colleague stated that Branner creates bonds that allow students to trust him implicitly, an essential trait to creating great art. “He rallies others around an idea and vision, with great strength of conviction, tempered by a true caring of people. His students then go forward to create their own stellar projects, unhindered by the obstacles they face. This is the epitome of why he is an outstanding teacher.”

Paul Briggs, Windward CC

Paul Briggs is an economics professor at . Guidance and encouragement are part of what makes Briggs an outstanding teacher.

“I had my reservations about returning to school. During my time in Professor Paul Brigg’s classes I would ask him questions about transferring to UH and the Shidler program. I doubted myself and my ability, but Paul encouraged me that I had what it took to be a great student at WCC and at UH,” said a non-traditional student. “I am currently in my capstone class at UH and will graduate from Shidler with a 4.0 and I can’t say I would be here if it wasn’t for Mr. Briggs’ encouragement. Sometimes a person just needs to have another person to truly believe in them.”

Briggs provides consistent support for student success. He believes in them, and is a person that sees their potential and is passionate about seeing that potential achieved. His students have a deep gratitude to him for providing them with a great education, solid advice and encouragement to succeed in life.

Terrence Bruns, Kauaʻi CC

Terrence Bruns is an assistant professor in biological science at . He has been an educator on Kauaʻi since 1990 and started teaching at Kauaʻi CC in 2004.

“I believe that one learns by doing. As an educator you need to be passionate about your subject matter. It is more than just listing and memorizing a bunch of facts. It is important to try and light the spark for the love of learning. You need to provide opportunities and make learning a personal endeavor,” Bruns said.

Bruns has been recognized by his peers and students as a 2012 recipient of the Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. His dedication to his students extends well beyond the classroom and is evidenced by their academic and professional success.

One Kauaʻi CC student said, “His anatomy and physiology class not only teaches us the facts but focuses on understanding and applying the knowledge to answer the questions that arise. This understanding inspires us as students to become critical thinkers and leaders that can make good decisions.”

Jane Jaeeun Chung-Do, UH ����ԴDz�

Jane Jaeeun Chung-Do is an associate professor in the Office of Public Health Studies in the UH ����ԴDz� . She begins her work with students from the classroom leading up to their extensive community practicums by co-developing a Brave Space Agreement. These set the terms of engagement regarding equitability, accountability, intentionality, confidentiality, compassion, critical thought and cultural adeptness, all tenets that flow continuously between classroom and community.

A medical professional colleague observed that Chung-Do ensures student education is “not solely theory-based, rather it centers on the needs of �鶹��ý‘s communities and true community-based approaches to disparities work. She leads by example, inspiring those around her to impact the health of �鶹��ý‘s communities.”

A former student wrote that she “was only able to take one class with Dr. Chung-Do. Yet, this class was the most iconic course of my master’s in public health journey. At completion of the course, she suggested publishing our group project and continued to guide me through that process until it was published.”

Tanya Dean, �鶹��ý CC–������������Գܾ�

Tanya Dean is an assistant professor of English at the in Kona. Dean’s passion for student learning is seen in her relentless focus on what is best for students.

One student said the individualized attention Dean provided is a major reason he succeeded in her class and learned skills he continues to use throughout his higher education career. “She had aloha for me and my classmates, and believed in all of our success,” the student wrote.

Dean has taught at �鶹��ý CC since 2011. Her colleagues are impressed by her talent as a teacher and her ability to create engaging, interactive class sessions that support student learning. In addition, they noted Dean’s continual commitment to maintaining her exceptional level of instruction. “She is the epitome of excellence in teaching,” her colleague stated, “and our students and this college are lucky to have her.”

Derrick Higginbotham, UH ����ԴDz�

Derrick Higginbotham is an associate professor of English in the UH ����ԴDz� . His classroom atmosphere is described as one of intellectual vigor that enables students to excel as readers and thinkers, in a spectrum of course topics from Shakespeare, medieval literature, early modern British literature, African literature and queer theory.

His teaching philosophy is rooted in the power of intellectual surprises born of the need to present a complex, globalized, premodern history as legible to students, no matter the student’s background. Students speak of Higginbotham’s agility in engaging them with texts distant temporally, linguistically and culturally from a modern-day mindset.

Higginbotham collaborated with UH ����ԴDz� librarians and created opportunities for students to navigate the conventions of the university and Wikipedia, doing independent research and collaborating with editors outside the academy. Colleagues refer to him as having a “highly affirmative pedagogy,” absolutely convinced that “the department has in Professor Higginbotham a master teacher.”

Kimberly Koide Iwao, Kapiʻolani CC

Kimberly Koide Iwao is an instructor for the legal education program at . She is described as a consummate teacher and learner.

Iwao teaches several introductory classes as well as the capstone internship course for the Legal Education Program. She effectively incorporates real-world experiences as a licensed practicing attorney into her course content and continues to hone her facilitation skills for the online environment.

Students find her teaching style engaging. One student observed how Iwao “reformatted her lesson plan to accommodate a pure online learning experience.”

In 2018, Iwao founded Kapiʻolani CC’s Legal Education Program’s Estate Planning Clinic, which allows her students to interact with clients while giving pro bono services to them.

Iwao is currently a doctoral student at the UH ����ԴDz� in the learning design and technology department. She spends her free time with her husband, two children and two dogs.

Karen Kamahele, Honolulu CC

Karen Kamahele is a fashion technology instructor at with expertise in computer aided design and volume manufacturing. She started as a lecturer at Honolulu CC in 1996 while still managing the design department at Hilo Hattie, and has more than three decades of fashion industry experience.

The Kaimukī native is a proud Honolulu CC graduate of the fashion design and merchandising (now named fashion technology) program and an alumna of UH ����ԴDz�. Growing up, Kamahele was consistently reminded that “Education is the key to success,” and shares her wisdom to help students.

When the pandemic hit, Kamahele responded by pre-bundling materials for students and ensured they had everything they needed for class at home. Colleagues and students describe her teaching as compassionate and motivating.

She sparks in her students the desire to reach higher and has worked to smooth the transfer pathway for students who decide to continue their education. A student said, “She amazes us with all things she does and yet still finds time to give us guidance, hope and encouragement in our studies.”

Justina Taft Mattos, UH Hilo

Justina Taft Mattos is an assistant professor of drama and performing arts at the . Theatre about life in �鶹��ý is her passion, and she has been commissioned to direct plays by local and non-local playwrights for theatres on the island.

In addition to traditional theatre settings, Mattos has worked in less traditional formats, using students and community actors to develop live or videotaped dramatic vignettes and presentations for the Performing Arts Department as well as for organizations such as the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center and UH Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.

Mattos was raised in �鶹��ý and is an alumna of UH Hilo, where she focused on theatre arts, as well as Hawaiian language and culture. She earned her MA in theatre from the University of Oregon, and her PhD in theatre history and criticism from UH ����ԴDz�.

As a playwright, Mattos strives to celebrate local culture and to support the use of Hawaiian language in the wider community. She writes works for adults and children utilizing English, �鶹��ý Creole English (Pidgin) and Hawaiian language.

Wendy Meguro, UH ����ԴDz�

Wendy Meguro is an assistant professor in the UH ����ԴDz� . She returned to her alma mater equipped with experience working in New York City as an associate for Atelier Ten, one of the world’s premier environmental design consultants.

Her unique joint appointment—75% School of Architecture, 25% Sea Grant—indicates her distinctive value to the university. She approaches architecture education with an urgent sense of purpose and optimism. A colleague remarked that Meguro’s ARCH 690 Urban Adaptation to Coastal Flooding course is “a most rewarding course, directly informing the City and County of Honolulu’s guidelines on adapting built environment to flooding and sea-level rise projections.”

Another colleague writes, “Professor Meguro’s congenial demeanor belies the urgency of her purpose. Her instruction exhibits impeccable preparation, deeply thought content and rigorous analysis based on empirical data and firsthand experience of case studies. But her deeper mission is moral. She ensures our students have everything they need to steer the world safely clear of the dire consequences of past environmental hubris.”

Mary Mostafanezhad, UH ����ԴDz�

Mary Mostafanezhad is an assistant professor of geography in the UH ����ԴDz� . She teaches courses central to undergraduate and graduate departmental curriculum, which serve as electives for others. She builds her courses to maximize value to students who may or may not have professional interest in the topic by focusing on theoretical insights, and weaving together classic texts, neo-theoretical contributions and examples of innovative methodologies.

Mostafanezhad commits to developing cultural competency among her students, teaching students to connect formal learning in the classroom with informal and experiential knowledge outside the classroom. She provides opportunities to students through practices of informed mentorship, including: co-organizing annual student research symposiums; seeking student publication opportunities; co-publishing with students; and teaching the peer review process.

One student said, “Her seminars are more widely applicable than most; students are introduced to broad theoretical schools which can inform dissertation chapters and journal articles. It is a testament to her subject mastery—and her commitment to interdisciplinarity—that she can build such widely useful reading lists.”

Trenton Niemi, UH Maui College

Trenton Niemi is an anatomy and physiology instructor for the STEM department. Born in Minnesota, Niemi has always been called to the ocean.

His commitment and dedication to his students has been recognized by his colleagues and students. Students laud his ability to make difficult concepts understandable, which is commendable considering the challenging nature of the material (i.e., anatomy, physiology). Students reported that he was an inspiring teacher.

“[He] explains in multiple ways so that we truly understand the information and he is the best instructor I have ever had,” a student wrote.

He moved to �鶹��ý more than 15 years ago and has taught with UH Maui College for 11 years, teaching PHYS 141 and 142 lectures and labs as well as for Kapiʻolani CC’s Emergency Medical Services Training program. In addition to his passion for teaching, Niemi’s interests include bodyboarding, weight lifting and photography. Some of his photography can be seen on the UH Maui College channel.

Wayde Oshiro, Leeward CC

Wayde Oshiro is an associate professor at where he serves as the interim learning commons and library coordinator. He is a collaborative leader who works hard to foster a student-centered learning environment, and is respected as an educator and leader by students, faculty, staff and community across the University of �鶹��ý System.

Since 2015, Oshiro has served as one of the leaders of Open Educational Resources (OER) initiatives for Leeward CC and UH Community Colleges. This initiative has promoted the adoption and supported the development of free OER textbooks and materials for many courses.

He has coordinated and facilitated training on OER for more than 150 instructors from across the seven UH Community College campuses, UH Hilo and UH West Oʻahu. This has resulted in total student savings across the UH Community Colleges of $8.7 million since spring 2015. At Leeward CC, 52% of all class sections use free course materials.

Oshiro has transformed the Leeward CC library, increasing productivity and patron satisfaction by implementing new technologies and operational strategies. He assumed additional responsibilities for the Learning Commons in 2020.

Scott Rowland, UH ����ԴDz�

Scott Rowland is a faculty member in the Department of Earth Sciences in the UH ����ԴDz� . Among his colleagues, Rowland is viewed as being “the one faculty that all our students know and love, who leads by far the most field trips, a local born-and-raised bridge to the Native Hawaiian community.”

In his ERTH 104 course, he provides students opportunities to create a stone implement according to ancient Hawaiian methods while learning about stones from a western geological perspective. He strives to motivate each student, sparking their desire to learn on their own and pass on their knowledge.

His work ethic and unique teaching methods have inspired a recent student to become a teacher in the community upon graduating from UH. He described Rowland as going above and beyond the call as a college professor by visiting high schools to lead Earthquake Labs. Rowland is described as “truly the beating heart of the department’s undergraduate program while maintaining a strong research profile.”

The Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching for a faculty and a graduate assistant recognizes dedication and demonstrated excellence as teachers of undergraduate students. It was established as a memorial to the late Frances Davis, who taught mathematics at Leeward Community College and the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa for 19 years. Laurie James, Tiffany Kawaguchi, Heewon Kwon, Ruria Namba, A. Zachary Trimble and Lissa Tsutsumi received the award for 2021.

Laurie James, UH West Oʻahu

Laurie James is an assistant professor of math education at the . Since joining the education division in August 2016, she has become a co-facilitator of the Math Teachers’ Circle of �鶹��ý (MaTCH) sessions that promote inquiry-based investigations, intrinsic motivation and hands-on pedagogical approaches. Professional educators participate in the MaTCH meetings multiple times each semester solving mathematical problems so they can anticipate where their students might struggle with mathematical concepts.

James’ students have stated that she is one of the more energetic professors they have ever had. “Dr. James is the math teacher that I wish I could have had while I was in elementary school. She makes learning math fun and embodies the concept of genuinely loving being a teacher with everything she is,” said one student.

Since 2017, James has collaborated with Grant Toyooka, the Leilehua Complex resource manager in various STEM and robotics events. She helps to create student-friendly activities through mathematical challenges, the engineering design process, make-and-take stations and robotic quests.

Tiffany Kawaguchi, Kapiʻolani CC

Tiffany Kawaguchi serves as the program director and academic fieldwork coordinator in the at . Kawaguchi is an occupational therapist with more than 20 years of experience in acute care, inpatient and subacute rehabilitation, mental health, administration and education.

In 2015, Kawaguchi started a federally funded pro bono clinic for the OTA Program. The mission of the clinic is to utilize meaningful experiences and intentional practice opportunities to help students access and then apply critical pieces of information to the occupational therapy process while delivering high quality occupational therapy services to clients living with injury, illness and/or disability. In 2016, Kawaguchi received the Laura N. Dowsett OT of the Year Award from the OT Association of Hawaii.

She was selected to represent Kapiʻolani CC in the inaugural �鶹��ý Association for Career & Technical Education Emerging CTE Leaders Program in 2018. She is also an advisory board member for the �鶹��ý Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Regulated Industries Complaints Office for OT practice, and an education committee member for the OT Association of Hawaii.

Heewon Kwon, UH Mānoa

Heewon Kwon is a social and cultural psychology PhD student in the UH ����ԴDz� . Kwon has extended her passion in statistics to teaching introductory statistics courses in the psychology department. Her teaching starts from understanding the difficulty many students face when they first learn statistics. Therefore, she focuses on clarity in content, expectations and educational goals.

Her class materials are full of illustrations and demonstrations explaining theories and calculation processes. These processes are embedded in larger real-life research questions so that students find themselves thinking about how to use these tools in research. She hopes that students will find statistics is not an obstacle to overcome, but is a useful tool that will help them become researchers.

Kwon is interested in culture and multicultural individuals and plans to extend her research by combining her research interest with advanced statistical techniques. She hopes to continue sharing her excitement about and dedication to research with students through teaching.

Ruria Namba, �鶹��ý CC–Pālamanui

Ruria “Luria” Namba is a biology instructor at the in Kona. A caring, knowledgeable and innovative teacher, Namba is described by a colleague as “the catalyst for the overall success of many of our students” in the science and pre-nursing programs.

She builds a sense of community, and students seek out her classes because of her student-focused teaching. “Taking a class from Dr. Namba generates positive feedback—the more you learn, the more you want to learn,” one student stated.

Namba is devoted to fostering strong scientific knowledge and reasoning in students, with an emphasis on understanding the process of discovery. She uses innovative teaching methods, including place-based science education that builds an awareness and a deep appreciation for Hawaiian culture while teaching cutting-edge science.

An active member of the campus, Namba inspires others with her commitment to students, the college and the community. She has taught at �鶹��ý CC since 2016.

A. Zachary Trimble, UH Mānoa

A. Zachary Trimble is an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the UH Mānoa . He is an inspiration to his students to whom he has been an extraordinary mentor and teacher.

A colleague shared, “In truth, I wish we could 3D print a dozen more Zacs. Such is the inspiring effect that he has had on faculty and staff alike.”

A student wrote, “Professor Trimble’s course reminded me why I wanted to be an engineer and raised my own expectations for the quality of my work,” validating a core value in Trimble’s teaching that students discover for themselves a lasting desire to explore a subject on their own.

Trimble behaves as if he were the chief technology officer of an engineering company and treats students as newly hired engineers. Students report on their current progress, which requires them to take ownership of their projects, transitioning to defining their own tasks and really understanding their significance in the context of each project.

Lissa Tsutsumi, UH Hilo

Lissa Tsutsumi is an assistant professor of applied agricultural science and biotechnology at . Since 2019, she has served as the equine program coordinator with the . She is responsible for the care protocols for the animals at the UH Agriculture Farm, and serves as the advisor for animal science students and for the �鶹��ý Island Pre-Vet Club.

Her teaching highlights include developing five animal science courses and an equine certificate, and developing an equine program, which consists of seven horses that are used for riding lessons and course demonstrations and activities.

“I treat my students as adults and future professionals and community members,” Tsutsumi said. “My task is to enable my students to have the necessary skills and knowledge so that they can make informed decisions and take the necessary action to succeed in real life situations.”

Tsutsumi received her BA in kinesiology and exercise sciences from UH Hilo and her PhD in pharmaceutical sciences from the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.

The holiday season is here, and we at UH News thought as a bit of a lift to this difficult year, we would ask some of our top culinary units to share some of their favorite recipes. We hope these recipes and the short stories that accompany them will give you something to smile about. We wish you and your loved ones all the best during your holiday celebrations—whether in person or virtual.

Associate Professor Paul Heerlein was inspired to share his Holiday Hollandaise, which can be used in many dishes, because the recipe is a hit with the students, faculty and staff at the campus cafe. Heerlein leads the campus’ culinary arts program in Kona.

See more UH-mazing holiday recipes

He created a video with step-by-step instructions for making the versatile hollandaise sauce and provides pro tips and detailed instructions as he prepares the hollandaise. The sauce can be used in two dishes—eggs benedict with roasted red pepper hollandaise and Pālamanui loco moco with seared ahi steak on a taro cake with a poached egg and red pepper hollandaise.

As a bonus, in the video, Heerlein shows how to make a zabaione, a dessert sauce similar to hollandaise, which he uses in the dish Waimea strawberries zabaione.

Holiday Hollandaise

Yields: 16 ounces

Ingredients:

• Clarified butter: 12 oz
• Peppercorns, crushed: ⅛ tsp
• Kosher salt: small pinch and more to add later to taste
• White wine vinegar or wine vinegar: 1T
• Cold water: 2T
• Egg yolks: 4
• Lemon juice: 1 ½ tsp and more to add later to taste
• Cayenne: to taste

Procedure:

1. Keep the butter very warm (150–160 degrees F)
2. Combine the peppercorns, salt and vinegar in a saucepan and reduce until nearly dry (au sec). Remove from heat and add the cold water.
3. To make it easier to beat with a wire whip, it is best now to transfer this diluted, cooled reduction to a stainless steel bowl. Use a clean rubber spatula to make sure you transfer all the flavoring material to the bowl.
4. Add the egg yolks to the bowl and beat well.
5. Hold the bowl over a hot water bath and continue to beat the yolks until they are thickened and creamy.
6. Remove the bowl from the heat. Using a ladle, slowly and gradually beat in the warm clarified butter. Add the butter drop by drop at first. If the sauce becomes too thick before all the butter is added, beat in a little of the lemon juice.
7. When all the butter has been added, beat in lemon juice to taste and adjust seasoning with salt and cayenne. If necessary, thin the sauce with a few drops of warm water.
8. Hold no longer than 1 ½ hours.

With more residents facing unemployment and hunger due to the COVID-19 pandemic, �鶹��ý Community College students in Hilo are pitching in and helping prepare meals for �鶹��ý Island residents.

As part of their classwork, the college students have been cooking meals for keiki at a local charter school Tuesdays and Thursdays this fall semester. And on a day in November they prepared 600 meals of luau stew, salad and rice for residents in the Puna District.

“They just pick it up, they warm it up and there’s a meal for their family,” said culinary arts student Mariah Costa.

The college students’ contributions are part of a broader effort led by two nonprofits, Chef Hui and Vibrant Hawaii. The organizations are partnering with local farmers and restaurants on �鶹��ý Island to source ingredients, prepare meals and deliver them into the community. The initiative relies on CARES Act funding, and is a way of addressing food scarcity while also supporting the local restaurants and farmers who have been hit hard by the pandemic.

“The intention is, keep the farmers farming, keep the restaurants who support those farmers in business, feeding their local communities,” said Mariah G. Williams, Chef Hui volunteer and owner of Poke Market in Hilo.

For the students, the project is an important part of their education. Typically, they would get real-world culinary experience by operating an on-campus restaurant. Due to the pandemic, however, the campus restaurant is closed. Culinary Arts Professor Brian Hirata said the partnership with Chef Hui and Vibrant Hawaii is a different way of providing that hands-on experience for students while also helping address some of the negative effects of the pandemic.

“It’s a win for the farmers, the community and our students as a learning opportunity,” said Hirata.

Student Jason Sagaysay said it’s been a rewarding part of his education.

“It’s a community based project, so we’re helping feed the families that really need it for this time of COVID,” said Sagaysay. “I actually feel a lot better knowing we’re helping people in need that really, really need it.”

�鶹��ý CC offers its culinary arts program in Hilo and at the �鶹��ý CC–Pālamanui campus in Kona. The program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation. Students in the program earn associate degrees and certificates that prepare them to work in the restaurant and hospitality industries.

—By Thatcher Moats

A �鶹��ý Community College student is the $25,000 grand prize winner of a local business plan competition.

Amanda Gilroy, the entrepreneur behind Mermaid Mushrooms and a natural science student at the �鶹��ý CC–������������Գܾ� campus in Kona, was named the winner of the HIplan �鶹��ý Island Business Plan Competition on October 24.

“I still can’t believe it,” Gilroy said after her win.

Gilroy also won the student category and a one-year tuition scholarship. She will use her winnings to support her plan to grow gourmet mushrooms for local consumption.

“I’m thrilled to get this boost,” she said.

The HIplan competition began in 2016 and was held virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The competition was conducted in three rounds, beginning with the submission of a business plan. Contestants with the top 15 plans advanced to the second round, which involved a seven-minute live presentation before judges. Eight competitors moved onto the final round.

�鶹��ý CC students participate each year, and the student winner is awarded a tuition scholarship. Gilroy is the first student to make it past round one.

“Our winner clearly is helping to meet a need on our island that would transform the way that we consume, how we relate to our food, on island,” said Meli James, one of the judges. “I think that was pretty outstanding.”

HIplan 2020 finals judges were Leanne Okamoto, Kamehameha Schools; Meli James, Mana Up; Steve Sakoman, Sakoman Inc.; Ashley McShane, Blue Startups; and Pam Chasuta Anukoolthamachote, Elemental Excelerator.

“The process is really what’s special,” said HIplan organizer Jim Wyban. “They learn how to organize their thoughts into a coherent business plan, with a lot of feedback from us. Then, in practice sessions, they learn how to communicate clearly. I’ve seen people who have gone from barely able to talk about their business, to get up here and give a two-minute pitch that just knocks your socks off.”

The HIplan competition is sponsored by Kamehameha Schools, the Edmund C. Olson Trust II, �鶹��ý CC, Ulupono Initiative and the County of �鶹��ý.

More than 2,700 recent public high school graduates prepared for college and careers this summer for free through the initiative, a partnership between the and .

The UH Community Colleges offered free online classes to help students develop career plans and goals and decide whether to enroll in college, seek employment or both. Content-focused courses to help students get a head start on their majors upon completion of career exploration courses were also offered as part of the program.

• Related UH News stories:
  • $2M scholarship fund to benefit Next Steps students, May 26, 2020
  • UH launches free summer advising initiative for class of 2020, May 12, 2020

Almost 1,500 public high school graduates took career exploration or content-focused courses, earning more than 4,000 college credits. �鶹��ý P–20’s free Summer Advising Initiative also helped more than 1,700 students make informed critical decisions towards achieving their post-high plans.

By participating in Next Steps to Your Future, students were eligible to apply for the Stronger Together �鶹��ý Scholarship, which was created to help �鶹��ý students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 500 Next Steps students applied for the scholarship funded by �鶹��ý Community Foundation and First Hawaiian Bank Foundation, and 370 students were awarded Next Step Scholarships, with an average award of $6,200.

Renell Kaupu-Kaialiilii

Of the students taking the Career Exploration classes, 31 percent identified as Native Hawaiian. Kealakehe High School graduate Renell Kaupu-Kaialiilii said her Career Exploration class benefited her in many ways.

“It helped guide me to the best path for a career and also life in general,” Kaupu-Kaialiilii wrote. “It has taught me about finances and how our generation needs to think about the future and prepare for it better because if unprecedented times like this occur again, we need to have backup finances.”

She is enrolled at �鶹��ý CC–������������Գܾ� and plans to become a child protective services worker. She will be the first in her family to earn a college degree when she graduates and credits the Stronger Together �鶹��ý Scholarship with making that possible by covering about 65 percent of her tuition this year.

Jimwell Baja

Jimwell Baja, a Waipahu High School graduate, wrote, “I benefited from this Career Exploration class by learning crucial career oriented tips such as resume building, outreaching and networking exercise, and exploring specific career options rather than just a career category all helped me to solidify my future career and the goals I need to set to reach that career.”

Baja, who is now enrolled at UH ����ԴDz� in the Shidler College of Business, said the class helped him to realize that he wanted to focus on becoming a financial planner.

“I think [Career Exploration classes] will make a massive difference, not only in your career, but also the way you view your future,” Baja said. “It definitely helped me look at the way our society works, especially during this pandemic.

“Ultimately I want to become a financial planner because of my previous experiences with my family not being so financially literate. And I wanted to make a difference in that by trying to help lower-income families with their finances.”

The Next Steps initiative was generously funded by UH partners at the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, the �鶹��ý Resilience Fund of the �鶹��ý Community Foundation, Strada Education Network, The Clarence T. C. Ching Foundation, the Stupski Foundation and Gear Up �鶹��ý.

—By Kelli Trifonovitch

Graduates of the campus in Kona celebrated their achievements during a drive-through graduation ceremony on Saturday, August 1.

Graduates and their families drove up in cars one at a time in front of the �鶹��ý CC–������������Գܾ� campus. Graduates were awarded degrees by Interim Director of �鶹��ý CC– Pālamanui, Raynette “Kalei” Haleamau-Kam, and then they moved their mortarboard tassels from right to left as a symbol of completing their degree. Families took videos and photos, waved signs, cheered and honked horns during the festive event.

Due to COVID-19, the in-person commencement ceremony that traditionally occurs in May was canceled. Thirty-two graduates participated in the drive-through event.

“There is nothing more rewarding than having the opportunity to congratulate and honor our students at graduation,” said Haleamau-Kam. “I personally know how that feels, and I want nothing more than for our college graduates to receive the recognition and honor they deserve. On behalf of the �鶹��ý Community College administration, faculty and staff, we commend you for your resilience and perseverance through these challenging times.”

A total of 102 graduates earned associate degrees and certificates this year from the �鶹��ý CC–������������Գܾ� campus in Hawaiian studies, natural science, culinary arts and other academic programs. Among this year’s graduates were four high school students from Kealakehe High School who earned associate degrees through the early college program delivered by the college, which means they earned a college degree at the same time as their high school diploma. In addition, 12 local high school students graduated with �鶹��ý Lifestyles Academic Subject Certificates.

�鶹��ý CC–������������Գܾ� is part of the University of �鶹��ý system. Students earn associate degrees and certificates that prepare them to enter the workforce right after graduation or seamlessly transfer to UH four-year campuses to earn bachelor’s degrees.

The campus is also home to the , which provides local support for students who enroll in online and hybrid bachelor’s and graduate degrees at other UH campuses.

There is still time to , the deadline is August 10 and there is no application fee for �鶹��ý residents.

—By Thatcher J.P. Moats