”Kapiʻolani Summer Camp is back and calling for proposals! The free peer-reviewed online conference, August 10–13, is inviting University of �鶹��ý faculty, staff and administrators to share their expertise in an array of formats.

Last year, total attendance across 45 sessions for this free, Zoom-based event was 776, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage in professional service and share your experience, insights and/or resources with colleagues in a friendly, supportive and engaging context.

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit proposals for one or more session formats, with the flexibility to propose multiple topics.

.

The deadline to apply is May 22, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. HST. Due to the extended submission window this year, organizers are unable to accommodate late submissions or extensions. Presenters will be notified of their acceptance in June.

If you have any questions, contact the event coordinators at sumrcamp@hawaii.edu.

is launching a transformative workforce development initiative aimed at bolstering �鶹��ý’s hospitality industry. The �鶹��ý Place-Based Hospitality Professional Development Training Program, a 7-week cohort program set to begin in spring 2026, will enroll employees from Kahala Hotel & Resort for a pilot that integrates leadership, Hawaiian values, cultural traditions and global sustainability practices.

The training is focused on non-supervisory and managerial staff who are interested in upskilling to comfortably share the “aloha spirit” and the stories of the place they work and live in.

“Kapiʻolani Community College is proud to partner with industry leaders to reimagine workforce training for �鶹��ý’s hospitality industry,” said Kapiʻolani CC Chancellor Misaki Takabayashi. “We are excited to lead this training initiative, knowing that we are fulfilling our kuleana (responsibility) to �鶹��ý’s workforce and communities.”

�鶹��ý’s hospitality sector faces mounting pressures, from labor shortages to evolving expectations of global visitors. Coupled with the outmigration of young professionals, these trends demand innovative approaches that attract, retain and grow talent. Kapiʻolani CC’s new pilot training aims to cultivate a more resilient, future-ready workforce by instilling confidence, pride and a deep connection—embedding �鶹��ý’s values into the next generation of industry professionals.

Honoring people and place

“This program is an investment in our colleagues,” said Joe Ibarra, vice president and general manager, Kahala Hotel & Resort. “It equips them with the skills and confidence to deliver authentic Hawaiian hospitality and build meaningful careers right here in �鶹��ý.”

The pilot program is a collaboration among Kapiʻolani CC faculty, who will develop the curriculum and provide instruction, Kahala Hotel & Resort, Hotel and Restaurant Industry Employment and Training Trust (HARIETT), and Banquet Solutions �鶹��ý, Inc. Their combined efforts work to ensure hospitality leadership in �鶹��ý remains culturally, environmentally and socially responsible.

“Rooted in leadership, Hawaiian culture, and world-class hospitality, this pilot empowers UNITE HERE! Local 5 members to serve visitors in ways that honor both people and place,” said James Hardway, executive director, HARIETT. “This helps realize �鶹��ý’s goal of regenerative tourism, where travel contributes to the well-being and renewal of local communities.”

is back, and it’s calling for proposals! The free peer-reviewed online conference, slated for August 5–8, is inviting University of �鶹��ý faculty, staff and administrators to share their expertise in an array of session formats.

, the Kapiʻolani Summer Camp event drew 333 participants from across �鶹��ý and beyond, and organizers are gearing up for an even more impactful event this year. With a focus on professional development, this summer’s camp promises to be a standout opportunity for growth and collaboration.

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit proposals for one or more session formats, with the flexibility to propose multiple topics.

The deadline to apply is May 10, by 11:59 p.m. HST. Presenters will be notified of their acceptance by May 24. Please submit each session proposal individually.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the event coordinators at sumrcamp@hawaii.edu.