social science | University of Hawaiʻi System News /news News from the University of Hawaii Sat, 13 Jun 2026 01:43:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /news/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-UHNews512-1-32x32.jpg social science | University of Hawaiʻi System News /news 32 32 28449828 World Cup extreme weather preparedness strengthened by 鶹ýdisaster experts /news/2026/06/12/world-cup-weather-preparedness/ Sat, 13 Jun 2026 01:43:40 +0000 /news/?p=235985 The training focuses on assessing and mitigating risks associated with extreme heat, lightning, tornadoes, flash flooding and wildfire smoke.

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(Photo credit: NOAA/Unsplash)

As the 2026 World Cup draws millions of spectators to stadiums across North America, the University of 鶹ý’s (NDPTC) is training emergency managers, first responders, transportation agencies and stadium operators on risk management and preparedness for extreme weather events.

NDPTC is a Congressionally-authorized, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funded national center which is part of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium. Based at the UH Mānoa and funded by FEMA and the U.S. Department of Transportation, the training courses on “Extreme Weather Preparedness for World Cup Cities” was developed by subject matter experts in extreme weather, urban planning, transportation, emergency managers and stadium operations in U.S. host cities.

Managing potential extreme weather threats

The training focuses on assessing and mitigating risks associated with extreme heat, lightning, tornadoes, flash flooding and wildfire smoke. Participants learn to use publicly available data, planning tools and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to improve understanding of extreme weather risk and prioritize actions to increase safety and security for large-scale events.

“Large public events require organizations to prepare for hazards that can change rapidly and affect transportation systems, critical infrastructure and public safety,” said Karl Kim, professor of urban and regional planning in the UH Mānoa and founding executive director of NDPTC. “Our role is to equip planners and decision-makers with practical tools and evidence-based strategies so they can anticipate risks and respond effectively when conditions change.”

The work involves downscaling climate and extreme weather models to the specific times and locations for the games and identifying protective actions to reduce harm to spectators and those participating in the World Cup. With teams and fans coming from different countries, there are many challenges with communications and coordination. NDPTC uses AI to support readiness and for different applications in urban planning and disaster management. Kim said that since many people are using AI, it is important to incorporate these tools into the work on risk management.

Extending NDPTC‘s impact beyond the tournament

The effort builds on NDPTC‘s broader mission of strengthening disaster resilience nationwide. Working with partners through the Pacific Southwest Region University Transportation Center and Federal Railroad Administration Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Safety Improvements program, the center develops risk assessment tools and provides training for emergency managers, first responders and community leaders across the country.

The World Cup training is updated regularly as guidance, operational requirements and weather conditions evolve. The curriculum also contains lessons learned from NDPTC‘s broader work in disaster preparedness and risk management. Since its establishment, the congressionally authorized center has trained more than 75,000 first responders and emergency managers nationwide, reinforcing UH’s role as a leader in disaster preparedness education and applied research.

The World Cup weather preparedness and latest recording of the training on NDPTC’s are available for the public.

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Grad students sharpen research communication skills through community outreach /news/2026/06/12/grad-research-outreach-workshop/ Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:41:21 +0000 /news/?p=235957 The three-week program brought together a cohort of 10 students to strengthen their ability to communicate research in clear, engaging ways for non-specialist audiences.

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University of 鶹ý at Mānoa graduate students across a wide range of disciplines took their research beyond the classroom this spring, translating complex ideas into hands-on experiences for Oʻahu middle school students through the inaugural Graduate Research Outreach Workshop (GROW).

people teaching a group of students

The three-week program in April brought together a cohort of 10 students to strengthen their ability to communicate research in clear, engaging ways for non-specialist audiences. Participants learned to summarize their work in jargon-free language, discuss its real-world importance and create interactive exhibits that make research accessible to the public.

The workshop culminated in a research outreach fair at Waipahu Intermediate School, where approximately 60 students in career and technical student organization programs explored exhibits led by the graduate students. Waipahu Intermediate faculty advisers and school administrators also attended the event, which highlighted higher education opportunities and showcased the diverse research taking place at UH.

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“Research has the greatest impact when people can understand it and connect it to their own lives,” UH Mānoa Fellowships, Scholarships, and Professional Development Coordinator Kristen Connors said. “GROW gave our graduate students the opportunity to practice an essential professional skill while also building meaningful relationships with young learners who may one day pursue their own paths in higher education and research.”

The program was organized by the , and Interim Assistant Vice Provost for Student Academic Success Amy Hubbard, Hamilton Library and the .

Beyond developing communication skills, the program aimed to build stronger connections between the university and the community while encouraging younger students to see themselves as future researchers, innovators and problem-solvers.

A post-program evaluation found participants responded positively to the experience. All respondents said the workshop met their expectations and that they would recommend it to others. Most also reported feeling more prepared and confident explaining their research through writing, visuals and conversations with public audiences.

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Antarctic expeditioner/student joins 鶹ýBoard of Regents /news/2026/06/09/eric-gee-student-regent/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:58:24 +0000 /news/?p=235852 An Honors student at UH Mānoa, Gee is pursuing an international business and finance double major, with a minor in political science.

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Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee

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

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

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

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

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Gee on Antarctica expedition in 2025 (Photo courtesy: Eric Gee)

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

The BOR is responsible for overseeing the 10-campus UH system, including policy direction, financial oversight and long-term strategic planning. The BOR is the governing body of UH and consists of 11 non-compensated volunteer members. Representation includes five from the City and County of Honolulu; two from 鶹ý County; two from Maui County; one from Kauaʻi County and one UH student.

two people holding up the Hawaii flag in Antarctica
Eric Gee and Robert Swan (Photo courtesy: Eric Gee)
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鶹ýsociologist co-authors study on politicization effects in humanities scholarship /news/2026/06/08/politicization-effects-humanities/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:00:12 +0000 /news/?p=235673 The group examined concerns about declining public confidence in the humanities and allegations that ideological commitments have influenced scholarship in some academic fields.

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(This is an AI-generated image.)

A national report co-authored by a University of 鶹ý at Mānoa sociologist found that while the humanities and social sciences continue to produce rigorous and valuable scholarship, some disciplines are experiencing instances where scholarly standards have been compromised as political considerations shape research and academic evaluation.

The , was written by a committee of scholars from universities across the country, including Associate Professor Ashley Rubin in the UH Mānoa in the . The group examined concerns about declining public confidence in the humanities and allegations that ideological commitments have influenced scholarship in some academic fields.

“This report is a major milestone because, beyond our findings, it represents an interdisciplinary group of scholars standing up for scholarly rigor and not letting political goals corrupt the research enterprise or the standards by which research is evaluated,” Rubin said.

The committee reviewed research and academic practices across philosophy, anthropology, sociology, history, literary studies and music studies. It concluded that the most serious concerns arise when political goals are allowed to override traditional scholarly standards centered on evidence, objectivity and open inquiry.

According to the report, these concerns generally fall into three categories:

  • Treating contested issues as settled science in ways that discourage debate
  • Prioritizing narratives that advance social or political goals over the pursuit of understanding
  • Rejecting the idea that objective facts and evidence can be separated from political values

The authors identified examples and patterns they point to as consistent with these trends to varying degrees across the disciplines they studied. However, they rejected claims that the humanities and social sciences are broadly failing as academic fields, emphasizing that scholars in these fields are still producing serious and impactful scholarship.

The report recommends that universities should promote intellectual openness, rigorous standards and the free exchange of ideas while resisting efforts to judge scholarship based on ideological conformity. It also cautions against political pressures from outside academia, including attempts by governments or advocacy groups to influence research and teaching.

The authors conclude that the humanities and humanistic social sciences remain essential to higher education because they help people better understand culture, history, society and human experience. Maintaining scholarly rigor, they contend, is critical to preserving public trust in those disciplines and in universities more broadly.

The report was commissioned by the chancellors of Vanderbilt University and Washington University in St. Louis.

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Native forests could help protect Honolulu from flooding /news/2026/05/26/native-forests-protect-honolulu-from-flooding/ Tue, 26 May 2026 21:26:41 +0000 /news/?p=234958 Researchers found that unmanaged spread of the invasive plants over the next decade could nearly double expected annual flood damages from $68 million to $134 million.

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Parking lot in Mānoa Valley following the March 23, 2026 storm (Photo credit: Conrad Newfield)

A significant reduction in flood damage and erosion across urban Honolulu can be achieved by protecting native forests and controlling invasive species in the Ala Wai watershed, according to a new interdisciplinary study by researchers at the University of 鶹ý at Mānoa and state and community partners released May 26.

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Broken logs in and near streams following the March 23, 2026 floods in Mānoa (Photo credit: Conrad Newfield)

The research examined how invasive species such as albizia and miconia affect flooding in the Makiki, Mānoa and Pālolo watersheds. Researchers found that unmanaged spread of the invasive plants over the next decade could nearly double expected annual flood damages from $68 million to $134 million.

The study was released following the March 23 flash flooding in Mānoa that overtopped Woodlawn Bridge, flooded homes and left mud across parts of the valley, including Noelani Elementary School. Researchers said healthy native forests act like a natural sponge by slowing stormwater runoff and stabilizing steep slopes. Invasive species can weaken those protections by increasing erosion and clogging streams with fallen trees and debris.

photo of manoa valley

The research team combined hydrological monitoring data with land cover and economic modeling to measure the impacts of watershed management efforts led by the Koʻolau Mountains Watershed Partnership and the Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee.

“The results show decreased streamflow for a given rainfall amount in Makiki and Mānoa, where albizia and miconia were detected and removed most often,” the authors wrote, noting that runoff reductions were observed within just a few years of invasive species removal.

The study also projected that unchecked invasive species growth would more than double annual Ala Wai Canal dredging costs from about $1.4 million to $3 million because of increased sediment runoff. Researchers said the findings highlight the need for long-term funding to support watershed protection and invasive species management programs across 鶹ý.

Project team members:

  • Yu-Fen Huang (NREM)
  • Yinphan Tsang (NREM)
  • Leah Bremer (Institute for Sustainability and Resilience, UHERO, WRRC)
  • Conrad Newfield (ISR, UHERO)
  • Emma Yuen (Department of Land and Natural Resources–Forestry and Wildlife)
  • Kimberly Burnett (UHERO)
  • Nathan DeMaagd (NREM, UHERO)
  • Jean Fujikawa (Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee)
  • Nate Dube (Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee)
  • Erin Bishop (Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee)
  • Serene Smalley (Koʻolau Mountains Watershed Partnership)

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UHERO is housed in UH Mānoa’s .

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Back home to Mānoa: Transfer student wins #TakeMeToMānoa contest /news/2026/05/22/take-me-to-manoa-winner-2026/ Fri, 22 May 2026 22:55:21 +0000 /news/?p=234882 Liliana Okimoto won a free year of tuition at UH Mānoa, courtesy of UH Federal Credit Union

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Liliana Okimoto and her family with UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos, UH President Wendy Hensel, UH Mānoa Athletics Director Matt Elliott and UHFCU AVP of Member Experience Sean Parsa

For Liliana Okimoto, a year away for college in Washington State provided a realization that no school in the continental U.S. can offer what the can: a deep sense of community and purpose. That was the focus of her winning #TakeMeToMānoa social media contest video hosted by .

In her minute-long entry, Okimoto said, “鶹ý is where my heart is and under the guidance of the amazing faculty and staff at UH Mānoa, I know I can grow into the person I want to become—someone who devotes themselves to learning in order to better serve their community, so take me home. Take me to Mānoa.”

As the winner out of nearly 60 entries, Okimoto won a free year of tuition at UH Mānoa, courtesy of (UHFCU). The online contest, which was open to incoming fall 2026 鶹ý freshmen and transfer students, asked entrants to explain why UH Mānoa is the right place for them or how a year of free tuition would impact their future.

Billy V from 鶹ý News Now made the surprise announcement to Okimoto live on Sunrise on May 22, in front of cheering UH Mānoa employees and students at the UH Mānoa Bookstore.

“I was just in shock and I was so happy,” Okimoto said. “I didn’t realize what it was and then I saw the check. I was like, ‘oh my goodness.’”

Okimoto grew up in Waiʻanae and attended Island Pacific Academy before graduating from ʻIolani School in 2025. At UH Mānoa, Okimoto will pursue a degree in in the , and is also considering a pre-health track. She is also passionate about art and is considering medical school to become a psychiatrist, with a possible goal of one day leading a medical practice that offers psychological care and creative therapies such as art therapy.

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Liliana Okimoto reacts after Billy V surprised her with the news that she was the contest winner

“I had gone to school on the mainland and I could tell that I don’t know if this is what’s right for me and I always just kept thinking about coming home, being back here,” Okimoto said. “And so I was really looking at UH and what programs are here and what they have to offer. I really think that being back at home and being at UH specifically is what’s best for me.”

This will be a full circle moment for Okimoto, who will attend UH Mānoa at the same time as her mother, Michelle, who is in the graduate program for library and information science. Michelle is a librarian at ʻIolani.

“It’s really exciting,” Michelle said. “I wish that I had completed all of the education I wanted to do when I was younger, so I’m definitely gonna encourage her to do that, but I think it’s really cool that we’re gonna go to the same school, go to the same events and maybe even carpool sometimes. I’m just so glad to have her home. It’s icing on the cake that we get to be students together. I’m looking forward to studying together and cheering each other on!”

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Liliana Okimoto and her family pose for a photo with the men’s volleyball national championship trophy

The contest ran from April 6 to May 3. Now in its eighth year, the contest continues to spotlight the dreams, creativity and determination of 鶹ý’s students.

“I am delighted to congratulate Liliana, the winner of this year’s #TakeMetoMānoa contest,” said Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “As our first transfer student to receive this honor, she is a shining example of a student returning home from the continent for whom finding the right fit is of utmost importance, and we are glad to be that destination of choice for her. We are proud to welcome her to our UH Mānoa ʻohana and look forward to the impact she will have on our community.”

“We’re very proud of being able to support the University of 鶹ý at Mānoa and also the students here and bringing her back home,” said UHFCU AVP of Member Experience Sean Parsa. “We’re proud of her and we’re proud of being part of the University of 鶹ý.”

Meet the previous #TakeMeToMānoa winners.

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Alumna earns first 鶹ýMānoa Certificate in Principles of Public Relations /news/2026/05/21/first-public-relations-certificate/ Thu, 21 May 2026 22:46:07 +0000 /news/?p=234794 The certificate demonstrates a fundamental competency and knowledge for college graduates entering the public relations profession.

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McKenzie Kurosu

McKenzie Kurosu is the first University of 鶹ý at Mānoa / graduate to earn a . It is issued by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), which is operated by the Public Relations Society of American (PRSA). The certificate demonstrates a fundamental competency and knowledge for college graduates entering the public relations profession.

U H Manoa graduates
McKenzie Kurosu with UH President Wendy Hensel and fellow spring 2025 graduate Quentin Shores

Kurosu is a May 2025 graduate who double majored in communication and journalism from the . She received the certificate in December 2025 after taking required courses and passing an exam.

“This certificate really helps bridge the gap between what you learn in a classroom and real-world applications,” said Kurosu. “Having this on a résumé helps you stand out to recruiters, and serves as a great first step to pursue an APR (Accreditation in Public Relations) designation later in your career.”

Public relations or related majors may apply for the certificate, but must be members of PRSA or student chapters of UAB participating organizations. At UH Mānoa, Kurosu completed the public relations coursework while serving as a vice president and director of communications of the David A. Ward chapter of PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America). Kurosu said belonging to PRSSA was a career-defining experience.

“Beyond the leadership roles, I had the chance to travel to California for the ICON conference, and network with professionals and peers who share my passion for the industry,” she said.

For more information about the certificate and to check eligibility, or contact PRSSA faculty advisor Ji Young Kim at jkim22@hawaii.edu.

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鶹ý outlook darkens amid oil surge, rising costs /news/2026/05/15/uhero-second-quarter-forecast-2026/ Fri, 15 May 2026 10:01:51 +0000 /news/?p=234331 The UHERO second quarter forecast released May 15 indicates 鶹ý’s economy is slowing after what had been an improving outlook earlier this year.

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buildings and ocean

Kona Low storms, rising oil prices and global conflict are creating new economic uncertainty for 鶹ý, according to a new forecast from the (UHERO). The pressures are expected to push 鶹ý inflation higher and weigh on visitor arrivals and spending.

The UHERO second quarter forecast released May 15 indicates 鶹ý’s economy is slowing after what had been an improving outlook earlier this year. The war involving Iran has driven up global oil prices, increasing fuel and travel costs while weakening some of the international economies that help power 鶹ý tourism.

At the same time, 鶹ý is still recovering from damaging March Kona Low storms that caused flooding and infrastructure damage.

鶹ý’s economy is facing a new wave of uncertainty,” UHERO economists wrote in the report.

Tourism entered 2026 with momentum before the storms caused a sharp drop in passenger counts. According to UHERO, conditions have since weakened as jet fuel prices surged, driving up airfare and contributing to airline capacity cuts. Canadian arrivals continue to decline, while Japanese travelers face the weakest yen purchasing power in decades.

UHERO projects visitor arrivals will grow about 2% this year before slowing sharply in 2027.

The labor market is also showing signs of strain. Payroll growth has been mostly flat, and federal employment has dropped by more than 3,000 jobs throughout the past year. Construction and healthcare remain bright spots, supported by major projects including recovery and rebuilding efforts on Maui following the 2023 wildfires and the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District.

Housing affordability also remains a challenge. Median single-family home prices have hovered near $1 million, while insurance premiums continue rising following the Maui wildfires and recent storms.

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UHERO is housed in UH Mānoa’s .

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‘Haʻaheo’ defines 鶹ýMānoa commencement speaker’s message /news/2026/05/07/diego-haaheo-ortiz-speaker/ Thu, 07 May 2026 23:55:15 +0000 /news/?p=233837 Ortiz describes the university as a “second home” that supported his personal growth.

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Diego Haʻaheo Ortiz

In the Hawaiian language, haʻaheo means pride, dignity and self-respect earned through responsibility. For the University of 鶹ý at Mānoa spring 2026 commencement student speaker, it’s also his middle name—and the focus of his message.

Diego Haʻaheo Ortiz will earn his bachelor’s degree in and from the and address graduates and guests at the morning ceremony on May 16.

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Ortiz is a legislative aide for State Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz. (Photo credit: Senate Communications)

“The main thing that I want people to take away is the idea that you don’t have to expect people to be proud of you,” Ortiz said. “As a person that has always wanted to make my parents proud, my mom teaches me and reminds me every day that Haʻaheo is a reminder that they’ll be proud of me no matter what.”

“I always want people to know that whatever they go through in life—the good and the bad—you will always have your support with the people that uplift you.”

Ortiz said he is constantly working with speech coach and PhD student Sanoe Burgess to improve his address.

“I’m very excited,” Ortiz said. “There isn’t a day that has gone by where I haven’t been like, ‘oh, I’m so ready for this.’”

Ortiz also credited his girlfriend, Sam, with inspiring him to focus his message on his middle name.

“She told me that I should write about something that really is a part of me,” Ortiz said.

Balancing school and service

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Aside from academics, Ortiz is a legislative aide to State Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz. A 2022 graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, Ortiz began working at the 鶹ý State Capitol through a Hele Imua internship, a state-funded program that places students in public sector roles.

Originally from Kailua, Ortiz balances his work at the legislature with his studies as he prepares to graduate and pursue law school. He has expressed interest in gaining additional experience through an internship with the state attorney general’s office.

At UH Mānoa, Ortiz credits the College of Social Sciences with helping shape his academic and career path, and describes the university as a “second home” that supported his personal growth.

Meet more amazing UH graduates

“The thing that really stuck with me was the friends that I got to make, especially during my first year when I was in student housing,” Ortiz said. “I got super lucky because my roommate was my high school friend. Both of us getting away from home, getting to branch out and meet new people, I feel like that really provided us with an environment that gave us the opportunity to learn and grow as people.”

For prospective students thinking about attending college, Ortiz encourages them to “give UH Mānoa a chance.”

“It’s a good environment to step yourself into the collegiate life, whether that be finding a program that you like, staying in student housing or even participating in athletics,” Ortiz said. “I feel like a lot of kids in 鶹ý often overlook UH Mānoa, and it should be known that it’s a very good university for people to step into their next aspect of their life.”

By Marc Arakaki

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鶹ý Housing Factbook 2026: Affordability improves modestly, but risks mount /news/2026/05/07/hawaii-housing-factbook-2026/ Thu, 07 May 2026 18:00:24 +0000 /news/?p=233801 The report finds that 鶹ý’s housing crisis remains severe, despite modest improvements in affordability.

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aerial shot of a city

The (UHERO) has released the 鶹ý Housing Factbook 2026, the fourth edition of its annual report offering detailed analysis of the state’s housing market. The report finds that 鶹ý’s housing crisis remains severe, despite modest improvements in affordability driven by flat home prices, rising incomes and lower mortgage rates in 2025. The Factbook also highlights growing risks from insurance costs, homeowners association fees, slow permitting, natural disasters and policy uncertainty.

“The data reflects our state’s deep housing crisis. Restoring affordability will require the production of more housing, and confronting the barriers that prevent homes from being built,” said lead author and UHERO Associate Professor Justin Tyndall.

Key findings from this year’s Factbook include:

  • Home prices have leveled off, but remain extremely high: The statewide median price of a single-family home was $950,000 in 2025. Median single-family prices rose 1% statewide, while condominium prices declined 2%. Existing-home values, measured by UHERO’s Repeat Sales Index, were flat.
  • Affordability improved for a second year, but homeownership remains out of reach for most households: Affording the median single-family home still requires more than 180% of the state median income, putting it within reach for only about one-in-five 鶹ý households. Condominium affordability improved more sharply, although rising HOA fees and insurance costs may offset some of those gains.
  • Housing costs now include rising insurance and association-fee burdens: New Census data show that 42% of 鶹ý homeowners pay monthly HOA or AOAO fees, compared with 25% nationally. 鶹ý also had the second-highest median monthly HOA fee in the country at $470. In Honolulu, real estate listings from February 2026 showed a median advertised HOA/AOAO fee of $882. Insurance costs are also rising rapidly, with 鶹ý’s aggregate property insurance premiums paid in the state increasing 13% in 2024—well above the national average and the largest annual increase in over a decade.
  • Permitting delays continue to constrain new housing supply: County permitting reforms have produced mixed results. 鶹ý County and Maui County recorded faster single-family permit processing times in 2025, while Kauaʻi’s delays worsened. In Honolulu, UHERO was unable to obtain records after the launch of the city’s new permitting system, but permits issued in the first half of 2025 continued to show long processing times.
  • Lahaina rebuilding is moving unevenly: Two and a half years after the 2023 Maui wildfires, Maui County reported 991 permits to rebuild permanent structures, with 634 issued. UHERO’s analysis finds that single-family homeowners, including vacation-home owners, are receiving permits faster than owners of long-term rentals, apartments and businesses. About 57% of fire-damaged lots showed no permit activity to date.
  • Policy changes are reshaping Maui’s condo market: Maui County’s Bill 9, which phases out roughly 7,000 short-term vacation rentals in apartment-zoned buildings, has already cooled the condo market. Maui condo prices in 2025 were down 11% from 2023, while prices for condos on the Minatoya list were down 16%.
  • Extreme weather and flood-insurance changes add new housing-market risks: Severe Kona Low storms in March and April 2026 caused catastrophic flooding, landslides, evacuations and more than $1 billion in estimated damage. In June 2026, updated FEMA flood maps will add 3,700 net new parcels on Oʻahu to Special Flood Hazard Areas, raising costs and financing hurdles for 25% more property owners.
  • Vacation rentals remain a major share of neighbor-island housing: 鶹ý had about 34,500 active advertised vacation rental properties in 2025, up from 33,600 in 2024. Vacation rentals account for 20% of all housing units on Kauaʻi and 15% in Maui County, compared with 2.5% in Honolulu.

The Factbook is based on a wide range of data sources and offers housing indicators at the state, county and zip code levels.

The .

UHERO is housed in UH Mānoa’s .

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UHERO: Bigger childcare tax credit may boost jobs, offset state costs /news/2026/05/04/cost-subsidizing-childcare/ Mon, 04 May 2026 18:42:05 +0000 /news/?p=233456 鶹ý’s high childcare costs are among the highest in the nation, and often discourage secondary earners from returning to work.

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learning tools in a classroom

Expanding 鶹ý’s Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit could help more parents stay in or reenter the workforce while partially offsetting its own cost through increased state tax revenue, according to a new report released May 1 by the (UHERO).

The report examines proposals before the state legislature to increase the maximum childcare tax credit from $2,500 to $5,000 per child, with two bills taking different approaches to how benefits phase out as household income rises.

Researchers find that 鶹ý’s high childcare costs are among the highest in the nation, and often discourage secondary earners, most often mothers, from returning to work. In 2024, center-based infant care averages more than $24,000 annually in 鶹ý.

The report explains that the policy’s offsetting effect occurs when a second parent enters the workforce, resulting in increased income tax revenue and additional general excise tax collections. In one mid-income household example, a second earner returning to work would generate $3,401 in state income tax revenue and $1,763 in additional GET revenue under the targeted credit proposal, resulting in a net fiscal gain of $2,663 for the state even after accounting for the $2,500 credit cost.

The report finds the strongest case for expanding the credit is among middle-income households, where childcare costs consume a large share of income, and the added tax credit is more likely to influence work decisions.

However, the report cautions that expanding the credit alone may not be sufficient if 鶹ý’s childcare supply cannot keep pace with demand. Without more childcare spaces, subsidies could simply drive up prices rather than improve access. The report also notes that for lower-income families, benefit cliffs—when earning slightly more income causes families to lose eligibility for public benefits such as SNAP or childcare assistance—could reduce the effectiveness of any tax credit expansion.

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UHERO is housed in UH Mānoa’s .

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Natural gas offers modest gains, big risks for 鶹ý energy costs: UHERO report /news/2026/04/14/liquefied-natural-gas/ Tue, 14 Apr 2026 22:58:23 +0000 /news/?p=232159 While LNG could offer short-term benefits under certain conditions, its long-term value is uncertain compared to continued investment in renewable energy and recent improvements to oil supply contracts.

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shot of a power plant

Switching 鶹ý’s power plants from oil to liquefied natural gas (LNG) may not deliver the dramatic drop in electricity prices that some proposals promise, according to a new analysis by the (UHERO), released April 14.

鶹ý has the highest electricity rates in the nation, largely because it relies on imported oil. But a 2024 fuel contract renegotiation by Hawaiian Electric has already begun easing some of that burden by reducing how strongly global oil price spikes translate into local costs, saving tens of millions of dollars each month compared to the previous agreement.

The report finds that while natural gas is often far cheaper than oil on the continental U.S., 鶹ý faces higher costs because the fuel must be cooled, shipped across the ocean and converted back into gas. Those steps significantly narrow the price gap and expose the state to volatile global LNG markets, where prices can surge during supply disruptions.

At current prices, LNG still holds a modest cost advantage over oil. However, much of the projected savings comes not from the fuel itself but from newer, more efficient power plants that use less energy to generate electricity. Similar efficiency gains could be achieved without switching fuels.

Long-term investment concerns

The analysis also raises concerns about long-term investments in LNG infrastructure. Under scenarios where 鶹ý continues expanding renewable energy, such as solar paired with battery storage, LNG facilities could be underused while ratepayers remain responsible for their costs. Solar and battery systems are already competitive with fossil fuels and avoid the risks tied to global fuel markets.

The findings suggest that while LNG could offer short-term benefits under certain conditions, its long-term value is uncertain compared to continued investment in renewable energy and recent improvements to oil supply contracts.

“The upside is modest and front-loaded; the downside arrives when things go wrong—and in energy markets, they eventually do,” wrote UHERO Research Fellow and UH Mānoa Economics Professor Michael J. Roberts.

Visit UHERO’s website for the and .

UHERO is housed in UH Mānoa’s .

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鶹ýgrad programs earn national recognition in U.S. News and World Report rankings /news/2026/04/08/us-news-best-grad-program-rankings-2026/ Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:08:19 +0000 /news/?p=231895 The 2026 U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings were released on April 6.

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U H Manoa students walking together

Ten graduate programs at the are in the nation’s top 50, and an additional 17 programs are in the top 100, according to the 2026 , released on April 7.

UH Mānoa’s (JABSOM) also placed in the nation’s top tier (tier 1) for best medical schools for primary care, and UH ᾱ’s ranked in a in the nation.

The highest ranked UH Mānoa programs were in the , ranking No. 18 (tied) for best environmental law programs and law schools with most grads in federal clerkships, No. 24 for best part-time law programs, No. 41 (tied) for best international law programs, No. 47 (tied) for best dispute resolution programs and No. 48 (tied) for best legal writing programs.

The ranked No. 22 (tied) for best international programs, and the (SOEST) placed No. 40 (tied) for best Earth sciences programs. JABSOM ranked No. 42 for most graduates practicing in rural areas and No. 45 for most graduates practicing in primary care.

UH Mānoa’s strong showing in the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings underscores our commitment to excellence in teaching, research and student success,” said UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “These results reflect the talent and dedication of our faculty, students and staff, and 鶹ý can take pride in knowing their university is preparing the next generation of leaders and changemakers for our community and the world.”

Rankings were based on multiple factors, including research activity (such as publications and citations), student and alumni outcomes (employment and earnings), quality assessments (from peers and recruiters), student selectivity (GPA and test scores), and faculty resources (doctoral degrees awarded and student-to-faculty ratios).

Note: not all programs are ranked every year. See these UH News stories on previous years’ rankings: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Jump to program rankings:
William S. Richardson School of Law  |  John A. Burns School of Medicine  |  Shidler College of Business  |  School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology  |  School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene  |  College of Education  |  Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health  |  College of Social Sciences  |  College of Engineering  |  College of Natural Sciences  |  College of Arts, Languages & Letters

William S. Richardson School of Law

The William S. Richardson School of Law was ranked in 16 categories by U.S. News and World Report. In addition to its ranking of No. 18 (tied) for best environmental law programs and law schools with most grads in federal clerkships, No. 24 for best part-time law programs, No. 41 (tied) for best international law programs, No. 47 (tied) for best dispute resolution programs and No. 48 (tied) for best legal writing programs, the 鶹ýlaw school placed No. 91 (tied) among the top law schools in the nation.

Other law school rankings include:

  • Tax law: No. 80 (tied)
  • Criminal law: No. 88 (tied)
  • Contracts/commercial law: No. 92 (tied)
  • Health care law: No. 92 (tied)
  • Constitutional law: No. 95 (tied)
  • Business/corporate law: No. 101 (tied)
  • Clinical training: No. 102 (tied)
  • Intellectual property law: No. 127 (tied)
  • Trial advocacy: No. 175 (tied)

John A. Burns School of Medicine

JABSOM was one of 16 schools that placed in the nation’s top tier (tier 1) for best medical schools for primary care. JABSOM also placed in tier 3 for best medical schools for research.
In addition, JABSOM ranked No. 42 for most graduates practicing in rural areas, No. 45 for most graduates practicing in primary care, No. 139 for speech language pathology and No. 171 for most graduates practicing in medically underserved areas. .

Shidler College of Business

The Shidler College of Business placed in nine subject areas. Leading the way were international programs at No. 22 (tied), accounting programs at No. 68 (tied), information systems programs at No. 72 (tied) and marketing programs at No. 91 (tied). In addition, Shidler ranked at No. 104 (tied) for best management programs, No. 113 (tied) for best executive programs, No. 123 (tied) for best finance programs, No. 125 (tied) for best entrepreneurship programs and No. 142 (tied) for best part-time MBA programs.

School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

SOEST placed No. 40 (tied) among the nation’s best Earth sciences programs.

School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene

The School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene placed No. 55 (tied) for best nursing school–master’s and No. 62 (tied) for best nursing school–doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Both were the only programs in 鶹ý to be ranked by U.S. News and World Report.

College of Education

The College of Education ranked No. 57 (tied) in the U.S., the 21st straight year the college has been listed as one of the nation’s top 100 education programs. Nationally accredited since 2000, the College of Education continues to be recognized for its award-winning programs and people.

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

The ranked No. 89 (tied) among the nation’s top public health schools and programs in the U.S. accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. The Department of Public Health Sciences offers a ; a , with specializations in , , and , and a , as well as PhD program in , specializing in community-based and translational research and a PhD in . The Department of Public Health Sciences is also home to an online master of public health program to meet workforce demands.

College of Social Sciences

The College of Social Sciences placed among the nation’s best in at No. 90 (tied) and at No. 92 (tied).

College of Engineering

The ranked among the nation’s best in at No. 91 (tied), at No. 92 (tied), and at No. 128 (tied). The College of Engineering overall ranked No. 164 (tied) among the top engineering schools in the U.S. that grant doctoral degrees.

College of Natural Sciences

The placed among the nation’s best in at No. 97 (tied), and at No. 115 (tied), and at No. 125 (tied).

College of Arts, Languages & Letters

UH Mānoa placed No. 106 (tied) among the nation’s best for fine arts programs.

Other rankings

UH Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

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Shall we dance? 1-2-3 national championships for 鶹ýballroom dance team /news/2026/04/07/ballroom-dance-national-champs-2026/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 23:39:19 +0000 /news/?p=231793 The club was formed in September 2022, and the team also took first place for “highest team average” in 2024 and 2025.

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people standing and smiling
2026 UH Mānoa Nationals Team (Photo credit: Synthia Sumukti)

The University of 鶹ý at Mānoa ballroom dance team won its third consecutive national title at the (NCDC), in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 27–29.

two people dancing
Alexander Picken and D’Elle Martin in the American Smooth style. (Photo credit: Gregory Snyder)

Competing against 37 colleges, UH Mānoa once again took first place for “highest point average,” as well as a close second place for the overall team championship, asserting its place among the nation’s top ballroom dance college teams. Winning top honors in the highest point average requires most team members to perform exceptionally well in all events.

The dancers of the Ballroom Dance Club @UHM—a registered independent organization at UH Mānoa—are trained and coached by Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti. Narayan and Sumukti also represented 鶹ý in the senior age division placing 1st in several events.

“We are no longer the underdogs, so all the other colleges are looking at us as the team to beat,” said Narayan, who is also an adjunct faculty member in the UH Mānoa . “The bar is getting raised higher and higher each year, but we prevailed once again. We are incredibly proud of the dedication of our dancers who put in many hours to prepare for this competition. We are grateful for the incredible support we have received from the entire ballroom community in the state of 鶹ý.”

The Ballroom Dance Club @UHM was formed in September 2022, and the team took first place for “highest team average” in 2024 and 2025.

“Nationals was an amazing and eye-opening experience for me,” said Caleb Zerbe, who competed in the nationals for the first time. “Getting to see so many people dance and enjoy themselves on the floor made me realize how fun dancing can be, even at the highest stages. It was a moment that helped me build a lot of confidence, and one that I will never forget.”

Christopher Ramirez, who competed on all three victorious UH Mānoa teams, added, “Given the opportunity to compete at my third nationals, there is always something new to learn. Winning for the third year in a row has reminded me just how incredible it is to be a part of this team.”

Tough competition

NCDC is a grueling competition with events starting at 7 a.m. every morning. It consisted of multiple events based on proficiency (bronze, silver, gold, etc.). Each student danced in up to 32 different events at the bronze and silver skill levels. They competed in all four styles of ballroom dance including International Standard (waltz, tango, viennese waltz, foxtrot and quickstep), American Smooth (waltz, tango, foxtrot and viennese waltz), American Rhythm (chacha, rumba, swing, bolero and mambo) and International Latin (samba, chacha, rumba, paso doble and jive).

two people dancing
ʻAulani Wagner and Kanaru Ebi in the International Latin style. (Photo credit: Gregory Snyder)

Several students took individual first place awards in their respective divisions defeating up to 70 other competitors in some events. This trip was designed to give the team exposure to a collegiate competition, as 鶹ý has no statewide collegiate ballroom competitions.

More about the Ballroom Dance Club

The Ballroom Dance Club offers beginner classes to all UH Mānoa students, faculty and staff in studio 2 in the athletics department from 6—7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. No dance experience is required. For more information, or visit their Instagram page @bdcuhm.

two people dancing
Noah Asano and Amanda Kanthack in the International Latin style. (Photo credit: Gregory Snyder)

The team would like to thank the Department of Information and Computer Sciences, UH Mānoa Department of Athletics, Student Activity and Program Fee Board, Associated Students of the University of 鶹ý, USA Dance Honolulu and the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation for facility and financial support.

UH Mānoa 2026 nationals collegiate and adult team roster:

  • Ravi Narayan, faculty (computer science), coach and alumnus
  • Synthia Sumukti, coach and alumna
  • ʻAulani Wagner, library science and American studies
  • Alexander Picken, Earth science
  • Amanda Kanthack, psychology and Japanese
  • Caleb Zerbe, computer science
  • Christopher Ramirez, linguistics
  • Christopher Wright, electrical engineering
  • Courtney Hisamoto, computer science
  • D’Elle Martin, architecture
  • Elijah Saloma, computer science
  • Gregory Snyder, mechanical engineering
  • Hannah Madiam, kinesiology
  • Iris Calauan, pre-nursing
  • Jonathan Bona, civil engineering
  • Julietta Lopez, architecture
  • Kanaru Ebi, psychology
  • Karl Merritt, mechanical engineering
  • Luis Hernandez, electrical and computer engineering
  • Lyndsey Moku, political science
  • Maya Ito, psychology
  • Michaella Villanueva, computer science
  • Noah Asano, computer science
  • Samantha Reed, computer science
  • Shaelyn Loo, computer science
  • Tessa Heidkamp, journalism and political science
  • Andrew Lin, computer science alumnus
  • Sydney Kim, computer science alumna
  • Jason Aguda, computer engineering alumnus
  • Matthew Rummel, political science and business alumnus
  • Ariel Ramos, cinematic arts animation alumna
  • Yong-Sung Masuda, computer science alumnus
  • Wilson Tran, computer science alumnus
  • Florence Liu, faculty, mathematics

Luis Hernandez and Maya Ito dancing the American Cha-cha in the Collegiate Team Match where UH Mānoa placed 3rd. (Video courtesy: Calvin Ota)

Elijah Saloma and Michaella Villanueva dancing the International Quickstep in the Collegiate Team Match where UH Mānoa placed 3rd. (Video courtesy: Calvin Ota)

Coaches Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti dancing the Mambo in the Senior IV American Rhythm Championship final. (Video courtesy: Ravi Sundaram)

Students cheering for their coaches Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti (Video courtesy: Ravi Sundaram)

two people dancing
Alexander Picken and Shaelyn Loo in the International Latin style. (Photo credit: Gregory Snyder)
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Global recognition for 鶹ýMānoa: 14 programs shine in new rankings /news/2026/03/25/qs-subject-rankings-2026/ Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:01:35 +0000 /news/?p=231221 The 2026 edition analyzed the performance of more than 18,300 university programs taken by students at more than 1,700 universities.

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U H Manoa students walking

Fourteen University of 鶹ý at Mānoa academic subjects were ranked among the world’s best in the 2026 , released on March 25.

Four subjects placed in the top 22 in the nation and top 100 in the world. Leading the way was geology (No. 19 in the U.S. and No. 51–100 in the world), geophysics (No. 19 in the U.S. and No. 51–100 in the world), Earth and marine sciences (No. 21 in the U.S. and No. 51–100 in the world) and linguistics (No. 22 in the U.S. and No. 61 in the world).

Ten additional subjects placed in the world’s top 2% (within top 500 in the world out of ):

  • English language and literature: No. 28 U.S., No. 101–150 world
  • Agriculture and forestry: No. 30 U.S., No. 151–200 world
  • Anthropology: No. 31 U.S., No. 101–200 world
  • Modern languages: No. 41 U.S., No. 251–300 world
  • Environmental sciences: No. 66 U.S., No. 351–400 world
  • Communication and media studies: No. 68 U.S., No. 251–275 world
  • Physics and astronomy: No. 70 U.S., No. 401–450 world
  • Education: No. 78 U.S., No. 351–400 world
  • Medicine: No. 99 U.S., No. 451–500 world
  • Biological sciences: No. 100 U.S., No. 451–500 world

“These rankings highlight the exceptional work and commitment of our faculty, students and staff,” UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “They showcase the university’s global standing and reinforce that UH Mānoa offers outstanding educational opportunities and experiences for both our local community and those joining us from around the world.”

UH Mānoa was ranked in three broad subject areas and 14 narrow subject areas. The QS World University Rankings by Subject are calculated using five criteria: academic reputation (measures the reputation of institutions and their programs by asking academic experts to nominate universities based on their subject area of expertise), employer reputation (measures the reputation of institutions and their programs among employers), research citations per paper (measures the impact and quality of the scientific work done by institutions, on average per publication), H-index (measures both the productivity and impact of the published work of a scientist or scholar) and international research network (measure of an institution’s success in creating and sustaining research partnerships with institutions in other locations).

The 2026 edition of the rankings by global higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds analyzed the performance of more than 18,300 university programs, taken by students at more than 1,700 universities in 100 locations around the world.

Other rankings

UH Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

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鶹ýMānoa College of Social Sciences presents Sundance selection ‘Third Act’ /news/2026/03/23/sundance-selection-third-act/ Mon, 23 Mar 2026 23:41:45 +0000 /news/?p=231134 The documentary offers an intimate look at the life of his father, Robert A. Nakamura—a legendary filmmaker and activist.

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people looking from a balcony
Scene from film: Tad and Bob looking out over Waikīkī.

The University of 鶹ý at Mānoa , in partnership with the (JANM) and the , will present a special screening of the documentary film “Third Act.” This exclusive event will take place on March 31, 2026, 6–8 p.m. in the Architecture Auditorium (ARCH 205) on the UH Mānoa campus.

film poster

Admission to this event is free and open to the public. Interested attendees are encouraged to secure their seats by .

Directed by Tadashi “Tad” Nakamura, director of JANM’s Frank H. Watase Media Arts Center, “Third Act” was an official selection of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The offers an intimate look at the life of his father, Robert A. Nakamura—a legendary filmmaker and activist. The screening will be followed by a live Q&A session with Tad.

Using the lessons taught to him by his father, Tad deciphers the legacy of an aging man who was just a child when he survived the U.S. concentration camps. Robert was a successful photographer who gave it up to tell his own story, an activist at the dawn of a social movement—and a father whose struggles won his son freedoms that eluded Japanese Americans of his generation. Throughout the years they have made films together, with Robert always by Tad’s side. “Third Act” was their last.

“The College of Social Sciences is honored to bring this free community screening of ‘Third Act’ to our campus,” said Denise Eby Konan, dean, UH Mānoa College of Social Sciences. “This film not only celebrates a pioneer in media arts, but offers a powerful exploration of art, activism and the Japanese American experience.”

person headshot
Tadashi (Tad) Nakamura (Photo credit: Tribrina Hobson)

“The Daniel K. Inouye Institute is honored to support the screening of the Emmy award winning film, ‘Third Act,’ which tells a heartfelt family story of Japanese Americans incarcerated during WWII, and of a broader story of resilience and remembrance,” said Jennifer Sabas, president, Daniel K. Inouye Institute. “When I reflect upon the unspeakable, discriminatory hardship imposed on a group of people purely because of the color of their skin, and now the turbulent times in which we find ourselves today, it reminds me of one of Sen. Inouye’s favorite sayings—‘History is an excellent teacher, provided you heed the lessons learned. Otherwise, you are likely to repeat them.’”

Tadashi Nakamura, an Emmy award-winning filmmaker, was named to CNN’s “Young People Who Rock” list for being the youngest filmmaker at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. Now with more than 20 years of filmmaking experience, his films include “Nobuko Miyamoto: A Song in Movement” (2024), “Mele Murals” (2016), “Jake Shimabukuro: Life on Four Strings” (2013), “A Song for Ourselves” (2009) and “Pilgrimage” (2006).

person getting ready for an interview
Scene from film: Tad with his father, Robert.
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One condo, hundreds of homes: UHERO study reveals housing ripple effect /news/2026/03/23/housing-filtering-uhero/ Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:23:58 +0000 /news/?p=231126 Housing filtering is a process in which new construction sets off a chain of moves that frees up existing homes across the market.

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condo skyline in Honolulu

A single new condominium tower in Honolulu may have opened up hundreds of additional housing opportunities across Oʻahu, according to new research from the (UHERO).

The study examines a concept known as housing filtering, a process in which new construction sets off a chain of moves that frees up existing homes across the market. When a household moves into a newly built unit, it leaves behind a previous home, creating an opportunity for another household, and so on.

500+ housing vacancies created

UHERO Associate Professor Justin Tyndall tracked this effect using The Central, a 512-unit mixed-income condo completed in 2021 near Ala Moana. He estimated the project generated more than 500 housing vacancies islandwide within three years, expanding availability far beyond the building itself.

“For policymakers and planners, the results highlight the importance of considering these broader market dynamics when evaluating housing policy,” Tyndall wrote. “Expanding housing supply in high-demand areas can improve affordability not only through income-restricted units, but also through the filtering process that returns older housing stock to the market.”

Greater affordability across the market

He added, “Policies that block market-rate housing construction, because new units are expensive, can be largely counterproductive. The production of all types of housing pushes up the overall supply of homes and can contribute to greater affordability across all segments of the market.”

The homes freed up through these chains were often more affordable and larger than the new units. On average, they were about 40% less expensive per square foot and more likely to include single-family homes with three or more bedrooms.

The study also found that market-rate units tended to produce more total vacancies, while income-restricted units more often opened up lower-cost housing options. Most of the movement remained local, with the majority of households relocating within 鶹ý.

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UHERO is housed in UH Mānoa’s .

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Low pay, not just high prices, behind 鶹ý’s persistent population loss /news/2026/03/19/high-prices-low-incomes/ Thu, 19 Mar 2026 21:16:53 +0000 /news/?p=230949 When adjusting for cost of living, 鶹ý's income levels align more closely with struggling continental U.S. regions than with high-cost, high-wage cities.

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condo skyline in Honolulu

For 23 of the past 25 years, more residents have left 鶹ý than arrived from the continental U.S., according to an . The research finds the answer is not because of high prices or low incomes, but a combination of both that puts the state in a rare and troubling category.

鶹ý stands out nationally for having both high living costs and relatively modest incomes, a mix that researchers say drives persistent outmigration. While expensive continental U.S. cities often retain residents with higher wages, 鶹ý more closely resembles economically “left-behind” regions where limited opportunity pushes people to leave.

An analysis of migration patterns across states and 384 U.S. metro areas shows that higher prices tend to push residents out, while higher incomes attract them. In 鶹ý, both forces are working in the same direction, but while 鶹ý has always been expensive, the widening income gap with the rest of the nation is a growing and more troubling driver.

‘Priced out and left behind’

“This combination places 鶹ý in one of the rarest and most concerning categories in the national data: simultaneously priced out and left behind,” wrote UHERO authors Steven Bond-Smith and Erich Schwartz. “Residents are not leaving for a single reason. They are responding to a structure of economic pressures that makes staying difficult and makes opportunity elsewhere increasingly attractive.”

In urban Honolulu, high costs account for a significant share of outmigration. Incomes, which have recently fallen below the national average, add growing pressure. On Maui, price and income effects are more evenly matched, with both contributing to residents leaving. In both cases, lagging incomes predict growing shares of outmigration, while the high cost of living predicts relatively constant shares. While 鶹ý Island and 鶹ý were excluded from the city dataset, researchers believe similar forces are likely happening there too.

Researchers identified additional local factors in Honolulu—including geographic isolation, limited housing supply, congestion and a narrow industry base—that intensify migration pressures beyond what prices and incomes alone would predict.

When adjusting for cost of living, 鶹ý’s income levels align more closely with struggling continental U.S. regions than with high-cost, high-wage cities such as San Francisco or Seattle.

This post focuses on a key theme from UHERO’s comprehensive report, “Beyond the Price of Paradise: Is 鶹ý being left behind?” released on February 1. In that report, researchers say lowering the cost of living alone won’t be enough, and that 鶹ý must boost long-term income and productivity growth to remain economically sustainable. They recommend policies that diversify the economy, support innovation and remove barriers to growth, alongside continued efforts to improve affordability.

UHERO is housed in UH Mānoa .

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More than a class: Where students find knowledge—and themselves /news/2026/03/17/more-than-a-class/ Tue, 17 Mar 2026 23:55:02 +0000 /news/?p=230821 Vallin estimates that, over the past 15 years, she has taught more than 10,000 students in a single course.

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person smiling next to photos of other people
Lisa Vallin in her Saunders Hall office with photos of her mentors and role models.

March is Women’s History Month. But for Lisa M. Vallin, every month is Women’s History Month. That’s because the full-time instructor and academic advisor in the University of 鶹ý at Mānoa ’ (WGSS) teaches one of the most in-demand courses at UH Mānoa, regularly drawing more than 700 registrants every semester.

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Lisa Vallin

Vallin leads WGSS 350 Sex Differences in the Life Cycle, which is cross-listed as BIOL 350. She credits a small but effective army of learning assistants, dedicated guest speakers, multiple internships and volunteer opportunities, and the ability to study sexuality in evidence-based, nuanced conversations that move beyond myths and binaries.

The course’s popularity is partly because it fulfills a general education requirement; is listed as a DB (diversification of biological sciences) course for aspiring doctors and science majors; and has earned an E (ethics) focus. But that’s not the only reason seats are snapped up as soon as registration opens. WGSS Chair Lani Teves said one of the department’s oldest courses is among its most popular because of the teaching ability, energy and enthusiasm of Vallin herself.

“Lisa is an invaluable member of our WGSS faculty and community. Students—both in person and online—regularly note that she is the best professor they’ve ever had, describing her as open minded, knowledgeable and inspiring,” said Teves.

Global perspectives, human geography

Vallin was born and raised in Sweden and, as a youngster, dreamed of working for the United Nations. Driven by a deep interest in global cultures and social justice, she pursued higher education in the U.S., earning a bachelor’s degree in geography with an emphasis on the human environment.

After earning a master’s in the field at San Francisco State University and with the intent of earning a PhD, Vallin moved to 鶹ý to study with Michael Salzman, a UH Mānoa educational psychology professor whose specialty was cultural trauma. She became particularly interested in how cultural trauma and structural inequality helped shape sexual identities and lived experiences.

Then Vallin learned about a lecturer opening in WGSS, and successfully applied in 2011. Her first course, WGSS/BIOL 350, enrolled 45 students in a standard-size classroom. Over the years, student demand grew dramatically. In spring 2026, she is teaching two sections that meet twice a week, serving 533 students online and 201 students in person. Vallin estimates that, over the past 15 years, she has taught more than 10,000 students in a single course.

“I’m incredibly proud of that large number,” said Vallin. “The fact that so many students have shown a shared interest in learning about the body and its diversity is deeply encouraging. It reminds me that these conversations matter.”

For the entire story, visit the .

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Nearly $800K in new funding from HCF, Kaiser supports UH’s Maui wildfire study /news/2026/03/01/mauiwes-hcf-kaiser-support/ Sun, 01 Mar 2026 18:00:22 +0000 /news/?p=230188 The funding will help sustain health screenings, follow-up visits and community outreach as researchers continue monitoring the physical and mental health effects of wildfire exposure.

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Two new grants totaling nearly $800,000 will support the University of 鶹ý’s ongoing (MauiWES), a long-term effort tracking the health impacts of the 2023 Lahaina fires on Maui residents.

The 鶹ý Community Foundation has awarded $450,000 through its Maui Strong Fund, and Kaiser Permanente has committed $337,500 to the study. The funding will help sustain health screenings, follow-up visits and community outreach as researchers continue monitoring the physical and mental health effects of wildfire exposure.

“This support allows us to keep showing up for the Maui community over the long term,” said study co-lead Ruben Juarez, professor at the (UHERO). “The willingness of residents to participate and return for follow-up visits reflects a level of trust that is essential for understanding the full health impacts of the fires—and for responding in ways that truly help families over time.”

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A Maui Wildfire Exposure Study event in 2024

The 鶹ý Community Foundation funding was awarded through the Maui Recovery Funders Collaborative, which was established in response to the Maui wildfires. The collaborative coordinates a variety of funders to streamline funding opportunities for community service providers and organizations.

“The 鶹ý Community Foundation, through its Maui Strong Fund, is a proud participant of the Maui Recovery Funders Collaborative, which has awarded over $9 million in funds to support organizations that are assisting those impacted by the fires,” said HCF CEO and President Terry George. “Efforts like the MauiWES not only help to provide continued health and mental health support to survivors but also help us to be better prepared and ultimately more resilient in the face of future disasters.”

“Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to funding the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study reflects the belief that strong, community‑focused research should guide long‑term recovery and future preparedness,” said David Tumilowicz, senior director of marketing and community health, Kaiser Permanente. “As climate‑driven wildfires become more frequent and destructive, we need clear, reliable health and environmental data to understand exposure risks, improve clinical care, and strengthen public health systems throughout the United States. MauiWES is providing essential insights that support Maui’s healing, while helping communities everywhere become more resilient in the face of future disasters.”

The grants arrive at an important moment for the project. In December 2025, MauiWES surpassed its 3,000th completed appointment. More than 2,000 participants have taken part since the study began, and more than 1,000 have already returned for follow-up visits, reflecting sustained engagement and growing trust within the community.

Launched after the deadly wildfires that destroyed large parts of Lahaina, MauiWES is a collaboration among UHERO, (JABSOM) and UH Maui College. The study provides free health screenings while generating data to better understand the long-term health consequences of wildfire smoke, environmental exposure and disaster-related stress.

Health challenges continue for residents

The study’s latest findings, published in August 2025 in JAMA Network Open, show that health challenges persist nearly two years after the fires. Many participants reported ongoing symptoms such as fatigue and breathing problems, alongside measurable differences in lung function indicators among those living closest to the burn zone. Mental health impacts also remain widespread, with a substantial share of participants screening positive for depressive symptoms and anxiety.

At the same time, researchers found that strong social support was linked to better mental well-being and fewer days of poor health, even among those with high wildfire exposure. While social connections supported mental health, they did not offset physical effects, highlighting the need for continued medical monitoring and care.

“These new grants come at a critical time,” said co-lead Alika Maunakea, professor in the Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology at JABSOM. “They ensure we can continue monitoring both physical and mental health effects more than two years after the fires, while strengthening the community-based approach that our findings show is critical to recovery.”

Juarez and Maunakea recently returned from the first , held in commemoration of the first anniversary of the fires, where they presented findings from MauiWES to help inform the response to the Los Angeles fires. Teams from University of Southern California, University of California, Los Angeles, Stanford University and Harvard University are exploring similar cohort-based approaches informed by lessons from MauiWES for the Altadena, Eaton and Palisades fires.

See more UH News stories on MauiWES.

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