{"id":232593,"date":"2026-04-20T15:29:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T01:29:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=232593"},"modified":"2026-04-20T15:50:11","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T01:50:11","slug":"robert-cazimero-honorary-doctorate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2026\/04\/20\/robert-cazimero-honorary-doctorate\/","title":{"rendered":"Kumu hula Robert Cazimero to receive UH<\/abbr> honorary doctorate"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>
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Carlos Pe\u00f1aloza, Gabe Lee, Robert Cazimero and Wendy Hensel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A master of hula and Hawaiian music whose influence spans generations, Robert Uluwehion\u0101puaikaw\u0113kiuokalani Cazimero will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The Board of Regents approved the honor at its April 16 meeting at Kapiʻolani<\/span> Community College<\/a>, following a request from Leeward Community College<\/a> Chancellor Carlos Pe\u00f1aloza. The degree will be formally conferred during Leeward CC<\/abbr>\u2019s fall convocation.<\/p>\n

“I never really thought about this before, and to have it happen in such a truly beautiful, humbling—and even overwhelming—way, I\u2019m grateful,” said Cazimero. “I\u2019m really happy to be here.”<\/p>\n

UH<\/abbr> ties and cultural impact<\/h2>\n
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Cazimero and Regent Neil Abercrombie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cazimero is widely recognized for his leadership of H\u0101lau N\u0101 Kamalei o L\u012bl\u012blehua and his influence on generations of haum\u0101na (students), as well as his celebrated career in Hawaiian music. His work has helped strengthen the continuity and global reach of Hawaiian cultural traditions.<\/p>\n

Throughout his career, he has been a steadfast partner to UH<\/abbr>, supporting its mission to nurture knowledge, improve cultural identity and inspire future generations. Across UH<\/abbr>\u2019s 10 campuses, he has shared his time and expertise through guest lectures, workshops, performances and mentorship rooted in a deep sense of kuleana (responsibility).<\/p>\n

“His engagement with our campus community has provided students, faculty and staff with meaningful opportunities to learn directly from a master practitioner whose work bridges ancestral knowledge and contemporary expression,” said Keala Chock, a former student and Leeward CC<\/abbr> vice chancellor for academic affairs.<\/p>\n

Related story: Legendary musician Robert Cazimero opens exhibit with Windward CC students<\/a>, January 2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Cazimero\u2019s engagement at Leeward CC<\/abbr> reflects an enduring partnership in cultural learning and mentorship, helping to deepen students\u2019 experiences with ʻike<\/span> Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> (Hawaiian knowledge). He is also the featured artist in Ke Kilo Lani<\/em>, an exhibition<\/a> presented by Windward CC<\/abbr> that highlights his life, legacy and contributions through immersive cultural storytelling.<\/p>\n

During the meeting, Regent Neil Abercrombie shared an emotional memory of seeing Cazimero perform for the first time at UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa\u2019s Andrews Amphitheatre in the 1970s. Regent Diane Paloma also noted that she was among his students, reflecting his lasting impact as an educator and mentor.<\/p>\n

The honorary doctorate recognizes individuals of national or international distinction whose contributions have had a significant impact in areas such as business, public service or scholarship.<\/p>\n

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Cazemero surrounded by his former students and Leeward CC<\/abbr> leaders.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

UH<\/abbr> will honor kumu hula Robert Cazimero for his lifelong contributions to Hawaiian culture, music and education.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":232453,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[72,1500,1775,65,71,947],"class_list":["post-232593","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-people","tag-board-of-regents","tag-hawaiian-studies","tag-honorary-doctorate","tag-leeward-community-college","tag-uh-community-colleges","tag-uh-system","entry","has-media"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t