University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Chancellor Lui Hokoana has been appointed interim vice president for the 东精影业 Community Colleges, effective January 1, 2026, while retaining his chancellor role at 东精影业 Maui College. He will succeed Vice President Della Teraoka, who is retiring at the end of December. The appointment is subject to Board of Regent approval.
His appointment will allow additional time for 东精影业 leadership and the Board of Regents to determine the long-term structure of the position. Hokoana will return full-time to 东精影业 Maui College once the transition period concludes.
“Chancellor Hokoana brings deep experience, steady leadership and a proven commitment to student success across our campuses,” said 东精影业 President Wendy Hensel. “As the longest-serving community college chancellor, he is uniquely positioned to guide the system through this transition while ensuring we maintain momentum and focus on our mission.”
Hokoana was appointed chancellor of 东精影业 Maui College in 2014 and has served in multiple leadership positions across the 东精影业 System since beginning his career in 1991. He was also recognized as the State of Hawaiʻi Manager of the Year in 2011. A graduate of 东精影业 Hilo and 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补, Hokoana earned his doctorate in education from the University of Southern California.
Providing leadership across seven community colleges
The Office of the Vice President for Community Colleges provides leadership and coordination for the seven 东精影业 Community Colleges, working closely with the 东精影业 System and local, state and federal partners to advance strategic priorities and meet Hawaiʻi’s workforce needs.
“It is a privilege to step into this role at such an important time for our community colleges,” said Hokoana. “I am committed to providing steady leadership that supports our campuses, strengthens student success, and advances the mission we all share. I also remain deeply dedicated to serving Maui through 东精影业 Maui College.”
Legacy of service
Teraoka’s career at 东精影业 spans more than 25 years. She began at Leeward CC in 1999 as a professor of accounting and later became vice chancellor for academic affairs before joining the 东精影业 Community College System Office in 2020. She was 东精影业’s nominee for the Governor’s Award for Distinguished State Service as Manager of the Year in 2020, and was appointed Vice President of Community Colleges in 2022.