Aloha ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ʻohana,

The 2026 legislative session came to a close on May 8 and, considering the significant fiscal challenges and competing priorities facing the state, the University of Hawaiʻi ultimately fared relatively well overall.

Throughout the session, lawmakers were tasked with balancing reductions in federal support for critical programs, economic uncertainty driven by both national and international events, and continued efforts to maintain affordability for Hawaiʻi residents.

With those realities in mind, ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ entered the session with a modest supplemental operating budget request focused on two priority areas: healthcare workforce initiatives and ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa Athletics. While the university did not ultimately receive funding for those requests, we appreciate the continued engagement and collaboration with lawmakers throughout the session.

We are also grateful that the Legislature largely maintained existing operating support for the university and continued to invest in capital improvement projects across ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ‘s 10-campus system.

The supplemental budget bill, HB1800 CD1, was approved by the Legislature and now heads to Gov. Green for final consideration.

Preserving tuition and fee reserves

During the session, proposals to utilize the university’s tuition and fee reserves to support other state priorities were under consideration. Through extensive discussions with lawmakers, ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ was able to successfully communicate the importance of maintaining those funds to support student services, campus operations and future strategic investments across the 10 campuses, particularly at a time when reductions in federal funding are creating additional financial uncertainty for higher education nationwide.

There were two measures with fiscal implications for the university. The first, SB2602, would have required that any unencumbered funds in ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ‘s Tuition and Fees Special Fund (TFSF) lapse to the state general fund. This bill did not pass. The second bill, SB2921, transfers any excess balances from non-general funds to the state general fund. Although this bill passed the Legislature, it did not include any of ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ‘s funds.

NIL bill outcome

Unfortunately, Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) legislation intended to support ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa Athletics did not advance on the final day of session. The final compromise proposal, which ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ supported, would have placed $1 million of state funds into an NIL endowment and allocated $1.5 million for immediate support for the upcoming season. The bill also required ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ to use $7.5 million in tuition and fee reserves for NIL – $4 million for the endowment and $3.5 million for the upcoming season.

The House passed the bill, but it was defeated in the Senate by a vote of 11–12. A reference on the Senate floor to an email identifying ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ concerns related to a previous version of the bill, not the version on the floor for a vote. ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ will continue to seek funding for NIL in future sessions.

Operating budget

For the operating budget, ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ saw a net reduction of approximately $3.8 million in general funds. At the same time, the Legislature added $319,000 in general funds for three positions at ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ West Oʻahu, as well as $4.1 million in special fund ceiling authority for the Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Kapiʻolani Community College.

The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of the original ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Board of Regents request, and the final legislative appropriation in HB1800 CD1, pending any line-item vetoes by the governor.

Items in purple are Special Funded, not General Funded.

Capital improvement projects (CIP)

For capital improvement projects and deferred maintenance, HB1800 CD1 provided $126.5 million in general obligation bond funding and $20 million in special funds for projects across the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ System.

These investments will support important facility improvements, such as $11 million for ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa Athletics, infrastructure modernization and system-wide deferred maintenance projects that directly impact students, faculty and staff across the university.

The following table summarizes the final CIP appropriations:

*The Legislature also added $10 million each in special fund ceiling for Minor CIP and Capital Renewal and Deferred Maintenance at the Community Colleges

Although these investments are significant, substantial needs remain throughout the university system. Addressing deferred maintenance and modernizing aging infrastructure across our campuses will continue to be one of the university’s highest long-term priorities.

While the legislative session has concluded, our engagement with lawmakers continues year-round. Next year will be the start of a new 2-year biennium budget, and we will continue advocating for the needs and priorities of ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ‘s 10 campuses while strengthening partnerships that help the university best serve the people of Hawaiʻi.

The governor has until July 15, 2026, to sign, veto or allow bills to become law without his signature.

Mahalo for all that you do to support our students, campuses and the mission of the University of Hawaiʻi.

Luis P. Salaveria
Vice President for Budget and Finance/Chief Financial Officer
University of Hawaiʻi

The University of Hawaiʻi at ²Ñā²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s Bachman Hall earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED Gold certification on April 22, exceeding the university’s standard sustainability target for major renovations. ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ has the largest inventory of sustainable buildings in the state, with 28 buildings certified under the LEED program.

The certification recognizes the building’s performance in energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, water conservation and indoor environmental quality following its recent modernization. University policy calls for a minimum LEED Silver certification, making Bachman Hall’s rating a notable achievement for a historic campus facility.

Originally built in 1949 and designed by Hawaiʻi architect Vladimir Ossipoff, Bachman Hall is one of the most recognizable buildings on campus. It houses administrative offices, including the Office of the President and Board of Regents (BOR), and features two lobby murals by artist Jean Charlot.

“We are proud to be leaders in energy and environmental designs for our campus built environments,” said ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Office of Sustainability Director Miles Topping. “With this project, we have reduced our dependence on fossil fuel, conserved water, and preserved historical significance. We are committed to a sustainable future, and will continue to lead by example.”

Maintaining historic character

From 2021 to 2023, the renovation maintained much of the building’s original structure, reducing the need for new materials and limiting construction-related impacts. Design elements were updated to improve performance while maintaining the building’s historic character.

Energy-efficient lighting and a new air conditioning system reduce energy use by about 22%. A 47-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system further lowered consumption, bringing the building to roughly 45% of baseline energy use. Water efficiency improvements such as low-flow plumbing fixtures reduce water use by 37%, saving an estimated 56,661 gallons annually. Permanent water meters were installed to help monitor usage and identify future conservation opportunities.

Indoor environmental quality was addressed through the use of low-emitting materials, including paints, coatings and flooring, along with improved ventilation and occupant-controlled lighting and temperature systems. Original-style jalousie windows were replaced with energy-efficient double-pane windows that include operable awnings. A reflective roof and added landscaping help reduce heat absorption, while exterior lighting was designed to minimize light pollution.

The renovation also addressed long-standing maintenance issues, including damage caused by roof leaks linked to earlier mechanical installations. The building was fully updated inside, creating flexible office space for approximately 65 employees, six conference rooms and a 2,500-square-foot boardroom used for BOR meetings.

Students, faculty, staff and administrators at the University of Hawaiʻi at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ are encouraged to provide feedback on the three finalists for the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ chancellor position. Feedback links are available on the and will be accepted through Friday, May 8.

Videos of each candidate’s campus forum—where finalists presented their vision for ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ and participated in a question-and-answer session—are also available on the website for reference.

The finalists are (in order of their campus visit):

• , interim provost at ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹
• , provost and vice president of academic affairs at San Francisco State University
• , president of National Tsing Hua University (Taiwan)

Each finalist visited the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ campus, participated in a public forum and met with campus stakeholders and constituent groups.

Search launch, role responsibilities

A national search was launched in February to select the next ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ chancellor. Currently, the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ president holds ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ chancellor responsibilities, while academic affairs, research, enrollment management and student affairs are led by the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ provost.

Separating these roles and recreating the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ chancellor position was discussed by the Board of Regents during the 2024 ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ presidential search. ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ is the only ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ campus without a dedicated chancellor.

The goal is to appoint the next ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ chancellor with a start date as early as July 2026. More information about the search is .

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel presented a coordinated effort to better align strategy and budgeting across the 10-campus system to the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Board of Regents on April 16.

Hensel framed alignment as a core governance issue, emphasizing that strategic priorities must be consistently reflected in how resources are allocated in the budget, how campuses are evaluated and how leaders are reviewed.

A structured approach

Hensel highlighted challenges that are common in multi-campus systems, where individual campuses tend to operate separately. When alignment is weak, she said, strategic plans often sit on the shelf.

The result can be a system that underperforms despite strong individual efforts. Leadership, she noted, must regularly navigate tensions between aligning the 10 campuses while still allowing for individual campus missions to be pursued.

“We want an aligned system where we’re all moving in the same direction, but there are differentiated missions on each campus and specific priorities on each campus,” Hensel said. “We, as a group of 10 [campuses], have agreed on the major objectives that have let us have significant impact over time.”

To address those issues, the university is implementing a coordinated process centered on key areas:

• Strategic action plans: annual plans tied directly to system and campus priorities, with defined outcomes, teams and resources.
• Budget transparency: a clearer, multi-year budgeting process aligned with strategic goals rather than historical funding patterns.
• Incentives: performance-based funding and stipends to encourage innovation, collaboration and student success.
• Accountability: a standardized set of performance metrics and regular campus reviews to track progress and inform leadership evaluations.

The system also plans to expand leadership evaluations for officers, chancellors and administrators, including potential 360-degree reviews, and increase transparency through regular performance reporting.

Continuous improvement

Hensel concluded by emphasizing that alignment is not a one-time effort but an ongoing cycle of planning, measurement and adjustment.

“In order to move from a very decentralized approach to strategy across the 10 [campuses]; by setting alignment as a goal up front, it really enables the entire strategic plan to be executed,” she said.

The goal, she noted, is a more cohesive system that better serves students and the state.

The ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ at Mānoa Chancellor Search Advisory Committee has named W. John Kao, National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan President, as the third of three finalists for the position of chancellor of the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ flagship campus. Kao will visit the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa campus May 4–5.

To honor candidates’ requests for confidentiality, the names of the finalists were announced approximately one week prior to their scheduled campus visits. Vassilis Syrmos, ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa Interim Provost, was named the first finalist on April 20, and Amy Sueyoshi, San Francisco State University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, was the second finalist named on April 23. More information is available on the .

Students, faculty, staff, administrators and community members are invited to attend an open forum to hear Kao share his vision for ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa, followed by a question-and-answer session. Presentations will be recorded and posted after the final campus visit.

W. John Kao campus forum

• Monday, May 4, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
• Kiawe Conference Room, Bachman Hall 106
• , Webinar ID: 884 9461 6302 | Password: 015992
• Campus visit, May 4–5
• Bio and CV will be posted on the
• Feedback Link available May 4 on the

Campus forums for the other finalists

Vassilis L. Syrmos campus forum

• Monday, April 27, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
• Kiawe Conference Room, Bachman Hall 106
• , webinar ID: 817 8261 3720 and password: 161256
• Syrmos bio and CV on
• Feedback Link available April 27 on the

Amy Sueyoshi campus forum

• Thursday, April 30, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
• Kiawe Conference Room, Bachman Hall 106
• , webinar ID: 859 8027 4989 and password: 206404
• Campus visit, April 30 and May 1
• Bio and CV are posted on the
• Feedback Link available April 30 on the

Feedback is a critical part of the search process. Feedback links are available on the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa chancellor search website beginning on the first day of each finalist’s campus visit. During their visits, finalists are also meeting with campus stakeholders and constituent groups.

About W. John Kao

Kao currently serves as National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan President, a role he has held since 2022. He previously served as vice president at the University of Hong Kong and as head of the Institute of Translational Research and head of the BioMedical Technology Cluster with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park.

Kao began his academic career at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he served in various leadership and faculty roles. Prior to that, he was a postdoctoral researcher at the California Institute of Technology and ETH Zürich. Kao earned his PhD in macromolecular science and MS in biomedical engineering from Case Western Reserve University and a BSE in biomedical engineering from Johns Hopkins University.

His research focuses on biomaterials, drug delivery and regenerative medicine, with particular emphasis on translating fundamental science into clinical applications. He has secured more than $197 million in research funding and authored more than 350 scientific publications and patents. As president of National Tsing Hua University, Kao has raised more than $550 million to support strategic development, infrastructure and talent cultivation.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has finalized a strategic reorganization moving the within the (SOEST) to strengthen research synergies while maintaining dedication to the conservation of ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±â€™s unique natural environment.

The Waikīkī Aquarium’s public offerings, including educational programs, conservation efforts, and community engagement, will remain unchanged. These adjustments are designed to enhance operations and more closely integrate the aquarium’s public mission with the university’s research objectives.

“This reorganization represents a commitment to the long-term sustainability of the Waikīkī Aquarium as a beloved public-facing institution,” ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “By moving the aquarium into a more robust research framework, we are ensuring it remains a premier site for marine conservation while maintaining the excellence and educational programming the community has come to expect.”

A living laboratory

The Waikīkī Aquarium reorganization into SOEST aims to create a more cohesive framework for marine science education and community service.

“Bringing the Waikīkī Aquarium into SOEST strengthens a powerful bridge between research, education, and community engagement—transforming it into a living laboratory where world-class science directly connects with the people of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific,” SOEST Dean Chip Fletcher said.

The move will integrate the Aquarium’s public education and service mission with SOEST’s marine life laboratory initiatives and research capabilities.

“As the state’s trusted window into Pacific marine life, the synergy created by anchoring the WaikĪkĪ Aquarium within SOEST will not only enhance the stewardship and research stories that the Aquarium is able to share with our community, but will provide even greater opportunities for our students to gain hands-on experience in marine husbandry and conservation,” Waikīkī Aquarium Acting Director Judith D. Lemus said.

The reorganization from the Office of the Provost is reported to be cost-neutral, with no additional funds or positions requested. Current employees at Waikīkī Aquarium will remain in their existing positions and structures, ensuring continuity of service for the public and the university community.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has strategically reorganized the , moving it to strengthen research collaborations while upholding its vital commitment to conserving Hawaiʻi’s unique natural environment.

The public will continue to enjoy the same educational programming, conservation activities, and community engagement offered by Lyon Arboretum. The changes will strengthen operations and better align their public missions with university research.

“This reorganization represents a commitment to ensuring a resilient future for the Lyon Arboretum,” ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “This change maintains the excellence the community has come to expect from the Arboretum, while strengthening the research and conservation framework within our organized research units.”

Lyon Arboretum joins CTAHR

The Lyon Arboretum, home to the world’s largest collection of endangered native Hawaiian plants, has transitioned to the (CTAHR).

“Lyon Arboretum’s world-class botanical resources will further enhance CTAHR’s research, teaching, and Extension excellence in agriculture and natural resource management,” CTAHR Dean Parwinder Grewal said. “It gives our students and faculty an expanded living laboratory, fostering the next generation of leaders in tropical conservation and resilient agriculture. The Lyon Arboretum will benefit from CTAHR‘s faculty expertise, staff and student engagement, and marketing and communications capability.”

This alignment is expected to align conservation, cultivation and education work at the 193-acre arboretum with CTAHR’s existing research and extension operations.

“The integration of Lyon Arboretum into CTAHR will enhance our shared research, education, and outreach missions in ways that will benefit both ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ and people throughout the state,” Lyon Arboretum Interim Director Don Drake said.

The reorganization from the Office of the Provost is reported to be cost-neutral, with no additional funds or positions requested. Current employees at Lyon Arboretum will remain in their existing positions and structures, ensuring continuity of service for the public and the university community.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Chancellor Search Advisory Committee has named Amy Sueyoshi, San Francisco State University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, as the second of three finalists for the position of chancellor for the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ flagship campus. Sueyoshi will visit the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa campus April 30–May 1.

To honor candidates’ requests for confidentiality, the name of each finalist is being announced one week prior to their scheduled campus visit. Vassilis Syrmos, ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa Interim Provost, was named the first finalist on April 20, and the third candidate will be announced Sunday, April 26. More information is available on the .

Students, faculty, staff, administrators and community members are invited to attend open forums to meet the finalists. Each candidate will share their vision for ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa, followed by a question-and-answer session. Presentations will be recorded and posted after the final campus visit.

Amy Sueyoshi campus forum

• Thursday, April 30, 10:30–11:30 a.m. HST
• Kiawe Conference Room, Bachman Hall 106
• , webinar ID: 859 8027 4989 and password: 206404
• Campus visit, April 30 and May 1
• Bio and CV are posted on the
• Feedback Link available starting April 30.

Finalist 3 Campus Forum

• Monday, May 4, 10:30–11:30 a.m. HST
• Kiawe Conference Room, Bachman Hall 106
• , Webinar ID: 884 9461 6302 | Password: 015992
• Campus visit, May 4–5
• Bio and CV will be posted on the on April 26
• Feedback Link available starting May 4.

Vassilis L. Syrmos Campus Forum

• Monday, April 27, 2026
• 10:30–11:30 a.m. HST
• Kiawe Conference Room, Bachman Hall
• , webinar ID: 817 8261 3720 and password: 161256
• Campus visit, April 27–28
• Syrmos bio and CV on
• Feedback link available starting April 27

Feedback is a critical part of the search process. Feedback links will be available on the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa chancellor search website beginning on the first day of each finalist’s campus visit. During their visits, finalists also meet with campus stakeholders and constituent groups.

Amy Sueyoshi

Sueyoshi currently serves as San Francisco State University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, a role she has held since 2022. She previously served as dean and interim dean of the College of Ethnic Studies and earlier as associate dean for five years. She has also served as director of Race and Resistance Studies at San Francisco State and as co-curator of the GLBT History Museum, the first queer history museum in the nation.

Sueyoshi is a professor of Race and Resistance Studies and professor of Sexuality Studies. She has published books, articles and essays, presented at conferences, lectured at universities nationwide and received multiple community awards.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Barnard College of Columbia University, a PhD in history from University of California, Los Angeles and an MBA from San Francisco State University. Her research focuses on the intersection of Asian American Studies and Queer Studies. As provost, she has advocated for and secured funding for endowed faculty lines in under-resourced areas, most recently in disability studies.

Garret Yoshimi, vice president for information technology and chief information officer at the University of Hawaiʻi System, will retire effective June 1, 2026, following more than a decade in the role and a long career in information technology serving Hawaiʻi. His final day in the office will be May 22.

Yoshimi returned to ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ in January 2015 and has played a central role in guiding the university’s information technology strategy across its 10 campuses. He previously served as telecommunications manager and director of technology infrastructure for the university system.

“Garret is not only exceptionally knowledgeable and widely respected in his field, but also one of the kindest and most thoughtful colleagues you could ever hope to work with, and he will be greatly missed across the University of Hawaiʻi,” said ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ President Wendy Hensel in a message to university leadership. “Please join me in thanking Garret for his many contributions to ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ and in wishing him all the best in his retirement.”

“It has been my privilege to work with such a dedicated team, including going beyond the call for multiple high-profile efforts,” Yoshimi said in a message to ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ITS employees. “I am proud of the work we have accomplished together, that made a material difference for our ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ community, and our global community of institutional peers and partners.”

Leading systemwide innovation and connectivity

During his leadership, Yoshimi oversaw systemwide efforts to modernize information technology services, strengthen cybersecurity protections and expand digital tools supporting teaching, learning and operations across the university.

Among his recent initiatives, Yoshimi helped lead efforts to position Hawaiʻi as a global connectivity hub. In 2025, the University of Hawaiʻi System advanced a partnership with Google on a proposed trans-Pacific subsea fiber optic system, including a cable landing station at ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ West Oʻahu aimed at expanding international connectivity and improving network resilience across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region.

He also supported a collaboration with Google Public Sector to develop artificial intelligence tools to support student career pathways, connecting academic programs with workforce opportunities in Hawaiʻi.

Yoshimi and colleagues have been recognized for their longstanding contributions to global research and education networking. In 2026, he was part of a ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ team honored with the CENIC Innovations in Networking Award for Network Partner, recognizing more than 35 years of work connecting Hawaiʻi and the Pacific to global research networks.

He received the ACUTA Bill D. Morris Award for individual leadership from the Association for College and University Technology Advancement and remains active in national higher education IT organizations, including EDUCAUSE and Internet2.

A Honolulu native, Yoshimi has nearly five decades of experience in information technology leadership across higher education, government and the private sector. He was appointed vice president for information technology and chief information officer in 2015, succeeding David Lassner, who went on to serve as ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ president. In addition to his time at the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ, Yoshimi’s career includes leadership roles with the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary—where he served as its first chief information officer—the East-West Center and DTRIC Insurance.

Yoshimi earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University and a graduate certificate in telecommunications and information resource management from the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹.

During the transition, Brad Christ, associate vice president and deputy chief information officer, will serve as interim vice president for information technology and chief information officer.

Aloha ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ʻohana,

As the 2026 legislative session enters its final month, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature is preparing to begin conference committee meetings to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of key bills. Given the challenges the state is facing in light of diminishing tax revenues and economic pressures resulting from both national and international events, there will be many competing positions for a finite amount of state resources. One of the most important aspects of this process is the state budget bill, HB1800 HD1 SD1, which will determine funding levels for state departments, including the University of Hawaiʻi.

Conference committee negotiations between the House Finance and Senate Ways and Means committees will shape the final outcome for both operating and capital improvement appropriations across state government. Like other departments, ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ will be closely monitoring these discussions as agreements are reached.

Supplemental operating budget

Since it was approved by the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Board of Regents in November, the university’s supplemental operating budget request has advanced through several stages of the legislative process. The regents approved a request totaling $18.8 million in additional general funds for Fiscal Year 2027.

The House of Representatives completed its draft budget (HD1) in March and allocated $11.5 million toward ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ priorities. Most recently, the Senate passed its version of the budget (SD1), which reduced general fund support for the university by $1.7 million compared with the House version. The Senate also added $5.7 million of special fund appropriations—adding programs to ¶«¾«Ó°Òµâ€™s budget through appropriations from the Tuition and Fees Special Fund.

With conference committee negotiations about to begin, the following table compares the Board of Regents request with the governor’s proposal and the House and Senate versions of the operating budget:

Operating Comparison

Items in purple are Special Funded, not General Funded.

*SD1 moves $20.2 million in General Funds out of UOH100 (¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹) into a new Program ID UOH120 (CTAHR)
**In total for ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ: 124 General Fund Permanent FTEs, 13.15 General Fund Temporary FTEs, 24 Special Fund Permanent FTEs, 2 Federal Fund Permanent FTEs, and 22 Revolving Fund Permanent FTEs

GM2 and GM5 were two budget Governor’s Messages sent by the Governor to the Legislature that added these items to his official budget request.

Capital improvement program (CIP) budget update

For the supplemental capital improvement projects (CIP) budget, ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ requested $283.1 million in additional General Obligation (GO) bond funding for FY27 to support capital renewal, deferred maintenance and modernization projects across the 10-campus system. Debt service for GO bonds are paid by the state’s general fund.

The governor’s budget included $137.3 million of this request. The House draft budget (HD1) increased GO bond support to $219.3 million. The Senate draft (SD1) reduced GO bond funding by $9.5 million and proposed appropriating $161.5 million from the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ special funds, including the Tuition and Fees Special Fund to support capital projects. ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ President Hensel discussed the issue broadly at the April 16 ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Board of Regents meeting, .

The following table summarizes the CIP comparison between the Board of Regents request and the governor, House and Senate versions of the budget:

CIP Comparison

Items in purple are Special Funded, not General Funded.

What happens next

As conference committees begin their work, members will be negotiating across a wide range of priorities beyond the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ budget. Because many conference committee decisions occur late in the session, final outcomes typically become clear closer to adjournment.

The Hawaiʻi State Legislature is scheduled to adjourn on May 8, 2026. I will provide an update after the session concludes to share the final outcomes for the university.

Mahalo for your continued support of our students, campuses and the mission of the University of Hawaiʻi.

Luis P. Salaveria
Vice President for Budget and Finance / Chief Financial Officer
University of Hawaiʻi

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Chancellor Search Advisory Committee has selected three finalists for the position of chancellor for the flagship campus and has announced Vassilis L. Syrmos, ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa Interim Provost, as the first finalist to visit the campus April 27–28 (more information on Syrmos is below).

To honor requests by the candidates for confidentiality, the name of each finalist will be announced approximately one week prior to their scheduled campus visit. Information about each finalist will be posted on the ahead of their forums.

Students, faculty, staff, administrators and community members are invited to attend open forums to meet the finalists. Each candidate will share their vision for ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa, followed by a question-and-answer session. Presentations will be recorded and posted after the final campus visit.

Vassilis L. Syrmos Campus Forum

• Monday, April 27, 2026
• 10:30–11:30 a.m. HST
• Kiawe Conference Room, Bachman Hall
• , webinar ID: 817 8261 3720 and password: 161256
• Campus visit, April 27–28
• Syrmos bio and CV on
• Feedback link available starting April 27

Finalist 2 Campus Forum

• Thursday, April 30, 2026
• 10:30–11:30 a.m. HST
• Kiawe Conference Room, Bachman Hall
• , webinar ID: 859 8027 4989 and password: 206404
• Campus visit, April 30 and May 1
• Bio and CV on will be available on April 23
• Feedback link available starting April 30

Finalist 3 Campus Forum

• Monday, May 4, 2026
• 10:30–11:30 a.m. HST
• Kiawe Conference Room, Bachman Hall
• , webinar ID: 884 9461 6302 and password: 015992
• Campus visit, May 4–5
• Bio and CV on will be available on April 26
• Feedback link available starting May 4

Feedback is a critical part of the search process. Feedback links will be available on the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa chancellor search site beginning on the first day of each finalist’s campus visit, when finalists will also meet with campus stakeholders and constituent groups.

Vassilis L. Syrmos

Syrmos currently serves as Interim Provost at the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa, a role he has held since July 2025. He previously served for 11 years as the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ system Vice President for Research and Innovation. He has also held leadership roles as associate vice chancellor for research and graduate education at the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa and associate dean in the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Mānoa College of Engineering. Syrmos is a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering. During his tenure as vice president for research and innovation, ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ extramural funding reached a record high of $734 million.

He is the author or co-author of more than 100 journal and conference papers and has authored a book and numerous scholarly articles. He also served on a number of boards and committees supporting research and innovation initiatives.

Syrmos earned his PhD in electrical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and a diploma in electrical engineering from Democritus University of Thrace in Greece. His research interests include geometric and algebraic approaches to linear system theory, computational algorithms for signal and image processing, robust and optimal filter design, medical imaging and prognostics and diagnostics for condition-based maintenance systems.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Board of Regents on state legislative measures on tuition and fee reserves during her monthly report at the board’s April 16 meeting at Kapiʻolani Community College.

Hensel noted that the Legislature continues to consider proposals related to tuition and fee reserve balances and that the university is developing reinvestment plans to strengthen advising and student support services and expand statewide online learning opportunities. She added that the university is having productive conversations with legislators and recognizes the challenges they face in balancing many urgent needs for Hawaiʻi’s people this year.

Her report also highlighted record breaking systemwide participation in ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Giving Day, which generated more than $1.3 million from more than 1,580 gifts across the 10 campuses.

Hensel concluded by congratulating the No. 6 ranked ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ women’s water polo team on advancing to its third consecutive NCAA national championship tournament appearance after .

• Legislative update: tuition and fee reserves ()
• ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Giving Day breaks record ()
• Rainbow Wahine water polo ()

Gov. Josh Green appointed Keith Amemiya and Marie Laderta to the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents (BOR), subject to confirmation by the Hawaiʻi State Senate.

“Keith and Marie are exactly the kinds of leaders we need guiding the future of our ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ system,” said Green. “Keith brings a deep understanding of the university from the inside, along with strong ties to our business and education communities. Marie has dedicated her career to public service and brings a wealth of experience in government operations and accountability. Together, they will help ensure ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ continues to serve our students, strengthen our workforce and drive innovation across our state.”

Amemiya and Laderta replace regents Diane Paloma and William F. Haning III whose terms end in 2026.

Amemiya brings decades of leadership experience across Hawaiʻi’s legal, financial and education sectors. He currently serves as Senior Vice President at Central Pacific Bank and previously held leadership roles with Tradewind Group and the Hawaiʻi High School Athletic Association. Amemiya also has direct experience with the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ system, having served as executive administrator and secretary to the BOR.

“As a proud ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ graduate, I’m honored to be nominated by Governor Green to the Board of Regents,” said Amemiya. “¶«¾«Ó°Òµ is integral to the success of our state, especially our younger generations and I’m thus committed to best ensuring a strong higher educational system with opportunities for all if confirmed by the legislature.”

Laderta brings nearly three decades of public service experience in Hawaiʻi state government and the judiciary. She has served as deputy attorney general, deputy director of the Department of Taxation and Director of the Department of Human Resources Development. She currently serves on the Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board, adjudicating workers’ compensation appeals.

“I am humbled and grateful to Governor Green for my appointment as regent to the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ system,” said Laderta. “I look forward to being given the opportunity to help steward higher education for the benefit of the institution, its students, faculty, employees and stakeholders.”

The BOR is responsible for overseeing the 10-campus ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ system, including policy direction, financial oversight and long-term strategic planning. The BOR is the governing body of ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ and consists of 11 non-compensated volunteer members. Representation includes five from the City and County of Honolulu; two from Hawaiʻi County; two from Maui County; one from Kauaʻi County and one ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ student.

Amemiya and Laderta will serve terms as prescribed by law, pending Senate confirmation.

The Candidate Advisory Council (CAC) for the has presented a list of three candidates to Gov. Josh Green to fill one Hawaiʻi Island seat for a five-year appointment beginning July 1, 2026, subject to confirmation by the state Senate. The finalists are:

• Chad Cabral
• Makai Freitas
• Wendy Laros

Finalist biographies are available at the Candidate Advisory Council website (PDF).

“The Candidate Advisory Council members extend their sincere appreciation to all the individuals who took the time to apply to serve as a University of Hawaiʻi Regent,” said CAC Chair Brigitte Yoshino. “While the selection was difficult due to the quality of the candidates, we are pleased to submit these names for consideration to the governor and the state senate.”

Candidate lists are compiled after a comprehensive review and selection process, which is solely and exclusively merit-based and according to procedures set forth in state statutes and the council’s administrative rules.

The Board of Regents is the governing body of ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ and consists of eleven (11) volunteer members. Representation includes five (5) from the City and County of Honolulu; two (2) from Hawaiʻi County; two (2) from Maui County; one (1) from Kauaʻi County; and one (1) ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ student.

Members of the CAC serve voluntarily and are not paid.

All state and county offices on Oʻahu, including all University of Hawaiʻi campuses and facilities on Oʻahu, will be closed Friday, April 10, due to expected severe weather conditions. A decision regarding government offices and ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ facilities in Maui County and Hawaiʻi County will be made early Friday morning.

The official announcements for Oʻahu were issued at 6:40 p.m., Thursday, April 9, by Gov. Josh Green and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.

Forecasts from the National Weather Service indicate a prolonged period of heavy rain through the morning and into the afternoon on Oʻahu, with the potential for flash flooding and possible power disruptions. Residents are strongly encouraged to limit travel unless absolutely necessary to allow emergency responders and utility crews to address weather-related impacts.

University leadership continues to monitor conditions closely and will provide updates as additional information becomes available.

Official County Notification

Conditions will vary by county and location. The most timely and location-specific alerts will come from the county where you live. Sign-up information for each county’s notification system is provided below:

• (Oʻahu)

You may also monitor these trusted sources for real-time weather updates:

• The app

¶«¾«Ó°Òµ RAVE Alert System

For added safety, all ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ students, faculty and staff are encouraged to sign up for mobile alerts through the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ RAVE Alert system to receive emergency notifications directly.

A $14-million investment is set to transform the through the design and construction of a large-scale photovoltaic (PV) system paired with battery storage. This major renewable energy initiative will significantly expand the campus’s sustainability efforts while securing its energy future.

The project will feature solar panel canopies installed over existing parking areas, transforming them into dual-use infrastructure that generates clean energy while providing shaded parking for the campus community. Planning and design are currently underway, with construction anticipated to begin in August 2026.

Supporting critical functions

Once completed, the system is projected to produce approximately 2.38 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power the equivalent of about 270 Hawaiʻi homes each year. The project is expected to support the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ System’s broader net-zero energy goals, contributing to both systemwide sustainability targets and supplying an estimated 50% of the net-zero energy needed to power the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ West Oʻahu campus. The next phase of the university’s efforts to become fully net-zero is the replacement of its chillers with new high efficiency units and control systems. That upgrade is planned for fiscal year 2027.

The solar canopy will span multiple parking lots across campus and include an industrial-scale battery storage system designed to enhance operational resilience. In the event of a power outage, the system will be capable of supporting critical campus functions, an especially important feature within ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±â€™s isolated island electrical grid.

“The new PV system is designed to offset 100% of the campus cooling load, significantly reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels while lowering greenhouse gas emissions,” said Miles Topping, director of energy management for the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ System. “Producing clean energy while providing shade just makes sense, it’s the right thing to do, and it also strengthens our resilience as a community.”

Campus buildings

All campus buildings at ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ West Oʻahu are LEED-certified and incorporate energy-efficient systems, each supported by approximately 100-kilowatt solar installations. The campus also utilizes rainwater catchment systems for irrigation and benefits from proximity to public transportation, including on-campus bus and rail service.

The project is being delivered through a combination of funding sources, including roughly one-third campus funding, one-third state capital improvement program funds, and one-third federal tax incentives.

Project management is led by the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Office of Project Delivery and the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ West Oʻahu Office of Planning and Design. The team also includes local industry partners Elite Pacific Construction and RevoluSun.

The Candidate Advisory Council (CAC) for the has presented a list of four candidates to Gov. Josh Green to fill one student seat for a two-year appointment beginning July 1, 2026, subject to confirmation by the state Senate. The finalists are:

• Jenny Brown
• Olivia Frances Chung
• Eric Pomaikai Gee
• Raiyan Rafid

Finalist biographies are available at the Candidate Advisory Council website (PDF).

“The Candidate Advisory Council members were extremely pleased with the caliber of students applying to serve on the University of Hawai‘i Board of Regents,” said CAC Chair Brigitte Yoshino. “While it was a difficult decision, the CAC members believe any of the four candidates chosen to be finalists will serve the university well and are delighted to submit these names for consideration to the governor and the state senate.”

Candidate lists are compiled after a comprehensive review and selection process, which is solely and exclusively merit-based and according to procedures set forth in state statutes and the council’s administrative rules.

The Board of Regents is the governing body of ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ and consists of eleven (11) members. Representation includes five (5) from the City and County of Honolulu; two (2) from Hawaiʻi County; two (2) from Maui County; one (1) from Kauaʻi County; and one (1) ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ student.

Members of the CAC serve voluntarily and are not paid.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to rapidly transform higher education, the University of Hawaiʻi has officially launched its course, a free interactive 12-chapter program designed for ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ ʻohana and communities across Hawaiʻi. The first chapter of the course, which serves as a gateway for professional development and exploration, launched on March 29.

Hosted on the new , the course invites participants to demystify AI by trying new tools and discovering real-world applications that support work, learning and daily life. New chapters will be released on a weekly basis over the next 12 weeks.

“This course empowers our ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ campuses and local communities to actively shape how we use AI to make our island home better,” said Gloria Niles, ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ chief academic technology innovation officer. “By ensuring our exploration of these tools includes critical conversations about transparency and responsible deployment in a Hawaiʻi context, we can thoughtfully integrate these technologies while honoring our foundational values.”

Hawaiʻi-based, hands-on

The course features a variety of learning materials, including instructional videos, Hawaiʻi-based stories and practical activities that allow participants to engage in hands-on tools. Throughout the modules, users will discover real-world uses for AI, learn the mechanics of machine learning, and explore critical concepts like bias, fairness, transparency and responsible AI deployment.

Participants who complete the program will be awarded an AI Foundations Badge. This digital credential demonstrates a foundational understanding of AI literacy, ethical practices and responsible use within the university system.

The course operates alongside other key ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ OneAI Hub initiatives, such as the and the , to support faculty, staff and students in navigating the future of AI.

The University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges have earned a gold 2025 NCMPR Paragon Award from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR)—underscoring the quality and impact of the marketing work being done across the seven community colleges currently serving almost 24,000 students.

The award, in the Video Shorts Series category, recognizes the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Community Colleges’ marketing team for showcasing the transformational journeys of Native Hawaiian students across the state. Centered on themes of resilience, identity, and opportunity, the E ʻauamo i kou: Fulfill Your Kuleana series features seven compelling student narratives—three of which were submitted for award consideration:

• —bridging traditional knowledge and modern science through sustainable practices rooted in caring for the land
• —overcoming doubt to pursue culinary arts while discovering confidence, cultural connection, and community
• —channeling her passion into respiratory therapy to address healthcare disparities and give back to Hawaiʻi

“These student stories reflect the transformative power of an Indigenous-serving education,” said Lui Hokoana, interim vice president for the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Community Colleges. “We are deeply honored to receive this national recognition, as it speaks to the deep connections between education, culture and community that truly define our colleges.”

Transforming lives

The award-winning videos were produced in partnership with the Honolulu-based marketing agency Hyperspective Studios and are part of a broader institutional effort to highlight and share the compelling stories of ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Community College students.

The Paragon Awards are recognized as the only national competition of its kind, honoring excellence exclusively among marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges throughout the U.S. The 2025 competition drew 1,585 entries from 216 colleges across the country and was judged by 67 industry professionals.

NCMPR President Patrick Stone said, “This year’s winners stood out in an extraordinary field of entries, demonstrating that when community colleges invest in creativity and innovation, they amplify their mission and transform lives.”

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform higher education, the University of Hawaiʻi has launched the , a central platform for integrating AI across its 10 campuses. This new website reflects the university’s commitment to shaping AI in a way that deepens knowledge and serves the community while honoring its mission as an Indigenous-serving institution.

A key feature of the website are the , designed to help peers collaborate and share resources across the 10-campus system. These specialized groups allow ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ faculty and staff to join discussions via Google Groups and share ideas on Padlet.

“The new ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ OneAI Hub and our Communities of Practice are vital steps in our strategic roadmap for AI integration,” said Gloria Niles, ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ Chief Academic Technology Innovation Officer. “By collaborating across our campuses, we can thoughtfully implement these technologies to enhance our instructional environments and administrative operations, always ensuring our progress aligns with Native Hawaiian values.”

Communities of Practice:

• Teaching and Learning: For instructors, instructional designers and librarians to share practical strategies for the current semester.
• Research and Discovery: Focused on methods and tools to accelerate research for faculty, graduate students and lab staff.
• Student Support: Aimed at advisors, career services and tutoring centers to develop repeatable approaches that improve student-facing services.
• Operations and Administration: Designed for HR, finance and IT staff to create simple workflows that reduce friction in everyday work.
• Communications and Community Engagement: For outreach teams and media staff to develop clear, consistent AI messaging for ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ and its communities.
• Governance, Policy and Risk: For policy owners and leadership to establish shared guardrails that enable innovation while protecting people and data.

AI Foundations course, more

In addition, the website will serve as a gateway for professional development. The first chapter of the AI Foundations course, which will help users explore AI, will officially launch on March 29. A new chapter of the course will be released weekly over twelve weeks. Users who complete the AI Foundations course will receive an AI Foundations Badge, a digital credential that demonstrates a core understanding of AI literacy, ethics and responsible use within the ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ System.

¶«¾«Ó°Òµ OneAI Hub also offers the , a hands-on professional development initiative offered by the to help ¶«¾«Ó°Òµ faculty and staff move beyond basic exploration by integrating AI into their teaching, research and professional activities.