Through the , students at Windward Community College are bringing pop culture to the Palikū Theatre. Two original one-act productions, J-Pop Demon Killaz and The Hangry Games, will run from April 24 to May 3.

Directed by Taurie Kinoshita, the productions highlight emerging student performers through fast-paced storytelling, stylized stage combat and comedic satire. These projects reflect the Hawaiʻi Conservatory of Performing Arts’ commitment to hands-on learning in acting, movement and stage production.

J-Pop Demon Killaz, written by alumna Noalani Helelā, is set on Oʻahu and follows three local young women pursuing careers in the music industry while confronting supernatural challenges. The play combines humor, music and action-driven storytelling through a Hawaiʻi-based perspective influenced by global pop culture.

The Hangry Games, written by alumnus Kekoa A. Shope, reimagines a dystopian competition in which survival depends on resourcefulness, resilience and determination. The production incorporates physical performance elements and topical humor that reflect current events, themes of power and scarcity.

Each production runs approximately one hour. They are recommended for audiences 14 and older due to staged violence, language and mature themes.

Performance Schedule

Fridays and Saturdays

• April 24, 25 and May 1, 2–7:30 p.m.

Thursday

• April 30–7:30 p.m.

Sundays

• April 26 and May 3–3 p.m.

Tickets may be or in person at the box office one hour prior to showtime. Student tickets are available in person only. For ticket information, contact the Palikū Theatre box office at (808) 235-7315 or paliku@hawaii.edu.

For more information about the Hawaiʻi Conservatory of Performing Arts and theatre courses at Windward Community College, visit . Additional information is available from Professor Nicolas Logue at logue@hawaii.edu or (808) 236-9138.

Researchers have found there is a bacterial protein “key” that allows the Hawaiian bobtail squid to develop a healthy body and its bioluminescent “glow.” While researchers have long known the squid recruits Vibrio fischeri from the ocean to provide bioluminescent camouflage, a University of Hawaiʻi
at Mānoa revealed that the benefit of the partnership extends far beyond light-production: the bacteria were found to play a vital role in the healthy development of the squid.

“Our recent work revealed that in order to develop properly, the squid host requires a protein provided by its bacterial symbiont,” said Jill (Kuwabara) Smith, lead author of the study, who was a postdoctoral researcher at the (PBRC) in the ����Ӱҵ Mānoa (SOEST) at the time of this research. “This was very surprising, but given that the work we do with this symbiosis model is always pioneering, just about every new finding is a surprise!”

Most bacteria release tiny, protein-filled “delivery packets” from their surfaces. Researchers previously knew that the Vibrio fischeri bacteria used a specific protein in these packets, called SypC, to start its relationship with the squid.

“Once the bacteria and its vesicles are inside the squid host, the new research found that the SypC assumes a new function—it prompts development of the light-organ itself,” Smith shared.

Tracking a rare but important protein

To test this, the team tracked SypC by making it glow under a microscope. They found that without this single bacterial protein, the squid’s body did not develop correctly. Interestingly, the squid’s own immune cells—which usually kill germs—actually helped pick up these bacterial packets and carry them to the exact spot where the light organ needed to grow. Without SypC, the expression of 138 different genes in the squid was altered.

“In addition to contributing light-production capabilities, Vibrio fischeri are prompting the squid’s development of organs and healthy expression of genes that are involved in a wide range of functions,” said Smith.

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As Hilo prepares for Merrie Monarch, Hawaiʻi Community College is highlighting its associates in arts degree in with a hula concentration, rooted in the legacy of revered kumu hula Edith Kanakaʻole. Her philosophy: “Teach all who come to learn.”

Kanakaʻole established Hawaiian studies at Hawaiʻi CC in 1973. Her daughter, Pualani Kanahele, expanded this vision to revive hula rituals.

The program has strengthened students’ cultural identity and connection to ʻohana (family). Kekoa Gabriel, a 2025 honors graduate with multiple AA degrees, found the program clarified his kuleana (responsibility).

“Because of this program I feel a lot more connected to my ancestors, my ʻohana, my Hawaiian-ness, who I am as a Hawaiian,” Gabriel said. “I have a better look at where I want to go as a Hawaiian, who I want to be as a Hawaiian.”

Kamryn Kanoe Bosque, pursuing her degree with a hula focus, added, “I expanded my knowledge more than I ever could have, and I’m deeply grateful to be able to come here and learn more about my Hawaiian culture.”

The program includes unique hands-on practices, such as learning hula Pele (the Hawaiian goddess whose home is Kīlauea on the island of Hawaiʻi) where the volcano is active.

Hula, a ‘living practice’

“Studying hula here at Hawaiʻi Community College goes beyond choreography,” Kumu Hula Pele Kaʻio. “It exposes the learner to protocol, ceremony, traditional regalia, discipline and leadership.”

The program’s impact is evident during Merrie Monarch, where participation in the annual festival’s opening ceremony has grown from about 30 individuals to more than 400 ritual practitioners, including Hawaiʻi CC students, alumni and community members.

Taupōuri Tangarō, founder and advisor of the college’s hālau hula, Unukupukupu, said the Kanakaʻole ʻ�dz󲹲Բ�’s mission remains central.

“Hula becomes the doorway through which learners come to know their purpose,” Tangarō said. “Students come to Hawaiʻi CC not simply to learn hula as performance, but to experience hula as a living practice grounded in ritual.”

Related stories:

• Hundreds celebrate Edith Kanakaʻole at ����Ӱҵ Hilo, May 9, 2023
• Native Hawaiian advocates, educators, leaders awarded Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, April 20, 2023
• Native Hawaiian icon Edith Kanakaʻole honored in naming of library collection, July 22, 2025

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 ����Ӱҵ 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) ����Ӱҵ student.

Members of the CAC serve voluntarily and are not paid.

Kaiwipunikauikawēkiu Punihei Lipe, who directs the University of Hawaiʻi , is stepping into a new role. A prominent leader in advancing Hawaiʻi-grounded initiatives across the 10-campus system for more than two decades, Lipe has been selected as the new poʻo kula (head of school) at Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha ma Kapālama (Kamehameha Schools Kapālama), where she will support and serve students and educators across the K–12 campus.

Her ����Ӱҵ service spans key leadership roles having also served as director of the , and director of ����Ӱҵ ����ԴDz�’s .

“����Ӱҵ has always held a special place in my life,” said Lipe, a graduate of ����Ӱҵ ����ԴDz� and Kamehameha Schools. “This community raised me, and it has been the greatest honor of my professional life to work alongside all of you. ����Ӱҵ nurtured my growth and strengthened my commitment to ʻike kūpuna (ancestral knowledge), to ʻāina (land), and to the relationships that guide our work. In many ways, Kamehameha Schools also shaped my early journey, and at this moment, it is deeply meaningful to return and step into this leadership kuleana (responsibility).”

Related ����Ӱҵ News stories:

• Punihei Lipe selected to lead systemwide Native Hawaiian initiative, July 23, 2024
• Oli, mele, kuleana guide ����Ӱҵ ����ԴDz� annual summit, January 22, 2026
• Rebuilding pilina: 2nd annual summit advocates racial healing, January 23, 2024

Rooted path

At ����Ӱҵ, Lipe earned a PhD in and a bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian studies. She also earned a master’s in counseling psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu. Lipe’s work at ����Ӱҵ has spanned campuses, helping integrate ʻike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian knowledge) across strategic plans, campus culture, programs and initiatives. Her leadership is grounded in building authentic relationships and connections.

“Punihei has made a lasting impact across our ����Ӱҵ campuses, helping to center ʻike Hawaiʻi in meaningful ways that will continue to shape our university for years to come,” said ����Ӱҵ President Wendy Hensel. “Her leadership is characterized by humility, deep aloha, and genuine care for our students and communities. In my time working alongside her, she helped deepen my understanding of ʻike kūpuna, our responsibilities to ʻāina, and the importance of connection in all that we do.”

Work continues

The office that Lipe has built will continue the work of advancing ����Ӱҵ’s active commitment to becoming grounded and reflective of Hawaiʻi. The team she has trained and mentored is well-prepared to support and continue this endeavor as a permanent leader for the office is identified in the coming months.

Lipe will remain in her current role through the end of May to ensure a smooth transition, before stepping into her new role at Kamehameha Schools on June 15.

The University of Hawaiʻi celebrates April 2026 faculty and staff anniversaries.

30 years

Ninomiya, Marsha S
Administrative Assistant, ����Ӱҵ ����ԴDz�

Thompson, Erin N K
Professor, Leeward CC

More anniversaries
March 2026
February 2026
January 2026
More anniversary lists

20 years

Asiatico, Carolina V
Administrative Assistant, ����Ӱҵ ����ԴDz�

Hawajska-Waters, Anna B
Instructor, ����Ӱҵ ����ԴDz�

Kashigi, Greg K
Educational Specialist, Honolulu CC

Naʻauao, Perri K C
Budget Analyst, ����Ӱҵ System

Pasternak, Deanna C
System Administrator, ����Ӱҵ System

Sylva, Leon R
Janitor, Honolulu CC

Yabe, Michael T
Observatory Supervisor, ����Ӱҵ ����ԴDz�

10 years

Hamakawa, Summer
Office Assistant, Hawaiʻi CC

Hasegawa, Matthew K
Educational Specialist, ����Ӱҵ ����ԴDz�

Isabel, Keani K
Student Services Specialist, ����Ӱҵ Hilo

Kamaka, Nathan M
Research Associate, ����Ӱҵ ����ԴDz�

Kasahara, Brian T
University Security Officer, ����Ӱҵ Maui College

Kubo, Kelvin K
Air Conditioning Mechanic, ����Ӱҵ Hilo

Pabingwit, Shawna M M
Institutional/Policy Analyst, ����Ӱҵ Maui College

Peacock, Daniel L
Library Assistant, ����Ӱҵ ����ԴDz�

Quinajon Takara, Rachel A
Educational Specialist, ����Ӱҵ ����ԴDz�

Rucker, Barbara L
Administrative and Fiscal Support Specialist, ����Ӱҵ Maui College

Sabado, Mackathy G
Fiscal Specialist, ����Ӱҵ Hilo

Stanley, Margaret L
Bookstore Manager, ����Ӱҵ ����ԴDz�

Stenstrom, Nicole N
Instructional and Student Support Specialist, ����Ӱҵ ����ԴDz�

Takayama, Brandi J E
Office Assistant, Honolulu CC

For non-traditional students such as Shantel Nomura, navigating the path to a degree can require immense dedication. Nomura, a Nānākuli native, works full-time for the County of Maui as a secretary for the boards and commissions, while raising a family of five and pursuing a degree in business administration at the ����Ӱҵ West Oʻahu.

Her journey began at ����Ӱҵ Maui College in 2001. She also took classes at Leeward and Windward CCs before life provided some detours. Then in 2024 she resumed her education at ����Ӱҵ Maui College. She has since transferred to ����Ӱҵ West Oʻahu, and is on pace to earn her bachelor’s degree in the fall of 2027, with plans to pursue a master’s degree.

Removing financial hurdles

For students juggling work and family, unexpected costs—such as an empty gas tank or mandatory textbook—can easily be the breaking point that forces them to drop out. This is why the Leeward CC Enrichment Fund, and others like it, exist. The fund has helped more than 70 students, including Nomura, cover everyday necessities—such as bus passes, gas and books—keeping temporary financial hurdles from turning into permanent roadblocks.

“Raising a family while working a full-time job and going back to school is not easy,” Nomura said. “The scariest thing about going back to school was thinking that I would be too old to learn again. But once school started, it just felt right. Without scholarships and a good support system from the counselors and staff, I wouldn’t be able to see my dream come to fruition.”

Supporting student success

For Carlos Peñaloza, current chancellor of Leeward CC and interim chancellor of ����Ӱҵ West Oʻahu, this financial support is an indispensable part of how the college serves its diverse student body.

“Donor support helps ensure our students have the resources they need to grow and thrive in a rapidly changing world,” Peñaloza said. “Gifts to the Leeward CC Enrichment Fund give campus officials the flexibility to respond quickly to students’ needs—supporting emergency assistance, experiential learning opportunities, campus activities, and the technology and materials that enhance learning. They help us create opportunities that support student success across our campus communities.”

Your Giving Day support is essential to keeping this lifeline strong for Leeward CC’s student body, which includes many first-generation and non-traditional learners. To make a gift, please visit the .

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The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa ’ (TIM School) hosted its 24th annual Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism gala on March 31 at the ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach. As the largest fundraiser in support of TIM School student scholarships, the event raised more than $361,000 through the generous support of Hawaiʻi’s hospitality and business community.

This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as the TIM School celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026, honoring six decades of preparing leaders who shape Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry and the global travel economy.

“As we celebrate 60 years of the TIM School, this event reflects the strong partnership between our students and the industry they will soon lead,” said Vance Roley, dean of the Shidler College of Business and First Hawaiian Bank Chair of Leadership and Management. “The continued support from our community ensures that future graduates are equipped to advance a visitor industry that is innovative, responsible and grounded in Hawaiʻi’s culture and values.”

Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism recognizes individuals and organizations that have made outstanding and lasting contributions to Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry.

At the March 31 gala, the 2026 Legacy in Tourism Award was presented to Elliot Mills (BBA ’93), CEO and managing partner of Hawaiʻi Hospitality Group. Mills was honored for his leadership and long-standing commitment to operational excellence, workforce development and strengthening Hawaiʻi’s hospitality sector.

Kylie Matsuda-Lum (BS ’01), managing director of Kahuku Farms, was inducted into the TIM Alumni Hall of Honor. A proud TIM alumna, Matsuda-Lum has helped transform her family’s agricultural enterprise into a successful agritourism destination that connects visitors with local agriculture, sustainability and community.

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to ClimbHI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students explore career pathways and successfully transition from high school into post-secondary education and the workforce. Through industry partnerships and career readiness programs, ClimbHI plays a vital role in strengthening Hawaiʻi’s future workforce.

The 2026 presenting sponsors were Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and Bank of Hawaii. Central Pacific Bank, First Hawaiian Bank, Kamehameha Schools and Marriott International served as contributing sponsors, and Daniel K. Hilton was a platinum sponsor. Hawaiʻi Business Magazine again returned as the media partner.

Support from sponsors, donors and community partners helps provide critical scholarship funding for students preparing for careers in hospitality, tourism and transportation. Since reunification with Shidler College in 2019, the school has:

• Introduced more than $1.5 million in new student scholarships
• Nearly doubled the size of the faculty
• Created six new faculty endowed fellowships and professorships
• Rising global and national rankings
• Increased undergraduate enrollment by 4.5% from 2024 to 2025
• Awarded more than $560,000 in scholarships during the 2025–26 academic year
• Enabled more than 90% of graduates to find employment or pursue graduate study within three months of graduation
• Established the TIM PhD program

To support the TIM School or Shidler College of Business, contact Jennifer Lieu, director of development, at jennifer.lieu@uhfoundation.org. .

Based on all recorded suicide deaths from 2013 to 2023, those in construction, agriculture, and the arts, males and especially those under 40 years old showed the highest suicide rates. Led by Thao Le of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s (CTAHR) and retired epidemiologist Dan Galanis with Hawaiʻi State Department of Health Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch, the revealed how occupational context is associated with suicide risk in Hawaiʻi, particularly occupations where people experience chronic uncertainty and low control.

Farmers are consistently exposed to invasive pests, volatile market prices and extreme weather such as the recent Kona low storms. Beyond the physical destruction of crops and infrastructure, the storms have left a trail of mental and emotional exhaustion.

For an occupation already battling thin economic margins, these storms represent more than financial loss—they are challenging farmers’ sense of purpose and identity.

“A farmer’s mental health is tied to the health of their land,” said Le. “When the ‘āina is inundated and the crops and livestock are lost, the emotional toll is immediate and profound. Our farmers are essentially first responders to our food needs, so we need to act as first responders to them now. They are essential to our own livelihood.”

Without immediate concrete support, in the way of streamlined access to financial aid, supplies and temporary housing for displaced farmers, Hawaiʻi risks losing its agricultural workforce, which is the backbone of the state’s food security and sustainability goals.

“If structural forces and policies continue to contribute and exacerbate distress, farmers may feel a sense of moral injury, feeling unsupported and abandoned by the systems purported to support them, and distress in inability to uphold their commitment to their land and livelihood due to factors beyond their control,” Le said.

Holistic approach

Beyond concrete material resources, immaterial recognition is equally essential. Elevating respect for farmers, ranchers and fisheries’ hard work and recognizing their role in community wellbeing is a vital form of psychological “capital” that can foster their wellbeing. The Seeds of Wellbeing (SOW)-CTAHR, and Culturally-Based Community Connections project aims to prevent suicide risk through a holistic, community-integrated approach of care that includes a peer mentorship model, incorporating ‘āina-based modalities and Native Hawaiian contemplative practices and free mental health vouchers. Planning is in the works to provide a 3-day immersive leadership and mental mindset training/seminar experience for ag mentors and leaders, an investment for advanced mental health skills building.

SOW–CTAHR is only a small contributor in the larger network of ag supporters led by Agriculture Stewardship Hawaiʻi of Hawaiʻi Statewide Food System Coordination including Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farm Union United, Maui Farmer Support Network, Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance, Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation, Pacific Gateway and many more.

The is the major statewide, community-driven suicide prevention/mental health collaborative in the state. Valuing life and preventing suicide is everyone’s responsibilities.

Hawaiʻi CARES 988 is a 24/7, free support service for help with crisis, mental health and substance use. Dial 988 or text “ALOHA,” no judgement, just help. .

This week’s ����Ӱҵ News Image of the Week is from ����Ӱҵ ����ԴDz� journalism senior Josslyn Rose.

Rose was one of many ����Ӱҵ students who helped with clean ups and recovery efforts after the destructive Kona low storms. This clean up took place at Waialua Beach on March 28.

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Through the water
Breeze block
Shark tag
‘Patrick Star’ tree
Zentangle
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A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the ����Ӱҵ ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next ����Ӱҵ News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

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