University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu students will gain firsthand experience in video production and content creation through an innovative partnership with ʻŌlelo Community Media—a nonprofit with a mission to create, collect, curate and share stories by Hawaiʻi, for Hawaiʻi, to Hawaiʻi.

A newly signed memorandum of agreement offers students internships in camera operations, editing and field production on ʻŌlelo projects, helping build a skilled local workforce. The collaboration includes training, mentorship and content creation, equipping participants with valuable media and communication skills aligned with community needs.

“This partnership with ʻŌlelo brings together our program鈥檚 strength in preparing students through a dynamic, industry-relevant curriculum with ʻŌ濒别濒辞鈥檚 deep commitment to community storytelling鈥攃reating a pathway where students gain hands-on experience while both organizations stay responsive to the evolving needs of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 media landscape,” said 东精影业 West Oʻahu Academy for Creative Media (ACM) Director Sharla Hanaoka.

Alumnus advanced agreement

Student internships are scheduled to begin in 2026. Under the guidance of ʻŌlelo professionals, students will create projects ranging from health awareness PSAs to storytelling on sustainability, with access to both ʻŌlelo and ACM facilities and equipment.

The agreement was coordinated in part by 东精影业 West Oʻahu alumnus Gabriel Peters, now ʻŌ濒别濒辞鈥檚 community engagement coordinator.

“As a proud graduate of 东精影业 West Oʻahu鈥檚 Creative Media program, I鈥檝e always believed in its potential to shape the next generation of storytellers and content creators,” Peters said. “Reconnecting with (Hanaoka) at the new building鈥檚 grand opening in 2022 sparked the idea for this partnership. We saw a chance to create real-world opportunities for students—ones that not only help build their portfolios but also connect them with industry professionals and networks that are vital in any career path.”

The partners are also eyeing potential expansion across other ʻŌlelo Community Media enterprises.

Chris Lee, founder of the (ACM System), has been named emeritus faculty by University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel. Lee served as director of ACM for more than two decades. He led the 东精影业 ACM initiative, which spans all 10 campuses and continues to empower students to pursue careers in digital storytelling, with a strong emphasis on Indigenous narratives rooted in Hawaiʻi. Reflecting the state鈥檚 unique cultural diversity, ACM is the first majority Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander media school in the country.

Now, the Hollywood veteran is stepping down, leaving a legacy that expanded Hawaiʻi鈥檚 creative pipeline and opened doors for homegrown storytellers and creators.

Lee said, “There are so many people to mahalo for this honor. I am so grateful to the 2004 Board of Regents, which originally approved ACM as a system-wide initiative, key alumni like Roy and Hilda Takeyama who gave generously to both start and sustain us, legislators and governors who financially supported the build out of the program across the islands, the local production industry that has embraced our students, our exceptional faculty and, most of all, our talented graduates who are driving Hawaiʻi鈥檚 growing and vital creative economy.”

Under Lee鈥檚 leadership, the ACM System launched 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 ACM (now known as the ), , , and program. It also supported the creation of at 东精影业 West Oʻahu, 东精影业 Esports, and collaborated with 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (ICS) department to develop . Lee enhanced existing media programs at , , Hawaiʻi CC, , and .

Many of them are earning a living doing what they love, right here in Hawaiʻi, telling their stories to the broadest possible audience. That was always the goal.
—Chris Lee

Uniquely, ACM fostered the first comprehensive articulation agreements between all seven community colleges and 东精影业 West Oʻahu, where Lee also led the development and funding of ACM鈥檚 state-of-the-art Student Production Center.

“Chris Lee鈥檚 foundational leadership and contributions have catalyzed creative media education across the 东精影业 System and elevated Hawaiʻi鈥檚 stories to a broader audience,” said 东精影业 President Wendy Hensel. “Drawing from his groundbreaking career in Hollywood, he helped build a thriving creative pipeline here at home. We thank him for his decades of service and are proud to honor him with emeritus status for his lasting influence at 东精影业 and our state.”

• Tributes and reflections on Chris Lee and his legacy at 东精影业

A systemwide vision

Raised in Hawaiʻi and an alumnus of ʻIolani School, Lee graduated from Yale University before starting a successful career as a motion picture executive and film and television producer. The first person of Asian ancestry to lead a major Hollywood studio, serving as President of Production at TriStar Pictures and Columbia Pictures, he oversaw iconic films such as Jerry Maguire, Philadelphia, As Good As It Gets and more.

After returning to Hawaiʻi in the early 2000s, Lee was invited to “start a film school” at 东精影业. He imagined a cross-campus network that could elevate creative media education statewide.

“Rather than just focusing on one campus at 惭腻苍辞补, I visited every campus in the 东精影业 System,” Lee said. “I met with faculty, staff and students and saw what already existed, including the animation program at Kapiʻolani CC and the TV studios at Leeward CC, and thought, ‘What if we built something that connected all of them?’”

In January, 2004, the 东精影业 Board of Regents formally established ACM, and Lee became its Founding Director. Over time, the initiative grew into a coordinated system offering specialized pathways in creative media, animation, gaming and digital content creation.

Empowering students and communities

At 东精影业 West Oʻahu, now the flagship for ACM, students can now pursue degrees in creative media, game design, communications and more. 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 School of Cinematic Arts focuses on narrative filmmaking, animation and Indigenous storytelling. The community colleges and 东精影业 Hilo offer strong foundations in production, media theory and animation.

“What made this possible was the advent of affordable digital technology,” Lee said. “Thanks to early support from donors and 东精影业 alumni, including Roy and Hilda Takayama and Jay Shidler, we gave students a ‘Digital Toolbelt’—Macs with editing software, cameras and sound equipment. It let them tell stories that were true to themselves and shareable with the world through online platforms.”

Creating an industry pathway

From the start, Lee emphasized that ACM wasn鈥檛 just about making films. “It was about preparing a workforce that could thrive in the future digital economy, in storytelling, animation, games, immersive media and beyond,” he said. Today ACM graduates from every 东精影业 campus are driving Hawaiʻi驶s growing creative economy.

Many of those early students have gone on to make significant contributions to film and television, including Daniel Ledoux Miller, co-director and co-writer of Moana 2; Bryson Kainoa Chun, a writer for Moana 2 and Doogie Kamealoha, M.D., who, along with fellow 东精影业 alumnus Alika Tengan, was named to the inaugural Indigenous List recognizing top Native screenwriters.

ACM graduates work for Pixar, Disney, HBO, NBC and Netflix, but most have stayed in Hawaiʻi to build production companies or lead communications teams in sectors far beyond entertainment.

“Every business now wants an in-house videographer and social media content,” Lee said. “While graduates from 东精影业 惭补苍辞补鈥檚 ACM like Christopher Makoto Yogi and Alika Tengan debuted their features at the Sundance Film Festival, students coming out of 东精影业 West Oʻahu are making TikTok capstones and going on to run campaigns for companies like BMW/Mini and even Honolulu City Hall.”

A hub for the future

The $37-million ACM Student Production Center at 东精影业 West Oʻahu opened in 2022 and has already become a hub for content creation, film and student collaboration. Adjacent to the facility is the proposed site of a state-of-the-art motion picture and television studio, currently under development.

The project, spearheaded by the Island Film Group team in partnership with 东精影业, will include modern sound stages, production facilities, and a town square with live-work, retail, dining and lodging. The studio is envisioned as a transformative center for the West Oʻahu region and the state鈥檚 growing media industry.

“This is the natural next step in ACM鈥檚 evolution,” Lee said. “Combined with the 东精影业WO Student Production Center, this complex will help elevate ACM to a global level. One of the project requirements is integration with ACM, which means our local students will have real opportunities鈥攑aid internships, mentorship and jobs with living wages.”

Driving innovation across the 东精影业

Even as he steps back, Lee is helping guide ACM鈥檚 evolution through new initiatives. Most recently, he has been actively involved with the Aloha AI Institute, a proposed 东精影业 initiative that, like ACM System, aims to unite all 10 UH campuses. The project will equip students with the tools and opportunities to explore AI鈥檚 role in creative fields, particularly in integrating Indigenous knowledge and cultural narratives.

Lee also helped create a new computational creative media degree at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 ICS, launched in fall 2024, which prepares students to use AI tools in video games, animation and digital content. His push into esports led to Hawaiʻi鈥檚 largest tournament in 2024, the Hawaiʻi Esports Invitational, hosted at 东精影业 West Oʻahu. The event brought together six 东精影业 campuses, out-of-state universities such as Michigan State, and local high schools, showcasing how ACM initiatives are preparing students for future careers while supporting economic diversification.

A lasting impact

ACM鈥檚 transformation into a nationally recognized, culturally grounded media school stands as part of Lee鈥檚 enduring legacy鈥攐ne that elevates Hawaiʻi鈥檚 stories and storytellers on the global stage.

“Everybody hopes they leave someplace better than how they found it,” Lee said. “Now we have hundreds of ACM graduates. Many of them are earning a living doing what they love, right here in Hawaiʻi, telling their stories to the broadest possible audience. That was always the goal.”

Reflections on Chris Lee

More than 900 people attended the , March 22 and 23 at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu Academy for Creative Media (ACM) Facility. The esports event brought together collegiate teams from the continental U.S. and Hawaiʻi, including six 东精影业 campuses.

The Hawaiʻi Esports Invitational welcomed players from Boise State University and Michigan State University, who battled against local teams from 东精影业 Hilo, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 and 东精影业 West Oʻahu; Kapiʻolani, Kauaʻi and Leeward Community Colleges; Chaminade University; and Hawaiʻi Pacific University. Players competed in “Valorant,” a tactical shooter game, and “Super Smash Bros.,” a platform fighter game.

The event was organized by Vanta, an inclusive youth esports platform and league that educates and inspires future esports leaders. High schools also competed, bringing out their “Valorant” teams to showcase their skills in front of potential scouts.

“The turnout far exceeded previous years, with players, families, and friends coming together from across the United States to celebrate esports in Hawaiʻi,” said Paul Todkill, Vanta director of marketing.

Hawaiʻi Esports Invitational overall winners:

• High school “Valorant” champions: McKinley High School
• Collegiate “Valorant” champions: Boise State University
• Open “Super Smash Bros.” competition: Rydra – Michigan State University
• Collegiate “Super Smash Bros.” crews battle: Michigan State University

东精影业 Esports Systems Leadership and Student Summit

东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 came in second place in the collegiate “Super Smash Bros.” crews battle and third in “Valorant.” In addition to the tournament, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Esports Program Director Nyle Sky Kauweloa highlighted the first-ever 东精影业 Esports Systems Leadership and Student Summit, which was hosted on March 21. The purpose of the summit was to share ideas, stories and histories of each club/team on the individual campuses. According to Kauweloa, the goal was to forge greater collaboration among 东精影业 campuses. The group also discussed a long-term plan for the 东精影业 Esports system as a whole, which included seeking more advisory support and rotating the 东精影业 Esports System tournament to other campuses.

Create(x), LAVA

The Hawaiʻi Esports Invitational utilized UH West Oʻahu鈥檚 Create(x) lab, which features immersive visualization environments such as a projection system that projects onto three walls and the floor for various augmented virtual environments. Create(x) and 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 Laboratory for Advanced Visualization and Applications, also known as LAVA, are some of the resources for students in the new and the . These programs are specifically designed to equip students with the skills to merge creative media with computing, preparing them for careers in fields such as video game development, movie special effects, digital media installations, museum exhibits, theme park design and digital marketing.

From yoga in outer space to interactive star-gazing, University of Hawaiʻi students created innovative and fun new virtual and augmented reality experiences through a class collaboration between the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (ICS) Department and the 东精影业 (ACM System).

The Creative Computational Media course allowed students to develop interactive and immersive experiences showcased in global exhibits such as Beyond Van Gogh, Beyond Monet, Disney Immersive and TeamLab Borderless.

“Even though these immersive experiences might seem like entertainment—which is a thriving industry—they teach valuable techniques for communicating complex data or ideas to broad audiences,” said ICS Professor Jason Leigh, who co-developed the course. “This is crucial for success as a scientist or engineer, as these experiences convey information in a visceral way, making it deeply felt and believed. In fact, we鈥檙e currently collaborating on projects with the Waik墨k墨 Aquarium, NASA and the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office.”

More than 30 undergraduate and graduate students from multiple 东精影业 campuses joined the semester-long course taught at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 and 东精影业 West Oʻahu鈥檚 state-of-the-art ACM Create(x) Lab—the only place in the state where students can access the necessary cutting-edge equipment, expertise and hands-on training in developing augmented reality (AR) applications, virtual reality (VR) environments and interactive projection-mapped experiences.

In about a month, student teams conceptualized ideas, and designed and developed prototypes for their immersive experiences. Projects included:

• Stargaze: A stunning and technically complex immersive projection experience tracing constellations across different cultures, including Native Hawaiian, Inuit, Japanese and Korean perspectives.
• Yoga in space: A pioneering project exploring the potential for immersive environments to new environments to support and enhance yoga practices.
• Fit the wall: A simple but dynamic video game where players must physically move their bodies to fit through holes in oncoming walls.
• Fantasy wonderland: A whimsical, interactive experience transporting users to a magical world of fantasy and wonder.
• Sparkles: A fantasy flower garden experience where users can interact with sparkles through movement.

“This was the first computer class that was more art and creative driven,” said Katelyn Sung, a junior creative computational media major. “It was interesting and fun. It opens up a lot of different aspects of what you can do in the computer science field other than just being a software engineer.”

Paving the way to the future

The class has not only allowed students to experiment with new technologies but also paved the way for future projects and collaborations. The Waik墨k墨 Aquarium has already tapped into this innovative field by commissioning past students鈥� work to create immersive exhibits for their own visitors.

“This course highlights the importance of interdisciplinary learning, the relevance of combining creativity with technical skills, and is a shining example of the University of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 commitment to preparing students for the future in emerging technologies like AI and digital media,” said Vassilis L. Syrmos, 东精影业 System vice president for research and innovation.

This course is part of a new Creative Computational Media concentration within the ICS 顿别辫补谤迟尘别苍迟鈥檚 BS/BA degree program. This program is specifically designed to equip students with the skills to merge creative media with computing, preparing them for careers in fields such as video game development, movie special effects, digital media installations, museum exhibits, theme park design and digital marketing. For more information about the concentration and department, .

Student-developed Indigenous data visualization projects took center stage at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu on September 27. The Indigenous Data Hub Fellows 贬艒ʻ颈办别, hosted by the (OIKI), showcased innovative works blending ancestral knowledge with modern data visualization.

Five students from and participated in the inaugural “Indigenous Data Hub Fellows” program, where they learned an equitable community-centered co-design practice, collaborated on place-based data visualization projects relevant to the Hawaiian community, and took advantage of the high-tech resources in the Create(x) lab housed in the Academy for Creative Media Building. The lab features immersive visualization environments such as a projection system that projects onto three walls and the floor for various augmented virtual environments.

“As a Native Hawaiian studying in the data science track at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补, this experience has allowed me to integrate the practices of my culture as k膩naka ʻ艒颈飞颈 with the knowledge and skill set of a computer scientist, nurturing two critical parts of my identity,” said undergraduate student Shaelyn Loo. “It has been a transformative journey that has shaped my personal and professional growth in ways I never expected.”

OIKI Director Kamuela Enos said the Indigenous data hub鈥檚 goal is to provide contemporary data visualization technology to community practitioners to allow them to show the impact of their work, while training youth that live in their community the fundamentals of both ancestral and contemporary sciences.

“Our intention with this project is to equitably engage with both regional community organizations and students in pairing the ancestral sciences and technologies that have allowed our ancestors to be self-sufficient for millennia with contemporary technologies,” Enos said. “The Indigenous data hub model focuses on four key components: a named geography, the ancestral practices that still exist within that geography, the community organizations that are still holding on to these practices in that geography, and the next generation learners that live within that geography.”

Mapping, sailing, restoring

The students worked on three projects:

• Moʻolelo Mapper—An immersive visualization project intended to augment a classroom with illustrations to weave together place, story and ways to investigate lessons passed on from ancestors. This is in collaboration with Kumu Uʻi Keliʻikuli from Leeward CC.
• Hoʻokele Table—An augmented visualization table intended to supplement the curriculum around designing sail plans for non-instrumental navigation. The simulation allows for students to become familiar with the natural phenomena that need to be taken into account while navigation on the open ocean. This is in collaboration with Kumu Kekai Lee from Leeward CC.
• Kipuka o Kahinahina—An augmented visualization table intended to share the story of the restoration of k膩lua mahi (sinkholes) in Kalaeloa. These k膩lua mahi were originally used for agriculture, and archaeologist and kumu hula Ulukoa Duhaylonsod along with other community volunteers are restoring this practice to propagate and preserve endangered endemic species of plants such as ʻEwa Hinahina. The table visualizes observation data from the site over time.

“Working with these talented students has been incredibly rewarding,” said Create(x) Director Kari Noe. “Learning how to equitably co-design data science tools, visualization software, and any technology with community partners and faculty is a critical skill and practice, but it is challenging. These students have a passion to learn these skills to be able to create projects that will bring a positive impact to their communities. I鈥檓 happy we are able to give them the space to.”

Students also learned skills from mentors such as 碍奴丑补ʻ辞 Zane, Solomon Enos and Mikiʻala Lidstone who advised the fellows and taught them about Indigenous design, creative practice and community-centered design, respectively.

Along with Loo, other students who participated include Austin Cataluna (Leeward CC, engineering), Halaʻi Napulehua (Leeward CC, computer sciences), Leilehua Kila (Leeward CC, Hawaiian studies) and Kieren McKee (东精影业 惭腻苍辞补, digital media).

The intention of the Indigenous Data Hub project is to expand its network to other locations around the state to provide access to this kind of programming to local students, starting with Leeward CC. The Indigenous Data Hub project was funded in part by the National Science Foundation EPSCoR award 2149133, the Academy for Creative Media System and Abundant Intelligences.

The University of Hawaiʻi Academy for Creative Media (ACM) System is offering a unique opportunity for ACM students and faculty across all 10 campuses to engage with the film industry through the 44th annual presented by Halekulani (HIFF). The highly anticipated festival opens on October 3, and ACM participants are encouraged to register for free tickets and passes, courtesy of the .

The HIFFxACM Accelerator is designed to help budding filmmakers and creative media students make critical connections within the industry while furthering their own professional and creative goals. The exclusive ACM pass offers free admission to five HIFF44 premiere screenings, access to industry panels, and invitations to special presentations at 东精影业 West Oʻahu, including screenings of renowned films.

Said ACM System Founder and Director Chris Lee, “We鈥檙e so excited to partner for a second year in the HIFF x ACM Accelerator program. Already, over 400 students and faculty from across the 东精影业 System have signed up for the free tickets and we’re going to keep the registration open through the Festival.”

Boba Fett, special screenings

One of the festival鈥檚 highlights is the in-person appearance of Star Wars actor Temuera Morrison at 东精影业 West Oʻahu on October 16, for a screening of . The event will be followed by a special presentation of , a documentary celebrating Hawaiian cultural icons, such as ʻIolani Luahine and Sonny Chillingworth, featuring precious images out of the campus鈥� premiere archive,

Beyond screenings, ACM students can dive deeper into the festival through networking events like the Cinema and Media Mentor program, and HIFF鈥檚 Metaverse, which connects them with media professionals globally. These opportunities expand their exposure to the broader film and media industries, helping them explore career paths beyond the classroom.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the University of Hawaiʻi Academy for Creative Media through the HIFFxACM Accelerator program. This initiative has proven wildly popular and impactful for students and professors alike, providing our talented ACM participants with invaluable access to the festival and fostering vital connections within the film industry. HIFF is excited to support the next generation of filmmakers as they explore their creative potential and engage with the rich tapestry of international cinema,” said Beckie Stocchetti, HIFFexecutive director.

The HIFFxACM Accelerator program aims to empower students through hands-on experiences, mentorship, and a deeper understanding of international cinema. HIFF continues its mission to promote cultural exchange among the people of Asia, the Pacific, and North America while advancing film literacy and career development for 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 emerging filmmakers.

ACM System supports 16 different programs across all 10 东精影业 campuses.

The limited edition Moore Aloha Surfboard tin and decal—designed by University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu student Harper Okamoto—are now available for purchase, with 100% of net proceeds being donated to the and the Moore Aloha Foundation. The art was inspired by pro surfer and Olympic gold medalist Carissa Moore鈥檚 .

The products launched in September with a celebration at Honolulu Cookie Company鈥檚 Hyatt Regency Waikiki location. The special signing event featured both Okamoto—a spring 2024 graduate who earned her bachelor of arts in creative media with a concentration in design and media—and Moore—surfing鈥檚 first Olympic gold medalist and five-time world surfing champion. The cookie tin and decal can be found in or .

“I was inspired by the bright colors that are associated with Carissa鈥檚 brand and I wanted to incorporate some of those because they are so fun and friendly,” Okamoto said. “For Honolulu Cookie Company, I used simple shapes to represent their message to warmly welcome anyone that comes to the islands and buys their product. I wanted to use something that gave the impression of the aloha spirit, but in a way that would get the message across to anyone even if they don鈥檛 speak the languages here.”

Okamoto鈥檚 winning design was the result of Honolulu Cookie Company teaming up with the 东精影业 West Oʻahu Creative Media program for a student packaging design contest.

For more visit .

—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

The at the 东精影业–West Oʻahu (ACMWO) has created a plan to use creative media as a gateway to engage underrepresented students in STEM concepts鈥攁 significant step toward supporting the National Science Foundation鈥檚 initiative.

The plan was developed by Sharla Hanaoka, ACMWO director, and Brad Ashburn, associate professor of chemistry with the mathematics, natural and health sciences division at 东精影业 West Oʻahu.

Next steps

东精影业 West Oʻahu will offer a new Math 100 course, Generative Art and Science, dedicated to the merge of art and math that supports the BPC plan welcoming all students with basic programming proficiency in spring 2025.

“By merging art into STEM fields, we鈥檙e not only breaking down barriers that often prevent students from our communities from pursuing computer science, but we鈥檙e also fostering creativity and unconventional thinking, preparing a new generation of problem-solvers equipped with both technical know-how and artistic vision for a future where technology and creativity are increasingly intertwined,” Hanaoka said. “This could lead to a more diverse, inclusive and innovative creative technology industry overall.”

Making art with science

Students Dylan Blue and Aina Kodaira—both pursuing a degree in creative media with a concentration in video game design and development—worked with Ashburn as a mentor on a summer research project that Ashburn will talk about in his upcoming course.

Blue and Kodaira presented their project, “Exploring Emergence with Cellular Automata,” at the 东精影业 West Oʻahu Student Research Experience Summer Symposium on August 9 at the Campus Center multi-purpose room. The project challenged them to combine software engineering, science, and design to build a highly interactive web application that generates complex patterns.

“We created an algorithm that creates different patterns; that鈥檚 how we blended technology with art,” Blue said. “This is significant because we don鈥檛 really see that happening too much, right? There鈥檚 always a distinct line between the field of science and creative media. 鈥eing in a place where we havenʻt been before is pretty exciting.”

Both students plan this fall semester to take Ashburn鈥檚 new Generative Art and Science class, in which students will level up their creativity through hands-on computer programming, design and engineering projects.

“Many approaches to integrating the arts in STEM involve making art about science, but our approach is to make art with science,” Ashburn said.

—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

Read more on .

The esports scene at the University of Hawaiʻi took a major leap forward as students from seven 东精影业 campuses engaged in friendly competition at the 2024 Kawaii Kon.

Held at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center, March 29–31, students from 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补, 东精影业 West Oʻahu, 东精影业 Hilo, Leeward Community College, Kapiʻolani CC, Windward CC and Kauaʻi CC participated in a Super Smash Bros. tournament.

“The overall purpose of the Smash tournament is to not only offer students a highly competitive venue for esports, but to also have them experience the larger (and extremely popular) digital games, anime, and cosplay events locally,” said Nyle Sky Kauweloa, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 esports program director. “This is not just a tournament, but an entire cultural experience for the students.”

“This was my second time attending the 东精影业 collegiate tournament, and it was just as awesome to see all the campuses come together in spirited and friendly competition,” said 东精影业 Hilo student Logan Nobriga. “I really appreciated how supportive players were, not just of their own teams, but of the other teams as well. Hilo came and gave it our all, and I’m really grateful our new players had the chance to experience some competition and got to show their skill to the other campuses.”

With more than 20,000 attendees over the three-day event, the success of the 东精影业 esports programs were on full display for the Kawaii Kon fans.

“Kapiʻolani‘s debut at the Kawaii Kon tournament was a significant step for our club, having been established just two months prior,” said Adam Moura, Kapiʻolani CC instructor and esports advisor. “It was a great opportunity for growth and learning, and we came away from it inspired to continue developing our skill for future competitions.”

Keala Chock, Leeward CC vice chancellor for academic affairs, added, “For Leeward Community College’s students to be part of systemwide esports events is not just about competition; it’s about fostering a sense of community, collaboration, and innovation among our students, shaping them into well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of the future.”

Continuing collaboration

While the tournament at Kawaii Kon is the one event each year where 东精影业 brings together students from several campuses together to compete, organizers hope to increase the collaboration throughout the year. The esports programs would like to acknowledge Southwest Airlines for flying in students from Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi, Bank of Hawaii for 3D-printing trophies, Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union for providing scholarships and the Academy for Creative Media System (ACM System) for funding the program.

“Just as ACM System started at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 and now supports programs on all 10 东精影业 campuses, my discussions about funding esports with President Lassner six years ago always had the goal of rolling this out to every 东精影业 campus that wants to participate,” said Chris Lee, founder and director of ACM System. “I am very grateful to President Lassner who brought on Sky Kauweloa and his team to grow 东精影业 Esports to the global powerhouse it is today and even more proud to see so many of our campuses and students engaging through esports.”

More stories on 东精影业鈥檚 esports program.