Before launching her local clothing and accessory brand, , Hilo native Tania Takashiba made the decision to continue her education at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补. She spent several years studying on the U.S. continent before attending the Shidler College of Business, where she earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in marketing in 2002.

A member of the business fraternity Pi Sigma Epsilon, Takshiba said her time at Shidler played a pivotal role in shaping her professional network and lasting friendships.

“I think graduating from ”东精影业 M膩noa was the perfect transition into adulthood,” said Takashiba. “[I] did internships, I was able to get a job pretty easily, and I couldn鈥檛 be more thankful for the people I met.”

Those connections continue to play a role in her life today. Takashiba stays in touch with several friends from her Shidler years, including one who serves as her financial advisor.

Building a local business

Takashiba started MaruMaru Hawaii with her sister in 2015. She said it was hard to find local brands that offered clothes for kids, so they decided to create their own. The brand has taken off, and Takashiba has run into people at the airport and on vacation wearing her clothes.

“Our designs are super simple, but I think because they鈥檙e based on real things, it resonates with a lot of people,” said Takashiba.

Popular designs such as “Hilo Das Why” and “Hilo Love” reflect the brand鈥檚 commitment to represent Hilo and its people.

Rooted in Hilo

Despite the brand鈥檚 popularity, Takashiba has intentionally chosen to keep MaruMaru Hawaii rooted on the Big Island. She said she does not plan to expand through pop-ups on Oʻahu or other islands, even when opportunities arise.

“I think there鈥檚 something to be said about being able to give Hilo people something first,” said Takashiba. “There鈥檚 nothing like Hilo; it鈥檚 very special. The community here is amazing, you鈥檙e connected to everybody, and it鈥檚 just Hilo das why.”

For Janie-Maria Kikila, graduating from Leeward Community College this May is more than earning a degree—it鈥檚 a deeply personal milestone shaped by resilience, growth and determination. As a nontraditional student, mother and the first in her family to graduate from college, Kikila sees this moment as proof of perseverance.

“This shows me that if you keep going, you can finish what you started,” she said.

Raised in Whitmore Village, Kikila attended Leilehua High School before transferring to Waiʻanae High School. Her journey hasn鈥檛 been easy, but she鈥檚 remained focused on a bigger goal.

“I鈥檝e gone through a lot—from not always feeling safe as a child to postpartum depression as an adult—but I made a decision not to let those things define me,” she said. “I want to break generational cycles, and I want to be someone my keiki can look up to.”

Finding support at Leeward CC

Kikila first enrolled at Leeward CC in 2013 but stepped away to build a career in management. That was disrupted when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020.

“It was hard going from being financially independent to needing help,” she said. “I knew if I was going to start over, I needed a clear direction.”

She returned to Leeward CC in 2023 to pursue a degree in business management. Back on campus, Kikila found support that helped her stay on track鈥攏ot just academically, but personally. Through Leeward鈥檚 counseling services, she began working with mental health therapist Lori Lum.

“I鈥檝e been seeing Lori for a little over a year, and she鈥檚 been amazing,” Kikila said.

• Meet more amazing 东精影业 graduates

Turning challenges into motivation

She also credits flexible student employment and mentors, such as business division faculty Tina Lee and Dag Faustino.

“Janie leads with intention and heart,” Lee said. “She鈥檚 someone who turns challenges into motivation.”

Kikila founded , Leeward鈥檚 first marketing club, open to students of all majors across the 东精影业 System. It brings students together to connect, collaborate and gain real-world experience.

“She saw a need and built something that brings students together in a meaningful way,” Faustino added. “That kind of initiative is what sets her apart.”

Kikila plans to transfer to 东精影业 West Oʻahu to continue her studies in business and marketing, with the goal of one day serving in a leadership role within the State of Hawaiʻi.

By Tad Saiki

At the Merrie Monarch Festival, hula’s most celebrated stage, one hālau‘s story of change and renewal rose to the top in 2026.

Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua earned top honors at the 63rd annual competition in Hilo, sweeping major categories. The group earned first-place finishes in kāne (men) overall, kāne ʻauana (modern hula), and both wāhine (women’s) kahiko (ancient hula) and kāne kahiko.

The hālau is led by Kumu Hula Robert Keano Kaʻupu IV, a graduate of Honolulu Community College.

“I’m still in shock,” Kaʻupu said. “I’m not surprised because they worked hard and they did exactly what they needed to do, but I’m in shock. This year more than ever it was the purpose of the journey, more than the destination. And so I am really appreciative for the recognition. There are no words to really describe what I feel.”

Turning point

The win followed a year of deep change.

Kaʻupu and Kumu Hula Lono Padilla founded the hālau together. In 2025, Padilla stepped away for personal reasons. The departure reshaped the Oʻahu hālau.

Kaʻupu described it as a time of upheaval. One that pushed both him and his haumāna (students) to reflect and rebuild.

“That’s part of the process,” he said. “Acknowledging the catastrophe, acknowledging the upheaval, acknowledging the overturn. Our lives were deconstructed and now let’s find the processes to reconstruct, rebuild, regenerate, re-energize.”

That idea guided their performances at this year’s festival.

Hulihia, overturning

Kaʻupu chose mele (songs) that mirrored both his experience and that of his hālau. Their performances centered on hulihia, a Hawaiian concept that speaks to overturning and transformation.

In the kahiko category, the wāhine performed hula kālaʻau (dancing stick) to Kau Kahaʻea Ke Ao Uahi I Luna. The mele is a creation story, where akua (deities) shape a submerged island still forming off Hawaiʻi Island.

Kaʻupu‘s kāne followed with Hulihia Ka ʻĀpapa Ka Unu Koʻakoʻa O Ka Moana. Their performance evoked the ocean floor shifting and fire rising from below, as life emerges through heat and pressure.

Together, the pieces reflected a simple truth that change can be destructive, but it also creates space for renewal.

东精影业 roots

Kaʻupu, a Keaukaha native, attended 东精影业 Hilo before moving to Oʻahu. He continued his studies at Honolulu CC, entering the cosmetology program and graduating in 2007.

“I thought I knew how to do hair until I went through the program,” he said. “They just expedited and transcended the technical skills for me. I am super, super grateful for that.”

For years, those skills helped shape his presence at Merrie Monarch, where he handled his dancers’ hair and makeup, an important part of the competition’s scoring. He also designs every costume, sketching ideas by hand before working with a seamstress to bring them to life. However, for each of his Miss Aloha Hula contestants, he sews each piece himself.

In many ways, that same cycle of creating, overturning and rebuilding reflects where Kaʻupu stands now, as he continues to grow into his role.

“Trust your gut, trust your kūpuna (elders),” he said. “Find the things that serve you and let go of the things that don’t. There’s always regeneration. You just have to trust the process.”

—by Moanikeʻala Nabarro

For nearly 20 years, Rachel Hualani Loo has graced the Merrie Monarch stage on 贬艒ʻ颈办别 night as an ʻ艒濒补辫补, or dancer, with H膩lau o Kekuhi. This year, she returned to the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium in a profoundly different role: as the 2026 惭艒ʻ墨 Wahine (Queen) of the Merrie Monarch Royal Court.

A University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo alumna and the director of the , Loo has spent over a decade supporting Hawaiian students on their educational journeys. But when the Merrie Monarch Festival committee asked her to serve in this role, the weight of carrying this kuleana (responsibility) for her community felt different.

“Just to be included in all of this鈥攏ot just the honor on an individual and personal level, but the real honor is continuing to be part of this community in a different capacity,” Loo expressed.

One of the most special things about being in Hilo during Merrie Monarch week is the opportunity to witness the community鈥檚 hospitality and ability to hoʻokipa, to host. Whether welcoming family, friends, or h膩lau hula, Hilo鈥檚 community shows up year after year to graciously welcome everyone. Growing up in Hilo and being part of the Merrie Monarch in different capacities has shaped Loo鈥檚 own commitment to this practice.

What the Merrie Monarch Festival and its stage represent isn鈥檛 lost on her. Loo recalled the words of her Kumu Hula N膩lani Kanakaʻole Zane, whose legacy continues to permeate the festival: “She would remind us that this is the biggest stage for hula: an opportunity to share our language, culture, and dance in excellence. It鈥檚 an example of Hawaiian excellence at its highest level.”

.

Now in its sixth decade, the Merrie Monarch Festival draws visitors from across the state and beyond, celebrating Hawaiian culture through hula, music, and artistry. The influx of visitors also supports independent marketplaces throughout Hilo, where local businesses can showcase their work.

Two University of Hawaiʻi alumni—Summer Shiigi of Ten Tomorrow and Lana Gronwald of Jules and Gem Hawaii—are vendors at the Mākeke Naniloa marketplace at the Grand Naniloa Hotel, returning to Hawaiʻi Island after participating together last year.

Shiigi, a former 东精影业 Mānoa psychology student, runs and designs the resort women鈥檚 clothing brand Ten Tomorrow.

“My family is from Hilo, so being able to go and visit for work is really special to me,” said Shiigi. “It鈥檚 an exciting time. It feels very meaningful and deep and cultural.”

Gronwald, the owner and founder of Jules and Gem Hawaii, a luxury fragrance brand, graduated from 东精影业 Mānoa in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

“Merrie Monarch is a special time. It鈥檚 beautiful to see all the different artists that come out and all those small businesses that are truly local who come from here and have roots in Hawaiʻi,” said Gronwald.

Supporting local businesses

Both businesses make their products in Hawaiʻi. With customers and businesses converging in Hilo, both women are appreciative of the opportunities it presents.

“The dollars being spent all with local companies is something really beautiful,” said Shiigi. “Being able to have that hard earned dollar spent in a local community and turning it back into someone who鈥檚 based here, who has local employees, who might even make things here, I think that鈥檚 really important.”

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa ballroom dance team won its third consecutive national title at the (NCDC), in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 27–29.

Competing against 37 colleges, 东精影业 Mānoa once again took first place for “highest point average,” as well as a close second place for the overall team championship, asserting its place among the nation鈥檚 top ballroom dance college teams. Winning top honors in the highest point average requires most team members to perform exceptionally well in all events.

The dancers of the Ballroom Dance Club @东精影业M—a registered independent organization at 东精影业 Mānoa—are trained and coached by Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti. Narayan and Sumukti also represented Hawaiʻi in the senior age division placing 1st in several events.

“We are no longer the underdogs, so all the other colleges are looking at us as the team to beat,” said Narayan, who is also an adjunct faculty member in the 东精影业 Mānoa . “The bar is getting raised higher and higher each year, but we prevailed once again. We are incredibly proud of the dedication of our dancers who put in many hours to prepare for this competition. We are grateful for the incredible support we have received from the entire ballroom community in the state of Hawaiʻi.”

The Ballroom Dance Club @东精影业M was formed in September 2022, and the team took first place for “highest team average” in 2024 and 2025.

“Nationals was an amazing and eye-opening experience for me,” said Caleb Zerbe, who competed in the nationals for the first time. “Getting to see so many people dance and enjoy themselves on the floor made me realize how fun dancing can be, even at the highest stages. It was a moment that helped me build a lot of confidence, and one that I will never forget.”

Christopher Ramirez, who competed on all three victorious 东精影业 Mānoa teams, added, “Given the opportunity to compete at my third nationals, there is always something new to learn. Winning for the third year in a row has reminded me just how incredible it is to be a part of this team.”

Tough competition

NCDC is a grueling competition with events starting at 7 a.m. every morning. It consisted of multiple events based on proficiency (bronze, silver, gold, etc.). Each student danced in up to 32 different events at the bronze and silver skill levels. They competed in all four styles of ballroom dance including International Standard (waltz, tango, viennese waltz, foxtrot and quickstep), American Smooth (waltz, tango, foxtrot and viennese waltz), American Rhythm (chacha, rumba, swing, bolero and mambo) and International Latin (samba, chacha, rumba, paso doble and jive).

Several students took individual first place awards in their respective divisions defeating up to 70 other competitors in some events. This trip was designed to give the team exposure to a collegiate competition, as Hawaiʻi has no statewide collegiate ballroom competitions.

More about the Ballroom Dance Club

The Ballroom Dance Club offers beginner classes to all 东精影业 Mānoa students, faculty and staff in studio 2 in the athletics department from 6—7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. No dance experience is required. For more information, or visit their Instagram page @bdcuhm.

The team would like to thank the Department of Information and Computer Sciences, 东精影业 Mānoa Department of Athletics, Student Activity and Program Fee Board, Associated Students of the University of Hawaiʻi, USA Dance Honolulu and the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation for facility and financial support.

东精影业 Mānoa 2026 nationals collegiate and adult team roster:

• Ravi Narayan, faculty (computer science), coach and alumnus
• Synthia Sumukti, coach and alumna
• ʻAulani Wagner, library science and American studies
• Alexander Picken, Earth science
• Amanda Kanthack, psychology and Japanese
• Caleb Zerbe, computer science
• Christopher Ramirez, linguistics
• Christopher Wright, electrical engineering
• Courtney Hisamoto, computer science
• D’Elle Martin, architecture
• Elijah Saloma, computer science
• Gregory Snyder, mechanical engineering
• Hannah Madiam, kinesiology
• Iris Calauan, pre-nursing
• Jonathan Bona, civil engineering
• Julietta Lopez, architecture
• Kanaru Ebi, psychology
• Karl Merritt, mechanical engineering
• Luis Hernandez, electrical and computer engineering
• Lyndsey Moku, political science
• Maya Ito, psychology
• Michaella Villanueva, computer science
• Noah Asano, computer science
• Samantha Reed, computer science
• Shaelyn Loo, computer science
• Tessa Heidkamp, journalism and political science
• Andrew Lin, computer science alumnus
• Sydney Kim, computer science alumna
• Jason Aguda, computer engineering alumnus
• Matthew Rummel, political science and business alumnus
• Ariel Ramos, cinematic arts animation alumna
• Yong-Sung Masuda, computer science alumnus
• Wilson Tran, computer science alumnus
• Florence Liu, faculty, mathematics

Luis Hernandez and Maya Ito dancing the American Cha-cha in the Collegiate Team Match where 东精影业 Mānoa placed 3rd. (Video courtesy: Calvin Ota)

Elijah Saloma and Michaella Villanueva dancing the International Quickstep in the Collegiate Team Match where 东精影业 Mānoa placed 3rd. (Video courtesy: Calvin Ota)

Coaches Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti dancing the Mambo in the Senior IV American Rhythm Championship final. (Video courtesy: Ravi Sundaram)

Students cheering for their coaches Ravi Narayan and Synthia Sumukti (Video courtesy: Ravi Sundaram)

Kaiwipunikauikaw膿kiu 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鈥�12 campus.

Her 东精影业 service spans key leadership roles having also served as director of the , and director of 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 .

“东精影业 has always held a special place in my life,” said Lipe, a graduate of 东精影业 M膩noa and Kamehameha Schools. “This community raised me, and it has been the greatest honor of my professional life to work alongside all of you. 东精影业 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 东精影业 News stories:

• Punihei Lipe selected to lead systemwide Native Hawaiian initiative, July 23, 2024
• Oli, mele, kuleana guide 东精影业 M膩noa annual summit, January 22, 2026
• Rebuilding pilina: 2nd annual summit advocates racial healing, January 23, 2024

Rooted path

At 东精影业, Lipe earned a PhD in and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Hawaiian studies. She also earned a master鈥檚 in counseling psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu. Lipe鈥檚 work at 东精影业 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 东精影业 campuses, helping to center ʻike Hawaiʻi in meaningful ways that will continue to shape our university for years to come,” said 东精影业 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 东精影业鈥檚 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 at Mānoa 鈥� (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鈥檚 hospitality and business community.

This year鈥檚 celebration was especially meaningful as the TIM School celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026, honoring six decades of preparing leaders who shape Hawaiʻi鈥檚 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鈥檚 culture and values.”

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

At the March 31 gala, the 2026 Legacy in Tourism Award was presented to Elliot Mills (BBA 鈥�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鈥檚 hospitality sector.

Kylie Matsuda-Lum (BS 鈥�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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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. .

University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa football and basketball statistician Nelson Tokuhama has been named the recipient of the 2025 Charlie Ushijima Award for dedicated and unselfish service to 东精影业 Athletics.

Tokuhama received the award during intermission of the March 28 men’s volleyball match at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. Tokuhama is the 29th recipient of the award, which was established in 1992.

For nearly 50 years, Tokuhama has served in numerous positions within the statistics crew and has rarely missed a home game. A 1975 University of Hawaiʻi alumnus with a degree in architecture, Tokuhama joined the crew under longtime sports information director Ed Inouye. He began working with the men’s basketball crew during the 1976–77 season, and later joined the football stats crew in 1978.

Tokuhama served as chief statistician for many of those years. He has seen the evolution of the profession firsthand, transitioning from the manual era of jotting down numbers with a calculator to modern, computer-generated statistics programs.

“For almost half a century, Nelson has been a cornerstone of our statistics crew, rarely missing a home game,” said Director of Media Relations Derek Inouchi. “His commitment and loyalty to the university are unmatched. His professionalism has earned the 东精影业 stats crew immense respect among our peers across the country.”

The award is presented annually by ʻAhahui Koa 膧nuenue, the fundraising organization for 东精影业 Athletics, to an outstanding volunteer. Originally titled the Rainbow Service Award, it was later renamed after its first recipient, the late Charlie Ushijima.

Read more at .

Larry Price, a celebrated University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa scholar-athlete, coach and longtime supporter of the university, is remembered for a life that bridged athletics, education and service to the community. Price died March 27, at the age of 91.

Price distinguished himself as a leader on the football field at 东精影业 Mānoa, becoming the only player in program history to be elected team captain three consecutive years from 1962 to 1964. He later earned recognition as one of the greatest players in school history, including selection to the program’s all-time team and designation as “Rainbow of the Decade” for the 1960s. He also played in three Hula Bowl games and signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Rams.

Price’s impact at 东精影业 extended well beyond his playing days. After earning his bachelor’s degree in recreation leadership in 1967 and a master’s degree in educational administration in 1971 from the 东精影业 Mānoa College of Education, he returned to campus to mentor the next generation. He served as head men’s volleyball coach from 1969 to 1972, resident manager of the athletic dormitory and later head football coach from 1974 to 1976. During his tenure as head coach, 东精影业 became an NCAA Division I member, changed its nickname to the Rainbow Warriors, introduced the “Hula-T” formation, and on September 13, 1975, christened the newly-built 50,000-seat Aloha Stadium against Texas A&I.

“I’ve considered all of the people I went to school with my friends forever,” Price said in a . “The faculty took particularly good care of me,” he added, specifically pointing to his “favorite faculty member,” Harold St. John, from whom he took a botany course.

In the classroom and across campus, Price was equally dedicated. He went on to earn a doctorate in education from the University of Southern California and completed postdoctoral work at Stanford University, while also serving as an assistant professor at Chaminade University of Honolulu. At 东精影业, he later led the Small Business Management Program, continuing his commitment to education and professional development.

His legacy includes a lasting connection to the broader Hawaiʻi community. Price built a distinguished career in media, joining KSSK Radio and becoming a familiar voice to generations of listeners. As a television journalist with KITV4, he earned national recognition for his documentary work. Price was also known for his sports commentary and his signature “katoosh!” call.

Throughout his life, Price remained closely tied to 东精影业. He was a , and 1989 东精影业 Distinguished Alumni Award honoree. Price was also a life member of the 东精影业 Alumni Association with the 东精影业 Mānoa Letterwinners Club and College of Education Alumni Association.

—By Marc Arakaki

Noelani Schilling-Wheeler, a University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa alumna, is the executive director of the Oʻahu Visitors Bureau (OVB), a department of the Hawaiʻi Visitors & Convention Bureau (HVCB). Her responsibilities include developing strategies and tactics, with specific attention to the marketing and promotion of Oʻahu, and aligning those strategies and processes with community voices and government directives. Prior to her current position, she served as a director of sales and marketing at OVB, where she has worked for 28 years. She earned bachelor鈥檚 degrees in travel industry management and marketing from the Shidler College of Business in 1991.

Tell us about a day at the office

“Working at OVB is dynamic, and no two days are the same. I typically begin the day by reviewing in-progress projects, upcoming programs that require planning and any issues that need immediate attention. Once priorities are set, I move into focused work and meetings, connecting with industry partners, clients and internal teams to move initiatives forward and identify opportunities to strengthen our programs. A key part of my day is also supporting my team, checking in to ensure they have the tools, guidance and support needed to succeed and grow.”

How did your experiences at Shidler prepare you for what was to come?

“Shidler provided a strong academic foundation through both the marketing and travel industry management programs, supported by professors who invested in my growth. My experience there helped me with my decision to work in tourism marketing, and my interest in representing destinations respectfully and with purpose.”

What are some of your favorite memories of Shidler?

“My favorite memories are centered around student activities, such as participating in different clubs and TIM Night productions, and engaging with and building meaningful relationships with TIM School professors and our former dean, Chuck Gee, who had the best advice for each and every student.”

What鈥檚 your advice for current students?

“Never get too comfortable with what you think you know—learning should be constant. We live in a rapidly changing world, so stay curious, engaged and ahead of change. Remember that organizations function like living systems, and everything is connected. If you need to pivot yourself in your career or life, view it as an opportunity for growth, not a setback. Seek out mentors, ask questions, listen to diverse perspectives and take responsibility for your work. Always look for ways to enhance, elevate and expand programs, careers and personal paths. Most importantly, be pono in all that you do.”

For the entire story and more stories like this, see the .

The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents approved awarding an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to Walter A. Dods Jr., recognizing his decades of leadership in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 business community, his extensive philanthropic impact and his longstanding commitment to the university.

The regents voted at the board鈥檚 March 19 monthly meeting, held at Leeward Community College. The honorary degree will be formally conferred during the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 spring 2026 commencement ceremony, where Dods will also serve as commencement speaker.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to the University of Hawaiʻi and the regents for this recognition,” said Dods after the vote. “东精影业 has played an important role in my life, and it has been a privilege to support the university and its students over the years. I share this honor with the many people who have inspired me and worked alongside me to strengthen our community.”

Alumnus, business leader, philanthropist

A 1967 graduate of 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 Shidler College of Business, Dods is widely regarded as one of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 most influential business leaders. Over a 36-year career at First Hawaiian Bank, he rose from an entry-level role to chairman and CEO.

“Walter Dods represents the very best of what the University of Hawaiʻi hopes to inspire in its graduates: leadership, service and an unwavering commitment to community,” said 东精影业 President Wendy Hensel. “His impact on Hawaiʻi鈥檚 economic development is profound, but equally important is his lifelong dedication to giving back and creating opportunities for others. He has opened doors for generations of students and strengthened this university in lasting ways.”

Deep 东精影业 support

His ties to 东精影业 span nearly five decades. Dods has been a donor since 1975 and previously served as president of the 东精影业 Foundation Board of Trustees. He chaired the university鈥檚 1998 Campaign for Hawaiʻi, which raised $116 million, and currently serves as campaign chair for the ongoing $1-billion “For 东精影业, For Hawaiʻi” fundraising effort.

His personal philanthropy includes a $5-million gift to support student innovation and entrepreneurship at 东精影业 M膩noa, resulting in the naming of the Walter Dods Jr. RISE Center, as well as a $1-million endowed scholarship supporting immigrant students and their children.

Dods has previously been recognized with the 东精影业 Distinguished Alumni Award and the Shidler College of Business Hall of Honor Award.

The honorary doctorate recognizes individuals of national or international distinction whose contributions have had a significant impact in areas such as business, public service or scholarship. Regents cited Dods鈥� extraordinary career and enduring commitment to the university and the state as meeting and exceeding those standards.

When Lyra Pascual—a 2017 graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa and senior accountant at Nakupuna Companies—volunteered at the Ironman World Championship in 2024, an idea took root. Watching athletes cross the finish line, she wondered if she could do the same. There was a small problem—she didn鈥檛 know how to swim.

“Maybe some day,” she told herself.

Fast forward to a few months later when Pascual was talking with a friend and telling him that she wanted to learn to swim. He mentioned they should sign up for the Ironman together and she said, “if you do, I will.” And with that encouragement, they both signed up for their first race.

Pascual enlisted the help of Shidler college鈥檚 Director of Internship and Career Development Rick Varley and joined his TripleFit triathlon group. Varley has been an endurance coach for more than 25 years, his experience shaped by his own background as a collegiate sprinter. He was the first person to encourage her to get in the water.

“We didn鈥檛 work on strokes at first,” Varley said. “We just worked on breathing.”

Read about how Pascual overcame multiple challenges to cross her first finish line on pages 24–25 of the .

Many basketball fans remember the landmark playing days of University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 Anthony “AC” Carter.

There was the season opening win over legendary coach Bob Knight and No. 21 Indiana to kick off the 1997–98 campaign and perhaps most notably the Rainbow Classic championship battle against eventual NBA great Paul Pierce and the No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks.

“I never worried about how many points, how many assists, how many rebounds, it was just about wins and losses and making the fans happy, because without the fans, there wouldn鈥檛 be no AC Carter,” said Carter.

Over Carter鈥檚 two seasons in M膩noa from 1996–98, the Rainbow Warriors were a combined 42 and 17, including two National Invitational Tournament runs.

Creating opportunities

In 2002, Carter established the A.C. Carter Endowed Scholarship Fund. It was a way for Carter to pave the way for future generations.

“My decision to give back was because I had a second chance,” said Carter. “Somebody paved the way for me, and I just felt like it was my duty to be able to get somebody else into school and put them through school.”

Jersey retirement

In February, as Carter became just the second player in program history to have his jersey retired in Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center, he reflected on the honor.

• Related 东精影业 News story: Basketball legend ‘AC’ Carter honored: 东精影业 M膩noa to retire No. 23 jersey, October 28, 2025

“It means everything. This is something that I never expected,” Carter said. “Thank you to everybody over here in the islands. Each and every night that I stepped on that court and just walking around, the love that they showed me, it speaks volumes of the islands and my second home.”

东精影业 basketball retired Carter鈥檚 No. 23 in front of a packed Bankoh Arena crowd at halftime of the men鈥檚 basketball game against UC Santa Barbara on February 21. Carter鈥檚 number now hangs alongside former player and coach Bob Nash鈥檚 No. 33. Nash was an assistant coach at 东精影业 when Carter played at 惭腻苍辞补. At the ceremony Nash was among the coaches, teammates, former players and friends to join Carter on the court during the ceremony.

The University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa celebrated the legacy of renowned alumna Alice Augusta Ball at the annual recognition ceremony on February 26. This year鈥檚 event was especially meaningful, as her discovery dubbed the “Ball Method” treatment for Hansen鈥檚 disease has been designated a National Historic Chemical Landmark by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Spearheaded by the 东精影业 Office of the President and the 东精影业 M膩noa Office of the Provost with support from various campus and community partners, the ceremony invited the campus community to the chaulmoogra tree on the ma uka side of Bachman Hall, where a plaque honors Ball鈥檚 legacy.

The event began with an oli led by the Hawaiʻi Papa o ke Ao Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office and the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience鈥檚 Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Coordinator.

Emcee LaJoya Shelly, a lecturer in ethnic studies and educational administration, led the event. 东精影业 President Wendy Hensel was among several distinguished speakers who commemorated Ball.

“She鈥檚 a true role model for all of us,” said Hensel, “Every year is exciting because she鈥檚 such an incredible trailblazer, and to be able to recognize her repeatedly for those contributions is always really special.”

Hensel also read Gov. Josh Green鈥檚 official proclamation declaring February 28, 2026, as Alice Augusta Ball Day.

Long-awaited official recognition

Katrina-Ann Kap膩 Oliveira, Interim Vice Provost for Student Success, presented the National Historic Chemical Landmark Designation on behalf of ACS President Rigoberto Hernandez.

“This landmark dedication reflects ACS‘s commitment to honoring chemists like Ball whose discoveries have improved countless lives,” read Oliveira. “The National Historic Chemical Landmarks program preserves and promotes these histories so that present and future generations can understand the transformative power of chemistry.”

In 2024, the American Chemical Society approved the nomination—submitted by David Lassner, 东精影业 president emeritus, and Paul Wermager, retired department head of science and technology at Hamilton Library—to award the National Historic Chemical Landmark designation to Ball for her technique of isolating ethyl esterification from the fatty acids of chaulmoogra oil so it could be effectively administered to Hansen鈥檚 disease patients by injection.

• Related 东精影业 News story: Sculpture honors pioneering scientist Alice Ball

This isolation technique, later called the “Ball Method,” was the first successful treatment for Hansen鈥檚 disease that was used on thousands of patients around the world until the introduction of sulfone drugs in the mid-1940s.

The Ball Method was used to treat patients in Kalaupapa, permitting them to return to their families after being banished to isolation facilities on the remote Molokaʻi peninsula. This treatment was the difference between a life of discomfort and isolation, and a life of fulfillment and connection with family and community.

Inspiring future generations of scientists

Ball was the first woman and first African-American to graduate from the College of Hawaiʻi—now known as the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa—with a master鈥檚 degree in chemistry. Ball had also become the first African American female chemistry instructor and department head.

“What inspires me really, especially during Black History Month, is her being a black woman in STEM,” said Raven Kelley, the student speaker for the Black Student Association, “When we look at U.S. history, women in STEM, in general, rarely ever get the recognition that they truly deserve.”

Ball died on December 31, 1916, at the age of 24, before publishing her groundbreaking work. More than a century later, the university remains committed to honoring her legacy.

“As a black woman in STEM myself, it gives me a sense of pride and honor to see her truly recognized for her work,” said Kelley.

Other program speakers included Phillip Williams, interim dean and professor of chemistry at the 东精影业 M膩noa College of Natural Sciences; Diana Felton, chief of the Communicable Disease and Public Health Nursing Division at the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health; and DeGray Vanderbilt of Ka ʻOhana O Kalaupapa.

The ceremony was followed by the annual Alice Augusta Ball Remembrance Walk, led by Sister Circle at M膩noa and Native Hawaiian Student Services, which included a trip to Hamilton Library to see the life-sized bronze bust of Alice Ball. The walk ended at the Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services for a screening of The Ball Method film.

鈥攂y Josslyn Rose

As president of the University of Hawaiʻi Letterwinners Club, 东精影业 M膩noa alumna Jackie Donovan is trying to connect past and current student athletes. The club hosts alumni at 东精影业 sporting events to maximize support for the athletics department and current student athletes. The former thrower on the track and field team (2012–2015) started her term in 2025.

The club鈥檚 Legacy Initiative is a multi-phased approach to creating gathering places for celebrating, honoring and sharing 东精影业鈥檚 rich athletic history. There are currently displays in both Bankoh Arena and Les Murakami stadium showcasing trophies, jerseys and other memorabilia. The long term goal is to develop a facility within the 东精影业 athletic complex to share the history of all sports programs.

“It’s really critical to share the school’s athletic heritage because everybody has a story,” said Donovan. “Everybody has their story, and it’s just amazing to honor all those stories in very different ways, and we wouldn’t be here without the people who were here before us.”

Continued growth

Donovan works as a business planning and strategy analyst for Bank of Hawaiʻi. She earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in finance in 2014 and a master鈥檚 degree in kinesiology and rehabilitation science in 2015.

Staying connected to 东精影业 and its alumni has given her opportunities both personally and professionally. She urges current student athletes to take advantage of every opportunity the school has to offer.

“A lot of your learning doesn’t come from being in the classroom. It comes from things outside of the classroom,” Donovan said. “Being connected to the Letterwinners has helped to grow my network. Staying connected to the university has helped me to continue to grow, and I appreciate that.”

Family legacy

The Donovan family takes pride in representing 东精影业. There are eight 东精影业 M膩noa degrees between Jackie, her brother Josh, dad Jim, and mom Tracy. Josh and Jim lettered on the football team. Jim also served as athletics director, and Tracy previously worked in the 东精影业 M膩noa chancellor’s office and 东精影业 Office of Communications.

Jackie Donovan said, “I think we just really want to see the university thrive in all the ways possible athletics, academics or research. We just want to see that university succeed.”

While they were freshmen in the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 鈥� Direct Admit Program, alumnae Amber Abara (BBA 鈥�22, MS 鈥�24) and Morgan “Birdy” Cobb (BBA 鈥�22, MS 鈥�24) crossed paths and quickly became best friends. What they didn鈥檛 know then was that their friendship would later spark a business—one inspired by a vivid dream Abara had during their master of science in marketing management program.

In the dream, she saw a soap bar shaped like a gua sha (smooth tool used to massage and stimulate the skin). When she shared it with Cobb, expecting a laugh, Cobb immediately responded, “Let鈥檚 do it.” That moment became the spark for a skincare company built around a farm-to-face philosophy.

Abara and Cobb source many of their ingredients from Hawaiʻi farmers they know and trust, rooting their brand in community and sustainability. They also embrace the phrase “confidence from within,” which for them means feeling grounded in who you are the moment you wake up.

Their idea was deeply personal. Both struggled with acne for years and grew exhausted by the constant stream of advice, products and online trends promising perfect skin. They wanted something simpler—clean ingredients they understood, such as coconut oil, shea butter, turmeric, coffee and honey.

“The media details every trick, product and solution for your skin,” Cobb said. “What you eat, what pillowcases you sleep on, what oils, cleansers and tools you need to fix everything. I grew exhausted trying to sort through the advice of every influencer and article on the internet. I needed a product that made my life a little simpler, with ingredients I understood.”

Using sustainable, organic and local ingredients was equally important. Abara, raised in Kāneʻohe, grew up surrounded by lush landscapes and a strong culture of eating local, while Cobb—who moved from Colorado to Oʻahu at 17—quickly embraced Hawaiʻi鈥檚 deep connection between land and community. Those values, particularly transparency and environmental care, now guide their brand called .

They took their idea further when a professor encouraged them to enter a (PACE) competition. Preparing for it pushed them to refine their branding, target market and overall vision. Although they didn鈥檛 advance, the experience confirmed that their dream had real potential. Later, they applied for and won a Kalo grant through PACE, giving them the seed funding needed to launch.

“I realized that my dream of a gua sha-shaped soap bar could actually become a real business when we won the Kalo grant,” Abara said.

With their entrepreneurial spark ignited鈥攁nd support from Shidler鈥檚 programs—Abara and Cobb created the product they once needed.

For the entire story and more alumni stories, see the .

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform healthcare, a University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa (COA) researcher is gaining national recognition for advancing data-driven tools that improve the lives of k奴puna.

Jinyoung Jenny Lee has been accepted into the competitive National Institutes of Health (NIH) program: .

Funded by the NIH through the AIM-AHEAD Coordinating Center, the program trains researchers and clinicians to use AI/ML in healthcare, strengthens infrastructure in communities and healthcare systems, and supports multidisciplinary projects that improve health outcomes. FHIR sets standards for the secure exchange of electronic health data.

“Given AI‘s current and future impact on our population’s health, I’m excited to have been selected for this multidisciplinary cohort to learn about accelerating and sustaining the adoption of AI in healthcare and research settings,” Lee said.

Translating data into tools for communities

Lee earned her PhD in public health from 东精影业 M膩noa and has consistently integrated technological innovation into her work at COA. Her research focuses on program evaluation and data analytics, with an emphasis on making complex data accessible and actionable for communities.

I hope to empower individuals and communities in the practical applications of this emerging and powerful technology.
—Jinyoung Jenny Lee

Among her projects is the creation of the interactive, user-friendly web page , which provides detailed demographic information about 贬补飞补颈驶颈’s aging population. She has also designed intuitive dashboards using data she collected and analyzed through her evaluation work with community organizations.

“Through my participation in the AIM-AHEAD training program, I hope not only to increase my knowledge and awareness of AI/ML but also to help empower individuals and communities in the practical applications of this emerging and powerful technology,” she said.

This research was, in part, funded by the National Institutes of Health Agreement No. 1OT2OD032581. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the NIH.

The Center on Aging is part of the .

Christian de Quevedo, a University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alumnus, founded Lēʻahi Landscaping after identifying a disconnect between the importance of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 built environments and the standards of the industry serving them. Landscapes shape some of the state鈥檚 most visible and valuable spaces, yet the work behind them is often noisy, emissions-heavy and unreliable.

In Hawaiʻi鈥檚 unique setting, Lēʻahi takes a site-specific approach to sustainability and land stewardship at residential and commercial sites. Using drone mapping and environmental modeling, the team evaluates sun exposure, wind, drainage and soil conditions before design begins. This leads to smarter decisions and fewer unnecessary inputs. As climate pressures and wildfire risks increase, resilience guides the work—prioritizing landscapes that are environmentally appropriate, safer over time and that deliver value to property owners.

“I couldn鈥檛 find a service that matched the standards expected in other professional sectors, so I set out to build one,” said de Quevedo, who graduated from the JD/MBA program in 2021.

A defining principle of de Quevedo鈥檚 entrepreneurial journey has been adaptation. He believes Hawaiʻi businesses can no longer rely on geographic isolation or outdated practices. He said local companies are now measured against national and global standards.

He credited his law degree from the with shaping his analytical approach and his MBA program with giving him the tools to act, scale and execute, and said that his Shidler experience reinforced systems thinking, disciplined operations and long-term value creation.

He also emphasized that none of Lēʻahi鈥檚 success would be possible without Kaimalu Stanich, his business partner, close friend and a graduate of 东精影业 Mānoa鈥檚 , or without the Lēʻahi team. Since founding the company, he said all profits have been reinvested into growth, systems and employees, reflecting a belief that long-term success begins with investing in people.

For the entire story and more stories like this, see the .

University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa alumnus Lee A. Tonouchi has been selected as the new Poet Laureate of Hawaiʻi by the Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities, and Hawaiʻi State Public Library System. Tonouchi will serve through February 2029.

Tonouchi is widely known as “Da Pidgin Guerrilla” for his passionate advocacy of Pidgin as a legitimate language for creative and academic expression. He earned his Bachelor鈥檚 and Master鈥檚 degrees in English at 东精影业 M膩noa and has taught classes at Kapiʻolani Community College.

“B-U. Das my vision. I stay looking forward to serving da community as Hawaiʻi‘s Poet Laureate. For da past chree decades it’s been my mission to show Local people that dey should be proud of their Pidgin,” said Tonouchi.

The American Association for Applied Linguistics awarded Tonouchi the 2023 Distinguished Public Service Award for his work in raising public awareness of important language-related issues and promoting linguistic social justice.

“Through da technique of talk story, I believe everybody can find their poetic voice,” said Tonouchi, “I see my role as being able for empower people, for give ’em da tools dey need for be writers demselves so dey can represent their own communities and life experiences. Da goal is for have one greater diversity of voices as part of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 Local literature. No sked for B-U.”

The Hawaiʻi Poet Laureate program promotes appreciation of poetry and literary life in Hawaiʻi while inspiring new writers from all walks of life. The selected poet receives an annual grant from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to carry out readings and workshops across the islands.

Visit the for more about upcoming Hawaiʻi Poet Laureate programming and events.