University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel presented a coordinated effort to better align strategy and budgeting across the 10-campus system to the 东精影业 Board of Regents on April 16.

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

A structured approach

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continuous improvement

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

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

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

A master of hula and Hawaiian music whose influence spans generations, Robert Uluwehion膩puaikaw膿kiuokalani Cazimero will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the University of Hawaiʻi.

The Board of Regents approved the honor at its April 16 meeting at , following a request from Chancellor Carlos Pe帽aloza. The degree will be formally conferred during Leeward CC鈥檚 fall convocation.

“I never really thought about this before, and to have it happen in such a truly beautiful, humbling—and even overwhelming—way, I鈥檓 grateful,” said Cazimero. “I鈥檓 really happy to be here.”

东精影业 ties and cultural impact

Cazimero is widely recognized for his leadership of H膩lau N膩 Kamalei o L墨l墨lehua and his influence on generations of haum膩na (students), as well as his celebrated career in Hawaiian music. His work has helped strengthen the continuity and global reach of Hawaiian cultural traditions.

Throughout his career, he has been a steadfast partner to 东精影业, supporting its mission to nurture knowledge, improve cultural identity and inspire future generations. Across 东精影业鈥檚 10 campuses, he has shared his time and expertise through guest lectures, workshops, performances and mentorship rooted in a deep sense of kuleana (responsibility).

“His engagement with our campus community has provided students, faculty and staff with meaningful opportunities to learn directly from a master practitioner whose work bridges ancestral knowledge and contemporary expression,” said Keala Chock, a former student and Leeward CC vice chancellor for academic affairs.

Related story: Legendary musician Robert Cazimero opens exhibit with Windward CC students, January 2026

Cazimero鈥檚 engagement at Leeward CC reflects an enduring partnership in cultural learning and mentorship, helping to deepen students鈥� experiences with ʻike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian knowledge). He is also the featured artist in Ke Kilo Lani, an exhibition presented by Windward CC that highlights his life, legacy and contributions through immersive cultural storytelling.

During the meeting, Regent Neil Abercrombie shared an emotional memory of seeing Cazimero perform for the first time at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 Andrews Amphitheatre in the 1970s. Regent Diane Paloma also noted that she was among his students, reflecting his lasting impact as an educator and mentor.

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.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the 东精影业 Board of Regents on state legislative measures on tuition and fee reserves during her monthly report at the board鈥檚 April 16 meeting at Kapiʻolani Community College.

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

Her report also highlighted record breaking systemwide participation in 东精影业 Giving Day, which generated more than $1.3 million from more than 1,580 gifts across the 10 campuses.

Hensel concluded by congratulating the No. 6 ranked 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 women鈥檚 water polo team on advancing to its third consecutive NCAA national championship tournament appearance after .

• Legislative update: tuition and fee reserves ()
• 东精影业 Giving Day breaks record ()
• Rainbow Wahine water polo ()

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Chad Cabral
• Makai Freitas
• Wendy Laros

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

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

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

The Board of Regents is the governing body of 东精影业 and consists of eleven (11) volunteer members. Representation includes five (5) from the City and County of Honolulu; two (2) from Hawaiʻi County; two (2) from Maui County; one (1) from Kauaʻi County; and one (1) 东精影业 student.

Members of the CAC serve voluntarily and are not paid.

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鈥榠 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鈥檚 administrative rules.

The Board of Regents is the governing body of 东精影业 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) 东精影业 student.

Members of the CAC serve voluntarily and are not paid.

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 惭腻苍辞补, 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.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the 东精影业 Board of Regents (BOR) on the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor search and progress on the eBanner student information system transition in her monthly report during the board鈥檚 March 19 meeting.

Hensel delivered her report virtually from Portland, Oregon, where the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Rainbow Warriors men鈥檚 basketball team prepared to compete in the first round of the NCAA Division I Tournament.

Hensel also recognized a $1.2-million NASA-funded research project led by 东精影业 Hilo focused on coastal resilience, as well as 东精影业 Maui College鈥檚 Hale 笔腻辫补ʻ颈 (small structures) program, which is supporting wildfire recovery efforts while providing hands-on workforce training opportunities.

• 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor search ()
• eBanner update ()
• 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 basketball, Go 驶Bows! ()
• 东精影业 ROTC victory ()
• 东精影业 Hilo NASA research project ()
• 东精影业 Maui Hale 笔腻辫补ʻ颈 (small structures) program ()

The Candidate Advisory Council (CAC) for the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents (BOR) has presented a list of candidates to Gov. Josh Green to fill two Honolulu County seats for 5-year appointments, beginning July 1, 2026, subject to confirmation by the Hawaiʻi State Senate.

The finalists are:

• Keith Y. Amemiya
• Benjamin A. Kudo
• Marie C. Laderta
• Ryan C. Mandado
• Kathryn S. Matayoshi

Finalist biographies are available online.

The CAC began accepting applications to fill these vacancies in early Fall by recruiting individuals and contacting and encouraging government, business and community leaders to nominate candidates. The council also placed print advertisements encouraging applications.

Applications were thoroughly and comprehensively reviewed and screened by all CAC members. The CAC is statutorily responsible for conducting recruitment efforts, accepting and screening applications, interviewing candidates and submitting to the governor the names of nominees willing to serve as regents of the 东精影业 System, which is a voluntary non-compensated public appointment.

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鈥檚 administrative rules.

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

The BOR is the governing body of the 10-campus 东精影业 System, the sole provider of public higher education in the state and consists of 11 members. Representation includes five members from the City and County of Honolulu, two from Hawaiʻi County, two from Maui County, one from Kaua驶i County and one University of Hawai鈥榠 student.

Members of the CAC serve on a voluntary basis.

Cancer patients traveling off-island for treatment. K奴puna waiting months to see a neurologist. Rural communities struggling to access behavioral health and addiction services. These challenging realities are driving the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents request for $3,724,600 to expand Hawaiʻi鈥檚 healthcare workforce and improve access to care across the islands.

The funding would support 东精影业鈥檚 new Health Science and Healthcare Interdisciplinary Workforce Initiative, a coordinated hire request that would add 18.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) clinician and faculty positions across five health sciences units to address severe shortages in high-need medical fields, including cancer, neurology and dementia, and behavioral health integration and addiction medicine.

“东精影业 has a kuleana to the people and ʻāina of Hawaiʻi, and that responsibility drives us to focus on solutions that make a real difference in our communities,” said 东精影业 President Wendy Hensel. “By strengthening our healthcare workforce, we can train more providers and expand access to care for kupuna and families across all islands.”

Expanding the healthcare pipeline, patient care

The coordinated hire would add clinician faculty who both train future healthcare providers and deliver direct patient care in rural and underserved communities across the state.

“The goal is to improve access to care across all islands by providing direct clinical services and addressing shortages in underserved communities,” said 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “This coordinated request for positions will increase the workforce pipeline by training more doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and other health providers essential to providing high quality care for patients with dementia, addictions, or other behavioral health challenges.”

Addressing high-priority health needs

The initiative spans five 东精影业 units—东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 , the , the , the , and the 东精影业 Hilo —and focuses on clinician leaders and researchers working with state and health system partners through community-based, interprofessional approaches aligned with legislative priorities.

Funding would be directed toward three high-priority health areas identified as critical needs for the state:

• Cancer ($1,674,400; 6.35 FTE): Establishing an accredited hematology-oncology fellowship and expanding clinical research capacity.
• Neurology and Dementia ($1,162,200; 7.40 FTE): Creating an accredited neurology residency program and expanding the K奴puna Workforce Innovation Hub.
• Behavioral Health Integration and Addiction Medicine ($888,000; 4.75 FTE): Expanding the Education and Research Center of Addiction Medicine and enhancing telehealth services.
• Beyond direct patient care, the initiative would support statewide continuing education in dementia care and behavioral health–primary care integration, consistent with Hawaiʻi State Department of Health and legislative priorities.

Targeted request in a tight budget climate

The initiative is one of two high-priority items in 东精影业鈥檚 $18.8 million supplemental operating budget request () for fiscal year 2026–27, introduced amid slowing state revenue growth.

“We purposefully limited the request to major strategic items that are time-sensitive and provide essential benefits to both the state and the university,” said 东精影业 Vice President for Budget and Finance Luis Salaveria. “Given the current fiscal climate, this approach allows 东精影业 to focus its resources on areas where the need is greatest, and the impact on Hawaiʻi鈥檚 communities will be most immediate.”

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel provided updates to the 东精影业 Board of Regents (BOR) on the Inaugural President鈥檚 10-Campus Address, the start of the 2026 Legislative session and the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor search during her President鈥檚 Report at the board鈥檚 first meeting of 2026 held at Windward Community College on Thursday, January 15.

Hensel also highlighted the launch of a strategic exploration of a unified vision for 东精影业 West Oʻahu and Leeward Community College; the success of the AI chatbots, now available across all 东精影业 campuses; and increase in applications attributed to the Direct2东精影业 initiative, which aims to give Hawaiʻi public high school students a more seamless transition from high school to higher education.

• Inaugural 10-campus Address ()
• 2026 Legislative season underway ()
• Federal update ()
• New student information system ()
• 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 chancellor search ()
• Leeward CC/东精影业 West Oʻahu exploration ()
• AI chatbots success ()
• Direct2东精影业 update ()
• 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 recognition ()

This article by Native Hawaiian Initiative Alakaʻi (Coordinator) at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 Kamakanaokealoha Aquino was first published in .

As we begin this new year, let us take a moment to reflect on 2025. During the 2024-2025 academic year, the University of Hawaiʻi awarded 2,086 degrees and certificates to Native Hawaiians. As of fall 2025, there are 12,618 Native Hawaiians enrolled.

There are so many accomplishments by students, faculty, staff, and administrators, to programs, community outreach, and engagement to highlight. Here are a few:

• Hear from Native Hawaiian community college students fulfilling their kuleana: Cathryn Krueger, Hawaiʻi CC; Kamananui Anderson, Honolulu CC; Melanie Camat, Kapiʻolani CC; Hiʻilani Cremer, Kauaʻi CC; Stevie Puna, Leeward CC; ʻAleʻa Kimokeo, 东精影业 Maui College; Kauakaweli Haili-Nakamoto, Windward CC.
• 东精影业 Hilo honored Mary Kawena Pukui with a panel that coincided with Women鈥檚 History Month and her posthumous selection as a 2025 honoree for the U.S. Mint鈥檚 Native American $1 coin.
• The Hawaiian collection at the 东精影业 Hilo Edwin H. Moʻokini Library was named the Edith Kanakaʻole Hawaiian Collection.
• 东精影业 West Oʻahu hosted a two-day ʻAha Hoʻoponopono with 300 haku hoʻoponopono, social sector professionals, aloha ʻ腻颈苍补 practitioners, and community members.
• 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 Hawaiian Theatre program celebrated its 10th anniversary with its latest Hawaiian language production Puana, and an invitation to perform at the Kia Mau international Indigenous-led performing arts festival in Aotearoa.
• Windward CC extended its Hawaiian studies program to paʻahao incarcerated at the Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona, with 25 students enrolled in their first course.
• Haʻina Ko Wehi: Celebrating West Maui in Mele a project by students from 东精影业 Maui College鈥檚 Institute of Hawaiian Music was named Compilation Album of the Year at the 2025 N膩 H艒k奴 Hanohano Awards.
• Honolulu Community College hosted a two-day Indigenous education symposium ʻAha K奴kalahale 2025, uplifting Hawaiian knowledge funded by the K奴kalahale Title III Grant and in partnership with Kanaeokana and Pacific Rim Concepts.
• 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Native Hawaiian Student Services鈥� Hawaiian Youths Abroad program Japan took a cohort of 13 students and 6 faculty/staff to explore Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, while retracing connections between the Hawaiian Kingdom and Japan.
• Kuiokalani L. Gapero succeeded Ernie Kaʻaumoana Wilson Jr. to the 东精影业 Board of Regents for a 5-year term.
• Winners of the Board of Regents Medal for Excellence in Teaching included: Mapuana Antonio (public health associate professor, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补); Ashlee Kalauli (math instructor, Hawaiʻi CC); Tracie Kuʻuipo Losch (Hawaiian studies professor, Leeward CC); Mehana Kaʻiama Makaʻinaʻi (Hawaiian studies instructor, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补); Peter Kalawaiʻa Moore (Hawaiian studies professor, Windward CC); and Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio (political science associate professor, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补).
• Kenny Kaʻaiakamanu-Quibilan received the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 P膩kela Award for being an outstanding academic advisor.
• Shayla Spotkaeff, a business management major and undergraduate research assistant at the Center for Oral History received the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Student Employee of the Year Award.
• Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 William S. Richardson School of Law celebrated 20 years.

Aloha 东精影业 ʻohana,

My name is Luis P. Salaveria, and I am honored to serve as the new Vice President for Budget and Finance and Chief Financial Officer for the University of Hawaiʻi. I step into this role following Kalbert Young, who after a decade of dedicated service to 东精影业 will be leaving at the end of the year.

Kalbert built a strong financial foundation, and I am honored for the trust placed in me to continue to strengthen our campuses and our communities. One practice he began, and one I plan to continue, is keeping the 东精影业 community up to date on our annual budget request to the State Legislature, starting with a summary of this year鈥檚 request approved by the Board of Regents on November 20.

Biennial budget system

Hawaiʻi operates on a biennial budget system, meaning the state budget is adopted every two years. We are now in the second year of the current biennium, so 东精影业鈥檚 request this session is a supplemental budget, essentially a request for funding adjustments or additions to the budget approved during the last legislative session. There are two types of budget requests: operating and capital improvement, the latter supporting major and minor construction projects.

The 东精影业 Board of Regents鈥� approved supplemental operating and capital budget requests have been submitted to Gov. Green and the State Legislature. On December 22, the Governor released the for all state departments, including 东精影业. State lawmakers will begin considering these requests on January 21 when the 2026 Legislative Session opens.

Supplemental Operating Budget Request

Our supplemental operating budget request totals $18.8 million and focuses on two priority areas: healthcare workforce initiatives and 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 athletics. These proposals were chosen because they impact not just the university, but also the state鈥檚 economy and quality of life for residents. 东精影业 plans to use internal operating funds to support other strategic investments and needs in the next fiscal year.

Healthcare workforce initiatives

We are requesting $3.7 million and 18.5 full-time positions to help address critical healthcare workforce shortages across Hawaiʻi. This funding would support coordinated, systemwide health science and healthcare workforce initiatives spanning multiple campuses and units, including:

• John A. Burns School of Medicine (东精影业 惭腻苍辞补)
• School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene (东精影业 惭腻苍辞补)
• Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health (东精影业 惭腻苍辞补)
• Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (东精影业 Hilo)
• 东精影业 Cancer Center (东精影业 惭腻苍辞补)

These initiatives focus on three urgent areas that directly affect access to care statewide: cancer, neurology and dementia and behavioral health integration and addiction.

东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 athletics

We are also requesting just over $15 million and 17 positions for 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 athletics to maintain competitiveness at the Division I level. This includes $5 million to establish an institutional Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) program, which would provide competitive compensation opportunities for student-athletes.

In today鈥檚 collegiate athletics environment, NIL opportunities are increasingly essential for retaining local talent and attracting high-performing student-athletes. The athletics budget request is structured to deliver economic benefits to the state while supporting student-athlete success, community engagement and long-term program sustainability.

More detailed information about our supplemental operating budget request can be found here on the Board of Regents website.

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget

Our CIP request totals $283.1 million for FY 2026–27, supporting capital renewal, deferred maintenance and modernization projects across all 10 campuses. These investments are essential to maintaining safe, functional and up-to-date learning and working environments systemwide. More detailed information about our supplemental CIP budget request can be found on the Board of Regents website.

CIP

What鈥檚 Next

The 2026 legislative session runs from January 21 through May 8. I will keep the 东精影业 community informed throughout the session about the progress of our budget requests and other measures that may impact 东精影业. Updates will be shared at key milestones, followed by a summary at the end of the session.

Mahalo for all that you do to support our students, campuses and the broader mission of our 10 campuses. I look forward to working with all of you.

Best regards,
Luis P. Salaveria
VP for Budget and Finance/CFO

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel briefed the 东精影业 Board of Regents (BOR) on the aftermath of the 43-day federal government shutdown, student support measures and key operational initiatives during her monthly President鈥檚 Report at the November 20 BOR meeting at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补.

Hensel noted that normal operations at federal agencies resumed on November 12, and 东精影业 lifted temporary spending safeguards the following day. Federally funded extramural projects, subawards and Research and Training Revolving Fund use have all returned to standard procedures.

To help students facing financial hardship from the prolonged shutdown, Hensel reaffirmed a temporary grace period that allows students to register for spring 2026 despite unpaid fall 2025 balances. Payment plans will be available in January 2026.

She also highlighted food distribution efforts at Windward and Leeward Community Colleges in partnership with Hawaiʻi Foodbank, and a 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Athletics food drive.

Hensel provided an update on the major upgrade of the Banner Student Information System, expected to be largely in place by January 3, with full transition by summer. The modernization will improve integration, financial aid processing and mobile-friendly tools across the 10-campus system.

• Federal Government Shutdown ()
• Temporary grace period for registration holds ()
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The University of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 Office of Project Delivery, in collaboration with 东精影业 Community Colleges, 东精影业 West Oʻahu and 东精影业 Hilo, is leading capital improvement projects (CIPs) that are transforming all 10 campuses across the state.

From new construction to critical renovations, these projects modernize facilities, improve energy efficiency and enhance the student experience. Guided by the six-year CIP plan approved by the Board of Regents (BOR) in 2022, more than 70 projects totaling more than $220 million have been completed or launched since 2023 (as of November 2025).

of the progress being made on the projects identified in the plan that support learning, innovation and sustainability across all 10 campuses. The new video follows a highlighting the achievements of the university鈥檚 first six-year capital improvement plan approved by the BOR in 2016.

Highlights covered in the 2025 video include:

• $26-million renovation of Bachman Hall completed in 2024
• $62-million Student Success Center opening in 2026
• $105-million transformation of McCarthy Mall and Paradise Palms now underway
• $6.5-million renovation of 东精影业 Hilo鈥檚 Campus Center
• Phase 2 of Kapiʻolani Community College鈥檚 Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Diamond Head set to open in 2026
• Leeward CC鈥檚 Wahiaw膩 Value-Added Product Development Center opened in 2024

The University of Hawaiʻi is entering the final stage of a multi-year effort to create a unified, fully articulated general education curriculum across the 10 campuses, a reform aimed at improving transfer, reducing barriers and enhancing student success. 东精影业 President Wendy Hensel updated the 东精影业 BOR on the initiative at its October 16 monthly meeting held at Honolulu Community College. The BOR passed a resolution on May 15 calling for a fully articulated general education program.

The initiative, which started five years ago, is an attempt to respond to longstanding challenges that have hindered seamless student movement between campuses. While about 50% of 东精影业 Community College students consistently express an intent to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree, actual transfer rates remain significantly lower. Issues such as inconsistent course designations, varying credit requirements and differing course names and numbering systems across campuses often result in credit loss, confusion and extended time to degree.

Ensuring collaboration and student focus

“The goal is to ensure that everyone is part of this conversation, and that we鈥檙e doing it in a way that preserves respect for each campus while recognizing that, at the heart of this discussion, are the students we serve,” said Hensel. “We asked the campuses to submit faculty nominees to participate in the process.”

A newly formed General Education Conference Committee, with representatives from all campuses, convened on October 10. Its charge is to recommend a single, student-centered curriculum that enables junior standing upon transfer and is easily understood by students and advisors. The committee鈥檚 work will center on resolving the proposals under consideration over the last five years. The committee will also clarify terms and requirements, standardize credits and review areas such as oral communication, diversification and Hawaiʻi and global/multicultural components.

Faculty-driven process and next steps

“I shared this with the committee, and I think it鈥檚 a really important message from the very beginning, faculty are in the driver鈥檚 seat,” said Hensel. “They are at the table and will be close partners as we move through this process. But no single individual, campus or faculty member will control the outcome. We will reach a consensus and bring a recommendation to you.”

The timeline calls for a first draft by mid-December 2025, followed by systemwide faculty consultation from January to March 2026, with a final proposal presented for BOR consideration in May 2026. Implementation is targeted for fall 2026.

The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents approved the creation of a permitted interaction group at its September 18 meeting to examine possible changes to the 东精影业 System鈥檚 leadership structures, which oversee the 10 campuses statewide. The decision came after a presentation by 东精影业 President Wendy Hensel outlining the opportunities and challenges of restructuring the 10-campus system.

The options under consideration include separating UH 惭腻苍辞补 leadership from the 东精影业 System, as the 东精影业 President currently oversees both the system and non-academic functions at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补, and integrating the community colleges more fully with the other three four-year campuses under systemwide administration.

The State of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 Sunshine Law governing open public meetings allows a public board to appoint a group consisting of less than a quorum of its members to investigate matters for the board. After the group undertakes its assigned task, its findings and recommendations must be presented to the board at a public meeting, and the board cannot act on any recommendations until a subsequent public meeting.

The regents appointed to the group are Vice Chair Mike Miyahira, Vice Chair Joshua Faumuina, Regent Neil Abercrombie, Regent Diane Paloma, and Regent Laurie Tochiki.

Maunakea permitted interaction group

In August, the regents approved another permitted interaction group to investigate the status of the transition of Maunakea stewardship from 东精影业 to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, by July 1, 2028, pursuant to Act 255 (2021). The members of that group are Vice Chair Miyahira, Regent Wayne Higaki, Chair Gabe Lee, Regent Abercrombie and Regent Lauren Akitake.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel updated the 东精影业 Board of Regents (BOR) about major changes in federal funding and increased student enrollment across the 10-campus system at the September 18 meeting at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补.

Hensel also provided an update on an expanded partnership between Hawaiian Airlines and Honolulu Community College to train aviation maintenance technicians. She also congratulated 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈苍耻颈腻办别补 School of Hawaiian Knowledge and its role in hosting a series of events for Hawaiian History Month throughout Kepakemapa (September).

• U.S. Department of Education announcement ()
• Fall 2025 enrollment update ()
• 东精影业 News highlights ()
• 东精影业 President鈥檚 Award for Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance awardee Ivan Hartison ()
• 东精影业 nominees for governor鈥檚 awards ()

The University of Hawaiʻi is advancing a comprehensive, systemwide approach to becoming a leader in artificial intelligence (AI), with multiple initiatives underway at the system level and across the 10 campuses. President Wendy Hensel outlined the effort in a on August 21 at 东精影业 Maui College, describing AI as a transformative force that will reshape education, research and the workforce in Hawaiʻi and beyond.

“Artificial intelligence has been compared to the invention of electricity,” said Hensel. “It doesn鈥檛 touch just one area, it touches all areas and will reform how we go about doing the work of just about everything, not only in the university but across society.”

Hensel acknowledged that some remain skeptical about AI鈥檚 reach but cited a familiar adage: people often overestimate the short-term effects of technology and underestimate its long-term impact.

“Most experts believe the scale of change we are seeing today will be more impactful than the industrial revolution,” she told regents. “The university should be a leader in moving Hawaiʻi through this moment.”

Imminent change and opportunity

The president cited predictions from top financial, business and tech firms to underscore the urgency: as many as 300 million jobs worldwide could be affected by generative AI, with 80% of the U.S. workforce expected to see at least 10% of their tasks impacted. It is also estimated that AI could add up to $4.4 trillion in value to the global economy, creating new opportunities and entire industries.

“Every single sector, from healthcare to education to government, is already being reshaped,” Hensel said. “This is not just about computer science. It touches agriculture, trades, finance and the careers that define Hawaiʻi鈥檚 workforce.”

AI across teaching, research and operations

Hensel said that 东精影业 is approaching AI on multiple fronts:

• What we teach: ensuring every student, regardless of discipline, has the AI skills employers demand.
• How we teach: incorporating tools such as AI-powered virtual teaching assistants and personalized learning content.
• Research: accelerating discovery with new methods for processing vast datasets and building complex models.
• Operations: using AI to improve efficiency across university systems and services.

Hensel emphasized that excellent AI-related work is already underway across 东精影业鈥檚 10 campuses, and a goal of the new initiative is for the system to harness those efforts, ensuring they are integrated, coordinated and able to benefit from scale.

“This is about preparing every learner, in every discipline, to thrive in an AI-driven world,” said Hensel. “Higher education is uniquely positioned to lead through this change, not only by teaching new skills, but by grounding innovation in ethics, cultural values and a commitment to equity.”

Building infrastructure and community partnerships

To guide this work, 东精影业 has created an AI Planning Group and appointed its first Chief Academic Technology Innovation Officer, informally dubbed the university鈥檚 “AI czar.” 东精影业 is pursuing partnerships with companies such as , and to provide professional development, along with other initiatives to connect students and the community.

东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 launched new academic offerings in fall 2025 including a Graduate Certificate in Applied Computing (AI/Data Science) and a Professional Master鈥檚 in Computer Science with an AI/Data Science track. Faculty on all campuses are also embedding AI assignments into existing courses, thanks to a summer incentive program.

“Our job is to lead Hawaiʻi through this transition,” said Hensel. “It is both frightening and exhilarating, but the University of Hawaiʻi is ready to seize the opportunity.”

Hensel said the AI presentation was part of a new effort to brief the Board of Regents at every meeting on proactive strategies as they develop.

After 10 years on the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents, Ernie Kaʻaumoana Wilson Jr. ended his term this July with a full heart. At nearly 87, the former Army officer, hotel executive and educator calls his service a meaningful closing chapter to a career built on aloha.

Two lessons from his time as a 东精影业 regent continue to resonate, Wilson said. First, the value of the voices of the students and the faculty. For years, he listened closely as both testified at BOR meetings, sharing their needs, frustrations and hopes.

“I鈥檓 a marketing person, and what鈥檚 important is that we need to look at our students because our students are our customers,” he said. “We can never lose sight of that. We need to provide what the customer needs to be successful and to prosper. For that to happen, it requires leadership from both the university and, ultimately, the Board of Regents. Together, they must foster an environment that supports and encourages the faculty and staff, our primary constituency, who play a key role in meeting our students鈥� needs.”

Wilson鈥檚 second lesson—helping select 东精影业鈥檚 newest president. In October 2024, the BOR unanimously appointed Wendy Hensel as the next president of the 10-campus system, a decision he considers one of his proudest contributions.

• Related 东精影业 News: 东精影业 regents unanimously select Wendy Hensel as next 东精影业 President, October 17, 2024

“The most critical thing was that we find somebody that can think both strategically and globally, and most importantly, provide the leadership required to be successful within this environment,” Wilson said.

Wilson believes that with this type of leadership and the vast brainpower that exists within the university鈥檚 faculty and staff his vision is within reach.

“The University of Hawaiʻi System will be known as the premier research and educational institution for the discovery, creation and transfer /distribution of knowledge within the Indo-Pacific area and beyond, and where thought leaders are initiating and leading the strategic discussions to continually identify and seek the solutions to mitigate the challenges facing humanity. Wendy Hensel is a person that gives us the capability and leadership skills.”

During his time on the BOR, Regent Wilson helped guide 东精影业 through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, improved stewardship and demonstrations on Maunakea, and backed efforts to keep undergraduate tuition flat across all 10 东精影业 campuses.

ʻIke k奴puna (Wisdom from the elders)

Wilson鈥檚 roots run deep. Born in Papak艒lea to parents from Maui, he grew up grounded in Hawaiian values and a strong sense of discipline. His father managed the men鈥檚 shoe department at Liberty House in downtown Honolulu for 20 years, setting an early example of hard work and dedication. Those lessons stayed with Wilson, woven together with the teachings of the Aloha spirit passed down by k奴puna (elders) such as Aunty Pilahi Paki, who defined aloha through akahai (kindness), lokahi (unity), ʻoluʻolu (pleasantness), haʻahaʻa (humility) and ahonui (patience).

“That鈥檚 the way my parents and my k奴puna raised me,” Wilson said. “I always brought Hawaiʻi to wherever I was.”

After graduating from Kamehameha Schools in 1956, Wilson went on to Cornell University, then joined the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany when he met his wife, Walburga or Wally, as she鈥檚 fondly known.

“She thought she was marrying a rich American,” he joked. “She ended up marrying a poor Hawaiian.”

They鈥檙e celebrating 63 years of marriage this year.

Wilson鈥檚 decades-long career spanned military leadership, executive roles in hospitality including Holiday Inns, Embassy Suites, Sheraton Hotels and Outrigger Hotels and Resorts. He has also held faculty and administrative posts in higher education.

Leadership transition

On July 1, Kuiokalani L. Gapero, an educator, mentor and cultural practitioner, was appointed to the 东精影业 Board of Regents by Gov. Josh Green. filling Wilson鈥檚 seat.