Graduate and advanced undergraduate students from across the University of Hawaiʻi System and around the world gathered February 12–15, for the (IGSC) at the East-West Center, marking a milestone year for the long-running, student-led event.

Organized entirely by a graduate student team and supported by the , the 2026 conference centered on the theme, “Legacies Through Time: Rethinking the Past, Confronting the Present, Shaping the Future.” Over three days, approximately 140 participants representing more than 25 countries and regions across North America, the Asia-Pacific and Europe, representing more than 65 institutions, transformed the Hawaiʻi Imin International Conference Center into a hub of interdisciplinary exchange.

“Planning this conference reminded us that scholarship is not just about individual achievement—it鈥檚 about building relationships and creating spaces where emerging scholars feel seen, challenged and supported,” said Xiaoyun Neo, a master鈥檚 student in at 东精影业 Mānoa and one of the conference鈥檚 organizers. “Watching students step into that space with confidence and generosity was the most rewarding part of this milestone year.”

Neo added, “I also echo the sentiment expressed by IGSC co-chairs Tiến Nguyễn Minh (MA, ) and Oliver Lilford (MA, ) that as scholars, artists and practitioners, we do not simply inherit legacies—we negotiate, challenge and reshape them in the present, using them to reinterpret the past or set the course for different, more hopeful futures.”

Nearly 30 themed panels—including paper presentations, poster sessions, a roundtable discussion and an evening session featuring creative projects and films—highlighted the depth and diversity of student scholarship. Topics ranged from intergenerational memory and language preservation to environmental change and artistic expression, reflecting how legacies shape identities, institutions and futures.

For many presenters, the conference offered a first opportunity to share research in a supportive, peer-centered environment. Graduate student moderators guided discussions, facilitated questions and fostered dialogue across disciplines, creating space for feedback and collaborations.

“Besides the intensive three-day conference, this year鈥檚 IGSC also curated pre- and post-conference activities supported by our incredible partners and sponsors,” said Minh. “Our participants enjoyed a field trip to the Mānoa Heritage Center; a tour at the East-West Center Art Gallery; a keynote address in honor of the 25th IGSC by renowned scholar, also an alumna of 东精影业 Mānoa, Dr. Katerina Teaiwa, sponsored by the Asian American-Pacific Islander, Environmental Humanities and Environmental Justice Initiative; and a play about Joseph Kekuku and his steel guitar invention at the Honolulu Theatre for Youth. These activities not only fostered connections between our participants with local institutions, they also provided opportunities for us to introduce Hawaiʻi鈥檚 own legacies through diverse and interactive approaches.”

Launched in 2002, the International Graduate Student Conference continues to serve as a meeting place for emerging scholars to test ideas, build networks and experience academic exchange beyond the classroom.

faculty, staff and students are helping revive the traditional place names of Hawaiʻi Island through a growing series of bilingual geographic maps that honor ancestral knowledge and strengthen community connection to the ʻ腻颈苍补 (land).

The project began several years ago when Geography Assistant Professor Drew Kapp and his student Kaylyn Ells-Hoʻokano combined their shared passion for mapping and inoa ʻ腻颈苍补 (traditional Hawaiian place names) to produce a community map of the ahupuaʻa (land divisions) of Puna. In 2025, the pair were joined by Hawaiian studies student Yuna Inoue to create a second map of the ahupuaʻa of Hilo.

“I view this work as a means to highlight the significance of place names and their role in indicating how to interact with the environment, to honor the stories that are embedded within them, and to contribute in ensuring their regular use and vibrancy,” said Kapp.

The new Hilo map, completed in spring 2025, features ahupuaʻa across Hilo and is fully bilingual in ʻ艒濒别濒辞 Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian) and English. Ells-Hoʻokano served as mapmaker using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), while Inoue and Kapp researched inoa ʻ腻颈苍补, historic land divisions and cartographic considerations.

“One challenge we had was to figure out how to best fit a large moku (district) like Hilo with its approximately one hundred ahupuaʻa, on a single sheet,” said Kapp.

Inoa ʻ腻颈苍补 significance

Kapp said that working with historical place names required careful attention. “We encounter so many variations of names in our research, many of which are incredibly compelling, meaningful and deeply sourced,” he noted. “We hope people will use these maps as resources to strengthen connections with their moku, ahupuaʻa and ʻ腻颈苍补.”

Hawaiʻi CC Hawaiian language and studies Assistant Professor 膧keamakamae Kiyuna emphasizes the broader cultural importance of this work.

“Inoa ʻ腻颈苍补 are far more than simple labels; they are informative narratives that embody the mana (power) and unique character of a place,” Kiyuna explained. “Their restoration and presence on updated geographic maps are crucial for cultural preservation, historical accuracy, and honoring Indigenous identity and sovereignty.”

Research sources

Their research drew on Native Hawaiian scholar Mary Kawena 笔奴办耻ʻ颈鈥檚 scholarship, historic maps, kaʻao (legends) of Hawaiian akua (goddesses) Pele, Hiʻiakaikapoliopele and kupua (supernatural being) Kamiki, and old n奴pepa (newspaper).

Community members, faculty experts and librarians, including Hawaiʻi CC鈥檚 Kiyuna and Assistant Professor Kuʻulei Kanahele, 东精影业 Hilo Librarian Annemarie Paikai and former lecturers Lokelani Brandt and Manaiakalani Kalua also served as integral resources for the collaborative project.

Two University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa doctoral students are advancing their dissertation work in peace studies as 2025 Nobumoto Tanahashi Peace Fellows.

Wiwik Dharmiasih, a PhD student in , is researching efforts to protect Bali鈥檚 subak—thousand-year-old, cooperative rice terraces that utilize an ecologically sustainable irrigation system. Her work examines how local farmers view the sustainability of UNESCO protections and how community driven decision making can help preserve the cultural landscape.

Fellow recipient Emi Obana, a PhD student in music composition and graduate certificate candidate in conflict resolution, is exploring peace through musical composition. Her dissertation centers on how personal transformation can inspire community peace, and she plans to use the fellowship to support a live performance of her final piece.

“I was deeply inspired by Nobumoto Tanahashi and his vision,” Obana said. “He made world peace his personal mission. Going through the application process helped me reflect on what peace truly means for me, and it strengthened my resolve to make world peace my own personal mission.”

The fellowship honors the legacy of Reverend Nobumoto Tanahashi, a Japanese businessman and spiritual leader, and founder of the Heiwa Kyokai (Order of Peace Congregation).

His 1986 gift to 东精影业, the Hawaiʻi Peace Memorial outside Kennedy Theatre, reflects his vision for global harmony and recognizes the contributions of Japanese immigrants to peace in Hawaiʻi.

The awards the fellowship each spring. For the entire story and more information on the fellowship, .

Most people who were affected by the November 2021 Red Hill fuel spill continued to experience physical, emotional, social and/or financial impacts more than 20 months after the incident, according to a released October 15, 2025, by the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (东精影业ERO).

The report provides results from a follow-up self-administered online survey conducted in July 2023 (20 months after the spill) with 174 people who had participated in earlier studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Main findings reported in 2023

Ongoing physical and mental health impacts:

• About three quarters (79%) of respondents reported one or more new or worsening physical and/or mental health symptoms since the 2021 fuel spill.
• A majority (68%) reported ongoing symptoms in 2023, nearly two years after the spill.
• Nearly half of respondents (49%) continued to suffer from mental health impacts, followed by neurological symptoms (44%), gastrointestinal issues (36%) and skin/eye symptoms (34%).

Healthcare response:

• The majority (65%) of respondents sought medical care related to the spill.
• Experiences with medical care were mixed: 24% of respondents rated the medical care they received for their exposure to the fuel spill as excellent or good whereas 36% rated their care as bad or very bad.
• More than 50% of respondents said they have a great deal of trust in their healthcare provider to provide correct information; less than 5% said they have no trust.
• The vast majority of open-ended responses about healthcare described dismissed concerns, insufficient documentation of symptoms, inadequate testing options and challenges accessing specialists.

Social and economic impacts:

• Many reported feelings of isolation as a result of health impacts and disaster response.
• Some respondents also pointed to ways that the community organized and supported one another in disaster response.
• Some (18%) reported income loss (median = $13,750 annual income), while the majority (82%) incurred additional out-of-pocket expenses (median = $8,200).
• Only 12% of those with out-of-pocket expenses said they were fully reimbursed, and more than a third (36%) said they received nothing at all.

Institutional trust and perceptions of institutional crisis response:

• Respondents were most satisfied with how the Honolulu Board of Water Supply responded to the crisis and least satisfied with the response of the Navy.
• Many expressed feelings of betrayal, particularly toward the Navy. Many respondents said they felt lied to about the safety of the water, and cited inadequate medical and other crisis response as factors undermining trust.
• Participants discussed a need for greater transparency, accountability and empathy in future crisis response.

“Findings reveal significant and ongoing well-being impacts including physical and mental health challenges, disruptions to social networks and relationships and financial losses,” the study wrote.

The report was authored by experts from 东精影业ERO, , , , and , all at 东精影业.

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东精影业ERO is housed in 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 .

Low pay, limited advancement opportunities, and a small applicant pool for specialized positions are among the biggest challenges facing Hawaiʻi鈥檚 water sector, according to a new University of Hawaiʻi report. The study also found a strong commitment among water professionals to public service and community well-being, and highlighted opportunities for 东精影业 to help strengthen education and career pathways that support a thriving water future for the state.

The report, published October 8, shares insights from 43 representatives from federal, state and county agencies, as well as private and nonprofit organizations. The findings emphasized the need for both technical expertise and a holistic understanding of the political, cultural, economic and historical dimensions of water in Hawaiʻi.

One key finding was, “Many suggested that the University of Hawaiʻi has an important role to play in convening organizations and people across the water sector and in conducting applied and policy relevant research.”

Interviewees cited recruitment and retention challenges driven by low salaries and slow hiring processes, along with a need for more training in specialized areas such as engineering, hydrogeology and aquatic biology. Many also noted that institutional culture and job descriptions do not always effectively attract local candidates with lived experience and a commitment to mālama ʻ腻颈苍补, or caring for the land. The research highlighted the importance of comprehensive, practical training in communication, project management, fieldwork and community engagement.

The report represents the first phase of a collaborative project involving the (东精影业ERO), , , and .

Funded by the Hawaiian Islands Environmental Finance Center of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, the next phase will focus on interviews with 东精影业 departments and professional development programs to identify assets, gaps and best practices for water-related education and careers statewide.

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Mary G. McDonald, who taught and later directed the (CJS) at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补, has received one of Japan鈥檚 top honors for her decades of work advancing ties between the U.S. and Japan.

At a special ceremony on September 26 at the Japanese Consulate in Honolulu, McDonald received the . The award recognizes her decades of work advancing academic exchange, cultural understanding and international collaboration.

“This recognition is entirely due to the tireless dedication to strong community and educational ties,” said McDonald. “I thank the government and people of Japan and Hawaiʻi for the opportunities our 东精影业 students and faculty have enjoyed in Japan. I thank the late Dr. Genshitsu Sen for his generosity to 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 students, emphasizing peace through The Way of Tea. 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 is truly an excellent place to study Japan, it has been a privilege to play a small part.”

Building bridges

McDonald served on the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 faculty for 26 years. She guided countless students and scholars through programs that deepened ties between Japan and Hawaiʻi. As director of CJS, she strengthened inter-university exchange programs and supported initiatives that brought Japanese culture and research into the heart of the university. She also served on the selection committee for the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, also known as JET, helping many participants begin their journeys living and working in Japan.

Mark Levin, the current director of CJS, recalls how McDonald represented the perfect role model in directing the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Center for Japanese Studies.

“She engaged with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community in her soft-spoken but persuasive manner. Among the accomplishments of her term was overseeing the renovations of Jaku’an, the teahouse located on the 东精影业 campus, smoothly overcoming a host of logistical challenges from start to finish,” Levin said.

Leadership honored

At the ceremony, Consul General Yoshinori Kodama praised McDonald鈥檚 leadership, especially in study abroad programs and her dedication to advancing Japanese studies in Hawaiʻi.

The celebration also featured a congratulatory message from Robert Huey, a professor emeritus of the and a kampai (cheers) toast by Jean Ariyoshi, former First Lady of Hawaiʻi.

Newly released, first-of-its-kind agriculture maps of the state of Hawaiʻi are expected to help policymakers, land managers and researchers better monitor crop diversity, evaluate land-use change and design programs that support food security and sustainable agriculture. Experts said the new resource can also assist with post-fire disaster assessments, and in the near future, could potentially help better evaluate wildfire risks before a major disaster occurs, such as the 2023 Maui wildfires.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, led by project director Qi Chen in the , in collaboration with the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), released the high-resolution, crop-specific dataset called Hawaiʻi Cropland Data Layer (HCDL). The maps are publicly available via NASS鈥檚 geospatial portals: and .

Filling in the map ‘desert’

NASS collaborated with 东精影业 Mānoa to develop HCDL by using Google Earth Engine and Google鈥檚 DeepMind AI-powered data. Hawaiʻi was previously a “desert” for annual agricultural maps, said Chen in the . He said the lack of maps hinders efforts to track crops, assess land use and support food security in Hawaiʻi.

“This gap in knowledge became especially evident during the 2023 Maui wildfires, when USDA and state agencies had only limited capacity to assess the agricultural impact,” Chen said. “Without up-to-date, field-scale crop maps, agencies were unable to quickly quantify the extent of cropland loss, identify which crops were most affected or prioritize recovery resources. Instead, assessments had to be pieced together from outdated maps, secondary sources and on-the-ground reports, delaying an accurate picture of the disaster鈥檚 effect on Hawaiʻi鈥檚 agricultural sector.”

Maps are currently available for 2024 and 2023. NASS plans to release HCDL for the 2025 crop year in February 2026. This project was supported by a $268,472 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Importance of agriculture maps

Chen said developing such maps for Hawaiʻi is particularly critical because of the state鈥檚 unique agricultural landscape. Unlike large-scale monocultures (the practice of growing a single species of plant over a large area), which are common on the U.S. continent, Hawaiʻi鈥檚 farms are often small, fragmented and characterized by diverse crops cultivated side by side.

“While it makes mapping more difficult, it also means that accurate, high-resolution crop maps can provide transformative insights into resource allocation, irrigation planning, invasive species management and resilience to environmental change,” said Zhe Li, project co-director and geographer in the USDA.

Li added that since annual crop maps for Hawaiʻi are now available, they can be integrated with real-time satellite data on weather, drought and wildfire risk to safeguard agricultural production.

“Consider a situation similar to the 2023 Maui wildfires: If high-resolution crop maps had been in place, emergency managers could have quickly overlaid fire perimeters with known crop locations to estimate economic losses and identify which producers needed the most help and immediate support,” Chen said. “Beyond disaster response, the same maps could also be used proactively—by identifying cropland areas most vulnerable to drought or invasive species, with agencies directing irrigation resources, extension services or pest management programs to the farmers who need them most.”

In addition to Chen and Li, members of the research team include: Noa Lincoln, researcher in the in 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 ; Zhengwei Yang, geographer with USDA; Haonan Chen, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Colorado State University; and Changyong Cao, chief of NOAA鈥檚 Satellite Calibration and Data Assimilation Branch in Satellite Meteorology and Climatology Division.

A group of University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa haumānastudents and faculty travelled through Japan this spring, following the paths of King David Laʻamea Kalākaua鈥檚 historic 1881 visit as well as other travels by Hawaiian aliʻiroyalty and haumānastudents in the 19th century. Their nine-day journey in March 2025, part of the 东精影业 Mānoa (NHSS) Hawaiian Youths Abroad (HYA) program, connected them to a pivotal moment in Hawaiian history—one that is being brought back to life.

King Kalākaua traveled the world to build diplomatic relationships and reaffirm those his predecessors and other Hawaiian officials established before him. During his visit to Japan in March of 1881, Kalākaua met with Japan鈥檚 emperor to discuss revising established treaty relations between the Hawaiian Kingdom and Japan. That treaty, stored away for 154 years, was retrieved during the HYA Japan visit, providing a rare glimpse into 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 international past.

“As a Kanaka ʻŌiwiNative Hawaiian history student, seeing the original treaty between the Hawaiian Kingdom and Japan was a surreal moment. We were the first, if not some of the very few, to have seen the Japanese version of the treaty in over 150 years,” said Kale Kanaeholo, who is pursuing a PhD at 东精影业 Mānoa. “I felt a sense of both humility and gratitude: haʻahaʻahumility for being in the same room as this living document and piece of our history, and aloha for Mōʻī KalākauaKing Kalākaua.”

Vision of a monarch

The NHSS program is a reincarnation of a 19th century program by the same name created by the Hawaiian Kingdom legislature in 1880 that provided funds to support 18 students who studied in six different countries between 1880 and 1892. These students trained in fields such as engineering, medicine, art, music, military science and foreign languages, with the goal of returning home to serve their nation. Funded entirely by the Hawaiian Kingdom, it was one of the world鈥檚 first government-sponsored study abroad programs.

NHSS restarted the program in 2018, and have since designed and implemented 4 Hawaiian Youths Abroad program cohorts, led by Nalani Balutski (research specialist) and Willy Kauai (director) of NHSS within the 东精影业 Mānoa .

This year鈥檚 cohort of 13 students and six faculty and staff explored Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

On the journey were two 东精影业 Mānoa haumānastudents with a remarkable connection to the past—Kuʻu Lunn, a graduate student, and Joy Nuʻuhiwa, an incoming graduate student—both direct descendants of one of Kalākaua鈥檚 original Hawaiian Youths Abroad students.

Piʻianāiʻa

“The Hawaiian Youths Abroad program has been a tremendous opportunity for me to learn and build upon a legacy of Hawaiian geography. One of the original HYA students was my great-great-grandfather Abraham St. Chad Piʻianāiʻa, who attended St. Chad鈥檚 College in Denstone, England. Years later, he returned to use his education in service to his kingdom. As we explore the world, like our kūpunaancestors did, I hope to share the knowledge and connections we gain with my family and community,” said Lunn.

Harbottle Hakuʻole

狈耻ʻ耻丑颈飞补鈥檚 great-great-grandfather, James Harbottle Hakuʻole, was only 10 years old when he and his brother Isaac were chosen to participate in King Kalākaua鈥檚 visionary program to educate Hawaiian youth overseas. In 1882, the brothers from Kīpahulu, Maui, embarked on their journey, among the youngest students selected to study abroad under the king鈥檚 initiative.

“It鈥檚 pretty heavy,” Nuʻuhiwa reflected. “I didn鈥檛 start exploring this history until I heard about this program so it was incredibly meaningful to be able to do this for my family more than anything.”

She found a deep personal connection in walking in her ancestor鈥檚 steps.

“To know that we had similar experiences even if it was just trying to navigate Japan鈥eing Hawaiian in Japan and knowing both languages, knowing he also spoke Japanese. To think that maybe if we ever met, we would鈥檝e been able to speak and understand each other in that way.”

Aliʻi footsteps

The NHSS group retraced Kalākaua鈥檚 steps from 144 years ago, visiting some of the same train stations, palaces, temples, and even the former site of the Hawaiian Kingdom鈥檚 consulate in Shiba.

NHSS hopes to continue to engage future students in international educational experiences and training around the world in service to the 濒腻丑耻颈nation.

“The Hawaiian Youths Abroad program is emblematic of NHSS programming design and philosophy, which engages students in research, history, and the educational excellence of kūpunaancestors who came before,” said Kauai.

Bridging past and present

The inaugural HYA cohort traveled to France and England in 2018, followed by a journey to England and Italy in 2019. In 2024, 东精影业 Mānoa students and faculty followed the path of 19th-century Hawaiians in Tahiti, exploring the legacy they left behind. A fifth iteration of the program is slated for summer 2026 to focus on the Hawaiian footprint in the Pacific Northwest from Vancouver to San Francisco. For each program, a tailored curriculum is developed that explores the themes of Hawaiian education, diplomacy and travel to those particular countries from the 19th century. To date, 48 Hawaiian undergraduate and graduate students from 东精影业 Mānoa participated in the NHSS HYA program.

Empowering haumāna

This year鈥檚 program is sponsored by the 东精影业 Mānoa Provost Office Innovative Initiatives program and Ka Papa Loʻi o Kānewai Alakaʻina project. Supplemental support was also provided for students by various departments: political science, history, geography, educational administration, communication & information science and the Hawaiʻinuiākea Keaweawe a Kalākaua fund.

NHSS is housed in 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 . For more on their journey, .

A new real-time dashboard launched by the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 offers public access to live weather data from nearly 70 monitoring stations across the state, marking a major milestone in the Hawaiʻi Mesonet project. The launch coincides with Wildfire Awareness Month and represents a pivotal moment in the effort to make climate data available to the public.

Hawaiʻi鈥檚 diverse geography and microclimates present unique challenges that require precise monitoring to accurately capture weather events. Annual rainfall in parts of Maui, for example, can vary by more than 140 inches within a single mile. The Hawaiʻi Mesonet鈥檚 data has the potential to inform planning and decision-making in emergency management, agriculture, water resource, conservation and many other sectors.

Developed by an interdisciplinary team of scientists at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 and the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, the project aims to deploy 100 high-tech weather stations to provide critical data for forecasting, disaster response and improving climate resilience. The dashboard is expected to play a critical role in supporting wildfire and flood early warning systems, particularly as climate-related disasters are expected to become more frequent and severe.

• Access the dashboard

The dashboard allows users to view current weather conditions at stations spanning the Hawaiian Islands, including temperature, rainfall, wind, humidity, solar radiation and soil moisture. The real-time data is updated every 15 minutes, creating one of the most comprehensive and timely weather data resources available in the state.

“This dashboard represents years of effort to build a system that鈥檚 tailored to Hawaiʻi鈥檚 unique needs,” said Tom Giambelluca, Hawaiʻi Mesonet project lead, long-time professor in the , and former director of the 东精影业 (WRRC) “It鈥檚 not just about data—it鈥檚 about giving our communities the tools to adapt and respond.”

The launch comes as federal agencies such as the National Weather Service and NOAA face data removal and staffing cuts under the Trump administration. With gaps in data availability growing, the Hawaiʻi Mesonet system is poised to become a key source of reliable, localized weather intelligence.

Data from the system is stored in Hawaiʻi Climate Data Portal (HCDP), which is available to the public and is used to create recently launched new wildfire risk maps and other climate maps. The HCDP pulls data from multiple sources, including the Hawaiʻi Mesonet and as well as other federal datasets.

“The real concern is that most of these federal datasets will no longer be available in the near future鈥攎aking the Hawaiʻi Mesonet and the HCDP the sole resource for real time weather and climate information in the state,” Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center University Consortium Director Ryan Longman said. “A big uncertainty is how the state will fill critical funding gaps left by the federal government to support these important efforts.”

For more information, visit the Hawaiʻi Mesonet website.

Scientists at the University of Hawaiʻi have developed new wildfire risk maps to better predict fire danger across the state. Unlike the current Red Flag Warning system, which relies on weather from a limited number of stations, these maps provide a daily, high-resolution look at the most current fire ignition risks statewide.

“This new mapping system gives us a clearer, more detailed picture of wildfire risks across Hawaiʻi. By providing daily updates and a long-term dataset, we hope to improve preparedness and help protect communities from future fires,” said Professor Sayed Bateni of 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (WRRC) and .

Publicly available on the Hawaiʻi Climate Data Portal (HCDP), the maps are easy to access and available to communities and emergency responders to alert them to the risk of potential wildfires. Users are able to zoom in to a particular area to assess the current fire risk, and generate customized packages of data to export from the portal. Historical fire risk maps are also available for the past 20 years.

The maps are generated using real-time data obtained from various weather networks across the state including the . The Hawaiʻi Mesonet currently consists of over 60 advanced weather stations with a total goal of 100 within the next two years. These stations provide valuable weather and climate monitoring and forecasting. The data collected can also be used for water resource management, agriculture, ranching, ecosystem and cultural resource protection and more.

“It鈥檚 all about improving preparedness, especially in light of recent disasters like the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and the tragic Lahaina fire,” said Tom Giambelluca, retired 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 professor of Geography and Environment, former director of the WRRC, and leader of the Hawaiʻi Mesonet. “With real-time data on factors like soil moisture, we can better identify areas at high risk for wildfires or flooding.”

Utilizing a well distributed network of weather stations is crucial in Hawaiʻi, where diverse landscapes create extreme climate variability. In West Maui, annual rainfall can differ by more than 140 inches within a mile, highlighting the need for precise, localized data.

“The Hawaiʻi Mesonet is adding high quality weather observations in places where they are most needed,” Giambelluca said.

“This mapping system is a game-changer for wildfire preparedness in Hawaiʻi,” said Clay Trauernicht, assistant specialist in the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 . “Using current data allows us to better anticipate fire risks and take proactive measures to protect communities.”

The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Hawaiʻi State Legislature provided funding to create the fire ignition probability maps.

Bateni, Giambelluca, Trauernicht and Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center University Consortium Director Ryan Longman will host a presentation in person and online on April 1 at noon to explain how the maps were created, how they predict fire risk and how to access and use the data.

• Note: To view the most current maps, visit the Hawaiʻi Climate Data Portal website, click on “visualize data,” then “ignition probability” to select the dataset you would like to view and then click submit at the bottom.

Twenty two academic subjects at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 earned high marks in the 2025 , released on March 12.

Leading the way was linguistics, which earned a No. 11 ranking in the U.S. and No. 40 ranking in the world. Library and information management (No. 17 U.S., No. 51–100 world) and Earth and marine sciences (No. 20 U.S., No. 51–100 world) also placed within the top 100 in the world.

Eleven additional subjects placed in the world鈥檚 top 1% (within top 250 in the world out of ):

• Geophysics: No. 30 U.S., No. 101–150 world
• Geology: No. 31 U.S., No. 101–150 world
• Anthropology: No. 35 U.S., No. 101–170 world
• Agriculture and forestry: No. 34 U.S., No. 151–200 world
• English language and literature: No. 40 U.S., No. 151–200 world
• Philosophy: No. 42 U.S., No. 201–225 world
• Geography: No. 34 U.S., No. 201–250 world
• History: No. 42 U.S., No. 201–250 world
• Politics: No. 43 U.S., No. 201–250 world
• Physics and astronomy: No. 45 U.S., No. 201–250 world
• Communication and media studies: No. 57 U.S., No. 201–250 world

“These rankings reflect the outstanding scholarship and dedication of our faculty, staff and students,” 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Provost Michael Bruno said. “They reaffirm our university鈥檚 reputation for excellence and innovation, not just in Hawaiʻi, but on a global scale. For the communities we serve and the students considering 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补, these rankings are a powerful endorsement of the exceptional education and opportunities we provide.”

东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 was ranked in four broad subject areas and 22 narrow subject areas. The QS World University Rankings by Subject are calculated using five criteria: academic reputation (survey responses from academics), employer reputation (survey responses from graduate employers worldwide), research citations per paper (citations data sourced from鈥疎lsevier Scopus), H-index (measures most cited papers and the number of citations) and international research network (reflects ability to diversify the geography of their international research network).

The 2025 edition of the rankings by global higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds analyzed the performance of more than 18,300 university programs, taken by students at more than 1,700 universities in 100 locations around the world.

Other rankings

东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 also received these notable rankings:

• 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 earns highest national research designation, February 20, 2025
• 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, January 23, 2025
• U.S. News and World Report 2025 Best Colleges rankings, September 24, 2024

University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 students had the rare opportunity to learn from acclaimed environmental journalist Rosanna Xia during her visit in January. Xia, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and environmental reporter for the Los Angeles Times, shared her expertise on crafting compelling stories, connecting science and humanity and addressing critical climate change issues such as sea level rise.

Xia鈥檚 visit was organized by the university鈥檚 (ISR), where she met with PhD students researching sea level rise. The group toured sea level rise hotspots across the island, from the North Shore to Kahala, discussing sea level rise-related challenges and some of the strategies that are being utilized or considered for sea level rise response.

“I really enjoyed learning about her approach to journalism and storytelling about climate impacts and sea level rise in California, and how important it is to connect with and compassionately represent the stories of those who are experiencing the impacts of the climate crisis firsthand,” said Tanya Dreizin, PhD student in the .

Xia also led the workshop for journalism students “Crafting Compelling Stories: Lessons from a Pulitzer Prize Finalist.” Held in Associate Professor Youjeong Kim鈥檚 JOUR 330 class, the session focused on narrative-building techniques. Xia emphasized intention, ownership and responsibility in writing while guiding students through the process of integrating technical language with cinematic and sensory details.

“If writing is magic, Rosanna Xia is the magician who reveals her secrets behind the illusion. Not only did Xia expose the techniques but she also taught us how to apply them effectively,” said student Lauryn Johnson.

Xia concluded her visit with a public lecture, “Telling the Story of Sea Level Rise: Lessons from a Los Angeles Times Reporter.” As part of the , sponsored by SSFM International and co-hosted by ISR and the , the lecture drew an audience eager to hear Xia鈥檚 perspective on some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

“Her talk was amazing and having the opportunity to spend the day with her was great鈥攖here’s so much more to learn from her and her knowledge of sea level rise cases in California,” said Renee Setter, PhD student in the .

A geographer at the who specializes in high-tech aerial imagery will survey five coastal parks across the state to assist with climate change adaptation planning and resilience modeling.

Ryan Perroy, a 东精影业 Hilo professor, and Seth Quintus, associate professor of at 东精影业 Mānoa, are co-principal investigators on the project. The researchers received a $1.15 million grant from the National Park Service (NPS) to .

“Sea level rise, storm frequency, flooding and erosion are the main threats of concern to cultural resources,” said Perroy.

The 东精影业 researchers will partner with the NPS to build on prior documentation and research by piloting high-resolution digital documentation to identify cultural resources in: Haleakal膩 National Park on Maui; Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokaʻi; and Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Puʻukoholā National Historical Park, and Puʻukoholā Heiau on Hawaiʻi Island.

Efficient data collection

The researchers will use remote sensing to survey expansive land areas more accurately and efficiently than ever before. They will collect data located in near shore areas and adjacent to flood prone stream corridors using high resolution digital technologies such as helicopter and drone-mounted imaging.

“Data will be used for the development of condition assessment and monitoring protocols by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Department of Anthropology,” explained Perroy.

Perroy鈥檚 expertise is in remote sensing, high-resolution mapping, geospatial data analysis and aerial robotics. He oversees a spatial data analysis and visualization lab, housed in 东精影业 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 geography and environmental science department, which utilizes geospatial tools to local environmental problems in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region.

Hands-on training

The project will provide funding and training for students, two from 东精影业 Hilo and two from 东精影业 Mānoa. The students will gain experience in advanced remote sensing techniques and gain skills in the collection, post-processing, and analysis of remotely sensed data.

—By Susan Enright

In an inspiring display of global collaboration, University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 Professor Brian Szuster recently brought his expertise to the heart of Bangladesh, empowering a new generation of rural development professionals from Asia and Pacific to help drive sustainable change. This initiative was funded through an $86,600 LuceSEA Transitions grant from the Henry Luce Foundation to 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (CSEAS).

“I designed my training to be accessible to people. The ideas can still be complicated, but I simplify the way I describe the ideas,” Szuster said. “It was a challenge to simplify the presentation and keep the content sophisticated. But that鈥檚 doable when you have students like this group of young professionals who are so eager to learn.”

Development and preservation

Szuster鈥檚 two-day intensive training session at the Young Development Experts Connection program in Cumilla, Bangladesh focused on balancing development needs with environmental preservation. The program, hosted by the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD) and organized by the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific, brought together more than 30 ambitious young professionals.

Bangladesh is the world鈥檚 fifth most populous country and faces monumental challenges in sustainable development.

“Just the logistics of providing everyone with housing, food, water, employment, healthcare, and education is a gigantic challenge,” said Szuster.

Szuster鈥檚 innovative program helps align 东精影业 with its mission to foster international collaboration in addressing global challenges.

A alumna is shedding light on the critical decline of reef and water quality on the Kohala coast with an innovative interactive “story map.” Katie Gaut, who founded , a geographic information system firm, inputted data collected by 东精影业 Hilo marine scientists to create the which documents alarming sewage pollution issues impacting one of 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 most important coral reefs.

Once boasting 53% coral cover, Puakō鈥檚 reef has plummeted to less than 5% and according to experts is on the verge of collapse. The story map documents sewage pollution issues at Puakō, backed by scientific research conducted through the years by 东精影业 Hilo marine science faculty and students. Lead researchers on the Puakō project are professors Tracy Wiegner, Steve Colbert and Jim Beets, an emeritus professor who mentored Gaut during her graduate studies.

• Related 东精影业 News story: Puakō sewage runoff leads to wastewater treatment plant recommendation, December 13, 2021

“It鈥檚 not the kind of water that I would want to be swimming in, and it also has implications for our coral reef health,” said Colbert.

Hope for restoration

Despite the grim data, the story map offers hope, highlighting efforts by local residents and scientists to restore the reef.

“This is about more than just the reef, it鈥檚 about respect for land and culture,” said Kawehi Apo, a Puakō descendant and cultural practitioner.

Since 2014, 东精影业 Hilo researchers have been studying the Puakō reef, uncovering the damaging effects of sewage on coastal waters. Their data reveals elevated levels of harmful bacteria, pathogens, and nutrients that exceed health department standards. Excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus fuel the growth of marine algae, which suffocates the coral. The area has also experienced coral die-offs and bleaching events, worsened by pollution.

东精影业 Hilo based research reveals that wastewater from homes in the area enters the ocean within hours, contributing to the reef’s rapid decline.

• Related 东精影业 News story: 东精影业 Hilo researchers track sewage leakage rate into Kahaluʻu Bay, August 19, 2024

The story map shows that solutions are possible and features photos and visuals expressing resiliency and the hope for revitalization, all grounded in not only the data, but in a deep respect for the original stewards.

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—By Susan Enright

This summer, a group of faculty and staff from the and embarked on a transformative journey to Molokaʻi. The huakaʻi (trip), part of 东精影业 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 program, featured immersive activities from ʻāina (land) to sea and served as a professional development retreat that deeply engaged participants in Native Hawaiian culture and ʻike (knowledge).

Uluākea, an Indigenous-based program housed at 东精影业 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 , is designed to teach faculty in various academic disciplines at both 东精影业 Hilo and Hawaiʻi CC to gain a more authentic and practical understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing the world. The ultimate goal is to integrate these perspectives into teaching practices, enriching the educational experience for students.

“We have applied for and received Title III funding which has enabled us to incorporate the into much of what we do,” said 东精影业 Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin. This framework, rooted in traditional Hawaiian mythology, aims to transform the student experience and the overall culture of academia.

Huakaʻi to Molokaʻi

Faculty from various disciplines ventured on the huakaʻi to Molokaʻi on July 11–14. Led by 东精影业 Hilo lecturer Malu Dudoit, who hails from Maui and Molokaʻi, their journey began with a visit to ʻAnakala (Uncle) Mac Poepoe, a respected konohiki (head person) of the ahupuaʻa (land division) he resides in.

“[He] shared with us stories of his upbringings, traditions of his familial practices, and current issues he faces when working with modern technologies in the practice of ʻāina stewardship and sustainability,” said Dudoit who is facilitator for Uluākea.

The group included a wide mix of educators: Hawaiʻi CC Coordinator and Assistant Professor Noʻel Tagab-Cruz; Hawaiʻi CC Instructors Drew Kapp (), Meidor Hu (art) and Jesna Nissam (); and 东精影业 Hilo Associate Professor Christopher Knudson () and visiting professor Nicole Drakos ().

One of the retreat鈥檚 highlights also included a huakaʻi wahi pana o Molokaʻi (journey to storied places on Molokaʻi), guided by Kīpuka peer mentor Kahaku Poepoe, a Hawaiian studies student at 东精影业 Hilo and grandson of ʻAnakala Mac Poepoe. He led the group on an exploration of the cultural and historical significance of these places.

Throughout the year, Uluākea conducts workshops on Native Hawaiian protocols, ʻōlelo (language), crafts and ʻāina-based journeys that immerse participants in experiential learning or research.

“The purpose of the retreat was to solidify what each participant has learned throughout the year-long program and to learn how other educators integrate Indigenous knowledge and practices into their curriculum, pedagogy, research, and service to our respective campuses,” said Dudoit.

Pāʻieʻie: Indigenizing campuses

The Pāʻieʻie grant that funds Uluākea, is a $2.99 million award from the U.S. Department of Education. This grant supports efforts to increase Native Hawaiian student enrollment, retention, and graduation rates by creating Indigenous resources and spaces.

—Susan Enright

All photos courtesy of Kīpuka/东精影业 Hilo.

For more, go to .

Master navigator Nainoa Thompson was presented with the Honorary Geographer award from the (AAG) at its annual meeting in Honolulu on April 16. This award recognizes excellence in research, teaching or writing on geographic topics by non-geographers. Thompson received the award and delivered a talk at the conference.

The in the at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 is AAG鈥檚 lead organizer in Hawaiʻi.

“This award honors Nainoa for his groundbreaking efforts in reviving ancestral wayfinding practices and his advocacy for environmental sustainability. An explorer, Pwo Navigator, cultural revivalist, educator, and storyteller, he has been instrumental in reconnecting the diverse lands and cultures of Polynesia,” said Reece Jones, the chair of the Department of Geography and Environment.

Thompson learned to sail using traditional methods of stars, wind and waves from master navigator Mau Piailug of Satawal. He also studied astronomy with Will Kyselka, Bishop Museum Planetarium lecturer. Thompson鈥檚 first journey was in 1980 when he guided the 贬艒办奴濒别ʻ补 a traditional double-hulled canoe, from Hawaiʻi to Tahiti.

Currently serving as the CEO of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, Thompson continues to pass down knowledge to future generations, emphasizing the importance of navigation and voyaging. He is a recipient of numerous accolades, including the 2017 Hubbard Medal from the National Geographic Society, the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Marine Sanctuaries Foundation and the 2015 Peter Benchley Ocean Award for Excellence in Marine Exploration.

Past recipients of the AAG Honorary Geographer award include authors Rebecca Solnit and N.K. Jemisin; architect Maya Lin; and Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman.

The AAG is a scholarly and professional association that advances understanding, interpretation, and explanation of the world through research, education, and practice in the field of geography. Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., it has 10,000 members worldwide.

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The placed in the nation鈥檚 top 20 in eight subjects, the best performance by 东精影业鈥檚 flagship institution in the .

Released April 10, QS鈥檚 2024 version of the rankings listed 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 among the nation鈥檚 best in the following categories:

• Linguistics: No. 10 U.S., No. 22 world
• Hospitality and leisure management: No. 15 U.S., No. 46 world
• Anthropology: No. 19 U.S., No. 51–100 world
• Modern languages: No. 19 U.S., No. 101–150 world
• Geophysics: No. 20 U.S., No. 47 world
• Geology: No. 20 U.S., No. 49 world
• Earth and marine sciences: No. 20 U.S., No. 51–100 world
• Geography: No. 20 U.S., No. 101–150 world

“These rankings are a testament to the excellence of our faculty and the dedication of our entire staff,” 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Provost Michael Bruno said. “To the communities that we serve, they affirm that this university represents the very best in scholarship and education. And to our prospective students and their families, the rankings are a strong endorsement of the quality and value of an education from 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补.”

东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 also placed in the nation鈥檚 top 50 in nine additional subjects:

• English language and literature: No. 30 U.S., No. 101–150 world
• Archaeology: No. 30 U.S., No. 151–200 world
• Agriculture and forestry: No. 34 U.S., No. 151–200 world
• Physics and astronomy: No. 39 U.S., No. 151–200 world
• Sociology: No. 42 U.S., No. 201–250 world
• Politics: No. 44 U.S., No. 201–250 world
• Communication and media studies: No. 46 U.S., No. 151–200 world
• Arts and humanities: No. 47 U.S., No. 210 world
• Environmental sciences: No. 49 U.S., No. 251–300 world

东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 was ranked in four broad subject areas and 24 narrow subject areas. The QS World University Rankings by Subject are calculated using five criteria: academic reputation (survey responses from academics), employer reputation (survey responses from graduate employers worldwide), research citations per paper (citations data sourced from鈥疎lsevier Scopus), H-index (measures most cited papers and the number of citations) and international research network (reflects ability to diversify the geography of their international research network).

The 2024 edition of the rankings by global higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds analyzed the performance of more than 16,400 university programs, taken by students at more than 1,500 universities in 96 locations around the world.

Recent rankings

东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 also received these notable rankings:

• 2024 U.S. News and World Report鈥檚 Best Graduate Schools rankings, April 9, 2024
• QS World University Rankings: Sustainability, December 11, 2023
• 2023 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects released by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy, October 29, 2023

For more information on rankings, see the .

—By Marc Arakaki

Storied Native Hawaiian navigator and explorer Nainoa Thompson will be recognized as Honorary Geographer of the Year when the (AAG) holds its 2024 annual meeting April 16–20, at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center. The (GEO) in the at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 is the lead organizer in Hawaiʻi.

AAG, headquartered in Washington, D.C., has 10,000 members worldwide and was founded in 1904.

Hawaiʻi high school teachers, students can attend

AAG is encouraging high school teachers and students to contact the organization directly for special conference rates. Educators, and high school students over the age of 18, may also be eligible to serve as paid conference assistants to defray the costs of their registration. Contact meeting@aag.org for both opportunities.

More than 100 sessions will be scheduled per day with formats either in-person or streaming on a wide range of geography topics, including community and political geographies, economic geographies, climate and environment, medical geography and technical topics. Themes in 2024 are Reciprocal Scholarship, Colonialism and Resources, and Recovery and Restoration.

On the AAG Presidential Plenary panel is Aurora Kagawa-Viviani, assistant professor of GEO and the , and a member of the Hawaiʻi Commission on Water Resource Management. .

“We are so honored that AAG has selected Honolulu to host its annual conference, which regularly draws thousands of international attendees,” said Reece Jones, an AAG Fellow and professor/chair of GEO. “Since geographers explore both the Earth鈥檚 surface and the human societies spread across the planet, Hawaiʻi and its multicultural persona is the perfect place for geographers to gather, and to recognize Nainoa Thompson as AAG Honorary Geographer.”

For a glimpse of AAG鈥檚 sessions related to education and career opportunities in geography and the environment, .

For more info on the AAG conference, .

In a bid to foster cross-cultural learning, the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa (CSEAS) welcomed four scholars from Indonesia and Thailand for the spring 2024 semester as part of an exchange. The four-month program includes participation in the Hawaiʻi English Language Program, refining scientific writing skills, and active engagement with the East-West Center and CSEAS communities.

“We are excited to host early career colleagues from Indonesia and Thailand this semester and engage with them on shared research interests,” said Miriam Stark, director at CSEAS. “We look forward to a fruitful visit and are grateful to the Henry Luce Foundation for this valuable opportunity.”

Navigating exchange

Visiting scholars Tansuda Jinai, Fatwa Faturachmat, Andi Vika Faradiba Muin and Khemrat Panpanich arrived at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 in January 2024.

For Fatwa Faturachmat, who holds a master鈥檚 degree from Hasanuddin University in Indonesia, the experience on the 惭腻苍辞补 campus has been eye-opening.

“The differences between my home country鈥檚 educational system and that of the United States are striking,” Faturachmat said. “Notably, the diversity among students in terms of race, background, and religion stands out. My decision to join this program is driven by a desire to enhance my skills as a research scholar, particularly in scientific writing for scholarly journals.”

Enriching cultural exchange

Last summer, eight 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 students traveled to Thailand and Indonesia with the LuceSEA Field School, a program that explores the dynamic socioeconomic and environmental shifts in rural Southeast Asian societies. The experience culminated in a workshop at the Center for Khmer Studies in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Building on this collaboration, CSEAS invited the Southeast Asian Scholars for cultural exchange at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补.

In collaboration with the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 , , Khon Kaen University and Universitas Hasanuddin, this initiative aims to create a vibrant and dynamic educational experience. It is part of the five-year “LuceSEA Transitions: Environment, Society, and Change” grant awarded to CSEAS. The grant enables the paradigm to shift to focus on collaboration between institutions and scholars in the region.