Leeward Community College automotive instructor Nolan Miyahara received the 2026 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award at the American Association of Community Colleges conference held in Seattle, Washington in April. The award recognizes community college educators nationwide for excellence in teaching, leadership and student success.

This marks the fourth straight year—since 2023—that a Leeward CC faculty member has been selected for the award.

Full circle

Miyahara, an assistant professor, former program coordinator and Honda Professional Automotive Career Training coordinator, has been teaching in the college’s Automotive Technology program since 2016. The Leeward CC alumnus brings more than 20 years of industry experience into the classroom and holds multiple certifications, including National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence Master Automobile Technician.

“I was once a student here, so this really comes full circle for me,” Miyahara said. “Everything I do is about making sure our students are ready—not just for their first job, but for a career where they can keep learning and growing. In the end I hope our students can make the full circle like I did and come back to teach for our program one day.”

His approach centers on preparing students for a fast-changing industry, while building strong connections with local dealerships and national automotive partners. He also mentors newer faculty and helps guide the program’s direction.

Miyahara encourages students to get involved beyond the classroom, from community service projects to hands-on and informational events, such as career fairs.

Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza said Miyahara’s recognition reflects both his individual commitment and the college’s broader impact.

“Nolan’s dedication to his students and to the automotive field is clear in everything he does,” Peñaloza said. “This award speaks to the quality of our faculty and the strength of our programs.”

—By Tad Saiki

Chris Ibarra’s journey from student to teacher is one fueled by perseverance, passion and a commitment to his community. The Hawaiʻi Island native graduated from Konawaena High School in 2000 and completed the two-year automotive program at in Hilo in 2002, under instructors Ken Shimizu and Harold Fujii.

Today, Ibarra is giving back by teaching the next generation of mechanics through a partnership that he helped to establish between the Hawaiʻi Department of Education (DOE) and .

Through Early College, students at Kelakehe High School can earn college credits toward a degree in from Hawaiʻi CC–������������Գܾ�.

Kalei Haleamau-Kam, director of Hawaiʻi CC–������������Գܾ�, said “The enrollment numbers have grown in Automotive Technology, and the program is going strong because of the internal support that the DOE has given the program and the partnership of the workforce community. The Automotive Technology model has inspired other programs, such as offering Culinary Academy classes at Konawaena, a sustainability certificate at Kohala, and others in the making.”

The rough road to teaching

Post-graduation, Ibarra’s early career included a short stint at Island Chevrolet and years alongside his father at Randy’s Repair.

After working as a mechanic for Nanea Golf Club, Ibarra’s former high school teacher, Butch Hughes, asked him for help with a truck—reigniting his connection to teaching. Ibarra started as a part-time teacher at Kealakehe in 2007 and was hired full-time as a temporary emergency hire the following year.

The road to becoming a certified teacher wasn’t easy, and Ibarra squeezed by for about seven years. He eventually earned his alternative Career and Technical Education certification in 2016 through Leeward Community College after multiple attempts at the exams.

“So many Leeward CC and Kealakehe teachers were rooting for me and helping me,” he said.

Driving futures forward

On the cusp of his sixth year of teaching through the Early College program at Hawaiʻi CC–������������Գܾ�, Ibarra is seeing the impact firsthand. About a dozen of his students graduated in May.
“We do a lot of high tech stuff,” Ibarra said. “And the kids, that’s where they find their home—in auto shop. They’re good with their hands. They’re smart kids. They’re really good kids.”

Despite the challenges and pay cut that came with switching from the private sector to teaching, Ibarra knows he’s where he belongs.

“I had students graduate, and I see them in the community,” Ibarra said. “It’s worth a lot more than the pay.”

Through his dedication, Ibarra is proving that giving back can drive futures forward.

Hawaiʻi Community College’s is the only auto body program in the University of Hawaiʻi Community College system, carrying on a legacy of craftsmanship, innovation and career readiness that began in 1966.

The program, which has graduated almost 1,000 technicians, is helping to sustain Hawaiʻi Island’s transportation trades community, and has experienced a notable rise in women’s enrollment.

“The shop feels like family. We all have fun, we work on cars … but we do work,” said first-year student Aysia Lee. “My favorite part of this class is pretty much the finish-up work. I like to paint and buff the entire car—preparing it for the customer, cleaning it up.”

The comprehensive training covers all aspects of collision repair and refinishing, including welding, air conditioning systems, steering and suspension, brakes, interior work, glass installation and automotive detailing. Another first-year student, Beauden Hancock, said the experience has been invaluable.

“Hawaiʻi CC’s Auto Body program has taught me to be on my feet and prepared for this fast-paced industry that’s always evolving,” Hancock said. “I’ve been in the shop since day one and it’s been a great experience. I’ve always loved working in auto body, I always took shop classes in high school. I’m glad to be here.”

Blending the best of old and new

The program, now led by Associate Professor Garrett Fujioka—a Hawaiʻi CC alumnus—blends the best of “old-school” precision and “new-school” technology. Fujioka and Assistant Professor Colby Koreyasu bring modern industry experience directly to the students.

“[We] both came from the industry, so we bring all the modern technology and methods we use in our own shops directly into the classroom,” Fujioka said. “But we still hold on to the old-school principles—the foundation skills and the attitude—that make a great body technician. Our students come out of here with basic skills that can take them anywhere in the industry—collision repair, insurance estimating, paint supply, or even auto mechanics.”

He noted that most students find local work due to high demand. The instructors also collaborate closely with other transportation programs across the ����Vlog�ٷ� Community College System.

“We might be the only auto body program, but the other campuses—Honolulu CC, Leeward, Kauaʻi, Maui—they all support us. We have camaraderie,” Fujioka said. “We’re lucky to be part of the transportation ʻohana.”

For more go to .

Leeward Community College is earning accolades for leadership in career and technical education (CTE). Three faculty and staff members recently received awards—two at the state level and one at a national conference—underscoring the college’s commitment to excellence in preparing Hawaiʻi’s workforce.

At the 2025 Hawaiʻi Association for Career & Technical Education (Hawaiʻi ACTE) State Conference on April 11, at Windward CC, Nolan Miyahara and Blake Hunrick were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Miyahara, program coordinator for Leeward CC’s Automotive Technology program, was named Postsecondary Teacher of the Year. Under his guidance, the program has thrived and is home to the state’s only Ford Automotive Student Service Educational Training program, which offers students manufacturer-specific instruction, access to advanced diagnostic tools, and paid internships with Ford dealerships.

Hunrick, who has served as a counselor at Leeward CC for more than 30 years, received the Counseling and Career Development Professional of the Year award. Hunrick is known for his deep dedication to student success, helping thousands of learners navigate educational and career pathways through personalized support and CTE guidance.

National award

National recognition followed just days later when Matthew Egami, a culinary arts instructor, received the Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Recognition Award from the American Association of Community Colleges at its annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 16. The award honors faculty who go above and beyond to support students inside and outside the classroom. Egami is a key contributor to Leeward CC’s acclaimed Culinary Arts Program, which trains students in both foundational and advanced culinary techniques and provides hands-on experience through the college’s fine dining restaurant, The Pearl.

“These awards reflect the strength and depth of our CTE programs, which are designed to equip students with the real-world skills they need to succeed in today’s economy,” said Ron Umehira, dean of Career and Technical Education at Leeward CC.

—By Tad Saiki

Eight automotive mechanics technology students took the fast lane to graduation on May 14, as members of an innovative pilot program—the first of its kind in the State of Hawaiʻi. Just one year after high school, these students graduated from the in Kona with Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in (AMT).

They now have college degrees and work experience, and are ready for a job market where there is strong local demand for their skills.

“It was a really great experience,” said graduate Titon Riveira. “I learned a lot of things, and it woke me up to the automotive world.”

The graduates were part of the Kealakehe High School (KHS) Automotive Mechanics Early College Pilot Program, which was launched in 2019 to meet the needs of local students and the Kona community.

The program helped Ken Takeishi attain a long-held goal.

“It came by really fast,” said Takeishi. “I’m excited though because I finally have a degree from college, and I always dreamed of having a degree from college.”

More highlights from the commencement ceremonies and our amazing graduates

The program is a partnership between Hawaiʻi P–20 Partnerships in Education, KHS, Hawaiʻi CC and Kona automotive businesses.

“This program is a creative solution that provides West Hawaiʻi youth with valuable training in a skilled trade while also supporting the needs of local businesses,” said Raynette “Kalei” Haleamau-Kam, director of Hawaiʻi CC–������������Գܾ�. “It was truly a community effort. Mahalo to everyone involved.”

Jump start in high school

The AMT Early College program gave these students a jump start on their college degrees while they were in high school. They began earning credits toward their college degrees in 2019 as juniors at KHS; they completed approximately half the degree requirements by the time they graduated from high school in 2021; and this past academic year, they completed their AAS degrees through a combination of work-based learning at Kona automotive shops and classes at Hawaiʻi CC–������������Գܾ�.

Early College classes—which allow high school students to take classes that satisfy requirements for both a high school diploma and a college degree—have become widespread in recent years. What makes the AMT Early College program unique is that it is Career and Technical Education (CTE) focused, is cohort-based, and prepares students for specific careers for which there is a demonstrated need in the community.

Hawaiʻi CC Chancellor Rachel Solemsaas said the AMT program is part of a growing trend at Hawaiʻi CC to offer more Early College CTE programs, in order to support Hawaiʻi Island’s high school seniors’ college and career plans.

“On the initial implementation of Early College, we noticed we were not reaching as many non-college-going high school students as we wanted,” said Solemsaas. “By offering Early College Career and Technical Education programs like Automotive Mechanics Technology to the high schools, we can reach a different population of students, who can see a college pathway is attainable for them, and provide a boost to their college and career journeys.”

In addition to the AMT students, 18 students from Kaʻū High School are receiving certificates in Agriculture from Hawaiʻi CC this year. Hawaiʻi CC’s Early Childhood Education program has also partnered with local high schools on the , and there are conversations about adding more Early College pathways in carpentry and the culinary arts.

The ultimate goal, Solemsaas said, is to increase the rate at which Hawaiʻi Island high school graduates attend college and improve their career mobility by allowing them to earn degrees and certificates.

Collaboration key to success

Chris Ibarra, a KHS and Hawaiʻi CC Automotive Mechanics Instructor, said the Kona businesses were essential partners and gave students valuable experience.

“The businesses and relationships we made in the community were a big help, because the students got the full experience of a shop with the hands-on learning and added pressure that comes with it,” Ibarra said.

Funding for the partnership is supported by Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, GEAR UP Hawaiʻi, the Stupski Foundation, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Hawaiʻi 3R’s and the Ēlama Project.

After Chase Fernandez received his Hawaiʻi CC diploma, the graduate gave a big mahalo to everyone involved.

“Thank you, everybody, for your support and trying to get us through this program,” said Fernandez. “I know it wasn’t easy. Much aloha to everyone who helped get us to this point.”

—By Thatcher J. P. Moats

A donated, first generation Toyota Prius hybrid has been transformed into an invaluable teaching tool with the help of University of Hawaiʻi Maui College students. After the car was donated during the holiday recess, program coordinator Lawrence Martinson and two student assistants went to work.

“We were able to pull the engine and transmission out of the car, clean it and cut away the case to create what’s called a cutaway model,” said Martinson. “A Prius, of course, is a hybrid and it’s much easier to teach how the electric motors drive the vehicle in conjunction with the gas engine when you can see the internal components without the casing.”

Cutaway models typically sell for about $30,000. Beyond the cost savings, the experience of pulling out the engine and transmission, cleaning everything, cutting it and rebuilding to create the model was “very cool because it’s an example of our students applying their learning now to also benefit future students,” said Martinson.

The students are enthusiastic about the project, the future of automotive technology and their place in it.

“I believe that hybrid and electric vehicles will become an average thing within the automotive industry. Hybrid vehicles are becoming more common, they already make turbocharged hybrid motors,” said student Jordan Rodrigues. “I believe within the near future they will design a hybrid diesel motor. Also the technology in inverters and batteries will advance and last longer, proving more efficient.”

Aukai Vista, another student, said, “This was a fun project to work on. I think hybrid vehicles will become more popular in the future. And with the amount of new technology coming out, there will be also more self-driving cars available.”

This semester, the class is also working on a cutaway model of a Honda CVT (continuously variable transmission).

“Up until this point, we’ve been teaching with virtual aids,” said Martinson. “Having models makes all the difference.”

Follow the ����Vlog�ٷ� Maui College Automotive Technology program on and on .

Four Leeward Community College students have been awarded the Ford Automotive Student Service Education Training (ASSET) scholarship from the . Devin Caringer, John Paul Fua, Toby Samsal and Candra Urban each received a $2,000 scholarship to assist with the completion of their academic studies.

Ford offers this scholarship to automotive technology students who have demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to education. To qualify for the scholarship, students must meet a minimum GPA requirement, be enrolled in the ASSET program and be sponsored as an ASSET intern by a Ford or Lincoln dealer.

ASSET is a statewide program sponsored by Ford Motor Company, Ford and Lincoln/Mercury Dealers and Leeward CC. Leeward CC’s ASSET program provides the student with a unique two-year work-study experience which leads to an AAS in automotive technology. The program is designed to develop entry-level service technicians, proficient in the latest automotive service technology, for Ford and Lincoln/Mercury dealerships.

“We are especially grateful to Ford for their strong commitment and partnership with Leeward Community College. Ford ASSET Scholarship for the advancement of our students in pursuing their automotive technology degree at Leeward CC is further strengthening our partnership,” said ASSET Instructor Jeff Eligio. “These scholarship awards meet a critical need for our students, and it came at a perfect time during these trying times.”

Caringer was also selected for the Grainger’s Tools for Tomorrow scholarship program. Caringer received a $2,000 scholarship, and upon graduation, he will receive a full toolkit to jump start his career.

, a local distributor of products used to maintain, repair or operate facilities, offers the scholarship for tuition and books to 250 outstanding students each year at 125 community colleges across the country. Grainger partners with community colleges to help students get the education and resources they need to successfully join the workforce.

A Leeward Community College major has won a 2019 Servco Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP) Scholarship.

Leeward student Christopher Cummings will receive a scholarship, a $2,000 tool kit and part-time employment with Toyota Hawaii as a technician apprentice. Automotive students Noel Hirata and Joel Flores were finalists for the scholarship.

The highly competitive scholarship program requires students to meet a minimum GPA requirement just to qualify to participate. The students then take a Toyota mechanical aptitude assessment and answer questions for a panel of four judges on the selection committee.

T-TEP first started at ’s Automotive Technology Program in September 1991 and is supported by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) and Servco. In May 2018, Toyota Hawaii expanded the program, donating more than $80,000 worth of training aids to Leeward CC’s Automotive Technology program in the first year, with additional equipment to be added every year after.

As part of the program, Automotive Technology students at Honolulu CC and Leeward CC are eligible for a T-TEP scholarship, which includes a scholarship toward the student’s automotive AAS degree. The T-TEP Scholarship Program has supported more than 50 students to graduation, with nearly half currently employed with Toyota Hawaii dealerships. In addition, three former graduates are now instructors serving in University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges.

—By Kathleen Cabral

Hawaiʻi Community College will host its 2nd Annual Hawaiʻi CC Auto Body Repair and Painting Auto Show on Saturday, July 7. The event begins at 10 a.m. with live entertainment on the Hawaiʻi CC Manono campus back parking lot in Hilo.

The event will showcase a variety of vehicles, including race cars, classics, imports, cruisers and trucks. Car enthusiasts from VW Pickers, Hawaiʻi Classic Cruizers and more will also be there. The car show is free and open to the public.

The fun-filled family day will also feature a lineup of local live bands, door prizes, refreshments and ʻonolicious bentos from Cousins Seafood and Bento. Any proceeds will benefit Hawaiʻi CC’s Auto Body Repair and Painting Program.

The Hawaiʻi CC Auto Body Repair and Painting Car Show event will end at 2 p.m. with an impressive vehicle startup and roll-out parade.

For more information, go to the .

The 2017 auto show

—By Thatcher Moats

is the latest campus to partner in Technical Education Program (T-TEP). Under the new agreement, Toyota Hawaiʻi will donate more than $80,000 worth of training aids to Leeward CC’s in the first year, with additional equipment to be added every year after. Students at Leeward CC will also be eligible to apply for a T-TEP scholarship, which includes a full scholarship for the student’s remaining college education, a $2,000 tool kit, and part-time employment with Toyota Hawaiʻi as a technician apprentice.

“We’d like to extend a sincere mahalo to Toyota Hawaiʻi for this exciting partnership,” said Manny Cabral, chancellor of Leeward CC. “The high-level training opportunities, valuable student scholarships and generous donation of training tools will further enhance Leeward CC’s Automotive Technology Program.”

T-TEP first started at Honolulu Community College’s Automotive Technology Program in September 1991 and is supported by Toyota Motor Corp. and , the Toyota, Lexus and Subaru distributor for Hawaiʻi.

The high-level training opportunities, valuable student scholarships and generous donation of training tools will further enhance Leeward CC’s Automotive Technology Program.
—Manny Cabral

“We are excited to expand our T-TEP Program to Leeward CC,” said Glenn Inouye, senior vice president of Servco, representing Toyota Hawaiʻi. “We have seen a lot of success at Honolulu CC, thanks to the dedicated instructors, and look forward to a long-term relationship with Leeward CC as well.”

Since its inception in 1991, T-TEP has supported 47 students to graduation, with nearly half currently employed with Toyota Hawaiʻi dealerships. In addition, three former graduates are now instructors in University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges. Currently, there are three scholarship students who are apprentice technicians employed at Servco. One will be graduating in May and has been interviewed for a full-time position at a Toyota Hawaiʻi dealership.

, one of the most talented and well-known automotive painters and fabricators in the world, will be the featured guest at the Auto Body Repair and Painting Car Show on July 15. The show will be held at the Manono campus in Hilo, 10 a.m.—6 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

Prior to the car show, Hutton will teach special workshops for Hawaiʻi CC students in the  (ABRP) and local industry professionals.

“We are honored Charley will visit us,” said ABRP instructor and alumnus of the program Garrett Fujioka. “This is an exciting opportunity for our students to learn from one of the best in the business. We are also thrilled to be hosting this car show, which will hopefully become an annual Hawaiʻi CC tradition that helps inspire the next generation of local auto body repair and painting experts.”

The car show will feature a variety of vehicles, including show cars, race cars, classics, imports, cruisers and trucks. The event will also feature door prizes every hour, refreshments, entertainment and opportunities to meet Hutton.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the ABRP program.

—By Thatcher Moats

For 12 years, the at has been giving high school students interested in the automotive industry the unique opportunity to hit the road to college running.

Through a generous grant from , the six-week program consists of an integrative curriculum in which students participate in an unpaid internship at a dealership in the mornings, then attend classes at Honolulu CC in the afternoon. This summer, eight students successfully completed the program and will receive four college credits toward an associate of applied science degree in .

“This program not only exposes high school students to the automotive industry, but it gives them a unique opportunity to experience a college level learning environment,” said Honolulu CC Chancellor Erika Lacro. “We are teaching them transferable skills that will translate in any workplace.”

Out of the eight students representing six participating public high schools, ʻAiea, Farrington, Kaiser, McKinley, Moanalua and Waipahu, two are enrolled in the college’s Automotive Technology program this fall. The others will be either completing their senior year of high school or attending college at another institution.

Honolulu CC’s Automotive Technology program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation and has maintained that status since 1993.

Committed community partners

Following the success of the program, First Hawaiian Bank has renewed their commitment to the summer auto academy through 2018 with a $22,500 grant.

“At First Hawaiian, we believe that education is the key to unlocking doors to future opportunities,” said Sharon Shiroma Brown, First Hawaiian Bank Foundation president. “We are pleased to provide the funding so that high school students interested in exploring a career in the automotive industry can attend this Auto Academy’s 6-week course at no charge. This partnership is creating opportunities that could lead to successful careers for our kids right here in Hawaiʻi.”

The innovative summer program began as a collaborative partnership between Honolulu CC, First Hawaiian Bank, Waipahu High School and the Cutter Automotive Group in response to a shortage of trained workers in the automotive technology industry. Since the program’s inception in 2004, the bank has committed more than $147,500, which covers the cost of tuition, tools and supplies.

See images from the .

—By Billie Lueder

����Vlog�ٷ� News video

, July 13, 2012

University faculty members Tommylynn Benavente, Dean Crowell, Lisette Marie Flanary, Michael Furuto, David Gordon Garmire, Mazen Hamad, Thomas K. Hussey, Robert D. Joseph, Ann Y. Kennedy, Davin Kubota, Mari Matsuda, Jessica Nishikawa, Maile M. Taualii and Lance Uyeda were honored with the Board of Regents’ Medal for Excellence. The award is a tribute to faculty members who exhibit an extraordinary level of subject level mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness, and creativity and personal values that benefit students.

2016 honorees

Tommylynn Benavente
Professor, ,

Tommylynn Benavente began as a lecturer at Leeward Community College in 1984. For more than 30 years, Benavente has set the bar high for her students, while providing the guidance and encouragement for them to succeed. Her work as a teacher exhibits a relentless dedication to curricular improvement and a tireless enthusiasm for creating enriching opportunities for her students, the program and the college. In 2010, Benavente was honored with the Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Vocational Education.

Benavente worked with island chefs and developed externships for her students that have become an integral part of the culinary arts program, enabling students to work along side some of Hawaiʻi’s best known chefs. Over the years, Benavente has built strong community connections, exemplified by the hugely successful Annual Scholarship Brunch, which attracts more than 1,000 people each year and raises more than $10,000 for scholarships.

Benevente is a master in building confidence in her students and improving their abilities in communication, problem solving, organization and adaptability. She is the ultimate role model for all her students.

She obtained her master’s degree in educational technology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

Dean Crowell
Assistant professor, ,

It is not often that the committee receives a nomination from the entire graduating class. Students describe this year’s awardee Dean Crowell as a skilled craftsman and talented educator. He uses a variety of techniques and draws from his own personal experience to teach and inspire students to succeed. Students say he is a motivational force in their academic experience.

Crowell’s lectures are clear and informative, incorporating a variety of media including visual displays, videos and hands-on demonstrations. His classes are disciplined and structured and he expects high levels of achievement from students. Beyond daily coursework, Crowell uses projects and activities to teach students leadership skills, and the importance of hard work and dependability. Indeed, service learning projects are a hallmark of each student’s education.

His concern for students extends to their success after graduation. He brings speakers to talk about different parts of the trade and works with employers and union representatives to provide job opportunities to students.

Always encouraging, years from now, students will remember his motto, “Perceive, believe, and you will achieve!”

Assistant professor, ,

Lisette Flanary brings 20 years of experience to the ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa Academy for Creative Media in the fields of producing, directing and writing for film and television. At the core of her teaching practices is a dedication to the university’s commitment to creating a Hawaiian place of learning that highlights indigenous scholarship concurrent with valuing local identity, community and diversity.

She has developed courses that ensure student filmmakers will receive rigorous educational experiences to well equip them professionally upon graduation.

One student writes of a pivotal moment in her education when she realized that Professor Flanary believed more in her project than the student did herself. A colleague explains her teaching success as a combination of exuding tremendous respect for students with maintaining high academic standards.

Michael Furuto
Assistant professor, ,

Michael Furuto is a dynamic educator who is passionate about his students, their learning, and working together to achieve overarching goals. He is a strong proponent of using a variety of pedagogical approaches to optimize student learning and strives to exemplify the saying “Give a man a fish; and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish; and you feed him for a lifetime.”

Furuto endeavors to help students succeed both in-and-out of the classroom, and emphasizes real-world application problems to assist students in connecting math to their everyday lives. He has mentored students from all over the state.

“Michael Furuto is the best professor I have ever had,” said a ����Vlog�ٷ� West Oʻahu student. “He goes out of his way to make sure his students fully understand the material. He’s always available when we need him and he always greets us with a friendly smile.”

A ����Vlog�ٷ� West Oʻahu faculty member commented, “Michael’s dedication and support for his students is outstanding. I’ve been teaching for 40 years and he’s one of the best teachers I’ve ever known.”

Associate professor, ,

David Garmire of the Department of Electrical Engineering is considered by colleagues to be one of the most accomplished faculty in his college. He has pursued excellence in teaching to simultaneously accelerate his own innovation and inspire students to achieve their life goals.

He merges engaged face-to-face pedagogy with unique uses of technology to create high levels of performance by students working with advanced material. He was involved in the development of the new ����Vlog�ٷ� iLab in Building 37, a space considered to be an “innovation incubator” because it allows students to collaborate and create inventive solutions to challenging problems.

Rather than retreating to his office, he can often be found at a desk in the lab, and is fully present while students work.

Mazen Hamad
Associate professor, ,

Mazen Hamad received his PhD in chemistry from the University of Washington and worked for four years as a research chemist at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration prior to joining ����Vlog�ٷ� Hilo in 2008. He specializes in teaching the analytical chemistry classes but also enjoys teaching general and organic chemistry.

In analytical chemistry, Hamad teaches students to use modern instrumentation to analyze real world samples. These skills will help students excel in the workforce after graduation or will give them a running start in graduate school.

In general and organic chemistry, his goal is to help students like chemistry. Students should see that chemistry is interesting, important and useful, but this perception can be clouded when they feel frustrated. By keeping students engaged and working hard, students can overcome the challenges and focus on how chemistry can be beneficial to their lives.

When not in the classroom, Hamad enjoys working with various university governance committees, supporting science education at local elementary schools, mentoring students in undergraduate research, updating chemistry curricula, reviewing articles for scientific journals and contributing to community science events.

Thomas K. Hussey
Associate professor, ,

A graduate of Maui Community College, Thomas Hussey worked as an automotive master technician in both the private and public sectors. He has more than 20 years in the automotive industry and 24 years at ����Vlog�ٷ� Maui College.

Hussey’s involvement in community activities includes work with Keiki Fest and DARE. At the Holoholo Ka’a event on the ����Vlog�ٷ� Maui College campus, Thomas brings his drag race car and a customized golf cart with life-size action figures for keiki photo opportunities.

His primary joy is when he explains the theories behind the operation of vehicle parts and hears students say, “I get it now,” as he watches their confidence and competence develop. Hussey’s commitment to excellence is visible in his encouraging students to “challenge themselves” while paying close attention to safety because “they are responsible for the lives in the vehicle they service.” One of his greatest joys is when he can place a student in employment.

Hussey keeps current with the latest technology so he can pass this on to his students. He plans to expand the automotive shop, gain additional instructional faculty and create a hybrid and an alternative fuel degree. A colleague said, “Thomas is THE go-to guy in emergencies and friendships.”

Ann Y. Kennedy
Instructor, ,

Ann Y. Kennedy serves as the accounting program coordinator and is a licensed CPA in Hawaiʻi. Her drive for teaching comes from seeing students aim high with their educational, career and personal goals, and helping them achieve what they may not have dreamed possible.

She was selected as the Kauaʻi campus representative for the 2014–2015 Community College Leadership Champions and 2015–2016 President’s Emerging Leaders Program. Kennedy also served as lead advisor of Alpha Pi Xi, Kauaʻi’s Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society 2013–2015. During that time, the chapter was recognized as a Top 100 Chapter out of 1,285 total chapters and received numerous awards including Horizon Advisor and Distinguished Honors in Action Project.

One student’s thank you note stated, “Thank you for believing in me more than I believe in myself.” These acknowledgements inspire Kennedy to continue helping students realize that they can achieve whatever they set their minds to do. She also aims high with her own learning, by constantly seeking new outlets for ideas and teaching approaches.

Davin Kubota
Associate professor, English,

Davin Kubota, associate professor and coordinator of writing intensive courses, believes that his role as a teacher is to “allow students to develop agency by making them take pride in their words, making them stand by these words with critical thinking, passion, then fostering a desire to bring about academic, soft-skills and real-world change to the diverse worlds which they impact.”

He is constantly progressing in terms of his teaching methods. In recent semesters he has utilized a flipped classroom technique to better involve students with their learning.

One of his students shared this about him, “I read the quote at the beginning of the email notification, and it read “…a great teacher inspires.” Simply put, that is exactly what Professor Kubota does; he inspires you as a student, and he does not inhibit creativity. In fact, his assignments and methods promote effective self-expression through uninhibited creativity.”

Kubota has collaborated at the Study Hub at Kapiʻolani CC, judged at Hawaiʻi Speech League contests, participated in the ESU Shakespearean Monologue Competition, International Café Club and the Gaming Club, enhancing his rapport with students and colleagues.

Astronomer, ,

Robert Joseph has the exceptional ability to teach a range of astronomy courses in a way that facilitates students to learn to think like researchers and to feel comfortable to ask questions in their own fields of interest.

A unique course of his own design is Astronomy 140, the historical and conceptual development within astronomy and its influence on intellectual history and other disciplines.

His service to ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa students is exemplified through the Institute for Astronomy and the Honors Program, yet he manages to make time to teach the subject to inmates at the Women’s Correctional Center in Olomana and to elder students attending the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. At the heart of his teaching philosophy is that astronomy is a human enterprise.

Editor’s note: Robert Joseph passed away on May 9, 2016.

Professor, ,

Mari Matsuda had two great influences on her teaching life: her mother, a teacher of teachers in the community college system, and former Chief Justice William S. Richardson, namesake of the law school. Both taught her to value what each student brings to the table—an ability to learn and an instinct for justice.

Her seminar, Organizing for Social Change, is taught in a workshop format so students can become resources for one another in problem-solving while completing projects. Many of her students have gone on to become full-time change agents in Hawaiʻi and beyond.

This gifted professor has written extensively on legal education and intersections with other fields, and her inspiring work is widely read due to her ardor for the subject matter.

Assistant professor, ,

Jessica Nishikawa is an engaging teacher and expert clinician with a focus on geriatrics. She instructs many of the school’s foundational graduate courses and is described by students as the best professor they’ve ever had.

Because she believes that effective teaching involves adaptation based on reflection and student feedback, her courses continually evolve. A colleague says she sets up students for success by being organized, approachable, having a great sense of humor, providing clear instructions, setting high expectations and giving thorough and timely feedback.

She has extended her teaching into the community through the career and technical education program for public high schools and, in doing so, helped raise the quality of education in the health services pathway.

Assistant professor, ,

When Maile Taualii arrived in the Department of Public Health Sciences, she was tasked with establishing the world’s first and only accredited Indigenous master of public health specialization with no textbooks, models, competencies or guides. By working with people to define what would be of greatest use to their communities, she developed and grew the Native Hawaiian and indigenous health specialization. This pathway celebrates the strengths of native peoples and educates decision-makers.

Said one of her students, “Sometimes I feel I do not have the support of everyone in my family, but Dr. Taualii has been there to make sure I succeed. She has pushed me to become stronger and taught me to believe in myself, something I could not have achieved on my own.”

Assistant professor, ,

Lance Uyeda constantly strives for excellence in the classroom and inspires students to achieve.

His students say he impacted their college experience in a positive way—he is always prepared for class, delivers creative instruction and sets them up for success. With Uyeda ’s help, students are able to set goals, explore current and real-life problems around the world and strive to be, not only good students, but good citizens as well.

One colleague commented, “As a teacher, Lance paints in vivid colors with his heart. Working with him in an IS 103 learning community was the single most transformative experience of my career as an educator. I literally learned something priceless about our craft every Tuesday and Thursday.”

Eleven high school graduates and students were honored in a special recognition ceremony on July 23, 2015 for completing the annual at .

The program, sponsored by , targets both public and private high school students, interested in the automotive industry. They participate in an unpaid internship at a dealership in the mornings, then attend classes at Honolulu CC in the afternoon, five days a week for six weeks to total 120 classroom hours. Upon successful completion of the program the students receive four college credits towards an associates of applied science degree in automotive technology.

“This program not only exposes high school students to the automotive industry, but it gives them a unique opportunity to experience a college level learning environment,” explains Honolulu CC Chancellor, Erika Lacro. “We are teaching them transferable skills that will translate in any workplace.”

Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue higher education obtaining their degree in automotive technology, or in another industry field, such as, business, culinary, refrigeration and air conditioning, aeronautics, liberal arts, or welding to name a few. Many of the completers of the program are now employed with a Cutter dealership.

“This year, our students came from high schools across the state—ʻAiea, Kalani, McKinley, Punahou, St. Louis, Waiʻanae and Waipahu,” says Automotive Instructor Warren Takata. “Students enjoyed their experience this summer and some are really excited to start their post-secondary studies at the community colleges.”

Seven students have enrolled in the system. Four are enrolled in the Honolulu CC program. There are two students returning to high school to complete their senior year and the remaining two students are undecided with their future plans.

Collaborative partnership

The innovative summer program began as a collaborative partnership between Honolulu CC, First Hawaiian Bank, Waipahu High School and the Cutter Automotive Group in response to a shortage of trained workers in the automotive technology industry. Participating Cutter dealerships are Dodge Ala Moana, Mazda Ala Moana, Chevy Ala Moana, Ford ʻAiea, Dodge Pearl City, GMC Waipahu and Mazda Waipahu.

“We are grateful for the generous monetary contribution from First Hawaiian Bank to sustain the program for over a decade, and we are thankful to our partners at the Cutter Automotive Group for giving these students valuable workforce experience,” says Takata.

Since the program’s inception in 2004, the bank has contributed over $125,000, which covers the cost of tuition, tools and supplies.

Honolulu Community College’s Automotive Technology program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation and has maintained that status since 1993.

For more photos from the Hawaiʻi High School Auto Academy, view the .

—By Billie Lueder

is the first in the state to offer non-credit courses in hybrid and electric vehicle automotive maintenance. Whether someone is a technician, a sales person, or just a car enthusiast, Honolulu CC is offering the most advanced training ever offered.

“We have developed new curriculum in hybrid and electric vehicle technology that meets the auto industry demands for highly trained technicians, especially in the emerging sector of hybrid and electric vehicle repair and maintenance,” shares Steve Auerbach, director of at Honolulu CC.

Participants will be able to gain valuable hands on technical experience working on hybrid and electric vehicles using specialized equipment.

The course is designed to give an overview on:

• Shop safety, proper procedures and basic maintenance for EV/Hybrid vehicles
• Proper handling of basic hand tools and high voltage equipment
• Identification of safety equipment required in electrical systems environment
• Technical service information and vehicle maintenance

Additional course information

EV/Hybrid Safety and Fundamentals, valued at $739, is being offered this summer only at a special rate of $395. Students must be 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.

• Dates: June 16–July 2 (9 meetings)
• Days: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
• Time: 6–9 p.m.

These courses were developed as part of the , better known as .

For more information on how to register, call (808) 845-9296.

—By Billie Lueder

Hawaiʻi’s best auto technology high school students gathered for the first time at Honolulu Community College for the 2015 on Saturday, April 25 at .

“We are excited to welcome back the competition to our campus. These high school students gained valuable experience testing their current knowledge base and working together as a team. These are our future students and eventually future technicians,” says Bert Shimabukuro, professor of the at Honolulu CC.

The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Challenge is a nationwide automotive technology competition for high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing careers as automotive service technicians. The competition tests students’ automotive knowledge, workmanship and problem-solving abilities with a written test and a hands-on race against the clock to diagnose and properly repair an intentionally “bugged” vehicle, prepared by current Honolulu CC automotive students. 

The industry remains one of the nation’s in-demand and well-paying careers. The competition is sponsored by AAA Hawaiʻi as a part of its efforts to attract more young adults to the profession. Six student teams from four high schools competed, according to competition chairman Avo Asdourian of AAA Hawaiʻi:

1^st Place
Maui High School
Instructor—Shannon Rowe
Students—David Casayuran and Joseph Burger

2^nd Place
Maui High School
Instructor—Julio Bayez
Students—Edgar Pollante and Joey Lee

3^rd Place
Lahainaluna High School
Instructor—Jay Ramos
Students—Ravin Ah Puck and Josiah Miguel

4^th Place
King Kekaulike High School
Instructor—Matt Doty I
StudentsJustin Jose and Shane Fernandez

5^th Place
King Kekaulike High School
Instructor—Petar Kovacic
Students—Noah Borling and Troy Evans

6^th Place
Millilani High School
Instructor—Curtiss Hinden
Students—Brandon Yoshio Kalama Kobayashi and Dylan Kahiwalani Kawada

The winning state team will travel to the 2015 national championship this summer at the Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. Millions of dollars in scholarships and prizes will be up for grabs for top finishers at the national championship.

See photos from the competition

Photos from .

—By Billie Lueder

For the fourth year in a row, welcomed back students from Kadan Automotive Technical College from Sendai, Japan. Their visit consisted of a tour of Honolulu’s automotive and diesel programs. Seven of the Kadan students stayed back to spend a day and a half learning along side Honolulu’s automotive students.

“The students reviewed fuel diagnosis and conducted a lab session. We reviewed suspension system diagnosis using a frequency recorder. They had a lab session and were able to perform alignment, front suspension repair, noise diagnosis and wheel bearing service. It was a very busy, but rewarding two days,” shared Warren Takata, Honolulu CC instructor.

In 2011, a team of students and faculty from Kadan visited Honolulu CC in hopes of entering into an educational exchange between the two schools in the area of automotive technology. A few days after the signing the college experienced the horrific events of the earthquake and tsunami that devastated the Tohoku region. Several of the Kadan students, who were still on island during the tragedy, lost their families and homes. Upon their return to Sendai, Kadan took full responsibility of the two students, and further strengthened the partnership between the two schools.

Each year Kadan sends a group of students and faculty to visit the Honolulu CC facility. “This partnership benefits both of our students. They learn about each other’s culture and each country’s approach to learning automotive technology as well as the equipment and facility they train at. New friendships are formed, and with smart phone technology—Google translation and even YouTube—students are able to converse with much more ease,” says Takata.

Honolulu CC will fly a few students to Sendai to learn at the Kadan facility for a week this summer with the support from and .

To see more photos from the visit go to .

—By Billie Lueder

Two of Leeward Community College’s majors were selected for Grainger’s Tools for Tomorrow® scholarship program. Vincent Niotta and Ryan Abella each received a $2,000 scholarship to assist with completion of their academic studies.

, a local distributor of products used to maintain, repair or operate facilities, offers the scholarship for tuition and books to 250 outstanding students each year who are earning associate’s degrees or certificates in skilled trade and public safety programs at 125 community colleges across the country. Niotta and Abella are the only students in the state to be selected.

Grainger is proud to partner with community colleges and help students get the education and resources they need to successfully join the workforce. Students also receive a customized Westward® toolkit upon graduation to jump start their career.

“We are especially grateful to Grainger for their strong commitment to our career and technical programs,” said Leeward CC Chancellor Manny Cabral. “These scholarship awards meet a critical need for our students as the price of books and tools continue to increase. It’s an honor to have the our automotive students represent the state of Hawaiʻi.”

—By Kathleen Cabral

On July 18, 2014, eight high school students were recognized in a special ceremony celebrating the completion of the 11th Hawaiʻi High School Auto Academy at .

The auto academy targets high school students interested in the automotive industry. The students participated in an unpaid internship at a Cutter dealership in the mornings, then attended classes at Honolulu CC in the afternoon, five days a week for six weeks to total 120 classroom hours. Upon successful completion of the program the students received four college credits towards an associates of applied science degree in .

“This program not only exposes high school students to the automotive industry, but it gives them a unique opportunity to experience a college level learning environment,” explains Honolulu CC Chancellor Erika Lacro. “We are teaching them transferable skills that will translate in any workplace.”

The innovative summer program began as a collaborative partnership between Honolulu Community College, , Waipahu High School and the in response to a shortage of trained workers in the automotive technology industry.

“We are grateful for the generous monetary contribution from First Hawaiian Bank to continue this program, and are thankful to our partners at the Cutter Automotive Group for giving these students a valuable internship experience,” says Automotive Instructor Warren Takata. Since the program’s inception in 2004, the bank has contributed over $125,000, which covers the cost of tuition, tools and supplies.

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