University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 football and basketball statistician Nelson Tokuhama has been named the recipient of the 2025 Charlie Ushijima Award for dedicated and unselfish service to 糖心Vlog官方 Athletics.

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

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

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

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

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

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At the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Marcy Martinez is helping haum膩na (students) find their path long before graduation.

Martinez, director of , has been named the 2026 State Internship School-Based Coordinator of the Year by the Hawaiʻi State Workforce Development Council (WDC). She received the award at the inaugural Hawaiʻi Internship Summit on Oʻahu.

“Our mission is to help our students along their academic journey, connect that experience with their career goals and their career successes, but it has to be defined by them,” said Martinez. “We really want to take students through their journey, freshmen all the way to senior, and not just have it be a last-minute knee-jerk reaction in senior year.”

Martinez leads 糖心Vlog官方 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 , where the focus is simple, meet haum膩na where they are.

“Marcy is enthusiastic. She鈥檚 entirely student-based,” said Christine Beaule, director of 糖心Vlog官方 System Workforce Development, who nominated Martinez for the award. “She works incredibly hard, and every time I have asked her to partner with me on a variety of initiatives, she is the first one to say, ‘Yes!’”

Skills that last

Her team connects students with jobs, internships and hands-on learning. The goal is to build skills that last.

“Through practical experience and opportunities, students will gain knowledge and the ability to identify transferable skills,” Martinez said. “As career agility is becoming even more important in today鈥檚 world, it is required to have the ability to adapt quickly.”

That approach is making an impact statewide.

“What we鈥檙e really trying to achieve is to have our next generation live in Hawaiʻi that they can enjoy, they can learn, they can work, they can thrive, and they can belong to,” said Bennette Misalucha, executive director of WDC for Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Confidence, balance

Haum膩na at 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo see it firsthand.

Pohaku Roby, a senior majoring in , works at the center and expressed the experience has helped build both confidence and balance.

“I didn鈥檛 know that I was able to do public speaking and do class presentations with Marcy, but she helped me find that passion, and I enjoyed it,” said Roby.

For Martinez, the work continues one student, one step at a time.

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The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 baseball team celebrated legendary head coach following a 4鈥�2 win over Wichita State on February 20.

A sold-out Les Murakami Stadium saw the man who built the program from nothing into a national powerhouse take his place among college baseball’s all-time greats.

The winningest coach in school history and the namesake for the home of Rainbow Warrior baseball, Les Murakami Stadium, he built the program up from nothing into a national powerhouse over his 30-year coaching career that he finished with a record of 1,079-570-4. He took the program to 10 NCAA Regionals and won six Western Athletic Conference titles. He led the ‘Bows to their only College World Series appearance in 1980, in which they came one win shy of a national title.

More than 50 of Murakami’s former players, assistant coaches and staff members attended his induction into the College Baseball Hall Of Fame. Derek Tatsuno, a 2007 Hall Of Fame inductee, and Gene Stephenson, former Wichita State coach and long-time rival and friend of Murakami, welcomed the coach into the Hall Of Fame at the end of the pregame program.

糖心Vlog官方 the for a full video of the pregame ceremony honoring Murakami.

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The (RC糖心Vlog官方) recognized 18 employees in November for exemplary contributions to their research projects.

“RC糖心Vlog官方 is extremely proud of all of these outstanding employees who support cutting-edge and innovative research being done at the 糖心Vlog官方 and throughout our state,” said RC糖心Vlog官方 Executive Director Leonard Gouveia. “The success of academic research depends on dedicated and hardworking professionals like these RC糖心Vlog官方 employees who elevate and impact the projects they support.”

Researcher/Project Manager category

1st place: Ceci Rodriguez Cruz—ORE SMART Cable Project, 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa (SOEST)

2nd place: Christian Tai Udovicic—Planetary Science, SOEST

Honorable mentions:

• Robert Kekaianiani Irwin—Laupaʻi Aʻe ka ʻIke Kuamoʻo,
• Johannes Achim Stoessl—General AntiParticle Spectrometer Project, 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa

Project Support Staff category

1st place: Casey TeBeest, 糖心Vlog官方 , WRRC American Samoa Hydrology Network

2nd place: Dylan Boeman–Sabine Lab, SOEST

Team category

1st place: Hua Zhong and Shuai Liu, Cancer Epidemiology Program,

2nd place: Peter Oshiro, Ryan Chilson, Sally Lau and Derek Kubo—Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Honorable mentions:

• Helene Meehl, Andrew Kramer, Sydney Lewandowski and Nicolo Cohen—Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration Nursery,
• Yumi Nagayoshi, Marybeth Young and Jan Stoos—Maunakea Shared Services, 糖心Vlog官方

The university service orders extramural contracts and grants to RC糖心Vlog官方, which assists with hiring personnel and procuring goods/services to support research, development, and training throughout the state. These awards highlight the vital work RC糖心Vlog官方 employees perform daily to advance the university鈥檚 goal of diversifying Hawaiʻi鈥檚 economy through innovation and research.

Members from the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 (SOEST) and (JABSOM) were featured in the new documentary , which premiered at the 45th Hawaiʻi International Film Festival (HIFF) on October 23, 2025.

Contributing to the film were several leading oceanographers from SOEST including Jeff Drazen (professor), Jamison Gove (alumni and research affiliate), Nikolai Maximenko (senior researcher), Margaret McManus (chairwoman of the Department of Oceanography and director of the Uehiro Center for the Advancement of Oceanography), and Jonathan Whitney (alumni, former postdoctoral researcher, and research affiliate); and a scientist at JABSOM鈥檚 , Rodrigo Weingrill. The 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 experts joined filmmakers, professional athletes, and community partners at the festival for the premiere of KULEANA.

Weingrill was selected for the film for his research on microplastics, including studies showing an accumulation of microplastics in human placentas in Hawaiʻi. The film highlights that plastic pollution has become a human health concern.

A central scene follows professional surfer Kai Lenny as Weingrill鈥檚 team tests his blood, finding 33 microplastic particles in just 2 milliliters. With an average adult having about five liters of blood, Weingrill estimated that Lenny would have “around 80,000 particles in all his blood.”

Related 糖心Vlog官方 News story: Rise of microplastics discovered in placentas of Hawaiʻi mothers

“I think the message is to educate our communities to prevent this exposure,” Weingrill said. He suggested making small lifestyle changes such as using glass or stainless-steel containers instead of plastic, to reduce how much plastic we take in every day.

Reflecting on his experience being featured in the film, he added, “I never expected that, I never wished that, to tell you the truth. I always wanted to do good science to help people.” He credited collaborators Johann Urschitz, Men-Jean Lee, Steve Ward and the Department of OB-GYN & Women鈥檚 Health for supporting the research.

“We鈥檙e trying to do something good for everybody and that鈥檚 the everyday goal鈥攖o help our communities, to help our people, to have a healthier life, live longer and have a really happy everyday routine,” he said.

KULEANA was directed and produced by Georgia Scott and narrated by Woody Harrelson. HIFF will also screen the documentary on November 1, at and on November 9 and 15, on Maui.

“KULEANA powerfully captures how plastic pollution is infiltrating the lives of ocean animals, with Hawaiʻi standing at an epicenter of this global crisis,” said Whitney, marine ecologist at NOAA, who co-led a study with Gove and McManus showing that prey-sized plastics are invading larval fish nurseries. “Our research revealed an invisible threat at the foundation of ocean food webs, and it鈥檚 an honor to collaborate with talented filmmakers who can bring these scientific stories to life for the world to see.”

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A University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 academic advisor earned international recognition for outstanding contributions to student success. Jordan Abanto was one of three recipients of the , a professional organization that supports academic advisors and promotes effective advising in higher education.

Abanto, who is an undergraduate academic advisor in 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 , was recognized for providing personalized guidance to students, supporting their academic planning and promoting their overall success through College of Natural Sciences advising programs. The honor places Abanto among a select group of advisors acknowledged for excellence in the profession.

“Receiving this award is both humbling and motivating,” Abanto said. “Academic advising is about more than helping students pick classes—it鈥檚 about listening, understanding their goals and guiding them to opportunities that help them thrive. I鈥檓 grateful to be part of a community that prioritizes student success and development.”

The award honors early-career advisors who demonstrate exceptional skill and impact in guiding students through their academic journeys. NACADA鈥檚 Global Awards Program, established in 1983, highlights individuals and institutions that make significant contributions to the field of academic advising.

“Jordan鈥檚 dedication, empathy and expertise make a real difference in the lives of our students,” said Stephanie Kraft-Terry, College of Natural Sciences interim director of advising. “This recognition is well-deserved and highlights the individual contributions that contribute to the strength of our Student Academic Success Center in the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa College of Natural Sciences.”

NACADA鈥檚 awards program also honored experienced advisors, faculty advisors and administrators, as well as exemplary advising programs.

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

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

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

The University of Hawaiʻi named Ivan Hartison as the 2025 recipient of the President鈥檚 Award for Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance.

Hartison was honored for his vital work at the Isabella Aiona Abbott Life Sciences Building at 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补. He plays an important role in high-level research spaces, including BSL-2 labs and endangered species insectaries, where he helps ensure safety, sanitation and the protection of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 natural resources.

Beyond his daily duties, Hartison is known for going above and beyond, whether helping students recover endangered Hawaiian flies, lending a hand with heavy lifting or stepping in to support colleagues.

Through his commitment to his job at 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补, Hartison earned the respect from both peers and students, embodying the spirit of teamwork and service at the University of Hawaiʻi.

Established in 1986, the President鈥檚 Award for Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance recognizes a 糖心Vlog官方 system employee who exemplifies dedication and excellence in supporting campus facilities.

The University of 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 Roy Suda, Carol Oshiro and Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program have been selected as the university鈥檚 nominees for the Governor鈥檚 Awards for Distinguished State Service. The award honors the state鈥檚 executive branch employees and managers who exemplify the highest caliber of public service and dedication to serving the people of Hawaiʻi.

Manager of the Year: Roy Suda

Roy Suda demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment through 31 years as an IT manager in enrollment management. Those who nominated him noted that he fosters accountability and timely project completion through excellent management, while empowering his team to high engagement. He is dedicated to ensuring data security and fostering community involvement in cybersecurity.

From ensuring the seamless operation of critical enrollment systems to spearheading innovative projects that directly benefit students and the institution, Suda鈥檚 exceptional management, drive for innovation and unwavering commitment to data security underscore his profound impact. His leadership has not only elevated the IT infrastructure but has also significantly contributed to the university鈥檚 overall effectiveness and the success of its students.

Suda is a leader who cultivates a culture of excellence by leading by example, demonstrating an exceptional work ethic and fostering a supportive and innovative environment. He is a dedicated mentor who invests in his team’s professional growth and encourages self-advancement and career progression opportunities.

His ability to effectively balance critical priorities demonstrates management excellence. He ensures that vital systems supporting critical departments are up-to-date, and vulnerabilities are promptly addressed.

Employee of the Year: Carol Oshiro

Carol Oshiro is the strategic initiatives manager of the 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 (CTAHR) and is instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of the dean’s office. Oshiro has dedicated more than 20 years to CTAHR, beginning as a student assistant during her undergraduate studies. Throughout her tenure, she has led numerous initiatives that significantly enriched the academic experience for students, fostering collaborative projects and mentorship programs.

Oshiro is the chief designer and implementer of CTAHR鈥檚 exemplary Shared Services unit, which has filled the gap created by the loss of more than 10 staff positions in various departments and county offices. The Shared Services unit addresses the urgent need for streamlined fiscal processes, ensuring no critical financial functions are neglected.

Oshiro implemented CTAHR鈥檚 new scholarship procedures to improve efficiency. She played a pivotal role in awarding more than $1.2 million in scholarships over the past five years; many of these scholarships were neglected prior to her arrival, enhancing accessibility to education for countless students.

She also redesigned recruitment materials to increase awareness of CTAHR鈥檚 academic programs and boost student enrollment鈥攈elping to increase undergraduate enrollment by 2.5% and graduate enrollment by 6%.

Team of the Year: CTAHR鈥檚 Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program

The (SOAP) at 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 has achieved remarkable success in advancing sustainable agriculture. They secured more $4.5 million in grants, enabling innovative projects that improve soil health and crop quality. The team is comprised of Theodore Radovich, Amjad Ahmad, Rosemary Gutierrez-Coarite, Emilie R. Kirk, Eric Collier, Jari Sugano, Jennifer Hawkins, Jensen Uyeda, Joshua Silva, Kylie Wong, Lara Kalilimoku and Sharon Motomura-Wages.

Through partnerships with local organizations, SOAP trains more than 200 farmers annually, enhancing local food systems. Their hands-on workshops and educational resources support both novice and experienced growers. The program鈥檚 efforts have led to economic growth, reduced agricultural input costs and improved environmental resilience. By integrating research and community engagement, SOAP exemplifies a commitment to sustainability in Hawaiʻi.

SOAP鈥檚 applied research includes pioneering work on replacing imported fertilizers, improving soil health and selecting varieties for dozens of high-value and culturally significant crops, such as sweet potato, taro and turmeric. Research-based, place-specific resources on cover cropping, organic pest control, composting and soil health management have also been developed.

The program supports Student Organic Farm Training (SOFT), GoFarm and Master Gardener programs, as well as the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau and the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union. SOFT also holds hands-on training programs and facilitates strategic partnership-building with local non-profits, schools and government agencies.

University of 糖心Vlog官方 (PCATT) Director Dan Doerger has been named a 2025 Workforce Development Hero by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR). The annual awards recognize outstanding individuals and organizations for their leadership in advancing workforce opportunities across the islands.

As director of PCATT, Doerger oversees workforce development in technology sectors across 糖心Vlog官方’s seven community colleges. He collaborates with industry leaders, faculty and staff in both credit and non-credit programs to assess workforce needs, design training and upskilling opportunities, and create statewide pathways—from K–12 to post-secondary to apprenticeships to career—for student and worker success.

A lifelong educator with more than three decades of teaching experience in secondary schools and at the university level, Doerger previously served as director of workforce innovation in the 糖心Vlog官方 Community Colleges system.

“Each of this year’s Workforce Development Heroes has gone above and beyond in creating pathways to opportunity,” said Workforce Development Council Executive Director Bennette Misalucha. “Their efforts have empowered individuals, strengthened communities and contributed to the overall resilience and competitiveness of Hawaiʻi’s workforce.”

Doerger was one of two recipients from Oʻahu, along with Julie Morikawa, founder and president of ClimbHI. Other 2025 Workforce Development Heroes are: Katie Taladay, director of workforce development at the Maui Economic Development Board (Maui); Jackie Kaina, executive director of the Kauaʻi Economic Development Board (Kauaʻi); Clinton Mercado, executive director of the Hawaiʻi Workforce Development Board (Hawaiʻi Island); and Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Daniel Iaela of the Hawaiian Council (formerly Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement).

The honorees will be recognized at the Future of Work 2025 Conference on September 24, at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi.