Five prominent Hawaiʻi donors and organizations are making a transformative $5-million commitment to the via the to support name, image and likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes and help ensure the long-term success and national relevance of 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa Athletics.

The commitment will provide $1 million annually over the next five years for NIL support, helping 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa retain homegrown talent, recruit high-level student-athletes and provide equitable, Title IX-compliant opportunities across sports in an increasingly competitive Division I athletics environment. It will also strengthen a program that generates statewide pride, visibility and meaningful economic impact for Hawaiʻi.

The five contributors, each committing $200,000 annually for five years, are Bank of Hawaiʻi, First Hawaiian Bank, Matson, and longtime 糖心Vlog官方 supporters and community leaders Jack Tsui and Walter Dods.

“This extraordinary commitment reflects something that has always made Hawaiʻi special: people who deeply believe in 糖心Vlog官方 and understand the important role athletics plays in bringing our community together,” said 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa Director of Athletics Matt Elliott. “College athletics has changed, and our objective is to adapt in a way that reflects the values of this university and our state. Our goal is to build a stable, student-centered foundation that supports academic success, competitive excellence and responsible NIL opportunities while ensuring 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa remains ‘Our Team, Hawaiʻi鈥檚 Team.’”

Changing college athletics landscape

As NIL compensation has become a standard component of Division I athletics nationwide, universities across the country—including every member of the Mountain West Conference, which 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa will officially join as a full member on July 1—have committed significant resources to support student-athletes. University leaders estimate 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa needs approximately $5 million annually in NIL support to remain competitive in the Mountain West and on the national stage.

糖心Vlog官方 Athletics has united Hawaiʻi communities during moments of triumph in just the last year—from the men鈥檚 volleyball national championship and men鈥檚 basketball鈥檚 return to the NCAA Tournament after winning the Big West title, to football鈥檚 thrilling Hawaiʻi Bowl victory over Cal before a sold-out crowd at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex and a national television audience that peaked at 3 million viewers.

University leaders say those moments of shared pride underscore the broader value athletics brings to Hawaiʻi: creating connection, visibility and economic impact beyond campus. A 2015 study by the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa Shidler College of Business, based on a $35 million athletics budget at the time, found 糖心Vlog官方 Athletics generated $66 million in direct spending, produced $128 million in statewide business sales, generated approximately $7 million in tax revenue and supported more than 860 jobs across Hawaiʻi. An updated economic impact study evaluating the department鈥檚 current contribution to the state economy is nearing completion and expected by the end of August.

Beyond its statewide impact, athletics creates meaningful educational opportunities, with nearly 500 student-athletes participating in 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa programs and more than 170 degrees earned by student-athletes last year.

Hawaiʻi leaders unite behind 糖心Vlog官方 Athletics

The donors said they recognize college athletics has fundamentally changed and believe Hawaiʻi must adapt to ensure local student-athletes can continue representing their home state at the highest levels. Several said broader support—from the private sector, community and eventually the state—will be needed to ensure 糖心Vlog官方 remains competitive nationally.

Longtime 糖心Vlog官方 Athletics partner Jim Polk, president and chief executive officer of Bank of Hawaiʻi, said the new commitment builds on the bank鈥檚 longstanding support for 糖心Vlog官方 student-athletes and the broader university community.

“Bank of Hawaiʻi has proudly supported 糖心Vlog官方 Athletics for many years because we believe in the important role it plays in developing student leaders and bringing our communities together,” Polk said. “This commitment builds on that longstanding partnership and helps ensure 糖心Vlog官方 student-athletes have the resources to succeed in a changing collegiate athletics environment. 糖心Vlog官方 student-athletes represent the best of Hawaiʻi, and supporting them strengthens opportunities for young people while fostering pride across our state.”

Bob Harrison, chairman, president and chief executive officer of First Hawaiian Bank, said the university鈥檚 athletics program represents Hawaiʻi in ways that extend far beyond wins and losses.

“First Hawaiian Bank has long supported the University of Hawaiʻi because of the important role it plays in developing future leaders and strengthening our communities,” Harrison said. “Athletics is an important part of the university experience, creating opportunities for student-athletes while helping foster pride, engagement and visibility for the university. We are proud to support 糖心Vlog官方 and invest in the success of its student-athletes, helping create opportunities for them to grow as leaders while representing our university and our state.”

Matt Cox, chairman and CEO of Matson, said creating a competitive NIL program at 糖心Vlog官方 is needed to help keep local student athletes in Hawaiʻi.

“University of Hawaiʻi is a pillar of our community, and it鈥檚 critical that it remains competitive at the highest levels,” Cox said. “Today, that requires establishing a strong NIL foundation that will help 糖心Vlog官方 attract and retain top local talent, and we need to start now.”

Jack Tsui, longtime 糖心Vlog官方 supporter and chair of the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation and former First Hawaiian Bank president said that the private sector has an important role to play in assisting the 糖心Vlog官方 athletics department to continue to be competitive.

“My wife Frances and I are honored to participate in the fundraising project for NIL,” said Tsui. “We hope that our commitment will encourage other donors, large and small, 糖心Vlog官方 supporters, business and community leaders to stand up and be counted so that 糖心Vlog官方 can continue to be competitive and thrive.”

Walter Dods, former chief executive officer of First Hawaiian Bank and one of the university鈥檚 most prolific philanthropic supporters, said the changing landscape of college athletics requires Hawaiʻi to act.

“People can certainly have different opinions about whether college athletes should be compensated, but the reality is already here,” Dods said. “Every school we compete against is investing in NIL, and if we want Hawaiʻi teams to remain competitive and our student-athletes to stay home, then we—the state, the private sector and the broader community—need to step up in some way. We understand the pressures on the Legislature and that everyone is asking for support. That is part of why the five of us decided to act now and help create a foundation others can build on.”

Building a foundation for the future

Without a stable NIL foundation, 糖心Vlog官方 leaders say the university risks losing local talent, widening recruiting gaps and falling behind in a rapidly evolving Division I athletics landscape.

糖心Vlog官方 President Wendy Hensel said the $5-million commitment provides an important foundation for 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa Athletics, while emphasizing that broader support will ultimately be needed to sustain long-term success.

“We are deeply grateful to Bank of Hawaiʻi, First Hawaiian Bank, Matson, Jack Tsui and Walter Dods for stepping forward with this extraordinary commitment to our student-athletes and the future of 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa Athletics,” Hensel said. “College athletics has fundamentally changed, and this investment helps ensure 糖心Vlog官方 can continue to retain Hawaiʻi student-athletes and remain competitive while creating benefits that extend well beyond campus—from student success and statewide pride to the significant economic impact for our state.”

Elliott said the commitment represents a strong start, but emphasized continued investment will be critical to building long-term success.

“I genuinely believe we are only scratching the surface of what 糖心Vlog官方 Athletics can become,” Elliott said. “If we build this foundation the right way—with support from philanthropy, corporate partners and ultimately the state—we can retain local student-athletes, compete at a high level and continue creating opportunities for student-athletes who want to stay home, earn their degrees and represent Hawaiʻi the right way.”

Elliott added that 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa Athletics plans to launch a new giving society later this year to honor the individuals and organizations helping strengthen opportunities for student-athletes and support the department鈥檚 long-term future.

“The five leadership commitments announced today serve as an inspiring foundation for the giving society and underscore the momentum building for Our Team, Hawaiʻi鈥檚 Team.”

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instructor Ian Kekaimalu Isami Lee has sailed far and wide aboard the vessel Hōkūleʻa. Now, the and alumnus uses the experiences gained on open waters in his class on the basic principles and theories of modern non-instrument navigation, the same navigation used on the Hōkūleʻa.

“It brings a lot of context for my students because when we talk about things or when I try to explain things to them,” Lee said. “I tell them stories of things that I have personally experienced. That brings it to life for them, and it makes it easier for them to understand the concepts.”

After graduating from Leeward CC with an associate鈥檚 degree in liberal arts in 2011, Lee enrolled at 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补. In 2014 Lee sailed from Samoa to Aotearoa and in 2017 from Tahiti to Hawaiʻi aboard Hōkūleʻa.

His master鈥檚 thesis revolved around voyaging and canoe culture. The journeys were instrumental in his growth as a person and navigator, allowing him to share experiences with his ancestors who crossed the sea thousands of years prior. Lee earned bachelor鈥檚 (2014) and master驶s (2017) degrees in Hawaiian studies.

Community on campus

It was not always smooth sailing. After spending his first semester skipping classes, Lee says he found community at Leeward CC. This inspired him to engage more in his studies and take advantage of free tutoring and other support.

“I just found myself having a blast and learning along the way,” said Lee. “It was the community that I surrounded myself with. We had the program Hālau ʻIke O Puʻuloa, which is now known as Kīpuka, Native Hawaiian Student Services. There were so many people who created a very comfortable environment. That made me not want to leave.”

Lee remembers being greeted with a smile and treated with aloha on campus, which felt like a home away from home. Now, he tries to encourage his students to build community.

“My students do their course in groups, they do everything as a group,” Lee said. “I try to shift their thinking to a broader, global thinking that all of our actions are interconnected and affect each other. If we all thought that way, I think this world would be a much better place.”

Watching his grandson Marco shag balls at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex football field, Mark Robison looks beyond the game to envision a future. During a recent walk around the 惭腻苍辞补 campus he asked Marco where he might want to go to college. The sixth grader quickly replied, “probably 糖心Vlog官方.”

That simple answer reframed something for Robison. Inspired by Marco—and by granddaughter Bianca, a dedicated ʻIolani volleyball player—he began supporting 糖心Vlog官方 women鈥檚 volleyball and athletics more broadly.

“This is my way of showing up for Bianca and acknowledging the sport that she is so dedicated to,” he said.

Even as he looks toward the future, Robison鈥檚 heart remains tethered to a gritty, golden era of 糖心Vlog官方 football that began with an unexpected phone call decades ago.

From West Point to Waiʻanae

Growing up in a low-income household in Washington state, Robison had his life mapped out for him by his father: attend West Point, serve four years and land a job on Wall Street.

糖心Vlog官方 defensive coordinator Larry Price had a different plan.

To this day, Robison has “no idea how he found him,” but Price鈥檚 recruitment pitch worked. Robison turned down West Point to play for the then 糖心Vlog官方 鈥楤ows, a decision that upset his father so much he refused to speak to him for a year.

“He was one of those working-class guys who always wanted better for his kids,” Robison said. “He was firm and stubborn in what he thought was best for me.”

Robison arrived in the islands as an outsider in 1973, but he didn’t stay one for long—especially since his mother was born on a plantation in Lahaina. The weekend before classes even began, some local teammates invited him to a three-day wedding party in Waiʻanae. Robison recalls the reception vividly, specifically the “aunties” who didn’t hold back.

“You鈥檙e a football player?” Robison recalled. “You must be the punter because you look like one skinny kid.”

Hard Lessons, Lasting Loyalty

Robison credits much of his later success to his time under coaches Larry Price and Rick Blangiardi. Practices were intense, and Blangiardi was known to deliver high-decibel commands on the line of scrimmage. While the practices were grueling, Robison remains grateful for that level of pressure.

“They taught me about loyalty, commitment, hard work, perseverance and discipline,” he said.

Today, Robison is a “true believer” that 糖心Vlog官方 football can compete at the top level. However, he acknowledges the landscape has shifted from the olden days. He points to the challenges of the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) era, noting that it takes strategy to keep key players—such as a quarterback or wide receiver—from transferring to schools raising millions in NIL funds. To support 糖心Vlog官方‘s NIL program, Robison recently contributed $270K.

“It鈥檚 an honor to be a 鈥楤ow,” Robison said, “and my continued support is give from the heart.”

Read more at the .

—By Simplicio Paragas

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

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

“I think graduating from ”糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 was the perfect transition into adulthood,” said Takashiba. “[I] did internships, I was able to get a job pretty easily, and I couldn鈥檛 be more thankful for the people I met.”

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

Building a local business

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

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

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

Rooted in Hilo

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

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

Students are finding support, community and success at 鈥檚 new John Morton Welcome Center. Located in the ʻIliahi Building, the center is a dedicated hub bringing together resources and gathering space to foster connection. The opening ceremony in March drew almost 100 attendees, including students, faculty, alumni, donors and community partners.

‘The Welcome Center supports my overall well-being by offering a variety of spaces and resources for students,’ said student Kiera Kanoa-Faalafua. ‘Whether it鈥檚 finding community, connecting with others, studying or just taking time for myself, it鈥檚 all in one place. It really feels like a community where I can be supported mentally, physically and academically.’

Student Kevin Likiak added, ‘It鈥檚 a place for students before they go to their classes. It鈥檚 a good space to get introduced to the different programs that we have to support students, like the First-Year Experience and the Kapoʻoloku (Native Hawaiian student success) programs.’

Highlighting the Lunalilo Scholars

Named in honor of the late University of Hawaiʻi Vice President John Morton, the center recognizes his legacy and contributions to the 糖心Vlog官方 Community Colleges and Kapiʻolani CC.

The opening also highlighted donors Lester and Marian Kaneta鈥檚 ongoing support of the , which helps non-college bound students to transform their lives through education.

Lunalilo Scholars Program Director LaVach茅 Scanlan said the center represents a promise to students that they belong at the college and is guided by the college鈥檚 namesake Queen Kapiʻolani and the spirit of Kūlia I Ka Nuʻu (strive for the highest).

‘We want every person who walks onto this campus to feel supported, connected and part of our ʻohana as they work toward their goals,’ Scanlan said. ‘This center also represents our kuleana (responsibility) to those who came before us and to those who continue to assist our students, like the Kanetas, in not only accessing college but being successful here.’

To support the program, visit the Lunalilo Scholarship or contact Aja Grande at Aja.Grande@uhfoundation.org.

The typical stress of a college semester paled in comparison to the sudden and frightening circumstances Nina Kapuni faced when she had to quickly leave her Hawaiʻi Island home in 2024 with her young son, to protect them from circumstances that placed their safety at risk.

“It was a really difficult and overwhelming experience,” said Kapuni, a single mother currently pursuing her master鈥檚 in counseling psychology at 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo. “I realized we needed to leave right away to be safe.”

With no savings, Kapuni did not have the financial resources to secure stable housing. At the encouragement of a faculty member, she reached out to , which provides student support services, including access to emergency funding.

She applied for support and spoke with Sherri Akau, 糖心Vlog官方 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 acting senior director of student care and conduct. Within days, Kapuni learned her request had been approved.

‘Beyond being an advocate’

“Sherri started by taking the time to talk with me,” Kapuni said. “She really heard me and saw me when I couldn鈥檛 see myself. She went above and beyond being an advocate for me.”

Akau and Kaleb Matthews, interim coordinator for , are central to advancing student support services at 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo. They see firsthand how access to resources鈥攕uch as (which provides food, supplies, clothes and hygiene items) and emergency financial assistance鈥攃an help students to persist and succeed.

“Many students carry a deep sense of hesitation or discomfort when it comes to seeking support for basic needs,” said Akau. “An important part of our role is to help shift that perspective and remind students that reaching out for support is not a weakness, it is a courageous and necessary step toward continuing their education and overall well-being.”

Helping thousands of students

Demand has skyrocketed from 2,000 students who used the pantry in 2024 to 5,000 projected by the end of 2026. This led to a network of strategically placed “food hubs” across campus.

“Creating this food pantry network helps reduce that barrier by making food readily available in the spaces where students already gather, ensuring they have consistent access to something to eat throughout the day,” said Matthews.

Your gift to the helps ensure that unforeseen circumstances, such as Kapuni鈥檚, do not disrupt a student鈥檚 ability to persist and succeed.

Read more about 糖心Vlog官方 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 .

At the University of Hawaiʻi, Giving Day is a 24-hour fundraising event to support our 糖心Vlog官方 students and embrace the rich diversity and expansive reach of our university system.

At the (JABSOM), where more than 90% of students are awarded some form of scholarship, donors make a great impact in their journeys in medicine. For first-year medical student Emma Pinnow, that journey started with the ʻImi Hoʻ艒la Post Baccalaureate Program.

Read more 糖心Vlog官方 Giving Day stories

Ahead of a Giving Day appearance on Hawaiʻi News Now, JABSOM sat down with Pinnow.

Q: How did ʻImi Hoʻ艒la put you on a path to medicine?

I come from a family deeply rooted in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 public school system, so while education was always the priority, medicine was a brand-new endeavor for me. My dream was always to stay home, to be near family and learn to provide care specifically tailored to our people here in Hawaiʻi. ʻImi Hoʻ艒la, which means “those who seek to heal” in ʻ艑濒别濒辞 Hawaiʻi, was the bridge to that dream. It鈥檚 a rigorous 12-month journey, and completing it provided me with automatic admission to JABSOM. But more than just a seat in the class, it gave me the foundational competence and the unshakeable support system I needed.

I didn鈥檛 just gain knowledge, I gained a cohort, mentors and a community that believed in my potential when I was just starting out. What truly changed the trajectory for me was the generosity of our donors. I was fully prepared to take on a massive financial burden to pursue this path, but because of their support, my experience was tuition-free. This didn鈥檛 just save money, it gave me the gift of time and focus. Instead of juggling my studies with a job, I can dedicate 100% of my energy to the rigors of medical school. It only takes one group of people to believe in you to open a door. For me, that door was ʻImi Hoʻ艒la. It allowed me to show my potential and has put me on a path to serve the community that raised me.

Q: What are your goals in medicine?

I鈥檓 currently a little more than halfway through my first year, and honestly, it鈥檚 been very exciting. Every week I鈥檓 exposed to a new specialty or a different organ system, and I鈥檓 making it my goal to learn as much as I can and to lean into every opportunity to the fullest extent. While I haven’t settled on a specific specialty yet, I have settled on the where and the who. No matter what field I choose, I am committed to serving the people of Hawaiʻi. This is my home, and I truly can鈥檛 imagine being anywhere else.

Being Native Hawaiian, I am especially aware of the health disparities our community faces, particularly with cardiometabolic disease. One of my primary goals in medicine is to directly address these inequities. I want to take the education we receive here at JABSOM, which emphasizes culturally-competent care, and apply it in a way that resonates with our local population. Ultimately, my goal is to bridge the gap between high-level medical science and the unique cultural needs of our islands. Giving back to the community that raised me is my way of honoring where I come from.

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

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

Shiigi, a former 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa psychology student, runs and designs the resort women鈥檚 clothing brand Ten Tomorrow.

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

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

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

Supporting local businesses

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

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

After raising a family and building a decades-long career in the restaurant industry, Jerilyn “Jerry” Kanakanui decided it was finally time to pursue a lifelong dream: go to college. Getting to the classroom, though, was a daunting process.

As a mother of six who had never attended college, she remembered previous attempts where she tried to navigate the complex web of registration and financial aid, only to back out thinking, “Oh, no, it鈥檚 not for me.”

Read more 糖心Vlog官方 Giving Day stories

She enrolled in Hawaiʻi Community College in 2024, and credits programs such as the and the for helping her find her footing. Today, she gives back to the campus community by serving as a TRIO peer mentor to help other students navigate their own educational journeys, while also occasionally working next door at Kahuaʻola.

Struggling with the basics

“Many kids tell me they are grateful to have a resource like Kahuaʻola,” Kanakanui said. “Some of these students struggle with the basics, so when they can pick up a free bag of rice or a journal they need for classes, it really helps them a lot.”

Chancellor Susan Kazama said that learning cannot thrive when a student is worried about food, housing or other essential needs.

“As a kauhale (community), we are committed to supporting the whole person so our students can focus on their education, their families and their futures,” Kazama said.

Restoring hope

Kahuaʻola Coordinator Randiann Tokeshi assists roughly 48 students daily with essentials. Some grab a quick meal, while others need help applying for SNAP benefits, or finding healthcare, childcare and housing.

“Basic needs are more than just providing resources to our students. It’s really about restoring hope, dignity and the opportunity for students who may be facing some of the hardest moments in their lives,” Tokeshi said. ”Every meal that is shared, every referral that is made, every conversation where a student feels seen and supported can really change the trajectory of someone’s life.”

This , gifts to the help ensure students have the backing they need to stay enrolled and continue building their futures. Your support goes even further this year: Kazama is matching up to $1,000 in total donations to Hawaiʻi CC.

Read more about the and more Giving Day opportunities.

For non-traditional students such as Shantel Nomura, navigating the path to a degree can require immense dedication. Nomura, a Nānākuli native, works full-time for the County of Maui as a secretary for the boards and commissions, while raising a family of five and pursuing a degree in business administration at the 糖心Vlog官方 West Oʻahu.

Her journey began at 糖心Vlog官方 Maui College in 2001. She also took classes at Leeward and Windward CCs before life provided some detours. Then in 2024 she resumed her education at 糖心Vlog官方 Maui College. She has since transferred to 糖心Vlog官方 West Oʻahu, and is on pace to earn her bachelor’s degree in the fall of 2027, with plans to pursue a master’s degree.

Removing financial hurdles

For students juggling work and family, unexpected costs—such as an empty gas tank or mandatory textbook—can easily be the breaking point that forces them to drop out. This is why the Leeward CC Enrichment Fund, and others like it, exist. The fund has helped more than 70 students, including Nomura, cover everyday necessities—such as bus passes, gas and books—keeping temporary financial hurdles from turning into permanent roadblocks.

Read more 糖心Vlog官方 Giving Day stories

“Raising a family while working a full-time job and going back to school is not easy,” Nomura said. “The scariest thing about going back to school was thinking that I would be too old to learn again. But once school started, it just felt right. Without scholarships and a good support system from the counselors and staff, I wouldn’t be able to see my dream come to fruition.”

Supporting student success

For Carlos Pe帽aloza, current chancellor of Leeward CC and interim chancellor of 糖心Vlog官方 West Oʻahu, this financial support is an indispensable part of how the college serves its diverse student body.

“Donor support helps ensure our students have the resources they need to grow and thrive in a rapidly changing world,” Peñaloza said. “Gifts to the Leeward CC Enrichment Fund give campus officials the flexibility to respond quickly to students’ needs—supporting emergency assistance, experiential learning opportunities, campus activities, and the technology and materials that enhance learning. They help us create opportunities that support student success across our campus communities.”

Your Giving Day support is essential to keeping this lifeline strong for Leeward CC’s student body, which includes many first-generation and non-traditional learners. To make a gift, please visit the .

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The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 鈥� (TIM School) hosted its 24th annual Celebrate a Legacy in Tourism gala on March 31 at the ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach. As the largest fundraiser in support of TIM School student scholarships, the event raised more than $361,000 through the generous support of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 hospitality and business community.

This year鈥檚 celebration was especially meaningful as the TIM School celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026, honoring six decades of preparing leaders who shape Hawaiʻi鈥檚 visitor industry and the global travel economy.

“As we celebrate 60 years of the TIM School, this event reflects the strong partnership between our students and the industry they will soon lead,” said Vance Roley, dean of the Shidler College of Business and First Hawaiian Bank Chair of Leadership and Management. “The continued support from our community ensures that future graduates are equipped to advance a visitor industry that is innovative, responsible and grounded in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 culture and values.”

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

At the March 31 gala, the 2026 Legacy in Tourism Award was presented to Elliot Mills (BBA 鈥�93), CEO and managing partner of Hawaiʻi Hospitality Group. Mills was honored for his leadership and long-standing commitment to operational excellence, workforce development and strengthening Hawaiʻi鈥檚 hospitality sector.

Kylie Matsuda-Lum (BS 鈥�01), managing director of Kahuku Farms, was inducted into the TIM Alumni Hall of Honor. A proud TIM alumna, Matsuda-Lum has helped transform her family鈥檚 agricultural enterprise into a successful agritourism destination that connects visitors with local agriculture, sustainability and community.

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to ClimbHI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students explore career pathways and successfully transition from high school into post-secondary education and the workforce. Through industry partnerships and career readiness programs, ClimbHI plays a vital role in strengthening Hawaiʻi鈥檚 future workforce.

The 2026 presenting sponsors were Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa and Bank of Hawaii. Central Pacific Bank, First Hawaiian Bank, Kamehameha Schools and Marriott International served as contributing sponsors, and Daniel K. Hilton was a platinum sponsor. Hawaiʻi Business Magazine again returned as the media partner.

Support from sponsors, donors and community partners helps provide critical scholarship funding for students preparing for careers in hospitality, tourism and transportation. Since reunification with Shidler College in 2019, the school has:

• Introduced more than $1.5 million in new student scholarships
• Nearly doubled the size of the faculty
• Created six new faculty endowed fellowships and professorships
• Rising global and national rankings
• Increased undergraduate enrollment by 4.5% from 2024 to 2025
• Awarded more than $560,000 in scholarships during the 2025–26 academic year
• Enabled more than 90% of graduates to find employment or pursue graduate study within three months of graduation
• Established the TIM PhD program

To support the TIM School or Shidler College of Business, contact Jennifer Lieu, director of development, at jennifer.lieu@uhfoundation.org. .

The 糖心Vlog官方 Foundation is working closely with the University of Hawaiʻi to provide financial assistance for members of the 糖心Vlog官方 ʻohana who have been impacted by the recent severe flooding across the state.

The state is currently recovering from the worst flooding in 20 years—leading to widespread evacuation orders, power outages and more than 200 rescues across the islands. With officials estimating more than $1 billion in damages, the impact on local communities—including some 糖心Vlog官方 students, faculty and staff—has been devastating.

“Our 糖心Vlog官方 ʻohana is incredibly resilient, but the sheer scale of this devastation means they cannot recover alone,” said Tim Dolan, 糖心Vlog官方 Foundation CEO and 糖心Vlog官方 VP of Advancement. “We are calling on our community to come together and provide the urgent lifeline our students and colleagues need right now to get back on their feet.”

In the wake of this disaster, members of the 糖心Vlog官方 ʻohana are facing urgent, everyday challenges: finding a safe place to stay, securing a hot meal, and replacing basic day-to-day necessities. Furthermore, they are struggling to replace laptops, textbooks and other materials they rely on to stay in school.

“While our focus today is on immediate relief, we know that Hawaiʻi鈥檚 recovery will be lengthy,” said 糖心Vlog官方 President Wendy Hensel. “We are committed to supporting our 糖心Vlog官方 鈥榦hana for as long as it takes. Please join us. Every dollar you contribute will directly benefit our students, faculty and staff.”

The 糖心Vlog官方 Foundation emphasizes that the individuals impacted are students, colleagues and community members, and right now, they desperately need our immediate support to recover.

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If you need support

If you are a student who was impacted by the flooding and need support, please contact your campus vice chancellor for student affairs. To see campus specific contact information, expand the “Senior Student Affairs Officers” section. For 糖心Vlog官方 faculty and staff who were impacted by the flooding and need support, please email aluke@hawaii.edu in the 糖心Vlog官方 President鈥檚 Office.

The genesis of the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community began not in Kaka驶ako, but during a visit to a breast cancer specialist in Texas. There, Susan and Peter Hirano first heard about Naoto Ueno, who would soon become director of the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center.

After Ueno relocated to Hawaiʻi, the Hiranos connected with him, and Susan shared her vision: a supportive space where cancer patients, families and caregivers could access information, education and emotional support.

Read more 糖心Vlog官方 Giving Day stories

Diagnosed with stage-four metastatic breast cancer in October 2021, Susan immersed herself in research, exploring clinical trials and consulting with specialists at leading institutions.

“She had an intense and fierce determination to live,” Peter said. “So, in addition to researching the science of the disease, she explored other ways to supplement her medical treatments, from reiki massages and naturopathic treatments to acupuncture, meditation and diet.”

Empowering patients, building community

Susan brought that same determination to her medical appointments, encouraging patients to actively participate in their care. That philosophy became the foundation of the Cancer CARE Community—CARE representing Community, Awareness, Research and Emotional Well-Being.

Her vision became reality on April 5, 2025, when the 糖心Vlog官方 Cancer Center launched the program.

“I remember that she wasn’t feeling very well that morning,” Peter recalled. “But she told me, ‘Just get me there, and the people will lift me up.’”

During the inaugural workshop, Susan spoke for 25 minutes, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and asking questions. The event culminated in an emotional surprise: the program was officially named in her honor.

“She was blown away,” Peter said. “She had no idea that the team was going to name the program the ‘Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community.’ I am so proud of the legacy she has built.”

Less than two weeks later, on April 18, 2025, Susan passed away peacefully at home.

Sustaining the legacy on Giving Day

Today, the program continues her legacy, offering quarterly workshops that provide holistic support for patients, survivors and caregivers. More than 550 people have attended events so far, with many returning regularly.

“The event was ‘empowering’ to learn about the true value of empowerment––how to find peace with our situation, our thoughts and our choice,” commented one attendee in an evaluation survey.

More 糖心Vlog官方 News stories about Susan C. Hirano and her legacy

Community support is vital to help the CARE Community reach more cancer patients, families and caregivers across Hawaiʻi.

As the community comes together for 糖心Vlog官方 Giving Day, Peter wants potential donors to know that their contributions aren鈥檛 just abstract numbers.

Every gift, no matter the size, helps ensure the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community can continue providing trusted resources, connection and support for those facing cancer across Hawaiʻi—just as Susan envisioned.

about the Cancer CARE Community, make a gift and explore other Giving Day opportunities.

Chelstine “Kauʻi” Tavares, a University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu sophomore, and Norinna-Lynne Ili, a part-time student and full-time secretary, used to go hungry. Ili was accustomed to surviving busy days on “nothing but cough drops and free coffee.”

Both initially hesitated to ask for support. However, today they rely on the campus鈥� , to stock up on necessities on food distribution days, or from the Pueo Pantry. The growing need in the campus community is evident. About halfway through the current academic year (August 2025 to February 2026), the campus had distributed 7,915 pounds of food to 900 students.

“Having access to the pantry and the clothing closet means everything to me and my family,” said Ili. “With our rent going up, our budget is already stretched thin. So, it really makes a difference and it helps relieve a lot of stress.”

More than food

Kumu Ola also provides essential hygiene/menstrual products, loaner laptops/Wi-Fi hotspots, and free attire through the Pueo Closet.

Tavares, who now works as a student assistant for Kumu Ola, has empathy for distressed students.

Read more 糖心Vlog官方 Giving Day stories

“Many students initially feel a sense of shame when admitting they need help,” Tavares said. “But over time, they realize this food is for them, and they open up about their struggles. Seeing their gratitude when they realize they can feed their families is amazing.”

Helping students succeed

Kumu Ola addresses rising student food insecurity and financial instability, while also supporting the development and sustainment of a campus-wide basic needs support system so no member of the 糖心Vlog官方 West Oʻahu campus community has to choose between opportunity and stability.

“Drawing from my own experience as a student, there is tremendous satisfaction in helping our students remain on campus and achieve success,” said Kumu Ola Chair Loea Akiona. “We believe no student should have to choose between their education and their well-being.”

Donor support for the this ensures these resources remain available, allowing our community to thrive. .

The nation鈥檚 first professorship in advanced gynecological surgery at a major academic institution was established last year at the (JABSOM) at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补, expanding access to specialized care in Hawaiʻi.

Just months after arriving, Kimberly Kho is already advancing that effort. Kho joined JABSOM after building one of the nation鈥檚 leading programs in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Her work focuses on treating benign gynecologic diseases鈥攏oncancerous conditions that affect millions of women but can still be life-altering.

She is also helping train OBGYN residents in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as chronic pelvic pain, fibroids and endometriosis.

“These are benign diseases, meaning they鈥檙e not cancer,” Kho said. “But they can be completely debilitating.”

Addressing a critical gap in care

Conditions such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis are common and often severe. Fibroids affect an estimated 70 to 80% of women with a uterus, while endometriosis impacts about one in nine women.

For many patients in Hawaiʻi, access to specialized treatment has historically been limited, with some traveling to the mainland for advanced care.

“People were leaving the state to seek this kind of care or being presented with treatment options that didn鈥檛 honor their values, including more radical surgeries that would lead to loss of fertility,” Kho said. “Now we鈥檙e building the ability to provide those advanced, complex services here.”

Kho, who brings nearly two decades of experience, is working to build a multidisciplinary program that improves collaboration and expands awareness of these often misunderstood conditions.

“We have to educate our community, our patients and other healthcare providers,” she said.

Kho said Hawaiʻi already has the talent and expertise needed to support this work.

“What鈥檚 amazing is that the skill sets are already here,” she said. “The radiologists, pain specialists, physical therapists, they are all here. They just needed someone to help organize and bring those teams under the umbrella of multidisciplinary care together.”

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

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

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

Alumnus, business leader, philanthropist

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

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

Deep 糖心Vlog官方 support

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

His personal philanthropy includes a $5-million gift to support student innovation and entrepreneurship at 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补, resulting in the naming of the Walter Dods Jr. RISE Center, as well as a $1-million endowed scholarship supporting immigrant students and their children.

Dods has previously been recognized with the 糖心Vlog官方 Distinguished Alumni Award and the Shidler College of Business Hall of Honor Award.

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

A vital promise made to the students of Lahaina following the deadly 2023 wildfires has received a major infusion of support. A new $1.5-million gift from Jeff Bezos and Lauren S谩nchez Bezos ensures the University of Hawaiʻi can sustain full scholarships for Lahainaluna High School鈥檚 Class of 2024 through the 2026–27 academic year.

This scholarship support is part of a broader $3.5-million investment from the couple, which dedicates $2 million to land stewardship research aimed at preventing future wildfires on Maui.

In fall 2024, 157 students from the affected Lahainaluna High School class enrolled across six campuses: 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补, 糖心Vlog官方 West Oʻahu, 糖心Vlog官方 Maui College, and Hawaiʻi, Honolulu and Kapiʻolani Community Colleges. The new funding specifically targets the upcoming academic years, creating a financial bridge for students as they persist in their degrees or transfer from 糖心Vlog官方 community colleges to 糖心Vlog官方 four-year universities.

“We are deeply grateful to the generous donors whose support makes this possible,” said 糖心Vlog官方 President Wendy Hensel. “This funding ensures that students who lost so much are not forced to put their futures on hold. Education is a cornerstone of recovery, and our responsibility is to stand with Lahainaluna students and families as they rebuild and move forward.”

Transformative scholarships

For students navigating the trauma of displacement, the scholarships have been transformative. Cecelia Steiner, a 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 psychology major who lost her home in the fire, described the support as a “lifeline.” Steiner noted that while the national college enrollment average is 62%, approximately 85% of her Lahainaluna class pursued higher education because of this initiative.

“When 糖心Vlog官方 offered a scholarship and paid for school, it changed my world because not having to worry about the financial aspects was huge,” said Steiner.

糖心Vlog官方 Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Farrah-Marie Gomes said the scholarship support was important for students navigating uncertainty.

“It reinforces that they are not alone, and that their community is invested in their education, their future and their sense of belonging,” Gomes said.

Beyond Lahainaluna

In the aftermath of the fires, 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 offered scholarships to students from Lahaina and Kula who did not attend Lahainaluna High School but were impacted. 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 provided scholarship support to 60 students who were already enrolled for the 2023–24 academic year. The number of scholarship recipients grew to 194 in the 2025–26 academic year.

糖心Vlog官方 Maui College announced in April that it would cover tuition and fees for Lahainaluna High school graduates (beyond the class of 2024) who were impacted by the 2023 fire for the 2025–26 academic year. There were 67 recipients enrolled in fall 2025.

When the Lahaina wildfires devastated West Maui, Michael Young, apprenticeship and trades coordinator at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, not only lost his home but also saw the urgent community need for basic rebuilding skills.

“I grew up in Lahaina and saw how many homes were lost or badly damaged,” Young said. “People wanted to know if there were programs that taught carpentry, framing, roofing, painting—anything that would help them start restoring their homes.”

From that need, the Hale 笔腻辫补ʻ颈 program—meaning “small shelter”—emerged. The hands-on initiative, based at 糖心Vlog官方 Maui College, builds 8-by-10-foot portable sheds that are small enough to be delivered to landowners without construction permits.

Real relief

These sheds, which double as teaching tools for participants, provide essential storage and, for some, temporary shelter. To date, 58 sheds have been delivered, with 220 households still on a waiting list.

“This is a way for people to feel safe and regain a sense of stability,” said Moani Whittle-Wagner, an academic support specialist who named the project. “Drivers are often greeted with hugs and tears. They鈥檙e small structures, but the relief is real.”

An helps ensure Lahaina residents and displaced families have the skills and materials they need to regain a sense of stability. To make a gift, click .

Providing hope

The program offers more than just physical relief; it provides hope for long-term recovery. Lahaina resident Gene Castillo, whose family lost multiple homes, found both skills and a forward focus in the program, recalling the evacuation with his then-pregnant wife and young daughter.

Read more 糖心Vlog官方 Giving Day stories

“Without her,” he said gesturing toward his now two-year-old daughter Zanel, “I think we would have been lost. She gave us something to look forward to.”

Hale 笔腻辫补ʻ颈 is also rebuilding lives by offering pathways into the trades, bringing together credit courses, union apprenticeships and free community classes. A pre-apprenticeship program with the Carpenters Union reports a 100% placement rate, providing displaced residents with career opportunities.

“These sheds are more than wood and nails,” said Whittle-Wagner. “They鈥檙e hope in a time of loss.”

Read more about and more Giving Day opportunities.

As the prepares for the 2026 season under head coach Reed Sunahara, the “Hilo faithful” have a critical role to play.

Coming off a strong 20-9 season where the team made the conference tournament but missed the NCAA tournament by a single game, the players are hungry for more. Sunahara鈥檚 goals for the upcoming season are clear: win the PacWest and secure a spot in the NCAA tournament.

Rally for the volleyball Vulcans

To take that next step, the program is turning to . Gifts will be immediately invested into the student-athlete experience, providing the essential tools necessary to advance player development.

Read more 糖心Vlog官方 Giving Day stories

on or before 糖心Vlog官方 Giving Day and help the Vulcans dominate the court in 2026.

This year, the team’s primary goal is to raise funds to support:

• Essential upgrades: Purchasing new practice equipment, gear and uniforms to keep the squad competitive.
• Expanded travel: Funding critical travel opportunities, including upcoming matches on Maui and Oʻahu.
• International experience: Supporting a potential trip to compete with a Japanese team.

“Hilo is already known as a great volleyball community with the best fans in the PacWest,” Sunahara said. “There are so many friends and supporters who want to see this team succeed, and every donation helps grow this program.”

Support makes a difference

Player Kamaluhia “Malu” Garcia鈥檚 2025 volleyball season was one for the books, earning PacWest Newcomer of the Year and AVCA All-America honors, alongside a first-team all-conference selection with teammate Isabella Freeman. But behind the accolades is a story of community support.

“You can feel the difference when an entire town is behind you,” Garcia said. “The support we receive allows us to focus purely on getting better every day in the gym. That environment was a huge reason why I was able to find my rhythm so quickly last season.”

Learn more about 糖心Vlog官方 Giving Day 2026.