Another group of grads headed into the island’s law enforcement workforce became part of those festivities at the end of last week.

Hawaiʻi Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation welcomed a new class of 14 adult corrections officers during a graduation ceremony May 23 at the Island of Hawaiʻi YMCA.

Basic Corrections Recruit Class 25-03 is the third class to graduate from recruit training this year. The cohort is also the first graduating class of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation recruit course on a neighbor island.

“We are so proud of every graduate, who represents strength and honor,” Corrections and Rehabilitation Department Director Tommy Johnson said in a announcement about the graduation.

Big Island graduates were assigned to the following jails and prisons:

• Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Center in Hilo: 13
• Kulani Correctional Facility in Mountain View: 1

Another recruit class on Hawaiʻi island is already underway.

Graduates completed 8 weeks of rigorous recruit training of more than 300 hours of classroom instruction and physical training including:

• Standards of conduct.
• Ethics and professionalism.
• Report writing.
• Interpersonal communications.
• Maintaining security.
• Crisis intervention.
• Security threat groups (gangs).
• Mental health.
• First aid.
• Use of firearms.
• Self-defense tactics.

It’s the mission of Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to provide a secure correctional environment for comprehensive, rehabilitative, holistic, wraparound re-entry services, including culturally-based approaches to offenders sentenced to the department’s custody and care.

“Our goal is to reduce recidivism and enhance the safety and security of our communities,” said the department’s graduation announcement.

All incoming classes receive recruit field training along with basic corrections training.

During their final weeks of training, recruits spend time the facility where they will begin their jobs, receiving guidance from their training sergeants.

The department initiated aggressive recruitment efforts in January 2024 — after being split from Hawaiʻi Department of Public Safety — to address the shortage of adult corrections officers. Conducting a recruitment class on a neighbor island represents one of those efforts.

Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation increased the number of graduating classes and compressed its recruitment training course to 8 weeks from 11, while still covering critical training to ensure new officers are well-prepared for their jobs.

Recruitment efforts also included on-the-spot interviews at the Hawaiʻi Career Expo, radio spots, movie ads at theaters throughout the state, social media, bus ads and more.

It’s a tragic statistic to think about but stark reminder to prioritize safety and exercise caution on state and county roadways during such a celebratory season while the Aloha State honors the class of 2025.

Graduation season is underway. Commencements for 46 public high schools are scheduled statewide through the end of May and ceremonies for 10 University of Hawaiʻi campuses take place this weekend.

Hawai‘i Department of Transportation and Hawaiʻi Department of Education hope this special time of year — a milestone for thousands of high school and college students — is marked with celebration filled with tears of joy and happiness rather than despair fraught with tears of sorrow and heartbreak.

Click on the links below to find Hawaiʻi public school and University of Hawaiʻi 2025 graduation/commencement schedules online:

• Hawai‘i Department of Education.
• University of Hawai‘i.

“Graduation is a milestone our students have worked incredibly hard to reach, and we want every celebration to be a joyful one,” Hawaiʻi Superintendent of Schools Keith Hayashi said in a news release. “As families gather and students mark this special time, we urge everyone to make safe choices on the road. Let’s protect these moments by slowing down, staying alert and looking out for one another.”

Of the 53 traffic fatalities so far this year through May 13:

• 17 were pedestrians.
• 14 were motorcyclists or motor scooter drivers/passengers.
• 14 were motor vehicle occupants.
• 5 were bicyclists (including e-bikes).
• 3 were skateboarders.

Preliminary reports indicate:

• Speed was a contributing factor in 13 of the crashes.
• Impairment is suspected in six crashes.
• Failure to yield by a pedestrian or driver or improper lane change was cited in 17 crashes.
• 5 crashes involved reckless driving.
• 13 individuals (pedestrians or skateboarders) were struck and killed while in the road unexpectedly.
• 10 individuals killed were not wearing a seatbelt.
• 11 crashes no helmet use was found.

“One of the best ways we can honor and celebrate our graduates is to prioritize safety on our roadways to prevent more fatalities,” Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen in the news release. “This includes following the posted speed limit, obeying all traffic laws, not driving impaired and avoiding distractions while on the road, whether you’re driving a vehicle, a pedestrian or riding a bicycle or motorcycle.”

State officials also remind residents to anticipate increased traffic near graduation venues and to use online tools such as GoAkamai, Google Maps and Waze to monitor traffic conditions and plan out their routes ahead of time.

Residents can find the state Department of Transportation roadwork and lane closure lists for each county here.

It’s definitely that kind of moment. (Cue the fireworks!)

So how about treating your grad to a new experience or special event as part of your gift to them in honor of them reaching a major milestone.

Give them a memorable evening of live music, hula and storytelling with revered and beloved kumu hula, singer, songwriter and entertainer Robert Cazimero in Waimea at Kahilu Theatre.

Take the Kahuku Kōnane Challenge together at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s Kahuku Unit in Kaʻū and learn how to play the traditional Hawaiian game, plus have the chance to win a prize if crowned challenge victor.

You can also celebrate with a buzz participating in World Bee Day activities — including free honey tasings and local honey vendors with products to peruse and purchase — the whole family will enjoy at Hilo’s Mokupāpapa Discovery Center.

And if you want to dress up in your most dapper attire and support men’s health and prostate cancer research, riding through Kona town on your motorcyle while you commemorate your grad’s special day, register for The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2025.

There’s more options to consider, but whatever you do, we are sure it will be appreciated by the graduate you are honoring.

Here are our top 10 things to do on the Big Island for May 16-22.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 1 — World Bee Day (Hilo, May 17)

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Mokupāpapa Discovery Center, 76 Kamehameha Ave.

Free honey tasting, local honey products, nonprofit organization and vendor booths, beekeeper training and talks, bee painting with Patrick Ching, shadow puppets with Kozmo Mimizi, mead making and a mead after-party, free raffle and family-friendly crafts. The fun will be buzzing the entire day.

More info: Email to worldbeedayhawaii@gmail.com or text 808-936-6019.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 2 — YWCA Mini Market (Hilo, May 17)

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: YWCA of Hawaiʻi Island, 145 Ululani St.

Come enjoy and support local food and craft vendors, music and more during this market hosted the third Saturday of each month. If you love checking out local craft artists and food vendors, be sure to follow the market to stay updated.

More info: Contact Ariel at 808-896-3721 and follow the market on Instagram.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 3 — Safe Space Queer Painting (Hilo, May 17)

When: Noon to 2 p.m.

Location: East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center Annex, 141 Kalākaua St.

This class aims to cultivate a safe studio space and explores queer dialogue and self-expression through paint. No prior painting experience necessary. This session will focus on watercolor painting. All supplies provided. Priority given to those who identify as LGBTQIA+ and allies. Drop-in enrollment is $20 per class. Cash or PayPal accepted at the door. Arrive early on your first day to complete registration paperwork. For ages 18 and older.

More info: Visit the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center website.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 4 — Artist appearance at Enjoy Comics (Hilo, May 17)

When: Noon to 5 p.m.

Location: Suite 612, Prince Kūhiō Plaza, 111 E. Pūʻainakō St.

Let’s give a huge Big Island welcome to three awesome local artist/creators: Napua Ahina, Drew Gutierrez and Jason Russell Monroe. They will be appearing at the Big Island’s only true full-service comic book store with 40 years in the comic book business. Come out and show your aloha to these talented friends of the store and amazing creators.

More info: Call Enjoy Comics at 808-494-8047 or enjoycomicshilo@gmail.com.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 5 — Robert Cazimero live (Waimea, May 17)

When: 7 p.m.

Location: Kahilu Theatre, 67-1186 Lindsey Road

Hawaiʻi’s revered and beloved kumu hula, singer, songwriter and entertainer continues his 39-year tradition of bringing a memorable evening of music, hula and storytelling to the Kahilu stage. His charismatic stage presence evokes many emotions for audience members of all ages as he shows his unparalleled ability to connect with the spectators and invite them on the journey of his life’s story. Tickets start at $40.

More info/tickets: Visit the Kahilu Theatre website.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 6 — Walk With a Doc (Hilo, May 18)

When: 8 a.m.

Location: Liliʻuokalani Gardens, 49 Banyan Drive

Come each Sunday for a physician-led health talk and community walk around the beautiful gardens with Hilo Bay, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea and Hilo Town as their backdrop. It’s free and everyone is welcome. There is no need to pre-register. You can walk fast or slow, alone or with friends — it’s up to you.

More info: Click here.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 7 — The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride 2025 (Kailua-Kona, May 18)

When: 9 a.m.

Location: Must register to view local ride details

Ready your engines and prepare your dapper attire for the return of this worldwide phenomenon like no other. Join hundreds of thousands of dapper gentlefolk in the world’s most stylish on-road motorcycling charity event as they ride in more than 1,000 cities to raise funds and awareness for men’s health and prostate cancer research on behalf of Movember. All riders must be registered.

More info/registration: Visit the The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride website.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 8 — Kahuku Kōnane Challenge (Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, May 18)

When: Noon

Location: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station (turn into Kahuku near the 70.5-mile marker on Highway 11), Kaʻū

Kōnane is a traditional Hawaiian game that’s fun to play, with or without experience. The challenge is a chance to learn the history of the game and how to play. Players will compete in elimination rounds until there is a winner, with the victor claiming a kōnane board from Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association. Reservations required.

More info/registration: Email to wendy_scott-vance@nps.gov.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 9 — Free Community Hydroponics Workshop (Hawaiian Beaches, May 19)

When: 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Location: Hawaiian Beaches Park, 15-2727 Manini St.

This is a new community class offered by the Hydroponic Hut Educational Team, separate from the Puna Movable Feast classes. If you are serious about growing hyrdoponic vegetables for yourself, for your family and/or for you community, this is the class for you. Registration is required.

More info/registration: Call Alana at 808-965-2703.

* * * * * * * * *

No. 10 — “Cry Baby” (Hilo, May 22)

When: 7 p.m.; doors, box office and concessions open at 6:30 p.m.

Location: Palace Theater, 38 Haili St.

Starring Johnny Depp, Ricki Lake, Iggy Pop and Mink Stole, a bad boy with a heart of gold wins the love of a good girl, whose boyfriend sets out for revenge in 1950s Baltimore. This is the first movie in a new retrospective film series from iconic cult filmmaker John Waters, a remarkable advocate for equal rights and important figure in pop culture. Tickets are $10 general admission, $9 for seniors, students and veterans.

More info/advance tickets: Visit the Palace Theater website.

* * * * * * * * *

Check for yourself to see what’s happening around the Big Island

We admit. We can’t fit everything going on each week in our top 10. So here are websites for some popular Big Island venues that you can peruse to discover other events, activities, shows, festivals or workshops that pique your interest.

• Aloha Theatre, Kealakekua: https://apachawaii.org/
• Blue Dragon Tavern, Kawaihae: https://www.bluedragontavern.com/
• Donkey Mill Art Center, Hōlualoa: https://donkeymillartcenter.org/
• East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, Hilo: https://ehcc.org/
• Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
• Hilo Town Market, Hilo: https://hilotownmarket.co/events
• Hilo Town Tavern, Hilo (on Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041333509786
• Honoka‘a People’s Theatre, Honoka‘a: https://www.honokaapeople.com/
• Kahilu Theatre, Waimea: https://kahilu.org/
• Keauhou Shopping Center, Kailua-Kona: https://keauhoushoppingcenter.com/experience/
• Kona Commons, Kailua-Kona: https://www.konacommons.com/events
• Lava Shack, Pāhoa (on Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/lavashackpahoa/?hl=en
• Lyman Museum, Hilo: https://lymanmuseum.org/
• MyBar Kona, Kailua-Kona: https://www.mybarkona.com/
• Palace Theater, Hilo: https://hilopalace.com/
• University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Performing Arts Center, Hilo: https://artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu/
• Volcano Art Center, Volcano: https://volcanoartcenter.org/
• Wailoa Center, Hilo: https://www.wailoacenter.com/
• Willy’s Hot Chicken, Kailua-Kona: https://willieshotchicken.com/

In the Aloha State, it’s a common sight to see high school seniors stacked with lei on commencement day. Lei made of flowers, ti leaves, candy and even money are part of the celebration.

With high school and college graduation ceremonies scheduled in the coming weeks, lei makers on Hawai‘i Island have been taking pre-orders for at least a month, with some already completely booked.

Muscian and kumu hula Kuana Kahele explained that from the Hawaiian standpoint, lei for a graduate should be made from leaves and flowers gathered in the place they grew up.

“To receive that lei grounds them in where they come from,” Kahele said. “It reminds them of the land and love they come from.”

Kahele also is an accomplished lei maker who teaches the art. He said there’s been a surge in lei artisans, including a dozen on the Big Island who took his class.

There are a handful of traditional styles of lei, including twisting strands, braiding and weaving fibers and materials together. Kahele said the grad lei is the party lei where non-traditional materials are incorporated into the garland.

Materials include ribbon, non-native plants and even money with bills from the $1 to $100.

Big Island native April Qina, who owns Qina Girl Floral in Kealakekua, said kids growing up on the island knew how to make a basic lei.

Qina has owned her shop for 12 years and said graduation is one of her busiest times. This year, she already has stopped taking pre-orders.

Qina said she wants to make her specialty lei, like ilima, to “someone who knows how special it is.”

Ilima is a native plant to Hawai‘i, which historically was worn by royalty and has since been used in weddings, birthdays and other special occasions. It takes about 1,000 flowers to make a lei.

Qina perpetuates traditional lei making by planting as many lei plants as she can, like the ti leaf or the crown flower, because it helps with supply. She also makes lei with popular non-native fragrant flowers, including tuberose, pakalana, crown flower and lokelani.

Qina taps into her network of kūpuna who make lei with native and non-native materials.

Qina said she is making a lot of twisted lei this graduation season.

A basic single-strand floral lei, like plumeria, costs about $20. A double carnation is $80. A ti maile is $50. Qina will also make lei po‘o (head lei).

Click here to see Qina’s lei.

Lei maker and Kumu hula Lahela Spencer, owner of Mōhalu Hawai‘i in Waimea, said lei giving has to be done with intention and aloha, with graduation as a person’s “first big accomplishment.”

Spencer, who grew up dancing hula, learned how to make lei at a young age. As a dancer, she learned about how to correctly harvest and the significance of the flowers and leaves used for certain dances.

While Spencer would make lei for friends and family, she didn’t get into making large quantities of graduation lei until she did so for the graduating Class of 2019 at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy.

As part of the private school’s tradition, the boys and girls don’t where the traditional cap and gown. The boys wear a white shirt and white slacks and the girls wear a white dress. The school’s administration would gift each graduate a maile lei.

Maile, a fragrant endemic vine that grows in Hawai‘i, has historically been used for ceremonies and ancient Hawaiian rituals. Now, maile is one of the most sought-after lei to give a graduate.

To protect the special plant, Spencer, whose husband worked at the school, suggested to him that they make a ti-leaf lei in the maile style instead.

Spencer did a lei pop-up stand outside her house the following year where she sold out. She ultimately opened her small business where she teaches how to make lei as well as taking orders to fulfill.

Spencer also has continued to make ti maile for the graduates at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy.

Spencer opened this year’s graduation orders at the end of February. She currently has 150 lei orders and expects to get a bit more. You can order from Spencer’s business by clicking here.

She offers the ti leaf maile style lei and lei po‘o.

Spencer sells a single ti maile style lei from $25-$30. A double ti maile costs $45-$55.

Spencer said she tries to keep the maile-style ti leaf lei under the price of a maile lei, which ranges in price from $50 to $100.

Spencer makes colorful head lei as well as head lei from the leaf of the kukui, a nut tree that represents enlightenment, “which is perfect for graduation.”

The lei po‘o range in style and cost varies depending on that and the materials used.

“A lei is a way to show aloha for one another,” Spencer said. “A lei doesn’t have to cost much if you are making it yourself. You are putting all your good intentions into the lei that you are placing on the graduate’s shoulders.”

A new butchery course at Hawai‘i Community College graduated its inaugural class of six at the Kō Center in Honoka‘a.

The hands-on, six-week program, included field trips to ranches, hog farms and local butcher shops. The groundbreaking course aims to strengthen Hawai‘i’s local food systems by preparing a new generation of skilled professionals in sustainable meat processing, according to a university press release.

Billy Wong, instructor for the course, expressed his pride for the graduating students.

“They all have a direction – they want to continue practicing these skills for themselves, their community, or to be directly involved in the industry,” Wong, co-founder and owner of 17 Ranch in Kohala, said. “I believe we just took the first step in bringing back the lost art of butchery.”

The butchery course offers students comprehensive, hands-on training in butchery, including humane slaughter methods, carcass breakdown, and meat processing.

The curriculum also covers food safety standards, proper meat labeling, and animal husbandry, to prepare students for employment in Hawai’i’s butchery industry.

“We are pioneering the kind of butchery that’s needed today,” Wong said. “This course is a small piece but it comes at a time when we are concerned about the future of our planet and our food sources. What students will learn in six weeks would normally take a year to learn in the workforce.”

Among the graduates was Kawika Bernabe, whose father was a journeyman meat cutter for decades. Bernabe, who previously worked in the culinary industry, enrolled in the course to “sharpen his butchery skills.”

“Big Island meat is some of the best meat out there in terms of flavor, quality and sustainability,” he said. “We as future butchers stand to serve as the bridge in getting these products from local farmers and ranchers into the hands of local consumers.”

County and community leaders attended, including Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda, KTA Super Stores Vice President Derek Kurisu and Council Member James Hustace.

“The launch of Hawaiʻi Community College’s butchery course at the Kō Education Center marks a pivotal moment for our island,” Alameda said. “This program prepares and equips our students with essential skills that strengthen our local food systems and foster our island’s self-sufficiency while honoring our rich agricultural heritage.

“I commend these graduates for being pioneers in an industry that is vital to our community’s future.”

Two new butchery course cohorts are planned for summer of 2025. For more information, email hawvcaa@hawaii.edu or call 808-934-2512.

The butchery course is funded through a four-year, $950,000 grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The training is part of the UH Meat & Poultry Workforce Consortium, in collaboration with UH Hilo and the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources at UH Mānoa.

Nicole Garcia, executive director of the Honokaʻa Heritage Center and coordinator of the Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival, said it’s crucial for small, rural communities to have access to post-secondary education, technical training and certificate courses to provide opportunities for everyone in the community.

“I think our community will greatly benefit from the butchery program,” Garcia said in a university press release in October 2024. “It aligns perfectly with the needs of our area, where ranching is such a big part of life. I’m particularly excited to see this program fill a critical gap, offering valuable professional development close to home.”

Hawai‘i Community College recently celebrated and wished more than 250 graduates a bright future during spring 2024 commencement ceremonies in Hilo and Waikōloa.

A strong thunderstorm and flash flooding nearly led to the cancellation of the May 10 ceremony for the college’s Manono campus at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo. But in typical Hilo fashion, the sun emerged just in time to shine on the 155 graduates in attendance.

The ceremony proceeded with joy and celebration under clear skies, marking a memorable day for all.

Weather conditions weren’t that rough when the community college’s Pālamanui campus in Kailua-Kona hosted its spring commencement May 11.

The ceremony at the Hilton Waikōloa Village Resort in Waikōloa honored 99 graduates.

Hawaiʻi Community College will hold its ceremony at 6 p.m. on May 10 at the Edith Kanakaʻole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo.

That will be followed by the University of Hawaiʻi at Hiloʻs ceremony at 9 a.m. the next morning, May 11, also at the Edith Kanakaʻole Multi-Purpose Stadium.

Hawaiʻi Community College–Pālamanui will be holding its ceremony at 4 p.m. at the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort on May 11.

Thousands of graduates will be celebrated from May 4 to May 11, as the University of Hawaiʻi has scheduled ceremonies for all students graduating from its 10-campus system.

Below is the complete graduation schedule for all 10 campuses:

Saturday, May 4

University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Stan Sheriff Center
Commencement website

Thursday, May 9

UH Maui College
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: UH Maui College Great Lawn
Commencement website and livestream information

Friday, May 10

Kapiʻolani Community College
Time: 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Location: Diamond Head Theater
Commencement website

UH Maui College, Molokaʻi 
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Molokaʻi Education Center 
Commencement website

Kauaʻi Community College
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Kauaʻi CC
Commencement website

Honolulu Community College
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Waikīkī Shell
Commencement website

Leeward Community College
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Leeward CC Tuthill Courtyard, Puʻuloa Campus
Commencement website
Livestream

Windward Community College
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Windward CC campus grounds
Commencement website

Hawaiʻi Community College
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Edith Kanakaʻole Multi-Purpose Stadium
Commencement website

Saturday, May 11

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Edith Kanakaʻole Multi-Purpose Stadium
Commencement website
Livestream

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Stan Sheriff Center
Commencement website

• College of Arts, Languages and Letters
• College of Natural Sciences
• College of Social Sciences
• College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
• Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: Stan Sheriff Center
Commencement website

• College of Education
• College of Engineering
• John A. Burns School of Medicine
• Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing including Department of Dental Hygiene
• School of Architecture
• Shidler College of Business
• Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

Hawaiʻi Community College–Pālamanui
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort
Commencement website

“We are so proud of our Class of 2024 graduates,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “Through your dedication and years of hard work, you have gained the knowledge and skills needed to be globally competitive and locally committed. We hope you will always be working toward improving Hawaiʻi’s future and we cannot wait to see what you do on your journey ahead.”

Schools will share logistical details with parents and guardians. This list will be updated on the state department’s website as needed. For more information, families are encouraged to contact their child’s school directly for specific questions.

Hilo-Waiākea Complex Area

Hilo High School
May 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Edith Kanaka’ole Multi-Purpose Stadium

Waiakea High School
May 25 at 6 p.m.
Edith Kanaka’ole Multi-Purpose Stadium

Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pahoa Complex Area

Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School
May 24 at 5 p.m.
Robert Herks Kaʻū District Gymnasium

Keaʻau High School
May 24 at 4 p.m.
School stadium

Pāhoa High and Intermediate School
May 26 at 1 p.m.
School gymnasium

Honokaʻa-Kealakehe-Kohala-Konawaena Complex Area

Honokaʻa High and Intermediate School
May 25 at 9 a.m.
School gymnasium

Ke Kula ʻO ʻEhunuikaimalino
May 24 at noon
School campus

Kealakehe High School
May 25 at 6 p.m.
School football field

Kohala High School
May 25 at 2 p.m.
Hisaoka Gymnasium at Kamehameha Park

Konawaena High School
May 25 at 9 a.m.
Konawaena Elementary

The Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association has awarded $5,000 scholarships to Tayler Guerrero of Honoka‘a High & Intermediate School and Rebecca Tang of Parker School, as part of its 18th annual Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program.

This year HMSA recognized nine Hawai‘i high schools and 15 outstanding Hawai‘i high school seniors pursuing higher education for their achievements and excellence in academics, athletics, community service, healthy activities and sportsmanship.

“This is my favorite event of the year at HMSA,” said HMSA President and Chief Executive Officer Mark M. Mugiishi. “It’s our honor to recognize these amazing standout students and future leaders of Hawaii for their many accomplishments.”

HMSA has sponsored the Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program in partnership with the Hawaii High School Athletic Association since 2005.

At the awards ceremony, 15 students across the state received scholarships worth $5,000 each. Nine high schools – including Parker School and Kea‘au High School on Big Island – were recognized for achieving the highest program scores in their league (classified by enrollment) in academics, athletics, community service, healthy activities, and sportsmanship. The nine highest-scoring schools received $1,500 each.

To be eligible for a scholarship, student recipients had to graduate from a Hawaii high school in 2023 with a 2.75 or higher GPA, participate in at least one HHSAA league-sanctioned sport, and demonstrate involvement in community service throughout their high school career.

Recipients can use their scholarships to pay for tuition, books, computers, and room and board.

Ke kula o ʻEhunuikaimalino, a Hawaiian immersion school, has announced the recipients of its first-ever Hawaiian Immersion Scholarships.

Alumni Kahina Hewitt and Tristan Kamana Fleming-Nazara have been recognized for their outstanding achievements and commitment to preserving and perpetuating the Hawaiian language and culture.

Kahina Hewitt, an esteemed Ke kula o ʻEhunuikaimalino graduate, has been awarded the Ola I Ka ʻŌlelo scholarship, worth $1,000. This scholarship recognizes Hewitt’s exemplary language skills and her tireless efforts in promoting the Hawaiian language within her community. Hewitt has consistently demonstrated a deep connection to her Hawaiian roots and a passion for sharing the language with others.

Tristan Kamana Fleming-Nazara, another distinguished alumnus of Ke kula o ʻEhunuikaimalino, has been honored with the Kiaʻi ʻEhunui Hawaiian Studies scholarship, valued at $4,000. This scholarship celebrates Fleming-Nazara’s remarkable achievements in the field of Hawaiian studies and his unwavering dedication to advancing the understanding of Hawaiian culture and heritage.

The recipients of these scholarships exemplify the values and mission of Ke kula o ʻEhunuikaimalino, and their accomplishments inspire future generations of Hawaiian language learners. The scholarships will provide Kahina and Tristan with valuable financial support as they pursue their educational endeavors, allowing them to further contribute to preserving and revitalizing the Hawaiian language and culture.

Ke kula o ʻEhunuikaimalino extends its warmest congratulations to Kahina Hewitt and Tristan Kamana Fleming-Nazara for their well-deserved recognition. The school also expresses its gratitude to the donors and supporters who have made these scholarships possible, acknowledging their dedication to the future of Hawaiian language immersion education.

Jada Keen, a senior at Kealakehe High School on the Big Island, is a winner of Honsador Lumber’s Spring 2023 High School Hero Award.

Honsador Lumber is one of the largest lumber and wood suppliers across the Hawaiian Islands. As a winner of the company’s High School Hero Award, Keen will receive a $250 donation to the academic department or non-profit organization of her choosing – as well as a $1,500 cash prize.

Keen will make her donation to be made to Offshore Big Island.

Keen was an impressive athlete competing in swimming, cross country, and water polo throughout her years at Kealakehe High School.

Four winners in total were selected for Honsador Lumber’s Spring 2023 High School Hero Award. The four winners were selected based on good academic standing, going above and beyond to show school spirit, and serving their community as positive role model.

Five graduates at West Hawai‘i’s Hawaiian language immersion school Ke ‘O ‘Ehunuikaimalino were decked with a variety lei that covered them to the tops of their heads. They all were excited for what the next chapter of their lives would bring as they entered adulthood.

Many Big Island high schools held graduations Friday evening, and ceremonies will continue over the weekend and into next week. With this in mind, Big Island Now conducted a poll to know what nuggets of wisdom the community had for the class of 2023.

The top choice was “Work hard, push yourself, don’t settle” with 102 of the 464 votes (21%).

The next four vote getters were close, ranging from 54 to 59 votes each: “Follow your dreams and ambitions;” “Ask for help, get mentors;” “Take time to figure out what you like;” and “Don’t chase money, chase happiness.”

Following the graduation ceremony at ‘Ehunuikaimalino Friday afternoon, Christine Roney advised graduates to follow their hearts and to be a member of the community they live in: “Life is about the small things. Don’t let them pass you by.”

Jazlyn Kawasaki graduated in 2022. She said there wasn’t any advice she wished she had but noted “adulting is hard.”

Kawaikapuokalani Hewett advised graduates to look in front of them. He said: “Look to kūpuna. Follow their language. Follow their wisdom, history and in that way, they’ll always be connected.”

There was more wisdom doled out in the comment section of the poll.

RS wrote: “At first I wanted to vote for ‘get a college degree.’ But, in reality, not everyone is cut out to go on and get their Bachelor’s degree. And, we need all levels of skilled workers (not just college educated people). So I changed my answer to ‘work hard/push yourself.'”

William Chase commented: “Find a job that’s will always be needed. Whether it’s a garbage man, septic cleaning, roofer, truck driver, learn skills. Learn to invest your money into a business, market. And learn to budget.”

One Facebook user wrote: “Learn and understand what a credit score is.”

The full poll results:

• Work hard, push yourself, don’t settle: 102 (21%)
• Follow your dreams and ambitions: 59 (12%)
• Ask for help, get mentors 59: (12%)
• Take time to figure out what you like: 55 (11%)
• Don’t chase money, chase happiness: 54 (11%)
• Get a college degree: 47 (10%)
• Develop a life plan: 32 (6%)
• Form relationships and network: 23 (4%)
• Try different things: 23 (4%)
• Get involved with local organizations :10 (2%)

Total Votes: 464

Big Island Now’s 2023 graduation section includes graduating seniors. To add a graduate, click here. And for the schedule of high school graduations, click here.

For four generations, beginning in 1896 after the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the Hawaiian language was banned in Hawaiʻi schools.

But on Friday at the high school commencement ceremony for the five graduates of Ke Kula ‘O ‘Ehunuikaimalino in Kealakekua, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi was all that was spoken.

The graduates of West Hawai‘i’s sole Hawaiian language immersion school also did not wear traditional caps and gowns. They were barefooted and attired in Sunday-best with the boys in collared white shirts and black slacks and the girls in white dresses.

They received kīhei (a traditional Hawaiian wrap), which was tied on them by principal Jessica Dahlke. A lei hulu (feather lei) made by the students was presented to them and tied around their necks. And, a lei po‘o was placed on their heads.

The graduates performed kahiko (ancient) hula and were joined by classmates for a number of songs at the ceremony held on a baseball field below Konawaena High School and attended by family, friends and fellow schoolmates, kindergarten through 11th grade.

“I feel like we’re watching the baby birds fly,” Dahlke said. “It’s exciting to see them on their journey and looking forward to seeing what happens next and how they bring these values and skills into their future.”

Each graduate: Honey J.K. Freitas, Kamakakane Hanoa-Valera, Levi M. Perreira-Bean, Pomaika‘i Santana-Keka and Lyric M.N. Tagavilla, presented a geneology chant before taking a seat on a stage in front of the audience. They chanted names of their relatives going back as far as five generations.

Guardians of each of the five were invited up when they received their diploma.

The keynote speaker was Kaho‘okahi Kanuha, who was part of the first class that started ‘Ehunui 29 years ago. After sixth grade, he transferred to Kamehameha Schools.

“To me, it’s is a big deal as we saw five kids graduating with the ability to speak Hawaiian going out into the community,” Kanuha said. “That’s a few more than we had before.”

Kanuha said students of ‘Ehunui are more prepared for the world as they read and write English, as well as speak Hawaiian.

“Being able to live in a Hawaiian world is necessary to keep Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i,” he said.

Through their education in Hawaiian studies, Kanuha said the graduates know who they are as Hawaiians.

The school was named after ʻEhunuikaimalino, who was a Chief of Kona during the reign of Kauholanuimahu.

Friday was a proud day for many, including Perreira-Bean’s grandfather, Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, who flew in from O‘ahu to see him graduate.

“The perpetuation of the Hawaiian language is important,” said Hewett, an award-winning musician. “I can speak to them in the language I grew up with.”

Hewett was going to college at a time when the Hawaiian language was still banned from public schools. Nevertheless, he continued his Hawaiian studies at the University of Hawai‘i’s Windward Community College.

“Regardless of what people said, I was able to use the knowledge of my ancestors and I continue to speak ʻōlelo Hawai‘i,” he said.

Welu Bean, Perreira-Bean’s mother, said this is her first son to graduate. She said the Hawaiian language immersion school has given her son the knowledge of where he comes from.

“Identity is the most important foundation to give a child,” she said.

Perreira-Bean said he’s excited to start the next chapter in his life and get a job in construction.

Sophia and Pernell Hanoa celebrated the graduation of their grandson, Hanoa-Valera.

“It’s so emotional,” Sophia Pernell Hanoa said. “His journey is just beginning. It’s awesome because the school has perpetuated Hawaiian lifestyles and beliefs. It grounded him.”

Pernell Hanoa said his grandson’s ability to speak fluent ʻōlelo Hawai‘i fills a gap.

“We’ll fill in the rest as cultural practitioners and what it is to be and live as a Hawaiian,” he said.

Hanoa-Valera plans to attend Advanced Training Institute in Las Vegas to become a mechanic. He plans to continue to share the Hawaiian language with his family so they, in turn, will share it with whoever they want “and just bring it back to life.”

Santana-Keka is excited he’s completed the high school journey and is headed for Santa Barbara City College in California, where he will study environmental science, run cross country and play volleyball for the school.

Santana-Keka plans to perpetuate the Hawaiian language by sharing knowledge about Hawai‘i and will try to speak it as much as he can when he’s not in the islands.

Freitas didn’t think she would make it to graduation because she didn’t start at the immersion school until the last quarter of eighth grade.

Hawaiian language is only spoken from kindergarten to sixth grade. After that, the language is spoken half the time, with English and advanced math and sciences taught in English. Freitas said she had to learn ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi on her own with another kumu (teacher).

With a sense of pride, Freitas said she wants her future kids to learn the language: “The Hawaiian language is power to all of us.”

Freitas plans to apply to Arizona State University and will work at Four Seasons to save money for her education.

Tagavilla said she and her fellow seniors went through a lot this school year, mourning many family deaths.

“I can say we stuck together as a big family, and I learned a lot from them and I’m grateful to be with them,” Tagavilla said.

The COVID-19 pandemic was also challenging for the five graduates. With in-person learning on hiatus to avoid the spread of the virus at schools, students were forced into a virtual classroom. This resulted in setting the students back academically. They had to work extra hard to make sure they had all the credits needed to graduate.

“I’m glad we had that experience because it definitely shaped us,” Tagavilla said. “We did a lot of work this year and definitely all paid off today.”

Tagavilla will be starting work as a park ranger at Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau State Park in South Kona. She also hopes to come back to ‘Ehunui as a substitute teacher.

With the students now graduated, Dahlke said the hope is that the kids walk two worlds.

“We want them to remember the values and remember the culture and remember their roots of Hawaiian language, but walk in the rest of the world as well,” the principal said. “We want them to have the academics to compete on that stage while maintaining the intensity of ʻōlelo Hawai‘i.”

High school graduation ceremonies on the Big Island will continue through the weekend and into next week. Click here for more information.

The Big Island Press Club awarded scholarships totaling $5,000 to four students this year, with each winner receiving $1,250 to pursue a higher education in journalism or a related field.

The Big Island Press Club is Hawai‘i’s oldest press club, protecting the public’s right to know since 1967.

The recipients are:

• Lichen Forster, of Mountain View, is a geology major at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and has been editor in chief of the student newspaper, Ke Kalahea, for the past three semesters. Forster, who’s majoring in geology, wants to pursue a career in science journalism. Forster plans to be an exchange student at the Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand for the fall semester, while continuing their newspaper work as copy editor. This is their third Big Island Press Club award.
  
• Maya-Lin Green, of Waimea, is a 2008 graduate of Martin Luther King Jr. High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a communications and media journalism major at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Green joined Ke Kalahea as a staff writer in the spring semester. She plans a career in public relations, writing or a related field.
  
• Kai Hayashida, a Hilo High 2023 graduate from Hilo, plans to major in journalism and will attend Whitworth University, in Spokane, Washington, this fall. Hayashida called Hilo High School athletic contests on its Hiki No video media platform KVIKS.
  
• King James Mangoba, of Papaaloa, is a 2023 graduate of Hilo High School who plans to major in communications. Mangoba will attend Fordham University in New York City. Mangoba participated as a part of the crew to produce a story video for PBS Hawaii’s Hiki No program, an activity that whetted his interest in television journalism.

Awarding scholarships to promote journalism is an annual event and one of the primary projects of the press club.

Generous gifts from several Big Island Press Club members along with an annual donation from the family of Bill Arballo, have supplemented funds previously donated by the families of Hugh Clark, Robert Miller, Jack Markey and Yukino Fukabori.

Bill Arballo was a founding a member of Big Island Press Club in 1967 and its first president. Arballo died in 2016.

Hugh Clark wrote about crime, politics, sports and volcanic eruptions for the Honolulu Advertiser and the Hawaii Tribune-Herald. Clark died in 2015.

Robert Miller was a UPI reporter whose 1968 speech to BIPC inspired Ouida Hill, wife of state Sen. W.H. “Doc” Hill, to donate $1,000 to start the Miller Scholarship. Miller died in 2004.

The late Jack Markey was a visible street-side fixture in Hilo. He recruited new members for the press club and was instrumental in building the Big Island Press Club scholarship endowment.

Noteworthy for reporting “hard news” for the Hawaii Tribune-Herald as early as the 1930s when women reporters were generally on the society page, Yukino Fukabori, who later taught news writing at Hilo High School funded a scholarship in 1993. She died in 1995.

The Big Island Press Club holds events throughout the year for its members and the public to get to know each other and various newsmakers. In addition to the marquis scholarship dinner in which scholarships are awarded, the Big Island Press Club also holds an awards ceremony at the end of the year to award its meritorious Torch of Light award.

Tickets for that event, which will be held Dec. 2, in Waikoloa Village, will be available for sale on the press club website later this fall. The website also provides information for people interested in joining the club or making a tax-deductible donation to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Big Island Press Club Scholarship Foundation at bigislandpressclub.org.

The Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation, Inc. has named ten high school seniors from Hawai’i Island as scholarship recipients of its annual Legacy Scholarship Program.

The students were among 60 recipients, one from each qualifying public and independent school in the state, who received scholarships based on academic achievement, community service and financial need. In total, the Foundation awarded $219,000 to students throughout the state in its Legacy Scholarship Program this year.

“Mr. and Mrs. Takitani founded Hawaiian Host, and knew hard work, innovation and commitment to excellence were key factors in their success,” said KSSK Radio personality Michael W. Perry, the Takitani Foundation chairman of the board. “The Takitanis wanted to recognize those same qualities in Hawaiʻi’s outstanding students with support to further their education.”

• District Finalist – $5,000 scholarship award
  Kaylee Yamada of Hilo High School is the daughter of Leanne and Wayne Yamada. In her sophomore and junior years, Yamada was the recipient of the Underclassmen Award for service. She also served as vice president of the Key Club and was recognized as Outstanding Athlete of the Year in Tennis, both in the 11th grade. Yamada will attend the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington next fall.
  
• Hawaiʻi District Public Schools – $3,000 scholarship awards
  • Torrance Satta-Ellis of Konawaena High School is the son of Molly Satta-Ellis and Bobby Ellis. Satta-Ellis was on the Konawaena Academic Honor Roll and a member of the National Honor Society. He also was named the State of Hawai‘i High School Heisman Winner in 2022 and will attend Pacific University in Oregon.
    
  • Landon Yanagisawa of Waiakea High School is the son of Penny Yanagisawa and will attend Chapman University in California next Fall. Yanagisawa has served as SGA class Secretary in the 9th and 10th grades, and as SGA Class vice-president in the 11th and 12th grades.
    
  • Kimverly Mateo of Honoka‘a High and Intermediate School is the daughter of Magielyn Mateo. She received first place among Hawaii Island winners in the 23rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Peace Poetry Contest. Mateo will attend the University of Hawai`i at Manoa.
    
  • Crystal Quigley of Ka’u High School is the daughter of Lorraine Quigley and Richard Quigley, and will attend the University of Hawai`i at Manoa in the Fall. Quigley was recognized for her self-activating rain catchment system engineering project at the 2019 Hawaii State Science & Engineering Fair.
    
  • Jyxzel Rhodz Bagaoisan of Kea‘au High School is the son of Rodel Bagaoisan and Baby Aurea Bagaoisan. He received recognition for his writings in the Eddie Aikau Essay Contest, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Audio-Essay contest, and also the Fromet Foundation Scholarship.
    
  • Mehana Resetnikov of Kealakehe High School is the daughter of Lindsay Resetnikov andYurik Resetnikov. She will attend the University of San Francisco in the Fall. Resentnikov is a member of her school’s National Honor Society and the “Surf for Special Needs” organization, assisting those with disabilities to participate in various ocean activities.
    
  • Hailey Kauanoe-Galdones of Kohala High School is the daughter of January Kauanoe. She will attend Northern Arizona University in the Fall. Kauanoe-Galdones has been a member of the Honor Roll since the 9th grade and on the Principal’s List in the 12th grade. She also serves as the Future Farmers of America, Kohala chapter President.
    
• Hawaiʻi Association of Independent Schools – $3,000 scholarship award
  • Ciana-Lei Bence of Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i is the daughter of Charmelei Bence and Brian Bence. She will attend Yale University.
    As a senior, Bence was awarded observing time with the W. M. Keck Observatory for observation study on the emission line spectra of active galactic nuclei with the Institute for Astronomy at the University of Hawai‘i, Hilo.

Mamoru and Aiko Takitani founded Hawaiian Host, manufacturer of Hawaiian Host chocolates, and established the Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation, Inc. to give back to the community by providing the gift of education to the young people of Hawaiʻi.

Since 1993, the Foundation has annually presented scholarships to an outstanding student from every qualifying high school in the state and has awarded over $11 million to scholarship and academic enrichment programs throughout Hawaiʻi.

The Lions Club of Kona showed their support for community youth by presenting several Konawaena High School students with scholarships for continued education.

The club awarded Mina Taniyama, Ryli Sasaki, Civic Gomes and Torrance Satta-Ellis with a $1,000 scholarship each, and Anuhea Spinola with a $500 scholarship towards a two-year degree or certificate.

According to Lions Leigh Ikeno and Anika Agerlie, the academic achievements as well as community contributions that these students and others have accomplished are amazing and are all deserving recipients of these scholarships.

“Helping young people continue their education is one of the challenges our community faces, and it’s a need our club continues to address,” they said. “We are also extraordinarily grateful for the support and contributions we received from members of the community. You are helping us make a difference.”

The scholarships are made possible through club fundraisers, as well as a generous donations made by the Ross Myers Memorial Foundation and the Mildred Imai Memorial Fund.

The Lions Club of Kona has 75 members and meets on the third Monday of each month at 6:30pm at Teshimaʻs Restaurant, 2nd floor, in Honalo.

Lions’ clubs are groups of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs. For more information or to get involved with the Lions Club of Kona, please contact Mitch Tam at 808-756-3838, or lionmitch@gmail.com.

Of course, there will be graduation speeches, with mature adults providing young adults with advice and words of wisdom gained from decades of experience.

For Big Island Now’s 12th 30-second poll we ask: What advice would you give today’s graduating high school seniors?

Please leave a comment here or on social media to let us know why you voted the way you did — or if you have other words of wisdom for the graduates.

Big Island Now’s 2023 graduation section includes graduating seniors. To add a graduate, click here. And for the schedule of high school graduations, click here.

And in case you missed it, click here to see the results of our last poll that garnered 1,070 votes and asked: What would you do if you see people swimming/snorkeling too close to whales or dolphins?

“Their whole face was covered,” the 18-year-old said.

Now, it’s Burgess’ turn to be decked with blossoms strung together when she receives her diploma from Konawaena on May 20.

“It’s very full circle for me,” Burgess said Friday. “I’ll also be making lei for all my friends and people I grew up with. It really is a token of gratitude and shows your appreciation.”

The tradition of lei giving and receiving is an important part of high school graduations in the Aloha State. From the fragrant blossoms of the plumeria or tuberose to the candy and money lei, all are made with care and cherished by the receiver.

“When someone gives me a lei it shows they’re proud of me, and graduation is one of those big milestones,” Burgess said. “That whole ceremony wouldn’t be the same without lei giving.”

Randi Hayashida, student activities coordinator at Konawaena High, said the tradition provides “that feeling when you come on campus that ‘we got you.’ The giving of lei captures that moment and that feeling of family.”

Local florist and Konawaena alumni April Qina said the lei will always be an important memory of growing up. Now, Qina is at the age where her former classmates’ kids are graduating from high school.

“For our kids, graduation is a big deal and we want to load them up,” Qina said, owner of Qina Girl Floral. “I love to see kids stacked up to their necks.”

Qina started taking orders about six weeks ago for graduation lei. She said it’s not uncommon for a family to order 10 to 15. The most popular for graduation are the fragrant blossoms, like the tuberose and especially the leaves and vine of the maile.

“You just get to celebrate with each other,” Qina said. “When I get an opportunity to make a lei, especially for a child I know, it’s very special to me.”

For local culture, Qina said graduation is very much a transition: “It’s a big landmark in someone’s life. A lei is an expression of love and congratulations. It’s how we celebrate.”

A lei, from the simple plumeria to the ilima lei, takes up to 1,000 blossoms and is an act of love.

“If you don’t understand the time and how special it is, the significance (of receiving a lei) is lost,” Qina said.

Gabrielle Olson has only lived on Hawaiʻi Island for three years, but the 18-year-old senior from West Hawaiʻi Explorations Academy said she already respects the tradition and hopes she receives one at her upcoming graduation.

“I think it’s really unique,” Olson said. “I feel like it symbolizes a really big achievement. I think a graduation lei means a lot more spiritually and metaphorically speaking.”

Konawaena senior Torrance Satta-Ellis, 17, is excited to graduate with his sights set on attending Pacific University in Oregon in the fall to study advertising and marketing.

The Big Island native said receiving a lei “shows they supported me and their time to give it to me was worth their time.”

Burgess, who will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall, and her friends are each making a combination of 30 to 40 plumeria and ti leaf lei to hand out on graduation day.

Satta-Ellis also said he plans to hand out plumeria, maile and bead lei.

“I want people to remember me and want them to know that I care for them,” Satta-Ellis said. “It’s more than a lei. It’s showing love and support and that’s what I want people to see in me.”

For Big Island Nowʻs graduation section, click here.

To post a graduate, which can be searched for by high school, click here.

For a full list of graduation ceremonies, click here.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo celebrates its 2023 Spring Commencement May 13 at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium.

The ceremony, which begins at 9 a.m., is by limited invitation and not open to the public. Students are allowed to invite six guests, who must be registered.

The ceremony can be viewed via live stream at: https://go.hawaii.edu/XDz.

Approximately 500 students have petitioned for degrees and/or certificates and for various post-graduate credentials, including the university’s first graduates of the Aeronautical Sciences Program.

Students represent the College of Arts and Sciences; Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikolani College of Hawaiian Language; College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management; College of Natural and Health Sciences; College of Business and Economics; and Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.

The university also will posthumously award the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to legendary kumu hula and composer Edith Kekuhikuhipu‘uoneonāali‘iōkohala Kenao Kanaka‘ole (1913-79) in recognition of her contributions toward the preservation and revitalization of the Hawaiian language and culture.

Kanaka‘ole worked as a teacher at Hawai‘i Community College (1971-74) and at UH Hilo (1974-79). At UH Hilo, she developed courses and seminars on Hawaiian language, ethnobotany, Polynesian history, genealogy and Hawaiian chant and mythology.

In March, a commemorative quarter honoring Kanaka‘ole was released into circulation by the U.S. Mint. She is one of five American women to be minted on new quarters as part of the 2023 honorees for the American Women Quarters Program.

The keynote speech will be delivered by Justina Taft Mattos, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Drama at UH Hilo.

Mattos is also chair of the Performing Arts Department and is a proud alumna of UH Hilo, where her studies focused on theatre and Hawaiian culture. While her graduate studies took her to the University of Oregon for an M.A. and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa for a Ph.D., it was her life-long dream to return to teach at her alma mater in Hilo.

She teaches courses in acting, directing, playwriting, dramatic literature, theatre history and drama pedagogy. She also acts and directs in a variety of genres, from musical theatre to Shakespeare.

As a playwright, she writes in English, Hawaiʻi Creole English and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. Her most recent keiki musical, Moʻo Huelo: Tale of a Tail, was presented at the Keaka Hawaiian Language Theatre Festival, and televised statewide on ʻOiwi TV.

Mattos is the recipient of the 2021 UH Board of Regents Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Sean Kauāakeakua “Kauā” Segundo, an undergraduate receiving his second Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Hawaiian Language and Linguistics, is student speaker. His remarks will be given in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.

During his time at UH Hilo, he worked as a student archivist at the Kaniʻāina Hawaiian Language repository, served as student representative with the UH Hilo Student Association from Spring 2022 -Spring 2023, a member of the Hanakahi Council, and a lecturer with the Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language teaching Hawaiian language through Total Physical Response.

Segundo also is deeply involved in Hawaiian cultural activities, including hula, Hawaiian oratory and Hawaiian music.

He plans to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Indigenous Language and Culture with a focus on Hawaiian Language and Hawaiian Linguistics, followed by a Ph.D. in Hawaiian and Indigenous Language and Culture Revitalization.

The ceremony will be recorded and available for viewing at: https://hilo.hawaii.edu/commencement/.

In a ceremony today, 106 seniors from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama graduated with their Associate of Arts degrees from Hawai‘i Pacific University, more than three weeks ahead of receiving their high school diplomas on May 29.

The students’ Hawai‘i Pacific University graduation ceremony took place at the Hawai‘i Convention Center on O‘ahu, followed by a reception and lei presentation for haumāna and ‘ohana at Kaʻiwakīloumoku Hawaiian Cultural Center.

“Seeing so many of our high school seniors walk across that stage to receive their associate degree is emotionally fulfilling,” said Wendy Erskine, poʻo kumu (principal) of Kamehameha Schools’ Kapālama Kula Ki‘eki‘e (high school).

The Kapālama Class of 2023 represents the inaugural group of students earning their AA in the dual-credit program fully funded by Kamehameha Schools. Kapālama kumu, who hold master’s degrees, were vetted by Hawai‘i Pacific University to teach Kapālama curriculum rooted in Hawaiian culture-based education that aligns with Hawai‘i Pacific University’s university courses.

Enrolled haumāna, grades 9 through 12, earn college credits while completing their high school requirements. Classes include collegiate-level Literature of the Pacific, ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i and Astronomy.

“HPU’s dual-credit program increases Hawaiʻi high school students’ earning potential immediately out of high school while simultaneously reducing the time and expense of earning a college degree,” said Dr. Jennifer Walsh, senior vice president and provost at Hawai‘i Pacific University.

In addition to saving money on college tuition, haumāna who continue their education at Hawai‘i Pacific University are eligible for significant tuition discounts and scholarships, like Kamehameha Schools Kapālama senior and Associate of Arts student Noel Ah Mook Sang.

She will attend Hawai‘i Pacific University in the fall to finish her bachelor’s degree in computer science.

“Getting the opportunity to pursue higher education has motivated me to be more studious and appreciative of the education I’ve been gifted,” Sang said.

Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union has extended the deadline for its annual Masami Oishi Memorial Scholarship program to May 26. 

Aloha Pacific will award a total of $35,000 in scholarships to 16 deserving students – $5,000 to the most outstanding applicant and $2,000 each to 15 other recipients. 

The $5,000 scholarship will be the Wallace Y. Watanabe Excellence Award in memory of Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union’s former president and CEO who retired in 2013 after 41 years of service. He passed away in September 2020.

Now in its 36^th year, Aloha Pacific’s scholarship program assists members who are enrolled in full-time undergraduate, graduate, or technical programs. Scholarships are based on financial need, academic achievement, community service and/or extracurricular activities. 

To qualify for the Masami Oishi Memorial Scholarship program, applicants must: 

• Be an Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union primary member in good standing
• Be enrolled in an accredited college, university, or technical school
• Attend on a full-time basis in the 2023-2024 school year

The application also requires a resume, letter of intent, and the student’s most recent official school transcript.

Completed applications and supporting materials must be received at a branch or postmarked by May 26. Scholarship recipients will be notified in the summer.

Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union’s scholarship program was started in 1987 and has awarded $500,000 to deserving Hawaii students. It was renamed in memory of Masami “Masa” Oishi, who joined the credit union in 1965 as its first manager and retired as president and CEO in 1992. 

For more information on the Masami Oishi Memorial Scholarship program and how to apply, visit www.alohapacific.com.

Hawai‘i Pacific University will celebrate the achievements of its spring class of 2023 with a graduation ceremony to be held on May 6 at 10 a.m., at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.

A total of 604 students will graduate, making it the largest class to graduate in seven years.

The ceremony will be held in-person and the doors will open for attendees with a valid ticket beginning at 8:30 a.m., and will close promptly 9:45 a.m. The graduation event will be live streamed here.

Hawai‘i Pacific University President John Gotanda will deliver remarks and confer degrees and Senior Vice President and Provost Jennifer Walsh will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Undergraduate Valedictory Speaker Blaise Babineck is a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry undergraduate student who is graduating from Hawai‘i Pacific University at 18 years old. Babineck enrolled at Hawai‘i Pacific University in 2021 and took accelerated undergraduate coursework while at the University.

A Maryknoll School graduate, Babineck developed a passion for chemistry though his AP chemistry course at the high school.

Graduate Valedictory Speaker Natalie Ediger is a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication student hailing from Augsburg, Germany. She speaks five languages and has studied or worked in Berlin, London, Seoul, Bali, New York City and Honolulu.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in international business management from the Berlin School of Economics and Law. DAAD Germany, an academic exchange organization, awarded her a fully funded scholarship to attend Hawai‘i Pacific University.

The 2023 “Teacher of the Year” award was given to Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music Alec Schumacker. An award-winning composer and arranger, Schumacker’s choral music is published by Santa Barbara Music Publishing, Alliance Music Publications, Earthsongs, and World Projects.

Graduates will be celebrated throughout the University of Hawaiʻi’s 10-campus system this spring. 

Hawaiʻi Community College in Hilo will hold its commencement ceremony on May 12 at 6 p.m. at the Edith Kanakaʻole Multi-Purpose Stadium.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo will hold its commencement ceremony on May 13 at 9 a.m., also at the Edith Kanakaʻole Multi-Purpose Stadium.

The commencement ceremony for Hawaiʻi Community College–Pālamanui is scheduled for May 13 at 4 p.m. at the Hilton Waikōloa Village Resort.

Commencement schedule:

Saturday, May 6

University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu

• Time: 9 a.m. 
• Location: Stan Sheriff Center
• Commencement website

Thursday, May 11

UH Maui College

• Time 5:30 p.m.
• Location: UH Maui College Great Lawn
• Commencement website and livestream information

Friday, May 12

Hawaiʻi Community College

• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: Edith Kanakaʻole Multi-Purpose Stadium
• Commencement website

Kapiʻolani Community College

• Time: 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• Location: Diamond Head Theater
• Commencement website

Kauaʻi Community College

• Time: 4:30 p.m.
• Location: Kauaʻi CC
• Commencement website

Honolulu Community College

• Time: 6 p.m.
• Location: Waikīkī Shell
• Commencement website

Leeward Community College

• Time: 5 p.m.
• Location: Leeward CC Tuthill Courtyard, Puʻuloa Campus
• Commencement website
• Livestream

Windward Community College

• Time: 5 p.m.
• Location: Windward CC Palikū Theatre
• Commencement website

Saturday, May 13

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

• Time: 9 a.m.
• Location: Edith Kanakaʻole Multi-Purpose Stadium
• Commencement website
• Livestream

Hawaiʻi Community College–Pālamanui

• Time: 4 p.m.
• Location: Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort
• Commencement website

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Time: 9 a.m.

• Location: Stan Sheriff Center
• Commencement website

• College of Arts, Languages and Letters
• College of Natural Sciences
• College of Social Sciences
• College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
• Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

Time: 3:30 p.m.

• Location: Stan Sheriff Center
• Commencement website

• College of Education
• College of Engineering
• John A. Burns School of Medicine
• Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing including Department of Dental Hygiene
• School of Architecture
• Shidler College of Business
• Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health
• William S. Richardson School of Law

With the 2023 high school graduation season right around the corner, Big Island Now has launched a new special section that salutes all graduates and provides information about graduations across the island.

For dates of graduations, click here.

To view the 2023 graduates at the 14 Big Island high schools, click here. The graduates can be searched for by name or high school.

To post a 2023 graduate, click here. You will need to supply an email address (for verification purposes only; it will not be published).

What will be posted: graduate’s name, high school and photo. You can also add a graduate’s bio and post high school plans (limited to about 300 words each).

This will be the first time since 2020 that there will be no health restrictions in place due to COVID-19. However, officials with the Hawai‘i Department of Education advise people to stay home if the feel sick or have tested positive for the virus within the past five days prior to graduation ceremonies. Schools will be sharing logistical details with parents and guardians.

The graduation schedule for Hawai’i Island public and private high schools:

May 19

• Hilo High: Edith Kanaka’ole Multi-Purpose Stadium, 7 p.m.
• Keaʻau High: school stadium, 4 p.m.
• Hawaiʻi Academy of Arts & Science (HAAS): Pāhoa Recreation Center, 4 p.m.
• Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School (LCPCS): school gymnasium, 4 p.m.
• Kaʻū High: Kaʻū District Gymnasium, 5 p.m.
• West Hawaiʻi Explorations Academy (WHEA): school campus, 5:30 p.m.

May 20

• Waiākea High: Edith Kanaka’ole Multi-Purpose Stadium, 6 p.m.
• Konawaena High: school football field, 9 a.m.
• Honokaʻa High: school campus, 10 a.m.
• Kohala High: Hisaoka Gymnasium at Kamehameha Park, 2 p.m.

May 21

• Pāhoa High: school gymnasium, 1 p.m.

May 26

• St. Joseph High: baccalaureate followed by ceremony at St. Joseph Church in Hilo, 4 p.m.
• Hawai’i Preparatory Academy: school gymnasium, 10 a.m.

May 27

• Kealakehe High: football field, 6 p.m.