Hawai‘i Community College’s Auto Body Repair and Painting Program—the only auto body program in the University of Hawai‘i Community College system—carries on a proud legacy of craftsmanship, innovation and career readiness that began in 1966.

The program, which has graduated almost 1,000 technicians, is helping to sustain Hawaii Island’s transportation trades community.

HILO, HAWAIʻI — The 5 th Annual Hawaii Island Chef Challenge showcased the power of collaboration between Hawaii’s culinary community and education, presented in partnership with Hilo Products, Inc. The event brought together professional chefs and Hawai‘i CC culinary students for a fast-paced mystery-basket competition celebrating Hawaii’s local ingredients, food culture, and mentorship.   

HILO, Hawaiʻi – The Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawai‘i (JCCIH) invites the community to gather for a celebration of flavor and local talent at the 27th Annual “A Taste of Hilo,” taking place on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Sangha Hall.

Hilo, Hawai'i – Hawai‘i Community College saw one of the largest enrollment increases in the University of Hawai‘i System this fall, rising 8.7% to 2,489 students—its highest headcount in years and a strong sign of renewed momentum across Hawai‘i Island and the UH Community Colleges.

The University of Hawaiʻi and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) today launched Direct2UH, a new initiative that simplifies the college admissions process and removes barriers to higher education for Hawaiʻi’s public high school seniors. The program was officially introduced on October 13 at a morning pep rally at Kauaʻi High School followed by a news conference at Farrington High School.

After nearly two decades of shaping programs, guiding faculty, and supporting students at Hawai‘i Community College, Carrie Mospens is stepping into a new role as dean of Career and Technical Education — a move that highlights both her long service and her commitment to preparing students for Hawai‘i Island’s future workforce.

For Dr. Jace Saplan, stepping into the role of dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Hawai‘i Community College feels less like a new beginning and more like a homecoming. Born and raised in Waiākea Uka, and a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i Campus, Saplan returns to Hilo with both global experience and a deep kuleana (responsibility) to the communities of Hawai‘i Island.

Six students from three UH campuses — Hawai‘i Community College (Hawai‘i CC), UH Hilo, and UH Mānoa — are the most recent graduates of Hawaii CC’s six-week butchery program, a pioneering initiative in sustainable, local food production that’s redefining agricultural education in Hawai‘i.

The course, offered at Hawai‘i CC’s Kō Education Center in Honoka‘a, combines technical expertise and hands-on learning with an understanding of Hawaii’s food systems, preparing graduates to support sustainable, community-based agriculture.

HILO, HAWAI‘I – July 10, 2025 — Hawai‘i Community College is cruising into the new academic year with the addition of three brand-new vehicles, thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous benefactor and Servco Toyota Hilo. The gift includes two Toyota RAV4s and an energy-efficient Toyota Camry hybrid electric vehicle — offering both practicality and sustainability for campus needs.

The vehicles will support a range of college operations, including transportation for academic programs, community outreach, and student support services.