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Douglass Adams has been named the new EDvance director for Hawai'i CC.
Douglass Adams Named New Director of EDvance at Hawai‘i Community College
Administrative
 - 22 November 2025

Hawai‘i Community College has selected Douglass Shipman Adams as the new Director of EDvance Continuing Education and Training. Adams brings experience in military service, law, public administration, and nonprofit leadership, along with a longstanding ties to Hawai‘i Island.

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Student Jason Bois and Chris Ibarra.
Hawaiʻi CC–Pālamanui automotive technology students.
Hawaiʻi CC–Pālamanui automotive technology students.
Hawaiʻi CC–Pālamanui automotive technology students.
Hawaiʻi CC–Pālamanui automotive technology students.
Hawaiʻi CC alumnus gives back through automotive teaching at Pālamanui
Academics
 - 15 November 2025

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

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

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Hawai‘i CC is home to the only Auto Body Repair and Painting program in the UHCC system.
Hawai‘i CC’s Auto Body Repair and Painting program was founded in 1966 and will celebrate 60 years in 2026
This program blends the best of “old-school” precision and “new-school” technology.
his program trains students in all aspects of collision repair and refinishing.
Graduates go on to work in areas including collision repair, paint supply, or insurance.
Hawai‘i CC Auto Body Program Carries on a Legacy of Craftsmanship and Innovation For Nearly 60 Years
Academics
 - 8 November 2025

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.

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event flyer
30-October
Halloween Fair
Manono Campus, Outside of Cafeteria

Student Activities Council Presents:

Winners of the 5th annual Hawaii Island Chef Challenge: Chef Ippy Aiona and Hawai‘i CC Culinary Arts students Amelia Klunk and Arithat Ruangchai.
Chef Ippy Aiona’s team presenting their dishes to competition judges Chef Sam Choy and Chef Willie Garcia.
Hawaii Island professional chefs volunteered their time and expertise to mentor Hawai‘i CC culinary students. This year’s chefs (L-R): Casey Halpern (Café Pesto), Zane Monteleone (Hana Hou Restaurant), George Gomes Jr. (King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort), competition judge Willie Garcia, competition judge Sam Choy, Matthew Galindo (Hilo Products, Inc.), Simon Farrington (Hilo Yacht Club), and Phillip “Ippy” Aiona (The Koa Table).
Chef Casey Halpern in the kitchen with his team.
1- Chef Willie Garcia and Chef Sam Choy walked the kitchen as the teams cooked.
Chef George Gomes Jr. prepped dessert with his team of culinary students.
Chef Sam Choy lightened the competitive pressure, joking with students as he walked the kitchen. “Safety first, but you gotta have fun, too!”
Event coordinator/producer Pomaika‘i Bartolome with Chefs Willie Garcia and Sam Choy.
Chef Zane Monteleone kept things moving for his team of culinary students.
Hawai‘i CC culinary student Amelia Klunk said, “We went into this a little nervous but Chef Ippy Aiona put us at ease right away. Being able to come together cohesively as a team was fabulous.”
Chef Simon Farrington brought some of his East Coast flair to the menu.
Putting final touches on their dishes before serving to the judges.
Chef Casey Halpern and his team earned second place in this year’s competition
Hawaii Island Chef Challenge Celebrates 5 Years of Culinary Mentorship, Collaboration and Creativity 
Community
 - 29 October 2025

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.   

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Hawai‘i Community College Culinary Arts students showcase their skills as part of the 2024 “A Taste of Hilo.”
Elegant bite-sized creations highlight the artistry and innovation of Hawai‘i Island’s food scene.
Vendors at A Taste of Hilo offer a variety of sweet and savory creations.
A Taste of Hilo continues to benefit Hawai‘i Community College, JCCIH and support the growth of East Hawai‘i’s local food and beverage industry through community collaboration.
Community leaders and supporters gather to celebrate local flavors, culture, and connection at A Taste of Hilo.
Volunteers in colorful happi coats welcome guests and distribute tasting glasses at the entrance to A Taste of Hilo.
Local beverage producers add island-inspired flair to the event’s tasting lineup.
Guests will enjoy sampling from more than 20 local restaurants and beverage producers during the afternoon tasting event this year.
Fuji Experience host Brandon Lee and Chef Keoni Regidor of Napua and Lehua Restaurant lead the exclusive 2025 culinary showcase featuring Kaunamano Farm pork and Hawai‘i Island flavors.
The 27th Annual “Taste of Hilo” Returns with the Fuji Experience and Local Culinary Excellence
Community
 - 18 October 2025

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.

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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.
Enrollment gains across the UH system were driven by increases in first-time freshmen across the UH System (up 2.1%).
There was record participation in programs allowing high school students to earn college and/or high school credits, which is up 6.9% from fall 2024.
Numbers show steady progress in advancing educational acess and success for Hawai'i's indigenous students
Hawai'i CC continues to be a place where futures are built right here at home
Hawai‘i CC Sees Second-Largest Enrollment Jump Among UH Campuses
Academics
 - 15 October 2025

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.

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