NOTE: This column appears in the August issue of the JCCIH Oshirase newsletter.

Aloha,

Since joining Hawai‘i Community College as Interim Chancellor on July 1, I have been learning about the college’s close connections with the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawai‘i.

In the vibrant community of Laʻiʻōpua, where warmth and togetherness thrive, a new partnership has unfolded, igniting a flame of hope and opportunity for adults aspiring to explore the culinary industry. Laʻiʻōpua 2020, a non-profit organization deeply rooted in the spirit of unity, has joined hands with the Hawaiʻi Community College – Pālamanui Culinary Program, giving birth to a groundbreaking program called Hoʻokahua.

A renowned Hawai‘i chef and an expert on Hawai‘i’s fishing industry teamed up on June 12 to share their knowledge about local catch during a workshop at the Hawai‘i Community College – Pālamanui campus in North Kona.

Seventeen culinary professionals from restaurants in West Hawai‘i joined James Beard Award-Winning Chef George Mavrothalassitis and United Fishing Agency General Manager Brooks Takenaka to learn about fishing methods; how to break down fish to maximize the bottom line; preparation of different fish species; cooking techniques; and more.

Hawaiʻi Island residents are invited to apply for funding to support their enrollment in Administration of Justice certificate programs offered at Hawaiʻi Community College. Funding from the Good Jobs Hawai‘i initiative can support up to a year of tuition and fees for eligible students pursuing a Homeland Security Certificate or a Criminal Justice Addictions Professional Certificate from Hawai‘i CC.

Hawai‘i Community College proudly releases the names of the following students who have achieved Dean’s List honors for the Spring 2023 semester. The Dean’s List requires students to have completed 12 or more credits for a letter grade achieving a grade point average of at least 3.5 (B+) for the semester. The attached 206 students have attained this distinction. Please join us in congratulating them!

Aloha,

Hawai‘i Community College is proud to educate the workforce of Hawai‘i Island, training the future nurses, teachers, auto mechanics, carpenters and many others who make our communities vibrant, healthy and strong.

Hawai‘i Community College proudly releases the names of the following students who have achieved Dean’s List honors for the Fall 2022 semester.  The Dean’s List requires students to have completed 12 or more credits for a letter grade achieving a grade point average of at least 3.5 (B+) for the semester.  The following 206 students have attained this distinction.  Please join us in congratulating them!

During a ho'ike on Thursday, November 10, 2022 students celebrated their knowledge and the completion of a free program that allows them to venture into the culinary industry. La`i`opua 2020 and Hawai’i Community College - Palamanui collaborated on the program, which was funded by a County of Hawai'i grant. 

In many ways, colleges are designed for young adults without major work and family responsibilities. But that picture of the “traditional” college student does not reflect reality for many students and potential students living in rural areas like the Hāmākua coast and the North Hawai‘i region.