Hundreds of community members from West Hawai’i and around the island gathered on Saturday to celebrate the official grand opening of the Hawai’i Community College – Pālamanui campus.
Special guest speakers at the event included Governor David Ige, University of Hawai’i President Dr. David Lassner, UH Vice President for Community Colleges Dr. John Morton, Hawai’i CC Interim Chancellor Joni Onishi, Hawai’i CC – Pālamanui and University of Hawai’i Center West Hawai’i Director Dr. Marty Fletcher, and Ku`ulei Keākealani, lineal descendant of Kekahawai`oleonākona
Attendees heard live music, participated in interactive exhibits from college programs and community groups, viewed cooking demonstrations, and sampled food.
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“It’s incredibly exciting to see so many community members enjoying themselves at the new campus,” said Dr. Fletcher. “They’ve waited a long time for these facilities and we are thrilled they came out to celebrate and learn about the higher education options in their community.”
Te ‘E’a o Te Turama. Hawai’i Community College – Pālamanui photo.
Te ‘E’a o Te Turama. Hawai’i Community College – Pālamanui photo.
Te ‘E’a o Te Turama. Hawai’i Community College – Pālamanui photo.
Hawaiian Studies student makes kapa. Hawai’i Community College – Pālamanui photo.
Culinary Arts student makes chocolate truffles for visitors at the Open House and Grand Opening Celebration. The new campus features two new teaching kitchens with brand new equipment. Hawai’i Community College – Pālamanui photo.
Culinary students. Hawai’i Community College – Pālamanui photo.
Keiki build birdhouses at the exhibit presented by the Hawai’i CC Construction Academy. Hawai’i Community College – Pālamanui photo.
Te ‘E’a o Te Turama. Hawai’i Community College – Pālamanui photo.
Office of Student Services had a keiki-friendly display. Hawai’i Community College – Pālamanui photo.
Hawai’i Community College – Pālamanui photo.
Hawai’i Community College – Pālamanui photo.
Hawai’i Community College – Pālamanui photo.
Food samples at the Open House and Grand Opening Celebration. Hawai’i Community College – Pālamanui photo.
Culinary Arts instructor Paul Heerlein presents a cooking demonstration with one of his students. The new campus features two new teaching kitchens with brand new equipment. Hawai’i Community College – Pālamanui photo.
Award-winning musician Robi Kahakalau and the Keawe Trio perform at the Open House and Grand Opening Celebration. Hawai’i Community College – Pālamanui photo.
Award-winning musician Robi Kahakalau and the Keawe Trio perform at Hawai’i Communiy College – Palamanui’s Open House and Grand Opening Celebration as Hawaii CC – Palamanui Hawaiian Studies instructor Ka’ea Lyons dances hula. Hawai’i Community College – Pālamanui photo.
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