Rockne Freitas Way sign at Hawai‘i Community College Pālamanui unveiled, dedicated

On Saturday, the main entry road to Hawai‘i Community College Pālamanui campus was dedicated and the newly named Rocky Freitas Way sign was unveiled.

The road is named for the late Hawaiʻi CC chancellor who played a major role in developing the campus. Family and current leadership at the community college came together to honor Rockne Freitas for a dedication ceremony planned and presented by UH and Hawaiʻi CC personnel, students and community members.

Freitas, who died in 2022, served in many leadership roles at UH, including as Hawaiʻi CC chancellor from 2004 to 2010. He was a driving force in securing funding and establishing the partnerships that would allow the Hawaiʻi CC–Pālamanui campus to be built.

The University of Hawai‘i Board of Regents approved the honorific naming at a board meeting on Aug. 17, 2023. Freitas’ sons, Makai and Makoa, both testified in support of the measure.

At Saturday’s dedication, Makai Freitas said his father told him to be a lifelong learner.

“Every day you should be learning something different, and through that process of education, you are also building relationships. It was of huge importance to us growing up,” Makai said.

“The legacy I would think he would want is one of education,” said Freitas’ son Makoa. “How life really is all about education and through education you can change lives and you can do things for the better.”

Freitas inspired students in their education. Raynette “Kalei” Haleamau-Kam, director of Hawaiʻi CC–Pālamanui, said if it wasn’t for people like Freitas she wouldn’t be able to be in her community and finish her education.

“Rockne’s way was something that pivoted my educational point and my stance on how no matter what age, no matter how old you are, no matter where you go in life, you will be learning something and education will always come back to you,” said Hawaiʻi CC–Pālamanui student Natalie Alvarado.

“If it wasnʻt for people like Rockne, I wouldnʻt be able to still be here in my community and be able to finish my education,” said