Education

Science educators around the world will get a front-row seat to groundbreaking research and innovation from the university and the company PocketLab during a free virtual unconference in July.

The gift is the largest annual contribution Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaiʻi has made through Taste of Hilo and reflects the organization’s longstanding commitment to supporting higher education and student success on Hawaiʻi Island.

About 500 students ages 13 to 18 years old attended the June 20 exploratory event aimed at fostering future generations of aviation professionals.

Two subjects at the university’s flagship campus on O’ahu also placed in the world’s top 50. Another four were ranked in the world’s top 150.

Kealakehe High School senior Giselle Minez-Cruz and Makua Lani Christian Academy senior Aysha Pham were the 2026 Kaimana Scholars from Hawaiʻi County.

Hawaiʻi Police Department is hosting a school supply drop box at Hilo Police Station, located at 349 Kapiʻolani St., in Hilo as part of the effort. Community members are encouraged to donate new school supplies for East Hawaiʻi Keiki and can do so now.

Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green appointed Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee, the only U.S. citizen selected to participate in a 2025 Antarctic expedition led by explorer Robert Swan, to the board, pending confirmation by the Hawaiʻi Senate.

University of Hawaiʻi seeks person to fill newly created position of associate vice president for workforce development, serving as primary architect for cohesive workforce strategy throughout all 10 of its campuses.

This year’s contest theme was “Make Every Drop Count,” emphasizing the importance of conserving drinking water, which is connected to the county Department of Water Supply mission to provide customers with an adequate and continuous supply of safe drinking water in a financially responsible manner.

Winners Rianne Angelique Kealohaokalani Kalama Empaynado and Mari Iwata were honored during the club’s Scholarship Dinner Reception, which also featured Hilo-born kānaka maoli surf journalist and communications and marketing professional Daniel Ikaika Ito as keynote speaker.

The 15 high school seniors students awarded throughout the state will each receive $5,000 in financial assistance; all to be honored during special event June 14 on Oʻahu.

Applications accepted now for August 2026 cohort of 1-year Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Specialist Certificate, which prepares students for careers in cesspool conversion, sustainable wastewater installation.

Kazama’s chancellorship — including as interim — is marked by an era of growth, stability and renewed momentum for Hawaiʻi Community College.

The program — which University of Hawaiʻi launched in 2023 at its Maui College campus — offers tuition-free online courses, flexible enrollment, free entry-level certifications and a seamless 4-year degree path, with no prerequisites necessary.

Duke Escobar’s interest in medicine began in high school while taking a health academy course that introduced him to medical problem-solving through activities such as diagnosing cases from the TV show “House.”

Each scholarship recipient and their parents will be honored July 20 during a special Lions Club of Kona Scholarship Awards Dinner at Teshima’s Restaurant in Kealakekua; the public is invited to attend.

Participating high school students will be introduced to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, skills through the lens of urban and regional planning with a goal of fueling their higher education choices and perhaps interest in transportation-related careers.

Extension guarantees more than 60 Native Hawaiian Education Program early childhood education grant recipients throughout the state fully funded for at least another year.

The talk story starts at 5 p.m. at Hawai‘i Keiki Museum in Waikōloa; everyone is encouraged to attend; admission is free and open to the public; features speaker from Big Island Invasive Species Committee.

A quick look at news stories from throughout the state and beyond.