A team of researchers from the and are leading the charge to explore the relationship between hooved animals and the spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD). Maps of hard hit districts on Hawaiʻi Island were recently released online from a collaborative study involving community, county, state and federal experts and in infecting ʻōhiʻa trees with the fatal fungus, Ceratocystis lukuohia, that cause ROD and how fencing can help prevent the spread of the disease.

According to UH researchers, the animals damage healthy trees by digging up roots and stripping off bark. The damage makes the tree more susceptible to infection by the fungal spores carried in soil or the wind.

Fence-off Hawaiʻi’s forests

Spatial data, collected using remote-sensing technology, high-resolution satellite and helicopter imagery obtained from January 2019 through January 2023, show a greater spread of ʻōhiʻa die off in unfenced areas hooved animals can access and significantly lower ʻōhiʻa mortality in forest areas where hooved animals are blocked out by fencing. The UH researchers teamed with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Department of Hawaiian Homelands, The Nature Conservancy, National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to assess data from forested areas within Hāmākua to Kaʻū on Hawaiʻi Island. The project is funded by the DLNR and U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

“The surveying and monitoring of ʻōhiʻa forests remains one of our team’s top priorities,” said Brian Tucker, a ROD data specialist at UH ����ԴDz� through the university’s Research Corporation. “These observations help guide our research projects, forest management practices and public outreach. We noticed a trend where the forests have less mortality due to ROD when protected from feral animals, especially cattle and pigs. We love our forests and it gives us hope because there are tools available for meaningful action to minimize the most devastating effects of ROD.”

Closer-look at ROD impacts

In October 2022, high-resolution satellite imagery analysis of two equally sized areas across the fenced boundary of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park showed 99% of the 3,398 suspected trees impacted by ROD were in the unfenced area.

Analysis of remote-sensing and high-resolution satellite imagery occurred collaboratively with Tucker and researchers at the UH Hilo (SDAV) laboratory, with UH Hilo student geospatial analyst Naiʻa Odachi performing much of the work. The lab specializes in geospatial technology, which is integral in obtaining aerial imagery to detect ʻōhiʻa mortality at an individual tree level.

“Remote sensing using aerial and high-resolution satellite imagery has allowed researchers to expand monitoring capabilities on Hawaiʻi Island,” said Odachi, who is pursuing a master’s in at UH Hilo. “This imagery is used to identify individual dying ʻōhiʻa trees and can be used to direct field crews for sampling and ultimately lab analysis to confirm ROD infection.”

At the 2023 Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference this summer, Odachi presented ROD investigations she conducted at UH �ᾱ����’s SDAV and won the Outstanding Graduate Student Oral Presentation Award.

This newly published study stems from led by UH Hilo Geographer Ryan Perroy, a professor of and director of the SDAV research lab. Perroy’s team revealed significant differences in areas on Hawaiʻi Island with and without ungulates, suggesting that ungulate exclusion is an effective management tool to lessen the impacts of ROD in forested areas in Hawaiʻi.

• Related UH News story: Rapid ʻōhiʻa death linked to hoofed animals in UH Hilo research, August 17, 2021

“With ʻōhiʻa making up 80% of our remaining native forests, preventing or reducing damage from ROD and hooved animals is critical for protecting our watersheds and only source of fresh water in Hawaiʻi,” said Rob Hauff, state protection forester at Hawaiʻi DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

ROD spread outlook

ʻŌhiʻa mortality has been observed in every district on Hawaiʻi Island, with some areas showing very high rates of mortality. Outbreaks with significant ROD mortality were also reported on Kauaʻi. This collaborative study is geared toward building upon effective management strategies already in place to help protect Hawaiʻi’s remaining ʻōhiʻa, and increase native forest regeneration and restoration.

The (24-9) gave the second-seeded Oregon Ducks (28-5) all they could handle on their home court, especially in the first set, but ultimately fell short in its bid for an upset victory and a spot in the Sweet 16. The ‘Bows lost in four sets to the Ducks in Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene on December 1, 23-25, 12-25 and 17-25.

UH ended its 2023 season with a 24-9 record and a Big West Championship. Oregon improved to 28-5 and advanced to the Madison, Wisconsin regional.

Sophomore outside hitter Caylen Alexander led the Rainbow Wahine with 13 kills and one service ace. Senior outside hitter Riley Wagoner added six kills. Senior middle blocker Amber Igiede contributed four kills and three blocks, and senior outside hitter Kendra Ham added four kills.

Game script

UH jumped out to an early lead in the first set 5-2 on kills by Igiede, Alexander and Ham. The Rainbow Wahine extended their lead 10-4 on an attack error by Oregon outside hitter Mimi Colyer. UH led by as much as seven at 19-12, before the Ducks began their comeback, going on a 7-1 run to cut the Rainbow Wahine lead to one at 20-19. Teams traded points until Oregon tied the set at 22. An Alexander kill gave UH a narrow one point lead, before the Ducks tied it back up at 23 a piece. Then, an Alexander attack went wide and an Oregon kill gave the Ducks the 25-23 comeback set win.

The Rainbow Wahine kept it close in the beginning of the second set trailing by just one at 3-4, before the Ducks went on a five-point run to surge ahead 9-3. UH then went on a four-point scoring run of its own forcing Oregon to call a timeout at 9-7. That’s when the Ducks took control of the set taking the next seven points in a row leaping ahead 16-7. Oregon increased its lead to 12 at 21-9 and never looked back taking the set 25-12.

Oregon picked up where they left off leaping ahead 4-0 early in the third set. UH responded with kills by senior middle blocker Kennedi Evans and Alexander to close the gap to three at 6-9. The Rainbow Wahine went on another run on kills by Igiede and Alexander, and a block by redshirt freshman setter Jackie Matias and Igiede to cut the Ducks lead to 11-10. The Ducks increased their lead to four at 16-12 and 18-14. Oregon then closed the third set strong eventually winning 25-17.

The Rainbow Wahine advanced to the second round of the national tournament after their upset win over the seventh-seeded Iowa State Cyclones in four sets on November 30. UH was also the only Big West team to advance into the second round after UC Santa Barbara fell to Houston in the first round in four sets.

This was UH’s 30th straight appearance and 41st overall in the Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship Tournament. The Oregon match also marked the final match for UH’s six seniors: Igiede, Ham, Wagoner, Evans, Talia Edmonds and Chandler Cowell.

—By Marc Arakaki

The University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�’s longstanding history honor society, , was recognized as one of the best chapters in the nation for their excellence in promoting the study of history through research, teaching, publication and the exchange of learning and ideas. PAT members are undergraduate and graduate students and professors of history with more than 400,000 members and 970 chapters across the country.

The UH ����ԴDz� chapter took home the First Place Best Chapter Award in their division at the annual competition in July, competing against other colleges and universities with a student enrollment of 15,001 to 23,000 students.

The award was based on the chapter’s activities from August 2022 to July 2023, including participation in student conferences and award-winning presentations, helping at , participating in Hawaiʻi History Day, fundraising for a book donation drive and social activities including lei-making and celebrating graduating members.

“It is wonderful to receive this recognition for our chapter’s activities, especially since we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse range of research interests from the Pacific Islands to Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Americas and Europe,” said Carissa Chew, current president of Alpha Beta Epsilon and history PhD student. “This award is testament to the hard work of our faculty advisors and student officers.”

Future history plans

The award includes $250 to purchase books awards for their annual regional conference in the spring. This year, the chapter will also be collaborating with the Pitt Rivers Museum in the United Kingdom, where student members will have an opportunity to conduct archival research on the museum’s Hawaiʻi objects, with the goal of presenting their work at the History of Hawaiʻi exhibition launch in Oxford in the summer.

“It is a joy and privilege to advise our PAT chapter: a joy because the students have so many great ideas and activities that they plan and run themselves; a privilege because I get to see undergraduate and graduate students developing historical research projects and winning awards locally and nationally,” said faculty advisor Karen Jolly, professor of history. “I learn so much from their insights on history and culture, am impressed with the supportive network they have created for history students, and am therefore confident that the study of history is in good hands for future generations.”

Related UH News story: UH ����ԴDz� history honor society earns national award

This is the fifth time the UH ����ԴDz� chapter has won the Division V Best Chapter Award. Alpha Beta Epsilon was founded by history Professor Robert McGlone, and will celebrate its 40th anniversary in the spring.

Former student officers who contributed to the award were: Joshua Lourence (president), Emily Holmes (vice president), Madison Smith (secretary) and Chelly Ye (treasurer). Alpha Beta Epsilon’s faculty advisors from the UH ����ԴDz� History Department are Professors Jolly and Harrison Kim, with support from lecturers Shirley E. Buchanan (UH ����ԴDz�) and Uluwehi Hopkins (UH West Oʻahu).

A University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa hana keaka (play) written and directed by a recent alumnus of the captured six national awards from the (KCACTF). The national theatre program, which incorporates 18,000 students annually from colleges and universities across the country, awarded productions in higher education that promote long-term societal impacts through an artistic lens.

The UH Mānoa program’s production, Hoʻoilina is written and directed by Ākea Kahikina who penned the comedic hana keaka mostly in Hawaiian. The play also features other languages such as Pidgin, English and ʻōlelo māhū (māhū creole). Set in pre-pandemic Hawaiʻi, Hoʻoilina explores real-time issues such as what it takes to be considered Hawaiian.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized on the American national level for theatre excellence,” Kahikina expressed. “The true award, however, is the participation, laughter, tears and leo kākoʻo (supportive voices) of our lāhui: our people, our nation. That is the validation we as hana keaka practitioners look for when putting out moʻolelo (stories) for our people.”

The production, which closed Kennedy Theatre’s 2021–22 mainstage season last April, netted awards for the play’s ensemble, original artwork and costume design.

Related: Comedic play to debut in Hawaiian, Pidgin and ʻōlelo māhū, March 2022

“This national recognition of our students’ creative scholarship confirms the po‘okela or level of excellence that is pursued and inherent in Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) theatre praxis,” said Tammy Hailiʻōpua Baker, director and founder of the campus’ inaugural Hawaiian Theatre program. “When a hana keaka production is honored nationally, that award elevates the Hawaiian Theatre Program, the Department of Theatre and Dance and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.”

Awards

Hoʻoilina

• Kennedy Citizen Award
• Distinguished achievement for the company/ensemble
• Distinguished achievement for original artwork Kaʻiminaʻauao Cambern)
• Distinguished achievement for costume design (Kaneikoliakawahineikaʻiukapuomua Baker)
• Distinction for production of a new play
• Distinction for dramaturgy (Kaipulaumakaniolono Baker)

Nationally recognized

Last spring, KCACTF presented eight awards to UH Mānoa hana keaka, He Leo Aloha. The production performed exclusively in Hawaiian earned recognition for directing, individual performance, and lighting and music. The Hawaiian storytelling genre is flourishing rapidly. In 2022, for the first time in Kennedy Theatre history, Hawaiian language productions opened and closed out the theatre’s mainstage season.

• Related UH News story: UH Hawaiian language play scoops 8 national awards, May 5, 2022

UH aspires to be the world’s foremost Indigenous serving university. In 2014, the Hawaiian Theatre program was formally established at UH Mānoa by Baker. Lāʻieikawai, the inaugural hana keaka production she wrote and directed, played to sold out audiences on the Kennedy Theatre mainstage in 2014 before touring to Hawaiʻi Island, Molokaʻi, Kauaʻi and Aotearoa (New Zealand). In January 2020, Baker’s production ʻAuʻa ʻIa: Holding On, was showcased off-Broadway in New York City.

The holidays have officially arrived at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� with the annual student Poinsettia Sale, which sells out every year. Nearly 700 poinsettias in a variety of colors will be pre-sold this year during late November and early December. Prices range from $10 to $25 and orders are only taken .

The holiday tradition is hosted by students from the (TPSS) and the UH ����ԴDz� .

“It’s a great experience for the students involved, especially with the sale’s awesome turnout every year,” said Jacob Olarti, the Horticulture Society president and TPSS graduate student, who has participated in the sale the last two years. “This is an awesome opportunity, not only to gain hands-on experience, but to spread holiday cheer to our community.”

The planning for the annual holiday tradition begins in the middle of the spring semester and starts with determining which types of poinsettias will be grown in the fall. This year, seven varieties were tested and grown at the UH ����ԴDz� Magoon Research Station.

Students begin planting cuttings in August during the first week of the fall semester. Throughout the semester, they transplant the cuttings into 6-inch pots, fertilize the plants, manage whiteflies with pesticides and maximize branching and growth, ensuring the poinsettias are ready for sale by late November.

“Growing the poinsettias is always fun, even for experienced growers like many of our members,” said Olarti. “I love seeing the different colors as the plants bloom throughout the semester.”

The funds raised support the Horticulture Society and TPSS student activities as well as the next poinsettia sale. Students from the Horticulture Society and students taking TPSS 364 – Horticulture Theory and Practice are responsible for the sale each year.

They’re assisted by students enrolled in TPSS 402 – Flower and Foliage Crop Production and student volunteers from other disciplines. The project is under the supervision and guidance of TPSS Associate Researchers Orville Baldos and Teresita Amore, as well as Magoon Research Station Manager John Hintze.

For additional information, contact the Horticulture Society at hortsociety.uhm@gmail.com.

Win and move on! The (24-8) staged a classic comeback to down the seventh-seeded Iowa State Cyclones (20-10) in four sets and advanced to the second round of the . The Rainbow Wahine dropped the first set and trailed by as much as seven points in the second set before bouncing back and taking the second, third and fourth sets, winning the match 16-25, 26-24, 25-18 and 25-23.

UH will now play on Friday, December 1, 5 p.m. HST in the second round against the winner of host and second-seeded Oregon and Southeastern Louisiana.

Sophomore outside hitter Caylen Alexander led the Rainbow Wahine with 18 kills and one service ace. Senior middle blocker and Big West First Team selection Amber Igiede contributed 14 kills and four blocks. Senior outside hitter Riley Wagoner added nine kills. Junior setter Kate Lang directed the offense with 45 assists. As a team, the Rainbow Wahine hit .276 and out-blocked the Cyclones, 13 to five. UH‘s defense held Iowa State to a .186 clip.

In the first set, UH jumped ahead on a 5-0 scoring run to take a 7-2 lead. Alexander had the hot hand with three kills early. The Cyclones went on a 9-0 run of their own to take the 11-7 lead. An Iowa State service error gave UH a sideout point, then the Cyclones went on a 6-0 scoring run fueled by a trio of service aces, forcing the Rainbow Wahine to call a timeout down 17-8. Despite four service errors in the first set, the Cyclones cruised to a 25-16 victory.

The Cyclones picked up where they left off taking a quick 5-1 lead on a pair of kills by Maya Duckworth. The Rainbow Wahine then closed the gap to one on two kills by freshman outside hitter Tali Hakas and one by Alexander. Iowa State surged ahead 10-5 on four straight points forcing UH to call a timeout. A kill by Alexander and a block by Hakas and senior middle blocker Kennedi Evans closed the Cyclone lead to 13-8. UH then continued winning points at the net with four blocks in the middle of the set to trail by just one point at 21-20, forcing Iowa State to call its first timeout. A kill by Wagoner tied the set up at 21, and a net violation by the Cyclones gave the Rainbow Wahine their first lead of the set at 22-21. Iowa State used its second and final timeout of the set after UH regained the lead on another kill by Wagoner at 23-22. The Cyclones forced extras tying the set up at 24, but a kill by Alexander and a service ace by Talia Edmonds gave UH the dramatic comeback 26-24 victory.

Momentum remained on UH’s side early in set three as Igiede put down four early kills to give the Rainbow Wahine a 7-2 lead. UH was the first to double digits in the set on a kill by Wagoner at 10-6. Kills by Alexander and Igiede gave the ‘Bows a five-point advantage at 13-8. UH extended its lead to six at 20-14 on a block by Evans and Hakas. Iowa State closed the deficit to four at 20-16, but Hakas responded with a kill and a UH ace extended the Rainbow Wahine lead to 22-16. UH surged to the end of the set, winning 25-18 on a kill by Igiede.

The fourth set was extremely close throughout. Teams traded points early before UH took an 11-8 lead on kills by Hakas and Igiede. A pair of Iowa State kills and a service ace tied it up at 11. The Cyclones were the first to 15 after a UH attack error and three straight Iowa State kills. An Iowa State service error and a Lang service ace cut the Iowa State lead to just one at 17-16. UH then tied it back up at 18 after a kill by Evans and a block by Alexander and Evans. The teams traded points and the Rainbow Wahine still trailed 20-19, before a pair of Cyclone attack errors gave UH the slimmest of leads at 21-20, which forced Iowa State to call a timeout. The teams continued to sideout before a massive kill by Igiede gave the Rainbow Wahine a crucial 23-22 edge. A massive solo block by Wagoner gave UH a 24-22 lead and a critical service error by the Cyclones gave the Rainbow Wahine the narrow 25-23 victory.

The Rainbow Wahine was The Big West’s automatic representative into the national tournament after winning the conference championship with sweeps over Cal Poly and Long Beach State. This is UH’s 30th straight appearance and 41st overall in the Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship Tournament.

—By Marc Arakaki

Upset Alert!

— Hawaii W. Volleyball (@HawaiiWVB)

Eloise Luzader, the cherished head cashier of the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� , retired on November 30, after nearly three decades of service at 95 years old.

“I have mixed emotions,” said Luzader. “I’m happy and I’m sad because I’m going to miss the students. Interacting with them was my thing to keep me young.”

Luzader is famous for greeting students and other Gateway Café patrons with a bright smile, and as the unofficial ����ԴDz� matchmaker, with three successful couplings. She has a tight-knit relationship with the students, and feels so much love for them that she considers them her “grandbabies.” Because of this love, Luzader has no trouble remembering the names of thousands of students, and making them feel seen and cared for.

• Related UH News story: Cherished 95-year-old Gateway Cafe head cashier to retire, October 27, 2023

The impact of Luzader’s love is everlasting. Alumna Taylor Hiraga, who attended UH ����ԴDz� from 2013 to 2016, said that Eloise was the most memorable part of her time as a student. Now a pharmacist in Maui, she dedicated time each month to visit Luzader with a lei and appreciation for her compassion.

“She always put a smile on my face, always said hello, always hugged me. She’s pretty much family to me now,” said Hiraga. “Here at Gateway Café, Aunty Eloise is a staple—she’s the face of Gateway Café and she’s always been for the last 30 years. I think we’re all really going to miss her.”

Take care [of] yourself. Be good, stay out of trouble. Keep smiling and study hard.
—Luzader to her “grandbabies”

Luzader was recognized for her hard work, dedication and warmth for Gateway Café patrons. Brett Lad, CEO of Sodexo Campus, North America, presented the “Spirit of THX :)” award over a Zoom call, honoring Luzader for sharing the spirit of Aloha with the UH ����ԴDz� community. Honolulu Councilmember Matt Weyer presented a certificate on behalf of the Honolulu City Council to thank her for her almost 30 years of service and wish her a happy retirement.

“We really just wanted to mahalo her for her nearly 30 years of service,” said Weyer. “I remember her when I was at UH 15 years ago, and just the warmth and aloha she always shared with all of us, with all of the students.”

During her retirement, Luzader plans to volunteer wherever her help is needed and return to her favorite activities, Zumba and hula. She also guarantees that students are still in her plans.

“I’ll come back to visit if I get bored, just to have the interaction with them. I love everybody—I love you all,” said Luzader. “Take care [of] yourself. Be good, stay out of trouble. Keep smiling and study hard.”

For years, Hawaiʻi’s food system has been on the precipice of crises. Around 90% of Hawaiʻi’s food is imported, and, as of 2021, almost half of all families in the state reported experiencing some level of food insecurity. The COVID-19 pandemic, the wildfires in Lahaina and recent statewide data have shown that Hawaiʻi is profoundly unprepared for natural disasters. Moreover, recent analysis has found that fires and natural disasters in Hawaiʻi are increasing.

That’s why the (THFST) initiative is hosting its , December 14–15, at the .

“Meaningful change to the agri-food system of Hawaiʻi is critical in meeting our health, equity, resilience and sustainability goals as a state,” said Co-organizer Albie Miles, an associate professor of at UH West Oʻahu. “The annual food system summit is a key forum where important food policies are discussed among elected officials and diverse stakeholders from across the islands.”

THFST is a partnership of public and private agencies that aims to invest in the development of a healthy, equitable and community-based food system for Hawaiʻi is an opportunity to create a new agricultural economy that is more resilient to the climate crisis, increases food security, improves public health and nutrition, and restores Hawaiʻi’s significant biocultural resources.

Registration for the summit is closed, however, the event will be and will feature remarks from Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda, state elected officials and others.

Other summit co-organizers include Mahina Paishon-Duarte, co-founder and chief executive officer of Waiwai Collective, Roella Foronda, programs director of Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute, and other community partners and organizations.

A vibrant, colorful work of art that honors ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian) as the Indigenous language of the region and the many languages represented at now welcomes visitors to the space near the lobby.

The mural aligns with the campus vision and mission—to be Hawaiʻi’s leading Indigenous-serving community college, with a special commitment to Native Hawaiians, and was helmed by Assistant Professor and English as a Second Language Coordinator Kelly Kennedy.

“The root of this mural was the desire to make visible what is often invisible, which is our heritage,” said Kennedy. “The languages of our community and ancestors are represented here on this wall.”

Abraham Hughes, a Leeward CC student in the Lauhoe (first-year) program, was one of the first to put his handprints on the wall.

“To dip our hands in paint, and slap our hands on the wall—it’s literally a physical imprint (that) represents us being one,” he said. “It was really fun and engaging.”

Honoring Puʻuloa

At the center of the mural, near the top, is written “Ka iʻa hāmau leo,” which, according to Piʻikea Hardy-Kahaleoumi, Leeward CC Native Hawaiian counselor, means “oyster.” However, there is also a deeper meaning.

“‘Iʻa’ is the term for aquatic animals, ‘hāmau’ means to be silent, and ‘leo’ means voice,” said Hardy-Kahaleoumi. “It informs us how we should approach these oysters, and it teaches about how we should be silent and have reverence when we enter these sacred spaces.”

While oysters have specific significance to the Puʻuloa region, where Leeward CC is located, and there are visual references to the moʻolelo (stories) of Puʻuloa in the mural, the core is the word, “Aloha,” which is one of the foundations of Hawaiian culture. It is clearly visible in bold lettering and it provides the background for greetings in more than 20 languages.

“‘Aloha,’ each time we say it, is acknowledging our commitment to each other, to extend kindness and care and compassion. It is not transactional, but definitely must be reciprocated,” said Hardy-Kahaleoumi. “It does my naʻau (gut or heart) so proud to have aloha as the cornerstone of this mural, and all the different ways (languages) we extend this kindness and care to others.”

Building community through diversity

Besides Aloha, greetings such as “Hola,” “Kumusta,” “Konnichiwa,” and “Talofa” are on full display.

“When my students who have English as a second, third, or fourth language see their languages represented in the mural, I see their faces light up—there’s a sense of belonging, community and recognition of what brings us together, and that’s a deeper meaning of aloha,” said Kennedy.

The mural is also full of handprints made by several groups of people: Leeward CC students, faculty and staff, students from Pearl City High School (PCHS), and keiki from the Leeward Children’s Center.

A class of multilingual learners from PCHS had a memorable experience laying down the first coat of paint on the mural. The majority of them had never been to Leeward CC before.

“I’m hoping that the students see that Leeward is an option for them, that it’s viable and realistic,” said Kalika Ayin, a PCHS English teacher and English learning coordinator. “They’ve been on campus already so they know a little bit, but now (with the mural) they have a piece that they own.”

Funding for this project was provided through the ’s Innovation in Action Award.

Kennedy added, “I hope that everyone who participated in this project treasures the memory of creating this mural together, and I hope that future generations of students and community members will see it and feel at home.”

— By Tad Saiki

An agreement between the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU) was officially signed by both schools in November. The partnership encourages faculty and staff collaboration, student exchange programs and the exchange of academic materials and publications.

The partnership has also agreed to establish a 3+2 program, under which students with bachelor’s degrees awarded by NTOU will have the opportunity for an early start in pursuing a master’s degree to be awarded by UH Mānoa.

Specific undergraduate programs at NTOU will be eligible to apply for an eligible master’s degree program at UH ��ā�ԴDz�’s (SOEST) through the 3+2 program.

Eligible NTOU undergraduate programs include: marine environmental informatics, aquaculture, environmental biology and fisheries science, and harbor and river engineering.

Eligible UH Mānoa master’s degree programs include: atmospheric sciences, Earth and planetary sciences, marine biology, and ocean and resource engineering.

This collaborative effort aims to promote internationalized education, cultural exchange and collaboration in areas of common interest and benefit to both institutions. It was established to enhance the research and educational landscapes of both institutions, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration for years to come.