Donnette Leilani (Lei) Kapono began her tenure as interim chancellor of Hawaiʻi Community College on November 2, returning to a campus where she previously served for eight years and helped expand workforce training and educational opportunities across Hawaiʻi Island.

Aloha Hawaiʻi CC Kauhale,

As I begin my first day as interim chancellor, I want to share how grateful and excited I am to be returning to Hawaiʻi Community College.

Donnette Leilani (Lei) Kapono has been appointed interim chancellor of Hawaiʻi Community College, effective November 2, 2026. Kapono, who previously spent eight years at the college, will serve for one year or until a permanent chancellor is selected. Kapono’s appointment is subject to the required publication in the UH Board of Regents agenda for the October 22 meeting. UH Vice President for Community Colleges Lui Hokoana has been serving as acting chancellor.

HILO, Hawaiʻi — What comes after Hawaiʻi Community College? Students can explore the possibilities — and see how their interests can translate into a college major and future career — at the Transfer & Career Fair on Tuesday, October 20, at the Manono Campus in Hilo.

For nearly three decades, A Taste of Hilo has celebrated Hawaiʻi Island’s culinary talent while helping cultivate the next generation. Now in its 28th year, the popular community event returns Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Sangha Hall, bringing together local chefs, restaurants and beverage purveyors while raising funds for community organizations including Hawaiʻi Community College.

All Hawai'i Community College campuses and education centers will remain CLOSED on Saturday, 9/26/2026, and Sunday, 9/27/2026, due to Hurricane Nolo.

Safety Reminders:

Avoid all unnecessary travel and stay off the roads.
Stay away from windows and do not approach downed power lines.

Please stay vigilant and check your email for updates as conditions allow. Stay safe!

Aloha Hawaiʻi CC ʻOhana,

Aloha UH Hilo and Hawaiʻi Community College Faculty, Staff, and Students:

In the days after Hurricane Lala brought damaging winds, heavy rain and sever flooding to Hawaii Island in August, members of the Hawaiʻi Community College kauhale joined community-led efforts to bring food, water and other supplies to families in the hard-hit Kaʻū area.

On Aug. 21, members of the Hawaiʻi CC-affiliated Kūkūʻena hula cohort and other college employees traveled to Kaʻū, joining several University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo faculty and staff to help with relief efforts.

Building on the success of its drone certification program, Hawaiʻi Community College has secured a new $920,238 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to expand education using tools such as drone-mounted sensors to collect data across the state. The three-year project aims to meet workforce demand or stackable credentials for use in utilities, civil engineering, agriculture and environmental hazard mitigation.