Hilo and Hawaiʻi Community College outline enrollment decline, workforce programs and plans to stabilize campus operations

Chancellors Bonnie Irwin (University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo) and Susan Kazama (Hawaiʻi Community College) presented a joint report to the Board of Regents on enrollment, workforce programs, strategic planning and accreditation at the Hilo campus.

The chancellors said both campuses have experienced multi‑year enrollment declines but serve student populations that remain representative of Island of Hawaiʻi demographics, including high proportions of Native Hawaiian, Filipino and Pacific Islander students. Hawaii Community College reported noncredit workforce enrollment of about 1,355 students in industry and trade, health care, language and communication and other programs; examples cited included classes in plumbing, certified nursing assistant, medical assisting and forklift operation.

The nut graf: The campuses said they are pursuing a unified strategic plan, strengthened marketing, increased in‑person instruction, and targeted workforce partnerships to stabilize and grow enrollment while addressing local labor needs.

Chancellors described an integrated strategic plan and a systemwide strategic enrollment management plan developed with consultants, plus campus priorities that include identity and mission alignment, program alignment with industry demand, operations and grounds maintenance, and filling key administrative positions. Enrollment and retention remain priorities: Hilo noted an all‑time high for first‑year retention but said 6‑year graduation and transfer rates are still areas of ongoing work.

Research highlights included federally funded projects led by a early‑career scientist studying invasive arthropods in the Indo‑Pacific and a National Native American Language Resource Center grant focused on language preservation. Chancellors also noted new foundation hires and scholarship funds supporting nursing, education and athletics.

Faculty and student governance speakers — Dr. Karen Pellegrino, chair of the Hilo Faculty Congress; Shelby Sarai Espiritu, Hilo student association president; and student leaders from Hawaiʻi Community College — summarized faculty governance achievements, curricular approvals, student basic‑needs programs and efforts to revive legislative engagement.

The chancellors asked the regents for continued system support, including technology investments to deliver equitable access and assistance filling key campus positions. Regents praised campus programs and urged more proactive marketing and storytelling to raise visibility and recruitment.