Latest news with #UHManoa
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
UH Mānoa students celebrate 2025 Spring Commencement
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Over 2,500 graduates participated in University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's 2025 Spring Commencement ceremonies on May 17, with a ceremony in the morning and another in the afternoon. Graduates walked in the commencements at the Stan Sheriff Center and were joined by thousands of UH Mānoa community members, including friends, family, faculty and staff. Hawaiʻi Island nurses hold informational picket The commencement featured Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion surfer Carrissa Moore as this year's speaker, and also marked UH President Wendy Hensel's inaugural commencement. 'It is such a special time of year, always, but really so this year since it's my first as president of the system,' Hensel said. 'And seeing the joy on the faces of our graduates and the excitement about the future is just unmatched.'UH West Oʻahu was the first UH campus to have a commencement on May 10, with UH Mānoa and UH Hilo marking the final set of commencements on May 17. For graduates, commencement is a time to reflect on the past several years of their life, and the hard work they put into getting their degree. 'UH Mānoa has given me so many opportunities from internships to student work opportunities and just being able to get immersed into my passions and what I like to do, and I'm just overall so grateful for everything,' 2025 graduate McKenzie Kurosu said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fresh flower lei prices soar as graduation season is in full swing
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Graduation season is in full swing, with college ceremonies wrapping up and high school seniors getting ready to graduate all month long. But, if you were planning on buying fresh flower lei for your graduate, get ready to spend more money. HFD extinguishes ambulance fire in Wailupe Lei stands and flower shops in town were busy on May 17, as thousands of people attended UH Mānoa's graduation ceremony. But many shoppers noticed they were spending more money than they did in 2024. 'These used to go for $40, but now I think it's like $70 I paid for,' said one graduate's grandmother. 'For me, [the price] went double and almost triple,' said Cindy Tanituchi, whose granddaughter is graduating from UH Mānoa. 'Seriously, because usually I pay about $35 to $40 and I went to the airport and at the airport the one lady wanted between $65 and up to almost $80 and I went and got this one for $50,' she added while showing her fresh flower lei. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news In early April, new tariffs took effect which raised prices for countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Thailand where most fresh flowers come from. There were also tariffs in place on China goods like plastic containers and vases, and while negotiations are underway with some countries, owners say they are already paying more for goods. Candice Le at Le Flowers said container prices were up and packaging prices have gone up too. She said this year is the highest she's seen flowers and lei prices. 'Even we're scared to put up the price, that's how expensive it is,' Le said fragrant flowers are in demand and limited supply, so it will cost customers more. But if you're on a budget and have multiple graduations to attend this year, there are ways to make lei that still hold sentimental value. 'We went on Youtube to watch how to make lei and we do eyelash lei, yarn lei, just prep early,' said Marlene Sagapolutele, a loved one of a graduate. 'I made my own lei for $20,' Tanituchi said. 'It's a $20 money lei made out of $1 bills, so make your own! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hawaii vs. Trump: Legal battle brews over climate accountability
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Trump administration is taking legal action to block states like Hawaii from suing big oil companies over climate change. The move is sparking debate over state's rights and government powers. President Donald Trump's administration has filed a lawsuit to block future climate cases regarding deceptive practices by big oil companies. It was a suit that was brought before Hawaii officially sued. Chevron ordered to pay more than $740 million to restore Louisiana coast in landmark trial 'To file that when you don't know what Hawaii's claims are yet. To me, it's a little bit, difficult to understand,' said UH Manoa associate professor of law, Richard Wallsgrove. The federal lawsuit argues that letting states go after oil companies could interfere with national energy policy, but Wallsgrove said the timing — and the target — suggest the real goal is to shield corporations.'In that sense, it's sort of like a protection racket for the oil industry. That's, that's how I read it,' Wallsgrove said. Hawaii's Attorney General said she still plans to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in climate changed and filed a lawsuit on Thursday afternoon that alleged seven fossil fuel companies, 'put profits ahead of people and facilitated the increased use of their dangerous products through decades of deceptive conduct.' Gabbard pressed on omission of climate change from threat report Critics of the state's approach said going after big oil will only lead to higher gas bills. 'The whole economy is powered on oil. So. So we need the oil companies. Should there be regulations, should there be checks? Absolutely. And I think President Trump is, is not stupid enough to give them free range,' said Rep. Diamond Garcia. 'The left wants the big oil companies to foot the bill. But in reality, if we continue to allow these blue states to sue oil companies, we're going to be letting our own citizens foot the bill.' Others said courts, not presidents, should decide whether climate deception claims hold water. 'If there's, you know, merit to its allegations, we should see fossil fuel companies pay for the damages that they allegedly caused. And if there is no merit to the lawsuit, the lawsuit should be dismissed,' Wallsgrove said. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Lawsuits were also filed against Vermont, Michigan and New York over climate laws. to view Hawaii's complaint filed in response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pacific Pipeline: Hawaii lawmakers look to Asia for UH athletics boost
HONOLULU (KHON2) — With more than 360 division one athletic programs across the U.S., the University of Hawaii often finds itself fighting for scraps in the national recruiting game. But one state lawmakers says the key to leveling the playing field might be found across the Pacific. Interested in early childhood education? UH Manoa posts new degree option For decades, the University of Hawaii has struggled to keep pace with powerhouse athletic programs on the mainland, which have deeper pockets and larger platforms. 'There are 360 D-1 programs in America, and Hawaii is trying to get a small sliver of that. We should still try to go after that small sliver. But I think our strength is on the other side of the Pacific,' said State Senator Glenn Wakai. Wakai is spearheading an effort to position UH as a gateway for elite athletes from Asia, particularly Japan, where what he calls the 'Shohei Effect' is inspiring a new generation of young stars who dream of playing in the U.S. 'Kids nowadays are in Japan in middle school, they don't want to live their dreams in the Japanese major leagues. They want to come to America,' said Wakai. 'We really should be looking towards Asia to get athletes to develop a fan base and ultimately get NIL money to go pay for the future quarterbacks the University of Hawaii needs.' UH this year, has five student athletes from Japan. Wakai believes there is untapped potential in other parts of Asia, and this year, the state legislature has set aside some money for going after UH fans in the region. Kauai spearfisher lands 130-plus pound fish, almost dragged to the depths 'But now we also have to have a concerted effort where we're going to develop relationships with these athletes, schools, develop relationships with the coaches,' said Wakai. 'It's not a brand new idea. This idea has surfaced in the last couple of decades,' said sports analyst Rich Miano. With aging facilities and without any Fortune 500 companies in Hawaii, what's needed is a larger investment in infrastructure and long-term commitment. 'I think it's worth not only exploring, but actually financing to see how it could actually help the university because there's not a whole lot of avenues for the University of Hawaii to create not only great sports teams, but revenue producing sports teams,' said Miano. Wakai is also trying to work with local broadcasters to livestream games involving Asian athletes, making it easier for fans across the Pacific to stay connected. Others agree an international strategy could give UH a unique edge.'I would think any corporation in Asia would love to have their student athlete or their talent, being showcased in the United States, on the college level, you see it on the professional level, so it would be a win-win,' said David Kawada, Ahahui Koa Anuenue President and Executive Director. Wakai thinks it'll take at least five to see efforts pay off, but says its more than wins and losses. It's reimagining UH's place in the college sports landscape. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hawaii borrowers in default are among millions nationwide affected by end of payment pause
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @ Current and former students in default of their federal loans will soon start getting billed by the U.S. government as the Trump administration ends a COVID-19-era loan payment pause. At top, people made their way along the McCarthy Mall at the University of Hawaii at Manoa on Friday. 1 /3 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @ Current and former students in default of their federal loans will soon start getting billed by the U.S. government as the Trump administration ends a COVID-19-era loan payment pause. At top, people made their way along the McCarthy Mall at the University of Hawaii at Manoa on Friday. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @ A woman walked out of the Student Services Building at UH Manoa on Friday. 2 /3 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @ A woman walked out of the Student Services Building at UH Manoa on Friday. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @ Above is the Financial Aid Services office. 3 /3 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @ Above is the Financial Aid Services office. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @ Current and former students in default of their federal loans will soon start getting billed by the U.S. government as the Trump administration ends a COVID-19-era loan payment pause. At top, people made their way along the McCarthy Mall at the University of Hawaii at Manoa on Friday. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @ A woman walked out of the Student Services Building at UH Manoa on Friday. JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO @ Above is the Financial Aid Services office. A pandemic-era pause for federal loan borrowers in default is set to end Monday, and millions of former and current students nationwide are bracing for renewed loan collections. The U.S. Department of Education's decision to resume collections is a significant step in winding down COVID-19 relief efforts that have been in place since March 2020. The pending change is causing anxiety for Hawaii residents not only in default on their student loans, but also those who are relying on them now for their education. Monthly loan payments and interest resumed in October 2023 for most federal student loan borrowers. But those in default—meaning they had already missed payments for an extended period—were given more time before aggressive collection measures restarted. That protection is now ending, and borrowers who have not taken action to address delinquencies could face wage garnishments, tax refund seizures and other enforcement actions. The change means that residents in Hawaii and throughout the nation who relied on federal loans to fund their education no longer have the safety net of the collection pause. During the 2024 academic year, 6, 382 undergraduate students across the University of Hawaii System alone received federal student loans, with the majority—3, 988 students—enrolled at UH Manoa. The average loan amount for UH Manoa undergraduates was $6, 404. Additionally, 1, 707 graduate students were awarded federal loans, averaging $19, 143 per borrower. The end of the loan pause is a deep source of anxiety for Jen Kim, a Makiki resident and single mother of three. Her eldest son graduated from UH Manoa for his undergraduate studies, then completed dental school at the University of Washington. He is finishing his dental residency in Nevada. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. Between his undergraduate and dental school loans, Kim said her son still owes nearly $200, 000 in federal student debt and has paid back about $12, 000. With interest on those loans resuming at a rate of 6.5 %, she worries that the balance will balloon. 'He's done everything right. He went to school here, got into dental school, and now he's training to serve our people back home, ' Kim said. 'But the interest is brutal. For every payment he makes, it feels like the total barely changes.' Nationally, dental school graduates carry some of the highest student loan debt in the country. The American Dental Education Association estimates that the average debt for the class of 2024 was about $312, 700. While Kim's son's balance is technically below the national average, it still feels staggering to the Kim family—especially with the high cost of living in Hawaii and limited affordable housing options. 'We've already helped him cover basic costs like groceries and rent, ' she said. 'Now we're helping with interest, too, and I'm pulling from my own savings. I just keep thinking : He wants to be a dentist in Hawaii, not in Vegas, but the system makes it hard for him to come home.' The family had hoped the federal payment pause would last until he finished residency, but with the pause ending in 2023 and defaulted loan collections now restarting in May, the pressure is back. 'It's not just the money. It's the stress, the sense that no matter how hard he works, he'll always be behind, ' she said. For Harvey Tagalicud, 23, a junior at UH Manoa's Shidler College of Business, the financial pressure of loans has been a constant companion throughout his academic journey. Tagalicud, a first-generation college student, said his total debt could land anywhere between $18, 000 and $35, 000, depending on how much financial hardship arises during emergencies. His experience with loans has included federal PLUS loans, a short-term 'shell loan ' for emergencies. Taga licud said he has carefully avoided unsubsidized loans thanks to financial literacy support from programs like Upward Bound. 'Loans might be the most valuable way for me to, in the short term, jump through my final semesters in college, ' he said. 'It's kind of a necessary evil—and I believe that's a sentiment for a lot of us in academia right now.' He said choosing the right loan type was just one part of a steep learning curve. 'We're making one of the biggest financial decisions, the first big financial decision in our lives, and something that we can't even comprehend sometimes, Tagalicud said. The psychological toll, he added, is just as real as the financial one. 'We learn in consumer psychology that if scarcity exists for a person, that becomes an overarching thing that always limits in the back of your head, ' Taga licud said. He emphasized that students are not trying to avoid responsibility, and said the current system discourages genuine learning. 'We're not trying to dodge loan repayments. We're trying to learn with genuine passion and curiosity, without being burdened by the financial weight that becomes one of the biggest decisions in our lives, ' he said. 'It's important we create policies that encourage us to become lifelong learners, not just lifelong debt payers.' For Ava Song, a third-year medical student from New York who plans to transfer to UH Manoa's John A. Burns School of Medicine, managing her education means juggling three part-time jobs while taking on more than $180, 000 in student loan debt. Song, who plans to return to Hawaii to serve the community and take advantage of in-state tuition, hopes that JABSOM's unique opportunities and financial aid packages will ease her financial burdens. In New York she's worked as a high school tutor, a clinic assistant sterilizing instruments and a weekend bartender—often logging 14-hour days split between work, classes and clinic rotations. 'It's exhausting, but I don't have much of a choice, ' Song said. 'Every dollar I earn is a dollar I don't have to borrow and a dollar that doesn't rack up interest later.' Alicia Malia, a 37-year-old physical therapist who graduated from UH Hilo in 2011, pointed out that student loan debt does not always end with graduation or even after establishing a career. 'The system told us to get a good education so we could get good jobs and live a good life, ' Malia said 'But the reality is that to get that education, most of us had to borrow a ton of money. We worked our asses off during school just to afford living, and then we graduate into jobs where we still have to work just as hard—not just to live, but to pay back what we borrowed.' Malia said she still owes around $28, 000 in student loans, despite working full time in her field for over a decade. The pandemic-era pause in payments, she said, helped her finally get ahead on other bills and build up some savings. 'That break gave me room to breathe. I could help my parents, fix my car, even take a short trip for the first time in years, ' she said. But now, with payments resumed and collections restarting for those in default, Malia said she's deeply worried about younger generations—including her niece, who just started at UH Manoa. 'They say it's the American dream, but it's just a dream—it's so hard to attain, ' she said. 'We're all chasing this version of success that's tied to college, but the truth is, we were set up. If you don't go to college, it's hard to make a living. If you do, you're buried in debt. By the time we finally pay everything off, our lives have already passed us by.' Students and graduates who are unsure of their loan status can check their accounts at
