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Kapiolani Community College has opened its search for a new chancellor and expects to have a hire in place by July.
The largest of the University of Hawaii’s seven community colleges has been without a permanent chancellor since Leon Richards resigned under pressure in May 2016. Louise Pagotto has served as interim chancellor since then.
In a release announcing the start of the search, John Morton, UH vice president for community colleges, said the college is seeking a “visionary leader.”
“The next chancellor must embody Kapi‘olani Community College’s mission, vision and values of kupono, kuleana, malama, kuloaʻa (prosperous) and kulia (outstanding) by showing integrity and responsibility, protecting and perpetuating ancestral knowledge, supporting a rich community of learning, and striving for excellence,” Morton said.
An 18-member search committee will begin screening applicants and nominees next month.
Morton plans to submit a recommendation to UH President David Lassner following in-person interviews and campus visits in April.
HAWAII ISLAND
Deadline for Naalehu charter school revocation approaches
Kau Learning Academy, a charter school in Naalehu on Hawaii island, has until Jan. 16 to respond to a “notice of prospect of revocation” issued by the State Public Charter School Commission.
The commission issued the notice Dec. 15 and voted to restrict funding, releasing only money deemed essential for the school’s orderly operation.
The notice is a step toward corrective action or possible revocation of the school’s charter. The school may request a hearing on the issue.
An independent auditor’s report cited a lack of internal financial controls as well as possible noncompliance with labor regulations.
Spread of ohia fungus disease to be assessed by air survey
Aerial surveys are being conducted on the Big Island and Maui to assess the spread of rapid ohia death, a disease that is attacking and killing the most abundant native tree in the state.
Gov. David Ige’s administration announced last week that it has released $1.264 million for a multifaceted effort to fight the fungal disease.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources will use the money for surveys, research and outreach as well as specialized staff, including a laboratory technician with an advanced degree in plant pathology.
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