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Three new members are joining the University of Hawaii Board of
Regents, including
Kamehameha Schools executive Alapaki Nahale-a and former Kauai Fire Chief Robert Frank
Westerman.
Gov. David Ige made the appointments
Monday, which are subject to Senate confirmation.
The third member named to the university’s governing board is Kelli K.K. Acopan, a student regent. She is pursuing her master’s degree in history at UH Manoa, and served as president of the Associated Students of the University of Hawaii at Windward Community College.
Nahale-a, born and raised in Hilo, is Kamehameha Schools’ senior director of community engagement and resources for Hawaii island. He
formerly directed the
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and also led the Hawaii Charter Schools Network.
Westerman just retired as chief administrator of the Kauai Fire Department, where he oversaw fire operations as well as the ocean safety bureau.
“The new regents bring with them a wide range of experience and the board will benefit greatly from their expertise,” Board
of Regents Chairwoman Lee Putnam said in an
announcement. “We look forward to their contributions.”
Acopan replaces Brandon Marc Higa on the board, Nahale-a replaces Doug Shinsato and
Westerman is filling a
vacancy.
The 15 members of the Board of Regents serve as volunteers and oversee the 10-campus UH system. Members are nominated by the Regents Candidate Advisory Council.