State legislators from Hawaiʻi’s House of Representatives got an inside look at the exceptional resources available to students during the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Talk Story: Student Success event on Friday, December 18. The event highlighted services that support students’ academic achievements and well-being, including a center dedicated to Native Hawaiian haumāna (students), high-quality mental health programs, and a sensory-friendly stress relief hub.
“It’s incredibly meaningful to share these premier services with our lawmakers,” said UH Mānoa Provost Michael Bruno. “We’re privileged to provide comprehensive care that supports our students’ success, ensuring they have the tools and resources to thrive both academically and personally.”
The tour welcomed Reps. Andrew Garrett, Amy Perruso, Jackson Sayama and Cory Chun. The event began at the Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Success, where staff from the Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office shared how the campus is working to reach the campus’ goal of becoming a Native Hawaiian place of learning through the incorporation of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) and ʻike (knowledge) at UH Mānoa and within each of its units.
Uplifting kānaka ʻōiwi (Native Hawaiians)
Legislators visited Native Hawaiian Student Services (NHSS), a unit of the Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge. NHSS offers culturally rooted programs and support to foster Hawaiian scholarship and strengthen Hawaiian identities. Lawmakers learned about its impactful role in cultivating a sense of belonging and achievement among Native Hawaiian haumāna.
Student success showcase
Kapā Oliveira, interim vice provost for Student Success, led the campus tour. Oliveira oversees UH Mānoa’s Division of Student Success, which provides a wide range of student support services, including co-curricular activities, housing, counseling, career guidance, employment, and health services for all students.
Mental health, well being
The Counseling and Student Development Center (CSDC) offers counseling, psychiatric care, and tailored programs for specific student groups, including veterans, athletes, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander haumāna. Psychologist Alexander Khaddouma emphasized the importance of expanding services, noting that UH Mānoa students experience slightly higher rates of mental health challenges than the national average.
De-stress sanctuary
Another standout feature of the tour was a new sensory room in Kuykendall Hall, that promotes relaxation and stress management. Equipped with calming visuals, fiber optic displays, and other sensory tools, the room has been warmly received by students and faculty. Campus surveys indicate a rising demand for such spaces to provide a sanctuary for self-regulation and focus.
Representative Chun, who represents Pearl City, Waipahu, and Crestview, and is a father of two shared his impressions.
“I’m sure it’s reassuring to parents and family that if they’re sick or if theyʻre having mental health issues that there are services that are there. You donʻt have to worry about cost. They’re available 24/7,” said Chun.
Academic success
The tour wrapped up with an overview of UH Mānoa’s academic success services, such as academic advising, learning assistant programming, and civic and community engagement. Students expressed how these programs have played a vital role in their educational journeys and support them in reaching their academic goals.
