Hugs from toddlers at the Honolulu Community College children’s center were one of the many highlights of University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel’s visit to UH’s oldest community college on February 11. The visit was the latest stop on Henselʻs tour of UH’s 10 campuses and five of the education centers in her first 90 days in office.
Along with visiting the Keiki Hauʻoli Children’s Center where she got to interact with the toddlers, Hensel also toured Honolulu CCʻs MELE (Music & Entertainment Learning Experience) program, which supports careers in Hawaiʻi’s vibrant music industry, and welding and carpentry classes.
The visit included an open forum with about 150 in attendance and meetings with the campus governance groups. Throughout the day, Hensel engaged with students, faculty, staff and leadership about their experiences, ideas and concerns.
“I loved meeting the little kids at the childcare and development center,” Hensel said. “Seeing the excitement of students in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs was inspiring. The fact that so many of them had jobs before they even graduated was really gratifying to see.”
Career and Technical Education leader
Founded in 1920, Honolulu CC has long been a leader in CTE. With strong programs in aeronautics maintenance, automotive technology and construction trades, the college prepares students for high-demand jobs. Its Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training further highlights a commitment to innovation.
“I think she’s super nice, very welcoming. Her presence makes you feel heard when she comes here and tries to see what we’re about,” said second-year carpentry student Kawailani Abraham.
Enrollment at Honolulu CC has risen 4.3% from 2023, with 3,342 students in fall 2024. A significant portion of the student body consists of first-generation college students, and 31% are Native Hawaiian or part-Native Hawaiian—well above the UH systemwide average.
Hōkūleʻa Dragomanovich, who is studying Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies, said “I liked what I heard. She’s forward thinking and willing to adapt to cultural shifts while also preserving identity. We need those kinds of forward thinkers to create new solutions for the future. The discussion was enlightening and made me feel more optimistic about what’s ahead.”
Chancellor Karen Lee said the campus was energized by Hensel’s visit and the chance to showcase Honolulu CC’s offerings. Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies student Andrew White added that he appreciated Hensel’s “systemic” approach.
“I liked what she had to say. She’s not afraid of AI, which will be a huge driving force in construction,” White said. “She wants to eliminate silos within the system so everyone pulls in the same direction. It was reassuring to hear that she’s taking a holistic approach.”
Hensel’s visit concluded with an evening reception with community leaders in the campus cafeteria. Her next visit will be to UH Hilo on February 18.
President Hensel’s campus/education centers remaining schedule:
President Hensel campus visit recaps
- Tuesday, February 18 – UH Hilo
- Monday, February 24 – Hawaiʻi CC
- Tuesday February 25 – Kō Education Center and Hawaiʻi CC Pālamanui
- Monday, March 3 – UH Maui College and Maui University Center
- Tuesday, March 4 – Molokaʻi Education Center
- Wednesday, March 5 – Kauaʻi CC and Kauaʻi University Center
- Monday, March 24 – Windward CC
For more information about President Hensel, visit the Meet President Hensel webpage. She is also active on social media and encourages the UH community to connect with her on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.
