Kalei Rapoza has been appointed University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo vice chancellor for administrative affairs. Rapoza’s appointment was reviewed by the UH Board of Regents at their July 20 meeting and will go into effect July 21.
Rapoza began his career at UH Hilo as an associate director of human resources in 2013, and was appointed as director of human resources (2016–17), interim vice chancellor for administrative affairs (2017–22) and interim director of strategic initiatives and government affairs (2022–23).
Throughout Rapoza’s 10 years at UH Hilo, he has dedicated many hours to his duties including chief liaison and representative for the chancellor and other senior officials to the university community, direct legislative issues and proposals and served as campus oversight for campus-level legal reviews.
“We are indeed fortunate to have Kalei Rapoza join the senior leadership team as vice chancellor,” said UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin. “His years of experience on campus and in the state will serve our campus well. I’m excited to get to work with our new team.”
Rapoza graduated from UH Mānoa with a bachelor of science degree in family resources and earned his juris doctor from UH Mānoa’s William S. Richardson School of Law.
