Announcements

The BYU–Hawaii Store has officially moved its merchandise section to a new location: the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Hukilau Marketplace. The soft opening of the new store took place on June 30, 2025. Nestled beside Nona’s Tropical Threads, the relocated store is now poised to serve both students and tourists alike.

Vice President for Operations Kevin Schlag announced Jaime Lopez as the new director of Facilities Management at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. He’ll take on this role beginning July 15. In this role, Lopez will oversee Grounds, Property Services, Maintenance, and other areas within Facilities Management.

BYU–Hawaii Launches Construction and Facilities Management Major, Opening Doors for Students to Build, Lead, and Serve Worldwide

Vice President for Academics Isaiah Walker announced Rebekah Strain as the inaugural senior manager of the Center for Academic Success at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. She begins in this new position on June 16.

Operations Vice President Kevin Schlag announced Abraham Manutai as director of Food Services at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. He replaces David Keala, who is retiring after 25 years of dedicated service. The appointment is effective July 28.

Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced Dr. Brad Smith as the new dean of the Faculty of Sciences at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. He will replace Dr. Benjamin Jordan, who has accepted a new position at BYU-Idaho. The appointment is effective August 16.

Administrative Vice President Michael Tejada has announced the appointment of David Fonoimoana as director of career planning and placement at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, effective May 5.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii announced its spring 2025 devotional schedule. This semester, speakers include members of the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU–Hawaii employees, and other invited guests. Weekly campus devotionals are an important part of the BYU–Hawaii experience. The purpose of campus devotionals is to gather as a campus community for a regular opportunity to experience the influence of the Holy Ghost through student-focused messages centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii is pleased to announce this year's recipients of the Faculty Awards for Teaching, Scholarship, Citizenship, and Adjunct, the Sione Feinga Award, the V. Napua Baker Award, and President's Appreciation Awards. These awards acknowledge exceptional employees who have demonstrated a strong commitment and dedication to their roles within the university.

Beginning in fall 2025, BYU–Hawaii will award one-year, full-tuition scholarships to all incoming freshmen from Hawaii who graduated from seminary in 2025 and later. Students must have completed all four years of high school and seminary in the state of Hawaii.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii announced its winter 2025 devotional schedule. This semester, speakers include members of the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU–Hawaii employees, and other invited guests. Weekly campus devotionals are an important part of the BYU–Hawaii experience. The purpose of campus devotionals is to gather as a campus community for a regular opportunity to experience the influence of the Holy Ghost through student-focused messages centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Student Life Vice President Jonathan Kala Kau announced the promotion of Maurice Mo’o as the new strategic enrollment senior manager. In this role, Mo’o will report directly to the student life vice president and oversee the Strategic Enrollment department. This new department is responsible for ensuring that recruitment and admissions efforts align with achieving the university’s mission. The Admissions department will be a sub-department of Strategic Enrollment.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii has been granted accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). This accreditation comes after more than a year of self-examination of BYU–Hawaii, followed by an external review, that was required to apply to this non-profit accrediting body.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii Administration Vice President Michael Tejada announced the appointment of Jerome "Lome" Toluono as the new purchasing and travel senior manager. Toluono will oversee both the Purchasing and Travel Services departments and report directly to the administration vice president. Toluono will begin in this new position on November 18.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii Advancement Vice President Laura Tevaga announced the appointment of Brooke Peterson as the new marketing and communications director. Peterson will oversee the university's marketing strategies, communications, and branding initiatives, as well as the Marketing and Communications department. Peterson will begin in this new position on November 18.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced the appointment of Rosalind “Rose” Ram as library director effective at the end of the Spring 2024 Semester. Ram previously served as the university’s associate academic vice president of curriculum and assessment and in various capacities for nearly 35 years.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii announced its fall 2024 devotional speakers. This semester, speakers include members of the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU–Hawaii employees, and other invited guests. Weekly campus devotionals are an important part of the BYU–Hawaii experience. The purpose of campus devotionals is to gather as a campus community for a regular opportunity to experience the influence of the Holy Ghost through student-focused messages centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Brigham Young University–Hawaii Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced two leadership changes in Academics this week: Dr. Brent Green as the associate academic vice president for accreditation, assessment, and curriculum and Dr. Nancy Tarawhiti as the dean of the Faculty of Education & Social Work. Both appointments are effective August 16.