Education in brief for June 7: New Mānoa chancellor, HCC chancellor to retire, Hammatt honored

June 7, 2026 - 22:55

The University of Hawaii at Manoa has selected a new chancellor to lead the state's flagship campus. The appointment comes as part of a broader shuffle in leadership across the islands' education system. The new chancellor brings a background in academic administration and a focus on student success, though specific policy priorities have not yet been detailed. The move is expected to provide stability after a period of interim leadership.

Meanwhile, the chancellor of Honolulu Community College has announced plans to retire. The departure marks the end of a career that spanned decades in Hawaii's community college network. Colleagues praised the outgoing leader for expanding workforce training programs and strengthening ties with local industries. A national search for a replacement is expected to begin this summer.

In other news, longtime educator and community advocate Bill Hammatt was honored for his contributions to public education. Hammatt received recognition for his work in curriculum development and teacher mentorship, particularly on the neighbor islands. The award ceremony highlighted his role in shaping educational policy at the state level. No further details on the specific award or ceremony were released.