Hokoana Recommended New UH Maui College Chancellor

Lui K. Hokoana, UH courtesy file photo.

By Maui Now Staff

The University of Hawaiʻi today announced that Lui Hokoana has been recommended to the Board of Regents as the University of Hawai‘i Maui College’s chancellor.

His selection is subject to final approval by the full Board of Regents at its next meeting on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014.

School administrators say Lui K. Hokoana started his higher education career at the University of Hawai‘i in 1991, and has served as the vice chancellor for student affairs at UH West Oʻahu campus since 2013.

His past experience also includes service as an associate vice president for student affairs for the UH System, vice chancellor of student affairs at Windward Community College, and director for various programs at UH Maui College.

The University credits Hokoana with securing more than $20 million in county, state, federal, and private funds to support various UH system wide initiatives.  Administrators say these initiatives have contributed to “unprecedented enrollment growth, financial aid access, service to underrepresented groups, and overall student success.”

Hokoana was named State Manager of the Year by the State of Hawaiʻi in 2011. He earned a doctorate of education degree from the University of Southern California, received a master’s degree in communications from UH Mānoa, and bachelor’s degree in political science from UH Hilo.

Hokoana was among a list of five finalists considered for the post, the list of which also included: Ricardo Maestas; Jonathon McKee; Michael B. Reiner; and Jeffery Thomas.

If confirmed, Hokoana will fill the upcoming vacancy being created by University of Hawai‘i Maui College Chancellor Clyde Sakamoto, who plans to retire at the end of October after 41 years of service.