Rockne Freitas Way to be dedicated February 10 at Hawaiʻi CC–Pālamanui

MEDIA ADVISORY

Rockne Freitas

The main entry road to Hawaiʻi Community College–Pālamanui

WHO:  Rockne Freitas, the late Hawai’i Community College chancellor who played a major role in developing the campus.

WHAT: Dedication ceremony for Rockne Freitas Way

WHERE: Main entry road to Hawaiʻi Community College–Pālamanui in North Kona

WHEN: Saturday, February 10, 2024, 9:30–11 a.m.

OTHER FACTS:

The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents (BOR) approved the honorific naming at the August 17, 2023 board meeting.

Freitas, who died in 2022, served in many leadership roles at UH, including as Hawaiʻi CC chancellor from 2004 to 2010. He was a driving force in securing funding and establishing the partnerships that would allow the Hawaiʻi CC–Pālamanui campus to be built.

DEDICATION CEREMONY DETAILS:

The dedication ceremony is being planned and presented by UH and Hawaiʻi CC personnel, students and community members.  

Welcome-Raynette “Kalei” Haleamau-Kam, director of Hawaiʻi CC–Pālamanui (note: She has worked at the college for more than 30 years and has seen up close the transformation brought about through Freitas’ efforts.) 

Kīpaepae orientation-Taupouri Tangarō, No'el K Tagab-Cruz, Ian Hirakawa (note:  According to Tangarō, the Kīpaepae originated under Freitas at Hawaiʻi CC in 2005 when he was chancellor.)

Kīpaepae ceremony-Members of Hui Kīpaepae

Speakers:

Taupouri Tangarō, director of Hawaiian culture and protocols engagement, Hawaiʻi CC and UH Hilo

Carl Carlson, former UH regent, West Hawaiʻi community member 

Ross Wilson, Current Events principal, community member

Susan Kazama, interim chancellor, Hawaiʻi CC

Maweke - Opening the path and unveiling of sign

Freitas ʻohana speaker

Ceremony ends