Rockne Freitas Way dedicated, sign unveiled at Hawaiʻi CC–Pālamanui
VIDEO NEWS RELEASE
University of Hawaiʻi
Rockne Freitas
Sons Makai and Makoa Freitas at Rockne Freitas Way signpost
New Rockne Freitas Way sign
Raynette “Kalei” Haleamau-Kam, the director of Hawaiʻi CC–Pālamanui
Kīpaepae ceremony
Son Makoa Freitas at podium
Hawaiʻi Community College–Pālamanui
Link to video and sound (details below): https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/wCmDj7wEsU
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: Feb 10, 2024
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 was planned and presented by UH and Hawaiʻi CC personnel, students and community members.
Speakers included:
- 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
- Sons Makai and Makoa Freitas
VIDEO:
BROLL: (1 minute, 59 seconds)
0:00-0:30 - Kīpaepae ceremony—Members of Hui Kīpaepae
0:30-0:49 - ʻAwa ceremony
0:49-1:14 - Rockne Freitas Way sign unveiling
1:14-1:41 - More shots of dedication ceremony
1:41-1:59 - stills
SOUND:
Makai Freitas, son (8 seconds)
“He said to be a lifelong learner. Every day you should be learning something different, and through that process of education, you are also building relationships. It was of huge importance to us growing up.”
Makoa Freitas, son (19 seconds)
“The legacy I would think he would want is one of education. How life really is all about education and through education you can change lives and you can do things for the better.”
Raynette “Kalei” Haleamau-Kam, the director of Hawaiʻi CC–Pālamanui (8 seconds)
“If it wasnʻt for people like Rockne, I wouldnʻt be able to still be here in my community and be able to finish my education.”
Natalie Alvarado, Hawaiʻi CC–Pālamanui student (16 seconds)
“Rockne’s way was something that pivoted my educational point and my stance on how no matter what age, no matter how old you are, no matter where you go in life, you will be learning something and education will always come back to you.”