University of Hawai'i's Hokoana named State of Hawai'i Manager of the Year

University of Hawaiʻi
Contact:
Lynne Waters, (808) 956-9803
Associate Vice President, External Affairs and University Relations
Posted: Oct 14, 2011


Lui K. Hokoana, University of Hawai‘i associate vice president for student affairs, has been named State of Hawaiʻi Manager of the Year.
 
The award, announced today at the governor’s awards ceremony at the State Capitol Auditorium, honors the state’s executive branch manager who exemplifies the highest caliber of public service and dedication to serving the people of Hawai‘i.
 
As the former vice chancellor for student affairs at Windward Community College, Lui demonstrated his outstanding ability as a leader and manager while working on student recruitment and community outreach, accessing grants to enable training and development for faculty and staff, developing a mentoring program and promoting academic support strategies to improve student development.
 
Hokoana was appointed associate vice president for student affairs for the UH System in May. He leads the Office of Student Affairs, where he continues to strengthen educational opportunities for the university’s students and the community, and develop and coordinate UH System student affairs policies and procedures.
 
He works exceptionally well with others and is able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and guide them to completion. He has been described as a charming man who exudes goodwill and a sincere interest in the well-being of students, along with a commitment to support faculty and staff.
 
“Lui is an experienced and seasoned student affairs leader who is attuned to community needs, especially as they relate to Hawaiian affairs,” noted Rockne Freitas, UH System vice president for student affairs and university and community relations.
  
Hokoana began his career at the University of Hawai‘i in 1991 as a counselor at Maui Community College (now known as UH Maui College). He served as director of the Liko A‘e Native Hawaiian Scholarship Program, which he developed and implemented to provide scholarships to students throughout the United States. Among his many community activities, Hokoana is one of the founders and a past president of the Native Hawaiian Education Association. In 1999, he received the Ke Kukui Mãlamalama Excellence in Hawaiian Education award from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.