The Student Activity and Program Fee Board is made up of dedicated and driven students who are proud to support activities for the student body of UH Mānoa. We strive to represent the students of our Mānoa, William S. Richardson School of Law, and John A. Burns School of Medicine campuses. We encourage student participation in the variety of events planned throughout the academic year.
Interested in serving on the board? Learn more!
Kara Kanetis, Chairperson
Major: Astrophysics and Computer Science
Bio: Hi all! I’m a transfer student from California double majoring in Astrophysics and Computer science! Some of my hobbies are scuba diving, bodysurfing and I’m trying to learn how to surf! When I graduate from UHM, I plan on continuing my education in Greece with a focus on cosmology!
Fun Fact: I have 2 cats at home named after Saturns two largest moons.
Laura Hostetler, Vice-Chairperson
Major Mechanical engineering with concentration in aerospace (EPET certificate)
Bio: I was born and raised in Spain. My hobbies are kitesurfing, surfing, snorkeling, hiking, and hanging out with my friends. I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering and after graduating I want to go into the aviation field.
Fun Fact: My favorite fruit is pineapple but I am allergic to it.
Sagan Kurose, Treasurer
Major: Political Science
Bio: I was born and raised here on O‘ahu. Some of my hobbies include reading, painting, and baking. After graduating, I hope to go to law school.
Fun Fact: I have an extreme fear of snakes.
Jaret KC Leong, Faculty/APT Member
Major: BA in Business Administration, Master in Public Administration (MPA), and currently a PhD student in Communication & Information Sciences (CIS)
Bio: Mr. Leong was born and raised in Oʻahu and attended Saint Louis (SLS) High School. He has been at the University of Hawaiʻi for over 23+ years as a student (HonCC, KapCC, LCC, UHWO, and UHM), student assistant at the UHM College of Education, RCUH project staff for CRDG, program manager for the CRDG Summer Programs, academic advisor/program manager/course instructor for the Public Administration Program, and currently the Director of Mānoa Academy and Academic Pathways for the UHM College of Social Sciences (CSS).
Fun Fact: I love gaming, especially playing Fortnite (with my son and brother-in-law).
Chassidy Sakamoto, Board Member
Major: MS TIM (23) Ph.D Business Administration with a concentration in TIM
Bio: I am born and raised on Maui. My hobbies include spending time with my family and going to the beach. I recieved my MS in Travel Industry Manager in May 2023 and I am currently working on my Ph.D in Business Administration with a concentration in TIM
Fun Fact: I like to craft!
Matthew Fujioka, Board Member
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Bio: I was born and raised in Pearl City, O’ahu. My interests encompass hiking, tennis, and kayaking. Looking ahead, my aspirations involve pursuing a career as an engineer for a prominent robotics or aeronautical company on the mainland.
Fun Fact: I prefer eating pizza crust first.
Angie Hamilton-Lowe, Alternate
Faculty/APT Member
N/A Educational Specialist in the School of Communication & Information
Bio: I studied media & communications at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. My journey took me to NYC and then to Los Angeles, where I had a 17-year career with NPR. Along the way, I also became certified as a trauma-informed yoga facilitator. In early 2021, my husband was hired onto a TV show based on Oʻahu, and as we connected with local people and experienced aloha, we felt drawn to become part of this beautiful community.
Fun Fact: I have been to so many Pearl Jam / Eddie Vedder concerts, I have lost count.
Ray Nichols, Graduate Board Member
Major: Juris Doctor
Bio: Aloha! I am a law school student with a passion for criminal defense and public interest law. Originally from New York, I moved to Hawaii while serving in the Army. Karaoke enthusiast who enjoys hitting the gym and cycling in my free time. As someone who has experienced the benefits of SAPFB funding, I have seen firsthand how ambitious students can positively impact the campus community. I am excited to contribute to fostering growth and opportunities for others. Looking forward to connecting with you!
Fun Fact: I have completed 3 triathlons–and counting.
Emma Burnkrant, Alternate Board Member
Major: Sociology and Psychology
Bio: Hi! I am a second year student from Colorado majoring in Psychology and Sociology. My hobbies include Taekwondo, going to the gym, and learning how to play the ukelele. I hope to ultimately pursue a masters degree in Criminology.
Fun Fact: I have an identical twin!
Hannah Shor, Graduate Board Member
Major: Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences
Bio: Hi everyone! I am in my second year as a Masters (soon to be PhD) student in Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences studying nitrogen cycling dynamics across tropical climate and disturbance regimes. I am from Kaimukī and spend my free time painting, reading, hiking, and occasionally digging soil pits. As someone who has applied for SAPFB funding before joining the board, I am excited to be on the other side of the table to help groups foster student life and community on campus.
Fun Fact: I have been dancing hula for nearly 20 years.
Steffanie Sobitz, Alternate Graduate Board Member
Major: Political Science
Bio: Hello Everyone! I completed my undergraduate studies in 2020 (History, Latin American and Iberian Studies, and Spanish) in 2020 from UHM and began my MA in Political Science the same year. I am currently a PhD student, GA at ACCESS Advising, and caregiver to my disabled parent. I hope to be writing my dissertation by this summer! A few of my favorite hobbies are walking/jogging, cleaning up rubbish from the beach/park near my home, and photographing and cataloging plants, insects, reptiles (mostly green dart frogs), and fungi. Upon finishing my PhD, I plan to attend law school or maybe go back to undergrad and explore botany 🙂
Fun Fact: I am a professional dog walker and pet sitter, and walk three dogs every day on my lunch break!
Karina Okubo, Alternate Board Member
Major: Electrical Engineering
Bio: Hello! I am a Electrical Engineering Major, hoping to add a Japanese minor as well! I love to hang out with friends, shop, volenteer, and play the piano. Recently I wanted to try to get into ceramics!
Fun Fact: I like finding new tea (milk tea, fruits tea, any kind) places around the island!
