Donnette Leilani Kapono named interim chancellor of Hawaiʻi CC
Lei Kapono will serve as interim chancellor of Hawaiʻi Community College from Nov. 2, 2026, for one year or until a permanent chancellor is chosen. UH Vice President for Community Colleges Lui Hokoana had been acting chancellor. The appointment must first appear on the agenda of the UH Board of Regents' Oct. 22 meeting.
Kapono worked at Hawaiʻi CC from 1998 to 2006 in continuing education and training, rising to faculty member and program coordinator. At UH Hilo she later served as associate director of Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language and as interim vice chancellor for student affairs.
"Lei knows Hawaiʻi Community College, understands the communities it serves," Hokoana wrote to the campus. A 13-member screening committee is running the national search for the permanent chancellor.
Key points
- Interim term starts Nov. 2
- National search for a permanent chancellor underway
Summary written by Readthrough from the original article. The full story, with photos and any updates, is at University of Hawaii News.
