Resignation of Hawaii Community College Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs

Submitted testimonial to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents, June 2, 2021: Honorable Regents, I am the newly elected ASUH- Hawai'i Community College Student Government President and previous Senator. I strongly encourage for audit-financial, EEO, and campus climate at HawCC to finally settle the criticism of leadership by initiating an unbiased assessment of the overall financial and cultural health of the campus. The timing for an objective audit is optimal when the institution prepares to undergo significant changes in a fiscally stringent budget and transitioning out of the pandemic. Recommendations from the audit will clearly be a baseline for Hawai'i Community College to move forward in a positive direction. Finally, I am in full support of former ASUH- Hawai'i Community College Student Government President Helen Nishmoto has been retaliated against her year-long campaign speaking Truth to power and criticism with the leadership at HawCC. The entire investigation and determination are suspect. This persecution of Ms. Nishmoto is another example of the pervading toxic work environment at the campus that needs to be stamped out and corrected. Student Government really has the pulse of the campus community that includes teachers, students, and staff. We constantly get grievances and concerns from all our stakeholders who out of fear and retaliation are hesitant to express themselves. Student Government is the bridge that mediates for those who really do not have a voice. I take my position very seriously, and it is not hyperbole nor personal bias that influences what I write or say. My only concern is how can I make it a safe environment for learning and understanding, rather than fearful and authoritarian. Please consider what I have said. It is a cry for help. Jeff Yamauchi ASUH- Hawai'i Community College Student Government President

College is for students.

Hawaii Community College Student Government elections have started on Monday (April 26) and will end Wednesday (May 5) at 11:59 pm. Voter suppression by giving little or no public announcements and outright candidate denial to run has already taken place. In the need of a United Nations observer for this HawCC student government election.

Change is always good. Never be afraid of it.

UH Board of Regents meeting and scathing testimonials on Hawaii Community College Chancellor Rachel Solemsaas and Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs Dorinna Cortez. https://kahawai.hawaii.edu/zoom/basic/meeting/?m=cQdVOFMwQJ%2Bpn45PTSpWDA%3D%3D&rs=2021-04-15%2008%3A31%3A46&t=shared_screen_with_speaker_view(CC)&fbclid=IwAR3EynnQDHxrov815n0zC-HcF5Zs25I58xl0VbiMCbTnfxw_0Lsr-HH3dM8

The LEAST that needs to happen is an independent audit of their hiring practices and their budget. This is a long list of wrongdoing that needs to be addressed. And if it’s as bad as the petition states, they may not only get fired, there’s criminal negligence here too.

There are others that need to go as well.

5 years ago Featured

I would love to return to Hawaii CC but this situation is not acceptable and makes me want to reconsider my enrollment.

This is so embarrassing, ʻā ʻoia!

HawCC Student Government is continuing to work within the UH System while speaking truth to power. Please consider of not only signing this petition, but to spread the message to friends, family, and concerned parties by sharing through coconut wireless, email, and social media platforms. Mahalo!

NO CONFIDENCE

My Grandmother used to run a part of this college along with 10-12 other girls we claimed as part of our family. I came to visit grandma one summer and spent it up there at the college. I love this place and I loved the girls that worked there. They took the time to get to know me and did everything for me. I'm 36 now and if there's one thing I remember vividly as a child, it's spending my summer at the college, with my grandmother and my beautiful hawaiian family.

5 years ago Featured

I have witnessed, experienced and been subject to such behaviors outlined in this petition

A flood of CARE money needs to have increased scrutiny on how it's allocated and distributed so that Federal money goes to what it was earmarked and designed for. "A former Honolulu grant administrator has pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $500,000 from a local nonprofit’s AmeriCorps program and conspiring with the CEO of Hawaii island’s public access TV station to fraudulently obtain CARES Act money from Honolulu." https://www.civilbeat.org/2021/03/hawaii-nonprofit-leader-pleads-guilty-to-embezzling-and-agreeing-to-take-a-bribe/

The institution should uphold its student-centered mission, and these run counter to that mission.

5 years ago Featured

Rachel Solemsaas is both the chairwoman of the Vibrant Hawaii board and the Hawai’i Community College Chancellor. One has to wonder if there is a conflict of interest between having those two positions, especially dealing with CARES monies.

No comment

It’s sad that these two women who claim to be “for the people” do nothing but only take care of themselves. As a student and an employee of the college I’m ashamed to know that these two hold power. I’m also saddened by the fact that the faculty like to talk behind closed doors instead of at meetings when they conduct these “wala’au” sessions. Don’t tout yourselves as a servant of the students and the community yet you do nothing to support anyone but yourself. Down with the wicked witches!!

For the FUTURE!

5 years ago Featured

Indeed. For example, Hawai‘i Community College Academic Senate has a stranglehold. Teachers and staff are afraid to speak out which is a serious consideration because of the past track record of retribution and a tough economy. That's why you only hear coquis with people who can lose their jobs and careers.