UHHSA Committees
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Aloha, UHHSA has lots of fun
Committee Chairs and Descriptions
The UHHSA committees are designed to help address and resolve specific issues of interest at UH Hilo. Standing Committees are permanent committees specializing in the consideration of particular subject areas of interest that the senate deems important based on student input. Ad-Hoc Committees are created throughout the year for a specific purpose, case, or situation at hand.
Executive Committee
Chair: President, Erik Beach
Email: uhhsaprz@hawaii.edu
Members:
- Vice President, Benjamin Rudo;
- Data Director, Ian Scarth;
- Treasurer, Emily Hipp
- Executive Senator & Senator-at-Large, Everett Nguyen-Roach
- Staff Advisor, Matthew Kalahiki;
- Student Intern, Mila Rexford
The Executive Committee is responsible for providing overall leadership, direction, and coordination for UHHSA. This committee ensures that the organization’s strategic goals are carried out effectively, oversees the work of standing and ad hoc committees, and addresses urgent matters that arise between Senate meetings. Members collaborate to support transparency, accountability, and alignment with UHHSA’s mission, while also serving as a resource and support system for all student leaders.
UH Student Caucus Committee
Co-Chairs:CAS Senator, Valeria Da Silva
Email: uhhsa2@hawaii.edu
Members: N/A
The UH Student Caucus Committee represents UH Hilo students at the system-wide level by participating in the University of Hawai‘i Student Caucus. Members monitor issues that affect students across all UH campuses, advocate for student needs, and communicate UH System policies and initiatives back to UHHSA. This committee also helps coordinate caucus meetings hosted at UH Hilo and ensures that student voices from our campus are actively engaged in system-wide decision-making.
Public Relations Committee
Chair: KHUOK Senator, Keanokualani Perreira
Email: uhhsa5@hawaii.edu
Members: Staff Advisor, Matthew Kalahiki; Student Intern, Mila Rexford
The Public Relations Committee manages UHHSA’s outreach and communications to ensure students are informed and engaged. The committee oversees marketing efforts, promotes UHHSA-sponsored events and initiatives, and raises awareness of UHHSA’s role in representing the student body. By using creative strategies and multiple communication platforms, the committee helps strengthen UHHSA’s visibility, credibility, and connection with the campus community.
Elections Committee
Facilitator: Advisor, Matthew Kalahiki
Email: mmkk@hawaii.edu
Members: President, Erik Beach; Vice President, Benjamin Rudo; Data Director, Ian Scarth; Treasurer, Emily Hipp; Executive Senator & Senator-at-Large, Everett Nguyen-Roach; Student Intern, Mila Rexford
The Elections Committee is responsible for overseeing fair, transparent, and timely student elections for UHHSA leadership and representative positions. Key roles include managing the nomination process, verifying candidate eligibility, coordinating campaign rules and materials, organizing voting logistics, and certifying the final results. This committee also ensures that the election process complies with UHHSA’s constitution and code of conduct, addresses any election disputes or violations, and works to encourage wide student participation.
Events Committee
Facilitator: Staff Advisor, Matthew Kalahiki
Email: mmkk@hawaii.edu
Members: President, Erik Beach; Vice President, Benjamin Rudo; Data Director, Ian Scarth; Treasurer, Emily Hipp; Executive Senator & Senator-at-Large, Everett Nguyen-Roach; Student Intern, Mila Rexford
The Events Committee is responsible for planning, coordinating, and supporting UHHSA-sponsored events that enhance student life at UH Hilo. This committee develops activities that foster engagement, build community, and highlight student interests while aligning with UHHSA’s mission and priorities. Members collaborate with other committees and campus partners to create meaningful, inclusive, and well-executed events that serve the diverse needs of the student body.
RISO Committee
Facilitator: Staff Advisor, Matthew Kalahiki
Email: mmkk@hawaii.edu
Members: President, Erik Beach; Vice President, Benjamin Rudo; Data Director, Ian Scarth; Treasurer, Emily Hipp; Executive Senator & Senator-at-Large, Everett Nguyen-Roach; Student Intern, Mila Rexford
The RISO Committee is responsible for supporting and strengthening UH Hilo’s Registered Independent Student Organizations (RISOs). The committee ensures that student clubs are active, compliant, and well-resourced by reviewing new RISO applications, managing funding requests, and promoting collaboration among student organizations. The committee also serves as a bridge between student clubs and UHHSA, advocating for their needs, streamlining communication, and fostering engagement opportunities that align with the university’s mission and student life priorities. Through this work, the RISO Committee empowers student leaders to build community, develop leadership skills, and enrich campus life.
Hilo Ambassador Committee
Chair: COBE Senator, Hayate Moro & DKICP Senator, Anna Alfred
Email: uhhsa3@hawaii.edu, uhhsa4@hawaii.edu
Members: N/A
The Hilo Ambassador Committee supports UH Hilo students in representing the university at academic, professional, and leadership events beyond campus. Through the Hilo Ambassador Program, the committee provides travel stipends for students to present their research, share creative work, or participate in conferences connected to their studies or student involvement. By helping students access these opportunities, the committee strengthens UH Hilo’s visibility and ensures students can showcase their talents and contributions at the regional, national, and global levels.
Ad-Hoc Committees
UHHSA Ad-Hoc Committees are temporary committees formed to address specific issues, projects, or initiatives outside the scope of standing committees. They are established with a clear purpose, remain active for up to one academic year, and must have at least a Chairperson and Co-Chairperson. Ad-Hoc Committees provide focused attention on priority matters, encourage student collaboration, and ensure UHHSA can respond to emerging needs and opportunities.
Basic Needs Ad-Hoc Committee
Co-Chairs: CAFNRM Senator, Leilani Badamo; Senator-at-Large, Maria Pla Prahl; Senator-at-Large, Everett Nguyen-Roach; Senator-at-Large, Tehani Seto
Email: uhhsa7@hawaii.edu, uhhsa1@hawaii.edu, uhhsa9@hawaii.edu, uhhsa10@hawaii.edu
Members: N/A
The Basic Needs Committee focuses on initiatives that improve students’ access to essential resources such as food, housing, financial support, and wellness services. The committee collaborates with campus programs like the UH Hilo Student Supply Store and Hale Lako, as well as community partners, to identify gaps and deliver meaningful support. Guided by student feedback, the committee works to ensure resources are responsive, accessible, and meet the diverse needs of the UH Hilo student body.
Health and Medicine Ad-Hoc Committee
Chair: CNHS Senator, Sage Nosaka
Email: uhhsa8@hawaii.edu
Members: None.
The Health and Medicine Committee develops initiatives that support student wellness and increase access to health-related resources at UH Hilo. Its primary focus is the planning and coordination of the annual Vulcan Vitality: UH Hilo Health & Medicine Fair, while also promoting smaller health-focused programs throughout the year. The committee partners with campus departments, local organizations, and healthcare providers to provide students with educational opportunities, preventive services, and connections to community resources that encourage healthier lifestyles.
Additional Committees
UHHSA Senators also represent students on the following Campus Committees: