Meet the 2025-26 UHHSA Team

UHHSA President Erik Beach

Why did you run for student government?: I joined the student government to make a positive impact at our school. I want to give our students a voice and help them shape our school into something spectacular. I believe that each and every student can make a difference and together we can create lasting change that will shape our community for years to come.

Top Goals: My goals are quite straightforward. The following bullet points summarize my thoughts and plans moving forward:

• Addressing and solving basic needs issues for students.
• Connecting students to financial resources to establish a strong foundation for their educational needs.
• Ensuring that students feel included on campus and have a voice in decision-making.
• Providing opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills and engage in community involvement.
• Leaving a legacy of Aloha and creating a framework for successful leadership that future generations can build upon after I graduate, so that my efforts as a student at UH can be continued and enhanced by the next generation of leaders.

Favorite Part of UH Hilo: UH Hilo has a unique blend of academic excellence and a strong Indigenous history. I love that UH produces so many scholars, especially those that are helping to revitalize the native Hawaiian community.

Get to know Erik!

• Major: Administration of Justice
• Hometown: Honoka’a, HI
• Email: uhhsaprz@hawaii.edu
• In my free time, I enjoy competitive spearfishing. I was a member of Team Hawaii and Team USA from 2019 to 2023. I volunteer teaching harm prevention training to at-risk youth here in Hilo, as well as statewide, working with programs such as Youth Challenge and other organizations that rehabilitate and care for youth. I am passionate about working with indigenous populations, primarily native Hawaiians. I am a boxing coach and a third-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Currently, I am an intern at the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney in Hilo, and I love being part of the justice system. I also have the honor of serving as the president of the UH Hilo Justice Administration Club.

Data Director Ian Scarth

Why did you run for student government?: I'm passionate about improving student success at UH Hilo through events and initiatives. I hope to bring more opportunities for healthy food, student involvement in state government, and being a voice for students in the realm of school administration.

Top Goals: This term, I’m focusing on creating opportunities for students to be heard, supported, and engaged both on and off campus.

• Organize meaningful experiences for students to connect with leadership and decision-making spaces, including a trip to the State Legislative Session and participation in BOR and Faculty Congress meetings.
• Support student success through events and initiatives like Oh Hell Week, Hale Lako, and other campus resources.
• Strengthen campus spirit and involvement by reviving programs like the Hilo Ambassador and gathering student feedback through surveys.

Favorite Part of UH Hilo: I love the community feeling of being at UH Hilo and the opportunities to work closely with professors in small classes.

Get to know Ian!

• Major: Data Science
• Hometown: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
• Email: uhhsadd@hawaii.edu
• I’m involved with INBRE, where I gain hands-on research experience, and I work at the Student Life Center as a Yoga Fitness Instructor helping students build strength, balance, and wellness.

College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management (CAFNRM) Senator Leilani Badamo

Why did you run for student government?: I ran for student government to better connect with my peers and to gain leadership skills. I am passionate about food security, student health and wellness, and the sense of inclusion and community on campus for all students.

Top Goals: My focus is on building community, encouraging involvement, and strengthening how students and UHHSA connect with one another.

• Identifying the immediate needs and priorities of students to better serve them
• Encouraging more students to join the Agriculture Club and hosting fun, food-focused events to build community and spark conversation
• Making it easier for UHHSA to share information with students—and for students to share feedback in return

Favorite Part of UH Hilo: I love that the classes are smaller as I get to really know my Professors and classmates very well. There is a sense of community on campus among students.

Get to know Leilani!

• Major: Agriculture: Tropical Agroecology
• Email: uhhsa1@hawaii.edu
• Campus & Community Involvement: Three Mountain Alliance, Mala Ho'oulu Ike, Kipuka

College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) Senator Valeria Da Silva

Why did you run for student government?: I ran for UHHSA’s CAS Senator position because I am passionate about career development. I feel that CAS students are often overlooked and receive fewer career development opportunities than their peers. I want to see CAS students thrive after graduating, so I hope to create more career development opportunities for CAS students, whether it be through research roles or internships.

Top Goals: I want to be a strong voice for my peers, advocate for positive changes on campus, and make sure student interests are always at the center of the conversation.

• Expand jobs and internship opportunities tailored for CAS students
• Advocate for increased student research opportunities within CAS
• Strengthen UHHSA’s visibility among CAS students by hosting collaborative networking events that build community

Favorite Part of UH Hilo: My favorite part about UH Hilo is the unique experience it offers shaped by its values, culture, location, and staff.

Get to know Valeria!

• Major: Political Science
• Hometown: Yorba Linda, CA
• Email: uhhsa2@hawaii.edu
• I play on the UH Hilo Athletics Women’s Soccer Team and take part in the First Year Experience program. Both have helped me connect with the campus community and build strong relationships at UH Hilo.

College of Natural & Health Sciences (CNHS) Senator Cameron Loxley

Why did you run for student government?: I ran for student government because I see areas at UH Hilo where improvements can be made, and I want to help close those gaps. I’m especially passionate about supporting STEM students—our majors can be challenging, and being a voice for that community means a lot to me.

Top Goals: I want to use my connections and experiences at UH Hilo to be a strong voice for the campus community and ensure students feel represented.

• Build community at UH Hilo by encouraging strong student turnout at events
• Strengthen connections with professors and fellow students to gain support and collaboration
• Work toward improving the on-campus living experience for students

Favorite Part of UH Hilo: The professors and my classmates are the best and most positive part about UH Hilo.

Get to know Cameron!

• Major: Biology: Cell, Molecular & Biomedical Sciences
• Hometown: Santa Rosa, CA
• Email: uhhsa11@hawaii.edu
• I’m an active member of the Chemistry Club, where I get to connect with peers who share similar interests in science. It’s a great way to learn, collaborate, and be part of a supportive academic community.

College of Business & Economics (COBE) Senator Hayate Moro

Why did you run for student government?: I want you (students) to leave UH Hilo feeling like you didn’t just attend college, but instead built a life. Through partnerships with alumni, collaboration with local businesses, and spaces that encourage like-minded conversation, I want to bring more opportunities for you to step into your full potential. That’s what I plan to help create, a campus culture that empowers you to become the best version of yourself. In the end, I want you to believe that choosing UH Hilo was one of the best decisions you’ve ever made!

Top Goals: My top 3 priorities as the 2025-2026 CoBE Senator is to Motivate, Community, and to Connect.

• Motivate UH Hilo CoBE students by showing the future ahead of them. Every individual has a drive when it comes to something that they are passionate about. I would like to help them find their drive, their purpose.
• Community: To create a community within the business college. Many of the cultural groups are always hanging out with each other. I’d like to create a similar community within the business students. This may come in the form of providing a room dedicated to business students.
• Connect: To connect the students with their future. This may be connecting students with internships, alumnus, local businesses, career opportunities, faculties and amongst each other.

Favorite Part of UH Hilo: My favorite part about UH Hilo is 1000% the people! It’s a warming place with warming people. I’ve seen people open up, grow, and just feel at peace here. It’s the kind of place where you can let your guard down, be yourself, and share a musubi with someone new. It’s one of the most diverse campuses in the world, and I promise, you’ll feel at home!

Get to know Hayate!

• Major: Business Administration: Finance and Marketing
• Hometown: Castro Valley in East Bay Area, CA
• Email: uhhsa3@hawaii.edu
• On campus, I’m a social media assistant and campus tour guide with UH Hilo Admissions, a member of the Japanese Student Association, and the founder and president of a marketing business club. Outside campus, I’m involved with the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Committee. Proud to say I’ve never lost a single intramural dodgeball tournament—though maybe you can be the one to change that! When I’m not dominating intramural sports, you’ll find me behind the camera and mic, capturing videos around campus and always ready to create viral content.

Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (DKICP) Senator Anna Alfed

Why did you run for student government?: I knew when I came to Hilo that I wanted to get involved on campus in some way. Since I already had experience with student government in my past education, I thought it would be meaningful to continue that as a graduate student. I’m passionate about creating an environment where pharmacy students and undergraduates can thrive, and I want to help build stronger connections between different student groups. Running for student government felt like a great way to give back to the community while also helping shape a positive campus experience for others.

Top Goals:

• Strengthen the connection between DKICP students and UH Hilo undergraduates.
• Career and professional development opportunities for all students.
• Accurate active representation and open communication of DKICP.

Favorite Part of UH Hilo: My favorite part about UH Hilo so far has been the welcoming atmosphere and the sense of community here. Everyone I’ve met, students, faculty, and staff, has such a friendly spirit, and that’s made adjusting and building new connections really enjoyable. I also really appreciate the pharmacy curriculum, which is both challenging and supportive, and makes me feel like I’m being prepared to grow into the kind of pharmacist I want to be. The combination of strong academics and a positive, encouraging environment has been what I’ve loved most about UH Hilo.

Get to know Anna!

• Major: Pharmarcy
• Hometown: Madison, WI
• Email: uhhsa4@hawaii.edu

Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language (KHUOK) Senator Keanokualani Perreira

Why did you run for student government?: He manaʻolana koʻu e hoʻonui aʻe i ka hoʻohana ʻia o ʻike, ka ʻōlelo, a me ka mōʻaukala Hawaiʻi ma e kula nui. No ka poʻe Hawaiʻi a me ka poʻe e hōʻea mai ana no ka hele kula, ua waiwai ka paʻa o ka ʻike Hawaiʻi, ka lohe a ʻike ʻana i ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, a me ke aʻo ʻana hoʻi no ka mōʻaukala o ko kākou Lāhui. Ma ka hoʻohana ʻana i ka ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi e ʻume hou ʻia ai nā aloha ʻōlelo a aloha Lāhui o ka wā e hiki mai ana.

(I am eager to take initiative in normalizing Hawaiian knowledge, culture, language, and history throughout our campus. I believe it is important for both Hawaiʻi residents and non-residents to understand the significance of our culture, the value of hearing and seeing our language, and the depth of our history. Perhaps, by expanding the use of Hawaiian language, we help ensure a thriving and dedicated future for our people.)

Top Goals: My three main priorities are to help increase student access to resources, provide as much financial support as possible, and create opportunities for building connections and relationships within the student body.

Favorite Part of UH Hilo: He mahalo koʻu i ke ʻano o ka pili ʻana o ke kaiaulu kula nui. (I'm really fond of the close-knit community at UH Hilo.)

Get to know Keanokualani!

• Major: Hawaiian Studies
• Hometown: Hilo, HI
• Email: uhhsatr@hawaii.edu
• He limahana kōkua au ma ka papa hana hoʻomākaukau kumu ʻo Kahuawaiola ma Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani. (I'm an assistant employee at the Kahuawaiola teacher preparation program at Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani.)

Senator-at-Large Maria Pla Prahl

Why did you run for student government?: I want to give back to my community by joining student governance to raise student voices and create meaningful change. Having lived in the dorms for three years, I’ve seen issues like poor Wi-Fi and limited dining options, which I’d address through student feedback and action. I also hope to raise awareness about UHHSA, improve communication, and help build a more connected and supportive campus.

Top Goals:

• Improve Wi-Fi access and reliability in the residence halls
• Increase availability of local produce such as fresh vegetables and fruits
• Expand healthy and adaptable meal options in the dining hall

Favorite Part of UH Hilo: UH Hilo is a beautiful and lively campus, full of cultural diversity, and a commitment to supporting each student. I appreciate the dedication and love for Hawaiian culture and the welcoming atmosphere that the campus gives.

Get to know Maria!

• Major: Marine Science
• Hometown: Barcelona, Spain
• Email: uhhsa7@hawaii.edu
• I love being a student and getting the chance to learn on such a gorgeous island. I am part of the Marine Option Program, and I also volunteer at the Coral Nursery, located in the Pacific Aquaculture & Coastal Resource Center. I am also part of the Marine Ecophysiology Lab at UH Hilo, where we conduct research projects and educational outreach with Hawaiian emergent schools.

Senator-at-Large Sage Nosaka

Why did you run for student government?: I ran for student government because I really care about making a difference for students and the UH Hilo community. I want to create opportunities that make campus life better, especially when it comes to health, wellness, and connecting students with resources. I’m passionate about organizing events and workshops that bring people together and help them grow. My goal is to support students and build a stronger sense of community here at UH Hilo.

Top Goals:

• Improving Communication & Accessibility: Make student resources, events, and opportunities more visible and easy to access through clear and consistent outreach.
• Supporting Student Wellness: Advocate for programs and initiatives that address academic, financial, and mental health needs, ensuring students feel supported in all areas of life.
• Building Community & Engagement: Create more opportunities for students to connect with one another through cultural, academic, and social events that reflect the diversity and spirit of UH Hilo."

Favorite Part of UH Hilo: My favorite part about UH Hilo is the strong sense of community and how approachable everyone is, from professors to classmates. It feels like a warm place where everyone is connected.

Get to know Sage!

• Major: Biology: Cell, Molecular & Biomedical Sciences
• Hometown: Hilo, HI
• Email: uhhsa8@hawaii.edu
• Outside of student government, I help coach high school Judo at Kamehameha and am grateful to have earned my black belt, which has taught me discipline, patience, and respect. I also volunteer in the local community, supporting projects that help those experiencing homelessness and working with at-risk youth. I enjoy helping with campus events that bring students together, and for me, it’s about giving back, supporting others, and helping make the community stronger.

Senator-at-Large Tehani Seto

Why did you run for student government?: I wanted to run for student government to give a voice to students who feel overlooked or as if their voice does not matter. By fostering great communication between senator and student, we can work together to make sure campus and campus life are as great as possible. The best way to continue to uplift the community is through this collaborative effort that I hope to promote throughout my term.

Top Goals:

• Find ways to continue to uplift Native and Indigenous groups and communities on campus through a variety of events. For example, having an event around Indigenous Peoples' Day that educates other students on campus.
• Making the UHHSA more accessible and well-known around campus. Adding a virtual drop box for complaints, queries, or opinions that students can share directly with the student senators.
• Updating the campus bulletin boards/announcement boards to be more decorative and engaging to look at and get information from.

Favorite Part of UH Hilo: The students and staff help make UH Hilo the amazing place it is. The community they foster makes everyone's experience at the school so amazing!

Get to know Tehani!

• Major: History
• Hometown: Torrance, CA
• Email: uhhsa9@hawaii.edu
• Campus & Community Involvement: On the Softball Team at UH Hilo.

Senator-at-Large Everett Nguyen-Roach

Why did you run for student government?: The issues I am deeply committed to are mental health and academic stability. I hope to ensure every individual on campus has someone or some resource to express or eliminate their stress/troubles they may have during this drastic change in a new period of life. Everyone needs someone to rely on, and mental health should be normalized and communicated. At the same time, I want every student to get the education they deserve and to achieve a successful future while enjoying their journey and creating memorable experiences at UH Hilo.

Top Goals:

• My first priority for my term in office would be to bring awareness, make resources easily accessible, and offer solutions to mental health issues for our students. To ensure this, I would post constant reminders all over campus, online, in classrooms, and more. Constant events would be organized to encourage social interaction and give students a relief from their demanding school life, and take a moment for themselves.
• Next, I would foster academic and social stability to ensure a balance of both by offering multiple group studying opportunities, tutoring and mentor programs, online resources, and fun alternative study methods, as I mentioned earlier, to increase the amount of information retained while spending time with peers.
• My last priority would be inclusivity because I know how difficult it is to find people like you and who you connect with, as everyone has a different background, whether it’s their race, origins, home, sexuality, interests, etc. I would host cultural events celebrating each individual's aspects of life and create online platforms so people can connect.

Favorite Part of UH Hilo: At UH Hilo, there are so many opportunities to get involved, help your community, and set up the start of your future. Everyone here is so welcoming, and this university has such a strong community. You get to connect with your professors, and they are always so helpful if you ever need assistance.

Get to know Everett!

• Major: Political Science
• Hometown: Anaheim Hills, California
• Email: uhhsa10@hawaii.edu
• Campus & Community Involvement: I play on the women's basketball team here at UH Hilo and love volunteering where ever needed.

UHHSA Student Leader Vacancies

Treasurer (1)

UHHSA is seeking a Treasurer! There is currently 1 position open. The Treasurer plays a key role in managing the financial operations of the student government—ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsible use of student fees. This position oversees budgeting, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting for UHHSA initiatives and committees. Experience in student government or Chartered Student Organizations (CSOs) is preferred, as the Treasurer collaborates closely with student leaders and advisors to support events, projects, and student advocacy efforts. If you’re detail-oriented, organized, and passionate about helping students make the most of their resources, this is a great opportunity to serve your peers and strengthen your leadership skills. Apply online today to help steward student resources and make a positive impact across campus.

Graduate Senator (1)

UHHSA is seeking a Graduate Senator! There is currently 1 position open. This role represents graduate students enrolled in master’s and PhD programs, ensuring their unique needs and perspectives are brought forward in student government. Graduate Senators often focus on issues such as research and academic support, graduate assistantships, professional development, and work-life balance. They also serve as a voice for graduate students in broader campus discussions, helping to build connections between graduate programs and the larger UH Hilo community. Apply online today to show up for your fellow graduate students.

Staff Advisor Matthew Kalahiki

Why do you serve student government?: I support student government because it’s important for students to have a voice. My own leadership experiences taught me how valuable that growth can be, and now I want to help the next generation of student leaders represent their peers, grow individually, and return to their communities as forces for positive change.

Top Goals:

• Help Student Leaders Grow: Mentor and support student leaders so they can build confidence, learn leadership skills, and take those experiences with them into their careers and communities.
• Keep UHHSA Running Strong: Make sure student government runs smoothly and transparently by helping the Senate follow fair processes, manage resources wisely, and truly represent student voices.
• Build a Culture of Advocacy & Involvement: Encourage students to speak up about issues, push for solutions, and create initiatives that will make a positive difference for current and future UH Hilo students.

Favorite Part of UH Hilo: I am a proud UH Hilo alumnus, having earned both of my degrees here. What I love most is the strong sense of community, where students, faculty, and staff support one another. UH Hilo gave me the chance to grow both as a student and as a person, and I will always value the connections and experiences I gained.

Get to know Matt!

• Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (2013) and Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (2015)
• Hometown: Hilo, HI
• Email: mmkk@hawaii.edu
• While I serve as UHHSA’s Staff Advisor, my primary role is Associate Director of Campus Center, where I support chartered student organizations, coordinate activities and events, and assist RISOs to uplift student life. This year, I’ve also taken on the kuleana of Acting Director of the Student Life Center. Beyond these roles, I serve on the Staff Council to model shared governance for student leaders and on the Commencement Committee to ensure students are celebrated at graduation.

UHHSA Student Government Operations Intern Mila Rexford

Why do you serve student government?: One of my biggest passions is elevating the voices of others and helping them feel connected. To do that within our UH Hilo community, I applied for this position to get more involved on campus and support the foundation built by those who share similar goals, the members of UHHSA. Serving in student government gives me the chance to learn how to make an impact for others while bringing a fresh perspective to the table.

Top Goals:

• Assist in keeping things smoothly behind the scenes so everything stays organized
• Support events, projects, and initiatives that makes campus life more fun and create more opportunities for students
• Advocate for a stronger, more connected community within UHHSA

Favorite Part of UH Hilo: The people. UH Hilo’s diverse community brings together so many fresh and unique perspectives, and it’s amazing how much you can learn from everyone on a single campus. It’s fun to collaborate, connect, and just enjoy my time here with people from all kinds of backgrounds. UH Hilo really celebrates that blend of cultures and voices, which is what makes it my favorite part of being here.

Get to know Mila!

• Major: Astronomy
• Hometown: Waianae, HI
• Email: uhhsasgi@hawaii.edu
• Currently not involved in other campus and community involvement at this time, but super excited to explore options in my first year at UH Hilo!