Photos: Kīpaepae held for former and interim chancellors at UH Hilo

Posted on September 14, 2017November 20, 2025 by Staff

The ceremonies were to honor UH Vice President Don Straney and UH Hilo Interim Chancellor Marcia Sakai in their new positions.

Don Straney and Marcia Sakai in kīhei and with lei. — Don Straney and Marcia Sakai at kīpaepae. (Photos in this story: Everette Ganir/University Relations/UH Hilo)

Kīpaepae Hoʻokuʻu (Releasing Ceremony) and Kīpaepae Hoʻonoho (Appointment Ceremony) were held today for former University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Chancellor Donald Straney and new UH Hilo Interim Chancellor Marcia Sakai. Straney was recently reassigned to a new position as the UH System vice president for academic planning and policy. The ceremonies were to honor Vice President Straney and Interim Chancellor Sakai in their new positions.

Dancers raise both arms up.

Dancers rest between performances.

Dancers all raise their hands up in unison.

Dancers raise arms up, others wait in background.

Dancers with arms moving downward.

Don Straney in kīhei. — Former Chancellor Don Straney

Marcia Sakai in kihei. — Interim Chancellor Marcia Sakai

Person greets Marcia Sakai.

Audience sits in rows.

Randy Hirokawa talks with Marcia Sakai.

Person hugs Marcia Sakai.

Director of athletics greets Don Straney.

Three administrators, the two honorees wear lei. — From left, Hawaiʻi Community College Chancellor Rachel Solemsaas, UH Vice President Don Straney and UH Hilo Interim Chancellor Marcia Sakai.

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