UH Hilo to transfer management of North Hawaiʻi education center to Hawaiʻi Community College
The community college is planning a major renovation of the center, adding 5,000 square feet of space to create a multi-purpose lab and offer new classes.
The North Hawaiʻi Education and Research Center (NHERC), located about 40 miles north of Hilo in the heritage-rich town of Honokaʻa, will be transferred from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo to Hawaiʻi Community College on July 1, 2019.
The creation of the center in 2006 was a collaboration of community, elected officials, and UH Hilo to build a new model for meeting the educational and cultural needs of the northern side of Hawaiʻi Island. UH Hilo Interim Chancellor Marcia Sakai says the center pursued that mission for 12 years, showcasing the unique history of the area and community, delivering on-site classes and Early College classes at local high schools.
- For a story about the impact of the center’s offerings on a local high school student, see: Honor student takes pathway from Honokaʻa High to Eastern Oregon U to UH Hilo pharmacy program.
“[NHERC is] a gathering place for the community to pursue activities, exchange information, and celebrate events,” says Sakai. “We believe educational offerings and opportunities in North Hawaiʻi will be further expanded and enhanced under the management of Hawaiʻi CC.”
The community college is planning a major renovation of an additional 5,000 square feet of space at the center to create a multi-purpose lab and offer new classes.
“Hawaiʻi CC’s expertise in delivering programs in both career and technical education and in the pre-professional areas will create more academic options for North Hawaiʻi residents,” says Hawaiʻi CC Chancellor Rachel Solemsaas.
The two campuses are working on the transition of staff and management positions that are currently at the center.
The center’s facilities, including the Heritage Center, will remain a community gathering place during the transition.
