Kilohana: The Academic Success Center

Kuleana and Community Talk Story

Due to severe weather warnings and anticipated weather events, the Talk Story scheduled for September 25 is CANCELLED.

The Kuleana and Community Talk Story series at UH Hilo is an opportunity for community members, students, and university employees to hear from speakers across the community about their organizations and how they incorporate kuleana into their visions and actions.

The Talk Story series features a diverse group of speakers that come from all parts of the community, including non-profits, federal offices, entrepreneurs, and more.

Parking is currently free on campus and light refreshments are served. All refreshments come from Sodexo on campus, so you know you're always in for a treat!


This flyer depicts the location, dates, times, and names of upcoming speakers, which are all listed below. For disability accommodations, contact Karla Hayashi at karlah@hawaii.edu or (808) 932-7287.

Links to upcoming speakers:

Who can attend?

You! Talk Story presentations are open to the public, UH students, and UH employees. Bring your ʻohana or invite your friends!

When are the presentations?

Talk Story presentations begin the first Friday of each semester and occur weekly until the designated date below. Each presentation is from 12-1 PM.

Fall 2026 dates: August 28, 2026 - November 13, 2026

Where are the presentations?

The presentations take place in Kilohana: The Academic Success Center, located on the first floor of Mookini Library on UH Hilo's campus.

You enter the library on the second floor, then come down via the elevators or stairs. Kilohana is in the large, glass walls around the corner from the elevators.

What about parking

Parking is currently free at UH Hilo! The closest lot to the Mookini Library will be Zone 2, nearest to the Campus Store and Student Services Building.

Who are the speakers?

August 28: Summer Roper Todd, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

September 4: Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita, Big Island Substance Abuse Council

September 11: Deputy Chief Sherry Bird, Hawaiʻi Police Department

September 18: Chaplain Renee Godoy, Friends of First Responders

September 25: Leelen Park, The Food Basket

October 2: Malu Debus, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation

October 9: Wai Needham, PIPES

October 16: Whitney Aragaki, Department of Education

October 23: Toby Taniguchi, KTA Super Stores

October 30: Marlene Hapai, Hawaiʻi Island Portuguese Chamber of Commerce

November 6: Daylynn Kyles, Aloha ʻĪlio Rescue

November 13: Elyse Stevens, Department of Parks and Recreation