Building a sense of place

$40 million in campus improvements are transforming the UH Hilo experience for everyone

From the vibrant new murals honoring Edith Kanakaʻole to the quiet hum of energy-efficient cooling systems, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is undergoing a massive transformation.

A digital mock-up of a large, colorful mural featuring orange, yellow, and blue waves on the side of a grey campus building labeled "Edith Kanakaʻole Hall." — Several new murals were incorporated into the renovation of Edith Kanakaʻole Hall

A long grey campus building featuring a mural with shades of orange and brown painted on the far end. — Several new murals were incorporated into the renovation of Edith Kanakaʻole Hall

Close up of Kalei Rapoza in a blue aloha wear shirt UH Hilo vice chancellor for administrative affairs Kalei Rapoza

With over $12.1 million in active construction projects and another $29.2 million in the design phase, Vice Chancellor for Administrative Affairs Kalei Rapoza says these changes are about creating an ideal environment for learning, living, and research.

“We are trying our best to look after our campus,” said Rapoza. “We are focusing on making campus a better place.”

Current wins: Art, Agriculture, and Athletics

Beyond essential upgrades to fire and electrical systems, the $4.1 million Edith Kanakaʻole Hall renovation features stunning murals that pay tribute to its namesake.

“The exterior, going from exposed concrete to a bright and colorful surface, brings the building to life,” says Jerry Watanabe, Director of Facilities Planning.

A mural in a concrete stairwell depicting a woman with a traditional green lei poʻo (head lei) and Hawaiian text on the adjacent wall. — Edith Kanakaʻole Hall renovations come to life with murals honoring the building’s namesake

Artists on red scaffolding painting a large-scale portrait of a woman’s face on a white exterior wall. — Edith Kanakaʻole Hall renovations come to life with murals honoring the building’s namesake

Progress has also come to fruition at the Panaʻewa Farm with a long-awaited 1,400-square-foot workshop for agricultural engineering and machine repair.

Finalized building at college of Ag Halemaile, named for the famous fragrant maile native to Panaʻewa, before and after construction is completed

On the main campus, student life is getting a boost with a $667,000 renovation to the swimming pool, and the relocation of the Psychology Department’s wet lab to a permanent space in UCB frees up space to rehome the Cooperative Fishery Unit in support of Marine Science operations.

Before and after repairs of the psych lab Before and after renovations of the Psychology Department’s wet lab relocation to UCB

An invisible backbone: Sustainability and strategy

The Office of Facilities Planning and Construction (OFPC) is prioritizing a transition to clean energy, including “Smart Lab” designs that automatically monitor air quality. In addition, mechanical upgrades at the Student Services Building and the Theater ($2.3 million), are replacing aging chillers with modern, efficient systems. These efforts feed into a unique Energy Reinvestment Projects Account, a model for the UH System where savings from efficiency are reinvested into future improvements.

“It isn’t a flashy project, but it makes conditions within the building more consistent and comfortable,” Rapoza explained.

Finalized building at college of Ag A new A/C unit installation is completed outside the College of Agriculture

The long game: patience and perseverance

The Capital Improvement Project (CIP) process is complex, involving legislative funding, design, and prioritization. Rapoza emphasized that decisions are intentionally made and university planning requires a “long view.”

“There will be projects that we plan today that I do not see completed in my employment,” Rapoza admitted. “But the answer is rarely ever ‘no,’ it’s just ‘not yet.’”

Health and safety must sometimes jump the line over aesthetic upgrades, but Rapoza said leadership is committed to transparency and ensuring that every dollar improves the student experience.

improved learning and living spaces Interior and exterior work to improve learning and living spaces on campus

Looking ahead: A unified vision

The administration is not just fixing what is broken, they are building a cohesive “sense of place”. Future plans include a formal pedestrian gateway and a unified campus color palette that is warm and inviting. Major designs are already in the works, including athletics locker renovations, library mechanical upgrades, and a rolling priority list for student housing renovations that extends into 2029.

improved learning and living spaces Before and after upgrades to the College of Agriculture roof

A team effort

These successes are the result of a dedicated team led by Jerry Watanable, who retires at the end of 2025.

Reflecting on a tenure that included the new Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy building and the culturally sensitive decommissioning of the Hoku Kea telescope — Watanabe remains most proud of the projects that bring people together, like the Campus Center gathering spaces.

“I was so happy to see so many students, faculty, and staff enjoying the new outdoor covered seating,” Watanabe said.

Rapoza credits Watanabe’s student-centered approach for managing the complex logistics of campus renewal, and extends a warm mahalo to the entire team — Cory Kaizuka, Troy Samura, Brian Hill, and Michael Tanaka.

“We want our campus to be an optimal working and learning environment for everyone,” said Rapoza, expressing appreciation for the community’s ongoing partnership and support as UH Hilo continues to evolve.

Four men standing together for a photo on a grassy area in front of tall pine trees. (From left to right) Cory Kaizuka, Troy Samura, Jerry Watanabe, and Brian Hill. Missing from photo is Michael Tanaka.

Previously Featured Stories

Kūkala Nūhou Home

Skip sidebar to footer

Current Featured Stories

From South Dakota to the deep sea: Meet Hayden Niles

Hayden Niles grew up 1,500 miles from any ocean. See how he landed a deep-sea internship that only 2% of applicants get into.

A homerun for local housing: Introducing Lexie Tilton

She went from PacWest Co-Defender of the Year to a real estate license to law school. Read how Lexie Tilton plans to help tackle Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis.

Bridging tradition and technology: Meet Tori Kiliʻohu Valdez

Aerial imagery, LIDAR, and ʻike Hawaiʻi — see how Tori Kiliʻohu Valdez is using all three to protect Hawaiʻi’s land and cultural sites.

Faculty & Staff Spotlight: Meet Sunny Walker, UH Hilo’s webmaster

He built Wehewehe Wikiwiki and saved the day when Banner went down. Meet Sunny Walker, our May 2026 Outstanding Staff of the Month.

Campus culture, diversity, and island connection

The Office of Admissions released three videos highlighting UH Hilo’s inclusive ‘ohana, hands-on learning, and deep ties to the island community.

UH Hilo pharmacy students recognized for academic excellence

Five exceptional students from UH Hilo’s pharmacy college were inducted into the Rho Chi honor society, celebrating their academic achievements.