HILO, Hawaii — The University of Hawaii announced Susan Kazama has been recommended to be the next chancellor of Hawaii Community College. 

What You Need To Know

  • Susan has been the interim chancellor at Hawaii CC since 2023

  • The Chancellor serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Hawaii CC

  • Hawaii CC started screening applicants for a new chancellor in Feb. 2024

Kazama’s start date is July 19, 2024, according to a news release. 

She has been the interim chancellor since 2023. 

“Susan Kazama is a home-grown chancellor who is dedicated to serving the diverse communities of the Hawaii Island,” said Vice President for Community Colleges Erika Lacro in a statement. “She brings her broad experience and commitment to the University of Hawaii to the position, and she will continue the work of this past year of reaching out to the local employers to ensure Hawaii Community College is training students for the local workforce needs.” 

Kazama began her career with the UH System in 1987, working as a librarian at UH Maui College and Honolulu Community College. Next, Kazama spent 12 years at UH Manoa’s Hamilton Library. In 2001, she became the library director at Kapiolani Community College. She was interim vice chancellor for academic affairs at Kapiolani CC and Honolulu CC until 2021, when she became a program coordinator for continuing education at Kapiolani CC. She also worked on the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges for seven years, including three years as the chair, past chair and vice chair.

“I am so grateful to have this opportunity to return home and serve the kauhale (group of houses comprising a Hawaiian home) and the community that I grew up in,” Kazama said. “Hawaii Community College offers not only access to higher education, but also workforce training for our community members who want to reskill and upskill for a higher paying job.”

Kazama was born and raised in Hilo, graduating from Waiakea High School. She earned a master's in library science and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UH Manoa. 

Hawaii CC started screening applicants for a new chancellor in Feb. 2024. By April, Hawaii CC officials narrowed the field to three candidates. The public was invited to meet the candidates and provide feedback. 

Hawaii CC is one of seven community colleges in Hawaii, with an enrollment of about 2,200 students and faculty and staff of about 213. The Chancellor serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Kauai CC, leading strategic planning and managing many programs.

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.

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