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From left, UH President M.R.C. Greenwood, UH Hilo College of Pharmacy Dean John M. Pezzuto, Former Chief of Staff for Senator Daniel K. Inouye Pat DeLeon, UH Board of Regents Chair Eric Martinson and UH Hilo Chancellor Donald Straney admire the planned new home for the newly named Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy. (Photo provided by UH Hilo College of Pharmacy)

The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents approved a package at its monthly meeting on February 21 that names four University of Hawaiʻi programs or facilities on four islands in honor of the late Senator Daniel K. Inouye.

“Senator Inouye impacted the University of Hawaiʻi in ways that cannot be measured. We are deeply grateful to the senator for his years of support and for all that he has done for us,” said UH President M.R.C. Greenwood. “Today’s board action gives us the opportunity to thank Senator Inouye and to emphasize the many things he helped us accomplish and the many things he has inspired us to accomplish in the future.”

The Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education, UH Mānoa

Inouye was a staunch advocate for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and basic research. He was a strong supporter of C-MORE and its research, education and outreach missions. His efforts significantly enhanced the capacity for research at the University of Hawaiʻi, especially in the area of marine science. Inouye participated in C-MORE Hale’s groundbreaking in 2009 and the grand opening in 2010.

The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, UH Hilo

One of Inouye’s passions was improving healthcare in Hawaiʻi, particularly in rural populations. In 2000, Inouye began his quest to create something important on the Big Island. His vision was the College of Pharmacy at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. It opened in 2007 and has been ranked in the top five new schools of pharmacy in the country by U.S. News and World Report.

The Daniel K. Inouye Allied Health Center, UH Maui College

Inouye was a champion for nursing, allied health and the well-being of Hawaiʻi residents. His commitment to the neighbor islands and particularly to Maui, the home of his mother, continued for years. The Allied Health Center primarily supports dental assisting and dental hygiene programs at UH Maui College that grew out of community need.

The Daniel K. Inouye Electronics Technology Building, Kauaʻi Community College

Inouye was instrumental in helping Kauaʻi Community College establish a strong relationship between its electronics program and the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility. He worked with Kauaʻi CC to secure equipment donations from Boeing for an optics lab. He was also a steadfast supporter of the college’s movement toward stronger STEM programs. The building houses the electronics program, the Cisco Networking Academy, Optics Lab and Kauaʻi CC’s Hawaiʻi Space Flight Lab.

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