University of Hawaiʻi Maui College Chancellor Lui Hokoana has been appointed interim vice president for the UH Community Colleges, effective January 1, 2026, while retaining his chancellor role at UH Maui College. He will succeed Vice President Della Teraoka, who is retiring at the end of December. The appointment is subject to Board of Regent approval.
His appointment will allow additional time for UH leadership and the Board of Regents to determine the long-term structure of the position. Hokoana will return full-time to UH Maui College once the transition period concludes.
“Chancellor Hokoana brings deep experience, steady leadership and a proven commitment to student success across our campuses,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “As the longest-serving community college chancellor, he is uniquely positioned to guide the system through this transition while ensuring we maintain momentum and focus on our mission.”
Hokoana was appointed chancellor of UH Maui College in 2014 and has served in multiple leadership positions across the UH System since beginning his career in 1991. He was also recognized as the State of Hawaiʻi Manager of the Year in 2011. A graduate of UH Hilo and UH Mānoa, Hokoana earned his doctorate in education from the University of Southern California.
Providing leadership across seven community colleges
The Office of the Vice President for Community Colleges provides leadership and coordination for the seven UH Community Colleges, working closely with the UH System and local, state and federal partners to advance strategic priorities and meet Hawaiʻi’s workforce needs.
“It is a privilege to step into this role at such an important time for our community colleges,” said Hokoana. “I am committed to providing steady leadership that supports our campuses, strengthens student success, and advances the mission we all share. I also remain deeply dedicated to serving Maui through UH Maui College.”
Legacy of service
Teraoka’s career at UH spans more than 25 years. She began at Leeward CC in 1999 as a professor of accounting and later became vice chancellor for academic affairs before joining the UH Community College System Office in 2020. She was UH’s nominee for the Governor’s Award for Distinguished State Service as Manager of the Year in 2020, and was appointed Vice President of Community Colleges in 2022.
