The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Department of Information and Computer Sciences (ICS) has unveiled a new resource designed to showcase and strengthen Hawaiʻi’s role in the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI). The Aloha Intelligence Initiative (Aii) brings together cutting-edge UH research, educational opportunities and community partnerships focused on advancing AI with local impact and global relevance.
Hosted on a new interactive website, Aii highlights dozens of active projects that demonstrate how AI can be used to improve daily life and decision-making—from natural disaster prediction and healthcare innovation to creative media and cultural preservation. Each project reflects a commitment to building AI that is human-centered, transparent and rooted in Hawaiʻi’s values.
Among the efforts is SAGE3, a $5 million national project that develops software and systems to enhance collaboration between people and AI. The project empowers society to make better decisions, foster creativity and build shared understanding in addressing complex societal and scientific challenges. Other projects include KolokoloChat, a chatbot for Hawaiʻi’s state judiciary that helps the public access court information; and a student-led agricultural robotics system that earned international recognition for improving farm productivity. Additional research explores AI for astronomy, medical imaging, biodiversity and the revitalization of endangered languages.
Collaboration and education
Aii also serves as a central hub for collaboration and education. The site outlines pathways for engagement through degree programs, including UH’s two new graduate-level programs to prepare students and working professionals for high-demand careers in AI and data science, as well as workshops and partnerships with local agencies, nonprofits and businesses. Upcoming events include an AI literacy workshop series on Hawaiʻi Island, and free AI and data science public lectures at the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center this fall.
“We built this site to make our work transparent, accessible and locally grounded,” said Guylaine Poisson, ICS professor and department chair. “AI has immense potential—especially when designed in partnership with the community and in a responsible way.”
For more, visit the Aii website.
ICS is housed in UH Mānoa’s College of Natural Sciences.
