Donnette Leilani (Lei) Kapono has been appointed interim chancellor of Hawaiʻi Community College. The college enrolls nearly 2,300 students, 62 percent of whom are women. Kapono will lead Hawaiʻi Community College for one year or until a permanent chancellor is selected.
Kapono’s appointment marks a return to HawaiĘ»i Community College, where she previously worked in the Office of Continuing Education and Training from 1998 to 2006. She later held various leadership roles at the University of HawaiĘ»i at Hilo, including associate director of Ka Haka Ę»Ula O KeĘ»elikĹŤlani College of Hawaiian Language and interim executive assistant to the chancellor. Most recently, she was interim vice chancellor for student affairs.
“Returning to Hawaiʻi Community College in this role is both a profound privilege and a deeply meaningful homecoming for me,” said Kapono. “What I look forward to most is reconnecting and developing new relationships with the incredible faculty, staff and students who make Hawaiʻi CC such a vibrant place of opportunity.”
“Lei knows HawaiĘ»i Community College, understands the communities it serves and brings a wealth of leadership experience across the UH System,” said Lui Hokoana, the system’s vice president for community colleges. “Her commitment to student success, workforce development and community partnerships makes her well-suited to lead the college during this important transition.”