Hawaii Community College — Palamanui and the University Center, West Hawaii, will host a drive-through commencement ceremony from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 15 at the Kona campus.
Each graduate will be given a time to drive-through, receive their diploma and have a photo taken. In addition, Na Leo TV will present a pre-recorded virtual commencement that includes a kipaepae, student speaker, keynote speaker, graduate names and photos, and more.
The program premieres May 14 and will continue to air on Na Leo TV for several weeks and will also be available online.
The University of Hawaii at Hilo will hold its commencement ceremony May 15 starting at 9 a.m. The pre-recorded ceremony can be viewed on the UH-Hilo Commencement website at www.hilo.hawaii.edu/commencement. There will also be a drive-through opportunity for graduates only, which will be livestreamed beginning at 10 a.m.
Approximately 571 students have petitioned for degrees and/or certificates from the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Natural and Health Sciences, Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management, Business and Economics, Pharmacy, Ka Haka ‘Ula O Ke’elikolani College of Hawaiian Language, and for various post-graduate credentials.
The pre-recorded video includes a congratulatory message from Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin along with name cards that include pictures and messages from graduates. Also included are messages from keynote speaker Dr. Lorna Tsutsumi and three student speakers, Eric Tejada, Kiaria Zoi Nakamura, and Nina Sabahi.