alumnus Brutus La Benz has long been a familiar face on 51��� television screens appearing in commercials for everything from Texaco and 7-Eleven to Kona Brewing Company and the 51��� Quit Tobacco campaign. But his big break came this spring, when he debuted as Lilo’s kumu hula (hula teacher) in Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch, a box office hit that soared past the $1 billion mark this July.

Before landing a role in the major Disney film, La Benz’s earliest acting stage was his family’s living room in Kailua. As a kid, he and his brother would spend hours performing scenes from hit flicks Wayne’s World and Tommy Boy after summer fun.

“A lot of times we would just kind of memorize lines and reenact them. And I always thought that was fun,” he said.

That early love for performance stuck. The Olomana native can still recite skits from the late, beloved 51��� comedian Rap Replinger—classic jokes he proudly calls “scripture.”

La Benz, a Punahou School graduate, earned degrees in (Hawaiian language) and from the 51��� ����ԴDz� . It was in those ʻō������� classes he says a passion for acting truly began to grow.

“In order to help us learn the sentence structures and the new vocabulary, some of them would ask us to do a lot of mini skits, just so that we could memorize the lines and patterns,” La Benz added. “Once I figured out we can make these funny skits and still learn, that was really cool.”

That energy led him to the stage in 2004, when he starred in Kamapuaʻa, a Hawaiian-language stage production directed by Tammy Hailiʻōpua Baker, founder of 51��� ����ԴDz�’s . It’s there he learned how to tell stories through action, not just words.

“Because many didn’t understand Hawaiian language, the words needed to come across in the way we acted. And so that was challenging, but also I think that’s what made us all really, really fun and decent actors,” La Benz said.

Seeking permission

In 2023, when Disney offered him the “kumu hula” role, La Benz actually hesitated. A trained ʻōlapa hula (hula dancer) under Kumu Hula Snowbird Bento, he wasn’t sure if taking the role of a kumu hula on screen was appropriate.

“My initial reaction was I better call my kumu first to make sure that it’s okay to portray a kumu,” La Benz said.

With her blessing, he stepped into it.

“He Mele No Lilo” (A song for the lost)

Filming for the lively scene took place at the Kokokahi YMCA in Kailua, and La Benz, who has a 9-year-old daughter, said it felt natural.

“It was just like having a bunch of my daughters there. They were super goofy. I felt more like I was being a parent and modeling after how I see my kumu interact with her students at those ages,” he said.

In addition to his role as Lilo’s kumu hula, La Benz also served as the body double for the alien character Jumba, performing the character’s physical movements on set.

His daughter, Kealaleihōkū lit up at the film’s 51��� premiere.

“She was just staring into the screen, but when I came on she said, ‘Oooh! Daddy!!’”

Guiding life moments

Outside of acting, La Benz pours his heart into work as a kahu (officiant). He’s spent more than a decade overseeing weddings, blessings and farewells.

“Honored to be a part of different celebrations…making people feel safe and comfortable enough to celebrate or grieve in a way that they need to,” said La Benz.

He expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve as a kahu and looks forward to taking on new acting roles but says above all, being a dad is the role he cherishes most.

This article by 51��� Kanaka ʻŌ���ɾ� (Native Hawaiian) librarians Kawena Komeiji, Shavonn Matsuda and Kapena Shim was first published in Ka Wai Ola on .

As we celebrate Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea this month, Kānaka ʻŌ���ɾ� librarians in the University of Hawaiʻi (51���) System have been working towards restoring Hawaiian knowledge sovereignty to the lāhui 51���, with support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

A new initiative launched this past December, Kahoʻiwai: Reclaiming Hawaiian Knowledge Sovereignty, focuses on improving access to Hawaiian resources in libraries and archives. The project will integrate ʻō������� 51��� and kuanaʻike 51��� into the ways we categorize, organize, and search for information in libraries.

Part of a collaborative effort by three 51��� campuses, Kahoʻiwai is led by Kānaka librarians at 51��� ����ԴDz�, 51��� Maui College, and 51��� Hilo. This work builds upon previous groundbreaking work of the Ka Wai Hāpai project, which set the foundation and methodology for development of a Hawaiian Knowledge Organization System (HKOS) intended for implementation across libraries and archives with responsibilities for the preservation of Hawaiian knowledge.

Expanding on this work, Kahoʻiwai will also partner with Hawaiian language experts and scholars to create a Hawaiian language newspaper index from community-indexed information found in nūpepa, enhance 7,500 library catalog records with table of contents and descriptions, and revise incomplete and/or harmful descriptions in archival finding aids to provide better, 51���-centered context, to Hawaiian collections at 51��� ����ԴDz�.

As testament to the work of Kānaka librarians, Kānaka scholars and allies, particularly in recent years, 51��� ����ԴDz�’s Hamilton Library has created two dedicated tenure-track faculty librarian positions to bolster Hawaiian knowledge sovereignty and ensure the long-term sustainability of this initiative.

Similarly, librarians at the 51��� West Oʻahu, 51��� Maui College, and 51��� ����ԴDz� have been building a social media archive rooted in community and ʻ�徱�Բ�.

����ʻ�dz󾱱�ō�󲹰�� will consult with Kānaka activists and web archiving experts to identify tools and priorities for archiving social media content and to help establish culturally relevant practices for 51���, culminating in a report that will be available to the public.

By shifting autonomy of collection development back into the hands of our people, we will empower the people of today to preserve their leo for the generations to come, much like our kūpuna did in the Hawaiian language newspapers.

Both the Kahoʻiwai and ����ʻ�dz󾱱�ō�󲹰�� projects are supported and strengthened by funding from the Mellon Foundation’s Public Knowledge Program. Kahoʻiwai was awarded $3.22 million over three years (2024-2027) and ����ʻ�dz󾱱�ō�󲹰�� was awarded $150,000 as part of a 1-year planning grant.

Libraries and archives are critical spaces for our lāhui to connect to and engage with. Through these efforts, we seek to center 51��� and improve libraries and archives in meaningful ways so that Kānaka feel welcomed and empowered to research, learn, and engage in these spaces and with the waiwai housed within these institutions.

While libraries are not commonly considered in the movement for ea, these efforts highlight our role as just one of the many pathways in furthering ea for the lāhui 51���.

A total of 79 University of 51��� at ����ԴDz� student athletes were recognized with Academic All-Big West honors for the 2024 spring season.

Honorees represented 10 teams across eight sports: baseball, beach volleyball, men’s and women’s golf, softball, men’s and women’s tennis, women’s track and field, men’s volleyball and women’s water polo.

Rainbow Wahine led all 51��� ����ԴDz� teams with 14 honorees, followed by (13), (10) and (10).

To qualify, student-athletes must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, complete at least one full academic year at their institution and participate in at least 50% of their team’s competitions (with some exceptions based on sport).

To see the full list of athletes, visit .

Nearly 30 years ago, helped launch the career of a young designer with a bold vision. Today, that designer—Lowell Gillia—is the creative lead of , a multidisciplinary studio known for turning ideas into eye-catching visuals seen across 51���.

“Honolulu Community College gave me the foundation to build my career,” said Gillia.

After earning his associate in science degree in commercial art from Honolulu CC in 1986, Gillia headed to Northern California to continue his design education. However, it wasn’t long before he returned home to 51��� to plant roots. He founded Design Asylum, a studio built on challenging conventions, collaborating with intention, and delivering innovation with purpose.

“We’re niche expert builders,” Gillia said. “That means we don’t just play in the niche—we evolve it. We layer fresh applications onto proven industries, delivering bold ideas without blowing the budget—innovation with intention, and a side of efficiency.”

Giving back to 51���

Gillia remains deeply connected to the University of 51��� community, not only as an alumnus but also as a lecturer at Honolulu CC. This year, he’s giving back in a new, high-profile way—his design will be featured on the Maker totes at the fourth annual 51��� Alumni Makers’ Market on August 8.

“Giving back to the 51��� alumni community felt like coming full circle,” he said. “This was a meaningful way to show appreciation—and to support the next wave of local entrepreneurs.”

To current 51��� students dreaming of starting a business in 51���, Gillia offers heartfelt advice drawn from his own journey.

“Your reason for being an entrepreneur will keep you grounded when things get tough,” he said. “Build consistency into your routine, stay curious and don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Chances are, someone’s been in your shoes—and they’re willing to help.”

General admission includes a Maker tote designed by Gillia.

University of 51��� Regent Gabriel Lee has been re-elected chair of the 51��� Board of Regents for the 2025–26 academic year. The vote took place during a special board meeting on July 3 at 51��� ����ԴDz�.

Lee, who was appointed to the board in 2022, led the search for 51���’s new president, resulting in the selection of Wendy Hensel, who began her tenure on January 1. He also chaired the search committee for the new 51��� ����ԴDz� athletics director, culminating in the appointment of Matt Elliott, who officially started on June 30.

“It is an exciting time for 51���,” Lee said. “Despite national challenges in higher education, we have the right leaders in place and a group of regents deeply committed to the success of our 10-campus system. I am honored by their support and trust in me. I believe the year ahead will be one of tremendous transformation, positioning 51���’s sole provider of public higher education to lead our state into the next future.”

The regents also elected 51��� Island Regent Mike Miyahira as first vice chair and student regent Joshua Faumuina as second vice chair. Faumuina is the first student regent in recent memory—and possibly ever—to serve in a board leadership role.

“I think it’s really important that we have our actual stakeholders in positions where they can influence higher-level decision making and governance,” said Faumuina after the meeting. “I want to make sure the role is taken seriously going forward and future students not only feel welcome at the table, but know they have the power to lead.”

The meeting also marked the first for Regent Kuiokalani Gapero, recently appointed to represent Maui. Gapero succeeds Ernest Wilson, who served two consecutive five-year terms.

“I’m honored to serve as a regent, and it’s a responsibility I take to heart and approach with real dedication,” said Gapero when his appointment was announced on July 1.

Walton appointed interim VP for research and innovation

The board also approved the appointment of Chad Walton as interim vice president for research and innovation. Walton will serve in place of Vassilis Syrmos, who is now interim provost at 51��� ����ԴDz�.

“During this interim period, my focus will be on maintaining continuity in our research operations while advancing major initiatives,” Walton wrote in an email to faculty and staff across the 10 campuses. “Just as important, we must navigate an evolving federal landscape that is reshaping research priorities, compliance requirements, and funding mechanisms.”

Walton had been serving as associate vice president for research and innovation since May 1, after previously holding the role of assistant vice provost for research and scholarship at 51��� ����ԴDz�.

When retired U.S. Army Col. Jason Barnhill steps into the lab at the University of 51��� at ����ԴDz� (JABSOM), he brings more than 30 years of active duty experience and a mission to protect soldiers on the battlefield.

Barnhill, now an associate professor in JABSOM’s , is working to build human tissue models through bioprinting, a cutting-edge technique that uses “bio-inks” instead of plastic to produce organ-like structures. These models, created from human stem cells, could help improve treatments for burns, chemical exposure, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and more.

This work is part of a new collaboration between 51��� ����ԴDz� and the Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC).

“We plan to use these models for biomedical testing, instead of using animal models,” said Barnhill. “Animal models have various drawbacks that we hope to avoid with our models.”

Barnhill explains that human-based models are more accurate than testing on animals. “Reactions in human genomes are very distinct to those in ‘little white lab mice,’” he said. “It’s really critical that we develop bioprinting and other advanced manufacturing techniques here in Hawaiʻi because we’re so isolated. Ideally we can build up our capacity and then be in a position to assist others.“

A personal focus on eye health

While the partnership covers a range of threats, Barnhill is particularly drawn to eye research. “I’m especially interested in the cornea… and how we could make models of the cornea that could then be used to look at chemical exposure or infectious disease exposure,” he said.

Inspired by a family history of macular degeneration, he’s also exploring the idea of 3D-printed contact lenses that could protect against chemical burns.

“I’ve been tossing around the idea with some of my colleagues (at DEVCOM)…maybe being able to 3D print some type of contact lens or other thing that would be protective for the eye,” Barnhill said.

A return home to 51���

Barnhill’s ties to 51��� run deep. After arriving in 2000 for a master’s in biomedical sciences at 51��� ����ԴDz�, he kept returning—earning his PhD, working at Tripler Hospital, and living in the islands for more than a decade.

Related 51��� News story: New 51��� manufacturing tech makes wearable health sensors more affordable, September 2024

“Really, 51��� has become home for me and my family,” he said.

Now, he’s mentoring undergraduates at JABSOM and hopes to spark collaborations across 51��� ����ԴDz�, including with Associate Professor Tyler Ray from the , whose lab houses several bioprinting devices.

“51���‘s home for me now, so I want to help my home as much as I can,” said Barnhill. “I’m excited to have the chance to do this work that I think will be beneficial to both our service members and to the people of 51���.”

.

The ’s nearly 20-year involvement in a national effort to support underrepresented students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has come to an end, following the termination of federal funding for the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program.

Since 2006, 51��� Hilo has led the Islands of Opportunity Alliance, using LSAMP support to provide mentorship, research stipends and academic pathways for Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and first-generation college students.

Over the years, LSAMP empowered nearly 400 51��� Hilo students—and more than 1,300 across the region—through transformative experiences that propelled many into graduate programs and leadership positions in 51���‘s STEM workforce. Until its recent termination, the grant also supported students at 51��� ����ԴDz�, 51��� West Oʻahu, Chaminade, 51��� Pacific University, the University of Guam and numerous community colleges throughout the Pacific.

“LSAMP helped me connect my cultural identity to scientific research,” said Shania Tamagyongfal, a Yapese student who earned both her undergraduate degree in anthropology and master’s in heritage management at 51��� Hilo. “It gave me the confidence to lead, collaborate, and pursue work that matters to my community. Losing this program is a real setback for students like me.”

Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin noted that LSAMP “embodied our commitment to creating pathways for historically underserved students in higher education. It not only supported academic success but also helped our students see themselves as scientists, researchers and leaders. Its legacy will remain part of how we move forward.”

Keaholoa STEM Scholars Program also impacted

The termination also affects the Keaholoa STEM Scholars Program, a 51��� Hilo initiative that blends Hawaiian values with scientific education, offering students a culturally grounded space to explore STEM.

“Programs like Keaholoa and LSAMP help our students see that science can reflect their culture, language and values,” said Keaholoa Program Manager Keala Campbell. “That connection empowers them, not just to succeed academically, but to lead in ways that honor who they are. We’re committed to finding ways to keep that momentum going.”

Next steps

51��� Hilo leadership remains committed to building on the foundation LSAMP and Keaholoa established—finding new ways to support students, advance equity in STEM, and honor the programs’ enduring impact.

“The community we’ve built around these programs is strong,” said LSAMP Program Director Joseph Genz, “and we’re doing everything we can to keep that momentum going.”

‘Not in alignment with current NSF Priorities’

On May 2, 2025, 51��� Hilo received official notice from the National Science Foundation (NSF) that LSAMP funding would be terminated, effective immediately, representing a loss of nearly $2.3 million in support over the next five years. The NSF offered the following justification for its decision: “termination of certain awards is necessary because they are not in alignment with current NSF Priorities.”

LSAMP joins a growing list of federally funded programs across the 51��� system affected by evolving national grant priorities—more than 80 programs have been impacted to date.

A telescope operated by the University of 51��� has detected the third known interstellar (from outside our solar system) object to enter our solar system. Researchers say that it poses no danger to Earth.

The discovery was made by 51���’s NASA-funded (ATLAS) telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile. ATLAS is a global network of four telescopes managed by the 51��� that scan the skies for asteroids that could pose a threat to Earth. According to researchers, the object is moving right through the Milky Way, making it difficult to distinguish amidst all the stars. But researchers say this is one of ATLAS’s strengths.

“Spotting a possible interstellar object is incredibly rare, and it’s exciting that our 51���-operated system caught it,” said John Tonry, 51��� Institute for Astronomy astronomer and professor. “These interstellar visitors provide an extremely interesting glimpse of things from solar systems other than our own. Quite a few come through our inner solar system each year, although 3I/ATLAS is by far the biggest to date. The chances of one actually hitting the Earth are infinitesimal, less than 1 in 10 million each year, but ATLAS is continually searching the sky for any object that might pose a problem.”

The newly identified object, designated , was added to the International Astronomical Union’s Near-Earth Object confirmation list on July 1, and a Minor Planet Electronic Circular was just released that names it 3I/ATLAS. It is currently soaring toward the sun on a trajectory and with speed that reveals that it originated from outside our solar system, and will leave the solar system again after passing the Sun. Early estimates suggest the object may be as large as 12 miles in diameter. Researchers say it will make its closest approach to the sun—about twice the distance from Earth—in October, traveling at more than 150,000 miles per hour.

Although 3I/ATLAS appears on the Near-Earth Object list, there is no risk of collision with Earth or even a close pass. It is sobering, however, that if it struck the Earth (and it will not) it would create an explosion more than 100 times greater than the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs. Researchers suspect that 3I/ATLAS is a comet and it should show increasing activity as it gets closer to the Sun, although it will never get warm enough to make a naked eye display.

The four-telescope ATLAS system is the first line of defense in surveying hazardous asteroids capable of monitoring the entire dark sky every 24 hours. Read this 51��� News story for more about ATLAS.

Visitor number 3?

This marks the third likely interstellar visitor, following the discoveries of ʻOumuamua in 2017 and comet 2I/Borisov in 2019. ʻOumuamua was first detected by 51���’s Pan-STARRS1 telescope on Haleakalā and became the first object to receive an official interstellar designation. It caught global attention with its strange, elongated shape and unexpected acceleration as it exited the solar system. Although it showed no visible tail, its motion suggested comet-like behavior. Most scientists now agree that it was a natural object, likely a comet from another star system, although its exact nature is still debated.

Related 51��� News stories:

• Two 51��� astronomers part of international team that agrees on a natural origin for ʻOumuamua, July 2, 2019
• An interstellar visitor unmasked, November 20, 2017

This week’s 51��� News Image of the Week is from Kauaʻi Community College Marketing Specialist Caitlin Fowlkes.

Fowlkes shared: “Val Melle shows a group of fourth and fifth grade students from the Boys and Girls Club of 51��� West Kauaʻi how to extract honey at the Kauaʻi Community College Bee Lab.”

Previous Images
Watching a Rainbow
Huakaʻi
Microscopy
Disconnection
Honu
All Images of the Week

Send us your image!

Want to get in on the action? The next 51��� News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

• .

Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other 51��� connection. By submitting your image, you are giving 51��� News permission to publish your photo on the 51��� News website and 51��� social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.

Kuiokalani L. Gapero, an educator, mentor and cultural practitioner, has been appointed to the University of 51��� Board of Regents by Gov. Josh Green. Gapero officially began serving his five year term on July 1, 2025, filling the seat that was held by Ernest Wilson.

Gapero teaches at Kamehameha Schools Maui, where he specializes in ʻIke 51��� (Hawaiian Knowledge Systems). His work focuses on place-based and project-based learning, integrating Hawaiian language, culture and environmental stewardship into education. He has extensive experience in curriculum development, experiential learning and mentorship, ensuring students gain practical skills while deepening their understanding of Hawaiian culture and history.

“I’m a lifelong learner and teacher, so I understand how important education is and the difference it can make at any age,” said Gapero. “I’m honored to serve as a regent, and it’s a responsibility I take to heart and approach with real dedication.”

Gapero previously served as an ʻŌ������� 51��� (Hawaiian Language) lecturer at 51��� Maui College and performed “Song of Kaupō” on the 2016 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Compilation Album of the Year, “Aloha ʻIa ��ō ʻO Maui“ produced by the 51��� Maui College Institute of Hawaiian Music. He also served as a Cultural Resource Project Coordinator for the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission, where he engaged in research, preservation efforts and community outreach.

Gapero earned a master of arts in Indigenous education from Arizona State University, where his research explored traditional learning environments within moʻolelo (traditional narratives).

He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change at Chaminade University, with a focus on improving education systems to better serve students and faculty.

Gapero’s appointment still has to be officially confirmed by the state senate, which is expected to take up the matter during the 2026 legislative session.