Hawai‘i may be made up of separate islands, but the wildfires that devastated Maui and Hawaiʻi Island are a reminder that no ocean separates us. Our hearts are broken with sorrow over the precious lives lost and widespread destruction. We are left breathless by the challenges of the families who are enduring tragic losses and unspeakable personal pain.
Although we may be islands apart, we come together as one – one people, one state, one ‘Ohana. Our CSS students, faculty and staff are galvanizing in solidarity and aloha for everyone affected. We stand with our undergraduate and graduate students from Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, and high schoolers from those islands who participated in our summer academy. We stand with our extended family members, alumni, colleagues and friends.
With the start of the Fall 2023 semester, we especially stand with our students. Our hearts and thoughts are with you all.
Denise Eby Konan
Dean, College of Social Sciences
