Newsmaker
Monday, May 4, 1998
Name: Wayne Kaho'onei Panoke
Age: 49
Position: University of Hawaii student regent
Education: Hawaiian studies junior
Pastimes: Teaching hula, chanting
Wayne Kaho'onei Panoke -- the first voting student member on the University of Hawaii's Board of Regents -- understands the system because he has worked with the governing group before as the representative for Oahu's community colleges. Ensuring quality for students
"The students are like customers, and it's important that we consistently be made aware of what their needs are," Panoke said. "And I think the appointment (of a student-voting regent) gives credibility to the board."
Panoke says academics, the budget and long-range planning of future campuses are primary areas of concern for the 25,000 UH students he represents.
"Students want to make sure the curriculum being offered is consistently kept current," Panoke said. "They are also concerned that if we need to increase tuition, that the product should show improvement."
Students want to spare classes and lecturers from budget cuts to preserve the quality of education, Panoke said.
"These are exciting times for the university, and if we look positively to the future and work together, I think we can make it through the hard times."
Panoke, a Kamehameha Schools graduate and kumu hula, was selected by Gov. Ben Cayetano from a list of over 50 applicants.
Panoke spent 30 years in the tourist industry.
"I worked in both the wholesale and retail sides," Panoke said. "I lost interest because it's hard to say aloha to people and feel good about it when you see how the visitor industry is putting a strain on our resources."
Panoke decided to attend college and fulfill a promise to his parents.
"I've always been interested in student government and politics," said Panoke, who served as Windward Community College's delegate to the UH Student Caucus before becoming a nonvoting student representative on the Board of Regents.
The students earned their regent vote with a strong lobbying effort last year at the state Capitol.
"It's one of those 20-year struggles," Panoke said. "We will make a difference."
Rod Ohira, Star-Bulletin
