University of Hawaii Honolulu Community College
PA-2: Sustainability Planning

From Sustainability 2021-26 Strategic Plan
Curriculum Goal 1
-Set and meet target growth in the number of certified S Designated courses and formalize the process to re-certify and ensure currency in sustainability-related courses
Steps to be Taken
➢ Identify possible courses and degree programs where S designation courses can be
developed.
➢ Support faculty involvement and development of classes through focused efforts by the Sustainability Designation Review Committee (SDRC) and Faculty Development committees.
➢ Establish a systematic method for assessing S Designation courses and responding to assessment findings.
➢ Establish a recertification process and timetable.

Timeline
➢ Recertification process and Timetable established: Spring 2021
➢ Course and Program inventory: Fall 2021
➢ Assessment process established: Fall 2021
➢ Faculty Development Options: ongoing
Outcomes
➢ Increase availability of S Designation options for students to expand the number of HonCC
graduates who have sustainability as an integral part of their academic experience.
➢ Increase relevance of program curriculum in preparing students for future professional
demands.
➢ Increase HonCC visibility and reputation as a campus with a commitment to and focus on
sustainability.

Curriculum Goal 2
Increase the number of students receiving the ASC certificate
Steps to be Taken
➢ Track number of students interested in and receiving an ASC in Sustainability. ➢ Compare
the number of students in comparable UH system certificate programs. ➢ Develop and
publicize a range of student capstone options and experiences e.g. service learning,
internships, community volunteer experiences etc.
➢ Create and implement outreach strategies to promote this certificate.

Timeline Ongoing

Outcomes
➢ Increase partnerships between HonCC and community groups.
➢ Increase service learning engagement for students.
➢ More faculty offering S Focused courses in support of the certificate.
➢ Students are better prepared for professions requiring sustainability knowledge.

Curriculum Goal 3
Institutionalize and promote environmental service learning and volunteer opportunities for credit.

Steps to be Taken
➢ Work with community organizations to establish partnerships enabling students to access internships and volunteer opportunities.
➢ Create a community partners database to facilitate students fulfilling ASC capstone requirements.
➢ Complete curriculum processes to enable credits earned for service learning carried out.

Timeline
➢ Creation of community partnerships and database: Spring 2022
➢ Promote student involvement in community service opportunities: Ongoing

Outcomes
➢ Increased number of students completing an ASC in Sustainability.
➢ Improved community presence and relations.
➢ Expanded pathways to fulfill credit requirements.
➢ Exposing students to a broader range of job opportunities.

Curriculum Goal 4
Ensure alignment and formalize articulation agreements with environmental and
sustainability related degree and certificate programs in University of Hawai’i system
Steps to be Taken
➢ Inventory and document existing sustainability programs and certificates ➢ Identify
points of contact at institutions and develop collegial partnerships ➢ Work through
curriculum processes to formalize transfer and articulation relationships.

Timeline
➢ Research existing programs: Fall 2021
➢ Establish transfer and articulation agreements with existing programs: Spring 2023
➢ Maintain and update articulation and transfer pathways as new programs emerge:Ongoing
6

Outcomes
➢ Increased number of students graduating from UH campuses with sustainability related
degrees and certificates in sustainability related areas.
➢ Increased enrollment and retention of HonCC students in related departments.

Curriculum Goal 5
Creation of certificates in sustainability in CTE programs
Steps to be Taken
➢ Research industry demands and changes in required knowledge and certifications
related to environmental issues.
➢ Inventory CTE programs that are currently incorporating sustainability into the
curriculum.
➢ Research and identify useful models in certificate and degree programs at other
institutions (UH and continent)
➢ Meet program faculty to discuss possible curriculum changes and creation of certificate
options.
➢ Implement curriculum revisions and approvals to create certificate pathways for
students.
Timeline
➢ Research activities: Spring 2022
➢ Discuss with program faculty: Spring 2022
➢ Create new curriculum and certificate programs: Fall 2023
Outcomes
➢ Increased number of students graduating with certificate and degrees in CTE programs.
➢ Increased recruitment and enrollment in programs with relevant and competitive
offerings.
➢ Ensuring alignment between CTE programs and industry standards.
➢ Graduating students with needed skills and awareness in sustainability areas.

Curriculum Goal 6
Expand and systematize support resources for instructors to integrate sustainability in
their curriculum.

Steps to be Taken
➢ Preserve and continually update existing resources in an archived repository to include
resources shared via email and recorded as Zoom presentations.
➢ Create a standing Sustainability Curriculum Sub-Committee to maintain and update
a resource bank of materials, working in conjunction with Sustainability co-chair. ➢ Establish a
permanent working relationship with Faculty Development to ensure annual sessions related
to teaching about sustainability.
➢ Expand the reach of campus professional sessions to other campuses and peers (via Zoom)
7
Timeline
➢ Creation of resource bank: Fall 2021
➢ Creation of standing committee: Fall 2021
➢ Workshops: ongoing
Outcomes
➢ Increased number of faculty integrating sustainability topics in their curriculum. ➢
Increased collegial relations and connections to faculty on other campuses. ➢
Increased number of students learning about relevant and necessary environmental
topics.

Curriculum Goal 7
Create interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizing sustainability through team
teaching and/or interdisciplinary pedagogy.

Steps to be Taken
➢ Conduct a survey to determine faculty interest and relevant disciplines where
team teaching would apply.
➢ Research and share useful models from other institutions.
➢ Recruit, train, and provide professional development support to interested faculty.
➢ Complete curriculum actions necessary.
Timeline
➢ Research applicable models: Fall 2021
➢ Inventory and recruitment of interested faculty: Fall 2021
➢ Professional development activities: Spring 2022
➢ Curriculum actions: Spring 2022
➢ Offering first classes: Spring 2023
Outcomes
➢ Enriched curriculum offerings for students.
➢ Increased enrollment and retention due to engaging pedagogy and relevant topics, and
cohort support in interdisciplinary offerings.
➢ Increased peer-to-peer exchanges and sharing

Community Engagement Goal 1
Promote campus community use and support of local businesses and providers.

Steps to be taken
➢ Inventory and publish a list of local businesses and services.
➢ Include local providers in campus events e.g. Ho‘olaule‘a, Career Fairs etc.
➢Inventory local community service opportunities e.g. other Māla, restoration projects.

Timeline:
➢ Inventory of community resources and possible partners: Fall - Spring 2022
➢ Publicize local community services, providers and contacts: Spring 2022

Outcomes:
➢ Increased awareness and support of community businesses and local providers of needed services.
➢ Increased campus support of community needs and increased campus visibility and presence.
➢ Increased networking and awareness of potential employment opportunities for students.

Community Engagement Goal 2
Serve as a source of sustainability information for the community.

Steps to be taken
➢ Create a social media presence where information can be shared (e.g. YouTube channel or focused Facebook page).
➢ Create ‘How To’ and other informational videos and promote to community members, elderly populations, and interested local groups, reflecting HonCC faculty expertise in sustainability topics e.g. creation of the māla, home gardening, growing herbs and food, sustainable lifestyle tips etc.
➢ Share presentations open to the community in person or via Zoom.

Timeline:
➢ Creation of platform to sharing with community: Fall 2021
➢ Creation of how-to videos and presentation of Zoom/live session: Fall 2022

Outcomes:
➢ Promotion of HonCC faculty expertise.
➢ Promotion of HonCC commitment to sustainability and to the community.
➢ Increased sustainable awareness and practices by campus and community members.
➢ Increasing cultural gardening practices across our ahupuaʻa.

4. Strategic Objective – Cultural Connections
Honolulu Community College is committed to promoting awareness of and respect for Hawaiian
culture and indigenous wisdom. The alignment of sustainability goals and objectives of cultural
and place-based learning is manifest in many ways. A key strategic goal is to create a
sustainable living and learning environment that honors traditional Hawaiian cultural foundations
and environmental topics that are infused with an awareness of Hawaiian culture, traditions, and
values in teaching, learning, and service opportunities.

Cultural Connections Goal 1
Reinforce Hawaiian traditional values by integrating concepts, vocabulary and insights in the sustainability plan
➢ Manaʻoʻiʻo (Faith, Respect for Nature)
➢ Kapu and Noa (Sacred and Profane)
➢ ʻIke (Knowledge)
➢ ʻĀina (The Living Earth)
➢ Lōkahi (Unitv. Balance. Harmony)
➢ Mālama (Caring)
(see link)
Steps to be taken
➢ Determine which traditional values can be matched with each category and/or goal.
➢ Use Hawaiian vocabulary to convey Hawaiian traditional values throughout the plan
(mālama, lōkahi, ʻāina, ʻike, kapu and noa, manaʻoʻiʻo).
➢ Have the document checked and validated by Kupu Ka Wai Council for accuracy and integrity.

Timeline
➢ Update category and/or goals: Spring 2021
Outcomes
➢ Raised awareness of Hawaiian vocabulary and cultural values.
➢ Increased and visible commitment of the campus to infusing Hawaiian wisdom and
cultural values such as aloha ʻāina/mālama ʻāina in campus culture and operations.

Cultural Connections Goal 2
Promote workshops offered by Kūkalahale Professional Learning grant

Steps to be taken
➢ Incorporate publicizing cultural workshops and activities in weekly sustainability
messages and publicize on Sustainability website.
➢ Increase cross-over use of faculty with Hawaiian cultural expertise in sustainability
workshops and vice versa.

Timeline
➢ Integrate Hawaiian cultural events in sustainability events publicity: Fall 2021
➢ Start offering cross-topic workshops: Spring 2022
Outcomes
➢ Create a partnership/support network with the Kūkalahale Professional Learning grant
group.
➢ Increased attendance at events.
➢ Foster greater awareness of Hawaiian cultural values across the campus.

Cultural Connections Goal 3
Create a new S-designation category incorporating indigenous sustainability practices

Steps to be taken
➢ Investigate models or examples of indigenous-based certificate and degree programs in
Hawai‘i and on the continent.
➢ Research and list suggested resources of ways to include indigenous practices. ➢
Organize and offer faculty development events providing opportunities for faculty to learn
how to incorporate indigenous practices in their curriculum (e.g. Hawaiian words, practices,
ideas, etc.).
Timeline
➢ Research academic models: Fall 2021
➢ Create instruction resource bank: Spring 2022
➢ Faculty Development Events: start Spring 2022 and ongoing
Outcomes
➢ Educate the campus community on ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi as well as Hawaiian concepts and
values.
➢ Increase enrollment and retention by offering courses that address student interests.
➢ Increase opportunities for students to pursue specialized degrees that address their
interest in sustainability issues and Hawaiian culture.

Cultural Connections Goal 4
Increase opportunities and sponsor events that build cross-cultural involvement
in sustainability awareness and commitment.

Steps to be taken
➢ Coordinate efforts of the Sustainability Committee and the Kupu Kawai Council. ➢
Coordinate efforts of Sustainability Committee efforts and Hawaiian Center initiatives. ➢
Increase involvement of Sustainability Committee members in Mālama ʻĀina Days and
Māla Working Days e.g. have a section in the Māla for Sustainability Committee
and/or S-Designation classes to work on and maintain.
➢ Organize events emphasizing working with native plants on campus and in the
community.
➢ Create small-scale ‘sustainability awareness’ days a few times a year or semester that
integrate sustainability and Hawaiian values topics etc. tables on the mall with
interactive and informative exhibits.
Timeline
➢ Increase communication and coordination discussions between Hawaiian Studies
leaders and Sustainability Committee members: Fall 2021
➢ Increase participation by Sustainability Committee members in Hawaiian Center and
Studies activities: ongoing
➢ Showcase events on the Mall: Fall 2022
Outcomes
➢ Increased campus community members’ connection to the land (mālama ʻāina).
➢ Move the visible culture of working together (hana lima).
➢ Increased campus members’ faith in and respect for nature (manaʻoʻiʻo). ➢ Expanded
opportunities for meaningful community service and learning. ➢ Intensified student
engagement in learning about the environment and Hawaiian culture. ➢ Increase
participation by all members of campus in activities organized by Hawaiian Center and
grant leaders.

Operations Goal 1
Institutionalize reporting of identified campus measures for energy use and emissions generated as part of system STAR reports.

Steps to be taken
➢ VISTA, Sustainability Coordinators, and Facilities Manager work to identify existing measures
➢ Identify additional areas where measures can be systematically gathered and shared.
➢Create institutionalized processes and timeline(s) for periodic recording and publishing reports of campus energy use and emissions to the UH system, AASHE STARS reports, the campus community, and the public via the campus website.

Timeline
➢ Measuring processes identified: Fall 2021
➢ First report generated: Spring 2022

Outcomes
➢ Annual reports shared with the UH Office of Sustainability, campus administration, campus community, and published on campus Sustainability website.
➢ Reduced energy use and emissions through identification and implementation of initiatives.

Operations Goal 2
Reach Zero Waste level in electricity consumption through conservation and infrastructure improvements.

Steps to be taken
● Continue implementation of Phase II improvements in conjunction with Johnson Controls.
● Receive periodic updates through Sustainability Committee meetings, General College Meetings, and campus Sustainability website.

Timeline
● Based on appropriation and distribution of future funding.
Outcomes
● Reduced campus electricity output and emissions.
● Campus energy needs are increasingly supplied by alternative energy sources.
● Increased awareness by campus and community of campus progress and improvements.

Operations Goal 3
Reduce amount of materials going into the waste stream through reduction in consumption, and increased recycling and composting

Steps to be taken
➢ Establish baseline measures for campus waste stream generation and costs for waste removal.
➢ Create and implement a plan for sorting and removing redeemable recyclables.

Responsible parties include Campus Facilities manager and employees, Sustainable Committee members, Sustainability Student Club as well as other interested student clubs, and campus volunteers.

➢ Expand the number of recycling bins across the campus with funding gained from recycling money generated.
➢ Implement plans to reduce campus use of: cardboard; office paper; water; food waste on campus through collaboration between Sustainability committees and HonCC facilities manager.
➢ Establish and implement a food policy for all food vendors coming to campus to include requirements for composting, reduction or elimination of plastic use, and recycling.
➢Create campus capacity to compost campus green waste as well as pre-sale food waste
from campus food vendors.

Timeline
➢ Establish baseline measures for campus paper use, cardboard use, water use, and food waste: Spring 2022
➢ Create plans for reduction of waste stream items: Fall 2022
➢ Draft food vendor requirements document: Spring 2022
➢ Implement plans: Spring 2023
➢ Measure to demonstrate reduction: ongoing

Outcomes
➢ Demonstrated reduction in levels of waste leaving campus.
➢ Demonstrated reduction in plastic use and waste on campus.
➢ Established campus composting processes and reduction in food waste generated.
➢ Increased number of recycling bins and established processes for sorting and removing recyclable cans and bottles from campus.

Operations Goal 4
Develop, publicize and implement Landscape Inventory and Campus Tree Policy

Steps to be taken
➢ Carry out campus landscape inventory to include trees, paying special attention to identification of native plants, coordinated by Sustainability Committee.
➢ Create a map of plants on campus to be protected and/or replaced when needed.
Information gathered by Sustainability committee members, Native Hawaiian programs, agriculture department staff, and campus volunteers in coordinator with Facilities manager.
➢ Publish maps for campus and the public.
➢ Draft plan to protect campus trees, establishing criteria and justifications for cutting them
down, plans for what is done for wood and requirements to replace trees on campus.
Sustainability committee members will draft in consultation with VCAS and Facilities Manager.
➢ Submit plans to campus and administration for feedback. Conduct town hall meetings to discuss. Final plans approved by the Chancellor.

Timeline
➢ Inventories completed: Spring 2022
➢ Plans developed and approved: Fall 2022
➢ Inventories and plans published: Fall 2022

Outcomes
➢ Issued and posted Campus Tree Policy.
➢ Compiled and posted list of Landscape Inventory.
➢ Increased campus and community awareness and appreciation of native plants and
trees.
➢ Expanded sustainable practices in the care and maintenance of campus plants and trees.
Operations Goal 5
Complete the process of swapping out old water fountains with bottle-refilling stations

Steps to be taken
➢ Continue to replace old water fountains with bottle refilling stations as older versions
need repairs. Carried out under leadership of Campus Facilities Manager.

Timeline
➢ Based on available funds and timing of breakdown of current water fountains.

Outcomes
➢ All old-style water fountains are replaced by bottle fillers.

Operations Goal 6
Implement HonCC sustainable purchasing policy

Steps to be taken
➢ Submit an existing draft plan for revision, review, and approval by the Sustainability Committee.
➢ Submit revised draft plan to all impacted parties (e.g. Business Office staff, secretaries)for review, comments, and revisions.
➢ Conduct Town Hall meetings for campus discussion and input.
➢ Submit revised draft plan to administration for review, comments, revisions, and approval.
➢ Publicize the plan.

Timeline
➢ Sustainability Committee review: Fall 2021
➢ Review by involved personnel, campus feedback, and administration: Spring 2022
➢ Publication and implementation of plan: Fall 2022

Outcomes
➢ Increased purchasing of environmentally responsible products.
➢ Reduced waste, packaging, and environmental impacts from campus consumption.
➢ Increased awareness by the campus community for consumption impacts

Governance Goal 1.
Create a handbook for Sustainability Committee Chair(s), Coordinator(s), and sub-committees Chairs to ensure continuity and a rapid start to the academic year.

Steps to be taken
➢ Compile all existing documents, minutes, and reports from past years.
➢ Archive and post as permanent record.
➢ Ensure updating each year.

TimeLine:
➢ Fall 2021; then ongoing

Outcomes:
➢ Ensured consistency and institutional memory with change in committee chairs and sub
chairs.

Governance Goal 2.
Institute cycle for strategic plan review and revision.

Steps to be taken
➢ Write up the planned process and timeline for updating the strategic plan.
➢ Get approval through the Sustainability Committee.
➢ Post up on the intranet as an archived record.
➢ Include in the Sustainability Committee handbook.

Timeline:
➢ Fall 2021

Outcomes:
➢ Ensured timely revision and standardized process for inclusive process to revise
strategic plan.

Governance Goal 3.
Establish an Office of Sustainability

Steps to be taken
➢ Research models of Sustainability Offices/leadership systems on other campuses.
➢ Identify and justify personnel needed.
➢ Create an annual budget for sustainability activities on campus.

Timeline
➢ Fall 2024

Outcomes
➢ Ensure achievement of Strategic plan goals.
➢ Ensure continuation of progress and momentum on several initiatives.
➢ Raise visibility of Honolulu Community College as a campus dedicated to sustainability values and achievements.

In the Honolulu Community College campus Mission Statement, sustainability is explicitly included as a Core Value . https://www.honolulu.hawaii.edu/mission

Core values

Mission Statement Poster

Student-Centered and Student-Focused – offering a supportive, high-quality learning environment that guides students through their college pathway to become contributing members and leaders of our community.
Community and Industry Partnerships – fostering educational partnerships with state-registered apprenticeship programs, local industries, and other organizations to create diverse academic and training opportunities.
Indigenous Serving – supporting the Native Hawaiian community and its language, history, and culture.
Sustainability – creating a culture of social responsibility around the conservation of resources and creating a foundation for environmental stewardship.
Diversity and Equity – maintaining an equitable multicultural environment where all aspects of diversity are appreciated and respected.

Sustainability – creating a culture of social responsibility around the conservation of resources and creating a foundation for environmental stewardship.

* In past years, HonCC was a member of AASHE from 2017 - 2022
* Was a sponsoring Institution for the AASHE Global Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education in the Fall of 2020.
* HonCC was a member of Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment (formerly known as the ACUPCC) in 2017. Discontinued due to dues required and budget constraints

Data Sources:

https://www.hawaii.edu/sustainability/

Mission and Purpose of the University:
https://www.hawaii.edu/policy/index.php?action=viewPolicy&policySection=rp&policyChapter=4&policyNumber=201&menuView=closed

System Sustainability Policy
https://www.hawaii.edu/policy/index.php?action=viewPolicy&policySection=ep&policyChapter=4&policyNumber=202&menuView=open

University of Hawaii; net-zero energy goal.
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0304A/HRS_0304A-0119.htm