IfA) and Hawaiʻi Institute for Marine Biology ( HIMB), and dean of the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene ( SONDH). The recruitment for these positions has been delayed due to the hiring freeze instituted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and anticipated budget shortfall. The freeze is a short-term budget-saving measure that allows for the president to approve exceptions for positions essential to health, safety and achievement of institutional goals. “These four leadership positions are essential to the academic success of UH Mānoa,” said Michael Bruno, who requested the exceptions. “They are essential to three of UH Mānoa’s premiere research and academic units, all of which are identified with critical roles in advancing Hawaiʻi’s post-pandemic future. Furthermore, maintaining and accelerating momentum in student recruitment is necessary to build the educational capital of the state and for