The University of Hawaii lost 29% of its federal research money last year, a hit that hurts researchers and the state economy, though the system still had its second-best research year ever.

• Federal grants fell by $110 million, and private donors cannot come close to filling that hole.
• Researchers pivoted to areas still being funded, so total research money stayed near record levels — it brings over a billion dollars into the state.
• Enrollment is the bigger worry: fewer Hawaii high school graduates are coming, and the state is expected to see the sharpest decline in the country through 2036.
• The university is pushing free AI training statewide and auto-admitting public high school seniors to boost sign-ups.
• Sports money is tight too — lawmakers turned down funding for paying student athletes, and the new stadium may run late and over budget.

Outlook: Enrollment numbers will not be clear for another month, and the funding squeeze on research, housing, and athletics is set to carry into the next legislative session.