The University of Hawaii system opened its school year with nearly 50,000 students across 10 campuses, a positive note for local families weighing the cost of college.

• Mānoa pushed back its first-day welcome events because of possible weather from tropical storm Mo.
• Affordability is the main pitch: 40% of students pay no tuition, and most undergraduates finish without debt.
• The system is adding artificial intelligence across its courses and naming its first system-wide leader for workforce development.
• Hawaii's economic future is tied to the university, and it wants a bigger seat at the table with the state.
• Community colleges are still taking applications for this term.

Outlook: Expect more job-focused training and AI coursework as the university tries to match what Hawaii's employers need.