WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR 10TH ANNUAL HAWAI‘I ANNUAL CODE CHALLENGE

December 3, 2025

HONOLULU - Nine teams of Hawai'i's emerging technologists were recognized today as winners of the 10th Annual Hawai'i Annual Code Challenge (HACC), held on November 22 at the University of Hawai'i (UH) - West O'ahu. TheState of Hawaiʻi Office of Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) and UH have organized this yearly event for a decade now, inspiring students, amateurs and professionals to help modernize state services and strengthen Hawai'i's local tech community.

ETS is a division of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), headed by Director and Comptroller Keith Regan. "This is a great opportunity for coders to develop their technical and soft skills, and will help strengthen our state's tech sector and diversify our economy," he said.

This year, nine finalist teams presented their solutions before a panel of judges, addressing four real-world challenges from state agencies and community partners:

• DHRD - AI Agent Screening of Potential Applicants
• ETS - Standardized IT Project Review Web Application
• UH - HR Navigator
• UH - UH Pathfinder AI

Nearly 120 attendees-including families, educators, and community supporters-watched as teams showcased applications ranging from AI-driven hiring tools to platforms that help students identify educational pathways for future careers. A total of $18,000 in prizes were awarded across three divisions (high school, college, and professional).

Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, who delivered remarks before the presentations, praised the students for applying their skills to real-world issues that impact Hawai'i every day.

"Over the past ten years, the HACC has shown how creativity and technology can directly improve the lives of Hawai'i's people," said Lieutenant Governor Luke. "Seeing these students and young professionals tackle real government challenges gives me tremendous hope for the future. Their ideas, energy and dedication will help build a stronger, more innovative Hawai'i."

State Chief Information Officer (CIO) Christine Sakuda highlighted the importance of cultivating talent and fostering collaboration between the state and the community.

"The HACC has been one of Hawai'i's most powerful platforms for growing our innovation ecosystem," said CIO Sakuda. "These teams have brought fresh perspectives and bold ideas that could transform how government serves the public. Their work not only helps us improve our systems but also strengthens the next generation of technology leaders across our islands."

Celebrating its tenth year, the HACC continues to support the State of Hawai'i's goals of expanding the local IT workforce, strengthening community engagement, and promoting civic-minded innovation.

By the Numbers:

• 98 participants
• 31 high school students
• 32 teams created
• 21 projects submitted
• 19 team finalists

Challenges:

• Department of Human Resource Development - AI Agent Screening of Potential Applicants
• Office of Enterprise Technology Services - Standardized IT Project Review Web Application
• University of Hawaiʻi - HR Navigator
• University of Hawaiʻi - UH Pathfinder AI