Lots of questions from Sen. Donna Mercado Kim about UH West Oahu — how much it costs to operate it, where the capital improvement funds came from, and what its niche is.

West Oahu began operations in 2007, and opened its campus in fall 2011.

“What are you guys going to be known for?” asked the senator.

An official explained that UH West Oahu is going to be known for applied programs, project-based learning and “a lot of field experience.” An example is a risk management and insurance program.

“I’m just trying to get a sense of what your niche is,” said Kim. “I don’t want to just duplicate Manoa, and I don’t know that these questions have been asked before.”

West Oahu will not be a research university, explains the official. Its major focus will be to equip students to enter the local work force.