Custodian II Burt Takata and Custodial Supervisor Mark Gomes pay it forward in the vision of Ke Aliʻi Pauahi by contributing to the betterment of students of Hawaiian ancestry through education.
Hoʻōla i ka Lāhui — held each October — has raised more than $5 million dollars for local nonprofits thanks to the generosity of Kamehameha Schools faculty and staff. Ke Aliʻi Pauahi's vision in establishing the Kamehameha Schools reminds us all of the incredible power of generosity to uplift our lāhui, nuture the next generation of ʻōiwi leaders, and invest in a thriving future for our people.
Throughout the month, KS employees are presented with a number of opportunities to participating in giving.
Each ʻohana's situation is different, so the focus is less on the amount, but more on the act of giving. KS makes it easy too. If employees prefer, they can select a payroll deduction rather than making the one-time gift. And that can add up. For something as small as $2 a paycheck can mean a $52 donation, that will ultimately have a great impact on a Hawaiʻi family.
Last year two of our very own Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Operations department employees chose to support the Mānowai Scholarship - Pauahi Foundation’s newest scholarship program supporting Native Hawaiian haumāna in their post-secondary endeavors. Their stories, highlighted below, reflect the heart of our campaign: giving with gratitude, leading with aloha, and helping to build a stronger future for our lāhui.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Custodian II Burt Takata: Leading by Example, Giving from the Heart
When Burt Taketa was promoted to a full-time position in 2024, he saw it as more than just a career milestone- it was a blessing, and an opportunity to give back. Through the Pauahi Foundation’s
Mānowai Scholarship, Burt found a meaningful way to support students and inspire others to do the same.
“I give to set an example- not just to say I care, but to show it through action. Every gift, no matter the size, can make a difference.”
Giving through payroll deduction was a simple yet powerful choice. Burt describes it as “sacrificing one plate lunch a week”- a small gesture that adds up to real support for students striving toward higher education.
“I chose to give because there were times I couldn’t. If you’re blessed to give, give what you can. It’s a good feeling to give- and to give from your heart.”
Burt’s connection to the cause runs deep. As a military veteran who wasn’t able to pursue college himself, Burt sees his giving as a way to help others achieve the educational dreams he once held.
“Education is important. I couldn’t go to college, but now I can help someone else get there.”
Over the years, Burt has served Kamehameha Schools in many roles- from the dining hall to custodial services, and even with Athletics. When the Hoʻōla i ka Lāhui workplace giving campaign launched in October, he felt moved to give in gratitude for his new full-time role.
His motivation is rooted in love and community. Burt sees the students at KS as part of his ʻohana—family not by blood, but by heart.
“The students motivate me every day. Giving feels like supporting my own family. Even if we’re not related, I consider them my extended ʻohana.”
DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Custodial Supervisor Mark Gomes: Giving Wholeheartedly, One Student at a Time
Mark Gomes lives by a simple but powerful motto: “You get what you give. And when you do give, you give wholeheartedly, without expecting anything in return.” That spirit of generosity led Mark to support the Pauahi Foundation’s Mānowai Scholarship, a gift that reflects his deep gratitude and commitment to giving back.
“The school has afforded my son with educational opportunities, and this is my way of paying it forward.”
Mark’s journey with Kamehameha Schools began alongside his son Keoki, as they both embarked on new beginnings- Mark joining the Operations team and Keoki starting Papa Mālaaʻo as a member of the KS Hawaii Class of 2034. It was a meaning beginning that deepened Mark’s connection to the mission of the school.
What drew Mark to the Mānowai Scholarship was its direct impact: the ability to donate a full $1000 scholarship to a single student. For Mark, it wasn’t just about giving money, it was about giving hope.
“I grew up extremely poor and you depend on those around you to help you through life’s struggles. Thanks to Kamehameha Schools, Iʻm now in a position where I have more financial stability. I don’t know these students’ situations, but if they’re struggling like I did, I want to help build their future.”
Through Hoʻōla i ka Lāhui, our workplace giving campaign, Mark discovered a new way to give- through payroll deduction.
“It’s not about how much- it’s about the heart behind it. Every penny means something to someone outside of you.”
Mark’s heartfelt giving has inspired others, including fellow donor Burt Taketa, who realized that a simple $40 paycheck deduction could fund a full scholarship for one student. That simple act of generosity sparked a ripple effect across campus.
“I chose to give because the Lord put it on my heart. I followed my heart, and in that moment, I knew it was the right thing to do.”
Mark reminds us that giving isn’t just about money- it’s about compassion, connection, and community. Whether it’s $5 or $50, your gift matters. Together, we can help to shape the future of our lāhui.
Let’s follow Mark and Burt’s example. Whether it’s one plate lunch a week or a one-time gift, your contribution matters. Give with heart. Give with purpose.
Join us in Hoʻōla i ka Lāhui and help nurture the future of our lāhui.
Kamehameha Schools Employees can make their donations via the Workplace Giving online portal.
Anyone inspired by these example can also donate directly to one of the partner organizations:
For their generosity, Mark and Burt's names have been placed on the 2024 Mānowai Donor Wall Mural at the Kakaʻako SALT Barn.
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workplace giving,
hoʻōla i ka lāhui,
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Kaipuolono Article, Hawaii Newsroom, KS Hawaii Home, Hawaii Elementary School, Hawaii Middle School, Hawaii High School, Newsroom, Hawaii, Hawaii campus
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Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
