May 28, 2026
The Alakaʻina Foundation is planning a landmark $440,000 donation to the Pauahi Foundation later this year in recognition of several meaningful milestones. Mahalo to board members, from left, Craig Floro, James “Kimo” Bacon KSK’71, Michael “Kimo” Wong KSK’71, Teresa Makuakāne-Drechsel KSK’71, William “Bill” Villa KSK’71 and David Mortensen KSK’71 for making this generous gift possible.
As we celebrate the Pauahi Foundation’s 30th Anniversary, we reflect on the past three decades, revisiting milestones achieved and honoring the many individuals whose dedication has helped grow our mission. Together, our donors have expanded opportunities for thousands of haumāna pursuing post-high education by filling critical gaps in access and support funding.
Continuing its longstanding tradition of giving back, the Alakaʻina Foundation is planning a landmark $440,000 donation to the Pauahi Foundation later this year in recognition of several meaningful milestones.
This year marks the Alaka‘ina Foundation’s 10th anniversary of establishing scholarships with the Pauahi Foundation, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Five of the six Alakaʻina Foundation board members are Kamehameha Schools Kapālama graduates celebrating their 55th class reunion.
As part of the gift, four of the six board members will dedicate $55,000 to their existing scholarships with the Pauahi Foundation. Two board members will direct their $55,000 gifts toward the corpus of the newly endowed scholarship in honor of the Alaka‘ina Foundation. In addition, $55,000 will be contributed to the KS Class of 1971 “Get Chance” Scholarship.
Ten years ago, the Alaka‘ina Foundation made its first gift of $150,000 to establish three scholarships in honor of board members James “Kimo” Bacon KSK’71, William “Bill” Villa KSK’71 and David Mortensen KSK’71 in celebration of their 45th class reunions. Then in August 2020, they made a $1 million donation to establish six new endowed scholarship funds and expanded the four existing scholarship funds.
Today, they have 10 established scholarships through the Pauahi Foundation, each honoring past and current Alakaʻina Foundation board members, their wives and their ʻohana. They include the Vaughn G.A. Vasconcellos KS’71 Scholarship; the Sanborn ʻOhana Ho‘omau Scholarship; the Floro and McCarthy Family “Big Blue and White K” Scholarship; the M. Kimo Wong KS’71, Shelley Wong and Noe Noe Wong-Wilson KS’68 ʻOhana Scholarship; the M.E. Bacon KS’72 Uncle Herb & Kupuna Lehua Lee-Loy Weatherwax Aloha ʻĀina Scholarship; the Elaine “Dollie” Mortensen KS’71 Kaumualiʻi Mālama ʻĀina Scholarship; the James Bacon “Little Bacon Urban Achievers” Scholarship; the Villa ʻOhana Hoʻihoʻi Scholarship; the David A. Mortensen D.A.M. Scholarship; and the Emma Kailikapuolono Metcalf Beckley Nakuina Aloha ‘Āina Patriot Scholarship.
During their recent gathering at Pearl at Kalauao on ‘Āina Pauahi, the board members shared the mana‘o behind their upcoming planned gift. Representing the Alaka‘ina Foundation were President Michael “Kimo” Wong KSK’71 and his wife, Shelley; Executive Director & Vice President Bacon; Secretary Villa and his wife, Renae; Board Member Teresa Makuakāne-Drechsel KSK’71 and her husband, Emanuel “Manny;” Board Member Craig Floro; and Treasurer Mortensen and his wife, Elaine “Dollie.”
“Through the Alaka‘ina Foundation, we’ve invested more than $20 million into local communities,” Wong says. “We trust the Pauahi Foundation because they are exceptional stewards of these resources and know how to maximize their impact. Whether a gift is large or small, donors can have confidence in the foundation’s investment expertise, and its understanding of how these funds can best support Native Hawaiian students.”
“There’s just so much need out there, and when it comes to helping the next generation achieve their educational goals, it’s important to give ‘til it hurts!” Mortensen says.
“The reason I have for giving back is a bit different from the others in the group,” Floro says. “I’m not Native Hawaiian, and I grew up in Kentucky, but when I came to Hawai‘i through the military in 1983, I was welcomed by Native Hawaiians who shared their culture, values and aloha with me. Through those experiences, I realized I wanted to make a difference in a way that would benefit Native Hawaiian students and their futures. Investing in education gives students knowledge, opportunity and the ability to create better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities.”
“The scholarship our ʻohana established provides opportunities for students from the Waiʻanae Coast to further their education,” Villa says. “We hope others will be inspired to give back and pay it forward. Education is a bridge to improving your life.”
The Alakaʻina Foundation has also contributed to the Nanea Scholarship, and KS Programs and Initiatives with additional gifts already being planned.
Now celebrating its 30th year, the Pauahi Foundation raises funds to support scholarships, Kamehameha Schools Programs and Initiatives, Kaiāulu and ʻĀina Pauahi, helping create educational and cultural opportunities that benefit generations of Native Hawaiian learners.
“As we celebrate our 55th class reunion, we’re reminded that none of us reached this point alone,” Makuakāne-Drechsel says. “We are all beneficiaries of the generosity, sacrifice, and vision of those who came before us. Today, many Native Hawaiian families still face financial barriers to higher education and career advancement, so supporting scholarships is one way we can kōkua and help create opportunities for the next generation. It’s about honoring the blessings we’ve received by paying them forward.”
“Everything I’ve been able to accomplish started with the foundation laid by Kamehameha Schools and the vision of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop,” Bacon says. “Her commitment to education and uplifting Native Hawaiian people continues to inspire all of us. Supporting the Pauahi Foundation is one way we can carry that legacy forward and ensure future generations have the same opportunities to learn, grow and succeed.”
That spirit of giving and responsibility to future generations is also reflected in the mission of the Alaka‘ina Foundation and the values its board members strive to uphold.
“All current Alaka‘ina Foundation board members follow our motto: “Kahiau philanthropy is our legacy; a thriving lāhui is our destiny,” Bacon says of the Hawaiian term for giving selflessly. “I encourage everyone to donate to the Pauahi Foundation to continue the legacy of our beloved Princess Pauahi.”
By establishing an endowed scholarship, including the Pauahi Foundation in a will or trust, or making a planned gift, donors can create a legacy that supports generations of learners to come. For more information about partnering with the Pauahi Foundation, contact Natalie Arrell at narrell@ksbe.eduor (808) 534-3902.