Jul. 19, 2021
Contributed by Nadine Lagaso
The Alaka‘ina Foundation – a nonprofit founded and run by Kamehameha Schools Class of 1971 alumni – invested in three local organizations dedicated to cultivating Native Hawaiian leaders, including the Pauahi Foundation. Also receiving funds were Ho‘okua‘āina and Ka Papa Lo‘i O Kānewai.
The donations were made in celebration of the group’s 50th class reunion. Alaka‘ina Foundation board members Michael Wong (president), Kimo Bacon (VP and executive director), William Villa (secretary), and David Mortensen (treasurer) decided to make donations that would have a significant impact in their community to mark the momentous occasion.
“Our mission is to build leadership programs and opportunities for nā pua a Hawai‘i, the youth of Hawai‘i,” said Bacon. “To do this, we concentrate on programs supporting 'ōlelo Hawai’i – to preserve and perpetuate the Hawaiian language as an official language recognized by the Constitution of the State of Hawai‘i; ka wa‘a – using the canoe and Hawaiian navigational techniques as a metaphor for integration of western and Hawaiian technologies and the knowledge they provide; and aloha ‘āina – the teaching and preserving of our lands and oceans.”
Pono Ma‘a, executive director of the Pauahi Foundation and director of Advancement at Kamehameha Schools, praised the class of 1971. “As Kamehameha Schools alumni, the Alaka‘ina Foundation board members are amazing examples of ‘ōiwi leadership at work – beneficiaries of Ke Ali‘i Pauahi Bishop’s legacy now paying it forward to help steward the next generation.”
The Pauahi Foundation endowment gift will support at least 10 designated annual post-high scholarship recipients of Native Hawaiian ancestry.