Maui Music Institute Receives $10K from Fairmont Kea Lani

Fairmont CAREs $10,000 grant check presentation to the UH Maui College Institute of Hawaiian Music. Courtesy photo.

By Sonia Isotov

The Fairmont Kea Lani recently presented the Institute of Hawaiian Music (IHM) at University of Hawai΄i Maui College with a $10,000 grant for new musical equipment.

Funds were gifted from Fairmont Community Assistance and Responsibility to the Environment (CAREs), a corporate grant program that focuses on the environmental, social and community well-being of the communities where Fairmont does business.

“When Maui’s business community partners with our programs, it adds an important dimension to learning by letting students get hands-on in the ultimate classroom – the real world.  The Fairmont Kea Lani has been tremendously supportive of both our IHM and culinary programs, and the experience students take away is invaluable,” said Clyde Sakamoto, the Chancellor of the University of Hawai΄i Maui College, in a written statement.

The $10,000 award is part of an ongoing partnership between The IHM and The Fairmont Kea Lani that, in the past, has included hotel concerts and fundraising efforts.

“We so appreciate The Fairmont Kea Lani’s dedication to Hawaiian music and our program,” said Dr. Keola Donaghy, the program coordinator of the IHM. “This past summer they opened the doors for our students to play live in front of their guests during the free Aloha Summer Concert Series, and now they’ve increased their commitment with this generous grant. It’s music to our ears.”

“We are committed to celebrating Hawaiian culture by offering our guests authentic and educational experiences,” said Charles Head, the general manager of The Fairmont Kea Lani. “Our partnership with The Institute of Hawaiian Music is a natural fit. We are proud to support the current students – and the future musicians – of Maui with the Fairmont CAREs grant.”

Funds from the Fairmont CAREs grant will be allocated to new mobile audio performance and recording equipment, as well as an acoustic upright bass, allowing students to perform and produce professional quality recordings.