11 Maui Students Awarded Scholarships from Takitani Foundation

(left to right): Karen Uno, board director for Takitani Foundation; Christopher Kim, Mamoru Takitani Distinguished Student Scholarship of Maui High School; and Anthony Takitani, chair of the board for Hawaiian Host, Inc.

By Maui Now Staff

Eleven high school students from Maui were awarded a total of $20,000 in college scholarship awards at the Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation Inc.’s 19th Scholarship Awards luncheon on May 16, 2015 in Honolulu.

Half of those funds, or $10,000 was awarded to Maui High School senior Christopher Kim, who was recognized as the recipient of the Mamoru Takitani Distinguished Student award.

The son of Sun Yun and Kyung Sook Kim of Kahului, Maui, Christopher Kim earned numerous state and national academic awards, including being named a US Presidential Candidate nominee.

Ten other seniors from Maui county received a $1,000 award each including: Justine Rosemond of Hāna High School, Giovanni Inouye of Henry Perrine Baldwin High School, Rosemary Kulhavey-Sutherland of King Kekaulike High School, Kerek Franz of Lahainaluna High School, Robert de Brum of Lānaʻi High and Elementary School, Kaylie Tanaka of Molokaʻi High School, Jaye Orikasa of Kamehameha Schools – Maui, Gina Marzo from Maui Preparatory Academy, Rip Pahukoa from Seabury Hall School, and Jonathan Ibanez of St. Anthony Junior-Senior High School.

They were among a list of 62 recipients across the state – one from each qualifying public and independent school – who received scholarships from the foundation based on academic achievement, community service and financial need.In total, the Foundation awarded $104,000 in its Legacy Scholarship Program this year.

“Mr. and Mrs. Takitani’s legacy of commitment, dedication and generosity is honored each year through the Takitani Scholarship Foundation,” said KSSK Radio personality Michael W. Perry, Chairman of the Board of the Takitani Foundation.

“The Takitani’s knew hard work, innovation and commitment to excellence were key factors in their success with Hawaiian Host, and wanted to recognize those same qualities in Hawaiʻi’s outstanding students with the opportunity to further their education.”

Mamoru and Aiko Takitani founded Hawaiian Host, Inc., manufacturer of Hawaiian Host chocolates, and established the Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation, Inc. to give back to the community by providing the gift of education to the young people of Hawaiʻi.

Since 1993, the Foundation has annually presented scholarships to an outstanding student from every qualifying high school in the state and has awarded over $2.3 million in scholarships.