Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club Awards Six Scholarships

The Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club awarded six scholarships this year. One award was given to a graduating senior from Lahainaluna High School through its foundation and five additional awards were given to members in good standings continuing their education.

The club is known for its partnership of Lahaina Hawaiian community events like the Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pā’ū Parade and Ho’olaule’a, The Emma Farden Sharpe Hula Festival and Festivals of Aloha, but a big part of the club is giving scholarship.

The Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club was reestablished Sept. 25, 2004 and is a charter of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs. The Association is the oldest Hawaiian community-based grass roots organization founded in 1918 by Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole.

Currently it is a confederation of over 50 Hawaiian Civic Clubs located throughout Hawaiʻi and in the States of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, Utah, Virginia and Washington State. The group advocates for improved welfare of Native Hawaiians in culture, health, economic development, education, social welfare, and nationhood, and perpetuates and preserves language, history, music, dance and other Native Hawaiian cultural traditions.

Giving scholarships is written in the club’s charter documents. Annually the club gives two types of scholarships–one is a scholarship to a graduating senior of Lahainaluna High School through the Lahainaluna High School Foundation. These scholars are then given membership for the year, so that they may learn more about the association and the club. As a member in good standing, they are then eligible to receive our members scholarship, if they are continuing their educational journey–the second type of scholarship. It is the preference of the club to award students of Native Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.

“The scholarship committee and our club members work diligently to raise the funds for these scholarships. There are so many facets to our club and the scholarship is one of the big reasons our members stay active. They know these young adults are our future. It’s our kuleana to help them reach their goals,” said pelekikena, Stacey Shibao.

Our 2021 Lahainaluna High School Foundation scholarship was awarded to:

• Ashley Akamine. Ashley is attending Pacific Lutheran University and plans to major in computer science. She played on the Girl’s Varsity Basketball team and was a member of the Rotary Interact Club and Best Buddies. – $500.00

Our 2021 Member Scholarship Awardees are:

• Kawehi Levi Tomoyuki Flores-Akiona is a senior at Pacific University majoring in Environmental Science – $1,000
• Taylor Panlasigui is attending at University of Providence majoring in Exercise Science – Athletic Training – $500
• Ross Panlasigui is attending Mt. San Jacinto College seeking a degree in Sonography – $500
• Teani Rickard is attending University of Hawaii Maui College – $500
• Jordan Gouveia is attending Western Governors University and majoring in Elementary Education – $500

In 2020 we awarded a special scholarship to any foundation applicant from the Kula Kaiapuni ma Lahainaluna first graduating class. The awardees are:

• Josephine Fraser received $500
• Nainoa Kulukuluani-Sales received $500
• Enoka Phillips received $500
• Daelisa Kaiwi Westbrooks received $500

Funds were raised through community partners like Betty’s Beach Cafe and Smokehouse BBQ, Lahaina.

For the latest on the Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club, apply to become a member, or to apply for future scholarship opportunities, visit lahainahcc.com.