Alakaʻina Foundation funds University of Hawaiʻi programs, partnerships for sustainability

Alakaʻina Foundation presented new gifts to UH at an event at Windward Community College.

Alakaʻina Foundation has increased its philanthropic investment in University of Hawaiʻi programs and students with innovative gifts totaling $540,000 that create partnerships with community groups to promote sustainability. This aligns with Alakaʻina Foundation’s mission to Aloha ʻĀina by supporting the teaching and preserving of Hawaiʻi’s lands and oceans.

The new gifts from the Honolulu-based Native Hawaiian Organization create opportunities for UH West Oʻahu and Leeward Community College with MAʻO Farms on the Leeward Coast and for Windward Community College and Hoʻokuaʻāina in Windward Oʻahu.

The newest gifts also put the Honolulu-based Native Hawaiian Organizationʻs total commitment to UH at more than $2.3 million.

“We feel it’s important not only that the young men and women of Hawai’i have the skills they need to be effective leaders, but that they have the competencies our communities need for a sustainable future,” said Alakaʻina Foundation Executive Director Kimo Bacon. “We hope that many lives will be improved through our partnership, and we will keep our Hawai’i moving forward.”

The three programs funded are:

• UH West West Oʻahu:  Alaka`ina Foundation Sustainable Food Systems Scholarship
• Leeward Community College:  Wai‘anae Moku Summer Bridge
• Windward Community College:  Ahupua‘a Systems Apprenticeships

Alakaʻina Foundation has also supported such UH programs as the UH Community Colleges’ Online Associate in Arts Degree Program, the UH Hilo Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language, the Kauaʻi Community College Digital Bus Program and scholarships for Kauaʻi Community College students transferring to the UH Mānoa College of Engineering, as well as students enrolled in Kaua‘i CC’s Electronics Technology program.

“We are grateful for Alakaʻina Foundation’s innovative system-wide approach to giving,” said Tim Dolan, UH vice president of advancement and CEO of UH Foundation. “This focus on sustainability, especially food security, will benefit generations of Hawai’i students.”

A Native Hawaiian Organization, the Alakaʻina Foundation Family of Companies disburses profits from its seven government service firms to nonprofit activities that benefit the Native Hawaiian community, primarily the youth of Hawaiʻi.