The Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club awards scholarships to members and graduates of Lahainaluna High School.

LAHAINA — The club is known for its partnership of Lahaina Hawaiian community events like the Na Kamehameha Commemorative Pa’u Parade and Ho’olaule’a, The Emma Farden Sharpe Hula Festival and Festivals of Aloha, but a big part of the organization is giving 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 standing continuing their education.

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, grassroots organization founded in 1918 by Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana’ole.

Currently, it is a confederation of over 50 Hawaiian Civic Clubs located throughout Hawaii and in the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, Utah, Virginia and Washington State and advocates for improved welfare of Native Hawaiians in culture, health, economic development, education, social welfare and nationhood. It also 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 Lahaina 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 the 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 Stacey Shibao.

The $500 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.

The club’s 2021 Member Scholarship Awardees are:

Kawehi Levi Tomoyuki Flores-Akiona, a senior at Pacific University majoring in Environmental Science, received $1,000.

Taylor Panlasigui, who is attending University of Providence and majoring in Exercise Science-Athletic Training, received $500.

Ross Panlasigui, who is attending Mt. San Jacinto College seeking a degree in Sonography, received $500.

Teani Rickard, who is attending University of Hawaii Maui College, received $500.

Jordan Gouveia, who is attending Western Governors University and majoring in Elementary Education, received $500.

In 2020, the Lahaina club awarded a special scholarship to any foundation applicant from the Kula Kaiapuni ma Lahainaluna first graduating class. The awardees are Josephine Fraser, Nainoa Kulukuluani-Sales, Enoka Phillips and Daelisa Kaiwi Westbrooks all received $500.

Funds were raised through community partners like Betty’s Beach Cafe and Smokehouse BBQ, Lahaina. Big mahalo to these two wonderful businesses.

For the latest on the Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club, to apply to become a member or to apply for future scholarship opportunities, check out lahainahcc.com or like the club at Facebook.com/lahainahcc.