Poaha-Kaai Awarded Legacy Scholarship Program

Takitani Foundation News Release

The Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation, Inc. (Takitani Foundation) has named nine high school seniors from Maui County as scholarship recipients of its annual Legacy Scholarship Program.

For Molokai, Naneaikauhaahaa Poaha-Kaai was awarded a $3,000 scholarship for Maui District Public School students.

Poaha-Kaai of Molokai High School has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll throughout high school for maintaining a 4.0 academic average. She has enjoyed participating in the Molokai College Career Club, the Culinary Club and Molokai High School’s May Day and Homecoming festivities. Her success at school is attributed to her leadership skills and positive contributions to the school community. Poaha-Kaai also worked as an aide for Maui County’s PAL program, assisting youngsters in activities. Poaha-Kaai is the daughter of Anuhea Kaai and James Wilfred Poaha and hopes to obtain a degree in nursing. She will attend Oregon State University this Fall.

59 students in total, one from each qualifying public and independent school in the state, received scholarships based on their excellent academic achievement, dedication to community service, and financial need. In total, the Takitani Foundation awarded $219,000 to students throughout the state in its Legacy Scholarship Program this year.

“Mr. and Mrs. Takitani, founders of Hawaiian Host, knew that hard work, commitment to excellence, and a strong dedication to one’s community were key factors in their success,” said KSSK Radio personality Michael W. Perry, Chairman of the Takitani Foundation Board. “The Takitanis wanted to recognize those same qualities in Hawaii’s outstanding students with support to further their education.”