The Paubox Kahikina Scholarship helps Native Hawaiian students pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and Tech in general. Its purpose is to offer financial support and create a strong network for these students. The scholarship makes education more affordable and connects students with professionals, giving them valuable opportunities to learn and grow in their chosen STEM or Tech fields. This scholarship is about more than just money; it's about building a community and empowering Native Hawaiian students to succeed in STEM or Tech careers.

See also: The big ideas behind the Paubox Kahikina Scholarship

 

As a graduate from Hālau Kū Māna Public Charter School, scholarship recipient Hokukuanalia will be attending at the University of Oregon studying Environmental Science. Here is a word from Hokukuanalia:

“Aloha mai, ʻo wau ʻo Hōkūkuanalia Sunia, no Mānoa mai au

My name is Hōkūkuanalia, and I am a recipient of the Paubox Kahikina 2026 Scholarship Award.

I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, and have lived the majority of my life in Mānoa. This past May, I graduated from Hālau Kū Māna Public Charter School, located in Makiki Valley, and will be attending the University of Oregon. There, I will be working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, with dreams of being a Scientist.

Some of the values most deeply rooted in me are culture, community, and family. These are all things that I hope to serve and protect throughout my life. I believe that pursuing a career in environmental law will allow me to help protect the unique ecosystems of Hawaiʻi, some of which I had the opportunity to study throughout my high school years.

Moving forward into this year and beyond, I hope to gain more knowledge and experience that will help me better serve my communities here in Hawaiʻi. At the same time, I am excited to branch out and learn from other communities, including the one I will be joining in Oregon. None of this would have been possible without the support and financial assistance of the Paubox Kahikina Crew.

My next steps are to attend the University of Oregon through 2028, when I plan to graduate, and then continue my education at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo through a master’s program. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities that have opened for me through the support of the Paubox Kahikina Crew, as well as the future opportunities I will be able to pursue without the same burden of financial stress.

Mahalo nui to everyone who has placed their faith in me and supported me as I work toward becoming a future leader who can give back to Hawaiʻi. I hope to carry this support with me throughout my education and use what I learn to serve my lāhui.

“I ulu no ka lālā i ke kumu.”

"The branches grow because of the trunk.”

Read more: Paubox Kahikina Scholarship Recipient Reflection | Hokukuanalia Sunia