Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club Post-Secondary Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club

Overview

The Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club (KHCC) has long supported post-secondary education as a means to strengthen community leadership and stewardship. The club offers need-based scholarships to members, families, and the broader community to foster the kulana ʻōpū aliʻi — a leader-servant mindset. Awards are intended to support students across fields of study and contribute to the lāhui’s wellbeing. KHCC’s scholarship program is rooted in decades of community service and cultural preservation.

History of the Award: KHCC established the scholarship program in its earliest years and continues it as a core community initiative. Awards honor long-serving club members and reflect the club’s commitment to education, culture, and place-based stewardship.

• Need-based scholarships supporting community leadership.
• Program founded in KHCC’s early history and persists today.
• Aims to develop servant-leadership for the lāhui.

Scholarships Offered

KHCC aims to award up to three scholarships annually, with the target amount historically set at $1,000 per award. Actual award amounts depend on member donations and proceeds from the annual Poi & Pāpale Scholarship Fundraiser. The scholarships are named to honor influential club members and leaders who have contributed to the club’s mission and stewardship of local sites. Awards are available regardless of academic field, provided applicants meet eligibility criteria.

Award Value: Up to three awards are targeted at $1,000 each, subject to donation and fundraiser outcomes.

• Māhoe-Trask Scholarship honors Solomon Māhoe and James Trask.
• Charlie Rose Scholarship honors Charles Rose and supports cultural stewardship.
• Clara and Doc Burrows Scholarship honors Clara and Charles Burrows and their dedication to Kawainui.

Eligibility and Criteria

Applicants must be enrolled part-time or full-time in an accredited Hawaiʻi college or university at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, or doctorate level. If attendance at a school outside Hawaiʻi is essential, applicants must submit a letter explaining the need for a possible waiver. Scholarships are need-based and selection prioritizes cultural engagement, community service, and demonstrated potential for leadership. The selection process also recognizes Hawaiian ancestry and KHCC membership or familial ties to members.

Eligibility: Enrollment in an accredited Hawaiʻi institution (or waiver request for out-of-state schools) and demonstration of financial need are required.

Preference will be given to applicants who:

• Are of Hawaiian or part-Hawaiian ancestry.
• Are KHCC members in good standing or ʻohana of members in good standing.

Additional consideration will be given to applicants who:

• Have participated in community service at Ulupō, Makaliʻi, or iwi kūpuna preserves in Kailua.
• Are engaged in Hawaiian cultural activities.
• Submit the scholarship essay entirely or partially in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.

• Enrollment and need are core eligibility requirements.
• Ancestry and KHCC affiliation influence selection preference.
• Community service and cultural participation strengthen applications.

Award Distribution and Requirements

Scholarship recipients receive 50% of the award in the fall semester and the remaining 50% in the spring after meeting post-selection requirements. These requirements are verified to ensure continued enrollment, community engagement, and accountability for the use of funds. Recipients must present academic progress to the KHCC membership and complete designated community service hours at local stewardship sites. KHCC coordinates community service opportunities through regular workdays and by arrangement with partner organizations.

Application Timeline: Initial disbursement occurs in the fall; the second disbursement is made in spring after verification of requirements.

Post-selection commitments: Awardees must provide proof of second-semester enrollment, give a brief presentation to KHCC, and complete community service hours.

• 50% of the award paid in fall, 50% in spring after requirements.
• Presentation to KHCC membership required to receive final funds.
• Eight hours of approved community service required for full disbursement.

Application Checklist

Applicants must submit a complete packet that documents ancestry, enrollment status, academic standing, and recommendations. Required items include proof of Hawaiian ancestry, the KHCC scholarship application form, the scholarship essay, enrollment verification, a recent transcript, and one letter of recommendation. Incomplete applications may not be considered, so applicants should confirm all documents are included before submission. Materials demonstrate eligibility, need, and the applicant’s connection to community and culture.

Description: The checklist verifies ancestry, enrollment, academic record, and community ties necessary for evaluation.

• Photocopy of birth certificate or other documentation of Hawaiian ancestry.
• KHCC Academic Scholarship Application Form and KHCC Academic Scholarship Essay.
• Proof of enrollment (acceptance letter or fall class schedule with name and student ID).
• Photocopy of most recent transcript and one letter of recommendation.