Our commitment to Hawaii’s communities goes beyond grantmaking. We are committed to initiating programs designed to support community priorities. Through these outreach efforts, we actively participate in shaping our community and improving the health and well-being of the children and people of Hawaii.
In addition to direct grant-making through its A&B Kokua Giving program, A&B and its subsidiaries are committed to initiating programs designed to support community priorities. Through these outreach efforts, we actively participate in shaping our community and improving the health and well-being of the children and people of Hawaii.
At Grace Pacific, we believe young people are our future and that nurturing and rewarding their development ensures a positive community for tomorrow. Since 1997, Grace has sponsored the Outstanding Keiki Awards, an annual program that honors young people who attend Kapolei, Makakilo, Mauka Lani, and Barbers Point Elementary Schools. Teachers select 20 fifth-grade students from each school who have displayed the characteristics of good citizenship, academic excellence, leadership skills, and community service throughout the year. Those selected enjoy a fun-filled day at Camp Timberline followed by an awards dinner, all courtesy of Grace. Upon graduation from high school, the Outstanding Keiki are eligible for scholarships through the Grace Pacific Scholarship program to help further their education.
In 1999, A&B partnered with the public and private high schools on Maui and The Maui News to launch the “MIL Sports Spotlight” program. Each week throughout the school year, a male and female scholar-athlete, nominated by their coaches, is selected for recognition in The Maui News. This, in turn, triggers a cash donation from A&B to the students’ schools. A dinner reception, held at the end of the school year, honors the cast of recognized students, their families and coaches. Since the program’s inception, hundreds of Maui high school students have been recognized and over $650,000 invested by A&B in recognition of the students and donations to their schools.
East Maui Irrigation Company has long been committed to educating the community about youth safety around the plantation’s irrigation ditches. Over the years, we have invested in school presentations, radio and print advertising, direct mail campaigns to Maui homes, and partnerships with local youth organizations to help get our important safety messages across to parents and children alike.
