Every October, Kamehameha Schools employees rally together for Ho‘ōla i ka Lāhui: the annual Workplace Giving initiative that has raised more than $5 million dollars for local nonprofits, including the Pauahi Foundation, thanks to the generosity of faculty and staff.
Ke Ali‘i Pauahi’s vision in establishing the Kamehameha Schools reminds us all of the incredible power of generosity to uplift the lāhui, nurture the next generation of ‘ōiwi leaders, and invest in a thriving future for Hawai‘i and beyond.
In 2024, two KS Hawai‘i employees – Burt Takata and Mark Gomes – supported the Mānowai Scholarship, Pauahi Foundation’s newest scholarship program supporting Native Hawaiian haumāna in their post-secondary endeavors. Their motivation to give reflects the heart of this campaign: giving with gratitude, leading with aloha, and helping to build a stronger future for the lāhui.
Mark Gomes lives by a simple but powerful motto: “You get what you give. And when you do give, you give wholeheartedly, without expecting anything in return.”
That spirit of generosity led Gomes to support the Pauahi Foundation’s Mānowai Scholarship, a gift that reflects his deep gratitude and commitment to giving back.
“The school has afforded my son with educational opportunities, and this is my way of paying it forward,” he said.
Gomes’ journey with Kamehameha Schools began alongside his son, Keoki, as they both embarked on new beginnings: Mark joining the KSH Operations team and Keoki starting as a member of the KS Hawai‘i Class of 2034. It was a meaningful launching point that deepened Gomes’ connection to the mission of the school.
What drew Gomes to the Mānowai Scholarship was its direct impact: the ability to donate a full $1,000 scholarship to a single student. Gomes explains that it wasn’t just about giving money, it was about giving hope.
“I grew up extremely poor and you depend on those around you to help you through life’s struggles,” he says. “Thanks to Kamehameha Schools, I’m now in a position where I have more financial stability. I don’t know these students’ situations, but if they’re struggling like I did, I want to help build their future.”
Through Ho‘ōla i ka Lāhui, Gomes discovered a new way to give through payroll deduction.
“It’s not about how much, it’s about the heart behind it,” he says. “Every penny means something to someone outside of you.”
Gomes’ heartfelt giving has inspired others, including co-worker Burt Taketa, who realized that a simple $40 recurring paycheck deduction could fund a full scholarship for one student. That simple act of generosity sparked a ripple effect.
“I chose to give because the Lord put it on my heart,” Gomes says. “I followed my heart, and in that moment, I knew it was the right thing to do.”
When Taketa was promoted to a full-time position in 2024, he saw it as more than just a career milestone; it was a blessing, and an opportunity to give back.
Through the Pauahi Foundation’s Mānowai Scholarship, Burt found a meaningful way to support haumāna and inspire others to do the same.
“I give to set an example; not just to say I care, but to show it through action,” Taketa says. “Every gift, no matter the size, can make a difference.”
Giving through payroll deduction was a simple yet powerful choice. Taketa describes it as “sacrificing one plate lunch a week,” a small gesture that adds up to real support for students striving toward higher education.
“I chose to give because there were times I couldn’t,” he says. “If you’re blessed to give, give what you can. It’s a good feeling to give from your heart.”
Taketa’s connection to the cause runs deep. As a military veteran who couldn’t pursue college, he sees his giving as a way to help others achieve their educational dreams.
“Education is important,” Taketa says. “I couldn’t go to college, but now I can help someone else get there.”
Over the years, Taketa has served Kamehameha Schools in many roles, from working in the dining hall to custodial services, and even in athletics. When the Ho‘ōla i ka Lāhui Workplace Giving campaign launched in October, he felt moved to give in gratitude for his new full-time role.
His motivation is rooted in love and community. Taketa sees the students at KS as part of his ‘ohana: family not by blood, but by heart.
“The students motivate me every day,” he says. “Giving feels like supporting my own family. Even if we’re not related, I consider them my extended ‘ohana.”
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