When Gayton “JR” Costa and his wife, Linda, returned to Hawai‘i from their home in Cottonwood, Arizona, in June to celebrate his 75th birthday with fellow Class of 1968 schoolmates during the annual Kamehameha Schools Alumni Reunion Celebration, their visit became a heartfelt journey of reconnection, reflection, and giving back.
Amidst a week of cherished traditions, including attending Alumni Lūʻau and Kūpuna Pā‘ina, the Costas also made time to meet with the Pauahi Foundation team to thoughtfully shape the criteria for their planned gift, driven by their deep commitment to uplifting future generations.
Their philanthropic spirit culminated in the establishment of a $50,000 endowed fund through a stock gift. In addition, the couple formalized their legacy giving intentions with a planned gift valued at $450,000, for a remarkable total contribution of $500,000 to the Pauahi Foundation.
“Being a Kamehameha Schools Alumni and the recipient of an excellent education, with so many opportunities to build leadership and life skills, set me on the path to a successful career and a good life,” JR says.
“Linda, who moved to Hawai‘i from the continent, always says her life changed when she met me,” he adds with a smile. “And since then, my classmates from Kamehameha have welcomed and embraced her like one of their own. That kind of aloha has made a lasting difference.”
Linda agrees, and adds: “We were just talking about how something as simple as the KS Alumni license plate cover creates connection. My husband gave me one for my car in Arizona, and wherever I went, people would pull up next to me and say, ‘Hey, sister, how you doing?’ I’d tell them it was my husband’s alma mater, and they’d respond with such warmth. It reminded me of the strength of the Kamehameha Schools ‘ohana and how far that spirit of aloha travels.”
Inspired by that enduring sense of belonging and gratitude, the Costas began thinking deeply about how they could give back.
“As we reflected on the blessings in our lives and how we might leave a legacy that uplifts others, we thought, ‘Why not pay it forward?’” JR says. “We recognize that it was Ke Ali‘i Pauahi’s generosity that made all of this possible for us and we wanted to give in our own way to continue that legacy through the Pauahi Foundation.”
The Costa’s did extensive research on Pauahi Foundation education program support opportunities and decided to dedicate their funds to support Kamehameha Schools programs and initiatives that focus on educational pathways in trades and skilled services. Their intent is to empower KS haumāna who plan to enter the workforce directly after high school or college, as well as those looking to pivot into new careers.
“That’s where we decided to focus our giving: on Native Hawaiian students staying home to raise their families and be able to have a home and continue school with a good income,” JR says.
The Costas have used this giving opportunity to tell others with similar means and motivations why it’s important to give back to others through the Pauahi Foundation.
“We hope that our giving will inspire others and give new donors an opportunity to share their wealth or whatever they have, even volunteering or anything they can do to give back,” JR says. “We’ve also encouraged some of my classmates to do the same! The Pauahi Foundation staff makes the process to set up a planned gift very easy.”
The Costas remain based in Arizona and enjoy traveling all over the world. Though they’ve embraced diverse people, places, and traditions, they always find their hearts anchored in Hawai‘i. Their recent trip home gave them a moment to pause and reflect on all they’ve been given, and all they hope to give back.
“You can take the boy out of the islands, but you can’t take the islands out of the boy,” JR says, recalling the deep connection he feels to his upbringing and the Kamehameha ‘ohana that shaped him.
When asked to reflect on the appreciation he has for Ke Ali‘i Pauahi and the lasting impact that his experience at Kamehameha Schools has made on his life, JR pauses for a moment and says: “I would just give her a big hug and kiss and say, ‘I’m so grateful that you’ve done this for Hawaiian children because it has made such a difference in their lives.’ And, it will continue because Kamehameha Schools is going to keep going and continue to do great work.
“Linda and I would thank her for her generosity, foresight and her gift. Without that, you wouldn't have what we do today. And we would not put out the quality learners and leaders that we have today.”
To learn more about the Pauahi Foundation’s endowed scholarship and planned giving programs, please contact Director of Philanthropy Natalie Arrell via email at naarrell@ksbe.edu or by calling (808) 534-3966.
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