For Kamana Kalani, a second-year University of Hawaiʻi Maui College culinary student, the path to becoming a chef and owning his own restaurant was nearly derailed by a serious illness and the devastation of the Lahaina wildfires. After being forced out of work for six months, the financial burden was immense.
“I was putting all my bills on my credit card and it was stressing me out,” Kalani said. “I lost a lot of weight and had a lot of physical issues.”
A scholarship from Hawaiʻi Gas arrived like a lifeline, allowing him to shift his focus from financial survival to his education and recovery.
“It took so much pressure off,” Kalani said. “Instead of worrying about how to pay for school, I could put my energy into learning.”
Investing in Hawaiʻi’s future
Kalani recently led a tour for Hawaiʻi Gas executives, including President and CEO Alicia Moy, to showcase his craft.
“During our tour with Kamana, I could feel the passion and focus it takes to thrive in the culinary field,” Moy said. “Culinary education develops talent and creativity, and contributes to strengthening resilience in our community.”
Now thriving at Nobu Grand Wailea while balancing his classes, Kalani continues to sharpen his craft, his future trajectory secured by timely aid.
Moy said, “Supporting students like Kamana is an investment in Hawaiʻi’s future, giving young people the space to grow, learn and achieve their dreams.”
Read more at UH Foundation.
