Kanaka Foundation gives $1.5 million to support UH athlete NIL

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Kanaka Foundation donated $1.5 million to the University of Hawaii to create the Kuupau Endowment, which will establish a permanent funding stream for name, image and likeness (NIL) support.

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The Kanaka Foundation is a nonprofit that helps Native Hawaiian students learn more about science. UH said the foundation previously donated $1 million to support students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“In today’s rapidly evolving athletics landscape, permanent endowed support for NIL is a true game-changer,” said Tim Dolan, UH vice president of advancement and CEO of the UH Foundation. “This gift represents a powerful vote of confidence in UH Athletics, giving our student-athletes the tools they need to succeed both in competition and in the classroom.”

The donation comes ahead of UH Mānoa Athletics Giving Week and supports the athletic department’s goals as it competes as a full member of the Mountain West Conference.

University leaders estimate the flagship campus needs about $5 million annually for NIL to remain competitive. They said sustained investment is needed as UH Athletics builds on recent championships and postseason success in the 2025-26 academic year.

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The Kanaka Foundation is now the 11th member of the Shoji Society, named in honor of legendary UH Rainbow Wahine women’s volleyball head coach Dave Shoji. The society recognizes individuals and organizations that pledge a minimum of $50,000 over a period of up to five years.

“I believe we are only scratching the surface of what UH Athletics will become,” said UH Mānoa Athletics Director Matt Elliott. “If we build this foundation the right way — with support from both the public and private sectors — we can retain local student-athletes, compete at a high level and continue creating opportunities for student-athletes who want to stay home, earn their degrees and represent Hawaiʻi with excellence.”

The Kanaka Foundation’s gift will help the university remain competitive in Division I recruitment.

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