Hōkū means star in the Hawaiian language. The Hōkū Society is the UH Foundation’s top donor recognition society acknowledging the university’s true philanthropic stars. Individual and corporate donors of $1 million or more comprise this most exclusive group of University of Hawai‘i philanthropists.
What gifts qualify for to become a Hōkū?
- A combination of outright and irrevocable planned gifts totaling $1,000,000.
- Planned gifts, with University of Hawaiʻi as the irrevocable beneficiary, must be established with a present value of $1,000,000.
How have Hōkū benefited the university?
Gifts from Hōkū members have:
- Renovated and re-energized the Shidler College of Business on the UH Mānoa campus endowing multiple academic chairs and challenging other members of the community to give to the school as well.
- Provided financial support for students enrolled in Honolulu Community College's technical and trades programs.
- Endowed need-based scholarships for female or minority students at the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo and challenged others to give as well.
When appropriate, we recognize Hōkū donors for their generosity by naming buildings, schools, academic chairs, etc. After them. UHM alum Jay Shidler and the Shidler College of Business at UH Mānoa, HCC alum Norm Loui and the Norman W.H. Loui Conference Center at Honolulu Community College, and Paul Honda and the Honda International Opportunities Endowment for Community College Students are examples of donors who are recognized and honored everyday by the institutions that have most benefitted from their gifts.
We often provide behind-the-scenes experiences for our Hōkū donors who have made such tremendous investments in our UH campuses. These events are tailored to highlight the impact of these donors' gifts and the excellence found throughout the University of Hawaiʻi System.
For more information, contact Allison Ohanian at (808) 376-7873 or [email protected].
