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Link to broll of UH Mānoa Athletics 2025-26 year in review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S484_A0ATc

The University of Hawaiʻi Foundation has announced a $1.5-million gift from the Kānaka Foundation to establish the Kuʻupau Endowment, creating a permanent funding stream for Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) initiatives at UH Mānoa.

The historic gift comes at a timely moment as UH Mānoa Athletics builds momentum on its annual Giving Week (October 9-19) campaign. Named in honor of the Hawaiian concept kuʻupau-meaning to exert all effort, give everything or "go all in"-the endowment builds on the Kānaka Foundation's previous $1-million gift for STEM students and ensures student-athletes receive long-term NIL support and competitive resources.

The Kānaka Foundation expressed its excitement about creating opportunities for student-athletes while preserving and honoring cultural roots. Through the Kuʻupau Endowment, the Foundation envisions a lasting impact that extends across generations, encouraging student-athletes to go all in as they pursue bright futures.

A lasting investment in student-athletes

UH Foundation leadership praised the Kānaka Foundation's forward-thinking vision, emphasizing the strategic role of endowed NIL support in modern college sports.

"In today's rapidly evolving athletics landscape, permanent endowed support for NIL is a true game-changer," UH Vice President of Advancement and UH Foundation CEO Tim Dolan said. "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."

UH Mānoa Athletics Director Matt Elliott added that the endowment strengthens the department's long-term vision as the program enters a new era as a full member of the Mountain West Conference.

Building a sustainable future for NIL

As NIL compensation has become an increasingly important part of Division I college athletics, UH Mānoa is working to build a sustainable funding model to attract and retain student-athletes and remain competitive in the Mountain West Conference and nationally.

University leaders estimate that UH Mānoa needs approximately $5 million annually in NIL support to remain competitive. The Kuʻupau Endowment represents a significant step toward that goal, providing a permanent source of funding to support student-athletes for generations to come.

The Kānaka Foundation is now the 11th member of the Shoji Society, a leadership giving society named in honor of legendary UH women's volleyball coach Dave Shoji that recognizes individuals and organizations making significant philanthropic commitments to UH Athletics.

The need for sustained investment comes as UH Athletics continues to build momentum, highlighted by recent championships and postseason success in the 2025-26 academic year. Nearly 500 student-athletes compete in UH Mānoa programs, with more than 170 degrees earned by student-athletes last year.

"I believe we are only scratching the surface of what UH Athletics will become," Elliott said. "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."