The 2026 Takitani Legacy Scholarship Winners
Honoring Excellence, Service, and Legacy
The Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation, Inc. celebrated Hawaiʻi’s next generation of leaders by awarding $232,000 in 2026 Legacy Scholarships to 63 exceptional high school seniors from qualifying public, charter, and independent schools across the state. Rooted in the legacy of Mamoru and Aiko Takitani, founders of Hawaiian Host, the program honors students who reflect the values that shaped the Takitanis’ lives and success: hard work, academic excellence, commitment to community, and perseverance. Each scholar was nominated by their school and recognized not only for what they have achieved, but for the promise they carry into Hawaiʻi’s future.
This year’s top honorees represent a powerful range of talent, service, and ambition. Taylor S. Shimamura of Kalani High School received the $10,000 Mamoru Takitani Outstanding Student Award and plans to attend the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa as she works toward a career as a pediatric physical therapist. Hilo High School’s Anan Daniels earned the $10,000 Aiko Takitani Outstanding Student Award, balancing academic excellence with leadership in HOSA Future Health Professionals, music, tennis, and community service as he prepares to study Nursing at Emory University. Lauren Ghotane of King Kekaulike High School received the $8,000 Karen Uno Distinguished Student Award for her academic achievement, student leadership, volunteer work, and dedication to pursuing geriatric social work at Eastern Michigan University.
Across the islands, the 2026 Legacy Scholars show the breadth of Hawaiʻi’s student excellence. Twelve district finalists received $5,000 scholarships, including students pursuing fields such as biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, robotics, education, optometry, clinical oncology pharmacy, business entrepreneurship, and computer science. From Maui to Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island to Oʻahu, scholars distinguished themselves through healthcare advocacy, environmental stewardship, student government, cultural perpetuation, athletics, research, and service projects that strengthened their schools and communities.
Together, the 2026 Takitani Legacy Scholars reflect the enduring purpose of the Foundation: to give back to Hawaiʻi through the gift of education. Their stories demonstrate that the Takitani legacy is not only preserved through scholarships, but carried forward by students who are preparing to serve, lead, innovate, and uplift their communities. As these scholars begin the next chapter of their educational journeys, they join a statewide network of young people whose achievements honor the Takitanis’ belief in the power of education to change lives.
Recipients of the Outstanding and Distinguished student awards are as follows:
Taylor S. Shimamura of Kalani High School was awarded the Mamoru Takitani Outstanding Student Award of $10,000. Recognized by several notable medical-related award programs and as a HOSA Future Health Professionals member, Shimamura aspires to become a pediatric physical therapist and will attend the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She is the daughter of Brandon and Trisha Shimamura.
Anan Daniels of Hilo High School was awarded the Aiko Takitani Outstanding Student Award of $10,000. An AP Scholar, HOSA Future Health Professionals President, Hawaiʻi State Honor Band member, and manager of his school’s varsity tennis team, Daniels will attend Emory University and major in Nursing. He is the son of Jeremy and Masano Daniels.
Lauren Ghotane of King Kekaulike High School was awarded the Karen Uno Distinguished Student Award of $8,000. A HOSA participant with a strong academic record and dedication to community service, Ghotane will attend Eastern Michigan University to obtain a degree in geriatric social work. She is the daughter of Kaustuv and Sarah Ghotane.
District Finalists and recipients of $5,000 scholarships are as follows:
Vera Wang of Kaiser High School will study nature-based bioremediation systems. She is the daughter of William and Olivia Wang.
Madison Misaki of ʻAiea High School will focus on Biology and Optometry. She is the daughter of Jamie-Marie Kaeha and Keoki Kaeha.
Yuma Kamuro of Mililani High School has chosen Business and Marketing as his majors. He is the son of Joshin and Minako Kamuro.
Hallie Joy Beall of Kapolei High School will study Healthcare systems. She is the daughter of Charles and Harriann Beall.
Haysten Jesus of Nānākuli High School will major in Business Entrepreneurship. He is the son of Julio Jesus and Tanya Tiave.
Josalyn Nakayama-Yogi of James B. Castle High School will work toward a career in Education for Hawaiian Immersion schools. She is the daughter of Leanne Nakayama.
Elijah Onodera of Keaʻau High School will focus on Computer Science. He is the son of Luke and Sherrilyne Onodera.
Aleizay Rose Angel of Maui High School has chosen Biomedical Engineering as a college major. She is the daughter of Alfonso and Rosita Angel.
Marc Binonwangan of Kapaʻa High School will focus on Robotics. He is the son of Martian and Caroline Binonwangan.
Lahela Cootey of Kamehameha Schools - Hawaiʻi will work toward a degree in Mechanical Engineering. She is the daughter of Steven and Susie Cootey.
Vanessa He of Hawaii Baptist Academy has chosen Biomedical Engineering as a major. She is the daughter of Min He and Joyce Xue.
Rochelle Joslyn Narciso of Sacred Hearts Academy aspires to become a Clinical Oncology Pharmacist. She is the daughter of Rock and Josephine Narciso.
Recipients of $3,000 scholarships are as follows:
Honolulu District: Pierce Yamada of Kaimukī High School; Natalie Kwong of President William McKinley High School; Jason Longacre of President Theodore Roosevelt High School; and Olive Taylor of University Laboratory School.
Central O‘ahu District: Gabriel Javier of Leilehua High School; Miel Garcia of Moanalua High School; Aislyn Dau of Admiral Arthur W. Radford High School; Sandrine F. Agtarap of Waialua High and Intermediate School; and Emma Baksic of Hawaiʻi Technology Academy.
Leeward O‘ahu District: Trevor J. Raquino of James Campbell High School; Mia Ha-Rozewski of Pearl City High School; Ry-n Uyeda of Waiʻanae High School; and Lotus Yasuda of Waipahu High School.
Windward O‘ahu District: Ofa-ki-telekava Taumoepeau of Kahuku High and Intermediate School; Keaulana Cordero of Kailua High School; and Hunter Cobeen of Kalaheo High School.
Hawai‘i County: Madalene Farraro of Hawaii Academy of Arts and Sciences; Brandi Breithaupt of Konawaena High School; Malialani Rodrigues of Pahoa High and Intermediate School; Charlotte Jo of Waiakea High School; Marley McIntyre of Honokaʻa High School; Giselle Minez-Cruz of Kealakehe High School; and Zalea Douglas of Kohala High School.
Maui County: Shanlee Tolentino of Hana High School; Miya Silva of H.P. Baldwin High School; Owen Hegrenes of Lahainaluna High School; Kelly Raqueno of Lānaʻi High and Elementary School; and Kahikikalaikalolo Helm of Molokaʻi High School.
Kaua‘i County: David Braman of Kauaʻi High School; Camille Miguel of Waimea High School; and Cedric Crampton-Nabaa of Hawaiʻi Technology Academy - Līhue.
Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools (HAIS): Andrew Lasher of Assets School; Pulelehua Critchlow of Hanalani School; Pemma Norbu of Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy; Johnny Chen of ʻIolani School; Jacqueline Arvman of Island Pacific Academy; Helena Hazelton of Island School; Kahiau Okuouchi of Kamehameha Schools – Kapālama; Mya Pililaau of Kamehameha Schools-Maui; Solbee Ahina of Le Jardin Academy; Layla Merrill of Maui Preparatory Academy; Troy Higashi of Mid-Pacific Institute; Zoe Russo of Parker School; Kaita Endo of Punahou School; and Julian Cortez of Seabury Hall.
Hawai‘i Catholic Schools (HCS): Jethro Bumanglag of Damien Memorial School; Journey Hahn of Maryknoll School; and Trevor Julian of Saint Louis School.