Pictured: Newest Kahanamoku Scholars. Row 1: Keahi Horowitz and Megan Araujo (MD 2019), Ashley Morisako, (MD 2018), Keolamau Yee, (MD 2019) Kristin Fernandez (alumni scholar), Kanoelehua DaSilva (alumni scholar), Melanie Payanal (alumni scholar); Row 2: Kaimana Kalei (MD 2019), Ailea Apana (MD 2018), Rosalyn Enos (alumni scholar), Kathryn Roberts and Jayden Galamgam (MD 2019), Sam Low and Eric Lau, (MD 2017); Back row: Michael Brigoli (MD 2019). (August 2016)
In the television special, “Kahanamoku: A Legacy of Healing,” veteran Hawaiʻi producer Emme Tomimbang tells the story of not only inspirational Kahanamoku scholars from the John A. Burns School of Medicine, but also Nadine Kahanamoku, the widow of legendary surfer and Olympic gold medalist Duke Kahanamoku. The hour-long program will be broadcast exclusively on Hawaiʻi News Now on KGMB.
Upon her death in 1997, Nadine Kahanamoku donated their entire estate to the University of Hawaiʻi medical school to be used for scholarships awarded to medical students of Hawaiian ancestry. Since then, there have been over 80 Kahanamoku Scholars, each with his or her own story; each, in their own way, perpetuating the Kahanamoku legacy of healing.
“Through the couple’s single act of kindness, there is a single pebble in the pond, causing a ripple effect that changes the communities and the thousands of lives touched by this legacy of healing,” said Emme Tomimbang, President of EMME Inc. “It is a legacy of healing, a legacy of opportunity for medical scholars of Hawaiian ancestry, and the communities they come to serve,” said Tomimbang. In this special, we will see what few know, and that is Nadine Kahanamoku’s extraordinary act of philanthropy and her special relationship with her husband Duke, who is regarded as Hawaiʻi’s favorite son.
Emme Tomimbang and her team traveled statewide to visit with island physicians in their communities on Kauaʻi, Maui and Hawaiʻi. Dr. Haku Kahoano, also a Kahanamoku Scholar will serve as co-host with Emme.