Scholarships

Opening Doors for Hawaiʻi’s Students

The David S. Boynton Education Grant

David Boynton was widely recognized as a leading authority on the natural history of the island of Kauaʻi, with a special focus on the Kōkeʻe Forest, the Alakaʻi Swamp, and the unique wildlife found there. He was often described as a voice for the Hawaiian wilderness and a guardian of the Kōkeʻe forest. As an educator, he became the window through which thousands of Hawaiʻi’s students discovered native birds, plants, marine life, climate systems, and the delicate balance of island ecosystems.

Boynton emphasized that Kōkeʻe and the surrounding wilderness areas were home to many endangered species, more than 400 native plant varieties, and one of the highest concentrations of single-island endemic species anywhere in the world. He believed this made the region an ideal outdoor classroom for teaching biodiversity, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

After 18 years of teaching at Waimea High School, David Boynton was appointed Environmental Resource Teacher for the Kauaʻi School District. In 1992, he was recognized by the Kōkeʻe Natural History Museum with the “One Person Can Make a Difference” award, honoring his dedication to environmental education.

In Memory of Boynton

David played a key role in the creation of the Kōkeʻe Discovery Center, which was established by the State Department of Education in 1994. He later served as the center’s director, helping shape it into a place where students could connect with nature and learn about Hawaiʻi’s unique environment.

In his memory, the David S. Boynton Educational Grant was established, with the first award presented in 2009.

How to Apply

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Recently Awarded Grants

★ Bonnie Bojorquez – Koloa Elementary School – Kauai Keiki Conservation Summer Program to foster an appreciation for Kauai’s natural environment, educate students about local ecosystems and conservation efforts, provide hands-on learning experience through field trips and interactive projects, encourage creativity and critical thinking through art, science, and literature activities, instill a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship in young learners, and align with Hawaiian cultural values such as malama, akokua, laulima, kuleana, lokahi and pono.

★ Meghan Ornellas Goodale – Kapaa Middle School – 7th and 8th grade science and gardening entitled “Native Hawaiian, Canoe, & Vegetable Garden Greenhouse”.

Hau`oli Mau Loa Foundation has a partnership with the Kōke`e Discovery Center Association, focusing on providing support for their programs, including through the “First Generation” initiative.

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