Russell K. Okata Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Hawaii Government Employees Association

Introduction Russell K. Okata, raised in Pepeekeo on Hawaii island, led Hawaii’s largest union and served as executive director of HGEA for 26 years. Under his leadership HGEA expanded into a full-service union, adding member benefits including educational assistance through the Charles R. Kendall Scholarship and Education Fund. To honor his legacy, HGEA now offers the Russell K. Okata Scholarship. Who may apply (Eligibility) - Applicants: HGEA members in good standing for at least one year, and their dependents. - Intended study: Applicants must be attending—or planning to attend—one of the following on a full-time basis: a community college, a vocational or trade school, or other post–high-school program. - Important: The Russell K. Okata Scholarship uses the same application as the Charles R. Kendall Scholarship. To be considered for the Okata award, you must check the box on the first page of the application (under the APPLICANT section) that reads “I plan to attend one of the following: community college, vocational or trade school or other post-high school study. If other, please specify:” Application checklist and required materials 1. Completed Charles R. Kendall Scholarship & Education Fund application - Fill out, sign, and submit a signed hard copy of the application and any related forms. 2. Financial Statement (used to evaluate Financial Need — up to 30 points) - Complete the Financial Statement fully. - Explain any blank fields or entries marked “not applicable.” - You may include an additional narrative to clarify your financial circumstances. 3. Academic records (Academic Achievement — up to 40 points) - Official high school and/or college transcripts must be mailed directly to HGEA and received or postmarked by the application deadline. - First-year college students must submit their high school transcript in addition to any college transcript. - If you cannot obtain official transcripts for financial reasons, submit a copy now; an official transcript may be requested if your application is selected. 4. Personal statements (up to 20 points) - Respond to the short-answer prompts in the application, which ask about: - Participation in HGEA events or activities - Your support for HGEA’s mission and values - The role of HGEA in your ‘ohana - Your academic and vocational goals - Provide a list of HGEA activities (including years) in which you or your parent(s) have taken part. - There is no strict length requirement; keep answers concise. 5. Recommendations (up to 10 points) - Provide contact information for at least three recommenders. - Recommenders will receive an email with a pre-populated recommendation form tied to your application; they must complete and submit their recommendation electronically. - Acceptable recommenders: current or former coaches, employers, teachers, or professors. Recommendations from other sources will not be accepted. 6. Photograph - Submit a high-resolution headshot (JPEG or TIF). - Email the file to Wesley Aki at waki@hgea.org, or mail a printed photo along with your application materials. - Photos will not be returned; they will be used only if the applicant is selected. How applications are evaluated - The total possible score is 100 points. Applications are ranked by their composite numerical score and recommended for awards accordingly. - Point allocation: - Financial Need: 30 points - Academic Achievement: 40 points - Personal Statements: 20 points - Recommendations: 10 points Deadlines - Completed application materials (including signed hard copy, financial statement, transcripts, personal statements, photo, and list of activities) must be submitted by Jan. 20, 2026. - All recommendation forms must be submitted by Feb. 10, 2026. - Note: Official transcripts should be received or postmarked by the Jan. 20, 2026 deadline. Ownership and privacy - All application materials and recommendation letters become the property of HGEA and the C.R. Kendall Scholarship & Education Fund when submitted and will not be returned. Contact - Photo submissions: Wesley Aki — waki@hgea.org Follow the instructions carefully to ensure your application is eligible for consideration under the Russell K. Okata Scholarship.