Hilinaʻiikomauaalohanokeakua “Hilinaʻi ” Brown begins her freshman year at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with a clear sense of purpose, driven by her passion for nursing and her commitment to delivering essential healthcare to the Waiʻanae community.
The straight-A graduate of Kapolei High School was awarded with the Hawaii High School Humanitarian Scholarship, a $10,000 award from the Davis Levin Livingston Charitable Foundation. The annual scholarship recognizes a local high school senior who has demonstrated civic engagement and plans to continue public service in college and beyond.
I feel that it is my responsibility to take what I learn and provide for my community.
—Hilinaʻi Brown
Joined by her family members and school mentors, Brown was recognized by Gov. Josh Green, Mark S. Davis, partner and trustee of the Davis Levin Livingston Charitable Foundation, and UH President David Lassner at a congratulatory ceremony at the Governorʻs Office in September.
“We had over fifty applicants apply from across the state to be this year’s High School Humanitarian Scholar and Hilinaʻi is the best example of selfless contribution to public service which she will continue as she begins her college career at UH,” said Davis.
For Brown, the scholarship is a significant honor and a chance to give back to her community. “I feel really blessed to receive this award,” she said. “I didn’t know it was just one person who would be chosen, but I am excited to put it toward a good cause.”
Inspired by family members, health academy
Brown’s path to healthcare was inspired by her family, particularly an aunt who worked in psychiatric care, as well as her time in Kapolei High School’s health academy. Her commitment to serving others and collaborating for a greater cause was further cultivated through her involvement in public service projects, including blood drives, community clean-ups, the restoration of Native Hawaiian plants, and beach conservation efforts. These experiences deepened her passion for making a meaningful impact alongside others.
“At Kapolei, I was supported by great teachers and counselors, and my parents and family, who helped me pursue the nursing pathway my senior year. It really helped prepare me for college and confirmed my passion for healthcare,” Brown said.
Thanks to her high school experiences and exposure to the nursing profession, Brown was accepted into the competitive High School Direct Entry Nursing Program at the Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing. This cohort-based program will enable her to earn a BS in nursing within four years.
Her long-term goal is to work at the Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC), where she hopes to serve as a community health nurse. Brown also received a WCCHC scholarship for her commitment to pursuing a health profession in Hawaiʻi.
“I love giving back, and WCCHC’s mission of providing accessible healthcare to those in need resonates with me,” she said. “Some people don’t have the means of transportation to seek care, and I want to help change that.”
While starting college is kind of scary, Brown is determined to stay on the path toward earning her nursing degree. “I feel that it is my responsibility to take what I learn and provide for my community,” she said.
