Na Leo TV Opens Applications for Spring Hoʻolono Media Scholarship

The scholarship that sent Hilo High School's valedictorian to Northeastern University in Boston and a Kamehameha Schools graduate to Grand Canyon University in Phoenix is accepting a new round of applicants. Na Leo TV opened its spring 2026 Hoʻolono Scholarship on April 2, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 available to Hawaiʻi Island students pursuing careers in storytelling, journalism, broadcasting, and creative media. The application deadline is Friday, April 17 at 5 p.m.

The scholarship name carries deliberate meaning: hoʻo means "to make" and lono translates as "a report or news," grounding the program in Hawaiian language as much as in professional media training. Ashley Kierkiewicz, president and CEO of Na Leo TV, framed the program's purpose directly: "Every generation deserves the chance to tell its own stories, on their own terms. The Hoʻolono Scholarship is our way of supporting young people who feel called to document, question and celebrate our communities through media."

The spring cycle is open to local high school seniors accepted into college media programs and to current college students majoring in media-related fields. Applicants must hold at least a 3.0 GPA and submit a completed application form, proof of enrollment or acceptance, an academic transcript, and one letter of recommendation; a portfolio of media work such as videos, articles, or photos is encouraged. Na Leo TV's Board of Directors and Executive Team review all applications, weighing each student's commitment to their field, community service, academic performance, and extracurricular involvement. Recipients will be notified by May 1.

The scope of recent recipients underscores the program's range. For the fall 2025 cycle, Na Leo TV awarded four scholarships totaling $7,000: to Mari Iwata, studying screenwriting at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles; Kamakanoweo Kekauoha-Schultz, studying Hawaiian studies and environmental science at UH Hilo; Hayate Moro, studying digital marketing and finance at UH Hilo; and Naneaikealaula Thomas, pursuing a master's degree in heritage management at UH Hilo. Among spring 2025 recipients were Rhyan Rimmer, Hilo High School's valedictorian now pursuing creative media at Northeastern in Boston, and Lehani Coloma, a Kamehameha Schools graduate studying communications and broadcasting at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix.

Each recipient is also featured in a Na Leo TV podcast highlighting their life and creative journey, giving scholars a public platform alongside their financial award.

Na Leo TV is Hawaiʻi Island's only Public, Educational, and Governmental access television station, managed since 1994 by the nonprofit Nā Leo o Hawaiʻi. One of just four independent PEG entities statewide, the station broadcasts on Spectrum Cable Channels 53, 54, and 55, and is funded through cable franchise fees administered by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. The Hoʻolono Scholarship is awarded twice annually, with the station also running the annual Youth Media Challenge and certified Community Creator training out of its Hilo and Kona facilities.

Kierkiewicz has described the scholarship's longer aim plainly: "These students will become the journalists, filmmakers and creators who ensure our stories are told with integrity and heart." Complete application materials and instructions are available on the Nā Leo TV scholarship page.