The Construction Industry of Maui has awarded two graduating Maui high school students Bob Poulson CIM Scholarships worth $32,500 each.

Akahi-Vida is pursuing a degree in Architecture and Civil Engineering from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. From his humble beginnings as a fourth-generation pig farmer, Akahi-Vida says, “My dream is to one day become the owner of a world-class Maui-based business. And I would like to build this dream alongside a strong crew of construction, planning and design industry professionals from my community.”

When she was young, Lee developed a passion for building and inventing products or gadgets with Legos or other available materials. She plans to attend Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, where she will major in engineering and minor in construction management and business.

“My intent is to return to Maui after graduation and establish a business that constructs affordable, sustainable homes for our communities,” Lee says. “My goal is to use my education, my love for Maui and work hard to improve my community and its future.”

Bob Poulson, who cofounded Arita Poulson General Contracting LLC in 1986, was a steward of the Maui community and construction industry veteran. He’s remembered as a leader who enjoyed working alongside his employees and teaching young people from diverse backgrounds about the construction industry.

The CIM scholarship is offered to students who are Maui County residents, seniors or graduates from a county high school, and enrolled or entering a two- or four-year degree program in construction or design. CIM’s priority is to select students in pursuit of a degree in architecture, engineering, construction, landscaping or other applicable programs, who then bring the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired back to Maui to serve their communities.