HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Construction Industry of Maui (CIM) has awarded financial support to three high school seniors from Maui. Each received a $25,000 scholarship to support their education and career goals in the construction and design industry.
The 2025 Bob Poulson Scholarship recipients are Macie Madaus, Kai Shively and Karissa Chapman.
The scholarship is named in honor of Bob Poulson, a respected builder and mentor who helped lead Arita Poulson General Contracting beginning in 1986. His work included more than a thousand projects across Maui and beyond, from schools to healthcare facilities.
He was also a founding member of CIM, an organization that represents nearly 100 companies across the island and works to shape future leaders in construction.
Each of this year’s recipients plans to study off-island, with the intention of bringing their skills and education back to serve their Maui communities.
“This year’s scholarship recipients exemplify the highest standards of perseverance, intellect and character,” said Anthony Nelson, CIM Scholarship Committee Chair and President of Rethink Restoration. “It is a great honor to support their academic endeavors. I am inspired by their potential and look forward to the positive and lasting contributions they will bring to our island community.”
Here’s what we know about the recipients.
Macie Madaus, King Kekaulike High School
Macie Madaus graduates with a 4.1 GPA and will attend Colorado Mesa University to study Construction Management. She was recognized for academic excellence and her commitment to environmental sustainability.
Her senior project focused on student engagement and sustainability practices, and she has shown initiative in both the classroom and workplace. Macie worked at the Maui Cookie Lady Bakery, where she gained responsibilities involving proprietary recipes.
She is known for her discipline, drive and values-based leadership.
Kai Shively, Maui Preparatory Academy
Kai Shively graduates with a 3.7 GPA and plans to attend Willamette University to study business and leadership. He was a member of the National Honor Society and served in civic-minded school organizations including the Finance Club.
He completed college-level coursework in psychology, sociology and business. Kai also played on the school’s basketball and golf teams where he was part of the team that secured a state championship in basketball.
He received honors such as the Pueo Paddle Award and Head of School recognition and is seen as a thoughtful, balanced leader.
Karissa Chapman, Kamehameha Schools Maui
Karissa Chapman maintained a 4.11 GPA and will attend the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa to major in engineering. She was named to the Headmaster’s List seven times and served as president of the Book Club.
She competed in Track and Field during her freshman and sophomore years and qualified for states both times. Karissa volunteered with Camp Imua, the Kula Pumpkin Patch and local youth sports. She also held part-time jobs at Macy’s, Coldstone Creamery and Ululani’s Shave Ice.
Her mentors describe her as a quiet force, consistent in effort and eager to grow.
The students received their scholarships during a banquet on May 21 at Café ʻO Lei at the Maui Tropical Plantation.
The annual awards, now totaling more than $350,000, reflect CIM’s commitment to addressing a shortage of skilled professionals by supporting students who will return with the tools needed to lead.