'His memory will live on': Late Lahaina teacher creates scholarship fund from home sale

Island Sotheby’s International Realty has helped a late Lahainaluna High School teacher’s dream to support students come true.  

Tom Hansen, a longtime english teacher at Lahainaluna High School, recently passed away and instructed that the proceeds from his home and other financial accounts be used to start a nonprofit foundation — the Tom Hansen Scholarship Foundation. That trust will help support Lahainaluna high school students with demonstrated financial need as they pursue higher education and trade schools.

Island Sotheby’s International Realty agent Rob Shelton was asked to oversee the sale of Hansen’s home, a three-bedroom, one-bathroom home on Kaniau Road in Lahaina. The two-story building boasts ocean views and a 600-square foot ohana.

Shelton explained that altogether, the 10,875-square-foot lot sold for $799,000.

“As a long time supporter and director of the Lahainaluna High School Foundation, it was an honor to be selected to assist Walter Vierra Esq., the trustee, with the sale of the property,” said Shelton. “It was a team effort in working towards the successful conclusion of the property.”

Shelton had originally planned to list the property, but once word got out to the Lahaina community, he received multiple offers. The trust funded by the proceeds of the sale will be invested, and the interest earned from the investments will be used to award scholarships to Lahainaluna students with financial need.

“The final sales price met the goals of the trustee and we are grateful for Mr. Hansen’s support of Lahainaluna High School," said Shelton. " in perpetuity with this generous gift."