Ignition
April 13, 2025
After deciding to turn their idea into reality, Cole and Kacey took the lead in creating a legal organization, with guidance and hands-on support from their families. Together, they researched Hawaiʻi’s nonprofit requirements, developed the Foundation’s name and charitable purpose, helped shape its initial goals, and worked through the steps needed to establish a Board of Directors, draft Articles of Incorporation, and adopt bylaws. Once the necessary pieces were in place, the incorporation documents were filed with the Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. On April 13, 2025, the VMAC Renewal Foundation officially became a Hawaiʻi nonprofit corporation—an exciting first milestone in the effort Cole and Kacey had launched, and the beginning of the longer journey toward federal 501(c)(3) status and the renewal of the K. Mark Takai Veterans’ Memorial Aquatic Center.
