More than 50 people, including nonprofit leaders and their supporters gathered to express their gratitude for the $750,000 in donations made by Tadashi Yanai, president of TY Management and owner of Kapalua Golf. The Maui News/Gary Kubota

Tadashi Yanai, the president of TY Management and owner of Kapalua Golf, was on Maui recently to present a $750,000 check to 10 local nonprofits and share his hope that the PGA TOUR returns to Maui in 2027.

The money is meant to help make up for donations the nonprofits would have received if The Sentry tournament set for January 2026 had not been canceled due to a lack of water making Kapalua’s Plantation course unplayable.

During a luncheon attended by more than 50 people Wednesday at Hale Makua Health Services in Kahului, Yanai expressed his gratitude to the groups and their volunteers while also expressing his commitment to Maui.

“The work being done by Maui’s nonprofit organizations is the true backbone of this community’s recovery and spirit,” Yanai said.

Beneficiaries of the donation include Scouting America-Aloha Council, Ka Lima O Maui, the J. Walter Cameron Center, three junior golf programs and more.

“The immediate relief and long-term support this funding provides to organizations like ours will ensure that essential services — from health care to youth programs — can continue to operate and grow,” said Wes Lo, CEO at Hale Makua Health Services.

The $750,000 in donations will support a wide range of services, and the money will also help more than 100 adults with disabilities at Ka Lima O Maui, a group that provides employment for them.

“It’s an important part of our budget,” said J.D. Watt, Ka Lima’s executive director.

Scouting America-Aloha Council CEO Blake Parsons also said the donation will significantly aid his organization.

“To lose those funds we’ve had for 20 years or more would have been disastrous,” Parsons said.

J. Walter Cameron Center Executive Director Cesar Gaxiola said the donation is extremely helpful because it comes with few restrictions and can be used in emergencies. Gaxiola said the center serves some 24 nonprofits.

“It’s very helpful to have flexibility,” he said.

TY Management has provided donations to Maui groups in the past, including money to provide private housing for displaced workers and $1 million to Aloha Pu’u Kukui to continue its conservation work on the watershed.

Through an interpreter, Yanai said he was heartbroken about the destruction from the 2023 Lahaina wildfire and looks forward to rebuilding and the restoration of the economy.

Tadashi Yanai, president of TY Management and owner of Kapalua Golf, said he looks forward to golfing when he comes to Maui and hopes the PGA TOUR’s Sentry tournament returns to Kapalua after it was canceled because the Plantation course was determined to be unplayable. The Maui News/Gary Kubota

In addition to expressing his gratitude to the local nonprofits, Yanai, 76, who is estimated to be the wealthiest man in Japan, also said he looks forward to playing golf whenever he comes to Maui — an activity he began 50 years ago.

He added that his group is actively working with local officials to look for the best practices on water solutions. Meanwhile, TY Management is in litigation with Maui Land & Pineapple, the former owner of the Kapalua Golf courses.

TY Management has filed a lawsuit against Maui Land & Pineapple, charging it with failing to maintain the irrigation system that led to water shortages at the golf course. Maui Land & Pineapple has denied the allegations and filed a counterlawsuit.