Hōkūpaʻa Updates
Resources, community news, and bright spots.
Cup-of-Cheer Returns!
After a couple of years on hiatus, we are once again working with our original partners to bring back Cup-of-Cheer. The HIDOE complex area, Delta Kappa Gamma Rho Chapter, and Hōkūpaʻa are reunited with the intention to visit all 19 public schools in the Honokaʻa-Kealakehe-Kohala-Konawaena Complex Area. And we could use some help!
GUEST BLOG: Kaukau 4 Keiki Project by Laʻakea Judd, UH-Hilo Ka Pouhana Peer Mentor
Amidst the busy summer bustle, dedicated students from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s Ka Pouhana Program spent six weeks leading a community project for Hilo families.
Return of the Hui for Youth Opportunities
After taking a hiatus for several months, hui collaborators reconvened in May of 2023. The hui members are passionate about address youth’s needs and aspirations so that they can be successful, well-connected, and just have fun.
Hōkūpaʻa Op-Ed: Put Focus on Transportation, Digital Literacy, Learning Gap as Students Head Back to School
As we transition into an era indelibly shaped by our COVID experiences, we also have a transition in the Hawaii Department of Education leadership. With Keith Hayashi selected as the new superintendent of Hawaii public schools and Gov. David Ige naming Bruce Voss as the new Board of Education chairman, the DOE has an opportunity to harness the momentum of change and address the educational needs of our students.
Hōkūpaʻa Op-Ed: Fight for Our Future
Mental health issues exacerbated by the pandemic, combined with long-festering substance use disorders in our community, are colliding in our youth population in a way that has long-reaching consequences for our entire island.
BRIGHT SPOT: NO KE OLA PONO O NĀ KEIKI FIELD DAYS
What better way to uplift everyone than by coming together to host fun elementary school field days? Led by the West Hawaii Department of Education district office, these GEER Grant-funded* “No Ke Ola Pono O Nā Keiki” — roughly translated as “For the Health of Our Children” field day events include activities, sports equipment, and refreshments for students, teachers, and school staff.
BRIGHT SPOT: HAWAIʻI COUNTY FENTANYL TASK FORCE
Behavioral health and substance abuse have emerged as issues of acute concern in our West Hawaiʻi community. Last month, a coalition of Hawaiʻi Island organizations, government entities, healthcare providers, and community members held a virtual opioid summit called “Don’t Die HI.” The event was a response to a dangerous rise in fentanyl throughout the United States and the state of Hawaiʻi— particularly West Hawaiʻi.
GUEST BLOG: TAKE ACTION BY THE COALITION FOR A TOBACCO-FREE HAWAIʻI YOUTH COUNCIL
Hawaiian POG. Blue Razz. Lush Ice. These are not flavors of candy or shave ice but e-cigarettes. Behind these sweet flavors promising notes of sweet and tangy flavors of guava, orange, and passion fruit or freshly sliced candied watermelons with a touch of refreshing menthol are the nicotine equivalent of two packs of cigarettes.
STORIES FROM THE (VIRTUAL) FIELD: THE ONGOING HAWAI'I ISLAND YOUTH SUMMIT
The 2021 Hawaiʻi Island Youth Summit kicked off last month with students from the Kealakehe area. Despite many challenges in planning this year — including a rapid pivot to a virtual event in the fall — Hōkūpaʻa and our planning partners kept this important work with youth and community a priority.
SURVEY: HELPING FAMILIES PREPARE STUDENTS FOR POST-HIGH SUCCESS
We’ve been busy with post-high pathway events for students, but families are important, too! We want to help families guide students into success after high school, whatever their path may be.
Community Bright Spot #3: "Cup-o-Cheer" Teacher Appreciation
Distance learning hasn’t just been a challenge for students and families. When teachers told us that they were feeling overwhelmed and in need of support, we worked together to show them that the community appreciates their hard work.
Call to action for nonprofits: Fill out the Sector Pulse survey!
Important survey for social enterprises and nonprofits to get a “pulse” on what’s happening in the social service sector.