Hōkūpaʻa Updates
Resources, community news, and bright spots.
Navigation Council Member Feature: Wally Lau, Hawaiʻi Island Fentanyl Task Force
Today we’re featuring one of our longtime Navigation Council members: Wally Lau. Wally joined us several years ago while working for the County, and remains involved in the community. One of the commitments closest to his heart is the Hawaiʻi Island Fentanyl Task Force (HIFTF), a group he helped to found in response to an alarming rise in overdose deaths.
Wally believes that it is everyone’s kuleana, ‘opio to kupuna, to take care of the community, give back, and save lives. Like all of our members, he values youth voice, leadership, and action, working with schools and young adults in HIFTF’s mission.
Stories from the Field: 3rd Annual Puakalehua Celebrate ʻOhana Festival
It was the third annual Puakalehua Celebrate ʻOhana Festival last month! …As always, the event featured wonderful early learning providers and supporters. Twenty organizations volunteered to host tables with hands-on keiki activities and goodies, along with plenty of information.
Bright Spot: Transformative Translations #2
As Transformative Translations celebrates its 5th year, the program continues growing in its mission to uplift languages and empower their speakers. Since we last interviewed the director, the Transformative Translations team has added even more options for students…
Bright Spot: Honokaʻa Dragons Spring Fair
“By giving students a chance to be in charge and contribute in a hands-on way, we supported their overall wellbeing, encouraged leadership, and helped them feel more connected — not only to each other, but to the school and community around them…This event made a real difference in how students saw themselves and each other.”
Bright Spot: School Based Health Centers by Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center
“Our School Based Health Centers (SBHCs) are a doctor’s office inside of your child’s school. The goal is to provide care that is in addition to the care received at their medical home/doctor’s office, not to replace that routine care.”
Stories from the Field: 2nd Annual Puakalehua Celebrate ‘Ohana Festival
Early learning provides a strong foundation for children to be successful lifelong learners, and it can often be a lot of fun, too! It’s especially beneficial for the whole ‘ohana when everyone gets involved. Playing and enjoying positive time together is great for bonding and learning. So we’re so glad that the second annual Puakalehua Early Learning Consortium’s Celebrate Ohana Fest was able to welcome ~1,500 people!
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.