Tucked between two churches in Kalihi, running alongside North King Street and Kanoa street, is an easy-to-miss building where Micronesians and Pacific Islanders go for help.

Since the spread of the pandemic in Hawaiʻi, the We Are Oceania office became stacks of donation boxes, echoes of helpline phone calls rattling the cubicle dividers, shuffles of community members’ paperwork, and a whirlwind of five different spoken Pacific Island languages.

The Micronesian and Pacific Island community of Hawaiʻi has been the hardest hit by Coronavirus. State data reported that Pacific Islanders account for 27% of Hawaiʻi’s coronavirus cases, yet only 4% of the state population. It’s no wonder WAO became a recipient of the City and County of Honolulu Coronavirus Relief Fund. The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation administered the commitment of up to $2 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The high percentage of coronavirus cases among the Micronesian and Pacific Islander community is due in part to the lack of accessibility for them. That’s when WAO decided to take the lead in addressing these issues. For individuals interested in receiving support, WAO will be providing the following personalized support:

• Helpline
  • Live helpline open daily from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Available in five Pacific languages
  • Reachable at (808) 913-1364
• Culturally and linguistically-tailored COVID-19 education and awareness efforts
• Assisting individuals and their families in accessing state quarantine and isolation facilities, training, testing and contact tracing
• Social service support in housing, health, food, supplies, and other needs

What’s more, is the community and media’s unending support to get these resources known and available. WAO has since produced Public Service Announcements that have been airing on TV and various social media platforms in five different Pacific Island languages.

“Our collective community efforts will hopefully help to slow down the spread of the virus statewide and bridge the gap between available resources and who has access to them,” said Josie Howard, We Are Oceania Program Director. 

Before the pandemic hit, the one-stop-Micronesian center has been providing services such as language access, health connections, pre-employment training, and service referrals from federal, state and local government resources.

Though the WAO team of very few juggles many hats, they’ve worked day in and day out, hustling between meetings and gathering donations, their mission remains true: to serve, support, and stand with the many voices of Oceania while honoring the integrity of their diverse heritage.

To donate, collaborate, or other ways to support WAO, visit weareoceania.org or call (808) 754-7303.

MYS is put on by We Are Oceania (WAO), our mentee organization serving the Micronesian community across the state. WAO has helped over a thousand Micronesian individuals and families access vital resources like housing, employment, education, healthcare, and more.

This year’s summit featured multiple keynote speakers including Hawaiʻi State Department of Education Superintendent Christina Kishimoto and returning speaker Relley Araceley. One individual that especially excited the youth was Disney star Ethan Wacker, who spoke to the students about hard work and following your dreams.

“I never thought I would be where I am today,” he told the packed auditorium. “Don’t give up. Don’t ask for permission. Work hard and apply yourself, and don’t give up on your dreams.”

Put on in part by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Hawaii Community Foundation, Pacific Resource Partnership, Hawaii Executive Collaborative, and the Hawaiʻi Government Complete Count Committee, the free event featured a short program, live entertainment, and bento lunches.

Some of our partners and other local organizations were also there to table and present information about how the census impacts us all. Census recruiters informed participants about the benefits of working with the Census Bureau to facilitate an accurate count in their communities.

We mahalo all the organizations and people involved in making this event possible, and were grateful to be part of it!

For more information, visit https://census.hawaii.gov/

For the last four years, We Are Oceania (WAO) has put on an annual summit bringing together Micronesian youth from across the state. It has been a way to bring middle and high school students together to get them college ready and help them to embrace their culture.

WAO’s Micronesian Youth Summit has helped hundreds of youth reconnect to their diverse heritages, prepare for future success, and just enjoy time with one another. 

“The Micronesian Youth Summit is a space that was created to allow the students to be free of discrimination and be free of whatever struggles they experience in their school,” says Josie Howard, WAO’s Program Director. 

The Summit offers networking opportunities between the youth and local Micronesian college students, community leaders, and professionals. The 2019 Micronesian Youth Summit featured keynote speakers like Kandhi A. Elieisar, the Consul General for Micronesia in Honolulu, and 

Relley Araceley was another one of this year’s speakers. Relley currently works for the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and previously worked for the mayor of Oʻahu as a Community Relations Specialist.

“I think it’s probably the biggest thing for Micronesian youth,” says Relley. “To be able to say with pride who you are. I think that’s the biggest thing for any youth regardless of where you’re from.”

Austin Haleyalpiy is a Bachelor’s of Social Work student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and was the emcee for the 2019 Summit. He previously volunteered at the Summit as a chaperone, and says that he is always proud to go to events like the Micronesian Youth Summit. 

“We need more Micronesians in higher education to be filling these positions, to be more aware of the situations, the issues that we’re facing so that the next generation coming up can do something about it,” says Austin. 

“I just want to hopefully ignite something in somebody to get them motivated to want to make change or be a part of change instead of settling or being complacent.” 

The Summit is made possible by the generous contributions of WAO’s partners and sponsors like Matson, the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the East West Center, Micronesian United Oʻahu, the Marshallese Consulate office, Marshallese Education Day, Micronesian Cultural Awareness Program, and the Micronesian Health Advisory Coalition. 

We mahalo all of the sponsors, partners, volunteers, and WAO staff that ensure the quality and success of every Micronesian Youth Summit! We look forward to the next summit on Saturday, March 7, 2020. 

For more information, contact We Are Oceania at (808) 754-7303 or visit their website today. 

The group discussed the 2020 census, including what our Native Hawaiian and Micronesian communities can expect and why an accurate census count is so important.

“We appreciate the opportunity to work together,” said Director of the U.S. Census Bureau Steven Dillingham. “We need an understanding of what the communities around the country are facing.”

One area of concern brought up by We Are Oceania staff was the worry that data collected by the census would be turned over to authorities, especially regarding housing or numbers of families in households.

The representatives assured that the data is not turned over to authorities, and that what is collected (name, age, address) can just as easily be found on the internet. There was no mention of the current contested citizenship question.

Joske Bautista, Special Assistant to the Director, emphasized the need to learn from communities. Echoing the sentiments of his colleagues, he described the immense value in setting up partnerships with organizations “on the ground” who work with local populations every day — organizations like We Are Oceania and Partners in Development Foundation.

To learn more about the census, visit census.gov.

A native of Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Jojo lived and studied here in Hawaiʻi for five years in the 1990s. He earned two Master’s degrees, one in Pacific Island Studies and one in History. Jojo published several articles through the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

After completing his Master’s degrees, Jojo returned home to Micronesia and worked at the College of Micronesia- FSM for 15 years. He served as Cultural and Education Specialist and was Director of the Chuuk campus.

Jojo returned to Hawaiʻi in 2011 to pursue higher studies, and earned his doctorate at U.H. Mānoa in Special Education with a focus on special needs children of immigrant families. From 2013 to 2017 he served as Outreach Liaison with the Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, supporting Honolulu’s Micronesian diaspora communities and other homeless populations.

In 2017, Jojo became Hawaiʻi’s first Micronesian Commissioner, being appointed by Governor David Ige to serve on the Hawaiʻi State Civil Rights Commission. He also served as a Senior Specialist for Community Engagement and Educational Equity with Pacific Resources in Education and Learning (PREL).

Along with other community advocates, Jojo co-founded the COFA Community and Advocacy Network (COFA-CAN), which raises awareness of and provides support for crucial legislative initiatives that affect the lives of the Freely- Associated States’ (FAS) citizens living in Hawaiʻi and the rest of the United States.

A champion of civil rights, Jojo was extremely involved in promoting the rights and opportunities of disabled individuals in FSM. He was an advocate for the Chuuk Disabled Persons Organization, and was worked with the national government to help ratify a United Nations Convention to protect the rights of disabled persons.

We celebrate Dr. Jojo Peter’s life and community impact, and join together to mourn his passing. Arrangements will be announced by We Are Oceania this week. May he rest in peace.

“You are our future,” announced Kandhi A. Elieisar, the Consul General for Micronesia in Honolulu. “You are the torchbearers of our Micronesian nations.”

Elieisar was one of several Micronesian leaders to speak to the youth. His was a message about the youth and for the youth, explaining the importance of their welfare for overall society, and even the evolving role of women in what he called our “male-dominated society.”

This year’s theme was “Navigating Success,” paying homage to both the gathering’s purpose and the heritage of those present. “This summit can help you strengthen the rudders of your canoe to help you navigate success,” went on Elieisar.

A myriad of cultural performances were given by both the youth and other Micronesian groups, such as Kosraean* stick dancers from Chaminade University of Honolulu’s Micronesian Club.

Jocelyn Howard is the Program Director of We Are Oceania, and was the primary organizer of the event. “One thing we added on this year that’s different is a whole session called ‘My Micronesia’. [It gives] the youth an opportunity to look within,” she explained.

For “My Micronesia,” the youth broke into groups by country and prepared short presentations. Ranging from frank discussions to chants and dancing, the participants encouraged and supported one another.

The keynote speaker was the Community Relations Specialist for the mayor of Oʻahu, Relley Araceley. He gave an energetic but sincere speech to the youth, talking about his own experiences growing up Micronesian in Hawaiʻi – the good and the bad – and touched on an issue felt by all in the room: a feeling of belonging.

“There’s a humility inside of us, and sometimes it’s hard to feel proud of who we are,” Araceley said.

Partners in Development Foundation and We Are Oceania would like to extend our warmest aloha to Matson, the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the East West Center, Micronesian United Oʻahu, the Marshallese Consulate office, Marshallese Education Day, Micronesian Cultural Awareness Program, and the Micronesian Health Advisory Coalition. Without the kind and generous partnership from these sponsors, the 2019 Micronesian Youth Summit would not have been possible.

*This corrects an earlier version that incorrectly identified the Chaminade University stick dance as Chuukese. We apologize for the error and mahalo those who brought it to our attention. We will always strive for accuracy and transparency, and honor the unique cultures of our many diverse peoples.

The holidays are a time of holidays, of reconnecting to family and loved ones, and charity. This last year, we were so blessed to receive numerous contributions from partner organizations and individuals across the state.

Aloha United Way and PetSmart Donate 100 Plush Toys

Aloha United Way, the Hawaiʻi office of national nonprofit United Way, partnered with PetSmart to collect 100 plush toys for our Ka Paʻalana Homeless Family Education Program. The toys were distributed to the keiki at the December holiday parties.

Nā Pono No Nā ʻOhana Throws Thanksgiving

Near the end of November, Nā Pono No Nā ʻOhana held its annual Thanksgiving luncheon. They provided meals to the dozens of Waimānalo families who came to the site at Blanche Pope Elementary School. The Nā Pono team even brought in a shaved ice truck!

“It’s really a very important time for us because we thank the families for being part of our program,” says Nā Pono’s Project Director, Lora Perry. “It’s heartfelt, and they are heartfelt… we couldn’t have this program without them. We are blessed, and that’s what Thanksgiving is all about.”

Leeward Community College’s Toy Drive

In the first week of December, Leeward Community College’s library facilitated a toy drive for Ka Paʻalana families. They collected new, unwrapped toys for keiki under 5 years old.

Tūtū and Me – Kauaʻi Raises Over $1,300

Our Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool Kauaʻi-East team completed their yearly fundraiser on Friday, December 7. The coffee, bake, and rummage sale raised over $1,300.

“We are truly blessed for all the help and donations from our school families and friends,” said Site Manager Michelle Curammeng.

American Savings Bank: Mahalo Mail & Kahiau Giving Campaign

On December 12, we received some ‘Mahalo Mail’ from American Savings Bank (ASB) – Hawaiʻi. We are fortunate enough to be part of their Kahiau Giving Campaign, an annual teammate program that supports select community organizations.

The mail consisted of letters, cards and notes, handwritten by ASB employees expressing their ‘mahalo’ for our work serving Hawaiian families across the state.

Kamehameha Schools Provides Critical Items

Sheryl Kahue, a teacher at Kamehameha Schools (KS), facilitated a large donation of toys, books, backpacks, and hygiene items. KS students participated in the drive by helping to collect items that are necessary to our program families, but not as frequently donated.

Zumbathons Collect Toys for Keiki

Two ‘Zumbathons’ were put on by Nisi and Friends and Pomai and Friends. The Zumbathons collected toys for Ka Paʻalana keiki, which were given out at the various holiday parties put on by our program staff throughout December.

For several years, Pomai Akiona (a former Parent Educator with Ka Paʻalana) hosts a Zumba class where she does not charge attendees cash for participating. Instead, she asks attendees to bring a toy to donate to the families of Ka Paʻalana. This year, over $1,500 worth of toys was collected for the keiki!

Cricket Donates Needed Supplies to Ka Paʻalana

Joy, Patrick and Natasha from Cricket Wireless brought much-needed donations of household items to Ka Paʻalana on December 13. The items included boxes of diapers, packs of wipes, and infant teething rings.

The kind donation will go to the unsheltered families with infants that the Ka Paʻalana outreach team encounters living on the Leeward Coast of Oʻahu.

NASW Delivers Doughnuts to We Are Oceania

The National Association of Social Workers – Hawaiʻi (NASW – Hawaiʻi) is currently running a campaign called ‘tell NASW why you need donuts’. The campaign is meant to reward the hard work of registered NASW members, and We Are Oceania was the first winner!

Project Director Jocelyn Howard and the rest of the We Are Oceania staff worked tirelessly for weeks to ensure their constituents were able to sign up for health insurance during the open enrollment period. Everyone welcomed the respite of doughnuts!

Wyndham Vacation Resorts Donates Toys, Books

Every year, Robert Nelson and Kathy Goo with Wyndham Vacations and his team help organize donations for Ka Paʻalana families. This year they collected over $1,700 worth of toys and books!

Hula Grill Waikiki Gives Gifts to Over 50 Keiki

On December 19, Hula Grill Waikīkī’s General Manager, Drew Crocker, and Community Relations Coordinator Kaitlyn Taketa paid our office a visit. They had coordinated with our Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool and home visiting programs, and our Ka Hana Noʻeau mentorship program, to organize gifts for over 50 children and youth across the islands.

We were blown away by these generous presents, as so many of our families are just scraping by and do not have the resources to make the holidays special for their keiki. Drew and Kaitlyn said they are excited to organize this drive again next year, and collect gifts for even more keiki.

Program Keiki See Snow and Santa Claus

Several of our Tūtū and Me and Ka Paʻalana program sites across the state held holiday parties, from Christmas to the traditional makahiki.

The holiday parties included thematic activities and games created by our staff, from homemade holiday playdough and real snow to visits from Santa Claus. The keiki also received wrapped gifts from our staff, partners and from the many donations received over the holidays.

To see more photos of our programs’ holiday activities, click here.

Mahalo nui loa to all of these amazing organizations, foundations, partners and individuals, and of course all our wonderful staff, for making the a season of giving for our families in need!

Staff began working with Mr. Lang to support him with appropriate daily living activity needs, medical follow ups, financial support, and setting goals to go back to work once he could walk again. Staff helped Mr. Lang to obtain Temporary Disability Income and referred him to the Institute of Human Services (IHS). Through servicing him, Mr. Lang and staff learned from a police report, that his broken leg was from a hit and run accident. Mr. Lang was intoxicated at the time of the accident. After learning about the incident and living with the results, Mr. Lang set a goal to quit drinking and change his old habits to turn his life around.

This picture marks 2 years of employment, stable housing, and sobriety after the accident. The title, Loaʻa Ka Lanakila No Ka Hana Paʻakikī means victory is achieved through hard work. Mr. Lang is the byproduct of just that. He visits WAO regularly to show his deep appreciation for the services, friendships, care, and kindness he received.

The article is shown below or can be found at:
http://www.staradvertiser.com/2017/07/24/hawaii-news/kalihi-nonprofit-helps-micronesians-retain-values/

(Honolulu, Hawaiʻi) March 3, 2017- Partners in Development Foundation (PIDF) was awarded $200,000 from The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation to fund the Hoʻolako Project, which aims to provide services through home visits and case management for low-income families. The project will serve families through three PIDF programs: Ka Paʻalana Homeless Family Education Program (KP), Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool (TTM), and We Are Oceania (WAO).

Home visitors for KP and TTM will assist families in practicing positive interactions between parents and children, provide information and social-emotional support, and assist those transitioning to shelters/housing. Services will be delivered in linguistically and culturally appropriate methods to more effectively reach participants and encourage parents to continue the teaching practices at home. These home visits will further promote family strengthening and stability within the household, improving the well-being of the children.

WAO strives to empower and increase the self-sufficiency of Hawaiʻi’s Micronesian community, by providing resources, education, and trainings through its One-Stop Center. WAO’s case manager will provide acculturation trainings and language/cultural interpreter services for the community and other PIDF programs to help staff better understand and address the needs of their clients.

ABOUT PARTNERS IN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION Partners In Development Foundation (PIDF), a nonprofit public charity incorporated in 1997, serves at-risk families and communities in Hawaiʻi through a wide range of free programs in early childhood education, parent education, adult education, support for adjudicated youth, and other social services including civic engagement. The organization consists of over 300 employees and 11 programs. All of our programs are provided free of charge and have collectively served over 80,000 people in over 50 at risk communities across the state. PIDF’s mission is to inspire and equip families and communities for success and service, using timeless Native Hawaiian values and traditions. To learn more, visit pidf.org Serving Hawaiʻi’s Families, Living Hawaiian Values.

With the help of some of our partners, we have put together a newsletter that includes upcoming community events, updates about our organization, information on services that we provide, Micronesian poetry, news from back home, and more! 


Check back with us each month as we continue to expand this service to you.


If you or somebody you know would like to contribute to our newsletter, please let us know. 



We hope you enjoy our newsletter!

–The We Are Oceania Team

Follow this link to read our March Newsletter