Lauri Sagle, English Professor at UH Hilo, invited Ishigo to speak to her class, which had chosen Tūtū and Me as the lens through which students would explore literacy in young children and community advocacy. The class had also organized a book drive for the program, collecting more than 50 books to donate to our keiki. A tangible act of care that set the tone for everything that followed.

“I was so impressed that you chose Tūtū and Me as a focus for studying literacy in young children and community advocacy. It was wonderful to meet a former Tūtū and Me participant in your class. What a great reminder of our program’s vision!”
– Amanda Ishigo, Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool Program Director

Among the students in the class was a former Tūtū and Me participant, a testament to the program’s reach throughout the years in East Hawaiʻi. Seeing a young adult who once sat in the traveling preschool now studying its impact at the university level was, for Ishigo, a great reminder of the program’s vision.

Taking the initiative entirely on their own, students handwrote more than 50 postcards addressed to Hawaiʻi’s Mayor in support of funding for Tūtū and Me. Through this experience, the students practiced their right to civic engagement, using their voices to express their concerns to our elected officials. Advocacy from our youth carries a weight that cannot be manufactured.

The generosity didn’t end there. The class donated more than 50 books for the keiki served by Tūtū and Me. Our families are currently building an “At-Home” library for summertime reading, and these books will be matched with keikiwho will treasure them.

This visit is a beautiful example of what happens when education and community care meet in the same room. Mahalo nui to Professor Lauri Sagle and her students for their passion, their postcards, their books, and their belief that our keiki deserve every opportunity to thrive.

To learn more about Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool and ways to support our mission, visit pidf.org/tutuandme.

Yesterday afternoon, we received notice that Senator Schatz negotiated an agreement with Secretary McMahon of the U.S. Department of Education to continue funding the Native Hawaiian Education Program (NHEP) for current grantees for another fiscal year.

While this news is encouraging as a critical short-term step forward, it does not resolve the crisis facing Partners in Development Foundation (PIDF), Native Hawaiian-serving organizations, or the communities that depend on these programs. At this time, we still do not know how much funding will ultimately be released, when funds would become available, or whether PIDF will receive the support necessary to sustain all current programs, staffing, and sites.

We are grateful to Senator Schatz and his team, and to every one of you whose advocacy, testimonies, calls, letters, and public support helped move this issue forward. Your voices continue to matter, and continued advocacy will remain critical in the months ahead.

Given the continued uncertainty surrounding federal funding, PIDF’s stabilization plan — including operational consolidation and team restructuring — remains necessary. These decisions were not made lightly, and this federal development does not provide the immediate funding certainty needed to reverse course.

While we are hopeful that the upcoming NHEP funding opportunities may help preserve more programs and sites for another year, PIDF must still go through the federal application and award process before any future funding can be counted on.

We understand how difficult this prolonged uncertainty has been for our staff, participants, partners, and families. PIDF will continue advocating aggressively, pursuing every available partnership opportunity, and communicating transparently as new information emerges. We also ask our community to continue sharing the impact of our programs and helping defend the essential services our communities still risk losing.

We remain deeply grateful to Senator Schatz and his team for their leadership and solutions-oriented efforts. This agreement may provide additional time to fight for longer-term stability, but the work ahead remains urgent.

Mahalo nui for your continued support, patience, and trust during this difficult period.

Naʻu nō me ke aloha,
Shawn Kanaʻiaupuni, President & CEO
Partners in Development Foundation

For nearly 30 years Partners in Development Foundation (PIDF) has provided culturally grounded, family-centered programs rooted in Native Hawaiian values and traditions – supporting keiki, ʻōpio, and ʻohana across the pae ʻāina. Today, our programs continue to operate and serve our communities as they always have. 

As we strengthen PIDF for a stronger and more resilient future, we want to inform you of the changes being made, in advance. Effective September 2026, we will be reducing the number of sites we serve with our early childhood education programs. Out of the collective 36 early learning sites, we have secured non-federal funding to stabilize 19 of PIDF’s Ka Paʻalana (KP) and Tūtū and Me (TTM) sites.

• Hilo, Hawaiʻi (TTM)
• Keaʻau, Hawaiʻi (TTM)
• Pāhoa, Hawaiʻi (TTM)
• Panaʻewa, Hawaiʻi (TTM)

• Lahaina, Maui (KP)
• Wailuku, Maui (KP)

• Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi (TTM)
• Kualapuʻu, Molokaʻi (TTM)

• Hope Shelter, Oʻahu (KP)
• Honolulu, Oʻahu (TTM)
• Kahaluʻu, Oʻahu (TTM)
• Kailua Elementary, Oʻahu (NP)
• Koʻolau, Oʻahu (TTM)
• Lanikūhonua, Oʻahu (TTM)
• Nānākuli, Oʻahu (KP)
• Nānākuli Elementary, Oʻahu (KP)
• Papakōlea, Oʻahu (TTM)
• Waiʻanae District Park, Oʻahu (KP)
• Waimānalo, Oʻahu (NP)

We are sincerely grateful for the generosity and support of the diverse funding partners contributing to PIDF’s efforts to stabilize program sites across the islands. Based on the funding currently available to us moving forward.

We are deeply saddened to share that 17 of our Ka Paʻalana and Tūtū and Me (TTM) sites, and 2 critical family-strengthening services cannot continue to operate beyond the current budget cycle: 

• Anahola, Kauaʻi (TTM)
• Hanapēpē, Kauaʻi (TTM)
• Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi (TTM)
• Kekaha, Kauaʻi (TTM)

• Honokaʻa, Hawaiʻi (TTM)
• Kailua Kona, Hawaiʻi (TTM)
• Mountain View, Hawaiʻi (KP)
• South Kona, Hawaiʻi (TTM)
• Waimea, Hawaiʻi (TTM)
• Virtual Tūtū and Me program
• Tūtū and Me Home Visiting and Caregiver Education

• Kahului, Maui (TTM)
• Kihei, Maui (TTM)
• Lahaina, Maui (TTM)
• Makawao, Maui (TTM)

• Ke Aka Hoʻona, Oʻahu (KP)
• Māʻili Valley, Oʻahu (KP)
• Waialua, Oʻahu (TTM)
• Ka Paʻalana Mālama Mobile

Our Piha Me Ka Pono program currently partners with 8 DOE public schools on Hawaiʻi and Molokaʻi, providing connection to community resources and additional school support through our team of Community School Coordinators (CSCs). Federal grants fund 3 of our CSCs, and other funds are year-to-year. The current federal grant funds for our Piha Me Ka Pono Community Schools program will come to an end on August 31, 2026.

Our Kīʻapu Workforce Development program empowers youth, ages 14-24, in West Oʻahu, Windward Oʻahu, and Molokaʻi through a holistic approach to workforce development and educational pathways. The current federal grant funds for our Kīʻapu Workforce Development program will come to an end on August 31, 2026. 

Like many organizations across Hawaiʻi, PIDF is navigating unforeseen and targeted attacks around federal resources that support programs for families and children. In response, we are taking proactive steps to strengthen our organization for the future. This includes diversifying funding sources, strengthening partnerships, and refining how our programs are organized so we can continue serving our communities for generations to come. 

Our PIDF Leadership team and Board of Directors  remain deeply committed to serving families and communities and to advancing our mission: to inspire and equip ʻohana and communities for success and service using Native Hawaiian values and traditions. We also remain vigilant and focused on securing diversified funding to support the long-term strength and sustainability of our work.

Mahalo for your understanding, and for trusting our organization to support your ‘ohana.

For additional information, please visit our FAQ page: pidf.org/pidf-2026-faq/

If you have any questions or would like to connect, please reach out to us at communications@pidfoundation.org. If you or someone you know would like to help, we welcome the support – please visit https://pidf.org/giving/ to learn more. Mahalo for your continued partnership and support. 

Me ke aloha,
Shawn Kanaʻiaupuni, President & CEO
Partners in Development Foundation

Honolulu-based nonprofit Partners in Development Foundation has been intentional about stabilizing its early childhood workforce over time, according to COO Terry Nakamura.

He told Aloha State Daily that despite ongoing challenges, the organization has been “trying to increase the salary for entry-level positions.”

“Incrementally, we raised their pay from $15 to $16 and then to $17,” Nakamura explained. “So, it was a deliberate attempt to make it affordable for folks. And it does make a difference, it helps.”

“I feel seen. Being in this field we never enter for the pay, we enter to make a difference, so living paycheck to paycheck is just a part of my life, but to have the extra help is such a blessing.”
– Testimony from Staff

So has offering stipends to workers.

With early childhood educators in mind, PIDF dispersed a grant, then called Early Childhood Workforce Stabilization and Compensation Assistance Award (ECWSCA), to employees in May of 2025 from Hawaiʻi P-20 Partnership for Education, which includes the Executive Office on Early Learning, the state Department of Education and the University of Hawaiʻi System.

The total amount awarded was $176,250 to 85 early childhood education staff via one-time stipends. The 56 full-time staff received $2,500 and the 29 part-time staff received $1,250.

“These stipends have been a huge benefit. For both the first and second rounds of this, it was a surprise. I was the one that primarily submitted our application, and we did it per program.”

Of PIDF’s 10 free community programs offered statewide, three are dedicated to early childhood education: Ka Pa’alana Homeless Family Education, Nā Pono No Nā ʻOhana and Tūtū and Me.

Most recently, the organization was awarded a total of $153,750, which was used for stipends distributed to 62 early childhood education staff.

To read the full article written Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros, click here.

Our guests joined keiki and ʻohana and observed a Family-Child Interaction Learning (FCIL) program in action. They watched our teaching team integrate early literacy, math, art, and science with Hawaiian values through playful, hands-on experiences that keep parents and caregivers deeply engaged in their keiki’s learning.

“We had a wonderful visit from the delegation yesterday. The hui visited our Panaʻewa site and then returned to our Home Visiting office for further discussion,” shared Amanda Ishigo, Project Director of Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool. “It was an honor to share our work and be inspired by the progressive ways they are supporting families in their own community.

Visits like this deepen understanding of Hawaiʻi’s families and the importance of community-based early learning opportunities. By observing how keiki and caregivers learn together, the Pueblo of Jemez Delegation gained valuable insight into how programs like Tūtū and Me help build a strong foundation for school success, while honoring culture and ʻohana.

Mahalo nui loa to our guests of the Pueblo of Jemez Delegation for spending time with our keiki, ʻohana, and staff on Hawaiʻi Island. We are grateful for partners (and now friends) who share our commitment to inspiring and equipping families through culturally grounded, relationship-based learning.

To learn more about Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool and ways to support our mission, visit pidf.org/tutuandme.

Originally published by American Savings Bank – Check out the full news release here.

American Savings Bank (ASB) announced the results of its 2025 Kahiau Giving Campaign, contributing more than $277,000 to four local nonprofits. This year, 94% of teammates participated in the annual employee-led initiative, a 2% increase from the prior year. Since its inception nearly 15 years ago, the Kahiau program has generated more than $4 million in total donations.

“Kahiau means ‘to give from the heart without expecting anything in return’ and reflects who we are at American Savings Bank,” said Ann Teranishi, president and CEO at American Savings Bank. “For 100 years, we’ve believed in helping Hawaii thrive by investing in our people and communities. This campaign is a reminder that when we come together with generosity and purpose, we can create lasting change. I’m grateful to our teammates for giving from the heart and continuing to bring real impact to Hawaii.”

2025 Kahiau Campaign Highlights

• 94% teammate participation – 2% increase from prior year
• $175,221 pledged by teammates
• $277,000 total donated with a match from the ASB Charitable Foundation
• More than $4 million donated since program launch

This year’s campaign carried special significance as part of ASB’s centennial celebration. ASB collaborated with Aloha Revolution to design a limited-edition 100 Years of Aloha shirt gifted to all teammates who contributed to the campaign. Ed Sugimoto, owner of Aloha Revolution and an ASB customer for more than 40 years, collaborated on the initiative as a tribute to ASB’s legacy of community giving.

When a Tūtū and Me, Nā Pono No Nā ʻOhana, or Ka Paʻalana graduate enrolls at Kamehameha Schools, the ripple of hope reaches their siblings, parents, and grandparents. The broad impact of Kamehameha Schools is an irreplaceable force for good throughout our communities; as the institution fulfills Pauahi’s will, it helps all of Hawaii to thrive. 

On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff, and the thousands of ‘ohana we serve each year, we at PIDF reaffirm our unwavering support for Kamehameha Schools and its enduring commitment to uplift Native Hawaiian children.

On November 10, 2025, PIDF issued a letter of support to Kamehameha Schools reaffirming our shared commitment strengthening Hawaiʻi’s communities.

Kākoʻo Mākou i Nā Kula o Kamehameha. We support Kamehameha Schools. 

Kohala High School has an average student population of 252 students, with the two largest represented ethnic groups being Native Hawaiian (37%) and Filipino (29%). Through Piha Me Ka Pono, Liza works closely with the school to increase family engagement and reduce absenteeism. 

As a proud alumnus of Kohala High School who moved to Hawaiʻi at 16 years old, she understands the challenges of navigating a new school environment and overcoming language barriers. “A lot of the parents come to school, and they feel intimidated to speak to anyone or interact with each other,” she shares. “Engaging with the parents help them feel comfortable to approach staff members and get involved with their children’s journey through high school.” 

Liza’s approach to increased family engagement is hands-on. She works with the school staff to hand out event flyers on and off campus, and shares information about events with Kohala Mountain News. She is also the creator and moderator of a Kohala High School group on the Team Reach app, sharing announcements and resources to the school community. The community and students have grown accustomed to her friendly and welcoming presence around campus and at school events. 

One of her most impactful initiatives was an attendance incentive program. In the 2024-2025 school year, students who were on track each quarter to be below the chronic absenteeism rate at the end of the year had their name submitted into a drawing to win a PlayStation 5, provided by PIDF and thanks to Liza’s efforts. She also met with families of students with continued absences to problem-solve barriers to attendance. Kohala High School’s daily attendance rate went from 87% to 90%. 

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Kohala High School graduating class of 2025 honored Liza and Piha Me Ka Pono in their graduation ceremony. In a statement from Kohala High School they shared, 

“The Partners in Development Foundation (PIDF) has been an invaluable and integral part of Kohala High School and the broader Kohala community. Their efforts have consistently strengthened the relationship between the school and the community, fostering meaningful connections that have made many events and initiatives possible. Their dedication does not go unnoticed and is deeply appreciated by all. 

Through Liza’s efforts, our school has received impactful donations from PID, including iPads for teachers to enhance instructional support and bleachers for our football games. She has also provided vital classroom and art supplies, helping to ensure students have the tools they need to succeed and feel a sense of pride. 

Beyond these contributions, Liza has built strong relationships with families, attending school community council meetings, visiting homes, and coordinating EL family nights, making her a trusted and integral part of our community. She also worked directly with the vice principal to help students in the attendance boot camp reflect on their own attendance barriers and write clear goals for success. Her work has been a driving force in creating an environment where students feel supported, valued, and excited to come to school. 

We are truly grateful for the continued support of Partners in Development and hope they are able to carry on their invaluable work in the years to come.” 

Through trust and genuine care, Liza isn’t just connecting families to Kohala High School, she’s building a stronger community for generations to come. 

In addition to growing produce using agroforestry and Indigenous methods, Kupa ʻAina also offers two programs to youth, Hoʻokahua Workforce Development Program and Hoʻokanaka Cultural Diversion Program. Through these programs, youth are given the opportunity to improve their vocational skills and strengthen their identity and values using ʻāina-based practices. The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund will support Kupa ʻAina as it continues to foster island resiliency, sustainability, and positive development in our youth. 

“During my time at Kupa ‘Aina, I learned to look at things from a different perspective, learned how to wait for the right place, the right time,” shares Colt, who experienced the transformative programs at Kupa ‘Aina. “Being at Kupa ‘Aina helped me change the way I think, the way I do things.” 

The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund is supporting organizations across the nation that are implementing community-led strategies to advance health and wellbeing, secure food justice for children, and strengthen intergenerational connections between culture and healing. The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund distributed $720,000 to communities across the United States. PIDF is honored to be 1 of 24 recipients, and 1 of only 3 in Hawaiʻi. 

This grant will help Kupa ʻAina continue connecting program participants, volunteers, and community members with ʻāina and sustainable natural farming methods. Through ʻāina, food security is one step closer, values are defined, and personal growth is achieved. 

KEALAKEHE, Hawaii (Island News) — October is Walk and Roll to School Month in Hawaii—it’s a month to encourage communities across the islands to lace up their shoes or jump on their wheels and get to school safely while getting in some physical activity. Teachers at two Hawaii Island schools see more than just health benefits.

It’s called the Kealakehe Hawk Walk.

Spearheaded by the Partners in Development Foundation, volunteers, donned in bright yellow shirts and safety vests, get up early to pick up students on the Kealakehe Elementary and Intermediate Walking School Bus.

“We go through the neighborhoods and collect the students to promote on-time and consistent school attendance, its importance, and safe walking,” says Malaea Spencer, Kealakehe Elementary Student Activities Coordinator.

It’s not all about safety. It’s about having fun too. Music, cheers, and even Pikachu await the children upon arrival.

“I think it just gives the children a great start to the day, which helps them throughout the day; it keeps them happy. If they are happy, they say, ‘Oh my gosh!’ They get a snack, they get a token, and they go off to their classes. It just gives them a great start,” says volunteer Susie Villasenor-Yamane.

To read the full article written by Sunshine Kuhia Smith, click here.

Her concerns reflect a broader challenge across Hawaiʻi: while 86% of the class of 2024 graduated on time, many students lack consistent career guidance. This gap is critical, as 70% of Hawaiʻi’s job openings by 2031 are projected to require education or training beyond high school.

Our Solution

Through one-on-one mentorship with Niki, a Kīʻapu Workforce Development Specialist, Rayjia built essential skills—crafting her resume and practicing mock interviews. This professional support prepared her for the 2025 Career Expo at the Neal Blaisdell Center.

Kīʻapu provides wraparound support for youth (ages 14-24) in the Leeward/Windward Oʻahu and Molokaʻi communities by establishing a network of collaborative partners to provide career and technical education, workforce development, and positive mentorship.

Witnessing Transformation

At the bustling Career Expo, surrounded by dozens of employers, Rayjia discovered her voice.

“This is not something that I would typically go to, but Niki gave me the opportunity to come here and I’m glad she did. Now I found a really good school that I’m thinking of going to.”

The shy teenager who once avoided conversations was now confidently networking and exploring career paths. Her mother, witnessing this transformation, beamed with pride: “In the beginning she was shy and didn’t want to talk to anyone. But seeing her go out there on her own and talk to people is super big. I am confident that she will strive in anything she wants to do.”

Measurable Impact

Since the beginning of the program, Kīʻapu has served over 340 teens and young adults. Through program initiatives and support from the Kīʻapu staff, 243 youth have submitted job applications. What makes this program unique is the individualized support that each youth has the opportunity to receive by completing Interest/Needs/Career Path assessments and co-developing personalized plans and goals. In total, 572 Interest/Needs/Career Path assessments and 352 personalized plans/goals have been collected. By empowering youth with skills and support while strengthening their sense of belonging, we are cultivating the future economic prosperity for Hawaiʻi’s communities.

Kīʻapu provides a safe space for students to explore career pathways, reconnect with culture, and engage in community service learning. With mentors like Niki, questions transform into possibilities—and possibilities become plans.

If you are a youth (ages 14-24) looking for workforce readiness skills or a community member looking to connect with motivated young individuals who are ready for employment opportunities, contact Kīʻapu today!

The “Pewa,” a traditional Hawaiian wood joinery symbolizing strength through unity, is the guiding symbol of the annual event. This year, PIDF honored two extraordinary women dedicated to youth mentorship, recognizing Carla Houser of RYSE and Kumu Michelle Pieper of Hānai Kaiāulu as living pewa, mending the fractures of adversity and reawakening the dreams of Hawaiʻi’s youth. From serving houseless teens and young adults to reconnecting West Oʻahu youth intentionally with ʻāina and sustainability, these women and their initiatives exemplify what it means to create thriving connected communities. 

The evening also showcased the heart of PIDF’s mission. A powerful panel discussion, led by PIDF’s President and CEO, Shawn Kanaʻiaupuni, featured voices from across PIDF’s programs: Adelina Crowell (Nā Pono No Nā ʻOhana Project Coordinator and former participant), Gail Omoto (Founding Member of Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool and current participant), and Armond Jason Kahawai (KAʻA Project Director and long-time Ka Paʻalana staff). Their heartfelt testimonies offered guests a firsthand look at the lasting impact of PIDF’s work to inspire and equip Hawaiʻi’s families for success through timeless Native Hawaiian values.  

As the awards were presented and stories shared, guests responded with overwhelming generosity. From spirited auction bidding to countless acts of kōkua throughout the night. Together, our partners, donors, and community members helped ensure that PIDF can continue to provide critical programs for Hawaiʻi’s keiki, ‘ōpio, and ʻohana. 

Mahalo to our sponsors, donors, and volunteers who made this year’s Ulu Hana: Pewa Awards such a remarkable success. With your support. The legacy of care and aloha continues to grow. 

For more information about PIDF’s Ulu Hana: Pewa Awards, please visit https://pidf.org/ulu-hana/  

Nominations for our 2026 Ulu Hana: Pewa Awards are now open! To nominate a community hero you admire, submit a form here.