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.

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. 

Her carefully crafted module exploring kalo (taro) offers educators a profound window into Hawaiian culture, guided by the Hawaiian principle “He aliʻi ka ʻāina, he kauwā ke kanaka” – Land is chief and man is its servant. This foundational concept shapes how Pua teaches about kalo, which represents far more than just sustenance—it embodies the deep connection between land, people, and tradition. 

As both an educator and the author of the children’s book “My Kalo Has Lau, Big and Green,” Pua weaves together the parts of a kalo with the symbolism within our ʻike Hawaiʻi (cultural wisdom). Her lesson plan reveals how the very structure of the Hawaiian word ʻohana (family) comes from ʻohā, the kalo’s offspring buds bundled with the mature hā (stalks), illustrating how deeply this plant is intertwined with Hawaiian cultural concepts of family and community. 

The module provides educators with rich, hands-on activities that help students explore these connections while learning about sustainable agricultural practices that have sustained Hawaiian communities for generations. Through Pua’s guidance, students discover how traditional Hawaiian farming systems maximized efficiency and minimized waste, offering valuable lessons for contemporary environmental stewardship. 

Pua’s kalo module is part of a broader educational resource titled “Celebrating Cultural Inclusion in the School Garden” available through Kids Gardening. This module is great for K-5 educators who are looking to effectively center cultural learning in their school garden program. Educators and parents can access this comprehensive teaching resource, along with other valuable garden-based learning materials, by visiting KidsGardening.org. As a nonprofit educational organization, KidsGardening.org relies on sponsors and donors to provide these free garden-based resources to parents and educators, ensuring that cultural knowledge and garden education remain accessible to all who wish to learn and teach. 

Throughout the day, board members and leaders were guided by the dedicated program teams who serve these communities every day. Mahalo to the project directors and staff who led the visits and offered firsthand insight into each program’s impact!

From participating in Parent And Children Together (PACT) time, to sitting in on Parent Education classes, to walking through a puʻuhonua created for youth at Ke Kama Pono, the day was filled with powerful moments of pilina (relationship-building) and ʻike (understanding). Each site visit offered a closer look at how PIDF’s programs support families through culturally grounded approaches, and how staff and participants continue to shape these spaces with care, resilience, and aloha.

At the close of the visit, the Board and Leadership Team left with a renewed understanding of why this work matters—and the collective commitment that makes it possible. As the ʻŌlelo Noʻeau reminds us, “ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia”—no task is too big when done together. That spirit was felt throughout the day in the way PIDF comes together to uplift one another and strengthen Hawaiʻi’s communities.

We extend a sincere mahalo to the staff and participants who welcomed the Board and Leadership Team with such warmth and aloha. Your stories are the heartbeat of this organization, and a meaningful reminder of the purpose that guides this work.

Sarah Kama, a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, has built a distinguished career spanning over a decade in high-profile roles across music, financial services, consumer products, and asset management industries. Most recently, she served as Senior Director of Finance at Sony Music Entertainment, where she excelled in financial forecasting, strategic analysis, and leading transformative forecasting processes. Her previous roles at American Express Global Business Travel and PepsiCo further highlight her expertise in financial management and strategic planning. 

After completing college at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Science with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Economics. Her educational achievements, including honors such as the Charles Diebold III 1958 Memorial Scholarship, underscore her strong analytical and leadership capabilities. 

Sarah’s connection to Hawai’i is a central aspect of her professional and personal life. Having grown up in Honolulu, she is deeply committed to contributing to the community she calls home. In her new position at PIDF, Sarah will apply her extensive financial expertise to oversee the foundation’s financial strategy, manage budgeting and forecasting, and support PIDF’s mission to empower and uplift communities throughout Hawai’i. 

“Sarah’s return home to Hawai’i and her remarkable financial acumen make her a perfect fit for our team,” says Dr. Shawn Kanaʻiaupuni, President and CEO of PIDF. “We are thrilled to welcome her back home and are confident that her leadership will significantly advance our mission of fostering sustainable development and community empowerment.” Sarah’s diverse experiences, unique perspectives, and extensive networks locally and nationally will undoubtedly enhance PIDF’s efforts to create lasting positive change in Hawai’i. 

Please join us in welcoming Sarah Kama back to Hawai’i and to Partners in Development Foundation. 

Partners in Development Foundation has named Summer Uwono as chief financial officer, according to an announcement from the organization.

Uwono succeeds Stephanie Nishimura, who has held the role for 17 years. “Nishimura has helped lead the path toward excellence, growth and transformation of PIDF into a multi-generational service provider, impacting over 50 communities across the Islands through vital programs and services,” the announcement noted.

“Serving as CFO for PIDF for these many years has been an incredible journey,” she said in a statement. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the partnerships and relationships that have shaped this organization. As I transition out of my role, I have full confidence in Summer’s ability to carry PIDF’s mission forward with a strong commitment to our funders and families.”

Uwono brings 20 years of nonprofit finance experience to PIDF, previously working for Mental Health Kokua and Parents and Children Together. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

“We are thrilled to announce that Summer Uwono will be joining us as our new chief financial officer and are so grateful for all that Stephanie Nishimura has done for PIDF,” said the organization’s president and CEO Shawn Kanaʻiaupuni. “With over 20 years of distinguished experience in financial management, Summer is set to bring a wealth of expertise and leadership to our organization, in addition to her dedication to our mission and values and oluolu, “or pleasant/gracious” style. She will be a tremendous asset as we continue to advance our work in service to the community.”

Kana‘iaupuni took the helm in 2020, succeeding Jan Dill, who founded the nonprofit in 1997. According to its most recent annual report, PIDF generated $18.5 million in revenue in 2021.

PIDF aims “to inspire and equip families and communities for success and service,” its mission states. The organization has served more than 148,000 people in over 50 communities across the Hawaiian Islands.

To learn more about PIDF’s programs and services, visit pidf.org.

To view the original article by Pacific Business News, please click here.

Hawai‘i Leadership Forum Welcomes Sixteen Leaders to Omidyar Fellows Program

HONOLULU – Hawai‘i Leadership Forum (HLF) welcomed 16 local leaders into the ninth cohort of its Omidyar Fellows program. The program seeks to cultivate the conditions in which Hawai‘i thrives by equipping leaders with the skills and cross-sector relationships necessary to affect societal change.

Following a rigorous application process, these individuals were selected from the for-profit, nonprofit, and government sectors based on their accomplishments, innovative skills, ability to collaborate with other leaders, and motivation to make a positive difference.

“We are excited to bring back this unique opportunity for emerging leaders to engage in impactful discussions, learn from one another, and help make Hawai‘i even better,” said AJ Halagao, president of Hawai‘i Leadership Forum. “We strive to develop, engage, and inspire leaders to drive impact and catalyze positive change.”

This year’s cohort includes:

• Ed Barnabas, Vice President and CTO, Booz Allen Hamilton
• Katie Bennett, Founder and Lead Mediator, Family Mediation Hawai‘i
• Kainoa Casco, Climate + Resiliency Executive, Johnson Controls, Inc.
• Amanda Corby Noguchi, President and Creative Director, Under My Umbrella, Inc.
• Yunji de Nies, Journalist, Hawai‘i News Now & PBS Hawai‘i
• Chris Dods, Vice Chairman and COO, First Hawaiian Bank
• Stacy Ferreira, CEO, Office of Hawaiian Affairs
• Emily Fukunaga, Vice President, Servco Parts Center, Servco Pacific
• Vicky Hanes, COO, Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center
• Shawn Kanaʻiaupuni, President and CEO, Partners in Development Foundation
• David Kopper, Executive Director, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi
• Richard Matsui, Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of Energy – Loan Programs Office
• Kaulana Mossman, Community Planning Liaison Officer, Department of Defense Pacific Missile Range Facility
• Sabrina Nasir, Deputy Director, Hawai‘i Department of Budget and Finance
• Landon Opunui, Executive Director and Medical Director, Nā Puʻuwai
• Laura Reichhardt, Director, Hawai‘i State Center for Nursing

For the full Press Release and biographies, please visit the original post.

Hoʻomaikaʻi e Shawn! We applaud your continuous efforts to uplift our lāhui to achieve a brighter and better future.

Week 1, April 29-May 5: Partners in Development Foundation 

Partners in Development Foundation draws on ʻike kupuna (ancestral wisdom) and knowledge, to meet the current challenges facing Hawaiʻi. They serve the needs of young keiki, their caregivers, and economically vulnerable youth and families in the Hawaiian community to overcome systematic disparities and historical trauma. Their programs are guided by time-tested values and practices that honor people and place in caring for our islands and communities. 

Week 2, May 6-12: Hawaii Chamber Music Festival  

Hawaii Chamber Music Festival is dedicated to lifting the hearts and talents of Hawaii’s incredible youth musicians through positive mentorship and musicianship. World class classical artists collaborate with Hawaii’s most talented youth to provide a world-class learning and listening experience for all. 

Week 3, May 13-19: Hale Makua Health Services 

Hale Makua is devoted to helping Maui’s elders live their best lives. Hale Makua believes in helping Maui’s frail elderly and disabled individuals live vibrant, fulfilling lives in their care homes and within the community. This is another way that Zippy’s is assisting Maui’s on-going rebuilding efforts. 

Week 4, May 20-26: Aloha Diaper Bank 

Diaper need is a growing concern in the U.S. as one in two families struggle to afford enough diapers, leaving infants vulnerable to health risks. Moreover, three in five parents miss work or school due to diaper expenses, affecting their access to childcare services. No government assistance program pays for diapers. Aloha Diaper Bank’s mission is to address this issue, ensuring every child has access to clean diapers, promoting their well-being, and supporting parents in providing a healthy environment for their little ones.   

Week 5, May 27-June 2: HUGS (Help, Understanding, and Group Support) 

HUGS is a nonprofit organization providing emotional and financial support to Hawaii families with children who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening diagnosis. 

The Kokua Pac consists of Zippy’s famous, Korean fried chicken, Portuguese sausage, half a red-hot dog, and one slice of SPAM, all over a bed of white rice, and costs $10.50 for takeout in Honolulu and Las Vegas.  

About Zippy’s Restaurants: 

Brothers Francis and Charles Higa founded Zippy’s Restaurants more than 58 years ago on South King Street in urban Honolulu. With twenty-three locations across Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island – and now in Las Vegas – Zippy’s is a beloved island institution. Zippy’s is a unique three-in-one concept: locations are a combination of fast-casual take-out service; a casual full-service dine-in restaurant; and a convenient retail bakery. Many Zippy’s locations are open until late at night, serving the comfort foods of Hawaii in a family-friendly atmosphere. More information is available at www.zippys.com. 

# # # 

Confidentiality Notice

This message is for the designated recipient only and may contain privileged, proprietary, or otherwise private information. If you have received it in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the original. Any other use of this message by you is prohibited.

MEDIA CONTACT 

Jessica Yamamoto 

jyamamoto@zippys.com 

808-973-0880 ext. 75658 

On February 26, 2024, the Nā Pono No Nā ‘Ohana Program visited WLC to learn about canoe and medicinal plants. Aunty Ilima Ho-Lastimosa, Community Coordinator and native to Waimānalo, shared the uses of ‘olena, niu, ulu, kukui, mamaki, and many other canoe and la’au plants with the families. The keiki used their senses to kilo (observe) the environment.  They gathered ‘olena (turmeric) and kukui, got to feel the prickly outer skin of a soursop, and held millipedes as they dug in the lepo (dirt). Program participant Makoa McCallister’s makuahine (mother) shared, “I liked finding the different color ‘olena with my son.” The families supported outdoor learning by encouraging keiki to be free, explore, and investigate. It was a great day to be outdoors!

Written by: Cheri Richards