There are 743 keiki (ages birth to 5) in Waimānalo, 76% of whom are Native Hawaiian. 75% of these families in this community are economically disadvantaged, with annual incomes of $66,378 or less to support a family of four. By increasing school readiness and supporting the families within the community, the Waimānalo ʻUpena project aims to strengthen a streamlined continuum of care and support for keiki and their families, improving early childhood development, kindergarten readiness, and academic achievement.  

The Waimānalo ʻUpena includes more than 30 partners ranging from health care providers and family support organizations to public and public charter school leaders, early childhood educators, families, and community members. The ʻUpena builds a collective response to community identified priorities. Over the last two years, these partners have been meeting regularly to ensure that all young keiki (ages 0-8 years old) have access to the support and services they need to develop a healthy, safe, and thriving life by the time they reach kindergarten.  

Formerly led by Early Childhood Action Strategy and Pewa Project, the Waimānalo Early Education ʻUpena now transitions leadership to an organization rooted in the community, Partners in Development Foundation’s program- Na Pono No Nā ʻOhana, a program serving Waimānalo for over 20 years.  

The Nā Pono No Nā ʻOhana program provides Early Childhood Education/Family Education services through a unique blend of the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) Family Education model with Nā Honua Maoli Ola (Hawaiian cultural guidelines). This innovative curriculum approach aims to increase family self-sufficiency by providing culture-based comprehensive educational support, including home visiting services and connections to community resources. 

“We are grateful for the opportunity to keep this project going,” shared Nā Pono No Nā ʻOhana Project Director, Brittney Pescaia. “The keiki of Waimānalo deserve a close-knit, culturally driven community that uplifts and supports them from a young age. Through this collaboration, we’ve built pilina (relationships) with dozens of professionals who lead with aloha inside and out! Waimānalo has the most heart-driven, ʻakamai (intelligent), hard-working group of leaders that I’ve ever met. I am deeply humbled to serve Waimānalo alongside of them.” 

The ʻUpena program responds to the needs of the Waimānalo community through aligned strategies to promote culturally centered early learning opportunities and foster stronger connections between families, schools, and service providers. Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, in addition to its grant award, has provided valuable insight and an action-focused partnership to champion the success of the Waimānalo Early Education ‘Upena for years to come.   

To learn more about the program, visit pidf.org/napono and waimanalo.healthysafethriving.org/. 

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

In a dedicated effort to deepen their connection to ʻāina and foster a profound understanding of their local environment, students at Mālama Honua recently have been working on their Uka and Wai Projects. This endeavor delves into the intricate web of Hawaiian flora and fauna found in the uka (upland) regions, as well as examines our critical resource of wai (water), emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts.

The projects tasked students with researching an aspect of wai or illustrating and researching a chosen animal or plant that is native to the upland areas of Hawaiʻi. These comprehensive presentations cover various aspects, including conservation of resources, fun facts, habitat, etc. The initiative not only showcases the students’ creativity but also highlights their dedication to learning about and preserving the biodiversity and ecosystems that make Hawaiʻi unique.

Kahea (Mālama Honua 4th grader) highlighted that only 3% of the world’s water is suitable for drinking, calling attention to the critical role water plays in sustaining life. Willa shared traditional wisdom, stating, “Our kupuna would save water in their ʻipu for access to fresh water during droughts.” Reese added, “Drought is likely in lower climates with less rain,” emphasizing the vulnerability of certain regions to water scarcity. 

Aryana, a participating second grade student, shared insights into the Uka project’s significance, “Our Uka Project is about different plants and animals that live in uka. It is important because many of our plants and animals in Hawaiʻi are endangered.” This sentiment echoes the broader awareness among the students about the fragile state of the local ecosystem. Kauʻi, emphasized the urgency of the conservation message, “It is our kuleana to mālama the birds that are endangered. We have invasive animals and plants that are ruining our ecosystem.” This acknowledgment underscores the students’ commitment to preserving the delicate balance of Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems.

These projects not only serve as a platform for students to showcase their research skills but also facilitates a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between the environment and the community. The Mālama Honua students are not merely learning about plants and animals; they are cultivating pilina with ʻāina, acknowledging their responsibility as stewards of the land. This project encourages students to see the interconnectedness of land, sea, and sky. Through their dedication to understanding the ʻāina and its inhabitants, they are actively engaging in the preservation and mālama of Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems. It is evident that Mālama Honua students are not just acquiring knowledge; these students are taking meaningful steps towards a more sustainable and harmonious future for our islands.

Written by Cassidy Cox

Following the success of its first campaign that ended in April, the Hawaiʻi Energy Waimānalo Appliance Trade-Up program will begin its second campaign for additional residents to trade up their appliances. Hawaiʻi Energy will offer up to 75 refrigerator or freezer exchanges. A grant from The First Hawaiian Bank Foundation for $25,000 will enable PIDF and Hawaiʻi Energy to exchange an additional 50 washers or dryers. The collaborative program and funding will allow residents to trade up their old, energy consuming appliances for only $250, for a total savings of $750 per appliance. 

Hawai‘i has the nation’s highest electricity rates with costs generally around three times more than the national average. An old refrigerator uses about twice as much energy as a new ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator. Energy conservation and efficiency is the easiest and most affordable way for residents to save money on their electric bill.

“The energy usage consumption, especially when you’re retired, and on a fixed income, any way you can save money and learn how to reduce your carbon footprint on our planet is a plus,” said Edward Kaiama, Waimānalo resident and long-time participant of Nā Pono No Nā ʻOhana. 

The Waimānalo residents who participated in the Hawaiʻi Energy program are also eligible to join the Energy UNPLUGGED community educational workshop as well as the Energy Smart 4 Homes program, which are free services that will pair residents with trained professionals and educational resources to best equip their homes. Participants in the program will receive products such as energy-efficient LED light bulbs, advanced power strips and more, valued at over $150 and can reduce electricity costs for each household by up to $160 per year. 

“A key focus area for Hawai‘i Energy is to make energy-saving programs and tech more accessible and more affordable to residents and businesses across the state,” said Caroline Carl, Executive Director of Hawaiʻi Energy. “Families like those that PIDF serves are often on fixed incomes or have larger households, which means they stand to benefit even more financially than the average resident from having a lower electric bill, and they can direct more of their household income toward other needs.”

Nā Pono No Nā ʻOhana is a free, comprehensive family education program in Waimānalo where ʻohana come to learn together. Through its Parent and Child Together (PACT), child education, parent education, and adult education services, Nā Pono serves over 250 ʻohana members a year, most of whom live in Waimānalo.

Get ready for a special presentation, “Thrive by Five Presented by Commit to Keiki,” airing tomorrow on KHON2 and KHII. In this insightful episode, we’ll delve into the efforts of individuals across the state who are making significant strides in promoting mental health awareness and supporting the well-being of our children aged 0 to 5.

Living808 offers you a sneak peek at the episode, featuring a preview from Terry George and Kerrie Urosevich of Commit to Keiki. Terry explains that Commit to Keiki is a non-partisan partnership with government leaders, aiming to prioritize Hawaii’s youngest keiki in the state budget. The organization’s goals are three-fold: improving access to high-quality, affordable, and accessible childcare and early learning, reducing family violence, and strengthening the system of care for children with mental health issues.

Kerrie Urosevich adds that Commit to Keiki is a collaborative effort involving philanthropy, business owners, direct service providers, and county partners. The organization was established because Hawaii ranks 7th from the bottom in state investments in children, and they want to change that. By prioritizing young children and partnering with elected officials, Commit to Keiki aims to demonstrate the importance of investing in early childhood development.

Terry highlights the long-term benefits of supporting early childhood development, stating that it is the best single public investment for both the children and the state. Children who receive a good start in life perform better in school, are more prepared for the workforce, and demand less from state support systems.

Kerrie envisions a future where every child in Hawaii enters kindergarten ready to learn and every baby has a bright start to life. Prioritizing prevention and supporting families would significantly impact communities, workplaces, and the state at large.

Don’t miss this impactful special tomorrow, April 20th, airing at 7:30 pm on KHII and 9:30 pm on KHON2. To learn more about the invaluable work of Commit to Keiki and how you can contribute to their mission, visit their website at committokeiki.org. Join us on Living808 as we explore the essential efforts of Commit to Keiki in ensuring a brighter future for our children.

100% of the donations will benefit Partners in Development Foundation’s families and communities through free programs like Nā Pono, Ka Paʻalana, and Project Pilina.

It’s the Keola Klaus’ Virtual Toy Drive together with Raising Cane’s who wish you “One Love” this holiday season!

* Limit one Free Box Combo Card per person.

Mahalo to our supporters

Because of you, Keola along with Ali from Raising Cane’s were able to present a check for $17,250 to Partners in Development Foundation, a local non-profit organization that empowers families to navigate social challenges and to grow self-resiliency, vibrancy, and healthy, secure communities. Donations can still be collected here through the Christmas weekend.

Keola and 1027 Da Bomb are grateful to Raising Cane’s for matching $7,500 of your donations and for providing box combos to those who donated.  Together, we are proud to support Partners in Development Foundation who believe that nurturing family success will ignite their ability to serve others. Below are just a few of the programs that your donations will support and the list of all the generous donors.

Nā Pono No Nā ‘Ohana is a comprehensive family education program serving the Waimānalo community. By integrating progressive teaching methods with Native Hawaiian cultural values, Nā Pono No Nā ‘Ohana seeks to improve social, economic, and educational opportunities for families in the program. Click here to learn more about Nā Pono

Ka Paʻalana Family Education Program aims to increase the success and self-sufficiency of homeless and ALICE ® (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families. In addition to its nationally accredited preschool site at Hope Shelter, Ka Pa’alana has numerous mobile and virtual preschool sites and outreach services on the Leeward Oʻahu coast and Hawaiʻi Island. Click here to learn more about Ka Paʻalana

Project Pilina recruits and guides resource caregiver (foster parent) applicants through the first steps of the general licensing process to foster in Hawaiʻi. There are approximately 1,500 children and youth in Hawaiʻi’s foster care system and nearly 50% are Native Hawaiian. Click here to learn more about becoming a resource caregiver

Partners in Development Foundation (PIDF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that inspires and equips families and communities for success and service, using timeless Native Hawaiian values and traditions. The goal is to help these communities overcome difficult challenges in ways that would make them, in turn, teachers and helpers of others in need. Since 1997, PIDF has served over 128,000 people in over 50 communities across the Hawaiian Islands. To learn more about all of PIDF’s programs serving Hawaiian families, visit pidf.org.

Mahalo to our donors:

Dianna Tamale-Bowman
Lani Bowman
Brent Wong
Jessica LaGassey-Simpson
Mara Mulrooney
Kelsey Conant
Mary Ellayn Ortal
Shyla Layugan
Jessica Tanaka
Danielle G
Lucienne (Annie) Zablan
Henry Alvarado
Andrew Lui-Kwan
Michele Burke
Elizabeth Kanady
Sandra Abdelahad
Keene Inafuku
Kristy Okuhara
Jennifer Okimoto
Di Aiu
Mahalo Tours – Charles and Rhonda
Brian Higuchi
Koji Collier
Jennifer Sasaki
Scott I
Lynn Nguyen
Lauren Imada
Koy Collier
Joshua Green
Laurene Young
Rosaly Mamuad
Joshua Mednick
Ruth Ryan on behalf of Kaitlynn McGuire age 9
Chris Rainone
Matthew Thoene
Christopher-Cj Martin
Joey Allagonez
Cindy Tom
Megan Small
Lisa Rodrigues
Jeri Arucan
Michael Santos
Ethel Sumibcay
Shelly Kaneko
Grant Sugawara
Julie Saldania
Catherine Ronco
Elizabeth Pasig
Meagan Oki
Brycen Ikeda
Benjamin Mamuad
Kaito Muranaka
Jaymee Nugal
Audria Stroup
JONATHAN CLEMENTS
Kelikiano Chaves
TONY G
Matthew Hallbauer
Driana Lagrimas
Lisa Kaneshiro
Marcia Yamada
Kaloke Canady
C J
Dana Brown
Wen Chiang
Jennifer Cook-Fujioka
Kelsey Thornberry
Ron Darton
Kathy Wamser
Jessica Johns
Spencer Hagerman
Michael Ramos aka “Uncle Olaf”!
Matthew Chang
Sandra Eligado
Phat Joe
Lisa Imai
Kaela Finstad
Ali Urbick
Carol Batangan-Rivera
Casey Shoda
Danielle G
William Makaneole
Celia Sasaki
Luat Tran
David Ing
Jacquelyn Sato
Jennifer Bower
Danielle Elefsrud
Caitlin Smith
Jordan Mckenzie
Amanda Jordan
CHERILYN EVANGELISTA
Rachel Gastelum
Dogtown Bakery
James Stobie
Pam K.
Rainbow Bridge gift shop
Jen & Cassidy Chang
D. Chang
Justine Stamen Arrillaga
Kyle Ortiz
Christalynn Ortiz
Leilani Bonifacio
Tracy Shoales
Carolyn Pacheco
Wendy King
Christine Loo
Dena Hamada
Jose Katipunan
Lili Ann Sora
Lance Rae
Amy Hill

Original story published on Honolulu Civil Beat on October 8, 2021 by Suevon Lee, here.

A nonprofit serving Native Hawaiian children and their families through educational and social service initiatives will launch a new savings program in partnership with a bank to help families build financial security using a $2.5 million grant under the federal American Rescue Plan.

Hawaii’s Partners in Development Foundation was among the nearly two dozen beneficiaries of a combined $28.1 million in federal grants under the Native Hawaiian Education Program announced by U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz’s office last month.

PIDF said in a news release Thursday it will use its grant to create and manage up to 800 savings accounts for children enrolled in programs it oversees — such as Tutu and Me preschool, Ka Paʻalana Homeless Family Education and Na Pono No Na Ohana Family Education in Waimanalo, in partnership with American Savings Bank. Families involved in early education programs run by the nonprofit INPEACE will also be eligible to enroll.

Together, these programs serve close to 6,500 individuals.

Families will receive an initial deposit for their accounts and have the opportunity to receive matching funds as they work their way through a series of workshops. These will include sessions focusing on skills such as managing money, building savings, protecting income and assets, paying for child care or preschool or saving for a child’s college education.

The matching funds will be based on a families’ level of participation.

Shawn Kana‘iaupuni, president and CEO of Partners in Development Foundation, said in an interview that the idea behind the initiative, known as Keiki Assets Account or Ka‘a, was to build something that had “more enduring impact” for low-income Native Hawaiian families as they weathered the impacts of the pandemic.

The nonprofit participated in food and supplies distribution to communities in need during the height of the Covid crisis, and also ran an isolation quarantine shelter for the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community, but wanted to leverage these federal dollars to last well into future generations.

That includes offering a toolkit to help families work toward building wealth so they can better prepare for their children’s educations. One of the existing barriers for many families, Kana‘iaupuni said, is a lack of access to information on the basics of financial literacy. The nonprofit hopes to connect participants to the resources they need, including life coaches or mentors, that incorporate culturally responsive concepts.

“What are the root causes of the multi-generational poverty and longstanding educational divides?” Kana‘iaupuni said. “Some families have borne a greater brunt of the pandemic than others, as far as economic hardship, death rates, jobs and mobility and educational disparities and the ability to stay engaged online with their kids.”

The group is planning to offer seed deposit amounts of $200 to $400 for up to 850 children and their caregivers, with the goal of families accumulating $4,000 or more in total savings with full participation over three years.

“It’s not something we’ve ever done before, to infuse the income directly into the hands of people,” Kana‘iaupuni said. “The thinking was, how to be a support system for families in getting this money to them in ways that are aligned with better educational outcomes?”

The funding will support over 500 Native Hawaiian community members in Waimānalo through PIDF’s family education programming and services.

Partners in Development Foundation was awarded $150,000 from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) COVID-19 Impact and Response Grant to support and improve the lives of Native Hawaiians.

The OHA grant award will go toward PIDF’s Nā Pono No Nā ʻOhana family education program (Nā Pono), of which up to 85% participants and clientele are Native Hawaiian. Nā Pono will expand its services to mitigate the learning loss among children ages birth through sixth grade as well as struggles faced by families due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as lack of food and hygiene supplies. The funding will also equip families with support needed to prepare children to enter school and achieve success.

“We are grateful to the OHA Trustees, leaders, and staff for honoring us with the privilege to continue programs and services for Waimānalo keiki and families. It’s an especially critical time for PIDF to remain steadfast in this community, which has been heavily impacted by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Shawn Kanaʻiaupuni, President and CEO of PIDF.

Nā Pono has served the community of Waimānalo for a total of 20 years, offering a comprehensive early childhood family interaction education program, tutoring, and culture-based education, and more recently providing food distributions, home visits, and houseless/homeless outreach. The Nā Pono No Nā ʻOhana program is one of Hawaiʻiʻs pioneering Family-Child Interaction Learning (FCIL) programs, a model that has since been adopted by other preschool agencies in the State.

“This has been a tough year. COVID-19 caused unprecedented challenges to our families who have lived in Waimānalo for generations. Our staff is committed to serving the keiki and families. With this OHA funding, we will connect with and educate families with young children, combat food insecurity, support household needs, and reduce stressors brought about by the pandemic,” said Skydee Kalani-Canon, Nā Pono No Nā ʻOhana Project Director.

This project is part of OHA’s COVID-19 Impact and Response Grant, Project 3411, which is to serve at-risk Native Hawaiians and help the community address the multiple impacts of the global pandemic. To learn more about Partners in Development Foundation and its Nā Pono No Nā ʻOhana Program, visit pidf.org/napono.

Keiki and their ʻohana had the opportunity to learn from PIDF’s Hui Nohona Hawaiian Cultural Specialists team, assisted by Hawaiian Cultural Practitioners. The ʻohana ventured all over Waimānalo!

The Nā Pono Keiki Program started at Hoʻomaluhia Gardens to learn about the importance of healing for both physical, spiritual, and mental health. They learned from ʻAnakala Homer and ʻAnakē Kapiʻolani different stretching and lomilomi (massage) styles to practice at home.

Overlooked by the Koʻolau mountain range, keiki gathered at PIDF’s Kupa ʻAina Natural Farm to plant food crops like ʻuala (sweet potato) and distribute pinto beans in open fields to plant and regenerate soil. The Nā Pono keiki learned about the importance of food sustainability, and even got to take home baby kalo plants to care for at home.

At Waimānalo Beach park, keiki and their ʻohana put on the gloves and got to cleaning up. Learning how to mālama their community helps them connect and appreciate the reason why it’s important to care for our natural resources.

At Kaupō Beach Park, ʻohana learned how to use natural resources for every day uses. ʻAnakē Malia taught them an oli and mele to help them learn, connect, and pay respects to Waimānalo. Keiki used smooth koʻa (coral) as pumice stones to relieve the heels of their caregiver’s feet. They also learned how to use sand to smooth surfaces of instruments like ipu and ʻohe (bamboo). They learned to mālama our moana, and picked up any trash they saw around.

One of their last outdoor huakaʻi was to Kaiona Beach Park. Here they listened to moʻolelo about Kaiona from ʻAnakala Aaron Mahi and sang together. They then learned from ʻAnakē Lorna, a hala weaving expert. All the keiki and caregivers were given freshly harvested hala leaves to clean, cut, and press into rolls to prepare for weaving.

Mahalo piha to all of our participants, guest practitioners, and staff who made this summer learning experience so meaningful and interactive. We send a heart-felt aloha and hope to catch you in Waimānalo using your fresh or fine-tuned skills. Aloha!

The keiki of the Partners in Development Foundation’s programs in underserved communities will receive supplies as they prepare for an in-person school year. If you missed Saturday’s event but want to donate, PID will keep this link open until Aug. 3: https://partners-in-development-foundation-d57d4d.networkforgood.com/projects/136121-back-to-school-drive.

A back to school drive at the WalMart in the Town Center of Mililani brought in hundreds of supplies – and dollars – for needy keiki. The nonprofit group Partners in Development Foundation (PIDF) will give out the nearly 90 backpacks stuffed with school tools to preschool- and elementary-aged kids on Oahu and the Big Island. The fundraiser also netted $700 in cash.

By the 2 p.m. close, “We did manage to fill up the Chevy Traverse with donated school supplies, right up to the ceiling and overflowing,” says 94.7 KUMU-FM newscaster/ host Esme Infante, who emceed the event.

The two PIDF programs that will receive these supplies serve (ALICE) Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed Communities. The Ka Pa’alana family education program serves the Leeward coast of O’ahu and Hawaii Island, and Na Pono No Na Ohana youth education program serves families in Waimanalo.

Cutter Chevrolet sponsored the event, which was organized by the radio station 94.7 KUMU, of Pacific Media Group. Event volunteer and Cutter Ford salesperson Lance Threefingers says, “We’re all a community in Hawaii. Everyone at Cutter, too. We have to come together and support everyone as much as we can.”

94.7 KUMU-FM provided the music. In addition to emceeing, Infante conducted prize giveaways from sponsors. If you missed Saturday’s event but want to donate, PID will keep this link open until Aug. 3: https://partners-in-development-foundation-d57d4d.networkforgood.com/projects/136121-back-to-school-drive.

Sign up today and receive up to $50 in essential items! Register here.

For more information or questions, please e-mail napono@pidfoundation.org

Please see the flier below.