100th anniversary grants spark aloha
by Shayna Decker | Oct. 4, 2021
Some days, feel-good stories of aloha can help brighten the day and offer much needed inspiration. Here are how several nonprofit organizations on Maui County are enhancing the lives of many in our communities and building a stronger Hawaii together.
Back in April, in commemoration of 100 years of serving our customers and communities on Maui, Molokai and Lanai, our Hawaiian Electric employees nominated local nonprofits to receive $1,000 donations for their impactful efforts around community resilience, environmental sustainability and educational excellence.
Several of the organizations recently shared how the contributions helped to continue their vital and inspiring work throughout our islands:
Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center
An elderly gentleman who came to the shelter with only the clothes he had on received new attire, a single mother’s vehicle registration was funded so she could drive to work, and other shelter guests received bus passes and no-contract cell phones. “All of these items are life saving for our guests as they are necessities that they can’t purchase right away but still need for safety and to do what it takes to get housing,” explained Monique Ibarra, the agency’s executive director.
A wish to be a traveling artist was granted to Skylaa, a 9-year-old from Kahului, Maui. Diagnosed with kidney disease, her positive outlook on life keeps her motivated to undergo treatment and create hope through her art. As part of her special day, Skylaa was gifted an iPad, art supplies and framed images of her work. You can see this wish memorialized by a pink plumeria Skylaa painted on a Wailuku-area mural with a mentor artist. Check out the video of Skylaa’s wish day, filmed and edited by another Maui wish child, Pua.
Maui keiki learned the basics of fishing, ocean and stream safety, and the importance of caring for our oceans and its resources through a summer fishing camp. From a behind-the-scenes visit to the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute to beach cleanups and a talk story with Department of Land and Natural Resources Aquatics, the campers discovered what makes a responsible fisherman. The hui’s food pantry of healthy choices and personal hygiene products was also restocked for keiki and their families. Plus, the organization’s tutoring program for youth ages 5 to 24, which saw enrollment more than double this year, was sponsored.
Two internships, in cooperation with Kupu’s Conservation Development Leadership Program, were supported to provide on-island youth with vital opportunities for resume-building experience, paid stipends and continued education while assisting the organization’s efforts to protect, preserve and restore the natural and cultural resources on Molokai. The interns assisted with restoration efforts of the Anapuka Dune on the Mokio Preserve, including the planting of rare hibiscus, monitoring of seabirds and collecting and propagating of seeds.
Important free services, such as patient navigation, access to specialists on Oahu, support groups for the entire family and wellness and nutrition classes, were able to continue virtually. “Many things have been put on pause, but this isn’t an option for someone going through their cancer journey,” said Nancy La Joy, PCF’s executive director. “Maui is our home and when crisis strikes, we come together as a family and do everything we can to help each other. Thank you for being part of our family.”
Much needed furnishings and food for programs were purchased to empower the lives of Maui’s mothers and keiki as they continue on their journey to becoming and remaining self-sufficient through the organization’s healthy family activities and farm-based programs. Beds were provided to families when they moved into independent housing and group meals were prepared together to promote healthy bonding and building community and trust among the families and staff.
Waiwai Ola Waterkeepers Hawaiian Islands
Fun and educational environmental worksheets teaching keiki about pollution and impacts to our nearshore waters were designed, produced and distributed to Hawaii keiki this summer. More than 2,200 youngsters statewide received the marine-themed conservation materials showing the beneficial ecosystem services native oysters provide and why it’s vital for everyone to do their part in protecting our fishable, swimmable, drinkable waters.
Mahalo to these organizations for maintaining critical services and essential practices to brighten the days for many and better our communities for all.
Shayna Decker is a communications manager at Hawaiian Electric.
