Local organization sets out to empower our community

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Kula No Na Po’e Hawaiʻi o Papakolea, Kewalo, Kalawahine is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the Hawaiian homestead communities of Papakōlea, Kewalo and Kalāwahine.

Since its establishment in 1992, this organization has been a beacon of support and empowerment for native Hawaiian families, focusing on education, health, and social well-being.

A community-driven mission

Kula No Na Po’e Hawaiʻi o Papakolea, Kewalo, Kalawahine began its journey to address the educational challenges faced by native Hawaiian children.

“Our organization was formed by kūpuna (elders) of Papakōlea, initially to tackle the low test scores and negative portrayals of native Hawaiian children in public schools,” explained Dr. Adrienne Dillard, Chief Executive Officer for Kula No Na Po’e Hawaiʻi o Papakolea, Kewalo, Kalawahine.

The first program was a teacher apprenticeship initiative, where parents learned teaching skills and earned credits through Leeward Community College to better support their children’s education.

Expanding services over the years

Over the years, Kula No Na Po’e Hawaiʻi o Papakolea, Kewalo, Kalawahine has grown to offer a wide range of services beyond education. Today, the organization addresses social determinants of health and engages in community-based participatory research.

“We have advanced to do education and health and now are addressing social determinants of health and do a lot around community-based participatory research,” said Dr. Dillard.

One of their key initiatives involves training community health workers.

“We are working to ensure that our community health workers have access to various training programs,” Dr. Dillard added.

This includes innovative projects like artificial intelligence and machine learning tools for health risk assessments.

How to get involved

Kula No Na Po’e Hawaiʻi o Papakolea, Kewalo, Kalawahine is always looking for volunteers and support from the community. They are located at the Papakōlea Community Center at 2150 Tantalus Drive.

There are several ways people can get involved:

1. Volunteer: “We are always looking for men to come out and support as mentors and role models in various activities,” Dr. Dillard noted. There is a particular need for volunteers to help with reading programs, recreational activities, and mentorship roles.
2. Donate: Financial contributions help sustain their many programs and initiatives. Donations can be made by clicking here.
3. Engage with Schools: Volunteers can also assist in schools like Lincoln Elementary by helping with reading programs and other educational activities. “Schools are looking for people to come in and help read and do different things,” Dr. Dillard emphasized.
4. Recreational Programs: After-school programs benefit from volunteers who can provide recreational activities for the children, helping them build relationships and engage more with their peers.

A message of love and support

Dr. Dillard stresses the importance of community and relationships, especially after the isolation caused by COVID-19. “We need to re-engage with our young people and get them back into more contact with one another and less media stuff,” she said.

The goal is to provide a nurturing environment where children feel supported and loved. “Right now, they don’t need social workers; they need auntie love. We need to really focus on relationship building because those years they lost during COVID of just being around others—we see it.”

Kula No Na Po’e Hawaiʻi o Papakolea, Kewalo, Kalawahine continues to be a vital resource for native Hawaiian communities, providing essential services and fostering a supportive environment.

To learn more or get involved, visit their website or connect with them on Facebook. Together, we can support and uplift our community, ensuring a brighter future for all.

By focusing on education, health, and community involvement, the organization helps families thrive. Whether through volunteering, donating, or engaging in their programs, there are many ways to contribute and make a difference.