HCAP WEEKLY April 1, 2024

HCAP Represented at Conferences in Washington D.C. and Virginia

HCAP Board of Directors member William Shiroma and HCAP Executive Assistant James “JoJo” Upega attended the National Community Action Foundation (NCAF) Conference in Washington D.C. from March 12 to March 15. William and JoJo represented HCAP in the nation’s capital and celebrated HCAP’s 60 years of Community Action (1964-2024). Robert N.E. Piper, HCAP’s Executive Director, holds a seat on the NCAF Board of Directors representing Region IX which includes CAAs from Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada and Trust Territories.

The conference was an opportunity for Community Action Agencies (CAAs) from across the nation to speak with the U.S. House and Senate members. NCAF hosted the conference to provide Community Action representatives the opportunity to hear from national thought leaders and to update their members of Congress on the groups’ local and national successes, obstacles and priorities.

Also in attendance were Hawaii Community Action Program Directors Association, Inc. (HCAPDA) members Debbie Cabebe, Chief Executive Officer of Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc., Chad Hasegawa, Executive Director of Hawaii County Economic Opportunity, and Keapo Bissen, Project Associate of Skog Rasmussen. HCAPDA was able to meet with the U.S. Representative Ed Case and the staff of Jill Tokuda along with staff from the offices of U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz. During this meeting, they updated the Members of Congress on the Maui fire and highlighted the successes of the Hawaii CAAs.

During the same week as the NCAF Conference, Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Coordinator Georgette Aki and WAP Specialist Lissette Yamase represented HCAP at the National Association for State Community Services Program (NASCSP) winter conference in Virginia.

NASCSP is a professional association composed of members that are state administrators of the Community Services Block Grant Program (CSBG) and WAP. The NASCSP vision calls for the empowerment of low-income families. NASCSP helps States attain full utilization of resources to implement an extensive array of services to families.

HCAP Director of Community Services Robin Fakaosi also attended the NASCSP conference and later met the Hawaii representatives with William and JoJo. She shared that these conferences are great because it helps HCAP staff hear about new things that may be coming out for programs like WAP, especially with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is currently the largest funding for WAP. Being able to hear about processes and being able to meet with other organization representatives is very beneficial for not just HCAP but all of Hawaii. Robin also expressed that by attending these conferences, HCAP is able to advocate for the importance of funding weatherization programs in Hawaii.

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HCAP Program Directors Meet with Legislative Correspondent

Following the National Community Action Foundation (NCAF) Conference, HCAP had the privilege of meeting with Annika Nozaki, a legislative correspondent for Congressman Ed Case. The meeting was an introduction to some of HCAP’s directors along with the programs and services we offer to the island of Oʻahu.

HCAP’s directors discussed with Annika about how Congressman Ed Case’s office can assist HCAP with carrying out HCAP’s mission “Providing Opportunities and Inspiration to enable low-income individuals or families to achieve self-reliance.”

HCAP Director of Finance, Lynnelle Hasegawa expressed, “It was great to hear Annika update us regarding our fiscal year 2025 funding for both Head Start and CSBG, as well as educate us about other potential funding opportunities available at the Federal level.”

HCAP offers a variety of programs and services designed to alleviate the social, emotional and economic stress so often associated with poverty. The programs and services at HCAP are focused in the areas of Early Childhood; Employment; Education; Economic Development; Emergency & Transitional Programs; and Community Development and Advocacy. In the past program year, more than 20,000 individuals and families have been impacted by HCAP’s work.

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Leeward Client Receives New Hybrid Water Heater Through Weatherization Services

Veronica has been familiar with HCAP services from when she did work at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. While working there, she has referred many of her clients over to HCAP for the organization’s wide range of services to help people from all walks of life. Earlier this year, she applied for assistance with her utility bill at HCAP’s Leeward District Service Center. At her appointment, she was excited to learn about the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) that could offer free, energy-efficient devices for her home.

After submitting all the required documents and finding she was eligible for WAP services, her home energy-audit was scheduled with staff from the Weatherization Department. During this visit, she was provided basic education on energy efficiency and small measures were installed such as LED light bulbs, low-flow showerheads, sink aerators, and smart power-strips. To ensure safety measures in her home, smoke alarms were installed during this visit as well. Soon after her audit was completed, Veronica was ecstatic to learn that she was also approved for a brand-new Hybrid Water Heater and 18 cubic-foot refrigerator replacement. She explained how much help this will be with lowering her electric bill and is excited to tell her friends and family about it.

Veronica is deeply grateful for the help she found through HCAP and stated: “I highly encourage everyone to apply for the program, even if you think you might not qualify – just give it a try. It is a great help, especially for the elderly and for those on fixed income. Mahalo for blessing me with a brand-new water heater!”

Click Here to learn more about the Weatherization Assistance Program.