HCAP WEEKLY April 14, 2025

Central Client Receives New Refrigerator and Solar Water Heater through Wraparound Services

Shylla was referred to HCAP’s Central District Service Center by Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) for assistance in preventing disconnection of their electric services. She and her family fell behind on their energy payments due to reduced hours at her job.

Through the Hawai’i Home Energy Assistance Program (H-HEAP), Central District Service Center was able to assist Shylla and her family to prevent disconnection of their services. Through intake and assessment, Central staff were also able to provide wraparound services and referred Shylla to the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) to help her family lower the cost of their energy usage.

A WAP Specialist completed a home assessment to see where HCAP could help lower their energy burden. The family qualified for a new energy star refrigerator and a new solar water heater. They also received small measures through replacements of hand-held showerheads, bathroom aerators, LED light bulbs, and a smoke alarm to further assist in energy efficiency and overall safety. The Weatherization team shared efficiency tools and tips to help her understand how to lower her household energy burden. Shylla and her ohana expressed their deep appreciation for all the help they received from HCAP.

Click here to learn more about Weatherization Assistance.

Kalihi STEM Students Conduct a Fizzy Experiment

This week at the Hā Initiative Kalihi STEM Exploration Center, young scientists dove into a fizzy and fun investigation using bath bombs–salts mixed with other ingredients that produce a fizzing effect when added to water and designed to create a sensory experience. The central question guiding their experiment was: “How will the temperature of water affect the time it takes for a bath bomb to dissolve and reveal the secret object inside?” The class first kicked off the lesson by learning about how manufacturers produce bath bombs, using ingredients such as baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils. Students were fascinated to find out how these everyday items create such a dramatic fizz when mixed with water.

Next, students formed their own hypotheses, predicting how cold, warm, and boiling water might affect the dissolving speed. Using three containers of water at different temperatures, a timer, and a lot of anticipation, students observed how long it took each bath bomb to dissolve and reveal the surprise hidden inside—a tiny dinosaur figurine!

Students concluded that the hotter the water was, the faster the fizz. They made great connections between temperature and reaction rate and learned that increasing the temperature of a liquid will break down a solute quicker, hence reinforcing their understanding of the scientific method through real experimentation. The students showed great excitement, especially when the hidden dinosaurs emerged. This experiment was a perfect blend of science, curiosity, and a little bit of prehistoric fun!

Click here to learn more about Hā Initiative

HCAP Windward District Service Center Attends Ho’i I Ka Hale Conference

HCAP Windward District Service Center staff were invited to attend the Ho’i I Ka Hale Conference presented by Pouhana O Nā Wāhine. This two day conference consisted of presentations, workshops, networking and training that highlights how traditional Native Hawaiian values intertwined with modern day social work can help heal families and communities. This event focused on the collective goal of eliminating domestic violence and generational trauma and how service providers can advocate for clients who may be in these situations.

Special guests and speakers ranged from kupuna to makua, all of whom emphasized the importance of kuleana within the family and the community and to share the voice of Native Hawaiians. In addition, the training and hands-on workshops educated community workers and families on how to use policy tracking, the importance of accountability, and conflict resolution.

On day two, a resource fair was held. HCAP Windward District staff shared flyers, brochures and information about HCAP services and programs to attendees. Windward District staff gained intergenerational knowledge and built meaningful relationships with other providers to enhance their ability to provide services to a broad range of clients from different backgrounds.

Click here to learn more about HCAP programs and services.