HCAP WEEKLY April 28, 2025

Leahi ECS Client Earns Commercial Driver’s License

Inspired by her grandfather who was a concrete truck driver, Keanu started her journey to become a concrete truck driver with the help of HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center.

Recognizing the need for guidance and support in navigating this new career path, Keanu enrolled in HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program. The program provided her with the foundational tools necessary for success, including targeted training to refine her resume and how to hone her interview techniques. Understanding the financial hurdles of professional training, the ECS program provided Keanu with tuition assistance which allowed her to attend the Professional Driving Academy.

While attending classes in Kapolei, Keanu faced an unexpected setback when her vehicle broke down. The HCAP ECS program stepped in to provide a HOLO card for transportation, ensuring Keanu could continue her studies. Her hard work eventually paid off as she successfully obtained her commercial driver’s license, officially becoming a certified truck driver.

Within a month of completing her training, Keanu actively pursued job opportunities, applying to several truck driving positions. Her proactive approach has led to scheduled interviews, fueling her excitement for the next chapter of her career.

With gratitude for the support she received, Keanu expressed her appreciation to HCAP – “Mahalo with a big Aloha.” The Leahi District Staff is inspired by Keanu’s perseverance and dedication. HCAP wishes Keanu the best of luck on her future endeavors!

Click here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana.

Fatherhood Engagement: Learning Together

At HCAP Head Start classrooms across the program, fathers and father figures joined the classroom to volunteer in hands-on activities that fostered creativity, teamwork and father engagement. Each “Uncle” introduced a unique skill: Uncle Kevin guided the children in folding paper airplanes, Uncle Juan demonstrated soccer techniques, Uncle John taught balance and paddling on a surfboard, and Uncle Adam shared the process of planting tomato seeds. To wrap up the day, Uncle Kevin and Uncle Arnold brought stories to life during a group reading session. These shared moments strengthened connections and left lasting memories for the children.

Click here to learn more about Head Start.

HCAP Windward District Staff Engage in Kaneohe Community Clean Up

HCAP Windward District Staff was able to join in on the Malama 96744 Graffiti Paint-Out and Community Clean Up event. This biannual event was led by the Community Works 96744 Coalition, spearheaded by PACT, and made up of several organizations who are focused on youth empowerment, community service and promoting wellness in Kaneohe. Some of the organizations included Kaneohe Lions Club, MADD, Honolulu Police Department – Kaneohe Division, and GOALS Hawaii.

Volunteers gave their time and resources to paint over graffiti, clear out bushes and overgrown greenery, haul trash, and overall, worked to beautify the Kaneohe community. There were over 15 dedicated areas for cleanup, with the biggest area being the Kaneohe District Skate Park where the ramps were painted over and trash removed. Of the volunteers, there were over 20 youths who shared how much they enjoyed giving back to the community.

HCAP staff assisted with checking in participants as well as working alongside volunteers to remove trash and debris and distributing water to volunteers. After all their hard work, other forms of community outreach took place. Individuals completed surveys about preventing underage alcohol use. Staff distributed handouts and spoke with participants about HCAP programs, and were more than happy to connect and contribute to the neighborhoods that HCAP serves. The Windward District Service Center would like to thank Community Works 96744 for the opportunity and look forward to doing more with the community.

Click here to learn more about HCAP programs and services.