HCAP WEEKLY August 15, 2022

Weatherization Helps Pearl City Kūpuna Save on Home Energy

This month, HCAP’s Weatherization Assistance Program staff conducted in-home energy audits for 19 kūpuna at Hale Mohalu Apartments in Pearl City, helping them become more energy-efficient and save on energy costs. Staff from HCAP’s Windward, Leeward, and Leahi District Service Centers assisted with the audits. Participating residents received energy-efficiency education and various energy-saving devices, including low-flow showerheads, low-flow faucet aerators, LED light bulbs, and energy-efficient power strips—all at no cost. 

Many Hale Mohalu residents have limited sources of income, so they were especially grateful to receive Weatherization services that can lower their home energy bills. Oʻahu residents interested in the Weatherization Assistance Program may call their nearest HCAP District Service Center to inquire.

Click Here to learn more about the Weatherization Assistance Program.

Hā Initiative Teaches Experiments to Keiki at Kaneohe Bay Air Show

The Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program participated as a vendor at the Kaneohe Bay Air Show from August 12-14. The air show featured demonstrations by the Blue Angels, F-22 Raptors, C-17 Globemaster Demo Team, and more. The event also offered a “STEM Zone” for children and families to engage in STEM activities, including games, experiments, and robotics.

In the STEM Zone, Hā Initiative staff performed interactive demonstrations on how to make lava lamps using glass vases, oil, and Alka-Seltzer. Each vase was filled half with colored water, and half with oil. When children dropped Alka-Seltzer into their vases, they made bubbles as the Alka-Seltzer dissolved and pushed the water up into the oil layer. They learned that since water and oil do not mix, the water molecules bind together in the oil, creating bubbles.

Hā Initiative staff handed out instructions to parents, so they could recreate the lava lamp experiment at home with their keiki. Other HCAP staff also volunteered at the event, passing out stress balls, coloring books, and brochures. 

Click Here to learn more about the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program.

Nā Lima Hana Strengthens Partnership with RYSE

Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services staff visited Residential Youth Services and Empowerment’s (RYSE) Kawailoa Youth and Family Wellness Center in Kailua to discuss opportunities for collaboration. RYSE provides homeless and at-risk youth on Oʻahu with emergency shelter, along with education, employment, and healthcare services. Their programs are offered both in-shelter and through community outreach.

Nā Lima Hana staff met with one of RYSE’s Education and Employment Counselors, to learn more about their programs and tour the Kawailoa Youth and Family Wellness Center. In the process, staff identified several ways in which Nā Lima Hana’s services can complement RYSE’s education and employment programs. Staff are looking forward to furthering this partnership with RYSE, and continuing to develop new approaches to meet the needs of vulnerable youth throughout Oʻahu.

Click Here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services.

Head Start Keiki Practice Sharing and Taking Turns

The keiki at Queen Kaʻahumanu Head Start enhanced their interpersonal skills through sharing and taking turns. Jasmine and Venus took turns discovering wooden gears, tools, and gadgets. They both waited patiently for the items they wanted and shared with one another when done.

Jason and Khaled collectively employed their problem solving and reasoning skills to construct a magnetic ball tunnel. They had fun taking turns adding tubes and placing a ball in the tunnel to see if it successfully made it through.

Click Here for more information about HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start.