HCAP WEEKLY August 3, 2026

HCAP Partners with Pacific Appliance Group to Strengthen Weatherization Services

HCAP is pleased to announce Pacific Appliance Group (PAG) as a new Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) partner. Founded in 1997 with a mission to serve Hawaiʻi’s communities, Pacific Appliance Group began by servicing state and military contracts and has since grown into one of Oʻahu’s leading appliance suppliers. For more than 29 years, PAG has proudly provided dependable appliance solutions to families, businesses, property managers, developers, large-scale housing projects, and government-related clientele throughout the islands. PAG has established a solid reputation in Hawaii for offering dependable service and high-quality appliances to families, businesses, housing developments, and government-related clientele. With a longstanding commitment to quality service and its mission of “Making Your Life Easier by Doing Appliances Better!”, PAG has established a strong reputation as a trusted local appliance resource.

The HCAP Weatherization team was able to establish this collaboration through outreach efforts, connecting with PAG to discuss how a partnership could meet the needs of low-income households across Oʻahu. During their discussions, they reviewed delivery and installation services, current inventory and availability, appliance pricing, and what to expect when working together. Through this collaboration, HCAP will have access to a trustworthy local appliance resource, enabling the Weatherization program to more effectively manage the availability, cost, delivery, and installation of appliances for qualified households. Working with a respected and well-established business like Pacific Appliance Group will help minimize delays and improve the process of providing free, energy-efficient appliances to households participating in the Weatherization Assistance Program. 

By building partnerships with businesses like Pacific Appliance Group, HCAP can continue expanding its resources, improving the Weatherization process, and helping more households create safer, more comfortable, and energy-efficient homes.

HCAP looks forward to building a strong, long-term partnership with Pacific Appliance Group and continuing to work together to make a meaningful difference in the communities served. 

Click here to learn more about Weatherization.

Head Start Gets Ready for Kindergarten

The little ones are moving up! Head Start classrooms across the program have been wishing some of their students the very best as they prepare to begin the school year as Kindergarteners. Some classes had the opportunity to ease into the new environments by visiting real Kindergarten classrooms. During their visits, the children participated in group activities, growing their sense of independence and confidence in the new environment. They learned all about kindergarten rules and expectations and showed off the skills they learned in Pre-K by coloring their very own “I am ready” booklet. 

These positive first experiences can reduce anxiety, strengthen children’s sense of belonging, and encourage confidence as they take on new routines and responsibilities. Transition experiences like these play an important role in school readiness by supporting children’s social-emotional development alongside their academic growth. Head Start staff are incredibly proud of all the kids have accomplished and can’t wait to see them continue to learn, grow, and shine in Kindergarten.

Click here to learn more about Head Start.

Scientific Concepts Explored at Summer STEM Sessions

This month, the Hā Initiative program continued holding summer STEM virtual classes over Zoom. Students explored a wide variety of exciting STEM concepts through hands-on activities and experiments. They began by learning about density by making homemade lava lamps using oil, water, food coloring, and an Alka-Seltzer tablet. Through this experiment, students discovered that oil and water do not mix because they have different densities, that food coloring dissolves in water instead of oil, and that carbon dioxide gas bubbles from the Alka-Seltzer carry the colored water upward to create the lava lamp effect. They also investigated kitchen chemistry by making Oobleck, a non-Newtonian fluid that behaves like both a liquid and a solid depending on the amount of force applied, helping them understand how pressure changes the properties of certain materials.

Students continued their STEM journey by learning about buoyancy and how it determines whether objects float or sink. They designed and built their own paper boats, then tested them to see how much weight each could hold while applying engineering and problem-solving skills. In addition, students participated in an exciting Space Escape Room challenge where they worked together to solve astronomy-themed puzzles. Along the way, they learned about astronomer Charles Messier and his famous catalog that he compiled of 110 deep-sky objects, while strengthening their teamwork, critical thinking, and scientific reasoning.

This month, students also focused on basic survival skills and the importance of being prepared in outdoor environments. They learned why shelter is essential for protection from the elements, why clean water is critical for health and survival, and how to identify safe sources of food in an emergency. Through discussions and interactive activities, students gained a better understanding of how science and practical knowledge can work together to help people stay safe and make informed decisions in real-life situations.

Click here to learn more about Hā Initiative.