HCAP WEEKLY February 2, 2026

Windward Client Improves Financial Direction Through ECS

Chelsea is a high school graduate who first came to HCAP’s Windward District Service Center seeking employment services in September 2025. At the time of her appointment, she was relying on community services to help meet her basic needs. Windward staff helped her complete a full centralized intake application and family assessment to determine what type of HCAP services she could benefit from.  

After going over all of the programs HCAP had to offer, Chelsea immediately decided to enroll in the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program to help her obtain employment. She completed the ECS program’s job readiness training (JRT) that included resume building, interview skills, basic computer, budgeting, career goals and time management. After successfully completing her JRT, Chelsea was given several job leads and referrals to partnering agencies and agreed to continue to work with staff on the progress.

Determined to improve her financial situation, Chelsea quickly started to put in job applications and began receiving calls for interviews. One of those calls was from a food establishment who offered her a position following her interview that same day.

Since then, Chelsea has reached multiple job retention milestones including 30, 60 and 90 days of employment, to which the ECS program rewarded her with gift cards. Through it all, the Windward staff continues to guide Chelsea towards her new goal of reaching 180-days of employment. The Windward District Staff congratulates Chelsea and looks forward to her bright future.

Click here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana.

Honolulu Hā Initiative Students Design Transportation Models

Hā Initiative’s Honolulu STEM Exploration Center students had a lesson on transportation and movement. After several days learning about transportation and doing their own research, students were tasked with designing their own unique form of transportation, creating a model of it, and presenting their project to the class. Students used the engineering design process to create several iterations of their product and improve it.

At first, many groups struggled with working together. Many students had their own ideas and had to find a way to compromise. However, by the end of the first work session, every team had a great starting point and put forth an impressive variety of designs. The class had come up with their own spin on submarines, jets and cars. The students put in requests for materials, and after a few days of planning, started working on their models. Each group combined many different kinds of media to bring their designs to life. All groups used some cardboard, but many covered their cardboard with clay and paint to add an extra level of polish.

Students also spent time creating visual aids to go with their presentation. Whether they decided to create a tri-fold board or a google slides presentation, they all did a great job explaining what made their project different from current transportation and how it worked. Every student was able to contribute to the group and speak–a skill that’s as important as it is frightening. Overall, the students did an excellent job working together, designing, and presenting their innovative means of transportation and their models.

Click here to learn more about Hā Initiative.

Helping to Make Oʻahu Energy Efficient, One Home at a Time

Upon the referral of past clients, Richard applied for Weatherization Assistance services with HCAP’s Central District Service Center. He was particularly interested to learn of all the benefits the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) has to offer and how having an energy efficient home can help him save money on his energy bill. With the high cost of living in Hawai’i, a little help can go a long way.

After submitting his application and the completion of his home energy audit, Richard was excited to hear that he qualified for free replacements of his refrigerator, stove, and electric water heater which was replaced with a brand new hybrid water heater. He also received small measures like showerheads, smart power strips and LED light bulbs along with energy efficiency tips and education. 

Once the installations in his home were completed, Richard expressed his gratitude and appreciation for HCAP’s Weatherization Assistance Program with a big mahalo.

Click here to learn more about Weatherization.