HCAP Weekly February 4, 2019

WAP Client Receives Solar Water Heater and Energy Star Refrigerator
Windward Kupuna Take Impromptu Field Trip to Kailua
My Brother’s Keeper Referral Obtains Employment
Honolulu STEM Students Explore the World of Robotics
HCAP Head Start’s Home-Based Families Gather at Socialization Event


WAP Client Receives Solar Water Heater and Energy Star Refrigerator

Photo of Leeward WAP

Shawna first heard about the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) when she was applying for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) at HCAP’s Leeward District Service Center. During LIHEAP intake, Leilani, Leeward District Service Center’s Community Worker, noticed that Shawna was struggling with high utility bills. Even though Shawna was able to obtain to receive LIHEAP Emergency Crisis Intervention (ECI) credit to prevent disconnection, Leilani wanted to help lower Shawna’s electric costs. She referred Shawna to WAP, a program that helps low-income households reduce energy consumption.

Shawna was approved for WAP services after completing her application. During a home energy audit in late November, Shawna found out that she was eligible to receive a new solar water heating system and an Energy Star refrigerator. This past month, installations for both the solar water heating system and the Energy Star refrigerator were completed. Shawna and her family are grateful for HCAP’s programs and all the help they received, and look forward to seeing the savings in their electric bill.


Windward Kupuna Take Impromptu Field Trip to Kailua

Photo of Windward kupuna collage

For the first day of the Windward District Service Center’s Kupuna Independent Life Series spring semester, the kupuna were scheduled to take a field trip to the Moli’i Fishpond and Gardens. But due to bad weather conditions, the field trip to the fishpond was cancelled.

The kupuna were good-natured about the sudden changes. Since they already had their lunches packed and their mini bus good to go, the kupuna were open to going “holoholo” around the island. They took the Kamehameha roads down to Lanikai. The kupuna wistfully reflected about all the memories they made as kids, travelling down these roads. Their next stop was Kailua Beach where the kupuna were able to take a walk through a park nearby, as well as stroll on the beach and take photos.

Next, they drove through Kailua Town. The kupuna were amazed at the new development projects that were being built. A few kupuna reminisced about how relatively clear the area was 20 years ago, and how they would take their kids to play baseball in the open fields.

Following a ride around Kailua’s town center, they drove to the Hālona Blowhole, where they checked out the waves, the blow hole area, and the beach. One of the aunties regaled the group with tales of the Menehune, a playful group of dwarves who lived away from civilization and were supposedly seen in these areas. After a stop at the blowhole, they drove to Sandy Beach, where they ate lunch and relaxed for a bit before heading back home.

Overall, the weather on that side of the island held up and it was a beautiful day where the Kupuna were able to reminisce about past memories, enjoy one another’s company, and get active and fit.


My Brother’s Keeper Referral Obtains Employment

Photo of ECS Leeward

As part of their partnership with My Brother’s Keeper (MBK), a clean and sober/halfway home two-year program, HCAP’s Leeward District Service Center provides services from the Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program. Andrew, looking to reintegrate back into society, completed Job Readiness Training as part of ECS services.

To fulfill MBK’s mandatory community service hours, Andrew volunteered at Leeward District Service Center’s monthly Ohana Produce food distribution. In November, Andrew successfully obtained employment with Jamba Juice as a crew member. Leeward District Service Center staff wishes Andrew the best in his future endeavors.


Honolulu STEM Students Explore the World of Robotics

Photo of Honolulu STEM

This week at the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program, a 21st Century Community Learning Center, Honolulu STEM Exploration Center students explored the world of robotics. They learned the parts of an EV3 Robot competition kit. Students discovered that robot parts are like the parts of a human body. The Brick is like the brain and controls the robot, while the touch sensors are like hands. Students learned about the designing process and used the process to begin their robot design.


HCAP Head Start’s Home-Based Families Gather at Socialization Event

Photo of Head Start Socialization Event

HCAP Head Start’s home-based children and families recently participated in a socialization event at the California Pizza Kitchen restaurant at Pearlridge Center. It was truly a collaborative event, as California Pizza Kitchen staff read the book, Little Red Hen Makes A Pizza, to the children and their families.

Following the read aloud, Head Start parents then assisted their children in creating their very own pizzas. The families ended their day by taking a private tour of California Pizza Kitchen’s kitchen. They even had the chance to talk to the executive chefs during the tour.