HCAP WEEKLY January 5, 2026

Hā Initiative Students Explore the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

Last month, students and their families from the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program attended a field trip to the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. Attendees had the opportunity to visit different exhibits at the museum and also tour the USS Bowfin submarine, nicknamed “The Pearl Harbor Avenger,” with two navy veterans serving as tour guides throughout the entirety of the field trip. 

During the tour of the USS Bowfin submarine, attendees learned a bit about what life was like for sailors– space was very cramped with bunk beds stacked close together and very little privacy in the enclosed space. They also learned firsthand about the structure of the submarine, which included a control room, periscope, and a torpedo room. The interactive walkthrough of the museum helped students learn more about the history of World War II and the USS Bowfin.

To help guide the students on their adventure through the museum, they worked on a worksheet that included a brief history about the USS Bowfin as well as vocabulary words and questions related to the tour. The worksheet helped the students think about how teamwork was necessary for the crew to succeed and survive at sea along with a deeper understanding of vocabulary terms like patrol, torpedo, and sacrifice. Furthermore, the activity reiterated what was learned from the veteran tour guides–the submarine went on many patrols and played a significant role in fighting enemy ships. This activity encouraged students to think creatively and reflect on what they learned. The “What if?” question and drawing portion required students to use their imagination helping the students comprehend why the USS Bowfin was so important during World War II.

The Hā Initiative students and their families were very grateful for the opportunity to visit such a historical site. HCAP would like to give a big mahalo to the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum for the informational tour. 

Click here to learn more about Hā Initiative.

Kumuhonua Couple Move Into Permanent Housing

The staff at Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center (KTLC) would like to congratulate program participants Megan and Anthony in successfully obtaining permanent housing. Both Megan and Anthony started their journey at Kumuhonua in June 2022. Since then, they have been working hard to tackle the barriers that stood in their way and move forward in their lives.

Although there have been setbacks on their journey, Megan and Anthony were determined to have a better life so that they could have a better relationship with their children. With the assistance of their case manager, Carolyn, they were able to achieve the goals set in their housing plans and were able to obtain their Section 8 voucher to aid them in their search for permanent housing. 

Megan and Anthony took full advantage of the wraparound services that Kumuhonua had to offer through HCAP. They have worked with the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services program so they could both obtain employment and increase their income. They worked with their case manager to create monthly budgets so that when it came time for them to have enough money to put down their deposit they had the money to do so. 

Through all of their hard work, Megan and Anthony were able to secure a place that they could call home. Kumuhonua staff wish both Megan and Anthony the best of luck as they face this new chapter in their lives.

Click here to learn more about Kumuhonua.

Head Start Keiki Engaging Curiosity through Insect Studies

Head Start classrooms recently buzzed with excitement during their hands-on insect study. The children held caterpillars, fed butterflies, examined the anatomy of these insects and learned how a caterpillar’s body and habits changed throughout its life cycle. Through close observation and use of expressive language, the children described the caterpillar’s soft body and the vibrant colors of the butterfly’s wings. 

As an extension of learning, they used everyday props to dress up as various insects. This study engaged the children’s innate curiosity and provided them with opportunities to think more deeply about the world around them. It also strengthened their observational skills, fine motor coordination, and critical thinking skills. These experiences not only build the foundation for scientific thinking but also foster confidence, creativity and collaboration.

Click here to learn more about Head Start.