HCAP WEEKLY June 2, 2025

Ka’a’awa Resident Reduces Energy Bill Through Weatherization Services

Cynthia, a long time Ka’a’awa resident, was referred to the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) from HCAP’s Windward District Service Center. She was directed to Weatherization services along with the Hawai’i Home Energy Assistance Program (H-HEAP) to see if she could save more energy in her home.

Upon completion of the centralized intake and WAP application, she was able to schedule a date for a home energy audit with the WAP team. After her home audit, the WAP team determined that she was eligible to replace her old electric water heater with an installation of a brand new Hybrid water heater as well as small measures including LED light bulbs, powerstrips, and a smoke detector.

During installation of her small measures, Cynthia expressed her genuine gratitude for the Weatherization services she was provided and is ecstatic to begin saving more energy in her home.

“It always feels good to be able to help our community smile,” said WAP specialist Shawn.

Click here to learn more about the Weatherization Assistance Program.

HCAP Head Start Names New ERSEA Program Manager

HCAP is pleased to announce that Pauahi Leoiki has been named as HCAP’s newest Head Start & Early Head Start ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance) Manager. She will be responsible for the monitoring and implementation of ERSEA regulations and overseeing the daily operations of ERSEA Family Advocates and Specialists. HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start is comprised of the Head Start preschool program for children 3 to 5 years old and the Early Head Start program for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women.

Pauahi has a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Human Services from Wayland Baptist University as well as an Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Honolulu Community College. She was promoted from her previous position as an ERSEA Family Advocate but first joined HCAP in October 2017 as a Family Advocate in the Head Start program.

Jennifer Tanele, HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start Assistant Director, states “As a former ERSEA Family Advocate, Pauahi exemplified the qualities of a natural leader and has always been a pillar of strength and support for the ERSEA team. Pauahi’s passion and enthusiasm for building and sustaining community partnerships across the Waianae Coast is one of many attributes that she possesses and models for staff throughout all program service areas. Her extensive background in recruitment and community outreach will continue to perpetuate our HCAP Head Start mission.”

HCAP welcomes Pauahi to the position, and looks forward to seeing the positive impact she will have on the lives of children and families served by HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start.

Click here to learn more about Head Start.

STEM Students Celebrate Mother’s Day and Learn About Climate

Kalihi Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program students took a thoughtful and scientific approach to honor the amazing moms and mother figures in their lives.

The class began by exploring the origins and cultural traditions of Mother’s Day. Students were fascinated to learn that the celebration of Mother’s Day dates back to ancient Greek and Roman periods, when people held festivals to honor mother goddesses.

For their hands-on STEM activity, students created beautiful homemade crystals using a salt called sodium borate. First, they shaped colorful pipe cleaners into creative designs: hearts, stars, flowers, or meaningful words like “love” and “mom.” They then prepared a super-saturated solution by dissolving the salt in boiling water and carefully suspending their pipe cleaner shapes in the solution using string and pencils. Over the next several days, they observed crystals forming over the pipe cleaner as the solution cooled, creating sparkling, decorative gifts. To complete their heartfelt project, students crafted 3D pop-up cards with personal messages, making this a truly memorable and meaningful STEM experience.

At the Honolulu STEM Exploration Center, students had a special guest, Dianne Deauna, an oceanographer and climate scientist at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa give a talk on climate change and changing ocean temperatures to students during their weekly Show and Tell session. Dianne spoke about her lifelong journey that led her to a career in STEM, the research she is currently working on, and also inspired students to learn more about climate change and other fields in science that they might be curious about.

Click here to learn more about Hā Initiative.