HCAP Weekly March 21, 2016

Photo of HS aquaponics 2

In this week’s issue:

HCAP’s Income Tax Services Participant Receives Assistance from Volunteers
The Windward District Service Center Assists Families at Waimanalo Beach Park
Kumuhonua Residents Participate in Ho‘oikaika Ohana Program
Head Start children Learn about Aquaponics Systems
Hā Initiative Students Learn about Comets
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HCAP Head Start Continues Accepting Applications


HCAP’s Income Tax Services Participant Receives Assistance from Volunteers

photo of Marvin and Corrine Taxes

The Leahi District Service Center is grateful to have two volunteers assist with HCAP’s Income Tax Services. Corinne and Marvin are accounting students at Chaminade University who are certified by the IRS to prepare tax returns for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.

Corinne and Marvin worked together to assist Jade, a full-time medical assistant. Jade explained that this is her first time filling taxes on her own, and that she had a difficult time finding an affordable tax preparation site. She heard about the VITA Program from a friend. Jade was happy to file her taxes with HCAP, and said she will return next year. She even recommended the site to her other friends!


The Windward District Service Center Provides Outreach Services

Photo of Windward Shoeboxes

On Friday, March 18, 2016, HCAP’s Windward District Service Center Community Workers and Volunteers spent their morning visiting and talking story with homeless individuals and families at Waimanalo Beach Park. At this outreach event, staff and volunteers distributed 100 shoeboxes in partnership with PACT Kaneohe along with elementary schools and families on the Windward side of Oahu. The shoeboxes were filled with necessities such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, shoes, clothing, deodorant, etc. Thank you to PACT Kaneohe and all the other community members for their generous donations!


Kumuhonua Residents Participate in Ho‘oikaika Ohana Program

Photo of Kumuhonua Ho‘oikaika Ohana program

This week, the Domestic Violence Action Center shared their Ho‘oikaika Ohana program with the Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center residents. The Ho‘oikaika ‘Ohana Program is a culturally based- trauma informed care program for Native Hawaiian survivors of trauma and domestic violence. This nine month program occurs in three phases, with a specific focus on cultural practices and Native Hawaiian values from the Lokahi wheel. Phase I focuses on healing and strengthening the survivor, Phase II focuses on strengthening the bond and healing for both mom and keiki and Phase III focuses on healing and rebuilding the bond between survivor and ohana member. Residents participated in Phase I activities of ku’i kalo, which is kalo pounding.


Head Start children Learn about Aquaponics Systems

Photo of HS aquaponics 1

Jefferson Pre-Plus Head Start children had the opportunity to learn about the aquaponics system on their school campus. The children learned about the different types of fish living in the system and got to feed them. The children were also able to plant lima beans in one of the bins. The class will return on a regular basis to observe and record the changes in growth and expand on their understanding of aquaponics systems.


Hā Initiative Students Learn about Comets

Photo of STEM Leeward Comets

This week the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program students at the Leeward STEM Exploration Center learned about comets. The students researched whether two currently visiting comets, 252P/Linear and P/2016 BA14, can be seen from Hawaii. Their research showed that the larger of the two, 252P/Linear, would be best to view in the Northern Hemisphere between March 24 and 27, when the comet will travel through the tail of the constellation Scorpios. This green comet will continue north through the month of April, allowing those with telescopes to track it for weeks to come. It will be around 3.2 million miles from Earth, or about 14 times the distance to the moon!

The smaller comet, P/2016 BA14, is much dimmer, with an expected magnitude of about 12 during its closest approach on March 22. And P/2016 BA14 appears to have a nearly identical orbit to 252P/Linear. Discovered less than two months ago, this sister comet will pass even closer to Earth at a distance of about 2.2 million miles. This will make P/2016 BA14 the third-closest comet approach in recorded history! Larger backyard telescopes will be adequate to see P/2016 BA14, which will travel through the end of the Big Dipper between March 25 and 27.

Astronomers think the two comets may have been one comet that was torn apart by the gravitational pull of a large planet, like Jupiter.


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HCAP Head Start Continues Accepting Applications

Photo of 2016 HCAP HS Ad 5

Are you or someone you know in need of free or affordable preschool? Spread the word! HCAP Head Start is now accepting applications for children 3-5 years for the 2016-2017 school year. Families are encouraged to apply by calling (808) 847-2400 or visiting our website.