HCAP WEEKLY May 19, 2025

Representative Jill Tokuda Reads to Head Start Kunia Classroom

HCAP’s Head Start classrooms in Kunia had the pleasure of being visited by U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02). Representative Tokuda joined the three Kunia classrooms to read a book to the keiki and to see more of the classroom’s daily routine.

Representative Tokuda engaged with one of the classes by reading a children’s picture book, Ladybug Girl, and animatedly interacted with the keiki throughout the story. After the fun story time, the Kunia class performed their rendition of the song/nursery rhyme, Bingo. The keiki also excitedly showed Tokuda around their classroom, showing her their butterfly enclosure, their latest ‘Planes’ activity, and how they play and learn in the classroom.

Representative Tokuda said, “Mahalo to HCAP’s Kunia Head Start program for letting me come and read to their students and engage with parent volunteers. We know access to early childhood education is the greatest equalizer in a young child’s life. Yet, because of barriers like cost and availability, too many keiki in Hawaii and across the country go without. As funding threats grow, I’ll keep fighting to protect and expand these vital opportunities.”

The Head Start parents who were present for the day also had the chance to express their appreciation of the program to Tokuda and express the growth they have seen in their child since enrolling in Head Start.

Chelsea, Kunia Head Start Policy Council Rep, expressed, “Head Start has been super beneficial for my kids because they did not have socialization skills. Head Start has given them the sense of friendship and community.”

Another Head Start parent, Alfer, shared, “I see the efforts the teachers put in for my son, the teachers take the curriculum seriously. I am grateful for the program and staff who support the mission and vision of Head Start. I won’t forget the impact Head Start has made.”

HCAP would like to express a big mahalo to Representative Jill Tokuda for stopping by and engaging with the Head Start Kunia classrooms!

Click here to learn more about Head Start and Early Head Start.

Windward Ohana Receives Free Solar Water Heater with Wraparound Services

Chad and his wife, Shanti, reached out to HCAP’s Windward District Service Center for assistance with their Hawaii Electric Company, Inc. (HECO) bill. The Windward staff learned that Chad had lost his job and depleted all of his unemployment benefits leaving the household with a past due HECO bill. The Ohana was immediately asked to complete an intake application to determine eligible services.

After eligibility, the household was referred to HCAP’s Hawai’i Home Energy Assistance Program (H-HEAP), Weatherization Assistance Program and Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program to assist Chad with his employment goals. Through H-HEAP, the family was assisted with their past due HECO bill, bringing the family up to date.

To assist with future HECO bills, the Weatherization Assistance Program was able to help make the home energy efficient. Completing a home energy audit with the WAP team, the family learned they were eligible for free replacements of their water heater from electric to solar as well as multiple small measures. The household received a brand-new solar water heater, handheld showerheads, kitchen and bathroom aerators, power strips, LED light bulbs, and a new smoke alarm. The household also received energy efficiency education and tips to help keep their costs low.

With a jumpstart, the success did not stop there. Chad landed a full-time job in the construction field within months of first reaching out to HCAP for assistance. Chad has maintained that employment, qualifying for agency milestones and personal financial goals. With the new household income, the ohana is now back on track with maintaining their bills and are grateful for all the assistance they received, “Thank you so much HCAP!”

Click here to learn more about HCAP’s programs and services.

Central Client Pursuing Her Dreams Through Employment Core Services

Kaena was referred by one of HCAP’s partners, Hawaii Dental Assisting Academy, for help with tuition assistance through the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) program. Kaena is a new mother and has been on medical leave. Due to that, she has not been able to pursue her dream of becoming a dentist until recently.

Kaena was able to come into HCAP’s Central District Service Center and participated in the program’s Job Readiness Training Class. During the class, central staff went over how to prepare for job searches, interviews, updated her resume and worked on budgeting skills.

Kaena was able to successfully complete all required forms for the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services program. Through ECS funding, in coordination with the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Kaena was able to receive support for paying her program’s tuition costs. Along with that, she also was provided with $50 of Ross Gift Cards for participating in the ECS program and maintaining contact with central staff.

Kaena has been updating central staff with her progress in classes and is currently maintaining an A grade for her classes. Central District Service Center will be following Kaena through her progress in obtaining her Certification as a Dental Assistant and watching her get one step closer to a fulfilling position in her career of choice.

Click here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana.