HCAP WEEKLY May 4, 2026

Leahi Client Receives a New Hybrid Water Heater through Wraparound Services

Dorothy moved back to Hawaii after the passing of her grandparents to care for the home she grew up in. When she returned to the residence, she was faced with a notice of disconnection from Hawaii Electric Company, Inc. (HECO). That’s when she reached out to HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center to apply for the Hawai’i Home Energy Assistance Program’s (H-HEAP) Emergency Crisis Intervention to prevent the termination of her household’s electricity. 

After her intake into the H-HEAP program, Leahi staff also shared information about the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) as another way to help lower her monthly HECO bill. Since she had already qualified and was found eligible for the emergency crisis intervention, she was also able to receive Weatherization services as well. Dorothy completed her application, submitted the required documents and scheduled a home energy audit with a Weatherization Specialist. 

Through the audit, they determined Dorothy’s home qualified to receive a replacement of her old water heater for a free, brand new Hybrid Water Heater. On average a hybrid water heater can save a home between $200-$550 annually cutting water heating costs by 70% compared to the traditional electric water heater. In addition to her new hybrid water heater, Dorothy also received a hand-held shower head replacement, a new smoke alarm, and educational tips and tricks on energy efficiency. Dorothy was grateful for all the assistance and services she received saying, “Thank you so much HCAP!”

Click here to learn more about Weatherization.

Central O’ahu Kupuna Receives Vital H-HEAP Assistance

Gilda is a 77-year-old kupuna who lives alone and is estranged from her family. Like many older adults in Hawaiʻi, she experiences significant isolation that is magnified by her disability which limits her mobility. Increasing struggles in managing her finances and confusion in navigating service agencies due to possible cognitive decline, has made her journey all the more difficult.

She was referred to HCAP by Aloha United Way for assistance through the Hawaiʻi Home Energy Assistance Program (H-HEAP) after her electricity was disconnected. This occurred during the wave of Kona Low storms. Just days before another was forecast, Gilda was terrified of enduring without power through another storm. 

After contacting HCAP’s Central District Service Center to get more information about the program, she learned that she owed over $1,000 to restore electricity service in her home, of which HCAP could cover a portion of. During her first visit, staff quickly observed that Gilda was unable to clearly explain her financial situation. She could not locate key documents, including her SSI award letter, and was unsure whether she was even receiving her benefits. These challenges reflected common issues among older seniors, including memory impairment and difficulty managing finances independently.

With her consent, staff contacted her estranged daughter, who explained that Gilda had previously been enrolled in Kokua Support Services’ Benefit Management Program after being hospitalized for over a week the prior year. This transition of temporarily losing control of her finances appeared to contribute to Gilda’s ongoing confusion about her finances.

Recognizing the complexity of her situation, Central staff prioritized working with Gilda to not only complete her H-HEAP application, but also to clarify her financial status. Gilda completed her application on the first day, and an appointment for the next day was made to obtain the required SSI award letter, as well as to contact different agencies on behalf of Gilda in order to gain clarification on her income. Staff assisted her in creating an online Social Security account to obtain Gilda’s SSI award letter, verifying her SSI benefits with a representative on the phone, and confirmed she had been removed from the Kokua program. They helped her review her bank activity to verify that benefits were being deposited as normal. After hours of communication between multiple agencies, it was confirmed that Gilda had been consistently receiving her benefits, despite her belief that payments had stopped.

To get Gilda’s electricity reconnected, she still had to pay her balance to reconnect services. Because Gilda’s only means of transportation is the handi-cab, staff also assisted Gilda with transportation by driving her to make her required payments through a Western Union service center. Following this, HCAP authorized the H-HEAP assistance to cover the other portion of her bill. With her application complete, and payment made, Gilda’s electricity was scheduled to be restored the same day.

Gilda had gained both immediate relief and renewed clarity after the help received from the HCAP Central District Service Center. For the first time in months, she possessed accurate information about her income and a better understanding of how to manage her financial situation. Her experience highlights a broader reality for many kupuna in Hawaiʻi, who face isolation, rising living costs, and increasing difficulty managing financial and administrative responsibilities as they age.

HCAP remains committed to supporting this vulnerable population, recognizing that assistance often requires not only financial aid, but also patience, coordination, and compassionate guidance through complex systems.

Click here to learn more about the Hawai’i Home Energy Assistance Program.

Head Start Keiki’s Creativity in the Classroom with Papier-Mache

Head Start classrooms support creativity by challenging the children and their families to think outside the box. Children are continuously engaged in a variety of hands-on activities that encourage individual expression and creativity. Through art exploration and collaboration with their families, they crafted papier-mache volcanoes and unique animal habitats. Engaging in these activities enhances children’s problem-solving and fine motor skills while improving memory and supporting individuality and imagination. Fostering creativity and joy in learning is a cornerstone for long-term academic achievement and social-emotional development.

Click here to learn more about Head Start.