HCAP WEEKLY November 10, 2025

Hā Initiative Reopens Doors to its Central STEM Exploration Center!

Along with the recent family days, the Hā Initiative program celebrated another exciting milestone – the re-opening of the HCAP’s Central STEM Exploration Center! The day began with a warm welcome and a few get-to-know-you games to help students break the ice and build new friendships. Laughter filled the room as everyone discovered fun facts about each other and began to form their new STEM community. Students then worked on self-portraits, which allowed them to express their personalities and creativity while helping the STEM teacher, Mr. Jasen, get to know each participant’s unique interests. The introduction activity reflected what HCAP STEM is all about: creativity, collaboration, and discovery. HCAP can’t wait to see how they continue to explore, build, and grow in the weeks ahead.

Meanwhile, at Hā Initiative’s Windward STEM Exploration Center, the students learned all about the different parts of the eye and how these anatomical features work together to help us see. To bring the lesson to life, the class did a fun hands-on activity using coffee filters and markers. Students colored the coffee filters, then sprayed them with water to watch the colors blend to mimic the fascinating colors within the iris of an eye! On white paper plates, students then added red lines to represent blood vessels and placed their colorful coffee filters in the center. Finally, they added a black dot for the pupil, completing their own creative models of the human eye. It was a colorful, engaging way to connect art and science while learning about human organs! 

Over at HCAP’s Kalihi STEM Exploration Center, students have been busy for the past few weeks learning about Filipino culture and preparing a research project presentation for their upcoming LEGO League competition in November. Guest speaker, Aunty Rose, showed students how to make pinakbet – a mixed vegetable and pork stew originating from Ilocos, Philippines. In groups, the class practiced cutting and peeling a variety of vegetables with child safe kitchen tools while learning the names of different types of produce in Ilocano: tarong (eggplant), ampalaya (bitter melon), kalabasa (squash), sitaw (long beans), and kamatis (tomato). The class also prepared biko or bibingka, a traditional Filipino baked rice cake made from rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, served on banana leaves. During this process, students practiced preparing a smooth batter as well as food presentation. 

Kalihi STEM’s LEGO League team, HCAPtains, were also thrilled to interview Kathleen Pahinui, the Public Information Officer at the Honolulu Board of Water Supply. For their research project component of the competition, the team is trying to think of innovative ways O‘ahu’s underground water piping system could potentially be more cost effective, sustainable, and ecofriendly in the future. Kathleen provided students with more insight about how O‘ahu’s waterlines function, answered questions, and gave guidance to the students about their project.

Click here to learn more about Hā Initiative.

Stay-At-Home Mother Pursues Nursing Career Dreams to Support Her Family

Velma, a devoted stay-at-home mother, has always had a heart for helping others. Caring for her family inspired her dream of becoming a nurse, a profession that allows her to extend that same care and compassion to those in need. 

Velma first learned about the tuition assistance opportunities offered through HCAP from her friends. Wanting to take the next step towards her dream, she reached out to HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center for guidance, through which she was referred to one of HCAP’s valued partners, Professional Healthcare Educators (PHE). From there, Velma enrolled in HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) program, where she received the tuition assistance that allowed her to attend school and gain the support system, tools, and resources needed to succeed. To prepare for job hunting once she completes her courses at PHE, Nā Lima Hana equipped Velma with essential skills, from resume writing and interview preparation to goal setting. 

Exhibiting dedication and resilience, Velma successfully completed her coursework and proudly earned her certification. She now holds the credentials and confidence to progress in pursuing her nursing career. A milestone that represents not only personal growth, but also a brighter future for her family. 

Click here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana.

Expanding Cultural Awareness through Socialization with Early Head Start

Socialization opportunities offer age-appropriate activities for children and give families the chance to participate in shared experiences that increase their understanding of child development. The most recent Early Head Start socialization expanded on cultural awareness and brought the community together through Native Hawaiian practices.

It was an honor to welcome special guests, which included the daughter of one of Head Start’s very own home-based teachers. Kumu Sara and her team from the Hawaiian educational organization, Papahana Kuaola (Pili ka mo’o program), generously taught and shared their cultural knowledge with Early Head Start families. Together, families explored basic hula steps, the keiki learned about kalo (taro) and poi (pounded taro), and also attempted lauhala weaving.

Cultural learning opportunities like these in early childhood benefit keiki by fostering their community connection-building, nurturing essential social skills like empathy and respect, and enhancing problem-solving abilities.

Click here to learn more about Head Start.