HCAP WEEKLY November 24, 2025

Showcasing Kalihi STEM’s LEGO Robotics Innovations at Family Night!

The Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program was thrilled to welcome its students, their families, and school staff into the classroom for a very special STEM Family Night at the Kalihi STEM Exploration Center! The night was filled with creativity, teamwork, innovation, and a lot of excitement! 

Families had the chance to watch the students present their LEGO Challenge “Unearthed” Innovation Project. Students proudly shared their months of research and teamwork as they introduced their idea for more sustainable, ecofriendly, and cost-conscious hybrid underground water pipes using bamboo and polyvinyl chloride, a solution inspired by the real-world challenges accompanied by the use of galvanized steel water pipes in our communities. To develop their project, students visited an actual construction site and held a virtual meeting with the Public Information Officer at Honolulu’s Board of Water Supply. Parents were able to see all the hard work and critical thinking that went into the design and research process.

Next, families gathered around the robotics table for a live demonstration of this season’s robot game. Students presented their robot, explained the LEGO apparatuses they built to attach to their robots in order to complete different tasks, and shared their game strategy and mission goals. Parents were especially excited to see students input code into their robots to instruct its movements, while classmates cheered each other on. 

At the end of the event, everyone enjoyed an open buffet of delicious treats and savory snacks; a great way to refuel before lively rounds of Family BINGO. Prizes included a Flower LEGO Set and Jamba Juice gift cards. Students and families had a blast showing off their competitive side while celebrating a night of STEM learning and community togetherness. Kalihi Hā Initiative extends a huge thank you to all the families who joined and helped make this event memorable. STEM teachers are so proud of the students and grateful for the community that supports them.

Click here to learn more about Hā Initiative.

Central ECS Client Completes Over 6 Months of Employment with Commercial Driver’s License

Previously, Eric was referred to HCAP’s Central District Service Center from Leeward Community College for assistance with obtaining his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) license. Through HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) program he received tuition assistance, and along with his hard work, he achieved his goal in January 2025 when he received his Commercial Driver’s License Class A (CDL A) license. 

As a child, Eric always dreamed of driving for the City and County of Honolulu, TheBus, as he always admired how it provides so many people on the island a means of transportation. A couple of years ago, he made the decision to turn his life around for the better and had the goal of making himself and his family proud. With a new mindset and perspective towards the future, he began the ECS program excited, driven, and motivated to meet his goal. 

After consistent job searching, Eric was able to obtain a full-time job with Island Movers as a  CDL A driver. He followed up with HCAP regularly and was always enthusiastic to share about his new journey. Eric has now been employed for over 6 months and is thriving in his current position. HCAP Central District and ECS program staff wish Eric the best in all his future endeavors and continued success as a CDL A driver.

Click here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana.

Head Start Keiki Experiment with Pumpkins in Autumn

Across the program, Head Start keiki engaged in an exploration of pumpkins, discovering that this festive vegetable is used for more than just decorations. With curiosity and excitement, they ignited their senses while investigating the inside of a pumpkin. Some described the feeling as slimy, cold, and stringy, while others refined their math skills through counting pumpkin seeds. 

With assistance from their teachers, they learned that pumpkins can contain hundreds of seeds, as 517 seeds were found in the pumpkin they inspected. The lesson maintained its liveliness as the children participated in hands-on, science-based activities such as “Will it sink or float?” and “How far will it roll?” which encouraged them to create hypotheses, observe outcomes, and share their findings. These creative and engaging activities prove that something as simple as a pumpkin can be full of opportunities for growth, learning and discovery, while deepening their understanding of the natural world and making real-life connections.  

Click here to learn more about Head Start.