HCAP WEEKLY October 20, 2025

HCAP Executive Director, Robert N.E. Piper, Honored with the 2025 ‘Ō‘ō Award

Source: MAHINA HOKU PHOTOGRAPHY

The ‘Ō‘ō Award is a distinguished symbol of excellence and achievement within the Native Hawaiian community presented by the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce (NHCC). This award recognizes individuals whose strong core values, exceptional business acumen, and leadership have made a lasting impact on Hawai‘i. The ‘Ō‘ō represents NHCC’s commitment to excellence, reflecting the recipient’s unwavering values, business acumen, skills, and dedication to service. These qualities are essential for thriving in modern Hawai‘i while preserving cherished traditions and cultural heritage.

On October 17, 2025 at the Sheraton Waikīkī, HCAP’s Executive Director, Robert N.E. Piper was one of the three honorees this year to receive the prestigious award. He was honored as one of this year’s Native Hawaiian leaders who exemplify excellence in business and community service, embodying the values and traditions of their ancestors.

Robert has been a proud member of the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce since 1990 and has been a long-time active community volunteer and leader dedicated to serving the communities of Oʻahu. From a young age, he has expressed an appreciation for the community that he found through the NHCC and has held to this day.

In his award video, Robert shared, “Most of all, what makes me proudest is the idea that, as I said earlier, I’ve been able to help and I’ve been able to serve. And that’s the greatest reward I think I can ever have, aside from being a father and being loved by my tribe. I’d like to thank the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce for honoring me and recognizing me as an ‘Ō‘ō Award winner. It’s not enough for me to say that I humbly and am honored to accept the award because that’s not enough. I have been witness to the caliber of recipients in the past and as I’ve told others, I just don’t feel that I am worthy to take my place with all of these great Hawaiians. But, I do so, and I do so proudly.”

Click here to learn more about the‘ Ō‘ō Awards.

HCAP Windward Staff Attends Ko’olau ‘Aina Momona Held by Valued Partner, KEY Project

“Ko’olau ‘Aina Momona” is a yearly fundraiser to help sustain programs in the Windward community from Waimea to Waimanalo. HCAP’s Windward District Service Center staff was honored to be a part of KEY Project’s evening gala on Friday hosted by KEY Project Executive Director, Rainbow Uli’i, and HCAP Board Member, Kalae Kukahiko, who serves as KEY Project’s building facilitator. 

KEY Project and HCAP have been in partnership for over 30 years and previously facilitated the Ohana Food Distribution over the years. Since then, KEY Project has been leading various food programs for the community, which the Windward District Service Center has been privileged to serve as an outreach ambassador for during distributions as well as various community events.

Sonny Preston, HCAP Windward District Service Center manager, shares, “Since I started working at the Windward District Center in 2019, KEY Project has always been one of our districts main partnerships. We have always worked with them on a weekly basis to refer families in the community to different resources as well assist in programs like Ohana produce and resource fairs. Our agencies have always blended well because we seem to offer different programs from each other and so when we don’t have a service that our clients need, we are able to refer them to Key Project and vice versa. Another asset is their willingness to serve. Kalae Kukahiko has been part of the Windward District Council as well as HCAP board because his passion and willingness to serve our community is strong and believes that change starts with the people who step up to serve in any way possible, especially community agencies.”

HCAP would like to congratulate KEY Project and all of their staff on a successful event.

Click here to learn more about HCAP Programs and Services.

Head Start Keiki Enhancing Math Skills Through Counting

This week, HCAP Head Start keiki learned about counting and recognizing shapes. These early math concepts were explored through the use of fine motor skills, visual arts, and child-led activities. From learning to count through the use of ten frames to leading the counting of the calendar during morning circle, they practiced and built upon previous knowledge as they explored the classroom centers and participated in curriculum-based activities. These hands-on activities not only helped the children identify groups and patterns but also helped make real-life connections to the usefulness and relevance of math in their everyday lives.

Click here to learn more about Head Start.