HCAP WEEKLY October 6, 2025

Honolulu STEM Wrap-Up Biomes Curriculum with Guest Speaker

This month at the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program, students have been learning about biology and biomes around the world with an emphasis on biomes in Hawaii. They also learned about how animals adapt to their environment. To showcase what they’ve learned, Honolulu STEM Exploration Center built their own biomes–geodesic domes that can trap heat.

To conclude this month’s curriculum, Dianne Deauna, a climate change scientist from School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa came to talk about coral bleaching and threats to coral reefs.

Students learned that coral bleaching occurs when coral becomes stressed due to factors such as climate change, pollution, and physical damage and loses algae that gives them their brilliant colors as a result. They were able to handle real coral and then Dianne demonstrated the process of coral bleaching with a few experiments. First, skeletonized coral was treated with blue paint to simulate algae. The coral was placed into room temperature water followed by very hot water. Students observed that the coral lost their color at a faster rate when placed in hot water.

The second experiment displayed how some corals can withstand stress factors, and the third experiment exhibited the resilience of some corals and how they can return to a healthy state after water temperatures return to normal. Coral reefs and coral bleaching is an important topic due to the significant role of corals in aquatic biomes. Students were very appreciative of the interactive and dynamic presentation. Hā Initiative staff and teachers are very grateful to Dianne for coming and sharing her understanding of the coral reefs with the students!

Click here to learn more about Hā Initiative.

Project Bridge Participant Achieves 180 Days of Employment with ECS

Crystal first reached out to HCAP’s Windward District Service Center seeking assistance with employment services in June 2024. She worked with Windward staff to complete a full intake into the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program and an assessment to determine what types of services could be offered to help her obtain employment along with any potential barriers.

At the time of intake, Crystal was incarcerated at the Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC) and a part of the Project Bridge program. To comply with conditions and requirements for release, Crystal needed to obtain employment and was granted a daily furlough pass. She started and completed the Nā Lima Hana job readiness training which includes resume building, basic computer knowledge, time management and interview skills led by Windward district staff. After completing the training, Crystal also received transportation assistance through a HOLO card, interview attire and a hygiene kit so she can attend job interviews.

By August 2024, Crystal accepted a position at Windward Community College as a peer mediator where she continues to serve her community today. Through her committed success, she achieved over 180 days of employment and earned a gift incentive for achieving such an amazing milestone.

Crystal has since been released from prison and continues to strive for success in every area of her life, proving that there is life after prison. HCAP Windward staff congratulate Crystal on her dedication and look forward to the many great things she will accomplish in the future. 

Click here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana.

Head Start Keiki Enhance Their Motor Skills Through Music and Movement

Head Start classrooms were filled with beats, colors, and smiles during this week’s music and movement activities! While outside, future athletes practiced dribbling basketballs to strengthen their large motor skills and hand-eye coordination. While indoors, their fine motor skills were fully engaged while tracing letters, stamping shapes, and painting with watercolor. 

The children also swirled and twirled their scarves around in the classroom while dancing to the rhythm and following the teachers’ directions. Each of these activities intentionally focused on building the children’s focus and confidence while expanding their artistic expression and love for learning.

Click here to learn more about Head Start.