Hello Family and Community Engagers! It’s Kamela from Hōkūpaʻa, reaching out about our new role for the complex area. Hōkūpaʻa is a project under the nonprofit Friends of the Future; we often partner with the DOE complex area for special projects that benefit youth. Over the past several years, we’ve met with FACEs about research projects, helped make connections, and provided mini grants (more on that below).
Kamela Souza, Hōkūpa‘a Project Director

Hello, Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 

For school staff:

1. Free McDonalds coffee & cookies every day this week through Friday for educators with school ID: https://www.khon2.com/local-news/teacher-appreciation-week-hawaii/ 

For families:

1. The 25th Annual Kauikeaouli Festival is Saturday May 9th, from 12:30-5:30 at Kahaluʻu Manowai, the former Keauhou Beach Hotel. Free concert, educational speakers, chili & rice bowls, and keiki activities, along with not-free vendors. (Flyer attached.)

2. A few storm assistance resource updates, including in-person sites to get assistance for individuals, businesses, and nonprofits: https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2026/05/04/in-person-kona-low-disaster-assistance-available-hawaii-island/ https://bigislandnow.com/2026/04/30/us-small-business-administration-opens-disaster-loan-outreach-centers-in-hawaii-following-kona-low-storms/ https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2026/04/29/appliance-replacement-program-launches-kona-low-storm-victims/

For students/families:

1. Pālamanui College Fair, Tuesday May 12th, 4-6pm at the Kailua-Kona Public Library: https://www.librarieshawaii.org/event/palamanui-college-fair-4/

We are continuing to offer mini grants that cover student leadership development, SEL development, and benefits to school families and communities (up to $500). This year, we have an exciting new expansion: We are now also offering larger grants up to $2,500 for strong student-designed and led projects! 

We plan to build off these larger projects to foster interest and energy around what the students did. That could be through conversations, convenings, or an awareness campaign. We will also help connect students with people in the community that can keep their momentum going. 

You can read more about the updated grant process and apply through this Form.

It’s been a while since we all met, so please let me know if you have updates about what’s going on at your campus!  I plan to update the campus-based resource map for next semester, so please let me know if you have opened new Family Resource Centers, health centers, food pantries, etc. The map from the end of last spring is in the attachments.

I’d also be happy to talk or visit and write a feature for our newsletter, where you can share about upcoming events and ask for volunteers and donations.