Kahalu'u kicks off community solidarity project
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
KAHALU'U — Folks in this rural area of Windward O'ahu are using free chili to build a better community.
The Huki Like Ohana of Kahalu'u this week kicked off the first of 33 initiatives statewide intended to improve a community's "social capital," a new name for an old practice where people are encouraged to come together for civic and social activities, helping each other and working together for a common purpose.
More simply, call it Mo Bettah Together, the Hawaii Community Foundation's name for the program it is financing with $670,000 in grants.
"National research ... shows a direct link between a higher level of social capital and the safety, health, caring and involvement of the people living in that community," said Christine van Bergeijk, vice president of programs at the Hawai'i Community Foundation.
The Kahalu'u 'ohana, a collection of social service agencies, churches and schools, began its initiative with an event called First Night Before School, held Tuesday at Kahalu'u Elementary.
A free chili dinner was one of the main attractions.
As students familiarized themselves with the campus and played games, representatives of community agencies, police and churches were on hand to link parents together and educate them about services available in their community.
About 250 people attended, including parents, grandparents, school staff and educators.
The school provided the chili, the churches donated school supplies, and agencies provided information and signed up prospective clients for such things as Head Start preschool, after-school care, Alu Like infant care support, small-business classes and financial aid.
"This gets everybody off on a positive note that we're a community and we can all work together to be stronger," said Kili Komo, a member of the 'ohana representing KEY Project.
Many parents appreciated the effort to give them a chance to meet their children's teachers and learn more about community programs.
"I think it's a good kick-start to getting parents involved with the whole community," said Henry Ahn, who brought his adopted daughter and granddaughter to the event. "The whole process only helps the child become a better student."
The 'ohana received its $5,032 grant because it already increases social capital, said van Bergeijk.
The Kahalu'u 'ohana plans other projects with its grant money, including free sewing classes, micro-enterprise courses, country fairs and senior citizen gardening classes.
Its members include KEY Project, Kamehameha Preschool, Kahalu'u Head Start, Honolulu Community Action Program, Kahalu'u Elementary School, Light of Promise Church, Kahalu'u Methodist Church, Kahalu'u Hope Chapel, Alu Like, the Board of Water Supply and city Department of Parks and Recreation.
For more information about the programs, call KEY at 239-5777.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.
