Kahuku program gets $50,000 grant

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer

The James & Abigail Campbell Foundation has given a $50,000 grant to the Ko'olauloa Education Alliance Corp. to support further development of an entrepreneurship program at Kahuku High and Intermediate School.

Kahuku.org, a school Web site store that sells logo items, will use the money to expand its inventory to include "made in Kahuku" items, said MaryAnne Long, president of the education alliance that was formed to bring meaningful school-to-work experiences to Kahuku.

"This grant will allow us to expand Kahuku.org to include the marketing and development of a 'Kahuku' brand that symbolizes the North Shore country lifestyle," Long said.

Kahuku.org expects to begin selling skateboards built by a Kahuku alumnus, seasoned salt by owners of Giovanni's Aloha Shrimp and artwork by Kim Taylor Reece.

The grant, from the Campbell e-Entrepreneur Program, also will support the education of Kahuku students in the operation and management of the Web site, which was launched last year and grossed $60,000 in the first few months of operation.

"By building on the success of Kahuku.org, the e-Entrepreneur Program will not only provide relevant learning opportunities for students, but will also stimulate economic development in the community," said James Shingle, president of the Campbell foundation.