The City's Department of Community Services has decided not to pay the $226,000 in public money needed to run Spectrum Hawai'i's Youth Employment Services (YES) for this fiscal year.

YES provides career preparation, mentoring and classes for 150 youths who are deemed "at risk," in special education or foster care, or living at or below the poverty level. Without the public money, the not-for-profit program will close Sept. 30, Spectrum director Lori Bennett said.

"It's sad, especially for the kids," said UH slotback Chad Owens, who serves as a YES mentor.

Dozens of current and former UH football players have worked as mentors or counselors at the Waipahu facility. UH assistant strength coach Mel deLaura brings groups of YES children to football practices two times a week. Tony Tuioti, a former UH defensive lineman and Kalaheo High's head football coach, is one of the YES directors.

"I think it's a good program for kids who are at risk," said Keith Bhonapha, a UH graduate assistant coach who has worked as a YES mentor. "It's too bad it will close. A lot of times, they'll take away money from the wrong things. They shouldn't take away anything that helps kids, especially kids from tough backgrounds. That's a bad thing. That cheats kids of their future."

Placekicker Justin Ayat, who has worked as a YES mentor for three years, said he will participate in the appeal to City officials.

"I'm going to do whatever I can do to keep it open," Ayat said. "I worked there for three summers, and I'm ready to work there again next year. I've seen the changes in the kids. I think they liked talking with some of the athletes. It gave them role models."

Bennett said YES pays for its students to work at 54 businesses, from fast-food restaurants to law firms. YES offers computer lessons and free for-credit classes after school and during the summer.