Project offers $1.6 million to train young Hawaiians

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer

The Pacific American Foundation is seeking Native Hawaiian youths for a new $1.6 million program that will challenge them to become tomorrow's leaders.

Project Kamalama — the light — is a three-year program to train and connect Hawaiian youths to each other and to the concerns of the Hawaiian population in the 21st century, said Herb Lee Jr., project director.

"It's not going to be a walk in the park," Lee said. "They'll be given opportunities they normally would not have. At the end of their high school years we want them to be able to compete with anybody in any field they want."

The project will host an orientation and open selection from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow at Waikalua Loko Fishpond at the end of Kulauli Street in Kane'ohe. The orientation is open to all Native Hawaiian youths entering grades nine to 12 who live in Windward O'ahu. Children should bring their parents.

Lunch will be provided.

Lee said participation is limited to Windward and Moloka'i youths who will be willing to commit to the program for three years.

The project is financed by the U.S. Department of Education, Native Hawaiian education program. The foundation is working with the state Department of Education, the Polynesian Voyaging Society and various community leaders. Contact the Pacific American Foundation for more information at 533-2836 or obtain a registration form at www.thepaf.org.