Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 34, Number 11, 1 November 2017 — Kamehameha Schools opens Līhu'e Hale [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Kamehameha Schools opens Līhu'e Hale

By Ka Wai 0laStaff Kamehameha Schools has opened a new community hale in Līhu'e to broaden its reach into Kaua'i and Ni'ihau communities. The new space - a consolidation of two former Kamehameha offices - will house a four person regional team, two 'ohana engagement team members and three counselors. The counselors will focus on post-secondary efforts, two through the Kamehameha Scholars community education program. Kamehameha Scholars received national recognition

earlier this year for the counseling curriculum it uses to help public and private high school students attain their higher education goals. "Our Kamehameha Schools Community Hale here on Kaua'i is important for so many reasons," said KS Regional Director for Kaua'i and

Ni'ihau Buffy Ofisa. "Besides it being a facility and foundation with some roots planted here that say 'Kaua'i, we're not going anywhere,' I also see it as a gathering plaee for our community. It's not just offices, it's not just a plaee where you eome and fill out forms and turn them in,

but I'd like it to be busy all the time with activities involving the eommunity and our collaborators." Prior to the Sept. 16 blessing ceremony, KS partnered with Hui Ho'omalu Partners in Development Foundation to provide family-friendly activities for young

keiki currently in foster care or recently placed with adoptive parents. The two organizations will continue to collaborate on raising awareness of services for children and families across Kaua'i, said Moniea Ka'auwai, of Hui Ho'omalu. Iwalani Ka'auwai-Herrod, administrator for Child Welfare Services on Kaua'i, also welcomes opportunities for eollaboration. "We're very happy to partner with Kamehameha Schools because we have many children who are of Native Hawaiian descent in our foster care system. We'd really love for

these children to have the oppoilunities that Kamehameha Schools ean provide for all of our keiki. The center will be a great asset for our community." The community hale is located in the center of Līhu'e at 3201 Akahi Street.B

Community members, keiki and Kamehameha Schools staff gather to bless the new Community hale in Līhu'e. - Pholo: Courlesy