Koʻolau News & Announcements

Koʻolau News & Opportunities

March 21, 2026

Kalo Fest (Rain or Shine!)

KALO FEST 2026

SAT, MARCH 21ST from 9АМ-2РМ

KEY PROJECT -- 47-200 WAIHEE RD

KEY Project's Kalo Fest is coming up on Saturday, March 21st from 9am - 2pm is an awesome event for ʻohana and educators to get experience hands-on learning opportunities with awesome community partners.

ʻOhana can participate in kuʻi, block printing, lei making, pickle preparation, dancing, quilting and more in all the KEY Project classrooms. Over 15 education partners will be spread throughout our campus with more activities, an awesome opportunity for teachers to build pilina with some of the best educational resources of the Koʻolau Coast. Live music, food trucks, hula performances, and craft vendors are an extra bonus.

All community members are welcome and Kalo Fest is happening rain or shine!

REBRAND.LY/KALOFEST

Contact: HUI@KEYPROJECT.ORG

May 15, 2026

Ahupuaʻa Systems Apprenticeship (ASA) — Applications Now Open!

Help Us Spread the Word: ASA Applications Now Open!

Hoʻokuaʻāina is now accepting applications for our Ahupuaʻa Systems Apprenticeship (ASA), a one-of-a-kind program in partnership with Windward Community College. Through ʻike Hawaiʻi, ASA cultivates the next generation of ʻāina stewards — grounded in the values, practices, and skills needed to restore a truly sustainable island food system.

Accepted participants will receive paid tuition at WCC leading to an Associates degree and an Ahupuaʻa Systems Certificate, three rounds of $1,500 stipends upon meeting program requirements, and ongoing mentoring, counseling, and support across academic, professional, and personal aspects of life.

This program is open to motivated residents of the Windward/Koʻolaupoko region between the ages of 17–24 who demonstrate financial need and are ready to commit to full-time study at WCC. Whether you're a graduating high school senior, an early college student, or already enrolled at WCC — if you are passionate about ʻāina-based work and Hawaiian cultural practices, we want to hear from you.

Please share the attached flyer with anyone in your community who might be a great fit. Every huli planted starts with someone passing it on.

June 1, 2026

Windward Youth Leadership Fund (WYLF)

The Windward Youth Leadership Fund (WYLF)—a partnership between the Pacific American Foundation (PAF) and the Castle Foundation—supports youth-led service projects that uplift Windward Oʻahu communities.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available to groups of at least three youth (aged 18 and under) who are taking action on the issues that matter most to them. From school class groups to hula hālau, sports teams to youth-serving programs, WYLF provides resources to bring meaningful projects to life. The funds don't have to support the project itself, e.g. a group could volunteer at a fishpond and those funds could support a trip to a neighbor island. Note: This is an ongoing funding opportunity.

How PAF Supports Youth Leaders:

1:1 coaching and technical assistance for proposals
Webinars and troubleshooting throughout the project
Quarterly support sessions to connect with peers
Help with final storytelling, including video and social media highlights
Promotion of projects on PAF and partner platforms

Email Grace Cajski at grace@thepaf.org.

Learn more about the opportunity at the Castle Foundation website, and check our PAF's recorded webinar on our website. See the flyer here.

June 1, 2026

Rain Barrel Reimbursement Program

Windward O‘ahu Residents Eligible for $150 Rain Barrel Reimbursement Program To Improve Water Quality And Conserve Fresh Water

KO‘OLAUPOKO – Hui o Ko‘olaupoko (HOK), funded by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF), is launching a new Rain Barrel Reimbursement Program to help Windward O‘ahu residents capture and reuse rainwater at home.

Through this program, HOK will reimburse 100 eligible households up to $150 toward the purchase of a qualifying rain barrel system. Additionally, the program offers free installation assistance. To secure your spot and receive a rain barrel purchasing guide, email Volunteer@huihawaii.org

“We are excited to offer this $150 reimbursement to homeowners who want to take an active role in protecting water quality and reducing their ecological footprint. This program allows each homeowner to choose a barrel that fits their aesthetic, while HOK provides local purchasing guides, and free installation,” says Hui o Ko’olaupoko Executive Director Kristen Nalani Kane.

HOK staff are also available to conduct a free rainwater assessment for Windward Oahu Properties. The assessment utilizes the locally developed "Follow The Drop" app to calculate a property’s potential runoff from impervious surfaces and makes recommendations on green stormwater solutions and appropriate sizes. Hui o Ko'olaupoko has developed a detailed slideshow of recommended barrel systems, step-by-step installation examples, and a local purchasing guide to simplify the process for participants.

Fill out the Interest Form!