Applications for the Heʻeia NERR ʻĀina Education Teacher Professional Learning Program are officially open!

This year-long (SY 2026-27) series of workshops and personalized support is open to public and charter school teachers from Waimānalo to Sunset Beach. We also welcome other school staff such as librarians, counselors, janitors–anyone can be part of ʻāina education. Participants will engage in workshops hosted at 4 ‘āina-based organizations within the He‘eia NERR (National Estuarine Research Reserve), providing hands-on learning experiences. Teachers then engage in projects/inquiry of their choosing with any ʻāina-based community partners relevant to their schools.

Key program components include:

• Financial support (contingent on available funding) to project development and implementation.

• Workshops at ‘āina-based organizations in the He‘eia National Estuarine Research Reserve.

• Individualized support in developing and implementing ‘āina-based projects in your classroom.

• Access to a supportive network of fellow ‘āina educators for collaboration and resource-sharing.

• Opportunities to share updates and experiences with your cohort throughout the program.

Apply by filling out this form by June 7th: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJfGGwm0uAAJhEztIGOaOX4zGAYBPeKu8NYdi5xKie9RDtfQ/viewform?usp=dialog

View these quick facts about the program: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1CLC6LL7OVrqw7nw2E95OJhhonafjji0KxBBdfyuA27M/edit?slide=id.p#slide=id.p

Visit https://heeianerr.org/education/ for more information or email Pumehana (mc808@hawaii.edu) and Fred (freppun@hawaii.edu). 

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.

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!

Nā Mele Ko'olaupoko Competition

Compose an original mele (song) about some aspect of Koʻolaupoko 

Something in nature, people, places, events, history, legends, the spirit of Koʻolau

Five Categories: Professional • Amateur • 'Olelo Hawaii (Adult)• English (Youth) • 'Olelo Hawaii (Youth) -- WIN CASH PRIZES!

Deadline to turn in the entry form &  sample mele/recording: August 5, 2026

Download & Use this Entry Form

Song composers' competition/performance:

Saturday, September 5, 2026

Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Windward Mall Center